Camden, NJ, Public Schools Face State Seizure

Because they suck

The state Board of Education today voted unanimously to approve Gov. Chris Christie's plan to seize control of Camden's public schools starting June 25, the last day of school this year.

Camden is the state's lowest performing school district where fewer than one in five students pass state tests of math and language arts proficiency. Only half of Camden's high school students graduate, and adults in the city hold fewer high school diplomas than half a dozen other cities, including nearby Philadelphia, Education Commissioner Christopher Cerf said.

State board member Ronald Butcher said he endorsed Christie's plan for Camden with a heavy heart.