Camden Charter School Not Renewed By State
TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) -- New Jersey has decided not to renew a charter school in Camden, and the decision could leave nearly 700 students looking for a new place to learn next year
The state's Department of Education announced Thursday that the Camden Community Charter School was not renewed "due to continued low academic performance."
"We need this school," said a parent.
The thought of uprooting their children was stressful as parents and grandparents became aware the school will be closing in June.
"I don't think they should because the kids need this school," said grandparent Margarita Caraballo.
Every five years charter schools must apply for renewal. This year Camden Community was one of 21 charter schools statewide up for review and the only one rejected.
State education officials say the school's PARCC test scores were the lowest among all the charter schools in Camden and in the bottom six percent of all New Jersey schools. They conclude the school is not providing its students a high-quality education.
"We need this school to be open. The teachers are great, they force the kids to learn," said parent Jose Porrata.
The school denied CBS 3 an interview, instead releasing a statement firing back at the state.
"Today's decision to revoke the charter of the Camden Community Charter School (CCCS) is extremely disappointing and completely unwarranted. In its three-and-a-half short years of educating Camden's students, CCCS and its dedicated teachers have helped stabilize one of Camden's most troubled neighborhoods," said Edmond George, president of the Board of Trustees.
Parents and grandparents say they're caught completely off guard.
"For me to start another school, I'm not really happy about that," said parent Christy Amonte.
But poor test scores may not be the school's only problem. Eyewitness News discovered a January letter from the state finding 13 issues with how the school managed individual education plans for students with learning disabilities.
"I don't know about anyone else but they get good report cards every marking period and for them to close the school I don't what's going over there," grandfather Thomas Sturdivant said.
The school may appeal to the Superior Court Appellate Division.
George said as of Thursday afternoon the school is reviewing their legal options.
