Camden City School District Superintendent Katrina McCombs on Friday was joined by Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen, U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross, city council President Angel Fuentes and others to announce the district’s $49 million “Investment in Equity” at Eastside High School.
The announcement provided a scope of the work to be conducted, along with a timeline from bid to reality.
The $49 million dollar investment plan will renovate the following spaces within Eastside High School:
- Science labs;
- Art rooms;
- Automotive room;
- Cosmetology Room;
- Library;
- Gymnasium;
- Locker rooms;
- Front and cafeteria entrances;
- Auditorium;
- HVAC;
- Lighting.
“We’re doing more than investing in Eastside High School, we’re providing equity throughout our district and ensuring that our students are presented with the same educational opportunity throughout our city,” McCombs stated. “This investment will help us provide each employee and student with the modernized school building they deserve.”
“All we want as parents is for our kids to have a fair shot at life, to have opportunities to succeed,” Norcross (D-1st Dist.) said. “I’m proud to have secured funding that gives our kids a safe, modern environment in which to learn, and I’ll keep working in Congress to open doors for our teachers and students so they can excel.”
The renovations are being supported through Elementary & Secondary School Relief funds allotted as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Eastside High School is one of two public high schools run by the district. The building was opened in 1930 at a 29,300-square-foot school and serves students in grades 9 through 12.
“Eastside High has been a landmark in East Camden since 1930 and has played a critical role in our community for almost a century,” state Sen. Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D-Camden) said. “This asset is getting a once-in-a-generation renovation that will create equity for students in the city and renew a sense of pride for this institution on Federal Street. I want to commend our superintendent and our congressman for their undying commitment to the residents of the city and their tireless effort to deliver the funding that will get this job done.”
“This transformational project reinforces the commitment to Eastside High School and the East Camden Community,” Carstarphen added. “The $49 million investment will result in not only significant facility upgrades, but an improved learning environment for students, teachers and staff. I am delighted that Eastside students will have access to a high-quality school just like their peers. I pledge my support to our children, youth and families and will continue to work alongside Superintendent Katrina T. McCombs to provide students with the tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.”
