On October 5, 2016 Governor Chris Christie joined Mayor Dana Redd, Superintendent Paymon Rouhanifard, and state and local representatives to announce a $133 million project for a new Camden High School.
The announcement for a new school marks the end for the “Castle on the Hill,” which has overlooked the Parkside neighborhood for 100 years. The decision to erect a new building was a tough decision for those involved, recognizing emotional ties that many, longtime residents have to Camden High; however, the decision was a necessary one as the school has become unable to meet 21st Century educational needs of its students.
The new high school, planned to be approximately 242,000 square feet, will accommodate students in grades nine through twelve, focusing on vocational training, in addition to general academics.
Gov. Chris Christie said the $133 million investment would provide “limitless opportunities for generations of Camden High School students. Also adding that the new facility will “honor the proud tradition of the Castle on the Hill, enrich our society and improve the lives of students and those around them.”
Slated to open its doors in 2021, the new Camden High School could very well be the “crown jewel” of the city, as described by Mayor Redd. “Words cannot begin to express the joy in my heart that our students will finally have a state-of-the-art high school they deserve,” she said.
Approved by the NJ Schools Development Authority, the $133 million project will utilize design standards and construction practices that encourage quality and durability, thus ensuring that programmatic needs are fully addressed.
The state-of-the-art building adds to the growing number of investments made in Camden, as the city continues its revitalization. Speaking on the city’s advances, Mayor Redd said, “Camden’s progress has been a team effort and today’s announcement further demonstrates that together we can build not only a new school, but a stronger future for our children and families.”
Photo via Michael Mancuso (NJ.com)
