Eastside High Construction Updates!
Eastside High School History
"This announcement of the swing space marks the beginning of a significant construction project for Eastside High School and signifies an investment in the East Camden community. It reflects our commitment to the academic futures of our students, our pledge to support the needs of school staff, and our long-term promise to deliver a quality educational environment by the Camden City School District. Eastside High School has a rich history, but the current building, after 93 years and numerous upgrades and repairs, simply no longer meets our students' needs. This project will complete the replacement of secondary educational facilities in the city." -Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen.
On Monday, September 18, 2023, Superintendent McCombs was joined by Congressman Donald Norcross, Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez, Mayor Victor Carstarphan, NJSDA CEO Manny DaSilva, NJ Department of Education Chief of Staff Julie Bunt, Camden County Commissioner Director Lou Cappelli, Jr., Board President Wasim Muhammad, Council President Angel Fuentes, Eastside High School staff, students, and alumni to announce the State’s estimated $105 million “Investment in Equity” at Eastside High School.
Eastside High School is one of two public high schools run by the district. The building was opened in 1930 as a 29,300 square-foot school that serves students in grades 9 through 12.
The Camden City School District looks forward to working collaboratively with the community and all stakeholders as it embarks on this exciting journey toward a brighter, more equitable future for its students.
Eastside High School Construction Plans
Dear East Camden Community,
I am delighted to share with you a significant milestone in the journey toward our new Eastside High School. After thorough planning and collaboration, we have finalized the temporary location, or "swing space," for our school during the construction of our new building.
Starting in September 2024, Eastside High School will be temporarily relocated to Cramer School, situated at 2800 Mickle St, Camden, NJ 08105. This decision was reached with thoughtful consideration and in close collaboration with the Camden County Improvement Authority (CCIA) and the Schools Development Authority (SDA), ensuring that Cramer School is well-prepared to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for both students and staff during this transition period.
We understand that changes like these may lead to questions and concerns.
As the preparation of the swing space enters its final stages, we will extend invitations to those interested in participating in the Eastside High Construction Committee. This presents a fantastic opportunity to play an active role in this significant project.
The construction of the new Eastside High School represents a pivotal moment for the Camden City School District. The enthusiasm and support from our families and students are essential to this endeavor, and we hope you share in our excitement for what lies ahead. Thank you for your ongoing dedication and commitment to our district. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the fruits of our collective labor.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Katrina T. McCombs
News Highlights
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KYW Radio: 'The time had come to start new': Eastside High School to be rebuilt
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CBSNews: Eastside High School in Camden to get new building thanks to $105 million investment
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Tapinto: Camden's New Eastside High Will Be on Current Site, Open in 2029
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6abc: Camden city leaders announce new Eastside High School
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Philadelphia Inquirer: Camden's Eastside High School will be replaced in $105 million project
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information on EHS Construction
We are focused on bringing about equity in educational facilities and truly putting students first. Here in the Camden City School District, we have two High school campuses. Rebuilding a new Eastside High School will ensure that students who attend traditional public schools on both sides of town have equitable facilities in which to learn, grow and shape their destinies.
We are excited to announce that the new Eastside High School will offer expanded opportunities for Career and Technical Education (CTE) focused curriculum. Our vision is to provide students with practical skills and hands-on experiences that prepare them for success in the workforce.
To support this initiative, the new school will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and resources tailored to CTE programs. This includes specialized classrooms, workshops, and labs dedicated to fields such as technology, engineering, healthcare, and more. Our students will have the opportunity to engage in real-world projects and gain valuable experience in their chosen career paths.
The current timeline estimates that we will be in the swing space for 3 to 5 years, which accounts for the demolition, construction, and outfitting of the new Eastside High School. We will provide regular updates on the progress and any changes to the timeline.
Yes, the new school will be on the same site as the existing Eastside High School.
We have built contingencies into our timeline to account for possible delays. However, should an unexpected delay occur, we are prepared to extend our stay in the swing space as necessary. We commit to communicating any changes to the timeline as soon as we are aware of them.
Swing Space Details
Starting in September 2024, Eastside High School staff and students will be relocated to the Cramer School, located at 2800 Mickle St, Camden, NJ 08105. This decision was made with careful consideration and in close collaboration with the Camden County Improvement Authority (CCIA) and the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) to ensure that Cramer School is equipped and ready to serve as a welcoming and supportive environment for our staff and students during this transition period.
The swing space is necessary to ensure that the reconstruction of Eastside High School can proceed safely and efficiently. It allows us to maintain a high standard of education and student services without interruption during the construction process.
The selection process involved evaluating several potential locations based on factors such as safety, accessibility, capacity to accommodate our student body and staff, and the ability to provide a conducive learning environment. Community input and expert advice were considered in making the final decision.
The swing space is equipped with classrooms, labs, and common areas that meet our educational standards. Specific facilities such as science labs, art rooms, and physical education spaces have been adapted to ensure a comprehensive educational experience.
When we made the difficult decision to close Cramer School in 2020, we were navigating a very different financial landscape. With the building operating at less than 65% capacity and, like Eastside High, being over a century old, it seemed the most prudent decision at the time. However, as the district will receive financial assistance from the New Jersey Schools Development Authority to rehab Cramer to educate students during the construction of the new Eastside High, we are able to reconsider how best to utilize the District’s existing school inventory.
Our vision extends beyond the immediate needs of the Eastside High construction project. We see this as an opportunity to create a versatile space that can serve various community needs in the future, such as a senior care facility or a health clinic. This concept mirrors the successful transformation of Wiggins into a restorative justice hub and health clinic, achieved through our partnership with the city by offering services to our community like open gym nights, food assistance and tutoring programs.
By investing in Cramer now, we are not only addressing our current needs but also laying the groundwork for a facility that will continue to serve and enrich our Eastside community for years to come. This decision reflects our commitment to prudent financial management, community engagement, and the long-term well-being of our district and its residents.
Academics, Athletics, and Programs
We are committed to providing a full range of programs and activities at the swing space. Some adjustments may be needed due to the space configuration, but we aim to minimize disruptions and maintain the quality of our extracurricular offerings.
Everything that is currently offered at EHS will be available at the swing space.
Plans are being put in place to ensure continuity of services and accessibility for Athletic teams during construction. We will seek potential partnerships for indoor sport games and will provide transportation for practice.
Shuttles and activity buses will continue to be available for students.
The football field will continue to be used throughout demo and new construction. Plans are being put in place to ensure continuity of services and accessibility for Athletic teams during construction. We will seek potential partnerships for indoor sport games and will provide transportation for practice.
Transportation
We are working on revised transportation plans to ensure all students have safe and convenient access to the swing space. This includes adjusting bus routes and schedules as necessary. Detailed transportation plans will be communicated well before the move.
Safety and Security
Safety and security are our top priorities. The swing space will have security measures in place, including surveillance cameras, secure entry points, and on-site security personnel. We are also working closely with local authorities to ensure a safe environment.
We appreciate the community's support and patience during this time. We encourage parents and students to stay engaged through attending meetings, providing feedback, and participating in school events. Volunteering opportunities related to the move and adjustment to the swing space will also be available.
Office of the Mayor
We are working closely with the construction company to manage noise, dust, and traffic during the construction phase. Efforts include scheduling major works during off-peak hours, providing timely notifications of any major changes, and setting up proper signage and barriers to ensure safety and minimize disruption.
The New Jersey Schools Development Authority (NJSDA), the City of Camden through the Office of the Mayor, and the Camden County Improvement Authority (CCIA) have generously allocated funds for the project reflecting their commitment to advancing equity and supporting the construction of 21st Century educational facilities and high-quality learning environment for our students. Funding from the SDA, City of Camden, and CCIA will cover project phases including demolition, relocation, conceptual design, engineering, and construction. Funding will also be allocated to procure state-of-the-art equipment thus ensuring that the new high school is environmentally sustainable and outfitted with the latest technology.
Updates on the Eastside High School construction project can be found on the Camden City School District’s website under the Community tab, and on the City of Camden’s website.