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.