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Camden City School District submits $476 million tentative budget; charters receive majority of general fund
Summary
The Camden City School District submitted a tentative $476 million 2026—7 budget to the state. The general fund (~$427.9M) directs roughly $235.8M (about 55%) to charter and renaissance schools; district leaders said a tax levy increase and limited capital projects will accompany the proposal.
The Camden City School District submitted a tentative $476 million budget to the New Jersey Department of Education on March 18, district budget presenter Peg McDonald said. The presentation to the Advisory Board described the general fund at about $427.9 million and noted that charter and renaissance schools together account for approximately $235.8 million, or roughly 55% of the general fund.
McDonald said the budget was compiled quickly after the state published its revenue guidance on March 12 and that the district remains subject to county review before a formal public hearing. She described the budget composition as state aid (the largest share), federal grants, a proposed local tax levy and use of fund balance.
Key figures reported by the district included a proposed local tax levy of $17.7 million (an increase the presenter characterized as about 8%) and approximately $1.67 million budgeted for district capital projects focused on technology. The presentation also listed $50.8 million in special revenue grant funding, including a $32 million preschool program allocation and federal grants (Title I, II, III, IV and IDEA), the presenter said.
McDonald highlighted the district's constrained capital choices, saying facilities requests were pared because of limited resources, while the state's Schools Development Authority continues work on the East Side high school project, which the district said is anticipated to open in fall 2029.
Board materials shown at the meeting also drew attention to long-term enrollment trends: presenters said district enrollment has declined substantially over the past decade-and-a-half and that a larger share of city students now attend charter and renaissance schools. That trend, the budget team said, places recurring fiscal pressure on the district's operating budget.
The superintendent and the business office said they will return to the board with further updates and will announce a public hearing on the 2026—7 budget once county review is complete.
Action noted on the agenda included submission of the tentative budget to the state for review. The superintendent indicated—under the authority cited during the meeting—that agenda items were approved for the month of March in accordance with NJSA 18A:7-35.
