Christie announces money for Camden High makeover

Gov. Chris Christie has announced that his administration is providing more than $50 million for a major rehabilitation and renovation project at Camden High School. The state teacher’s union, while pleased with the planned renovation, alleges that the money was actually delayed in getting to the school because of Christie.

The governor made the announcement at a press conference on Tuesday, along with New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) CEO Charles McKenna, Camden Mayor Dana L. Redd and Camden Public Schools Superintendent Paymon Rouhanifard.

According to a news release, an Interagency Working Group including members from SDA, the N.J. Department of Education and Camden Public Schools, has been meeting to determine the best use for the funding – which will rehabilitate the school and provide technological upgrades.

Dawn Hiltner, spokeswoman for the New Jersey Education Association, said Camden High School sorely needs that money and it’s a good investment. But she claims that former New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine actually approved $100 million for the school in 2008.

In 2011, Hiltner said, Christie announced that he was restructuring the school construction project. As a result of the delay, Hiltner said, two generations of high schoolers will finish school without experiencing any benefits from the upgrades.

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This post is part of our South Jersey Politics Blog.