CAMDEN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Eastside High School in Camden, formerly known as Wilson High, is getting a $49 million makeover. City officials say this project is rooted in equity.
“This three-year plan will be in place to replace the current automotive classroom, the cosmetology classroom, the auditorium and science labs. We will also use these funds to upgrade our HVAC systems,” said Camden City School District Superintendent Katrina McCombs.
“These are just a few of the investment plans each and every one of you deserves.”
She said they also plan to renovate the weight room and upgrade the gym floor. The investment into Eastside High will also include — perhaps most importantly to some students — new bathrooms.
Related
“It really shows that the community cares and is willing to pour all these investments in toward us. Like Mayor [Vic] Carstarphen said, we are the future and this is really important for us,” said junior Jahaan Green, who pointed out numerous needs.
“Mainly the areas of learning. For instance, the smart boards may have been a little outdated. These new improvements, I feel as though will make learning a little easier. And also, the bathrooms, yeah … I feel as though this is really going to help us out.”
McCombs said the students who attend the high school should have the same opportunities as students in other, more wealthy districts.
She thanked Rep. Donald Norcross, D-Cherry Hill, for being Camden’s voice in Washington, D.C. and for securing the funding.
“We are going to use every dime of that $49 million wisely,” said McCombs. “This investment is a step closer to providing equity, again, across all of our schools.”
The district also unveiled a new tiger statue on campus emulating the school’s mascot, not to be outdone by the panther statue for Camden High School across town.
