Residents press new superintendent to resist further school closures and restore community control

Multiple members of the public used the advisory board's public-comment period to press the newly installed superintendent and the advisory board on the future of Camden's traditional public schools.

Kevin Waters welcomed the superintendent and urged that the district avoid school closures, telling the superintendent that "students are receiving a thorough and efficient education" and that leadership should work to keep schools open. Several speakers, including Jose Delgado and Miss Bea, framed their remarks around long-term state control of the district and asked for greater community authority and trust-building.

Jose Delgado delivered an extended, emotional statement arguing that state and other outside actors had diminished locally controlled public education in Camden, and urged the superintendent to prioritize restoring local responsibility and trust. Delgado's remarks were interrupted when he experienced a medical issue; the board paused to provide assistance and later allowed him to finish his statement.

Karen Belli Luke (who identified herself as a curriculum writer and instructor at Brim Medical Arts High School) raised operational concerns, including inconsistent communications about student travel times for sporting events and the instructional impact of 45-minute class periods versus block scheduling.

Rick Short, a community advocate from Cherry Hill, urged the district to expand volunteer and community partnerships and to emphasize early-grade engagement to improve outcomes.

Speakers welcomed Superintendent Dr. Yano and praised his earlier public statement that no more schools will close, asking that the administration continue to engage the community and prioritize students in planning. Board leaders said they would continue outreach and enrollment efforts and acknowledged public concern about school closures and long-term governance.