CAMDEN, N.J. (WPVI) — A charter school in Camden, New Jersey is urgently seeking assistance after flash flooding ravaged its property.
Administrators at Hope Community Charter School say they now have to relocate just weeks ahead of the academic year.
“We already had to move our start time to 14th of September. Staff is going to come in, that’s when the major move is going to take place. We want to get things done sooner, but unfortunately, we need manpower,” said Vice Principal Edward Reuben.
The flooding struck during the first week of July when staff returned from break. While the damage was largely contained to classrooms in the basement, the water caused widespread destruction, including the growth of mold.
Special Education teacher Audrey Szabo, who spent years building out her classroom, described the devastation.
“I couldn’t even put a price on how much we may have lost,” said Szabo. “It’s a lot of money that teachers put out every year to make their classrooms what they are. Budgets are small.”
With a lean staff, the school is running short on time and in desperate need of support.
A new classroom location has already been arranged at Holy Name Parish on North 5th Street, a recently vacated site, but it too requires preparation.
“There’s also some repairs that need to be done. Bathroom needs to be fixed, plaster needs to be fixed. Fresh coat of paint,” said Szabo.
The school is appealing to the community for help with packing, unloading, and cleaning over the coming weeks.
There is concern that if the work cannot be completed in time, the school start date could be delayed even further.
“We are that baseline enrollment. We don’t want to lose any students,” said Reuben.
The school is seeking local volunteers and sponsors to assist with the transition.
Those interested in helping Hope Community Charter School in Camden can call 856-379-3448, or email: [email protected].