No State Takeover for Camden Schools

The state Department of Education has no intention of taking over the city's troubled school district, according to a high-ranking official.

Isaac R. Bryant, one of the department's assistant commissioners, made the comment Wednesday. He said the state will continue to monitor the district's finances.

Bryant's statement comes as the state continues to debate whether it will appeal a judge's decision to strike down a section of legislation meant to rehabilitate Camden from the ground up.

The legislation, part of a plan to inject $175-million in state money into Camden, called for McGreevey and the city's mayor to each appoint three members of the school board. It also gave the governor veto power over the board's decisions.

The school board successfully challenged the legislation in court earlier this month, claiming it was unconstitutional because it applied solely to Camden.

Author: 6 ABC-AP