Dear Collingswood School Community,
I am writing to share an update regarding the recent district election. Unofficial results from the Camden County Board of Elections indicate that Collingswood voters have defeated the district’s proposed $4.56 million operational referendum.
As of 10:55 p.m. on November 3, preliminary vote tallies stand at 2,863 NO votes (51.97%) to 2,646 YES votes (48.03%). Please keep in mind that these results remain unofficial until all mail-in and provisional ballots are counted and officially certified by the Camden County Clerk on November 18.
As many of you know, the Board of Education unanimously voted on August 19 to bring this ballot measure forward to address severe operational funding deficits caused by rising healthcare costs, inflation, and state funding constraints. Without these operational funds, the Board of Education will need to evaluate significant structural budget cuts. Potential adjustments may include reductions to teaching staff, increased class sizes, cutbacks in elective courses and athletic programs, and potential reductions to student mental health services.
We deeply appreciate every community member who engaged in this process and made their voice heard. While these initial results are not what we had hoped for, our primary focus remains unchanged: delivering a strong, supportive education for all Collingswood students. As we await the official certification, district leadership and the Board of Education will work side by side to thoughtfully assess our path forward, ensuring we make measured, responsible decisions that protect our classrooms and honor the trust of our community.
Election updates can be viewed on the Camden County Board of Elections website. We will keep the community informed as the Board and district leadership navigate the next steps.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our schools and students.
Sincerely,
Dr. Fred McDowell
Superintendent