Camden students return to class amid changes

CAMDEN, N.J. (WPVI) -- Nearly 13,000 students in the Camden School District returned to school this morning.

Camden Mayor Dana Redd and Schools Superintendent Paymon Rouhanifard were at the HB Wilson Family School to great them.

The superintendent says they've worked hard over the past year to prepare for this day.

Rouhanifard says, "...In particular, we've done a lot to improve the way our students feel about safety, the way our families feel, and just make sure students are feeling safe going to and from school... and inside school."

Students and their parents all across Camden made their way to schools this morning along safe corridors - a renewed partnership between the district and police department to keep kids safe, going to and leaving their classrooms, by providing an increased police presence along the main school routes.

The superintendent, the mayor and the advisory board met with incoming seniors at MedEast High about their expectations for the school year.

Less than four months ago, demonstrators gathered at schools to protest teacher and staff layoffs.

Superintendent Rouhanifard in his first year has been faced with the task of closing a $75 million shortfall in the school budget.

"We were spending almost $28,000 for every student and we are funded at $23,000. $23,000 per student is one of the highest funding rates in the country, and we can certainly make do with that," Rouhanifard explained.

School officials say they are confident they have enough resources to serve their students well.