Toms River Regional School District

The document compiles minutes from several committee meetings (Budget and Finance, Building and Grounds, Curriculum, Personnel) held on February 11, 2026, and minutes from a Regular Meeting held on January 21, 2026, which included various committee reports. Key discussions included reviewing expenditures for the Purchasing Agenda, totaling $2,425,786.25 for the February committee, and District lease/sponsorship agreements totaling $9,805 for February 2026. The status of the 2026-27 budget was reviewed, noting anticipated state aid releases. Building and Grounds discussed facility recovery efforts following a winter storm, estimating additional costs of $50,000–$60,000, and updates on capital projects like LED lighting upgrades and boiler replacements. The Curriculum Committee reviewed midyear data analysis for ELA and mathematics, and an overview of a real estate certification opportunity. Personnel items involved approvals for employment changes, leaves of absence, retirements, and resignations for both certificated and support staff. The Regular Meeting addressed personnel matters, approved the 2026-2027 Pupil Calendar, adopted revised policies and regulations, and approved financial items including bills and the Board Secretary's report for November 2025. Discussions also involved a potential motion regarding the removal of a board member due to missed meetings, which was deferred to a future meeting.

The Regular Meeting commenced following an Executive Session where matters concerning HIB Appeals, RICE cases, Personnel, Legal Litigation, Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Reports, Fire & Security Drill Reports, and Suspension Reports were discussed. Key actions during the regular session included Superintendent comments acknowledging Board Recognition Appreciation Month and student/staff awards. Student Representatives provided updates on academic and athletic successes. Committee reports covered the Budget & Finance Committee's review of a large Purchasing Agenda totaling over $16.1 million, recommendations for District lease agreements, discussion on the 2026-27 tentative budget development (noting a $1 million revenue gap), and updates on new legal notice posting requirements. The Building & Grounds Committee reported on the ongoing exterior LED lighting project at Silver Bay Elementary, submission of a playground grant application, and updates on work order completion, including re-roofing dugouts and progress on switchgear/boiler replacement capital projects. The Curriculum Committee presented on proposed future educator and AP Spanish pathways. The Personnel Committee reviewed extracurricular matters, new hires, and other personnel actions to be presented at the regular board meeting. Final actions included approving a resolution for School Board Recognition Month, approving the 2026-2027 Pupil Calendar, and approving the second reading and adoption of several Policies/Regulations/Bylaws. The Board also approved multiple agenda items covering HIB Reports, lease agreements, drill reports, bills, and the Board Secretary's agenda. A significant number of personnel actions, including employment recommendations, salary adjustments, leave requests, retirements, and resignations across certificated, support, and food service staff were approved, as were several Educational Program Items, such as declaring February 2026 as Black History Month.

The town hall discussion, led by the Superintendent, focused on providing information regarding the state of Toms River Regional Schools, specifically addressing the significant cumulative state aid loss of $137 million over the last seven years due to the S2 funding formula. The discussion also detailed the current $26.5 million shortfall for the upcoming budget cycle, emphasizing that recent solutions like stabilization aid and asset sales were one-time measures. Furthermore, key topics included potential solutions such as obtaining a state loan (which would involve a fiscal monitor) and extensive discussion on the regionalization vote scheduled for April 16th with Seaside Heights, analyzing its potential impact on students and homeowners. The Superintendent stressed the district's commitment to maintaining educational opportunities and supporting staff despite financial constraints, noting increased spending in special education despite overall enrollment decline.

The main session commenced after an Executive Session that addressed several matters including RICE cases, personnel issues, legal litigation, harassment, intimidation and bullying reports, and fire & security drill reports. Student Representatives provided updates on academic and athletic successes, as well as fundraising activities. The Superintendent addressed his tenure, the district's stability following past turmoil including a significant budget deficit crisis related to state funding mandates, and reaffirmed commitment to protecting the educational process from external political interference. Committee reports covered November and December activities. The Budget & Finance Committee recommended approval for substantial purchasing agendas and lease/sponsorship agreements, and reported receiving a clean audit opinion for the 2024-25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The Building & Grounds Committee provided updates on projects such as the completion of the JBAC bubble, installation of digital signs, and progress on boiler replacement bids, while also noting an immediate heating issue at High School North. The Curriculum Committee presented updates on the Districtwide Attendance Corrective Action Plan, state assessment results, and plans for special education school implementation. The Insurance Committee reviewed property/casualty and health insurance claims trends, noting increased medical/prescription costs. The Personnel Committee discussed recent and upcoming personnel matters. The Policy Committee reviewed several policies and regulations for first and second readings. Key actions taken included the approval of the June 30, 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the Student Safety Data System (SSDS) Report for January 1 - June 30, 2025, School Bus Emergency Evacuation Drill Reports, a Memorandum of Understanding with Ocean County College, appointment of Affirmative Action Officers, approval of professional services for conflict attorney, and approval of first and second readings of various policies. Numerous personnel actions were approved, including new employments, changes of employment, leaves of absence, retirements, resignations, and suspensions across certificated, support, and operational staff.

The Re-Organization Meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected Board Members for three-year terms. Key actions involved the opening, closing, and subsequent election of the Board President, Mrs. Ashley Lamb, and the Board Vice President, Mr. James Capone. The meeting concluded with adjournment.