Second Budget Vote Coming for Toms River Schools

The Toms River Regional School District will hold a second budget vote after the Board of Education made additional cuts to the previously rejected spending plan. The revised $338.7 million budget reduces the tax increase from the originally proposed 8.9% to 6.5%, following voter rejection of the initial plan in the April school election, according to Patch.

The special election has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 10, giving district residents another opportunity to weigh in on the controversial budget. School officials emphasized that the revised plan maintains essential educational services while responding to community concerns about tax increases.

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Budget Revisions

The school board voted 7-2 Tuesday night to approve the revised budget, which includes approximately $4.2 million in additional cuts from the original proposal. These reductions were achieved through staffing adjustments, postponing certain building maintenance projects, and scaling back planned technology upgrades, according to Asbury Park Press.

Superintendent Michael Citta described the new budget as a compromise that balances fiscal responsibility with educational needs. “We’ve made difficult decisions to reduce costs while protecting core instructional programs,” Citta said during Tuesday’s meeting. “Every effort has been made to keep cuts as far from the classroom as possible.”

The revised spending plan will still result in the elimination of approximately 25 staff positions, down from the 42 positions that would have been cut under the original budget. Most reductions will come through retirements and attrition rather than layoffs, according to district officials.

Community Reaction

The budget revision has drawn mixed reactions from Toms River residents. At Tuesday’s meeting, dozens of community members spoke during the public comment period, with opinions sharply divided on the proposed tax increase.

Parent Anna Polozzo, who has three children in district schools, expressed support for the revised plan. “I appreciate the board making these additional cuts, but I’m concerned about what more cuts would mean for our children’s education,” she said. “At some point, we have to invest in our schools and our community’s future.”

However, senior resident Thomas Keating argued that the tax increase remains too high, particularly for those on fixed incomes. “Even at 6.5%, this increase is well above inflation and puts an unreasonable burden on seniors and working families struggling with rising costs across the board,” Keating told board members.

Financial Challenges

Toms River Regional Schools, the second-largest district in Ocean County with nearly 15,000 students, has faced significant financial challenges in recent years. District officials cite inadequate state funding, rising special education costs, and contractual obligations as primary factors driving budget increases.

Business Administrator William Doering presented data showing that the district receives approximately $4,000 less per pupil in state aid than the average New Jersey school district, according to Jersey Shore Online.

“We continue to be drastically underfunded by the state formula,” Doering explained. “If we received even the average funding level for New Jersey districts, we would have an additional $60 million annually, which would significantly reduce the tax burden on local property owners.”

Next Steps

The special election on June 10 will determine whether the revised budget is implemented or if further cuts will be required. If voters reject the budget a second time, it would go to the municipal governments of Toms River, Pine Beach, Beachwood, and South Toms River – the four communities served by the regional district – for additional cuts.

Board President Jennifer Howe emphasized the importance of voter participation in the upcoming election. “This budget directly impacts the educational experience of 15,000 students and the property taxes of every homeowner in our communities,” Howe said. “We encourage all residents to make their voices heard at the polls.”

The district plans to hold two public information sessions in early June to explain the revised budget and answer community questions. Detailed information about the budget revisions has been posted on the district’s website, and printed materials will be distributed to residents in the coming weeks.

Long-term Outlook

School board members acknowledged that even with the current budget adjustments, the district faces ongoing financial challenges that will require structural changes in coming years.

“This budget addresses our immediate needs, but we need to develop a sustainable long-term financial plan,” said board member Ashley Lamb. “That will likely include difficult conversations about school configurations, program offerings, and continued advocacy for fair state funding.”

Superintendent Citta noted that a facilities study is underway to assess potential consolidation of buildings as enrollment continues a gradual decline. The district currently operates 18 schools, and officials have suggested that reconfiguration could lead to significant operational savings in future budgets.