The meeting rooms at 1144 Hooper Avenue usually smell like industrial floor wax and old coffee. Lately, they just smell like stress. If you've lived in Ocean County for more than a minute, you know the Board of Education Toms River isn't just a group of people arguing about bus routes. They are currently the front line of a massive financial war with the state of New Jersey.
It's getting messy.
Honestly, the situation is kind of a disaster. For two years straight, the state has had to step in and basically take over the district's budget because the board refused to pass one. Why? Because the state was demanding a tax hike that would make your eyes water—specifically a 12.9% increase for the 2025-2026 school year. The board said no. The state said "watch us," and they imposed it anyway.
The Reality of the $137 Million Hole
You might hear local politicians talking about "fair share" or "S2," and it sounds like boring jargon. It isn't. It’s the reason your property taxes are climbing while the schools are selling off buildings.
Since the S2 funding formula kicked in, Toms River Regional Schools has lost a cumulative total of over $137 million in state aid. Think about that number. That isn't just a "budget cut." It is a systematic dismantling. To keep the lights on, the district has already:
- Cut over 250 staff positions.
- Sold the administration building on Hooper Ave.
- Increased class sizes to levels that make individual attention nearly impossible.
Superintendent Michael Citta hasn't been quiet about it. He's called the state’s actions "legislative child abuse." That’s a heavy phrase, but when you’re looking at a $22.5 million gap even after a slight increase in aid, what else do you call it?
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Board
There’s this idea that the Board of Education is just being stubborn or playing politics. But you’ve gotta look at the "Tax Levy Incentive Program." The state basically told the board: "If you agree to blow past the 2% tax cap and charge your residents 13% more, we’ll give you a little extra help."
The board, led by President Ashley Lamb, voted it down. They argued that the community—already struggling with inflation and the lingering financial scars of Superstorm Sandy—couldn't take the hit. It was a game of chicken. The board hoped the state would blink and fix the funding formula.
The state didn't blink.
Instead, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) used its "rarely exercised" power to force the budget through. This has led to a major credit downgrade. S&P Global Ratings recently dropped the district to an A-minus. They cited "governance risk" and the board’s refusal to adopt a budget as signs of instability. Basically, the district’s credit score is tanking because they’re fighting with their "parents" in Trenton.
The 2026 Election and the Shift in Power
If you're wondering who is actually making these calls, the board is a nine-member body. It’s a Type II district, which means we elect them directly.
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- Toms River: Gets six seats.
- Beachwood, Pine Beach, and South Toms River: Each get one seat.
Right now, the leadership includes President Ashley Lamb and Vice President James Capone. But the seats are staggered. In the most recent cycles, we've seen names like Kathy Eagan, George Lobman, and Josef Pentz in the mix. The tension on the dais is palpable during public comments. You'll have parents begging for sports programs not to be cut, while the board members look at a ledger that is deep in the red.
Is Bankruptcy Actually on the Table?
In July 2025, the district did something wild: they announced they were filing for bankruptcy. People freaked out. It was a move to protect the district from being forced into a shutdown. While the state-imposed budget mitigated the immediate "lights out" scenario, the threat hasn't gone away.
The district is currently suing the state. They want the NJDOE to reveal the actual math behind the funding formula. Right now, it’s a "black box." No one outside of Trenton really knows how the "local fair share" is calculated.
The Impact on Your Kids Right Now
If you're a parent, the politics matter less than the daily reality. Here is what is happening in the hallways of High School East, North, and South:
- Curriculum: They are trying to push "All In" mindsets for ELA and Math, but it's hard to innovate when you're just trying to keep the HVAC running.
- Pay-to-Play: There is a constant shadow over non-mandated programs. Athletics, band, and even kindergarten have been on the chopping block at various points.
- Technology: The district is trying to lean into AI and cybersecurity, but those tools cost money the district literally doesn't have.
The 2025-2026 high school course guides show a district trying to maintain "Option II" pathways and vocational partnerships, but the "lean" operation has become "skeletal."
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Actionable Steps for Toms River Residents
If you're tired of the headlines and want to actually do something, sitting on the sidelines isn't working.
First, attend the meetings. The Board of Education Toms River meets at High School North (usually in the Maria Ressa Auditorium). Don't just watch the clips on Facebook; see the full deliberations.
Second, understand the "Save Our Schools" movement. This isn't just a hashtag. The district has a portal with over 20,000 letters sent to legislators. You can add yours.
Third, watch the legal filings. The lawsuit against the NJDOE is the only thing that might actually change the funding formula. If the district wins, it could force a statewide recalculation that recognizes Toms River isn't as "wealthy" as the state's secret formula claims.
Fourth, check your voter registration. With three seats up for grabs every November, the makeup of this board changes fast. Know where the candidates stand on the tax levy vs. service cuts debate before you hit the booth.
The "fiscal cliff" isn't coming anymore. It's already here. The board is currently trying to build a bridge while they're already falling, and whether they succeed depends almost entirely on the outcome of their legal battle with the state.
Next Steps for You: - Review the official Toms River Regional Schools Budget Portal to see the line-by-line breakdown of the current state-imposed 12.9% tax levy.
- Contact your local 10th District legislators to demand transparency regarding the S2 funding formula's "Local Fair Share" calculations.
- Mark your calendar for the next public board meeting to voice concerns regarding class sizes and the potential return of the bankruptcy discussion.