TOMS RIVER, NJ – The NJSIAA, the administrating authority governing New Jersey High School Sports is denying officials from the Jackson and Toms River school districts had approached them regarding a hockey co-op between Jackson Liberty High School and Toms River High School North.
According to Mike Cherenson, a public relations consultant for the NJSIAA, the agency was never approached about the co-op.
In an email obtained through a third-party OPRA request, Toms River Regional Schools Superintendent Michael Citta told Jackson school district officials he had asked the NJSIAA and that the NJSIAA rejected a proposed co-op between the two school districts.
The need for a co-op came after Jackson hockey parents became upset over Point Pleasant dropping a co-op with the district prior to the 2023-24 season. Parents then approached Toms River to seek a co-op between the two schools as Toms River North’s roster did not leave room for many subs and Jackson Liberty had no goalie and could not field a team for the season.
According to the emails obtained by Shore News Network, Toms River Regional School District Superintendent Michael Citta said he would be alright with a co-op with Jackson but confirmed that the NJSIAA has rejected that request.
“My plan was just that and the NJSIAA shot that down as well,” Citta said. “All scenarios I presented to the NJSIAA were turned down. All were rejected.”
Citta said the NJSIAA said no because it was a last-minute request, leaving the door open to a potential merger for the 2024-25 season and beyond.
“They just said no mostly because of the timing,” Citta said.
After asking for help from New Jersey Assemblyman Greg McGuckin, McGuckin’s office also confirmed that neither district made a request.
The Toms River School District confronted Shore News Network on Citta’s comments and demanded that the news company hand over documents claiming Citta’s statements. Unfortunately, that was not possible because the Toms River Regional School District blocks all emails from the company’s domain.
Toms River Regional Schools has still not commented on the matter publicly. The Jackson School District has also not issued a public statement on the matter.