TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Toms River Board of Education’s latest meeting was anything but ordinary.
At its heart: Superintendent Mike Citta’s demand for an $80,000 raise—bringing his salary to $308,000. The proposed contract, and the subsequent board meeting, have plunged the district into controversy, with accusations, emotional speeches, and loud displays of both support and opposition.
Despite a call for a vote of no-confidence from board member Paola Pascarella, the meeting quickly turned into what some are now called an “NJEA rally” for Superintendent Citta.
More than three dozen NJEA (New Jersey Education Association) union members packed the room, applauding Citta and heckling members of the public who voiced opposition to Citta’s $308,000 salary.
Board member Pascarella voiced her disgust at the union’s behavior, saying, “This is very upsetting for me, seeing you rant in this way, throwing a tantrum, fighting like a child.
What kind of example are you setting for our children?” She also condemned the frequent ridicule parents face at board meetings, noting that “every time a parent complains … they are met with insults, laughs, and jokes.” Mike Citta, rose through the district’s ranks as a teacher, principal and then served as assistant superintendent under convicted felon and former Superintendent Michael Ritacco.
Citta used his time at the podium to deliver a heartfelt speech about his commitment to Toms River schools. Mayor Daniel T. Rodrick was blunt in his opposition, calling on Citta to resign and blasting the raise as “outrageous.”
“Superintendent Citta made a heartfelt speech tonight about how much he loves our schools, but what he failed to explain is why taxpayers should give him an $80,000 raise and a $308,000 salary,” Rodrick said. “We have senior citizens in this community who can’t afford their groceries. People are struggling. School taxes are up 22% in the last two years, and it’s all the result of increased spending. The district doesn’t have a revenue problem — it has a spending problem.”
NJEA President Scott Campbell praised Citta at the podium and spoke about how, unlike other superintendents around the state, the NJEA never has any problems with Mr. Citta. Mayor Rodrick, himself a career educator and vice principal, went further – calling out the NJEA: “Of Course the Teachers Union loves Mr. Citta, he doesn’t hold anyone accountable. That’s why 55 percent of Toms River students are failing state standardized testing in reading and writing, and 67 percent are failing in mathematics. These test scores are horrendous. Mr. Citta is failing our children and the taxpayers of this town. He does not deserve an $80,000 raise; he deserves to be shown the door.”
Citta, rejecting the mayor’s call to resign, insisted, “It’s not about the money for me,” though his appeal to the New Jersey ethics commission for the raise was recently rejected.
He has now threatened a lawsuit against Toms River Township, accusing the town of meddling in school district affairs. Board President Ashley Lamb, however, voiced unwavering support for Citta, declaring,
“Citta is a man, a gentleman, and an educational leader. If you want to get rid of Mike Citta, you will have to get through me first, and let me tell you, you don’t have what it takes.” The NJEA section erupted in applause.
The board ultimately voted to hire North Jersey lawyer Patrick Toscano, Esq., to file suit against the Township of Toms River, thrusting the district further into the spotlight as the battle over Citta’s $80,000 raise and $308,000 salary continues to escalate.