District: toms river schools behind on nearly $153 million in repairs

TOMS RIVER-The Toms River school district has announced it needs nearly $153 million in funding if it wants to implement capital improvements that have been overlooked in recent annual operating budgets.

The district identified five key areas where that $153 million would be spent if voters eventually allow it. The money would need to be raised in a school board referendum vote where residents could eventually vote on the spending.

“In the fall of 2018, the Toms River Regional School District will be asking the community to approve a Bond Referendum to repair and restore facilities at our eighteen school buildings, three outbuildings, and grounds across our 52 square mile district,” the district said in a statement. “Leading up to that date, it will hold frequent informational meetings and actively seek public feedback in order to craft the best proposal.”

The referendum will pose a question on the ballot that would fund:

repair and repaving of parking lots and driveways
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
door and window replacements
improving accessibility through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
school-based projects, like secondary science labs and elementary playgrounds

The district will host meetings in a district-wide roadshow that will take place at each of the district’s schools.

February 6, 6:30 p.m.: Silver Bay Elementary
February 6, 8 p.m.: High School North
February 8, 6:30 p.m.: West Dover Elementary
February 8, 8 p.m.: High School South
February 13, 6:30 p.m.: Pine Beach Elementary
February 13, 8 p.m.: High School East
February 27, 6:30 p.m.: Hooper Avenue Elementary
February 27, 8 p.m.: Intermediate East
March 1, 6:30 p.m.: South Toms River Elementary
March 1, 8 p.m.: Intermediate South
March 6, 6:30 p.m.: North Dover Elementary
March 6, 8 p.m.: Intermediate North
March 13, 6:30 p.m.: Beachwood Elementary
March 13, 8 p.m.: Washington Street Elementary
March 22, 6:30 p.m.: Joseph Citta Elementary
March 22, 8 p.m.: Walnut Street Elementary
March 27, 6:30 p.m.: Cedar Grove Elementary and ELC
March 27, 8 p.m.: East Dover Elementary

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.