TOMS RIVER, N.J. — The Ocean County Vocational Technical School District has informed students that cell phones and internet-enabled devices will be prohibited under New Jersey’s new statewide school policy when classes begin Sept. 3.
Students across the state are being disarmed from documenting abuses and infractions under a law passed by former Governor Phil Murphy. For OCVTS, a school district facing growing concerns over mistreatment of students, the new law comes at a perfect time for administrators and teachers accused of covering for their peers.
The announcement came in a welcome letter signed by Interim Superintendent Tim Rehm, who reminded students that New Jersey enacted a ban on cell phones and internet-enabled devices in schools through P.L. 2025, C.195. The letter states additional district procedures will be issued before the school year begins and says consistent enforcement is expected to support a focused learning environment.
This week, Rehm was replaced by Gary McDonald, the son-in-law of retired former superintendent Karen Homiek.
The policy arrives as OCVTS continues to confront mounting public attention over lawsuits and whistleblower allegations involving the district’s administration, particularly surrounding the Performing Arts Academy.
- OCVTS notified students that New Jersey’s statewide cell phone ban will take effect when classes begin Sept. 3.
- The district remains the subject of civil lawsuits alleging administrators ignored or concealed reports of student sexual abuse and retaliated against whistleblowers.
- Former teachers Zachary Slater and Douglas Bollinger were criminally prosecuted in separate cases involving students, while allegations against district administrators remain civil claims that have not been adjudicated.
New policy follows months of controversy
The welcome letter emphasizes career education opportunities and informs students that additional guidance on the device restrictions will be provided before school opens.
The announcement comes only weeks after multiple lawsuits were filed alleging that administrators failed to properly respond to reports of sexual misconduct involving students at the OCVTS Performing Arts Academy. Those lawsuits allege years of institutional failures, retaliation against whistleblowers, and efforts to protect the district’s reputation. The district has denied wrongdoing in litigation.
Former Superintendent Karen Homiek retired in June after nearly 30 years with OCVTS. She has since been named as a defendant in civil lawsuits alleging administrators failed to act on complaints involving student safety. Those allegations have not been proven in court, and Homiek has not been criminally charged.
Criminal cases intensified scrutiny
Public attention intensified after two former Performing Arts Academy teachers, Zachary Slater and Douglas Bollinger, were separately prosecuted in criminal cases involving students.
Both men ultimately pleaded guilty in their respective cases. Their convictions became a focal point in subsequent civil lawsuits, which allege administrators knew of broader misconduct long before criminal charges were filed.
Separately, former law enforcement instructor Robert Yaiser has filed a whistleblower lawsuit alleging retaliation after raising concerns about student safety and administrative conduct. Those allegations also remain pending in court.
District says focus remains on education
In his welcome message, Rehm encouraged students to take advantage of the district’s career and technical education programs and highlighted opportunities for higher education, workforce development and military service.
The district said additional information regarding building procedures and implementation of the new device policy will be distributed before the opening of the school year.
Why is OCVTS banning cell phones?
The district says it is implementing New Jersey’s statewide law prohibiting student use of cell phones and internet-enabled devices during the school day.
Is the cell phone ban connected to the lawsuits?
No. The ban stems from a statewide law. However, it is being implemented while OCVTS continues defending multiple civil lawsuits alleging failures in handling reports of sexual misconduct and retaliation.
Have OCVTS administrators been criminally charged?
Some of the former teachers involved in the underlying abuse cases were criminally prosecuted. The allegations against current and former administrators are contained in pending civil lawsuits and whistleblower litigation and have not resulted in criminal charges.
OCVTS will implement New Jersey’s new statewide cell phone ban as students return to school while the district continues defending high-profile lawsuits alleging failures in responding to reports of student sexual abuse.
