Toms river schools facing the unknown as budget looms, but state funding uncertain

Toms River Schools facing the unknown as budget looms, but state funding uncertain

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February 25, 2026
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Toms River school board reviews $2.4M in expenditures, prepares for 2026–27 budget cycle

TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Toms River Regional Schools Budget and Finance Committee convened briefly on February 11 at High School North to review district expenditures, leasing agreements, and preliminary planning for the upcoming 2026–27 school budget.

Key Points

  • The committee reviewed $2,425,786.25 in expenditures for the 2025–26 school year.
  • February rental and sponsorship agreements totaled $9,805, bringing the yearly total to $459,215.
  • The 2026–27 budget will be finalized after state aid figures are released following the governor’s March 10 address.

Committee reviews monthly purchasing agenda

The five-minute meeting, co-chaired by Joseph Jubert, was held in person and streamed for public viewing. Committee members examined the district’s monthly purchasing agenda, which included bids, change orders, and resolutions totaling $2,425,786.25. All questions raised by board members were addressed by Business Administrator Bill Doering and other administrators.

The committee recommended approval of the purchasing agenda to the full board at its next regular meeting.

Related News: Cash strapped district hires $950 per hour attorney to fight for Superintendent’s pay raise.

District awaits state aid numbers for 2026–27 budget

In addition to reviewing financial items, members discussed preparations for the 2026–27 budget. The district is awaiting state aid figures, expected to be released within two days of the governor’s budget address on March 10. Superintendent Michael Citta and the finance team plan to move quickly once those figures are known to finalize the tentative budget.

A detailed presentation of the tentative budget will take place during the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee meeting on April 1 at 5:30 p.m., also at High School North.

Schedule changes for April board meetings

Because the state’s budget hearing window opens April 24, the district’s committee meetings will be moved to April 15, with the regular board meeting and formal budget hearing rescheduled for April 29.

For continued coverage of the Toms River Regional Schools budget process and board activity, follow Shore News Network.

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