TOMS RIVER, NJ—Toms River Regional Schools Superintendent Michael Citta recently addressed the pressing issue of state aid allocations for public school districts, revealing the district’s financial challenges. During a conversation, Citta highlighted the state’s decision to decrease funding for Toms River, which impacts the district’s ability to provide for its students and programs.
“We’re looking at a $27 million problem in Toms River,” Citta said.
Toms River has been identified as an S2 District by the New Jersey Department of Education, a classification indicating the state’s view that it has not contributed its “local fair share” in taxes. This designation triggers a reallocation of funds across the state to balance perceived disparities in district contributions. As a result, over the past seven years, Toms River Regional Schools has experienced a reduction of $137 million in state funding, a significant blow to a district that already spends less on students and programs than any other in New Jersey.
“In Tom’s River, we’ve made a firm commitment not to eliminate any student programs from our budget, adopting a ‘over our dead body’ approach due to the unfair treatment we’ve faced with the state’s funding formula over the last seven years. We’re at a critical juncture where such a stance is necessary simply to keep our doors open,” stated Superintendent Michael J. Citta of Toms River Regional Schools. “Last year, through diligent lobbying with senators and various stakeholders, we managed to reclaim approximately $9 million of the $14 million shortfall, essentially a temporary fix, not a loan, from the state. Additionally, we engaged with community partners and local mayors, even selling some tracts of land in Silver Bay, to survive the year financially without cuts. However, with this year’s financial outlook indicating a $27 million shortfall for Toms River Regional Schools, we’re facing an incredibly daunting challenge.”
Despite these financial setbacks, Superintendent Citta expressed pride in the community’s resilience and dedication to education. With 15,000 students, 3,000 staff members, and 19 schools across 20 building locations, Toms River has faced these challenges head-on. In supporting educational initiatives and programs, the superintendent emphasized the collective spirit and unity within the regional community, including South Toms River, Beachwood, Pine Beach, and Toms River.
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“We have the same type of kids in Tom’s River as they do in Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Woodbridge, Hamilton,” Citta said. “Hamilton’s got a similar demographic to us, and yet they received a $24 million increase this year, so it’s frustrating. It angers us. I don’t understand the logic behind it. I don’t because it hurts kids, and it puts us in a situation where we have to figure out how we move forward with a $27 million deficit.”
Despite reduced state aid, Toms River Regional Schools has not wavered in its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities. This past year, the district introduced new programs to expand educational offerings, a testament to the community’s determination to overcome financial hurdles.
Superintendent Citta’s message is clear: despite financial challenges imposed by state funding formulas, Toms River Regional Schools remains devoted to providing quality education. The community’s unwavering support and unity stand as a beacon of resilience, ensuring that the district continues to offer exceptional educational experiences to its students.
