Toms River board honors three departing members, recalls district accomplishments

The Toms River Regional Schools board used its December meeting to recognize three departing board members and to thank staff, volunteers and administrators for their service and achievements.

Board members and community attendees repeatedly praised the contributions of the three members who will not return next year (referred to in remarks as Jen, Anna and Joe). Speakers noted long tenures and the role those members played in recent district initiatives. "The commitment you have to our kids and the time that you have given to our board of education and to our district in support of them has been a tremendous impact on thousands of kids, staff, and in this community," one board member said.

Speakers recalled major district efforts completed during the departing members' tenures: a $147,000,000 referendum to repair school buildings, a $17,800,000 energy-savings improvement project implemented with a stated 0% tax impact, and other long-term improvements. Scott Campbell, president of the Toms River Education Association, thanked the departing members for sustaining a board culture that he described as focused on students and relatively free of the more severe discord he has observed in other districts.

Community members and family members offered personal tributes at the meeting. One family member said of a departing board member, "He enjoyed every second of it, and the ups and downs, the highs, the lows, the good, the bad. Our family was so invested with him, with all of you, and we just want to say thank you." Board members in turn emphasized continuity and a commitment to maintaining focus on students and staff.

The meeting proceeded to routine business after the tributes; a motion to adjourn carried and the board closed the meeting with holiday wishes.