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Toms River board hears $50K–$60K storm recovery tab, heating and HVAC delays; motion filed to consider removal of board member Pascarella
Summary
During the buildings & grounds session, staff described pipe and HVAC damage from a winter storm, estimated extra storm expenses of roughly $50,000–$60,000, and long lead times for replacement parts; a board member moved under NJSA 18A:12‑3 to remove board member Polola Pascarella and the item was placed on next week’s agenda with no discussion this evening.
TOMS RIVER, N.J. — At a Feb. 18 buildings and grounds committee meeting, Toms River Regional School District officials described extensive storm‑related damage, temporary mitigation steps for affected classrooms and buses, and estimated extra storm costs; the board also received a procedural motion to consider removal of a fellow member for absenteeism.
Facilities staff said crews across the 22‑location district worked around the clock after a winter storm that caused frozen pipes and several coil failures. At Cedar Grove, staff reported 13 classrooms with broken coils; the district purchased 33 room heaters and monitored those rooms while replacement parts were ordered. Facilities staff warned that lead times for some HVAC parts are long — for example, an 8‑week turnaround was cited for several coil replacements — and noted substantial overtime, contractor and rental costs to restore operations.
The district estimated extra expenses from that single storm at roughly $50,000–$60,000 for salt, contractors and overtime. Officials described options for covering those costs: reallocating existing line items, using capital reserves that require board authorization, or pursuing DOE/FEMA reimbursements after a declared emergency if guidance and reimbursement windows apply.
Board members also reviewed progress on capital projects: LED parking‑lot fixtures installed under a rebate program, pre‑bid activity for boilers and switchgear scheduled for summer, and localized lighting adjustments under consideration near Hooper Avenue Elementary.
During the session a board member moved — citing NJSA 18A:12‑3 and board policy 0145 — to remove board member Polola Pascarella for having missed four consecutive meetings. The motion was seconded, and the chair said the item would not be discussed that night; it will be placed on next week’s agenda with notice to the affected member and potential action in the form of a resolution at that later meeting.
In public comment, Richard Liil, a teacher at High School North, presented a multi‑page analysis alleging discrepancies in allowed amounts and reimbursements across district medical plan types dating back into 2024. Liil asked the district to investigate apparent differences between the employee plan (TRBP) and member PPO reimbursements; district staff acknowledged receipt of his materials, said they would set up a follow‑up meeting and place the topic on the insurance committee agenda for deeper review.
No vote on the removal motion occurred during the meeting. The board adjourned after public comment and set the next meeting for the following Wednesday at Toms River North Auditorium.
