Toms River board hears SSDS report showing declines in reportable incidents

The Toms River Regional School District Board of Education received a Student Safety Data System (SSDS) report covering July 1–December 31, 2024, that showed declines in several categories of reportable incidents.

Mr. Thomas, who introduced the SSDS presentation, said the district recorded a 13.5% decrease in reportable offenses and a 32% decrease in confirmed harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) incidents compared with the previous reporting period. He listed 70 incidents of acts of violence, 19 incidents of damage to property, six weapons incidents, 34 substance-abuse incidents and 28 confirmed HIBs, for 157 total reportable incidences in the period.

The presentation noted that those behaviors correlate with decreased academic achievement and other concerns, and described district prevention efforts. "Toms River Regional Schools collaborates with community partners, such as the Health and Wellness Coalition, YMCA, and the Toms River Police Department to address addiction, mental health, and promote school safety," Mr. Thomas said.

Board members asked no substantive questions on the record during the presentation and moved to approve the SSDS report. On a roll-call vote, board members recorded their approval.

District staff emphasized continued use of character-based and social-emotional education, responsive-classroom practices and positive behavioral supports across schools as part of the safety strategy. The board keeps SSDS data under monthly review and staff said they analyze student performance, demographics and school-climate indicators alongside safety data to guide interventions.

The board approved the SSDS report; staff will continue to monitor implementation of the district’s existing safety and wellness programs.