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Toms River draft goals push an “all‑in” approach to attendance, PD and AI; graduation survey shows most graduates pursue postsecondary plans
Summary
The curriculum committee reviewed draft district goals emphasizing collective responsibility for student achievement, credited a 0.77% reduction in chronic absenteeism in 2024–25, and outlined expanded professional development, mentoring and an AI emphasis; the Class of 2025 survey shows about 75% plan postsecondary study or work.
The Toms River Regional School District curriculum committee reviewed a set of draft district goals on Aug. 5, with district administrators citing sustained gains in attendance and new priorities for professional development and technology.
Cara, a district administrator, told the committee the draft goals emphasize student achievement and district culture with an attempt to build an “all‑in mindset” that distributes responsibility for student performance across staff. She credited recent efforts for a stated 0.77% reduction in chronic absenteeism in 2024–25, calling the result “a reflection of the hard work of our administrative teams and our staff.”
Adrian, who presented curriculum updates, said the New Jersey Department of Education requires board approval of K–2 curriculum documents at the August board meeting and that this year the district’s updates were mostly local pacing and alignment adjustments rather than major state-standard changes. He highlighted new secondary offerings including a digital media and broadcast journalism strand that adds a podcasting component, revised Algebra 1/Geometry pacing, and the continuing use of an Integrated Math 2 sequence so some students take the NJSLA algebra assessment after sophomore year rather than freshman year.
District staff also outlined proposed professional development and mentoring plans tied to the draft goals. The PD plan lists tentative activities and targeted groups and will be refined with building-level teams; the mentoring program will pair novice teachers on provisional certificates with formal mentors and provide ongoing supports throughout the year.
The committee received a summary of the Class of 2025 graduation survey: 1,173 total graduates from the district’s three high schools, 441 (about 38%) plan to attend four‑year colleges, 333 plan two‑year colleges, 109 plan vocational or technical postsecondary study, 50 students enlisted in the military, 191 reported entering the workforce, and 45 were undecided. Staff characterized roughly 75% of graduates as planning some form of postsecondary engagement.
Documents for the draft goals, PD plan and curriculum updates will be circulated to board members by email and are scheduled for formal consideration on next week’s board agenda.
