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Board advances PE policy changes and approves HIB submission; district reports drop in investigations
Summary
The Board of Education approved DOE submissions including the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights self-assessment and advanced a first reading of updated physical-education policy that allows students to opt out of locker-room use; administrators reported fewer HIB investigations for 2023–24.
At its Oct. 16 meeting the Toms River Regional School District board approved required submissions to the New Jersey Department of Education and advanced local policy changes related to physical education and locker-room decorum.
Ashley, chair of the policy committee, presented a first reading of updated Policy 2422 (Comprehensive Physical Education). The changes remove a uniform-style white-short requirement, emphasize safety footwear, shift grading to focus on participation rather than preparation, and explicitly allow students who do not feel comfortable using locker rooms to remain clothed and participate in PE activities. "This policy ... protects and respects all of our students," Ashley said during committee remarks.
The board also approved the 2023–24 School Self-Assessment for determining grades under the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act and the M-1 comprehensive maintenance plan and capital reserve calculator by roll call (all recorded as 'yes'). District staff reported the self-assessment scores were high (district 77/78; high school average 76/78; intermediate/elementary 77/78) and that in 2023–24 the district investigated 294 incidents, of which 93 were confirmed as HIB under statute — a reported reduction of roughly 100 investigations from the prior year.
The meeting's consent and personnel blocks also passed by roll call, including educational program approvals and personnel recommendations. Several public commenters — teachers, parents and the president of the Toms River Education Association — praised staff and urged community unity as the district pursues funding remedies.
The policy language presented was a first reading; further board action (final adoption) will be required to make the changes effective.
