Toms River board appoints homeless liaison, approves contracts and first readings in unanimous roll calls

At its regular meeting, the Toms River Regional School District board approved a set of routine personnel and business items by roll-call vote, including a new short-term appointment and multiple contract and policy items.

The board approved the appointment of Rich Faset as the district homeless liaison effective March 1 through June 30, 2025. The motion (mover: Egan; second: Contessa) passed on a roll-call vote with all recorded "yes." The board later approved a revised list of professional service contracts and engineers (motion Egan; second Kidney) and certified the board secretary’s report for December 2024.

The board also approved the first reading of several policies, regulations and bylaws as listed on the agenda (motion Contessa; second Coin) by roll call. Personnel agenda items and educational program agenda items (including an addendum) were approved; during the personnel roll call Contessa said she would vote yes on item 20 and abstain on item 21 because she had not reviewed it. Otherwise, votes on the listed items were recorded in favor.

Board members did not debate the measures at length during the meeting. Several members later addressed other business including a question about the scope of an Esports grant application and recognition of school activities and student achievements.

The approvals at this meeting will be reflected in district records and the minutes; administration will proceed with implementation steps authorized by the personnel and contract votes.