Toms River board approves 2026–27 pupil calendar and multiple routine items; one member dissents on calendar

The Toms River Regional School District board approved the 2026–27 pupil calendar and a series of routine personnel, program and policy items during its January meeting after roll-call votes by the board.

Board action came after student recognitions and presentations. Board member Jubert moved to approve the 2026–27 pupil calendar, with Lamb seconding; the calendar passed in a roll-call vote with board members Matarazzo, Jubert, Contessa, Egan and Lamb recorded as "Yes" and Kidney recorded as "No." Board member Egan said the district would add a posted disclaimer about adjusting the calendar for excessive inclement weather to protect graduation timelines, and the board agreed to include that clarification when the calendar is posted.

The board also approved a resolution recognizing School Board Recognition Month and adopted second readings of listed policies and bylaws. Motions to approve agenda items numbered 14–19, the board secretary's certification of the November 2025 report, personnel agenda items (1–18 and addendum 19–27) and program agenda items (1–9; item 10 was tabled) passed by roll call. On the vote for agenda items 14–19 Jubert noted an abstention on matters related to South River, which was recorded during the roll call.

Several votes were routine and uncontested. The meeting record shows consistent affirmative roll-call votes from members identified on the record: Matarazzo, Jubert, Contessa, Egan, Kidney, Lamb (where noted). Formal motions were made and seconded on the floor for each item and recorded by roll call as required by board policy.

The board opened the meeting, recessed into executive session for personnel and legal matters including listed HIB appeals and security and suspension reports, then returned to public session for student presentations and the business agenda. No members of the public offered comments on agenda items; the meeting concluded after the business votes and a motion to adjourn.

Actions recorded in the meeting minutes include the calendar approval (motion by Jubert, second Lamb; outcome: approved; Kidney recorded as dissent), adoption of policy second readings (motion by Egan, second Contessa; outcome: approved), certification of financial and secretary reports (motion by Kidney, second Contessa; outcome: approved), approval of personnel and program items (motions and seconds recorded; outcome: approved; item 10 tabled). The meeting record did not specify ordinance numbers or external authorities beyond references to board policy and the Open Public Meetings Act.

The board adjourned after confirming no public comments were submitted and scheduling the next regular meeting.