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Toms River board approves submission of HIB self-assessment and opens first reading of PE policy updating locker-room options
Summary
The board unanimously approved submission of the 2023–24 NJDOE HIB self-assessment and advanced a first reading of an updated physical education policy that allows students to opt out of locker-room use and shifts grading toward participation.
The Toms River Regional Schools Board approved the district’s 2023–24 school self-assessment under New Jersey’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act and advanced a first reading of updates to the district’s physical education policy at its Oct. 16 meeting.
An administrator presenting the HIB self-assessment reported a districtwide score of 77 out of 78 points, with school-level averages of 76/78 at the high school level and 77/78 at both intermediate and elementary levels. For 2023–24 the district reported 294 HIB investigations with 93 incidents confirmed as HIB under state statute. The board voted to submit the self-assessment to the New Jersey Department of Education by roll call (Capone, Coin, How, Kidney, Lamb, Pascarella, Palazo, Nardini, Egan — all "yes").
Policy update Policy Committee Chair Ashley introduced revisions to policy 2422 (comprehensive physical education). The changes scheduled for first reading clarify that students may participate in physical education when ‘‘clothed suitably’’ and eliminate a requirement for a specific white short-style uniform. The draft adds that students who do not feel comfortable using school locker rooms may opt out of locker-room use; supervision will be provided during transitions and grading will focus on participation rather than preparedness. Assistant administrators and staff were credited for convening a committee to draft the new language after receiving family feedback.
Board action and implications The HIB submission and related routine submissions (including the M-1 comprehensive maintenance plan and several agenda approvals) were passed unanimously by roll call. The policy update will return for a second reading and additional public review before adoption. Board members and staff said the policy changes aim to protect student safety and privacy while maintaining appropriate class expectations and safety requirements (for example, athletic footwear).
What to watch The board will present the second reading of policy 2422 in a future meeting; parents and stakeholders will have the opportunity to review final language before a vote. The HIB submission is now part of the district’s annual state reporting under the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act.
