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Special-education enrollment surge drives large portion of Toms River budget increase, officials say
Summary
District staff said the special services budget will be about $57 million next year — roughly a 12% increase — driven by more students with IEPs, new autism class openings, higher out-of-district tuition and related contracted services.
District special-services staff told the Board that special education is a primary driver of the proposed budget increase, with the special services budget projected near $57 million for 2025–26 — roughly a $6 million (about 12%) rise from the prior year.
"We have about 28 different autism programs, 27 MD, 11 LLD..." the special services director said, summarizing program breadth and noting the district is adding three more autism classes and additional MD classes next year to meet demand. Staff reported that roughly 21–23% of the student population has IEPs, and that out-of-district tuition costs are increasing (the presentation listed a $2.8M / 31% increase in anticipated out-of-district tuition).
Officials described several cost drivers: incoming students who arrive already classified and require immediate services, more medically fragile students requiring higher per-pupil spending, and an increased need for contracted therapists and consultants to support evaluations and related services. The district said recent enrollment increases of students requiring outside placements are expected to push some in-district placements up as well.
