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Toms River board reports declines in student-safety incidents in semiannual SSDS update
Summary
District staff presented the Student Safety Data System (SSDS) semiannual report for July–December 2024, citing percentage decreases in reportable offenses and listing specific incident counts; the board approved the SSDS report unanimously.
The Toms River Regional School District Board of Education heard its semiannual Student Safety Data System (SSDS) presentation for July–December 2024 and unanimously approved the report.
Mr. Thomas, who presented the SSDS data to the board, summarized the district's findings: "For the period of July through December 2024, there was a 13 and 0.5 percent decrease in reportable offenses, and a 32 percent decrease in confirmed Hibs compared to the July 2024 report, with reductions across most categories," he said. In the reporting period Thomas listed 70 incidents of acts of violence, 19 incidents of damage to property, 6 weapons incidents, 34 substance-abuse incidents, 28 confirmed HIBs and a total of 157 incidents.
Thomas described the district's approach to reducing incidents, noting partnerships "with community partners, such as the Health and Wellness Coalition, YMCA, and the Toms River Police Department" and programs including character-based and social-emotional education, responsive classroom practices and positive behavioral supports. He said the board reviews SSDS data monthly and staff analyze student-performance and school-climate data as part of safety planning.
After the presentation the board moved to approve the SSDS report for 07/01/2024 through 12/31/2024; the motion was seconded and carried on roll call with all members recorded in favor. The presentation emphasized prevention and community partnerships rather than immediate policy changes.
