📣 Important Local News – Read This!
Today’s Asbury Park Press highlights serious concerns from the Toms River Regional School District’s legal counsel about Mayor Daniel Rodrick’s interference with our schools — interference that board representatives say crosses the line and undermines effective education governance.
As a community, we deserve leadership that respects our educators, our students, and our local school administration. That’s exactly the kind of leadership Michael Citta has demonstrated — someone who supports our schools, respects proper boundaries, and prioritizes what’s best for students and families.
It’s deeply troubling to see the current mayor and his team sidestep proper process and engage in meddling that distracts from the real work of educating our kids. Folks who truly care about strong schools and accountable leadership should stand with leaders like Michael Citta, who advocate for collaboration and respect for educational professionals.
Let’s support leaders who build up — not undermine — our school system. 💪📚
#TomsRiver #SupportOurSchools #LeadershipMatters #Citta2025
The following are the specific documents from the article including letters and police reports.
Mike $229,000 dollars and you need a raise. Dude I’ve been living in Toms River for 40 years at $35k a year. Paid my taxes and my mortgage. Raised 2 kids and I drive a 25 year old truck. The school taxes are killing the residents of Toms River. Enough is enough. Stop trying to say Roddick is interfering he knows when someone is robbing the people.
Thanks for your comment and sorry for the delay in responding. Let’s break it down! Toms River is one of the largest districts in NJ over 14,600 students; spending around $14,000/pupil when the state average is $26,000/pupil; and has lost over $175M in state aid due to the State Funding Law over the past several years. Trenton believes Toms River residents can afford to make up the difference and has forced the tax increases on the residents, while the Board of Education and Superintendent Citta has said “no large increases.” It is important to note that the Toms River Schools is recognized yearly for its fiscal responsibility and as one of the most cost-efficient districts in NJ. Lastly, Superintendent Citta has declined his annual increase over the past 3 years, though contracted to receive, because he felt it was wrong to receive when the district was hurting. With all that said, let’s make it clear, there is no new contract, but on June 30, 2026, his contract expires, so the Toms River Board of Education must act fact or else a search and then hiring could cost much much more. Important to note, Citta is looking for a 5 year contract that over the 5 years will increase yearly for a last year pay of $300,000; so this is not a $80,000 raise at once. We are sure you are not happy with any raise, but even if this contract is approved, when proposed, he will not be in the top tier of superintendents across the State. Hope this helps.