A recently completed 160-million-dollar referendum project added air conditioning and updated essential mechanical systems across schools. But Toms River stretches its dollars creatively. “We’re the lowest spending per pupil district in New Jersey,” Citta says. “We take that seriously because our taxpayers are part of our educational family.” The district supplements its budget with several enterprise operations. A large air-supported structure hosts state track meets and regional events, generating significant revenue.At High School North, the district partnered with RWJ Barnabas Health on a $600,000 naming agreement for a 4,000-seat arena that hosts sports, concerts, and trade shows. These revenues offset capital costs. Project SPEAR-IT students even assist with campus improvements, learning HVAC and hands-on trades skills while updating their own facilities. “We’re reinvesting in ourselves every day,” Citta says. LISTENING, LEARNING, AND LEADING As Toms River advances its programs, the district’s priorities remain clear. Expanding pathways, strengthening community connections, developing real-world experiences, and ensuring students of Photo Credit: Toms River High School South For capstone and entrepreneurship-based projects, Business Academy students have to pitch local professionals in Shark Tank-style challenges. While assessing contestants, judges provide plenty of constructive feedback. For added pressure, these competitions are recorded and broadcast by the school’s TRSTV Broadcast Journalism program, itself a career-ready pathway for students to learn what it takes to be in front of and behind the camera. 368 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx