State Representatives Greg McGuckin and Paul Kanitra have condemned the actions of the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE), likening it to a ‘state-funded mafia’. They allege that the DOE has crossed legal boundaries by issuing threats to withdraw the licenses of two high-ranking Toms River Regional Schools personnel, the Superintendent Michael Citta and Business Administrator William Doering. The threats were allegedly made when these officials rejected a proposed school budget, which they deemed insufficient to allow a comprehensive and effective education due to substantial reductions in state funding. The legislators are now appealing to the Attorney General’s Office, requesting an immediate investigation.
In expressing his concern, McGuckin (R-Ocean) was emphatic about the severity of the issue. He stated that in New Jersey, it’s an offense to intimidate a public representative with the intent of manipulating their decision or vote on a public matter. He elaborated that the nature of the threat, whether it is physical or financial, doesn’t diminish its severity. He equates this situation to the malpractice often affiliated with organized crime and calls for a thorough inquiry into the matter.
McGuckin pressed for the Attorney General, Matthew Platkin, to not disregard the severity of these threats, urging him to conduct a comprehensive investigation. Should the claims be substantiated, he proposed that the acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer and other implicated parties be relieved of their duties by Governor Phil Murphy. These lawmakers are contending that the department’s actions could potentially transgress a state law that categorizes attempts to manipulate public servants’ decisions through intimidation as a third-degree crime.
Kanitra (R-Ocean), his legislative colleague, joined in to voice his disapproval of the DOE’s alleged conduct. In his words, ‘DOE’s apparent scorn for specific school districts is conspicuous. The offensive language has devolved into disparaging public remarks and thinly concealed threats. The department’s leadership must be held accountable for this disgraceful behavior.’ He echoed McGuckin’s sentiments expressing optimism that the Attorney General’s Office would intervene promptly to reinstate propriety and professional conduct within the state agency assigned with the responsibility of guiding New Jersey’s education system.
As per the Toms River school board’s release, their initial discussions with the DOE about school financing and the district’s budget were respectful and diplomatic. However, these escalations turned sour when the department proposed a budget that didn’t sit well with district officials, causing the dialogues to devolve into contentious confrontations.
The tension further escalated after the DOE adopted a budget that was subsequently dismissed by the district. The DOE, in response, issued a communique threatening additional reprisals if the district did not adhere to its financial obligations. The Toms River schools district is currently suffering from a financial shortfall of nearly $80 million, despite being subjected to a 9.9% tax boost mandated by the state. A lawsuit has consequently been instituted by the district against the state, the learning institution, and the acting education commissioner, charging them with crafting a financial emergency.
The sustaining discord showcases the mounting conflicts between the offices of the state education department and local school districts that are grappling with budgetary concerns in the backdrop of decreasing state aid. The incident underscores the challenges faced by local school districts, which are navigating financial constraints, educational responsibilities, and the requirement of serving the best interests of their students in spite of dwindling state aid.