TOMS RIVER, NJ — Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and Paul Kanitra have accused the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) of acting like a “state-sponsored mob” and potentially breaking the law by threatening to revoke the licenses of Toms River Regional Schools’ Superintendent Michael Citta and Business Administrator William Doering.
The threat was reportedly made after the officials rejected a school budget that they believed would fail to provide a thorough and efficient education, following significant cuts in state aid. In response, the lawmakers are urging the Attorney General’s Office to launch an immediate investigation into the matter.
McGuckin (R-Ocean) emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “It is a crime in this state to threaten to harm a public official in order to influence a decision or vote of that official on any public issue. Whether that threat is physical or economic makes no difference.
This is on the same level as organized crime in my opinion. I don’t see any difference.” He called on Attorney General Matthew Platkin to take the threats seriously and conduct a full investigation, adding that if the allegations are proven true, acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer and any other officials involved should be dismissed by Governor Phil Murphy.
The legislators argue that the department may have violated a state statute that classifies threatening a public servant to influence a decision as a third-degree crime. Kanitra (R-Ocean) further criticized the DOE’s behavior, stating, “The DOE isn’t even trying to hide its disdain for certain school districts.
The verbal harassment has devolved into slanderous public statements and thinly veiled threats. It’s time the leaders of the department are held accountable for this reprehensible behavior.” He expressed hope that the Attorney General’s Office would act swiftly to restore dignity and decorum to the state agency responsible for overseeing the education of New Jersey’s children.
The Toms River school board revealed that initial discussions with the DOE regarding school funding and the district’s budget were diplomatic but eventually became contentious and hostile.
After the department adopted a budget that district officials rejected, the DOE issued a statement threatening further action if the district failed to meet its obligations.
Despite a state-imposed 9.9% tax increase, Toms River schools remain nearly $80 million under adequacy, leading the district to file a lawsuit against the state, the Education Department, and the acting education commissioner for creating what they describe as a revenue crisis.
The ongoing dispute highlights the growing tensions between state education officials and local school districts struggling to balance their budgets in the face of declining state aid.
