“Someone working on the system caused it go to off,” Erwin said, “But since it went off unscheduled, we had no other option than to bring the kids out. They very quickly ascertained that it wasn’t a real alarm and got the kids back in as soon as they could.”

“We would never hold a drill in that kind of weather. If we had one schedule, we would have re-scheduled it,” she added.

JACKSON-After a series of gunshots rang out from a location just several hundred feet from the Lucy N. Holman Elementary School in Jackson while fourth graders were engaged in field day activities, the school was able to put its years of lockdown drills to the test in a real life scenario.

Just one block away, police later learned that 56 year old Anthony Blaszka was firing his 12 guage shotgun out his bedroom window, striking a neighbor’s home with two young male occupants.

As police descended upon the scene, the school was put into lockdown with a shooter on the loose.  At the time, police did not know where the shots came from and they searched surrounding blocks for the shooter.

They quickly discovered a home on nearby Laurelton Avenue with at least four rounds in the structure.  Bullet holes were found in the home’s roof and pillars.  Holes the size of a golf ball riddled the home.

Until Blaszka was found, nobody, not even the Jackson Police Department was sure of his motive,  intentions or wherabouts.    The Lucy N. Holman Elementary School and nearby Jackson Memorial High School and McAuliffe Middle School were all placed on lockdown.

Initially Jackson Police surrounded a home across the street from the bullet riddled home on Laurelton Avenue, not knowing the damage came from behind the home from Georgian Boulevard.

Police eventually located Blaszka with two 12 guage shotguns and a stockpile of ammunition.

The school lockdowns ended and all of the children returned home safely.  Police later determined that no students were in any imminent danger, but because of routine training and drills, the staff at Lucy N. Holman Elementary School got a rare chance to test its lockdown procedures.

Not the First Real Lockdown at Holman Elementary

This is not the first time the staff at Holman Elementary has performed a real lock down.  In June of 2004, the school went on lock down after a black bear wandered around the surrounding neighborhood.  The bear traveled from nearby Jackson Mills Road and the school remained on lock down until police could confirm the bear was no longer in the area.

After interviewing witnesses and the student in question, the Jackson Police Department determined that there was no credible threat to the student population or faculty.    Since Friday, rumors have circulated around the township about the incident.

On Friday, Captain John Siedler issued a statement on the department’s facebook page, “The Jackson Police Department would like to address concerns about Facebook postings regarding security concerns at Township schools  A report was received and a subject was investigated by Jackson Police Officers and Detectives. The allegations were deemed not to be a credible threat and it was determined to be no cause for concern. Classes are to go on as regularly scheduled.”

Lt. Steven Laskiewicz said that the police investigation conducted determined the student never had any firearms in his possession and there was never any attempt to bring any to the school.

Lt. Laskiewicz attempted to address the rumors circulating through the town and schools, saying, “This conversation must have been overheard and then added to and passed around which caused a student who was not even involved in the conversation to report that a student was planning on bring a gun to school to following day.”

“This was investigated and determined that the student did not make the threat as reported,” he added.  ”Although deemed not to be credible, the student who reported it acted properly out of a concern for the threat.  After the investigation, the matter was turned over to the school to handle with as they saw fit.”

JACKSON – After searching for months, posting the job twice and receiving troves of resumes from all over New Jersey and surrounding states, the Board of Education ultimately decided it needed to look no further than within its own family to find the district’s next superintendent of schools.

At the May 21 meeting the board voted unanimously in favor of appointing Lu Anne Meinders, the district’s current deputy superintendent, to be the new superintendent beginning July 1. Meinders will replace Superintendent Thomas Gialanella, who is retiring as of June 30.

After graduating with degrees in both business administration and English and working in private industry, Meinders began a career in education and has been with the district for 25 years. She was as a middle school math and science teacher, then an advanced placement English teacher and served as the district coordinator of grants and district coordinator of curriculum before becoming the district’s Deputy Superintendent. She is a Jackson resident.

“The Jackson School District is at a critical juncture and I am excited to have an opportunity to continue to serve the students and taxpayers of Jackson in this capacity,’’ Meinders said. “I love this district and I am honored the board has given me the opportunity to continue to shape its future.’’

Meinders said that among the district’s challenges will be implementing the momentous changes to the common core curriculum while advancing student achievement, guiding the district through historic shifts in both teacher and administrator accountability and continuing to find creative ways to manage financial responsibilities to both students and taxpayers.

“I believe fiscal responsibility means not only demanding efficiency in and accountability for how we spend public funds, but also the importance of being able to measure the results of our investments,’’ she said. “This is why we are so committed to making data-driven decisions about how to allocate those precious budget dollars.’’

The superintendent search process was handled by the board directly and began in the beginning of the school year with a community survey to help provide the board with input on what taxpayers, staff, students and residents considered valuable in a candidate. The board also held a community public forum to solicit input.

After months of interviewing candidates through multiple rounds of interviews, the board selected Meinders and voted to hire her at the May 21, 2013 meeting. The board’s vote was 6-0. Board Member Michael Hanlon was not permitted to vote on the position or participate in any of the search process because he has a family member who works in the district.

Superintendent Gialanella said he is thrilled to be leaving the district in such capable hands.

“I could not be more confident in her ability to expertly guide Jackson through what lies ahead because although she is a true educator at heart, she has incredible business acumen as well,’’ Gialanella said. “She also happens to be someone who can navigate through a challenge with intelligence, logic and grace – all the while identifying what opportunities are possibly being created in any given situation. She is truly one of a kind.’’

FILE PHOTO: Bishop Memorial Library, Washington Street. Erik Weber / Ocean Signal

The following was submitted by Ward 3 Councilman Jeffrey J. Carr and is published unedited per our letters policy.

It hardly seems it but, spring has arrived. Along with it comes yard work, Little League baseball and the Toms River Food Fest.  The Toms River Little League season got underway on April 6th.  It was a chilly Saturday morning but, much better than the rain filled event of last year. Mayor Kelaher and I were on hand at the TRLL fields to throw in the first pitch. Councilman Whittmann, Councilman Manforti and Councilwoman Maruca attended opening day at the TRELL complex.

This year’s Food Fest was held on Saturday, May 4th. The weather was nothing short of perfect. The event officially began at 12 noon but, the streets were already getting crowed by 11:30 am.  The event was kicked off by the Toms River High School North Marching Band parading down Washington Street.   That was followed by an invocation by Father Scott Schaeffer of St Joseph’s Church and the singing of the National Anthem by Lisa Evans, a Toms River South aluminous. There were 78 vendors in attendance and an abundance of food and drink.  There was a dunk tank sponsored by the fire department and lots of games and amusement rides for the kids. Four different bands played throughout the day and into the evening.  There was literally dancing in the streets.  Township Administrative Staff, Recreation Department,  Department of Public Works(recycling), Parks Buildings & Grounds, Mayors ADA Advisory Committee, Mayors Council for The developmental Disabled, Police Department and Safety and Fire Districts Bureau of Fire Prevention  were there to assist and answer any questions for our Township residents. It was estimated that over 25,000 people were in attendance.

Toms River prides itself in our efforts to be environmentally responsible and to promote recycling within the Township. In 2012 we received a recycling grant in the amount of $177,138.44. We were the fifth highest grant behind Newark ($299,903.76), Jersey City ($278,748.03), Paterson ($238,701.00), and Clifton ($222,103.44).  Based on our increased recycling tonnage (40,000 tons) we anticipate a higher grant for this year.

As far as the Clean Communities grant, the amount estimated to be received this year for Toms River is $168,296.83.  This puts us first in the County and third highest in the state behind Newark ($322,905.58) and Jersey City ($297,747.90).
Our Senior Center is always filled with some great activities available to our senior residents. I recently had the opportunity to attend an art show and tea party held at the senior center. Some wonderful art exhibits created by our senior residents were on display. Friday May 24th is our Health Fair and Picnic, free to all seniors. The time is 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Friday, May 31st is the Grand Opening of the Nutrition Site at the Toms River Senior Center. The festivities begin at 11:00 am.

On Saturday, June 1st, Toms River Youth Services will be holding a Kids’ Spring Cleaning Flea Market from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.  Our Youth Summer Camp will begin on June 24th. Family Carnival Day will be held on July 12th. There will be food, fun, game trailers and rides.

Our rebuilding process continues to receive our utmost attention.  The Land Use Committee continues to meet regularly to review our ordinances to ease the building process and to help rebuild using sound planning. The Council recently introduced new ordinances to better define and regulate setbacks and the construction of decks. The footings at the Lord House Lifeguard Station are complete and underground utilities are being installed.   The 3rd Avenue parking lot is scheduled to be completed on or about May 24th.  It will include new pavement, light poles and temporary restroom trailers. The number of parking spaces has been increased from 132 spaces to 150 spaces.  This cost of this work will be reimbursed by FEMA.  The boardwalk reconstruction continues to progress with pile driving being over 75% complete.  Other work underway or in the bidding process include repair of Township bulkheads and the first phase of Ortley roads.

Changes have also been instituted in our Building Department to ease the process of obtaining building permits. The department now opens at 7:30am. That is one hour earlier than usual. they are also open until 6:30pm on Wednesdays. Normal weekday closing time is 4:30pm. Inspections are performed Monday through Saturday. The Building Department staff has also worked some Sundays when the demand requires it.  Clerical staffing has been supplemented by hiring three additional permit clerks and one phone clerk. This equates to a 60% increase in clerical staff. The clerical staff also works overtime and on Saturdays to keep up with the volume. Other Township departments have also lent personnel during peak volume periods. The finance and tax offices have helped out with processing permits and certificates. The clerk’s office has handled all OPRA requests for permit documents. Administration has provided personnel to handle periods of high phone call volume, as well as unwavering support. This help was offered by other departments in the spirit of a true team effort.

Inspection and plan review staff has been increased with one full time inspector. We have also supplemented our inspection crew with personnel provided by the NJ DCA. This program, put in place immediately after the storm by the DCA, has been extremely beneficial to our residents. We had as many as 15 DCA inspectors helping us out immediately after the storm. As the demand fluctuates,  personnel is adjusted as necessary.

The department has issued 5,746 permits since 11/01/2012. That is an increase of 218% (2,634 permits) for the same period a year ago. To assist residents and their contractors, permit forms are now available for pick up at the Township’s Ortley Beach annex.

As summer approaches, we will continue our efforts to rebuild our Community.  While these continue to be difficult times for many, we must also continue to serve all of our residents. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the many wonderful things our Township has to offer. There are many youth activities and sports programs available to our children. The senior center provides daily activities to our senior residents. And whether it’s a picnic, reading a book or a walk along a trail, our parks are a wonderful way to spend some time with family and friends. I wish everyone a safe and fun filled summer.  As always, I encourage you to send me your thoughts and comments to JCarr@TomsRiverTownship.com.  And don’t forget to visit our website at www.tomsrivertownship.com for more information about your town.

The team, consisting of  Emily Golembiski of Little Egg Harbor, Jillian Hubbard of Toms River, Gillian Schriever of West Creek, Michael Signorelli of Toms River and Megan Tumpey of  Brick, will represent New Jersey in the 2013 North American Envirothon at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana in August.

The Ocean County students competed against 33 other teams on knowledge of natural resources-related topics, including soils, forestry, aquatics, wildlife ecology and a current environmental issue. This year’s theme was “Sustainable Rangeland Management: Achieving a Balance Between Traditional Agricultural Uses with Non-Agricultural Uses on Montana Rangelands.”

“For 20 years, New Jersey high school students have had the opportunity to participate in this valuable competition and learn more about the environment, natural resources and science,” said Secretary Fisher. “We hope they take advantage of the skills they learned and consider careers in agriculture and natural resources-related fields.”

Each of the MATES team members received $1,000 scholarships from the New Jersey Association of Conservation Districts, $2,000 scholarships from Richard Stockton State College and $1,000 scholarships from Applied and Health Sciences at Kean University.

Two 5-member teams of MATES students competed in last year’s Envirothon with all but one of those students graduating. The two MATES teams placed first and second in 2012. An almost entirely new set of 10 students made up this year’s two teams.

“I am very proud of the hard work and dedication put forth by our members,” said MATES Advisor Adam Sprague.  “It was quite an accomplishment considering it was the first year competing for nine out of the 10 team members. We now turn our attention to Montana which offers an exciting variety of challenges in terms of preparation for our students.”

The second-place team in this year’s Envirothon was West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North and third place was taken by High Tech High School, North Bergen.

The Envirothon is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, State Soil Conservation Committee; New Jersey Association of Conservation Districts; the 15 Soil Conservation Districts; United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service; New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; and Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

The 15 Soil Conservation Districts in New Jersey follow county boundaries and implement the New Jersey Soil and Sediment Control Act, which governs certain aspects of new development.  These semi-autonomous bodies are locally governed and play a strong role in the protection of New Jersey’s natural resources.

BERKELEY – Central Regional TV Productions students won county and state contests and film festival awards for their video productions surrounding the events of Hurricane Sandy.

Senior Austin Steinbrick recently took the award for Best Documentary in the Ocean County Library Film Festival held at the Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library.  Over 140 entries were received from around the world and only 43 were chosen for submission.  Austin’s video told the story of Hurricane Sandy using footage recorded by students and staff from the Central Regional High School which included eye witness accounts of the devastating events on the day of the storm.

In addition, Austin received an Honorable Mention along with senior Nicholas Castrovilly for the New Jersey State Attorney General’s PSA Contest Proms and Alcohol Don’t Mix Contest.

High school junior, Marc Wittig, won a Certificate of Excellence at the Ocean County Teen Arts Festival for his Hurricane Sandy video.  The Ocean County Teen Arts Festival is a showcase and competition held at Ocean County College.  Student works are judged and critiqued where the best in show receive a Certificate of Excellence.  The Central Regional High School TV Program has received an Award of Excellence eight times over the last twelve years.

Student works are available for viewing at the school district website at www.centralreg.k12.nj.us by linking to the “video on demand” tab.  All of our students’ Hurricane Sandy videos can be watched on Channel 21.

“Our communities have exhibited tremendous resilience in the face of the after-effects of Super Storm Sandy and they should be commended for all they have done to support our students and their education,” said State Education Commissioner Cerf.  “These funds from the U.S. Department of Education will help support the continuous recovery of school communities in New Jersey and we are grateful these grants were made available.”

School districts or charter schools were able to request reimbursement of expenditures in support of activities intended to restore a sense of safety and security, activities intended to assist students in understanding the impact of the Superstorm and stabilizing their lives, and activities that assist school districts and charter schools in managing the practical problems created by Superstorm Sandy.

Examples of eligible types of services or activities districts applied for include:

• Overtime for teachers, counsellors, and law enforcement and security officers and other staff;
• Substitute teachers and other staff as necessary;
• Emergency transportation;
• Technical assistance on developing an appropriate response to crisis;
• Transportation and other costs to operate school at an alternative site, e.g. leasing of space to substitute for damaged building;
• Temporary security measures such as non-permanent metal detectors and additional security guards and security cameras;
• Targeted mental health assessments, referrals and services related to Superstorm Sandy with the goal of restoring victims/survivors to their pre-incident levels of functioning.

Based on the number of applicants, monies requested, and available funding, all districts received 45% of their requested eligible expenses.

The list of districts that applied and their award amounts is as follows:

JACKSON-Students at St. Aloysius created life sized history displays that included themselves for a recent school project.  After completing a biographical book report, the 4th grade students dressed in character and posed as wax figures that suddenly came to life at the touch of a button.