In a statement to The Lakewood Scoop, Toms River Regional Superintendent Michael Citta is rejecting Mayor Daniel Rodrick’s demand that he resign, disputing claims about declining student performance and his compensation, and vowing to continue leading the district.
Rodrick today called for Citta’s resignation, accusing him of presiding over declining student performance, sharply rising school taxes and seeking an excessive pay increase during a fiscal crisis.
In his statement, Rodrick said he could no longer remain silent as school taxes have surged and academic outcomes have deteriorated, while the superintendent pursues what the mayor described as an “outrageous” raise.
“Mike Citta cannot continue to ask taxpayers for more while results continue to decline,” Rodrick said, calling for “a new direction—one that prioritizes academic excellence, fiscal discipline, and transparency.”
Citta forcefully rejected the allegations, denied any wrongdoing, and said he has no intention of stepping down.
Citta said the mayor’s claims are false, politically motivated and distort both his record and the district’s financial realities and said he remains committed to leading the district and will continue serving as superintendent.
“This has never been about money for me,” Citta said, rejecting assertions that he is prioritizing compensation over students and taxpayers.
Rodrick disputed Citta’s contention that he is interfering in contract negotiations, saying the mayor has no authority over the superintendent’s employment and that the decision rests solely with the school board. He said several board members have legitimate concerns about approving a large raise during a period of rising taxes.
Citta has said the proposed contract would increase his salary to $275,000 — not the $308,000 figure cited by the mayor — placing him 32nd statewide among superintendents, despite leading New Jersey’s sixth-largest school district with more than 14,000 students.
He characterized the adjustment as a long-overdue market correction after freezing his salary for four years and assuming additional duties following administrative cuts.
Rodrick argued that any raise is indefensible given the district’s financial trajectory. According to the mayor, school taxes increased 13% this year after a 9.9% increase last year, totaling roughly $47 million in new taxes over two years. During that time, district spending rose from $247 million in 2021 to $303 million in 2024, while enrollment declined by about 1,000 students.
Rodrick also cited state test results showing that 55% of students are failing reading and writing assessments and 67% are failing mathematics.
Citta disputed that characterization, saying student achievement has improved each year of his tenure and that graduation rates, attendance and extracurricular participation have increased, while suspensions and discipline referrals have declined.
In his statement, Citta outlined steps taken to stabilize district finances, including administrative restructuring that he said saves $1.3 million annually, the sale of surplus properties, and opposition to state-mandated measures that would have required school closures or program cuts.
Despite the mayor’s call for his resignation, Citta said he will continue to lead the district and will not be deterred by political pressure.
“I remain committed without apology to doing what is right for this community and for the children we serve,” he said.
The contract was approved by the Ocean County Superintendent’s office in September, but still must be voted on by the board.
The nine-member school board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, December 17.