All three candidates endorsed by the Toms River Jewish Community Council (TRJCC) have won their races for the Toms River Regional Board of Education, securing all three available seats in Tuesday’s election.
With all 63 districts reporting, Ashley Lamb received 11,187 votes, James Capone received 11,043 votes, and Laura Picurro received 10,628 votes.
Lamb finished 2,431 votes ahead of the closest unsuccessful candidate, while Capone finished ahead by 2,287 votes and Picurro by 1,872 votes.
The three TRJCC-endorsed candidates received a combined 32,858 votes, compared to 26,114 votes for the three highest-ranking unsuccessful candidates, a difference of 6,744 votes.
The TRJCC had endorsed the three candidates following meetings with those running for the school board, citing commitments to prevent further school tax increases and identify spending reductions without compromising the quality of education.
The election comes amid growing concerns over school taxes in Toms River, which have increased by nearly 30% over the past three years.
The results mark a clean sweep for the TRJCC’s endorsed candidates, with incumbents Lamb and Capone winning re-election and Picurro securing her first term on the board.
The results remain unofficial pending certification by the Ocean County Clerk.
