The search for Toms River's new superintendent will culminate with a selection Tuesday evening, following an expansive nationwide search.

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A final selection will be announced by the Board of Education Tuesday night at 8:00 pm at Toms River High School North.

Candidates from across the country were selected by the Hazard, Young, & Associates, a firm specializing in finding superintendent and executive positions said Joseph Torrone, Board of Education President.

The initial pool of candidates was introduced to the board, from there; they were further narrowed down through a “Leadership Profile” established by the district as well as through concerns heard from the public.

“They recognized that the district has strengths and they wanted to capitalize on those. They recognized there were challenges, including the per pupil cost--which is the lowest in the state,” said Torrone.

As the pool was narrowed further, candidates were asked to create a presentation on how they would address an issue within the district.

Though Toms River is the fourth largest school district in the state, Torrone said candidates were not required to be from a large district. Rather, the board president said they were looking individuals who had a proven track record of success.

“Of course we have eighteen buildings, because we have the number of employees that we have, and the population of students, we have to look at can they take those experiences and use them in Toms River?”

It has been several years since former superintendent Michael Ritacco was sentenced to federal prison for corruption charges and Torrone pointed out the high value personal character and background will play in a new selection.

“That was something the community knew we had to focus on. We wanted someone who was honest, had integrity, proven track record. We wanted someone free of controversy regarding anything like that.”

In addition to regular the challenges associated with being the superintendent, Tuesday’s selection will also be presiding over the first year of knew Core Curriculum standards.

“We felt that our curriculum, especially in the elementary schools, needed attention.”

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