Pine Beach Rep Ramsay Resigns From Toms River School Board

The Toms River Regional Board of Education is looking for a Pine Beach resident to fill a vacancy on the board, after Walter Ramsay’s resignation was accepted Wednesday night.

Ramsay was elected to the board in November 2013, ousting incumbent Michael A. Jedziniak. Ramsay, whose term expires Dec. 31, 2016, stepped down because he and his wife, Michele, have moved to permanently to Florida, where they had long maintained a part-time residence.

Ramsay, who had been a teacher and a coach in the Central Regional School District, had retired from his position there last month, according to the July Central Regional school board agenda.

Board President Joseph Torrone said Ramsay’s resignation is a loss to the Toms River board.

“I would like to thank Walter for his service,” Torrone said Wednesday night. “He was a man of few words but when he did speak, his words were of great value.”

The board now has 65 days to appoint someone to fill Ramsay‘s seat, Board Attorney Steven Leone said. Because he was the Pine Beach representative, the appointee must come from the borough. The person will serve the remainder of Ramsay’s term, because his resignation occurred after the third Monday in July, according to state law.

Pine Beach residents who would like to be considered for the board vacancy should send a letter and resume to the school board offices at 1144 Hooper Ave., Toms River, 08753. Applications are being accepted until Sept. 11, the board said.

Torrone said he is hopeful a replacement could be selected as soon as possible. If the board fails to appoint someone by Friday, Oct. 23 -- which is the 65th day -- the matter will go to Acting County Executive Superintendent Todd C. Flora to decide.

Ramsay, who had been in education for 36 years, also is a published author and has a third crime novel expected to come out shortly, according to his website.