More than 200 staff members in the Toms River Regional School District could be losing their jobs after the school board approved the resolution Tuesday night by a unanimous vote.

The ongoing state funding cuts, along with the coronavirus pandemic, are causing the district to lay off 240 employees. The breakdown includes 50 cafeteria workers, 70 cafeteria playground aides, 90 bus drivers, 25 bus attendants and five mechanics.

VIRUS TRACKER: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut coronavirus cases and deaths 
MORE: LIVE BLOG - Coronavirus updates from the tri-state area and beyond
MORE: New Jersey Coronavirus Dashboard 
FULL COVERAGE: Coronavirus Pandemic

The district is legally obligated to give 60 days’ notice to affected employees. Superintendent David Healy was clearly distraught over this decision.

“Reading this resolution and working with the board was arguably, in my career, the most painful, most difficult thing I've ever had to do in my career,” says Healy. “Ever. It's unfortunate. I'm so sorry for those who are affected."

The layoffs go into effect Nov. 2. – that’s if the district doesn't plan to return from remote learning by Nov. 9. The Superintendent says the cuts will be determined based on seniority, and those who've worked for the district the longest will be offered re-employment first.

Students are set to start the school year virtually Sept. 8.