BOE August Meeting Recap

The Asbury Park Board of Education held its most recent meeting on Thursday, August 28, at 6 p.m. in the Bradley Elementary School auditorium. With nearly every seat filled, community members turned out in large numbers to share their voices and concerts. In attendance were President Tracy Rodgers, Vice President Wendi Glassman, and board members Barbara Lesinski, Jessiemae Ricks, Dominic Latorraca, and Kristen Clarke. Stephanie Ackerman joined the meeting virtually.

The meeting began with a presentation from Chief Officer Foley of Monmouth-Ocean PAL, who proposed utilizing Barack Obama Elementary School as a host site for new youth programs. Foley described opportunities in STEM, sports, and meal preparation services for the elderly, supported by a $250,000 grant (half of which has already been received). The grant runs through next summer, with planning already underway to begin fall programming if the school space is approved.

Several community organizations – including the Asbury Park Public Library, the West Side Community Center, and the Family Success Center – expressed interest in partnering on the initiative. Stephanie Hines, who has been with the West Side Community Center since the 90s emphasized the need for stewardship in the process and urged the board to carefully review the project, stressing that “It’s all about the kids of Asbury Park.”

However, it became clear that not all board members had been fully briefed beforehand. Lesinski requested additional details, Ricks asked for a hard copy of the information, and Latorraca raised questions about long-term sustainability once the initial funding expires. Foley assured the board that PAL intends to continue the programs beyond the first year, whether through new grants or community donations. Vice President Glassman emphasized the goal is to provide services and activities the district can realistically afford, while also expanding opportunities for students. 

During the public comment session residents spoke out regarding the decrease in funding for the Asbury Park Technical Dance Academy of 27 years, founded by Michele Burrell. Many emphasized the academy’s value to students and the broader community, urging the board to reconsider reductions that could limit the program’s reach. This year, the academy was forced to move from its spacious studio on Mattison Avenue into a smaller, half-finished building on Asbury Avenue due to the city’s high rent. To make the new space usable, Burrell launched a GoFundMe campaign in hopes of hiring a contractor who could complete renovations at an affordable cost.

Parents and community members shared emotional testimony in support of the program. One father, whose daughter has been enrolled since the age of three is now 14, told the board how much the academy has meant to his family. As a custodian in the district, he offered to personally open the building on Saturdays so participants would have a safe space to practice and continue their training. President Rodgers noted that the issue will be discussed further in the executive session. He acknowledged Burell’s leadership, saying that “she has power” and recognized the positive impact she has had on the community.

Community members also raised concerns about the recently announced tax increase. While some residents acknowledged that the board often receives blame for the issue, several noted that the problem has been years in the making and might have been avoided if addressed earlier. One speaker, voicing frustration over the city’s financial burdens, questioned where residents should turn for answers, remarking that, “we’ve been carrying this city since nobody wanted to live here.”

The meeting highlighted both the community’s determination to protect existing programs, such as the dance academy, and its interest in pursuing new partnerships to broaden educational and enrichment opportunities. It also stressed the reality of failed fiscal responsibility by the board which has continued to impact residents via increased taxes and rents.

The next Asbury Park Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 25, at 6 p.m.