Financially Stable? Difficult for BOE to Address Directly

The Asbury Park Board of Education held its most recent meeting on Thursday, November 20 at 6 p.m. inside the Bradley Elementary School. All board members were present including President Tracy Rogers, Vice President Wendi Glassman, and members Barbara Lesinski, Jessiemae Ricks, Dominic Latorraca, Stephanie Ackerman, Michael Penna, Kristen Clarke and newly appointed member Shadab Maghsood, along with other district officials.

The meeting began with standard protocol: the president’s statement, roll call, and flag salute. Shortly after, the board moved unexpectedly into executive session – only five to ten minutes into the meeting. The session, originally scheduled for 45 minutes, was extended an additional 30 minutes, as announced by the board attorney.

After returning to public session, the board voted against renewing former Superintendent RaShawn Adams’ contract which is set to run through 2026. The resolution was introduced by Vice President Wendi Glassman. Board Member Barbara Lesinski then moved to table the matter; however, the motion failed due to lack of a second. Shortly afterward, the board attorney quietly advised Lesinski, prompting her to inform the public that the reasoning she had given for tabling the resolution did not meet the criteria for doing so. With the motion to table unsuccessful, the board proceeded with the vote, ultimately deciding not to renew Adams’ contract.

The board also provided an update on the ongoing issue regarding the Parent Center and an additional district-owned building, neither of which has yet been approved for sale. President Rogers shared that two potential buyers are currently bidding on the properties.

Discussion then shifted to proposed construction of a pole barn intended for equipment storage – an idea previously mentioned in earlier meetings. Board members Lesinski, Ricks, and Ackerman raised concerns about the proposal. Lesinski asked whether an evaluation had been conducted on the potential impact and cost of the project. Glassman responded that the board had not shown interest in the idea, so she did not pursue further information. Lesinski replied that any proposal brought to the board should already include preliminary financial details. Glassman agreed to gather additional information for a future meeting.

Board members also asked whether space existed in other district buildings that could serve the same purpose. Gerbino responded that no available space met the requirement of approximately 14,000 square feet.

Public comment followed, first to speak was an Ocean Township resident who expressed interest in opening a sports academy within the district. He said he had contacted district officials months earlier but had not received a response. He asked the board for an update and shared his goal of renting a district facility for the program.

A Bangs Avenue resident and PTO coordinator also addressed the board to raise concerns about the Thanksgiving food basket donations. She explained that although she organizes the donations each year, she has never received acknowledgment or appreciation from the board. This year Sodexo Management Inc., the district’s food vendor, was thanked for food donations instead of the PTO. She emphasized that the PTO does not work for the lunch sponsor and stated that, as a result, she would not be donating this year.

After public participation, Superintendent Mark Gerbino presented his report, which focused on the district’s attendance data. He shared that both student and staff attendance for the month stood at 90%.

The state monitor followed with his report, highlighting ongoing challenges in Asbury Park, including fluctuations in state funding, enrollment uncertainties, and competition with charter schools. “Some will persist, some will fade away,” he said. His presentation included visual data outlining general funding, special revenue funding—totaling $79,967,646—and an overview of budget development priorities. These included exploring alternatives, planning multiple years ahead, and positioning the district to make timely and informed financial decisions.

During this segment, a community member asked whether a plan was in place to ensure the district remains financially stable through June 30. The question appeared difficult for the board to address directly. President Rogers eventually stepped in explaining that the board has been managing several complex matters behind closed doors, including the potential sale of two district facilities, the purchase of a pole barn to protect and store equipment, and a deal with the city that recently fell through. He noted that, despite these challenges, the board is actively working to navigate and manage each issue.

The board then moved through the remaining agenda items, including approval of minutes, roll call votes, and the Monthly HIB Report, presented by Mrs. Thea Jackson-Byers, which noted two incidents for the month.

The next Asbury Park Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 18 at 6 p.m. at the Bradley Elementary School.