Asbury Park School Superintendent, Dr. RaShawn Adams is determined to save his position as head of the school district, claiming that outside interests are interfering with his efforts and prevent learning..
Speaking to reporters outside the District’s office on a frigid Thursday morning, Adams was especially critical of John Napolitani, president of the Asbury Park Education Association, the teacher’s union, claiming among other things, that Napolitani worked to “funnel” students to the charter schools,” and also claiming he only worked from 7 a.m. to noon “including lunch.”
Napolitani’s mother died this week and he was attending the viewing and funeral.
Adams also released a letter from Board of Education President Caritta Cook to Acting New Jersey Education Commissioner, Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillian, protesting the removal of the state fiscal monitor in the district. Bob Finger, was removed after just two months on the job, Cook calling it “not only drastic but damaging to the operation of our school district.”
Cook’s letter also expressed her concerns that the school board majority come January will vote to remove . Adams from office and that the new state monitor will be informed not to reverse any decisions of the board.
“Under the leadership of Dr. RaShawn Adams, as the chief school administrator for the past two and a half years, our district has been subjected to an orchestrated campaign aimed at undermining him and the district. Despite facing challenges and external pressures, Dr.Adams has implemented systems and protocols of accountability at all levels in the district, focusing on improving academic performance.” Cook adds, “Unfortunately this has led to the spread of false information by certain associations and political figures creating a hostile climate within the district.”
Adams provided a list of Asbury Park school district statistics, showing an enrollment of 1,373 including 44 from outside the district, 336 staff members, 225 certified staff, and 253 Classified students. The district has a budget of $59.2 million and receives $21 million in state aid, a decrease of 29 percent which results in an increase of 38 percent in local taxes. The charter schools take $11.1 million each year.
