By MICHELLE GLADDEN
Facing a recalculated spike in the Asbury Park school district’s budget deficit, members of the administration and Board of Education are vetting all the options on the table.
“Our kids don’t have enough,” Board President Tracy Rogers said at the March 26 meeting. “People have to realize we don’t have a lot to cut not even a dollar because some of the programs we have for our kids… don’t meet the adequate standard of the state.”
A renewed proposed budget now shows an $11.4 million deficit and an estimated $500K tax increase, State Fiscal Monitor David Shafter said.
“This budget does not include laying off teachers, it does not include privatizing custodians, it does not include the sale of any buildings,” Shafter said.
What it does include is an increase not only in the in-house recalculated figures but also changes to the state allotments as it pertains to special education and security aid.
And, while a potential sale of any of the district’s eight properties would unlikely affect this year’s budget, they are taking stock.
Acting Superintendent Mark Gerbino presented a snapshot that considered the sale of property. “As you know we are facing a deficit and we have to make decisions as to where we are going as a district,” he said. “I’m just throwing out options. It’s up to the board to decide what they want to do. “
The Asbury Park School District owns eight properties, which include the ITC building, Dorothy McNish Parent Center, a Second Avenue maintenance building, Thurgood Marshall School, Bradley Elementary, Barack Obama School, and the high school. He said discussions for a shared facility agreement with the city are on the table, as well as a public-private sale agreement.
“We are looking at every option and trying to use the least expensive option that is out there,” he said.
The board is expected to present a finalized budget during the April 24 meeting. A public hearing will be held within two weeks of that date.
