Asia Michael: Conversation Is Key For New Freehold Schools Leader

FREEHOLD, NJ — It's called "Coffee & Conversation" - "C&C." And for Borough Schools Superintendent Asia Michael, the talks have helped her to learn about the district and meet its families since she became the top school official in December.

"The Coffee & Conversation events are picking up steam," she said in a recent interview about her first three months in the district.

She said that last month she asked community organizations to the event to provide parents with an overview of the resources available to them.

"There were 13 organizations in attendance. It was an amazing event," Michael said.

The next C&C is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27, - and she is keeping to her monthly schedule of conversations even with spring break coming up.

The topic for this month is "The ABCs of HIBs": "I'll be co-facilitating the discussion with our middle school Vice Principal Heather Elkin. Families will have the opportunity to learn more about harassment, intimidation and bullying and how we can partner to prevent incidents in our district," Michael said.

The event is at 6:30 p.m., March 27, at the Park Avenue Complex/Freehold Intermediate School Library (Door #9), 280 Park Ave. And expect not only conversation, but coffee and other refreshments to make the session comfortable and social.

And the importance of these conversations in bringing the schools and the community together is not lost on supporters of the borough schools.

Michael has "seamlessly become a part of the Freehold Borough community, already participating in and engaging with numerous organizations," said Freehold Educational Foundation Chairperson Jean Holtz.

"Once again, we are fortunate to have such a committed educator and leader guiding our district," Holtz said.

Asia Michael's new role

It's all part of Michael's larger role in becoming the new face of a district that is diverse yet unified, she says, in a mutual sense of community.

"Our school community embraces and celebrates diversity and excels at being a welcoming environment for all," she said.

And Board President Joseph Santonacita said he sees her leadership as central to the district mission.

"Since joining us in December, Asia Michael has done an amazing job engaging the students and their families, our staff, and community," he said.

There are approximately 1,600 students across three schools. The Freehold Learning Center (FLC) serves students in grades PreK to 2; Park Avenue Elementary (PAE) serves students in grades 3 to 5; and Freehold Intermediate School (FIS) serves students in grades 6 to 8.

Michael said state aid funding this year is not an issue for the district: "Luckily, we did not have funding problems with this year’s state aid. We are fortunate enough to be fully funded for next year," she said.

Student demographics include 81 percent Hispanic, 10 percent White, 6 percent Black/African American, 1 percent Asian, and 2 percent other, Michaels said. She added that 21 percent of district students are multilingual learners. District communications are in English and Spanish.

"The district is very fortunate to have partnerships with various community organizations to ensure our students and families have access to a plethora of resources. We have a dedicated Board of Education who consistently focus on student achievement and engaging the community," she added.

And there's more. . .

Michael came to Freehold after serving as the superintendent of the Southampton Township School District in Burlington County. She began this job on Dec. 11. Her contract will run through June 30, 2027. You can read more in a past Patch article.

“The Board is delighted to welcome Mrs. Michael,” said Paul Jensen, last year's president of the Freehold Borough Board of Education at the time her hiring was announced. “She comes to us with a wealth of experience and dynamic leadership qualities that will greatly enhance our district in the years to come.”

Michael attended Rutgers University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Sociology before obtaining her Master of Science in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment.

Michael took over duties from Rocco Tomazic, who returned from retirement to serve as interim superintendent since July 1 of 2023, after the resignation of then-Superintendent Joseph Howe. Howe was superintendent from Sept. 1, 2021 to June 30, 2023.

Tomazic had been superintendent from April 1, 2013 to Aug. 31, 2021. He died March 9 at age 72, and Michael, along with many others in the community, praised Tomazic's dedication and vision.

Michael also shared a little bit about herself and her family:

She grew up in Middlesex County, moving to Burlington County when in high school. She has lived there ever since.

She does not have plans to move to Freehold because she is minutes away from family and siblings - and her immediate family includes her husband, Anthony, and two children, Ashanti and Taariq. She also has a one-year-old "grand pup" named Ace.

"Yes, I am a 'fur' grandma to a miniature poodle!" she laughs.

A conversation with Asia Michael

In keeping with the theme of conversation, here's one with Michael herself, in which she touches on several aspects of the district:

Q. You started here in December, so it's only been three months. What have you found to be your most pleasant discovery about the district in Freehold?

A. The most delightful revelation about the district is that all stakeholder groups are committed to ensuring that all students feel seen, heard, and valued.

There is a strong sense of community here, and you feel it as soon as you walk in the door of any building. Everyone works together to ensure all of our children's needs are met. It is wonderful!

Q. Conversely, what is an area you see for change or improvement?

A. Since I have only been here for a short period of time, I am still getting to know the district. However, there is always room for improvement.

Before I joined, the district created a five-year strategic plan highlighting changes and enhancements over the coming years. The plan consists of five priority areas, including student academic progress, facilities, and fiscal budgeting, to name a few.

We will continue to implement changes and enhancements in accordance with the outlined objectives.

Q. What are the major initiatives underway in the district right now in terms of curriculum or student support, including mental health support?

A. We have a number of ongoing initiatives, which include working with various partners to continue to address mental health for students and staff, enhancing our security measures to increase safety within our buildings, expanding STEM opportunities to expose our students to STEM-related careers, and enhancing student support to increase academic achievement.

We are currently planning our summer programs, and I am very excited to have our 21 Century Program partner with the Freehold Borough Recreation Commission to deliver a dynamic program for all borough students this year.

What are the major capital projects going on in the district?

Construction is still underway at our Park Avenue Complex. The new building (a $5.6 million project) will have 16 classrooms and some office space. Even with the inclement weather, we are pretty much still on track to open the new addition in the fall.

And looking ahead, Board President Santonacita sees a bright future for the district under Michael's leadership:

"Her dynamic leadership has made an immediate and positive impact within our schools. As we plan for next year, we are excited to see what the future holds for Freehold Boro with her at the helm," he said.