Asia Michael To Lead Freehold Borough School District

FREEHOLD, NJ — Asia Michael has been named as the next superintendent of schools for the Freehold Borough District, the Board of Education has announced.

Michael, currently the superintendent of the Southampton Township School District in Burlington County, will begin her new post in Freehold on Dec. 11.

“The Board is delighted to welcome Mrs. Michael,” said Paul Jensen, president of the Freehold Borough Board of Education. “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 will take over duties from Rocco Tomazic, who returned from retirement to serve as interim superintendent since July 1, after the resignation of 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.

Michael’s contract will run through June 30, 2027, and calls for an annual salary of $180,000, prorated, with an increase of 3.5 percent on July 1, 2024 and each July 1 thereafter, according to the contract.

Upon receipt of her doctoral degree, Michael will receive an immediate increase to her base salary, at the time the degree is conferred, of 1.5 percent, the contract states.

The period of employment for Michael begins Sept. 1, 2023, ending on June 30, 2027, according to her employment contract.

According to her bio, Michael has more than 20 years of experience in public education. She began her career as a classroom teacher serving students in Trenton before a career in Burlington Township.

Michael is "an advocate for public education committed to creating transformative experiences that ensure all students reach their highest potential, and is focused on doing what is best for all Freehold Borough School District students, staff, and families," according to the board announcement.

Michael became an educational administrator in 2015 and served as a vice principal and director of curriculum and instruction prior to being appointed to her current role as the superintendent of the Southampton Township School District.

The board said Michael has been recognized for outstanding leadership and accomplishments in the areas of "purposeful leadership, instructional leadership, resource management, and community and stakeholder involvement."

For example, as superintendent of schools in Southhampton, she collaborated with other stakeholders to develop and begin the implementation of a five-year strategic plan; established a high-performance culture; improved instruction, and raised student achievement. She also implemented initiatives that increased student opportunities, the district said in its announcement.

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.

She has obtained her supervisor and principal certifications prior to completing a post-graduate program to earn her School Administrator certification in 2020.

She is now pursuing her doctoral degree in educational leadership and social change.

Michael was also recently appointed to the Alumni Advisory Council of Western Governors University, based in Utah, and selected to serve on a national superintendent group focused on bringing awareness to and improving adolescent mental health.

The Freehold Borough public school district currently has 1,597 students with 270 employees, including 200 teachers and certificated staff. The district’s operating budget is just under $37 million dollars. The district serves grades PK-8 with students going on to the Freehold Regional High School District for grades 9-12, the district said.