This morning Asbury Park Education Association members received an email from APEA president John Napolitani (see below) that acknowledges staff frustration as the union continues to advocate for better working conditions and better education for students. Napolitani notes ongoing legal battles as APEA battles to “turn this ship around.”

Staff members have told NJ Ed Report that district culture remains grim: at Martin Luther King Middle School, where one percent of eighth-graders are proficient in math, bathrooms are locked to prevent students from congregating and the hallways are a “racing track.” (“Do parents know about this?” asks one teacher.) At Asbury Park High School eleven seniors were suspended for discipline infractions. Last year the high school drop-out rate was 8.2%, 583% higher than the state average of 1.2%.

Good Morning,

I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone that attended the Board of Education meeting last Thursday evening, especially our paraprofessionals who took the time to attend to fight their case. Throughout the last 2.5 years, this association leadership has been fighting for better working conditions, professional decorum, and most importantly, a seat at the table to discuss the things that matter most in the district, which is properly educating our students. This has been beyond a challenge, especially when so many staff know what needs to be done.

This fight is far from over and your leadership team will continue to support EVERYONE in our units. This is an all-inclusive local, which basically means everyone except the administration are represented by the APEA. We have assigned numerous attorneys to staff, filled over 70 grievances, filed a myriad of very costly arbitrations, and continue to fight for all our rights. Improving working conditions and making this a nice place to work is paramount for the success of not only the staff, but the students we teach.

Our team will not waver in our continued fight for your rights. Although many rumors were swirling in regard to the meeting last Thursday, it was just that, rumors. I have said to multiple people that you need to trust the current process and let things play out. I assure you that I have not backed off in the least bit. I will continue the fight with our team for the betterment of the Asbury Park School District. Together, we will turn this ship around so that your concerns are heard, students are learning, and most importantly, working conditions are improved and you, as staff, are respected in your craft.

Please do not hesitate to contact any of us on the Executive Committee for continued support and encouragement. We understand the frustration everyone is feeling and again, will waiver in our fight for your rights and respect that you not only expect, but deserve. I thank everyone for their hard work and determination for our students. 

In Solidarity,

John Napolitani

APEA President