'No Confidence' Votes Cast In Freehold Borough Superintendent

FREEHOLD BOROUGH, NJ — The Freehold Borough Education Association (FBEA) and Freehold Borough Administrators Association (FBAA) announced the results of separate, anonymous votes of no confidence in Superintendent Dr. Asia Michael on Thursday.

Of the 232 eligible FBEA members, 194 participated: 184 voted no confidence, five opposed the motion, and five abstained. About 95% of FBEA participants expressed no confidence, officials said.

In the FBAA, seven of eight members voted no confidence, while one abstained.

When reached by Patch, Freehold Borough Superintendent Dr. Asia Michael and Board of Education President Joe Santonacita both declined to comment.

The FBEA and FBAA votes follow a period in which both Associations say they "repeatedly brought critical concerns to district leadership" involving student and staff safety, support services, consistent implementation of district policies, staffing, and administrative decision-making.

Those concerns were communicated through Education Council meetings, written correspondence, direct discussions and formal grievances.

While some responsive measures were taken, the Associations say "too many fundamental issues remained unresolved" and that "decisions and follow-through often failed to match the urgency of the concerns raised."

FBEA members went on to say that the absence of "timely, durable responses" to concerns about learning and working conditions has left staff questioning whether their voices and firsthand experiences are being meaningfully considered.

The Association said that educators have continued working to meet students’ needs while seeking clear direction and dependable support from district leadership.

“FBEA members are committed to the well-being of every student we serve,” FBEA President Stephanie Cholak said. “Our educators and school employees work to ensure students have access to the resources, educational opportunities and support they need to succeed. This vote was not taken lightly; it is a last resort response to the lack of concern for student and staff safety.”

The FBAA said it identified "a parallel breakdown in trust" rooted in delayed staffing decisions, inconsistent administrative direction, and the exclusion of administrative leaders from decisions affecting their responsibilities.

The Association maintains that this pattern has strained working relationships and contributed to a decline in the district’s professional climate and culture.

“Our administrators are responsible for implementing district initiatives, supporting educators and sustaining the programs that serve our students,” said Jennifer Donnelly, FBAA Co-President.

“When critical concerns are repeatedly raised without clear answers or meaningful follow-through, trust in leadership erodes,” Donnelly continued. “That breakdown affects the collaboration and professional culture our schools depend on, even as our commitment to staff and students remains unwavering.”

Both Associations said that their votes reflect a loss of confidence in the Superintendent’s leadership, not in the students, educators, or potential of Freehold Borough schools.

FBEA and FBAA members said they remain committed to the district and to the sustained work required to provide safe, supportive, and effective learning environments for every student.