Asbury Park board authorizes sale preparations for Dorothy McNish Center and maintenance building; schedules March 1 town hall on budget

The Asbury Park Board of Education voted to authorize the board attorney, board secretary and district architect to begin necessary preparations to sell the Dorothy McNish Center building and the district maintenance building, and set a community town‑hall meeting for 10 a.m. March 1 at Asbury Park High School to present budget projections and related information.

The authorization originated as a motion during the board's regular meeting and passed on roll call. Board members said the work should include planning for where maintenance operations would relocate and cost estimates for moving equipment, the possible purchase or construction of replacement storage (pole barns), and any site work needed before a sale. The board's state monitor asked that cost estimates include land, buildings and related site work to ensure the district understands the full financial impact.

Why it matters: The district faces a large budget shortfall next year, and board members and administration said potential property sales are among the strategies being considered to cover projected deficits. The March 1 meeting will be used to explain school funding basics, how pilot and residency…