by Joseph L. Kuchie —

PERTH AMBOY – The frustration continued at last week’s special Perth Amboy Board of Education meeting as Vice President Kenneth Puccio proposed a resolution to restrict Superintendent Dr. Janine Caffrey from doing certain things.

Puccio proposed seven different items that would prevent further conflict between the board and Dr. Caffrey, including barring her from publicly speaking about the board and soliciting new educational programs without board consent. He believed that Caffrey had done nothing but portray the board in a negative light and that the board had lost faith in her work.

“Dr. Caffrey has chosen to make her version of our concerns a matter of public discussion,” Puccio said. “She has given newspaper interviews, called into radio shows, posted tweets on her Twitter account, and made Youtube videos at every opportunity placing her side of the story in the public domain and portraying this board in the most unfavorable light possible.”

However, after his fifteen-minute statement, the board voted against passing the resolution mostly due to a lack of information. Board members Dianne Roman and Kurt Rebovich explained that it was the first time they had heard about the resolution and declined to approve something without further information.

“It’s said that this represents the entire board, yet I am just hearing about this resolution proposed by council right here, right now,” Roman said. “Out of respect for the members of the board, the resolution should be shared with other members prior to the time when we are set to vote.”

Other board members like Israel Varela supported the resolution despite the lack of information. He believed that the resolution was the right step in moving forward with the process.

“This is the first time I’ve heard about it, but I’m glad it’s out there. This is why we elected you President and Vice President, to guide the rest of the board.” Varela said. “Ms. Roman is right, there are certain things that some members are more privileged to know then others, but I agree with this and it should take affect because the reality is… how bad do we look right now?”

Dr. Caffrey declined comment on Puccio’s proposed resolution, but she had a look of frustration leaving the Perth Amboy High School auditorium once the meeting was adjourned. Caffrey failed to speak with anyone from the board and sternly took her things and walked out of the room.

There was also tension between Board President Samuel Lebreault and board member Mark Carvajal outside the school once the meeting was over. The problems started when Carvajal began to leave the meeting before Lebreault adjourned, forcing Lebreault to call Carvajal out in front of the audience.

Carvajal explained that he was answering a phone call, and that there was no reason to be called out in front of the people in attendance. Lebreault believed that Carvajal should have waited for him to clear the meeting, and told Carvajal to “act professional” as the meeting closed.