Board Member Mark Carvajal

By Joseph L. Kuchie —

PERTH AMBOY – The confusion brought by the district’s reduced lunch forms has caused Perth Amboy board member Mark Carvajal to seek immediate change.

Carvajal questioned the procedure of filling out the district’s free or reduced lunch forms at the Board of Education meeting on July 26th. He said that some parents were confused on whether or not they had to fill the forms out regardless of whether or not they were eligible.

Board secretary Derek Jess said parents are not required to fill out the forms, and if they fill out the forms and are not eligible for free or reduced lunch, the food service department will send a letter to their home saying they are not eligible. Carvajal argued that there is no area where parents can check whether or not the form is for record only.

“There should be a form that clearly identifies in writing that you are well aware you are not eligible but you’re filling it out for record only,” Carvajal said. “There is no option for that on the form. I suggest we put something on there that says it is for record only.”

Board member Janelle Rodriguez agreed with Carvajal and suggested that something be added onto the forms. She said that it is not clear whether or not the parents have to fill the forms out, and adding a separate box or form would help clarify it.

“Perhaps add a separate sheet and instructions that say you are not mandated to fill out the form. If you realize you do not qualify, you do not have to fill it out,” Rodriguez said. “There is confusion and if we can not change the form itself, perhaps add a section at the end.”

Board secretary Jess explained that the board cannot legally change the forms that are used for free or reduced lunch, but there could be ways to help parents get the right information.

“We are not allowed to change the form or directions, but perhaps we can include language that suggests that the forms are for information purposes only,” Jess said. “We can not force them to fill out the form but we can do the best we can to give them the proper information.”

Carvajal asked the board to work on the ongoing problems that other members are facing so they can get back to helping the children of the school district. He wanted the board to do their job and get back to what they were supposed to be doing.

“We need to come up with solutions to fix these problems and we have to address these issues. We were elected so we can put a stop to this,” Carvajal said. “We have to find solutions so we can get back on track and do what we are supposed to do, which is take care of our district and our kids.”

Carvajal was also discouraged by the ongoing allegations with the lunch applications and hiring practices. He believed that an investigation must be done so the board can move forward.

“We need an investigation of this board because going to the media will not fix these problems, Carvajal said. “Bring it to the forefront and let people know what truly happened. We need to start working on addressing these issues.”

Perth Amboy will offer free reduced / free meal application workshops for parents starting on August 6, 2012 at 9:00 AM. All information can be found on the Perth Amboy Public Schools website at www.paps.net.