Varela Asks for Security to Remove Audience Member
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- Jared Boyd “This was wrong!”
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- Board Member Ortiz “I vote No!”
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- Alex Perez New Varsity Baseball Coach
Board Vice-President Israel Varela conducted the meeting for the absent President, Obi Gonzalez *Photos by Carolyn Maxwell
PERTH AMBOY – At the 2/6/14 Board of Education Meeting the hiring of a new Varsity Baseball Coach overshadowed all other agenda items. Amid controversy Alex Perez was appointed the Head Coach. The appointment is effective March 1, 2014 to June 30, 2014 at a pro-rated stipend of the amount $7,425.00
Board Member William Ortiz was the lone “No” vote. Board President Obi Gonzalez and Board Member Maria Garcia were absent. Vice President Israel Varela conducted the meeting.
15 year employee of the Perth Amboy School System Ryan Boyd is presently the JV Baseball Coach. He was a candidate for Varsity Baseball Coach when the position opened up a couple of months ago after Former Varsity Baseball Coach Ernest Kregeloh left.
At that previous Board Meeting, when it came time for the sitting Board to vote for Boyd as Head Coach, some Board Members abstained. The item was tabled.
At the 2/6/14 BOE Meeting Board Member William Ortiz was upset that Boyd was pushed out. He remarked, “Boyd was a dedicated employe for 15 years.”
Jared Boyd, who is the brother of Ryan told the Board Members during the public portion that they were influenced when they voted. Jared Boyd did not attack Alex Perez, and said that Perez was qualified, but added, “No one told my brother (Ryan) that he was not hired. Things are not getting better. This is wrong.”
Alan Silber
Resident Alan Silber made his feelings known about how the new Baseball Coach was picked. Silber started out by thanking Board Member Ortiz for what he said in regards to Boyd being passed over for the position. Silber continued, “I am not putting down the person who was picked as the new coach. I think 3 of the Board Members are conflicted on this appointment. You need to rethink that vote. You should have a re-vote.” Resident Sharon Hubberman said, “There was a gentleman who spoke at a past meeting who was very adamant about who should be the new coach. If there is a conflict of interest, you should abstain. There should be transparency and a standardized test for all applicants.”
A Richardson School teacher with 24 years experience said, “With hiring of new positions, I hope you will listen to us. I am disappointed that addendum’s do not have more information.”
Varela responded to the accusations. He called upon Acting Superintendent Dr. Vivian Rodriguez to explain how recommendations come to the Board.
Dr. Rodriguez explained, “A committee consisting of parents, administrators, teachers, assistant administrators and instructional leaders, observers and an athletic committee voice their opinions. Decisions are made openly. A vote is tallied as to who they think should be selected.”
New Board Member Anthony Bermudez agreed with Dr. Rodriguez’ explanation. “This was a fair process. I don’t appreciate being accused.”
Sam Lebreault, who was a former Board Member and then was elected again in November 2013 said, “I was not a Board Member when this item was voted upon the first time. Because of the number of abstentions, this item was tabled by those sitting Board Members. I don’t hold myself accountable to people who support me. The Superintendent (Vivian Rodriguez) makes sure everyone has a voice.”
Board Member William Ortiz asked, “Was a committee present for all the other coaching choices?”
Dr. Rodriguez responded, “It’s impossible to sit through all interview processes. I found out today, that in the past 30 years, interview committees did not exist.”
Newly appointed coach Perez came to the podium to thank the Board for their support. He said, “I have a plan to help our kids. I’ve played pro-ball. I have a network system and a lot of contacts to help the kids. I’ve done it as a player and as a coach. I will not let you down.”
According to posted information: Perez was born in Puerto Rico but raised in Perth Amboy and is a graduate of Perth Amboy High School. He was a pitching star in Perth Amboy High School and continued to be a star player in college. He also played pro and semi-pro ball.
After suffering injuries which ended which his baseball career, Perez became a baseball coach. He has a B.A. in Criminal Justice.
Leslie Dominguez-Rodriguez welcomed Dr. Rodriguez back and the new Board Members. She said, “Alex Perez is giving back to his community.”
Towards the end of the meeting, Varela asked security to remove a relative of Ryan Boyd after he made an outburst.
In Israel Varela’s report at the beginning of the meeting, in Obi Gonzalez’ absence, he stated, “Hiring is done on recommendations of staff members, and audience involvement. I am very pleased with this. This is the way it should be. Everyone had a voice and does have a voice.”
