PERTH AMBOY – Acting Deputy Chief of Police Larry Cattano addressed the City Council at the 1/12/15 Caucus Meeting. There were concerns about the closing of McGinnis School because of a health emergency. There were questions pertaining to how the situation was handled between the City, the Schools and informing the parents.
Cattano said, “The School Administrators notified the Police Department who immediately posted it on Nixle. We’re planning on having a meeting with the Board of Education to address any future crisis plans.”
Councilman Fernando Gonzalez wanted to know who was the representative from the City Council to the Board of Education. “We need to properly have better contact with them and I think legally it has to be done.”
Councilman William Petrick told Fernando Gonzalez that he nominates him to this position (as the liaison).
Gonzalez retorted, “You know I have a conflict of interest.”
Fernando Gonzalez’ wife, Obi is a Board of Education Member.
Board of Education President Samuel Lebreault and Interim Superintendent Dr. Vivian Rodriguez spoke before the Council at the 1/14/15 Meeting.
Lebreault read a prepared statement in reference to the emergency closing at the McGinnis School.
One of the comments in the statement was that the City had not communicated with the schools in some emergency situations in the past year. Lebreault named 3 separate incidents where there was police activity near the schools and the school administrators were not immediately informed. Joel Pabon volunteered to be the Council liaison to the Board of Education. Lebreault stated that he is the liaison for the Board of Education to the City.
Dr. Vivian Rodriguez said, “There will be a draft of emergency practices to notify parents. The Peterson School was opened on 1/14/15 and McGinnis School on 1/15/15.”
Resident Reinaldo Aviles said, “All schools should have been notified of this health emergency. This should include private and parochial schools. It’s important to know what job a person has who is a carrier of a contagious illness.”
Councilman Joel Pabon said, “The Board of Education did a great job of addressing mistakes that occurred. I am glad you came and addressed the Council about this.”
Mayor Diaz acknowledged that there is a lack of communications and the City had to call to get services to deal with the health problems in the school. “I wish the person a speedy recovery. I’m glad that Aviles brought up the fact that all schools should be notified about all emergencies – not just pertaining to health issues. I’m glad that Pabon is the new liaison and I’m glad about getting the new high school.”