8/20/15 Board of Education Meeting

By: Katherine Massopust

Board Member
William Ortiz

PERTH AMBOY – Board Member William Ortiz was outraged on the contract for Special Education Services being awarded to EBS: Educational Based Services instead of Oxford Early Childhood Center (which had a contract for 20 years with the Perth Amboy School System) or Tiny Tots Early Learning Center.

Ortiz stated, “My son likes the counselor he has, why are you changing his counselor 12 days before school starts?”

Superintendent Dr. David Roman answered Ortiz, “Tiny Tots is a quality company, however, we are looking for special services. I’m confident Oxford is a quality company. We’re looking at specifics. Both Companies – Oxford and Tiny Tots: but EBS is the best company for the services we want.”

Board Member William Ortiz stated: “I’m a little confused here. Tiny Tots took care of my child. (He used their services personally) We like them because they gave individualized care.”

Representatives from EBS address the Board of Education
*Photos by Katherine Massopust

Superintendent Dr. David Roman said, “We did like that. My job is to be sure we have the greatest resources in place.”

Oritiz argued his point, “Did we consult with anybody with 12 days to go before school starts? Children don’t like sudden changes. When did you consider this change for the children?”

Roman answered, “We have areas to move forward with. There are areas that need improvement.”

Ortiz continued, “Did you consult with any parents? I don’t see the wisdom in doing this in the late hours! My kid likes his counselor. We didn’t consult the parents! The whole thing is a ruse! They want to shut me down! This was a disaster! – An unmitigated disaster! I want to see notes! My kid goes to this district! This is a sham!”

With that, an angry William Ortiz got up and left the Meeting. The motion passed to hire EBS.

During the Meeting, representatives from Oxford Early Childhood Center spoke. A spokesperson stated that more than one company could be considered at the same time for the contract.

Representatives from EBS spoke as well. The spokesperson stated that they were happy to work with the district.

The next Board of Education Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. at Perth Amboy High School, Eagle Avenue. Check the Perth Amboy Public Schools Websites for any changes: www.paps.net

Representatives from Oxford address the Board of Education