Randy Convery is sworn in as a Board Member
*Photos by Katherine Massopust

By: Katherine Massopust

PERTH AMBOY – Everyone was present at the 1/10/17 Board of Education Reorganization Meeting except for Business Administrator/Board Secretary Derek Jess. Board Attorney Jessika Kleen swore in new members Randy Convery, Junior Igelsia and Tashi Vasquez.

When it came to electing Board President, Ken Puccio was nominated by Anton J. Massopust and seconded by Jose Rodriguez. He was elected unanimously. For Board Vice-President, Milady Tejada was nominated by Jose Rodriguez and seconded by Anton J. Massopust. She was elected unanimously.

Later there was a discussion about an Agenda Item: Approval to enter into a TASC (Test Assessing Secretary Completion) Test Center Memorandum of Understanding between the Perth Amboy Education Center and the Data Recognition Corporation to provide administration of the online TASC Exam, the high school equivalency assessment and for the Perth Amboy Education Center to serve as a TASC Test Center, under the supervision or Mr. Luke Miller, Director of Adult and Continuing Education, at no cost to the district.

Junior Iglesia is sworn in as a Board Member

Board Member Tashi Vasquez questioned the necessity of this item and moved to table it until further discussion. Board Member Junior Iglesia seconded the motion.

Board Member Obi Gonzalez stated that the deadline will be missed if this item is tabled.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Vivian Rodriguez stated that this was an administered online exam.

Board Member Anton J. Massopust asked, “Will this interfere? Will we be denied service? Will the students suffer because this is delayed?”

Board Vice-President Milady Tejada asked, “Is it possible to approve it pending information?”

Board Attorney Jessika Kleen answered, “You can amend this item. You can’t vote on it  pending (information).”

“I haven’t seen a copy of this item,” Vasquez insisted.

“It’s not something the Board would need,” Kleen answered.

Board Member Junior Iglesia then stated, “It’s too vague.”

Board Member Tashi Vasquez kept insisting her opinion on this matter, “This will cost us if we approve. If we don’t approve, there may be benefits.”

Board Attorney Jessika Kleen said, “You can vote if you want to table it or not.”

Obi Gonzalez asked, “Can we vote if we want to table if we then get the information?”

“No, you can only take public action,” Kleen answered.

“Will the students suffer because of the tabling this motion?” Board Member Anton J. Massopust insisted on knowing.

Dr. Vivian Rodriguez answered, “I don’t know when the test will be given. I don’t have that answer before me.”

The vote to table was as follows: Board Members Randy Convery, Junior Iglesia and Tashi Vasquez voted, “Yes.” Board Members Obi Gonzalez, Anton J. Massopust, Manuel Nunez, Jose Rodriguez, Milday Tejada and Ken Puccio all voted “No.” Motion did not pass.

Board Member Anton J. Massopust moved to pass the item. Board Member Obi Gonzalez seconded. The vote went as follows: Board Members Randy Convery, Junior Iglesia and Tashi Vasquez voted “No.” Board Members Obi Gonzalez, Anton J. Massopust, Manuel Nunez, Jose Rodriguez, Milady Tejada, and Ken Puccio voted “Yes.” Motion passes.

Tashi Vasquez is sworn in as a Board Member.