12/7/17 Board of Education Meeting

By: Katherine Massopust

PERTH AMBOY – At the 12/7/17 BOE Meeting, there was a moment of silence in remembrance of the anniversary of the Bombing of Pearl Harbor. Board Member and City Historian Anton Massopust stated that two Perth Amboy Citizens: Robert Arneson and Neal Lucey died in Pearl Harbor. Lucey was on the Arizona and Arneson died defending the Harbor. The flags were at half-mast in remembrance of that fatal day. “There is a song on Pearl Harbor we used to sing:

Let’s REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR

As we go to meet the foe.

Let’s REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR

As we did the Alamo.

We will always remember how they died for Liberty.

Let’s REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR

And go on to victory.”

Students who got perfect scores on the PARCC (Language Arts and Mathematics) & NJASK (Science) Perfect Scores were honored with certificates given out by Dr. Rodriguez, Dr. Medina, and Mr. Heidelberg.

There was a second presentation on the Bi-literacy Bilingual Program by Ms. Daisy Rodriguez.

During Public Comments on Agenda Items Only, PAFT President Pat Paradiso spoke out against the present policy on Staff Members who come late to school. “Staff Members who come late after 4 times are docked a half day’s pay. Sometimes a staff member comes in only one minute late, or are late 4 times for a total of 4 minutes and are docked a half day’s pay. In many cases, this didn’t interfere with instruction of students. Sometimes parents are dropping off their kids or staff are trying to find parking. Many of the staff donate their own money to buy books for children at book fairs. Being marked late for sometimes one second for 4 times is a harsh punishment. People should be on time, but we are human.”

Donna Fox, a Teacher at Wilentz School spoke about the lateness policy as well. “Last year, I was on a committee who recommended policies for tardiness with teachers. At the time, our policy was not considered. Many of our staff have to park on the streets. I’ve heard that have to get out of their cars to move garbage cans. Snowstorms limits parking. There are unforeseen circumstances, accidents on the highways and parents with sick kids. In my day, the Victory Bridge could be open so I would call in if there were delays due to an accident and I was able to call the High School and tell them I would be late. Staff Members volunteer many of their hours. This punitive policy is a very extreme penalty and does not fit the infraction. Please revisit the policy. I’d be happy to sit on a committee to revise this policy.”

Donna Tartza spoke about the policy as well. “The consequences for tardiness are extremely harsh. Fair labor standards state you can only dock pay within reason. $232.88 docked pay for (3 hours of no pay) for staff members is too severe.”

Parent Mary Lee Torres spoke about the need for a special education teacher for her daughter. Superintendent Dr. David Roman directed her to the Director of Special Services.

During the Business Portion of the Meeting, Dr. David Roman pulled the Tardiness Policy from the Agenda due to the concerns that were spoken by the Union Representatives.

During the Public Portion, Donna Stewart spoke on behalf of the PTO. “More parents are getting involved. The parent workshop on the current immigration laws was well attended. It is district wide. We want to raise awareness. We always have a speaker and we wish to empower the community.”

The Board honored Board Member Manuel Nunez who was not present at the Meeting. Nunez lost the election in November 2017 and his term as a Board Member is over. The Board thanked Nunez for his service. Board President Ken Puccio accepted the plaque in his honor.

The Board wished everyone Happy Holidays for the last Meeting of 2017.