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Board of Education Election of President & Vice President Deadlocked

Board Member Lissett Lebron is sworn in.
*Photos by Katherine Massopust

By Katherine Massopust

PERTH AMBOY – The 1/10/18 Board of Education Meeting began with the JROTC presenting the colors to salute the flag. Board Secretary Derek Jess read the results of the 11/7/17 Election. Jess then read the Board of Education process.

Newly elected Board Member Jesus Martinez was not present due to being out of state for training. Newly elected Board Member Lissett Lebron was sworn in first. Then reelected Board Member Milady Tejada was sworn in.

Board Member Milady Tejeda is sworn in.

Nominations for Board President were as follows: Board Member Tashi Vasquez nominated Board Member Junior Iglesia for President. Board Member Randy Convery seconded the nomination. Board Member Anton J. Massopust nominated Ken Puccio for President. Board Member Milady Tejeda seconded the nomination.

The votes for Junior Iglesia as Board President were as follows: Board Members Tashi Vasquez, Junior Iglesia, Randy Convery, and Lissett Lebron voted “Yes”. Board Members Anton J. Massopust, Obi Gonzalez, Milady Tejeda, and Ken Puccio voted “No.”

Board Member
Junior Iglesia

The votes for Ken Puccio as Board President were as follows: Board Members Anton J. Massopust, Obi Gonzalez, Milady Tejeda, and Ken Puccio voted “Yes”. Board Members Tashi Vasquez, Junior Iglesia, Randy Convery, and Lissett Lebron voted “No”.

This was a 4/4 tie.

Board Member Junior Iglesia made a motion to postpone the vote until newly elected Board Member Jesus Martinez was present and could participate. “Maybe we can meet next week to vote. I believe we are punishing him for being in the military.”

Board Secretary Derek Jess asked Board Attorney Isabel Machado what the law is regarding this matter. Machado answered the law states today (1/10/18) was the last day that the Board could elect a President. She cited the state statuettes.

There was now a second round of votes for President:

Board Member Ken Pucci

The second round of votes for Junior Iglesia as Board President were as follows: Board Members Tashi Vasquez, Junior Iglesia, Randy Convery, and Lissett Lebron voted “Yes”. Board Members Anton J. Massopust, Obi Gonzalez, Milady Tejeda, and Ken Puccio voted “No.”

The second round votes for Ken Puccio as Board President were as follows: Board Members Anton J. Massopust, Obi Gonzalez, Milady Tejeda, and Ken Puccio voted “Yes”. Board Members Tashi Vasquez, Junior Iglesia, Randy Convery, and Lissett Lebron voted “No”.

Again, there was a 4/4 tie.

Jess then moved on to ask for a nomination for Vice President. Board Member Junior Iglesia nominated Tashi Vasquez. Board Member Randy Convery seconded the motion. Board Member Anton J. Massopust nominated Milady Tejeda. Board Member Obi Gonzalez seconded the nomination.

Board Member Tashi Vasquez

The votes for Tashi Vasquez for Vice President went as follows: Board Members Tashi Vasquez, Junior Iglesia, Randy Convery, and Lissett Lebron voted “Yes”. Board Members Anton J. Massopust, Obi Gonzalez, Milady Tejeda, and Ken Puccio voted “No.”

The votes for Milady Tejeda as Vice President were as follows: Board Members Anton J. Massopust, Obi Gonzalez, Milady Tejeda, and Ken Puccio voted “Yes”. Board Members Tashi Vasquez, Junior Iglesia, Randy Convery, and Lissett Lebron voted “No”.

This was a 4/4 Tie for Vice President.

Jess then asked for a second round of votes for Vice President.

The second round of votes for Tashi Vasquez for Vice President went as follows: Board Members Tashi Vasquez, Junior Iglesia, Randy Convery, and Lissett Lebron voted “Yes”. Board Members Anton J. Massopust, Obi Gonzalez, Milady Tejeda, and Ken Puccio voted “No.”

Board Member
Milady Tejeda

The second round of votes for Milady Tejeda as Vice President were as follows: Board Members Anton J. Massopust, Obi Gonzalez, Milady Tejeda, and Ken Puccio voted “Yes”. Board Members Tashi Vasquez, Junior Iglesia, Randy Convery, and Lissett Lebron voted “No”.

Again, there was a 4/4 Tie for Vice President.

Board Secretary Derek Jess then stated, “I will reach out to the County Superintendent who will chose a President and Vice President.”

There was a presentation on Ethics for School Officials given by Mary Ann Friedman, Field Service Representative for the New Jersey School Boards Association.

During the New Business portion of the agenda, Board Member Milady Tagged said a few words, “Today is a very good day. I thank God. And I thank Manuel Nunez and Eddie Tejada (Tejeda’s running mates). I believe in education. When education needs and goals are met, children attend top universities or serve in the military to achieve their dreams. I welcome new Board Members Lissett Lebron and Jesus Martinez. We are on the right track and moving forward. I want to thank the employees, parents and everyone. The future starts now. May God bless you all!”

Board Member Lisett Lebron then spoke, “I look forward to promote student achievement. If we give our best, students will achieve. Thanks to all of those who make this possible, putting students first, always. We need each other. I’m humbled by this honor.”

Board Member Tashi Vasquez addressed the Board, “It’s so rewarding. It’s just phenomenal. The work is hard. It’s a great feeling and we will continue to work – together we can do it.”

Board Member Randy Convery said, “Happy New Year! Some members are in a group called the Municipal Alliance educating youth on drug and alcohol abuse. There’s going to be a Brighton Avenue Teen Center.”

No one spoke during the public portion.

Board Member Junior Iglesia asked that the language that was adopted in regard to the election be gone over during the executive session. The main part of the meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m. The Board then went into executive session with no formal action taken.

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