Board Vice President Tashi Vasquez, Board President Ken Puccio *Photos by Paul W. Wang
Márquez-Villafañe, Massopust, Puccio Sworn In As Board of Education Members; Puccio Elected President; Vasquez Vice-President
1/3/19 Board of Education Reorganization Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
PERTH AMBOY – At the 1/3/19 Board of Education Reorganization Meeting, newly elected Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe was sworn in first. Márquez-Villafañe is the youngest female Board Member serving in New Jersey. Re-elected Board Members Anton J. Massopust and Ken Puccio were sworn in next.
Márquez-Villafañe made some remarks: “Thanks to everyone who voted. I want to thank my running mates, thank Obi (Gonzalez) – she gave me her blessings. It was incredible.”
Board Member Anton J. Massopust stated, “I thank my family, my running mates and the people who voted for me. I will do my best for the students, staff, the Board of Education, and the people of Perth Amboy. Thank you.”
Board Member Ken Puccio stated, “I want to thank my running mates, the Board Members and the people who supported me. It’s my fourth term. I’m very thankful to my Life Partner, Lillian. Thank you.”
Board Secretary Derek Jess read the election results. The votes went as follows: Ken Puccio – 3,238 votes; Anton J. Massopust – 2,977 votes; Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe – 2,785 votes.
Ken Puccio was nominated for Board President and was voted in unanimously. Tashi Vasquez was nominated for Vice-President. The only “No” vote was from Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe.
During the meeting, Board Member Junior Iglesia stated that he wanted the language in the resolution which was being voted on that the public should be given knowledge what is being discussed during executive session without divulging personal or sensitive information.
Board Attorney Isabel Machado stated the language could be changed to be more specific.
The Board went into executive session at 6:07 p.m. and returned at 8:37 p.m.
PERTH AMBOY – Board of Education Member Ken Puccio is sworn in by Board Secretary Derek Jess. Life Partner Lillian Dix holds the Bible.
During the first public portion on agenda items only, Resident Stanley Sierakowski asked about p.4 B.1. Notification from the Planning Board that an application has been made affecting the premises located at 853 Convery Blvd., 593 Dorothy Avenue, 889 Convery Blvd. and 895 Convery Blvd. by the Pautential Property Management, LLC requesting bulk variances to subdivide the referenced property and to attach to the existing Garden State Discount Liquors.
Board Secretary Derek Jess stated that Garden State Liquors wants to expand and that the property is near the site of the new Perth Amboy High School.
Sierakowski then asked, “Did anyone ask what type of expansion?”
Jess answered, “No.”
Sierakowski then suggested, “That’s a very large space. Look into it. Thank you.”
President Ken Puccio gave the Board President’s Report, “The name of the new Seaman Avenue School will be the Rose Lopez School. We received a letter written by Rose’s husband, Mr. Jose Lopez thanking the Board of Education for naming the new elementary school the Rose Lopez School.”
PERTH AMBOY – Board of Education Member Anton J. Massopust is sworn in by Board Secretary Derek Jess. Daughter Katherine and Son, Anton hold the bible as Wife Marcella looks on.
Mr. Jose Lopez who was present at the Board Meeting came up to speak at the podium, “It was like winning the lottery – we were shocked. It’s overwhelming. Years ago, I went to the Richardson School and there’s a display (On Dr. Herbert Richardson). Rose was also a musician. She played the accordion. She worked as a musical therapist in New York City. I wondered what I could do with her college degree.” Mr. Lopez then suggested that he would like to donate some items for a display at the new school, “We went to Samuel E. Shull School. I heard his degree ended up in a bakery. If you accept the memorabilia (for a display), I don’t want it to end up in a bakery. There was a book written in the 1980’s by Vera B. Williams, “Something Special for Me.” This book talks about Rose who plays the accordion. It could be just like her. I don’t know how she wrote that book, which could be about Rose. The year she (Rose Lopez) died, she took the accordion and said “I can’t hold it anymore and she put it on a stool. Just like the picture in the book. Vera B. Williams did not know Rose.” Mr. Lopez then gave each Board Member a copy of the book.
There was a discussion on P.7.FIN-12) 2). Approval to award a contract to the Yannuzzi Group, Inc. for the High School Court Yard Demolition, Edward Engineering at the amount of $72,500.00. Under the supervision of Mr. Nicholas Crupi, Director of Buildings and Grounds and Mr. Derek J. Jess, School Business Administrator.
Another topic of the discussion was the high turnover rate in the district. Board Member Junior Iglesia asked, “When we appoint people to positions, it should be for a lifetime career in Perth Amboy. 111 staff members left. Today, 19 staff members resigned. Is there any suggestion to lower the turnover rate for our staff?”
Mr. Rodriguez came up to the podium, “We’re certainly going through great measures to retain quality staff. During our interviews, most say they have no concern for the district. Certain situations are personal. Some moved out of state. Some were part-time and got full-time positions elsewhere. We’re working with other factions that have retained quality staff.”
Iglesia asked, “The high ratio (of turnover) has an impact on student learning. We try to retain quality staff.”
PERTH AMBOY – Newly elected Board of Education Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe is sworn in by Board Secretary Derek Jess. Looking on are Councilwoman Milady Tejeda, Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez. Holding the Bible is retired Board Member Obi Gonzalez.
Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe asked, “Do we have a ratio of staff leaving?
Dr. David Roman answered, “Statistically the staff we have to the staff resigning. We want quality staff. The expectations has also been raised. One teacher expected to make $20,000 more by going someplace else.”
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Richard Chromey stated, “Money, distance, some said this is harder than expected. 5%-6%.”
Dr. Roman said, “We spend a lot of time and money for good staff. The variables to what have to be done is a different perspective.”
Board Vice-President Tashi Vasquez thanked everyone for supporting her as Vice-President. “I am humbled. I look forward to leading this district with my colleagues.”
During the second public portion, Stanley Sierakowski came up to speak, “About 30 years ago, a developer was approved for 1300-1600 units of houses. Part of the area was supposed to have a school and a firehouse. That was removed. It had to be voted on in the City Council. Does the Board know about it? Right now, in 2019, 50 acres of Perth Amboy, the Redevelopment Agency is putting at least 400 units up. I asked if there is any provision for schools. She (the Executive Director who does not live in Perth Amboy) said “No, it’s the responsibility of the Board of Education.” I know you have a liaison. Once they get the zoning changed, if you have eminent domain, can you use it? The interest of the developer – if they don’t have to zone for a school – they don’t care. They don’t care what the needs are. The Executive Director said this is not their responsibility.”
Before the Meeting was adjourned, Board President Ken Puccio stated, “I want to recognize everyone up here. We’re not paid to do this. In the last three years, the Board has come together collaboratively. Up here, we’re a team. We all work together. All of us together will work with students, community, and staff.” Puccio then gave special thanks to Board Member Anton J. Massopust, “He has dedicated 60+ years to the community.”
The Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. All Board Members were present.
