By Katherine Massopust
PERTH AMBOY – At the Public Portion of the 11/14/13 Board of Education Meeting Leslie Morrow from Project Read at Rutgers University voiced her opinion on Project Read. “Dr. Caffrey did not solicit us for Project Read. We solicited her. The one day workshops (training the teachers in Project Read) will have little effect on the teachers. They need more training. I implore you to continue Project Read.”
During the meeting, Acting Superintendent Derek Jess proposed to approve Project Read through November 2013. He stated that the cost is $54,000 for the 5 elementary schools utilizing Project Read.
Board Member Israel Varela said, “If we approve this now, there is nothing to stop it. I hate to be blackmailed – not by Rutgers – They’re nice people. Every school should give a report on it.”
Jess then decided that the Chief Literacy Officer, Dr. Damian Medina should have a look at the program and that way the Board will have honest feedback.
Varela said, “It (the feedback) should come from the staff.”
Jess answered, “I’ll make sure if the staff gives their ideas and not anyone else.”
Board Member Dianne Roman then added, “We shouldn’t take something out. These are taxpayer’s dollars. We have a responsibility to do that.”
Board Member Milady Tejeda said, “It’s very difficult to make a decision when you hear both good and bad things about a program. Reading is very important.”
Board Member Obi Gonzalez said, “I agree what is said about its problems. We need a pencil and paper survey. I’m glad that Dr. Medina is here. I don’t think it’s a terrible thing to pay for something if we have the money – and we do. Let’s do it for this month and for December and put it forward in January.”
The Board decided to amend the agenda item to include the month of December. A final decision will be made in January at the next Board Meeting.
Later in the meeting, the Rutgers representative spoke, “We have become very much a part of your schools. I’m applauding the knowledge of working with these school teachers. I can guarantee teachers will learn. Allow us to do the work that we love.”
Leslie Morrow voiced her concern of having to wait for a decision, “You don’t meet until Mid-January. Our coaches need to know. If I don’t know where they are going to be in January, I have to reassign my team.”
Acting Superintendent Derek Jess stated that he would discuss this after the meeting with Morrow. Board Members Maria Garcia and Board President Mark Carvajal were not present.
