By: Katherine Massopust
Dr. Vivian Rodriguez
PERTH AMBOY – During the public portion of the 7/24/14 Board of Education Meeting resident Junior Inglesia was glad to see that a Parent Literacy Convention was on the agenda. The event is scheduled to take place at the Richardson School on Saturday, October 11, 2014. “It’s the start of building a relationship with community members.” The Literacy Convention is aimed at grades PreK – 4th.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Vivian Rodriguez stated that the district committee will include volunteers and teachers.
Teacher Diane Crawford said that although the event is targeted for PreK – 4th Grades, anyone PreK – 12th Grade can be involved.
“We are expecting a large number of parents to attend the event,” said Ingelsia. He wanted to know if the event could be moved to the High School because the building could accommodate more people and has better parking.
Board Member Milady Tejada suggested Our Lady of Fatima parking lot near the Richardson School would be available if there are no services at the time of the Conference. (With permission from the Church)
Also on the agenda was the hiring of athletic coaches, including the football coaches, and the appointment of Head Football Coach Brad Bishop. Board Member Ken Puccio praised the choice of Bishop, “Many former players are now coaches. Coach Bishop played (for PAHS).” The vote was unanimous among the Board Members on the hiring of Bishop.
Bishop came up to the podium and thanked everyone. “A lot of them (football coaches) have gone to PAHS. It’s a dream of mine to be Head Coach. I already wore the red & white. I’m grateful to my staff. I want to make all the student athletes into scholar athletes. Dr. Cardona made it mandatory that all athletes have study hall during the season. I want to make it mandatory that there is study hall during the whole year and make sure they are learning. I’m only the 2nd alumnus to be Head Football Coach since Ray Geneske.”
Bishop received a standing ovation from the audience.
Board Vice President Israel Varela wanted to know what the status of building a new High School was. “I’ve been real aggressive. You know we are overcrowded. I’m worried that the City is selling the property we were interested in. Instead of debating on childish issues we should focus on a high school. We’re losing that property. It will never work unless we have that new building. We need that facility.”
Board Member Dianne Roman stated, “We have to prove ourselves as a district to have a force. The state won’t just give us $200 million. We have to do the groundwork to lay a foundation so the State will take us seriously.”
Board Member Maria Garcia agreed with Roman, “I believe we don’t’ have the ability to choose the land. The State has been here looking at the land. All of our land is contaminated. There was a piece of land years ago that belonged to the Housing Authority. All of us want a high school. We have to prove ourselves to the state. We are not here to create jobs. We cannot misinform the public. I would love to have $300 million.”
Board Member Sam Lebreault disagreed, “Perth Amboy is the only district in the state that has to prove ourselves? (If this is so) We’re doomed. It’s not getting better. More and more kids are coming in. There is a land we’re interested in. Mr. Jess has already committed a company to evaluate the land.”
Board Secretary Derek Jess, “Over the past year, the SDA (School Development Authority) has planned on building a new Elementary School on Seaman Street. We own the property. The State will not clean it. If we clean it, the SDA will build it.”
Jess continued, “As far as the high school, we do not have eminent domain – if we want to take the Delaney Homes property – we cannot use it because Federal Grant Money is being used to develop the land. The District says if we can find a property, they will build on it. The SDA stated they are ready to move forward. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes.”
Board Member Milady Tejada commented, “I agree with you that if there is only contaminated land – then clean it! The longer we wait, the worse it’s going to get.”
Board Member Ken Puccio said, “Half the property at Seaman Street is under evaluation.”
Jess answered, “The company is testing the property.”
Board Member Ken Puccio said, “There is only 4.6 square miles (in Perth Amboy) to work with.”
