By: Katherine Massopust

Board Vice President Israel Varela

PERTH AMBOY – During the public portion of the 8/28/14 Board of Education Meeting the need for a new high school was stressed by the public.

Perth Amboy Democratic Chair Leslie Dominguez-Rodriguez stated, “In 2006-07 there were plans for a new high school. We saw designs studied. We were happy. Now it’s 2014 and seven years later. Pick up the ball left to you guys. Do whatever it has to be done. We need a state of the art new high school.”

Resident Katrina Middleton said, “We all deserve the best education possible. Make it a priority to build a new high school. Everyone should be together. We have to learn to get along. We need a new high school.”

Board Vice-President Israel Varela spoke adamantly, “I want to thank everyone. I want to see a new high school. There are 72 acres of land (at the Celotex Property). If we build a new high school 200 years from now it could serve the student population. We as a community can get together and advocate. They (the City) wants to develop it (the Celotex Property) so it CAN be cleaned up. We are the Board of Education! No City Hall can dictate to us. If we don’t have a facility we are bound for failure. All of us get together – No one will tell me it’s OFF THE TABLE! We can all get together and make noise!”