From left, Representative from the League of Women Voters, Candidate Beth Lieberman, Representative from the LWV Barbara Chaubery, Candidate Isamar Payano, Incumbent and Board President Ken Puccio, Candidate Damaris Ramirez, Candidate Danielle Brown, Candidate Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe
*Photo by Katherine Massopust
By: Katherine Massopust
PERTH AMBOY – The Board of Education Candidates Forum took place on 10/17/18 at Perth Amboy High School. The forum was sponsored by the Perth Amboy Federation and the League of Women Voters who monitored the event. There were 6 candidates present at the forum. Candidates Maria Rodriguez and Anton Massopust were not present.
The forum began with an opening statement presented by each candidate
Isamar Payano: I’m born and raised in Perth Amboy. My parents came to America for the American Dream. I have a bachelor’s degree. I attended the Perth Amboy Public Schools and graduated in 2008. Currently I work for the City of Perth Amboy Teen Center. I’m positive I will focus on what’s best for our schools.
Beth Lieberman: I’ve taught for the last 20 years. I was a teacher mainly in the Patten School. I retired last year. I still want to contribute to the school. As a working teacher, one needs not only vision but what’s best for educators such as myself. My experience over the years makes for better ideas, better results.
Damaris Ramirez: I am a lifelong resident of Perth Amboy. My parents moved here 64 years ago. I’m involved in a lot of organizations in the City. I do policy writing. I have ideas for our children. Networking is very important in our community.
Ken Puccio: I was born and raised in Perth Amboy. I was raised by a single parent (my mom) and graduated in 1974, was in the army 4 years and lived here since that time in 1978. I first was a fireman and then a police officer. I’m now part-time. For 24 years I’ve worked in juvenile division (of the Police Department). I’m a passionate advocate for kids. I chose to stay here the last 10 years. I was the Board President for the last 2 years, and the Board Vice President for 3 years.
Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe: I’ve attended Board of Education Meetings religiously for the past 6 years. I’m an advocate for the handicapped community. I led a movement in the district to save the Honors Program. We completed that goal. I started a non-profit 501c3. We helped with updates to the curriculum, to help students get books when they had no books. 20-30 students should be the class size. For years I have tutored for free. Changes need to be made. People need to change.
Danielle Brown: I’m an Honors Student and 3-Sport Athlete and graduated Cum Lada. I’ve been a teacher for 5 years in Richmond, Virginia Public Schools. I now serve at the Cathedral (International). In 2006 I became involved in the youth minister program which is geared toward tutoring.
Anton J. Massopust was unable to come to the debate, but gave a statement: The students come first, second the parents third, the Board as a unit, fourth are the People of Perth Amboy. The ultimate goal of our educational process is to produce an productive individual who will be a good citizen.
Question: What do you see as the greatest challenge in Perth Amboy Schools?
Danielle Brown: A lot of my work now involves providing services to families for those that can’t afford necessities such as school supplies. So many factors come into the classroom. Test scores have made progress, but more can be made.
Beth Lieberman: Sitting on this side of the table is a different perspective. It’s important to create transparency.
Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe: As someone who has seen the district grow, one has to find a balance of finances and resources with the staff. If the staff doesn’t have the manpower, they can’t do what needs to be done. It’s that feedback from staff that makes sure they get what they need to serve the students.
Isamar Payano: Resources – make sure the staff has the best materials. We must do what we can for what’s best for the students. There is a language barrier – many students come from different countries. Many parents want to get involved but don’t know how to. We should be able to engage them.
Ken Puccio: I’ve been here when things are bad. I’ve seen improvements. We have room for more. 1.) Parental involvement. 2.) We need more room. Down the road we’ll need more space. We’re on course on the Board of Education and we’re moving in the right direction.
Damaris Ramirez: Parents are fearful because of immigration status. The bridge between the staff and children – some parents don’t have resources and there’s a language barrier. They’re scared to ask for help. They don’t know what’s going to happen.
Question: What do you as a candidate offer as a Board of Education Member?
Beth Lieberman: I’ve known the classroom for 28 years. I’ve seen just about everything that goes on in a classroom. My eyes offer a different perspective than what the Board sees.
Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe: My experience working with parents, students, are a fresh pair of eyes. I graduated high school in 2016. I know the dynamics and how the Board of Education works. I’ve advocated with the Union.
Isamar Payano: I work with volunteers, hundreds of kids writing different political collaborative and different community partners. There’s lots of different things students tell us consistently. I’ve dedicated my life to this. I’ve been on the other side as a student.
Ken Puccio: I will continue to be open minded and contribute to insure the school district is run properly and fairly.
Damaris Ramirez: When students, staff, and parents need help, I’ll bridge that gap and express their concerns to help the staff and parents.
Danielle Brown: I’m a former educator and will bring experience to the Board. I have been an adjunct. I’m a product of the City of Perth Amboy. I was a 3-sport athlete in high school and college. As a college athlete, I have a history of teamwork. My life’s work has been in the community and I have the energy for the Board.
Question: What is the role of a School Board Member?
Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe: Doing what’s required, run the business of the school district, working with parents and staff, knowing the dynamics of the school system, and the community. Working with parents and staff in what benefits the students, staff and parents. Come with new ideas and be there overall.
Isamar Payano: To set policy, advocate, plan, promote students with vision. To plan how to improve the district. To establish policies that are feasible on what we want and advocate for the community. Measure benchmarks for the goals.
Ken Puccio: I’ve sat here and gone through all the groundwork. We make policy and make sure the district runs properly. We establish a relationship with the Superintendent, and make sure students, teachers, staff and parents work together. We are the advocates of Perth Amboy, not only here, but to the City itself.
Damaris Ramirez: To make policy. Make sure everyone involved benefits. Makes plans that are feasible and to set policy with the Board and Superintendent that are going to work.
Danielle Brown: To call for and provide accountability and I will support those who we hire to have accountability and measure progress.
Beth Lieberman: Advocate and ensure for entire school community in manner as best as possible and to have responsible education.
Question: What qualities make for an effective school board member?
Isamar Payano: I’m open to change and improvement and funding in the community and care for the well-being of our youth. To understand to compromise and work together effectively and compassionately and do what is best for our children.
Ken Puccio: One must respect one another and their opinions. We don’t always agree. Work as a team and come to a conclusion. Advocate and work together for the kids and staff, whatever personal bias you have stays at the door. It’s important we all get along.
Damaris Ramirez: Take yourself personally out of the equation. Respect each other.
Danielle Brown: I have a finger on the pulse of the community and what will impact Board decisions. What’s the bigger picture for the entire district.
Beth Lieberman: Collaborate, communicate, both with the administration, Board Members, parents and students. Problem solving is important. I’m a good listener. You make decisions that will impact the children.
Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe: Transparency with the community needs to be a good foundation. When you’re on a committee, know the specifics of that committee. Be a good sorter and a good researcher. Know what’s the truth and what’s not, know what can be done – what policies are good and what needs to be changed. Transparency is most important.
Question: How would you balance the budget pressures against the growing needs of the community?
Ken Puccio: Perth Amboy is a special needs district. Over 80% of our budget is from outside the City. 20% of the budget comes from the taxpayers – their fair share. $27 million in taxpayers’ money comes from the City. We really should be paying $46 million, – their fair share, but for certain reasons we don’t. Our budget is around $300 million. We are the watchdog on what is spent and if it is spent wisely. We should be ever vigilant.
Damaris Ramirez: We have to be very vigilant. When all our expenses we have our budget needs, so the rest doesn’t have to bear the burden.
Danielle Brown: Giving needs of the community funding and identify the needs of the district. You must prioritize needs and have an understanding what comes to the table for the needs of many. We don’t want anyone to lose out. We must be careful when making these decisions.
Beth Lieberman: We all deal with these types of budge decisions at home. It’s the same thought process. It’s similar with the Board of Education. Keep the priorities.
Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe: It’s a very intricate priority of the Board of Education to make sure the school district run smoothly. There are many priorities for the state. Perth Amboy does not pay its fair share and it’s important to the School Board to focus on what the needs of our staff and students are.
Isamar Payano: The way is prioritizing. We have to be diligent. Prioritizing and evaluating the budget. At the end of the day, what is the best way to handle the issue.
Question: What factors are critical to education? What would you do to improve this?
Damaris Ramirez: Our graduates are not on par with students in other districts. Things can be done to improve that. Allow students to do more on the computer.
Danielle Brown: Classroom size is important. It is nearly impossible to teach (in a huge teacher to student ration) which starts chaos. Classroom size impacts where the students learn. Students need the tools to compete.
Beth Lieberman: A decent ratio of teacher/children is important to learn. When you have parents that are involved, the students can have a better education.
Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe: A few years ago, Perth Amboy paid a lot of money (for a research study on this subject). In the first 1½ years many of our K-1 students are behind by 6 months. By 2nd & 3rd Grade, they are 1½ years behind, by the 4th Grade many students are on a 1st Grade reading level or 2nd Grade Math level. Looking at those immigrant children, status is irrelevant to education in my opinion, our students are at a major disadvantage. I see the need to close the gap.
Isamar Payano: Send teachers to the right professional development. The culture and energy of families are giving them the equipment they need for their education.
Ken Puccio: Our most important vessel is the classroom teacher who gives all the students need. A happy staff is a productive staff. We need to find a happy medium. It all begins with the classroom teacher.
Question: Many new staff members are leaving and retire as soon as eligible. What would you do to retain staff?
Danielle Brown: Make decisions to alleviate the pressure. Create a work environment with understanding this is a district where you support the educators.
Beth Lieberman: I believe decision making and what is happening now in our district. We are not that different than other districts. We are not the lowest priced district. Salary is not the single answer. Raise the bar just like in the other districts. Stress exams and what teachers need to do to function.
Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe: This was recently brought up at the Board of Education Meeting. Teachers, staff, personnel come and go. That’s the reality. Colonia High School was given the bronze medal, and teachers there were paid less than here. Make sure morale is up. Teachers feeling valued and that knowing their opinions matter is important.
Isamar Payano: More teamwork. Feeling appreciated. More staff involvement in decision making. The ratio of classroom size is important.
Ken Puccio: I’m a team member of the Board of Education. What’s happening to teachers is not only in Perth Amboy, but statewide and across the nation. A lot of pressure is put on teachers today. We should improve morale. People who do choose to leave, find out the reason. We need dialogue with staff. There should be an exiting interview. Never close the door with them.
Damaris Ramirez: There should be an open-door policy. Feel comfortable everyday discuss something. Help them do a good job.
Question: Where do you stand on privatization of schools?
Beth Lieberman: I’m a firm believer in public school education. Education should not be based on money.
Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe: I’m a strong believer of public-school education. We must do what’s best for our district. Ultimately what we do for the district will affect us.
Isamar Payano: It’s important to have the best education. I believe in a public-school education.
Ken Puccio: No. I would never vote to privatize any part of the school system. Most of our employees live in this town. For example, instead of outsourcing for the need of additional landscaping, the maintenance department is doing it. It usually hurts the little people (to privatize services). I would never vote to privatize any department.
Damaris Ramirez: I’m against privatization. It hurts our community. A lot of good comes out of public-school education.
Danielle Brown: I am a product of the public-school system. I am opposed to privatizing any shape or form.
Closing Statements:
Danielle Brown: Thank you to the AFT and LWV and everyone. I also ask for you for the opportunity to serve the City of Perth Amboy.
Damaris Ramirez: Thanks for the opportunity to have this forum.
Isamar Payano: I’ve committed my life to service working with grassroots efforts. I care about results and making effective change. I’m very passionate about Perth Amboy. I have a pulse on the community and the challenges that are youth based.
Beth Lieberman: I want to thank the AFT and League of Women Voters. My experience as a classroom teacher can only be a positive course for the Board of Education. Teachers by nature are looking for community involvement.
Ken Puccio: I want to thank the AFT and LWV. I’ve been here 9½ years. I’ve been here through bad times and the beginning of good times. I have no regrets. If I did it all over I would make the same decisions. We have are building a new high school, new elementary school, and we have the start of a Dual Language School. I am proud to be a part of it. I don’t take that lightly.
Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe: 6 years goes by quickly. We’ve gone through a lot of changes, both positive and negative. Work needs to be done. We do what’s best for the district. I want to thank the AFT and LWV. Always put education first.
