Students who had a perfect score on the PARCC Exam pose for a photo at the 10/11/18 BOE Meeting. See other related picture at the bottom of this story.
By: Katherine Massopust
PERTH AMBOY – At the 10/11/18 Board Meeting Student Representative Kevin Chavez gave a report on the positive changes in the schools. He stated the pep rally was a success and students showed a lot of school spirit. He also stated that the Homecoming game and dance was successful.
Superintendent Dr. David Roman showed a video of all the improvements made in the high school which included a remodeled media center, a nice new guidance office and theme-based academies. This includes a new Freshman Academy coming soon.
Dr. Roman was proud to announce that the district won First Prize for their Best Newsletter and Second Prize for Best Website in the State of New Jersey.
The presentation was on the HIB Self-Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) which was presented by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Vivian Rodriguez, Assistant Superintendent Mr. Richard Chromey and Anti-Bullying Specialist, Ms. MaryJo McAdam. First, Ms. McAdam showed the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights and each school were given a score on anti-bullying. Dr. Roman stated that the assessment was given by a survey and they self-access. The presentation then compared the PARCC scores in different grades as opposed from a few years ago. In general, there was improvement in all of the scores except for math in some schools.
Dr. Vivian Rodriguez, Dr. Damian Medina, and Mr. Michael Heidelberg and Board of Education Members gave awards to students who achieved a perfect score on the PARCC exam. The Board congratulated all the students who achieved this honor.
There was no executive session. No one came from the audience to speak on agenda items only.
During the Board Meeting, comments were made by Junior Iglesia, “The minutes of the executive session don’t reflect all the information at the Meeting. “I stated the public should know what is going on. Most of what is said is accurate except for me making a motion. I made a motion to amend the minutes.”
There was a discussion on how to proceed with this matter. Since there was already a motion on the floor to accept the minutes as presented, the motion and second had to be rescinded. Then the minutes could be accepted with the necessary corrections.
Board President Ken Puccio gave the President’s Report, “I’ve reflected back as the last 4 years. We’ve come a long way in the last 3½ years. The scores are improving. There’s going to be a new high school and elementary school. Nothing is perfect. Students are in a better place. Things are changing and changing for good. I want to thank everyone from the Superintendent down to the lunch aide. I want to tip my hat to you. Dr. Roman, what is occurring in this district is phenomenal. Thank you for your dedication to the children of this district.”
There were a number of staff and teachers leaving the district. Board Member Junior Iglesia was curious as to why there what he considered to be a high turnover rate. “There’s always an opportunity to improve to get better. Eleven staff workers and six teachers are resigning.”
Mr. Rodriguez, Director of Personnel came up to speak, “I’ve looked at the recent resignations. Mostly the reason is due to money. (they leave for higher paying jobs) Several people have moved out of the state.”
Dr. David Roman added, “The bar has been raised. There are certain expectations.”
Board Member Junior Iglesia then stated, “We should keep staff turnover low. Last year 45 of our staff left the district. We have to improve the ratio of staff.”
Dr. Roman, I hope the contract will be settled soon. (which will help with this matter).”
Board Member Tashi Vasquez stated, “I informally converse on my way out (after the meetings). We need feedback. Some of its more money. We want to have these conversations. We need to share the reasons, not on hearsay, so we can improve in those areas. We want new young staff. How do we keep people here?”
Board Member Jesus Martinez said, “The workload volume can create a negative morale.”
Dr. David Roman said, “We struggle with manpower. I agree with Ms. Vasquez. We want to hear from the staff. We can’t stop people from leaving the district for more money, sometimes $10,000 more. There are so many factors: salary, workload. We’re going to do those observations. There’s accountability for everyone. We’re going to have those hard conversations.”
Board Secretary Derek Jess commented, “Irene Hand is retiring. For the past 15 years, it’s been my pleasure to work with her.”
Under Old Business, Board President Ken Puccio said, “The Committee to name the Seaman Avenue Elementary School includes myself and Board Member Lissette Lebron.” There were two meetings and 14 people attended to the first meeting while 12 attended the second. The name of the school will be one of the three suggestions: Rose Lopez, Austin Gumbs, or the Rebecca & Marcus Spring School.
Board Member Anton Massopust explained that Rebecca & Marcus Spring founded the famous school Eagleswood in the 1850’s where they educated the finest minds of the 19th Century. Rose Lopez and Austin Gumbs were both educators in Perth Amboy. There will be one more meeting of this committee regarding this matter. According to policy, the committee will make a recommendation and bring it before the Board.
For New Business, Board Member Randy Convery stated jokingly, “Is there any way I can reenroll in high school?” citing all the positive changes that are being made.
Board Member Tashi Vasquez thanked the PTO for their work, “It takes a special parent to get involved in that level. They meet once a month. Please come and help us set up (for their events). It’s important to get involved as much as possible.”
Board Member Lissette Lebron stated that the Class of 1993 is having their 25th Class Reunion.
Board President Puccio stated, “We all bleed Red & White.”
No one spoke during the public portion. The meeting was adjourned at 6:57 p.m.
Students who had a perfect score on the PARCC Exam, Parents, Board of Education Members along with Administrators pose for a group photo *Photos by Katherine Massopust
