PERTH AMBOY – (L to R) Assistant Superintendent Dr. Vivan Rodriguez, Outgoing Board Member Milady Tejeda, Superintendent Dr. David Roman, Outgoing Board Member Obdulia Gonzalez, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Richard Chromey
*Photo by Katherine Massopust
11/15/18 Board of Education Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
PERTH AMBOY – The Board of Education recognized outgoing Board Members Obdulia Gonzalez and Milady Tejeda.Gonzalez did not seek reelection and plans to spend more time with her granddaughter. Board Vice President Milady Tejeda will go on to serve on the Perth Amboy City Council.
Superintendent Dr. David Roman thanked the outgoing Board Members for their service to the Community, “These two outstanding human beings have integrity, respect, kindness in many different ways. I want to express my thanks as they go on a new journey. I’m a better educator because of this.”
Outgoing Board Member Milady Tejeda stated, “When I started this journey, I never thought there would be an end of it. The Board of Education means so much to me. I’m a better person because of this. I’ll be coming to Board Meetings as a spectator. We were trying so hard to move forward. Because of you (Dr Roman), your staff, the Administration, everyone in a child’s life to say I was a part of that. When I came to this country, I adopted Perth Amboy as my City. I hope to continue to give support to make things happen. Thank you for this love we have here.”
Outgoing Board Member Obi Gonzalez stated, “It’s been a journey – not a destination. I’ve gave of myself to the community. As an educator, when we hang up that shingle, what we left behind is an inspiration. Nine years is a long time. I’m ready for new adventures. It was difficult, this journey. As it turned out, it was very hard on the way, sometimes with Board Members I agreed and disagreed. It’s sort of a good place to be. I’m excited to have Dr. David Roman on board. I’ve seen things happen. I congratulated Milady. When you see your students give back to the community, it reaches back to you soon. We came before the community and take sides. I congratulate Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe (who is Board Member-Elect). She has learned so much. I think she is going to bring to the table her youth and will grow. I walk into the sunset of a different life. I’ve been really busy. It’s been a wonderful journey. Ken Puccio has done a wonderful job. I have tremendous respect and love for him as well. I’ve appreciated you all and everyone in this community. They’re worth it.”
Board Member Anton J. Massopust stated, “I want to thank Milady Tejeda and Obi Gonzalez. They gave their hearts and their time. God bless you and thank you.”
Board President Ken Puccio stated, “I met Ms. Gonzalez when I was a Junior in High School. Before I met Ms. Gonzalez, I didn’t even know I had a Guidance Counselor.(The Counselor I had the first 2 years never showed up.) It took a while to call her Obi. When she started (on the BOE), we went through a lot of bad times. People took potshots at us. A lesser person would pack it in. You came every Thursday once a month. You still were here.” Puccio continued, “Milady Tejeda – we will miss you. You will not be forgotten. We will miss both of you.”
Obi Gonzalez then added to her comments, “I thank Dr. Vivian Rodriguez. We worked very hard that year (When the previous superintendent was in power). Thank you so much for all the times we spent together. I also thank Dr. Richard Chromey and all my colleagues. I wish you the best.”
Board Members Obdulia Gonzalez and Milady Tejeda were presented with plaques for their service on the Board of Education.
There were no presentations. No one spoke at either public portion. Board Members Junior Iglesia and Jesus Martinez were not present at the Board Meeting.
