By: Katherine Massopust
Superintendent
Dr. David Roman
PERTH AMBOY – Superintendent Dr. David Roman gave a series of presentations at the 2/7/19 Board of Education Meeting. This was in response to recent articles in other media regarding student behavior, cold classrooms, and disgruntled staff.
The first to speak was Tibor Kacso, who spoke on the safety and security of the schools, “I take offense to the students that fall from time to time and stumble. We don’t allow students to be disrespectful. It’s not about truths. We would never jeopardize the safety and security of students and will continue to demonstrate this.” He stated that more school security is reaching New Jersey School Districts which will have silent panic alarms.
Dr. David Roman stated, “If any student does anything to the staff members that are inappropriate, we will address the issue, pick you up, help you and love you. Make no mistake about this, the students of this district are beautiful.”
The next presentation was by the District Student Council. Students came up from each school and spoke about the positive programs going on in their respective schools. The Middle Schools and High Schools were all represented. Highlights from the student presentations included: Teaching Leadership, The 12 days of holiday fun. The Jets Anti-Bullying Program, Challenge Day, Programs to be a better version of yourself, embracing the growth mindset, a meeting Justice Sotomayor, and a food drive. Thanksgiving Baskets, and a coat drive were also mentioned.
Some of the members of the PLP Student Council spoke, “What is our purpose? What inspires you? What would you like to change?”
Some of the things that were done for the students were a refillable water fountain, new classroom floors, a Day of Inspiration, Glow Tickets, a PLP Art Show, and Peer Tutoring.
The Amboy Cares Program which is part of the Sandy Hook Promise to help prevent gun related deaths, crime, suicide and to provide for a safe environment was emphasized.
In 2019, Perth Amboy High School was awarded the State School of Character. Perth Amboy High School was one of two high schools in New Jersey to receive this award. The students of this district will represent Perth Amboy in the National Piece of this award.
After the Student Council spoke, Board President Ken Puccio read a statement (see page 2) in response to local media coverage on the district.
Members of the PLP Student Council, above and above right. give a presentation on accomplishments in the Perth Amboy School District
Assistant Supervisor Dr. Richard Chromey gave a presentation on the temperature conditions in classrooms, “This Board is transparent and loves its students. Statements were made at the last Board Meeting. I want to speak about Henny Penny (Chicken Little) when discussing heating and temperature problems.”
Dr. Chromey proceeded to explain the story of Henny Penny and how she ran around saying the sky is falling after getting hit in the head in an acorn. The king eventually told her it was an acorn and that she overreacted.
Dr. Chromey held a device in his hand and explained it’s function, “This is an infrared scanning gun which measures the surface temperature of objects with equal and accurate readings. It is not a tool to measure temperatures of rooms. Readings taken at the Wilentz School were not the actual temperature of the classroom. It was never between 30o-50o. At no point did the temperature reach 30o in the classrooms. The temperature is programed within the school to go down when the building is unoccupied. In an instance with the extreme cold temperatures we had lately, the building is being heated 24/7. The HVAC systems throughout the district have been controlled by a computer system for several years except for the Peterson, Richardson, and School #7. On January 17, 2019, 15 classrooms in 4 district buildings: Wilentz, Patten, Hmieleski, and PAHS) were reported having unacceptable temperatures. When the Perth Amboy Federation of Teachers President communicated the temperatures to the Central Office, Central Administration responded via e-mail and repairmen were sent within 2 hours. $20 million was spent to repair, upgrade, or replace the existing HVAC and windows throughout the system. Another $5 million will be appropriated for it this spring. Cenergistic (the company contracted) has given us above and beyond the scope of their contract.”
Dr. Chromey then added, “I’ve never worked with a Board that was more union friendly.”
The next presentation was by Delvis Rodriguez. He stated out of 1935 staff members, there were 97 resignations. 41 left the district for positions with more money; 21 left for jobs closer to home; 11 for medical issues; 7 went for other jobs within the district; 7 were displeased; 10 – other miscellaneous reasons. Of the 97, 12 were employed in the district for less than 2 months. In the last 5 years since 2014-2015, there were 1692 staff members; they had 20,063 absences; presently in 2017-2018 out of 1947 staff members there were 31,203 absences. There is a 16% increase in absences.”
The next presentation was given by Rogelio Suarez and Jose Santos who spoke on the Dual Language School. “We are the only standing Dual Language School in New Jersey. We have received accolades. New York is expanding their dual language program. There are 915 students in the program. The K-2 Dual Language Program will be a part of the Rose M. Lopez School.”
Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Richard Chromey
Santos then stated that the SDA (School Development Authority) have not yet turned over the keys of the Rose M. Lopez School over to the District yet.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Vivian Rodriguez spoke about clarifying issues of what decisions were made in our district. She showed a short film on PAHS and the work that was done on the High School. The film showed broken run-down parts of some of the schools in the district and how they were renovated.
After the 2 hours of presentations and a 10-minute break, the Board Meeting continued.
During the Board President’s Report, Ken Puccio remarked on the retirement of Dr. Myrna Garcia. “I’ve known Dr. Garcia since I was a Police Officer. Thank you for the 39 years you’ve been here.”
Board Member Junior Iglesia made a remark regarding the Rose M. Lopez School which is behind schedule for completion, “The SDA is doing a great job. Do we have a timing on it? Is it going to be ready to go in time?”
Dr. David Roman answered, “We have a great relationship with the SDA. We’re behind schedule. We’re under that type of constraints. Right now, it looks like May, June, and July. We hope to go in September. That predicates when we get the keys to the building.
Board Member Lissette Lebron mentioned that Perth Amboy Resident Lorenzo Cardona is nominated for a Grammy Award. She suggested he come and speak to the students. Dr. Roman agreed it was a good idea.
During the Public Portion, Perth Amboy AFT President Pat Paradiso read a statement (seebelow).
The Board returned to executive session. The Meeting ended at 10:55 p.m. Board Members Jesus Martinez and Randy Convery were not present.
Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Vivian Rodriguez
