5/1/19 Special Board of Education Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
PERTH AMBOY – The purpose of the Special 5/1/19 Board of Education Meeting was to approve the 2019-2020 School Year Budget.
Board President Ken Puccio stated that the citizens of Perth Amboy will see where the money is going in an effort of transparency.
Superintendent Dr. David Roman and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Richard Chromey gave a presentation on the 2019-2020 School Budget. Dr. Roman stated that was a promise made to the community on academic endeavors.
Board Secretary Derek Jess remarked that it was a very good budget for everybody. “This year the district is debt free,” stated Jess. This is due to bonds being paid off.” He also stated that Perth Amboy is considered an underfunded district, therefore the district is eligible and received additional funding from the State.
The total budget for the 2019-2020 year is $280,237,774. The budget is $1.2 million less than the 2018-2019 budget. According to Jess. Jess stated, “72.9% of the budget is for salaries and benefits. The budget provides for equality for all our students by grade level. Cost allocation is by grade level. Jess indicated there was a land swap so there could be additional parking for teachers at the Lopez School. “There is a 1:1 ratio computer initiative at the new High School. There is also $50 million we have for the new high school.”
Dr. David Roman stated, “If we didn’t put that money away, we would have a problem. We are going to start planning for every school to be filled and continue the programs.” Roman continued to explain that he feels a clean, positive learning environment is essential for learning. “We are establishing new norms. There is a new media center which is being recognized something being robust. “Its’s a creative learning environment for staff and students to engage.” Roman explained that the football field in Waters Stadium is being renovated, as is the HVAC (Heating and Cooling System) in the schools are being updated. “It’s conducive to student academic achievement and student growth and development. We’re creating beautiful memories.”
Roman then stated that the Perth Amboy School District is in compliance with QSAC (Quality Single Accountability Continuum). Dr. Roman then stated that every school has significantly improved when taking the PARCC Examination. He also stated the graduation rate increased significantly over the last year. “In 2016, the graduation rate was 71.70%; In 2017, it was %75.90%; In 2018, it was 80.10%. That’s 120 more graduates. The rate has grown more than 16% points. Believe the facts. In a community, we should not negate this.” He then acknowledged that 171 students achieved the Seal of Biliteracy. “The Dual Language has expanded to the 7th Grade. In the 2013-2014 school year, out of 592 students, 352 achieved the Seal of Biliteracy. In the 2017-2018 School year, it was 607 students. That’s 134 more.” Dr. Roman continued, “We no longer have failing middle schools. We’re opening (the Lopez School) in September 2019. For the new Perth Amboy High School, we’ve had over 40 meetings on every space. Our program is ready. We’ve heard the Student Council’s voices. We’ve achieved the State School of Character.” Dr. Roman stated numerous times during his presentation that the tax increase as far as the school budget goes is only $32 a year (per average household of $239,000 value).”
When the presentation was over the Board Meeting continued. Comments on the School Budget were open to the public. No one spoke. The Budget passed unanimously.
Dr. Roman stated, “People don’t realize how much time is spent on this. I want to thank the Board Members for their time.”
The Board then went into a brief closed session. No formal action was taken.
Board Members Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe, Jesus Martinez, Junior Iglesia, and Dr. Danielle Brown were absent.
For a complete report on the 2019-2020 Perth Amboy School Budget go to: https://www.paps.net/
