5/8/19 Board of Education Meeting

By: Katherine Massopust

PERTH AMBOY – At the 5/8/19 Board of Education Meeting, Student Representative Kevin Chavez stated that the PAHS musical production of 9 to 5 was a success. He also stated that PAHS is a runner up in the Sandy Hook Promise which encourages students to speak up about issues.

The Board then went into closed session at 5:41 p.m. returning at 7:37 p.m.

Board Member
Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe

During the President’s Report, Board President Ken Puccio noted that many police officers including himself will be participating in the Police Unity Tour, which is a bike run from Ground Zero to Franklin, to Washington D.C. to honor all the police officers killed in the line of duty every year. Puccio also mentioned Former Teacher Andrew Curry who recently passed away.

For the Superintendent’s report, Dr. David Roman stated that Perth Amboy is a safe and nurturing environment and the graduation rate is continuing to increase. “I want to publicly thank our teachers and paraprofessionals for that nurturing environment.”

No one spoke at the public comments on agenda items only.

For New Business Board Member Anton J. Massopust made a request that any items found in storage in the schools may be important and shouldn’t be thrown out before the Board reviews them. “In McGinnis School there are soapbox cars. These items may mean something to people. Sometimes the people in charge of the buildings don’t know if these items are of historical nature.”

Dr. David Roman stated that it will be put on a policy on the agenda how these items will be handled.”

Board Member comments:

Board Member Tashi Vasquez spoke about Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week stating how teachers and staff impact the lives of their students.”

Board Member Jesus Martinez stated, “Because of my background, I’d like to focus on active shooters. Teachers had to deal with this in Colorado. Dealing with the post portion of an active shooter – how many defribulators are in each school? It’s extremely important we have a finger on our pulse. What is our policy on reuniting children in an aftermath?”

Dr. David Roman stated that information will be provided by the Director of Operations. “We’ll bring that out to you for the next Meeting in June.”

Director of Safety and Security Carmen Southwood came up to speak, “In June, I will tell you exactly regarding the first aid equipment. We try to be as safe as possible. There is a security symposium to go over protocols for the entire district. If something happens to the school, police are on the scene. They are in charge of the emergency. We do have a plan in place. We all have to be on the same page. We’re on it.”

Director of Safety & Security
Carmen Southwood

Board Members Randy Convery, Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe wished teachers and staff a happy Teacher’s Day.

Márquez-Villafañe spoke about her own personal experience with school shootings and their impact. “I started out on home instruction. I remember a real rough day with my home instructor. I felt depression being stuck at home. When I managed to get back, the first thing I did was turn on the TV. There was another school shooting. My mom called up to see if a name was correct (among the victims). I lost someone in the Sandy Hook shooting. That we (PAHS) were recognized in the Sandy Hook Promise. That means something to me.”

No one spoke during the public portion. The Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. All Board Members were present.