PERTH AMBOY – Student Representatives Kevin Chavez and Jadelyn Cardenales each receive a gift from the Board and Superintendent at the 6/20/19 Meeting. *Photo by Katherine Massopust
6/20/19 Board of Education Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
PERTH AMBOY – At the beginning of the 6/20/19 BOE Meeting, Flynn School students gave a performance from their play “The Lion King” with two musical numbers: “The Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata”. See pictures below.
Student Representatives Kevin Chavez and Jadelyn Cardenales gave their report stating that Perth Amboy High School was given the award of National School of Character. They highlighted a successful Senior Prom, and how students walked down the Red Carpet. “It looked really good. We had fun. The food was really, really good. It’s the last time we’ll all be together. We’re entering the real world,” stated Student Representative Kevin Chavez. Both students were presented with a gift from Superintendent Dr. David Roman and the Board.
Dr. David Roman emphasized that he was proud that the district’s graduation rate went up from 59% to 80.1% since the last 5 years that he has been Superintendent in the district.
The Board changed its format for this meeting, allowing public comments on items other than what was directly on the agenda. There were a series of students who came up to express their dissatisfaction with the turnover rate of teachers and staff. They spoke about “Amboy Students Fight for a Better Future,” a petition going around demanding students present when teachers are hired or fired.
One student came up to speak, “The flaws of the school has directly affected our education. Over 90 teachers are resigning. Mr. Marshall has been honored as Teacher of the Year. He is leaving. We will lose effective school administrators. This is a widespread issue. Our situation is being affected by the treatment of teachers. We have no Italian Teacher. The students are learning on Rosetta Stone. Special Education is barebones. We need to work on teachers here in this building. It’s a struggle for all to keep teachers her. Work to resolve issues is very important here.”
Another student came up to speak, “How is our education put first when we went through 3 principals in the last 5 years? Micromanaging became the norm. While we appreciate the beautification of our school, we want transparency and informing us why teachers are leaving. Who knows best but our students?”
Student Anthony Rosario stated, “Distrust a whole issue between the supervisory staff and students. Construction never seems to be finished. There are old broken doors, cracked walls and distraction took place during exams. Many teachers left especially teachers in fine arts. The fine arts are getting awards. This school is not prepared.”
Another student came up, “I came to the United States 3 years ago. I have 1 year left in the ESL program. It is because of these teachers I am here tonight as President of the National Honor Society. Ask students – do you want to leave a legacy in the High School? Teachers are leaving us with substitute teachers.
After the first public portion was closed, Board Attorney Isabel Machado stated, “Coming to speak of the Board of Education Meeting, I see a legal career in all of your careers. However, issues that are personnel related, we are not legally to allowed to have discussion with you (the students). You have available the Student Advisory Council. We’re all really proud of the young adults you became.”
Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe stated, “I started in those chairs. We’re here. Our emails and phone numbers as well are available.”
Superintendent Dr. David Roman stated, “We are trying to be as upfront for a multitude of reasons. The Administration can say things to you from a different perspective. Some are complicated decisions beyond my control.”
There were 2 more presentations, both given by Dr. Vivian Rodriguez. The first was an update on the Rose M. Lopez School. It was emphasized that the Lopez School will have a Dual Language Program, the only such one in New Jersey. The school is scheduled to be open this September, but the district still doesn’t have the keys to the building, yet.
The second presentation was on the 9th Grade Freshman Academy. “It is opening this September. Teams will form a small social support structure. There will be a 1:1 ratio of laptops per student. Every student will be given a laptop.” Rodriguez stated, then added, “This leads to students who are college and career ready.”
Dr. Roman added, “All students in this community will have the ability to compete.”
The Board went into closed session at 6:40 p.m. and resumed at 9:00 p.m.
Board President Puccio gave the Board President’s report. There was a moment of silence for those teachers, staff, and their loved ones who passed away.
During the Superintendent’s report, it was noted by Dr. David Roman that the Board of Education had come to a tentative contract agreement with the AFT. He thanked everyone involved in that process. Dr. Roman stated, “The Board of Education has done so much for the common goals.” Dr, Roman then stated, “This is the last meeting for Richard Chromey (Assistant Superintendent).”
Chromey was given a standing ovation by those in attendance.
Dr. Roman then announced that Dr. Vivian Rodriguez will be retiring at the end of the 2019-2020 school year. “She (Rodriguez) will be Acting Principal in name until we find a Principal (for PAHS),” stated Dr. Roman.
Board President Ken Puccio stated, “Dr. Rodriguez, you and I are the only two left (and Board Attorney Isabel Machado).”
Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe stated, “You are one of the few I could tell really care about the students. The fact that your retirement is a year from now shows you care.”
After the Board voted on the retirement, termination, and hiring of employees and supervisors. Some of the Board made remarks, especially referring to the Special Education Department. Board Member Tashi Vasquez stated, “Every single decision is not easy. I sat in the interviews. Out of 9 hiree’s, 7 are from our district. We want you to hear that.”
Dr. David Roman added, “I assure you everyone earned these positions.”
Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe explained why she abstained on a few of the item numbers, “I’ve been active for the last 7 years. I’ve seen how this district failed our special education students. I’m looking at what I can about this.”
Board Member Lissette Lebron stated, “I went with Ms. Vasquez to this interview. If I could vote “Yes” I would. (She abstained due to conflict of interest). I want to thank everyone who worked together on these interviews.”
Dr. David Roman said, “These individuals earned this position. Sometimes we say, “No”.
During the second public portion, some more PAHS students came up to speak. One PAHS student stated, “I started the petition. We have 1007 signatures and counting. We need students on board to get somewhere. Our students deserve change.”
PAHS Student Victoria Dunyak stated, “We want to help create changes in the district.”
After the second public portion was closed, Board President Ken Puccio stated, “This is Rich’s (Chromey) last meeting. Thank you. You were the perfect fit. You were the right guy to compliment Dr. Vivian Rodriguez. I want to thank you for coming to Perth Amboy and ending your career.”
Board Member Randy Convery said, “I wish Mr. Chromey a happy retirement.”
Dr. Richard Chromey made some remarks, “The growth and change we made is by having a hard conversation and raising tough questions. It takes a lot to move a big ship. That’s how I saw it. That’s with the right crew. If there’s any doubt, we have the right captain.”
Board Member Lissette Lebron said, “We’re gearing up for graduation. I want the students to have continuous success.”
The Meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Board Member Dr. Danielle Brown was not present.
PERTH AMBOY – Flynn School Students, above and below, perform Circle of Life (Top) and Hakuna Matata (Bottom) a the 6/20/19 BOE Meeting.
*Photos by Katherine Massopust
