8/30/19 Board of Education Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
Director of Curriculum Dr. Damian Medina (L) and Director of School Counseling & Related Services Ms. Mary J. McAdam (R)
PERTH AMBOY – The 8/30/19 Board of Education Meeting was called to order at 5:37 p.m. The Board immediately went into closed session which lasted 3 hours. When the meeting reconvened, there was a presentation by Superintendent Dr. David Roman, Director of School Counseling & Related Services Ms. Mary J. McAdam, and Director of Curriculum Dr. Damian Medina.
The Perth Amboy School District has won 5 major awards over the past year:
• Lighthouse District
• National School of Character
• District of Distinction
• QSAC (Quality Single Accountability Continuum –The Perth Amboy School District has been recognized as a high performing school district. The Graduation Rate has gone from 59.3% in 2013 to 80% in 2018.
• The Seal of Biliteracy
Dr. David Roman thanked everyone who made these honors possible. “I truly believe that this district is the best in New Jersey on many levels. We have the best staff in the state of New Jersey. We have hardworking teachers and a superior staff. We are ready to open. There are approximately 220 new staff. Staff development was great. We’ve only just begun. Our goal is to reach national landmarks. The District’s goals are both quantitative and qualitative. Perth Amboy is leading the way for the best of the nation. Every single Board Member we have past and present made this possible. We are illuminating the path forward.”
Later during the meeting, there were some concerns about the traffic at the new Rose M. Lopez Elementary School located on Seaman Avenue. District Director of Operations Carmen Southward and District Chief of Security Personnel Tibor Kacso came up to speak about this issue, “We have detailed plans for all parents to drop off and pick up children. Seaman Avenue will be one-way during school hours. It will officially be one-way 24/7 by the end of September. We have added 20 (bus) routes.”
Dr. David Roman continued, “We need to be patient and considerate.”
Board Vice-President Tashi Vasquez then added, “Day 1 and Day 2 (of school) are always tough. I want to publicize the phone# in case of problems: 732-376-6200 ext. 30276; or ext. 30275; or ext. 30279. You will get a live person (not a computer). It will be on Channel 34 (Comcast) (Fios Ch. 48) as well.”
Superintendent Dr. David Roman
*Photos by Katherine Massopust
Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe stated that is essential that the community know about the new traffic patterns. “It will be very congested at times when schools are opening and closing. The Community should be made aware of this.”
It was noted by Ms. Mary J. McAdam (who came up to the podium to speak) that there will be a SAT Preparation class for students. She stated that it will accommodate 75-100 students and that this is the second year of the company the district is using, and the company worked out well.
Board Member Anton J. Massopust asked if there will be a photo of Rose M. Lopez and information about her in the alcove in the new school. Dr. David Roman assured everyone that was 100% happening.
No one spoke at either public portion. Board Member Jesus Martinez was absent. The next Board of Education Meeting will be on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at PAHS.
