9/19/19 Board of Education Meeting (above and below)
*Photos by Katherine Massopust
By: Katherine Massopust
PERTH AMBOY – The Board of Education Meeting was called to order at 5:31 p.m. After a 2-hour closed session, the open portion of the meeting began.
Student Representatives Delilah Morales and Anthony Diaz spoke first. They stated that the Class of 2022 recognizes the important of pride. They stated that all students are receiving laptops and there are many AP (Advanced Placement) Courses. There are programs where students can take courses at NJIT, Seton Hall, and Kean University. There is the launch of Freshman Academy. The Perth Amboy High School football team is now 2-0.
During the public comments on agenda items only, the sole speaker was Donna Tartz of the Perth Amboy Federation. She stated that the Federation attorney and Board attorney will discuss the details of issues with certain agenda items.
There was a brief discussion about Item FIN-18)31. Acceptance of the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program Grant for the 2019-2020 school year for the following schools: Under the Supervision of each School Principal, Mrs. Carmen Southward, Director of Operations, and Ms. Jasmin Minaya, Food Service Manager:
Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe asked, “Is this who maintains the school grounds?”
Board Secretary Derek Jess answered, “The gardens are straight run. We are able to provide vegetables that students never had before. It’s in the Elementary and Pre-K as well.
Board Vice President Tashi Vasquez asked about FIN-18) 37.) Approval to increase the cost of school lunches in accordance to Section 205 of the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 and as mandated by the PLE Price Adjustment Calculator. Paid lunch for preschool and elementary to be increased from $2.70 to $2.80 and paid lunch for Middle, High School and Adult School from $2.95 to $3.05. Under the supervision of Mrs. Carmen Southwood, Director of Operations, and Ms. Jasmin Minaya, Food Service Manager.
Board Secretary Derek Jess answered Vasquez’s question, “It’s increased at a 10 Cent raise so we all can be on the same page. In compliance with state requirements, every year it is raised 10 Cents more.
Vasquez then added, “I want to know that it’s due diligence of the staff – we can pay for lunches online. You have the option of paying thru the parent portal.”
Superintendent Dr. David Roman answered, “We do have an app for this.”
Director of Operations Carmen Southward came up to speak on this matter, “Preschool parents can have an access code to parent portal. I’ve spoken to the preschool. Contact the secretary to get the code to access parent portal. You can contact the homeschool liaison or the school secretary.”
Later in the meeting, Board Member Junior Iglesia asked about the Student Code of Conduct, “When we make a promise, I feel it’s important to keep that promise. The Student Code of Conduct is in 2 layers. I would like to recognize Dr. David Roman and all staff. It’s important to take our district where we want it to be.”
Board Vice-President Tashi Vasquez thanked everyone who helped build the playground on Chamberlain Avenue. “It was a success. There were over 240 volunteers including a lot of Perth Amboy High School students, and many (student) athletes and staff who brought their families. Thank you. We’re planning to do it again across the town.”
No one spoke at the public portion. Board Members Lisette Lebron and Dr. Danielle Brown were absent. Board Member Jesus Martinez left early, and Board Member Randy Convery arrived late. The meeting was adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
