Candidates Forum 10/2/19, Perth Amboy High School

By: Katherine Massopust

PERTH AMBOY – The Board of Education Candidates Forum was sponsored by the Perth Amboy American Federation. Co-President of the Greater Red Bank League of Women Voters Barbara Chaudhery was the moderator, and Justine Cook (from the Red Bank League of Women Voters) was the timekeeper. The Forum was held at Perth Amboy High School Auditorium.

Chaudhery welcomed everyone present. “The League of Women Voters encourages active participation in government, influencing public policy and promoting advocacy. We are nonpartisan and deal only with issues. Questions will be from the audience and have to be submitted in writing. No personal attacks will be accepted. Questions must be pertinent to the office of Board Member.”

Candidates had 90 seconds to answer each question and 2 minutes for an opening and closing statements.

Candidate Maria Rodriguez was not present at the forum but provided a brief statement which was read by Chaudhery. Rodriguez’s statement included the following: “Thank you. To run as a Board of Education candidate, as a mother, grandmother, and as a retired businesswoman who has lived in Perth Amboy for over 45 years. I believe in a quality education is the only sustained in life. A safe school environment, an A+ education and opportunity are paramount to my goals for Perth Amboy School’s Quality Education.”

Opening Statements: 

Dr. Danielle Brown: I have served on the Board since January. I was asked to complete the term and serve on the Board for someone who is now on the City Council. We have a great working team, and we share in decision making progress. We now have an increased the graduation rate. We work together, celebrate employment of staff, and our students within the classroom. We are the best we can presently be.

Junior Iglesia: I have been an educator for over 19 years. My wife is an educator. All three of my children attend public school in Perth Amboy. PAHS has been honored as a National Scholl of Character and will be honored in DC. Test scores went up in our district. With the opening of the Rose M. Lopez Elementary School, the students will reach greater standards due to the work and dedication of teachers and staff – the Board of Education work together to provide the best education possible to provide our students for a bright future. 

Beth Lieberman: As a teacher, I believe education first is important. I have certifications in Early childhood education and educational technology and I also have master’s degrees in those areas. I have worked in Education in those areas. I have also served on the AFT executive board. I am currently serving the AFT retirement board. I’ve spent the last 29 years as a teacher. This has prepared and qualified me to be on the Board of Education. I have a working knowledge not only for students, but for staff and parents and how to provide the best education possible in the 21st Century. 

Justin Ross: I’m passionate about education and about the youth having the best education possible. I’ve been an educator for most of my adult life. I currently teach in a Catholic high school in Newark. I’ve spent 11 years teaching in the classroom in Newark. I currently chair the English Department. I believe a thriving community depends on a strong school system. I want to do what’s best for children in the community. I strongly agree students should get the best education possible.

Stanley Sierakowski: 2 days ago, I retired as an employee with Middlesex County. I was a program coordinator for transportation of seniors and disabled for residents throughout Middlesex County. During all those years I was a union rep. While in college I took classes on labor law and organizing unions. A lot of people decades before us struggled for what we have right now. I’m pro-worker, pro-labor, pro-union.  I’ve been a social activist for 50 years starting with the Vietnam War, for women’s rights, gay rights, etc. I believe paying workers a living wage. I’d like to emphasize the arts as far as students as well as microscopes as well as telescopes.  

Tashi Vasquez: I’m not here to simply share a campaign promise instead to highlight a platform of progress. As Vice President of the Board of Education, I’m keeping the promises I made from my 2016 campaign. I have an open-door policy. Along with my fellow Board Members, we’ve charged the Superintendent with maintaining the website and sending the newsletters. We have a working relation. We’ve made financial decisions aligned with district goals. For example, food services had $250,000 increases in one year. We’ve been honored as a lighthouse district. We’ve made innovative progress while striving for academic success. I want to continue to work hard to you towards excellence.

Question: What will you contribute to the Board of Education?

Dr. Danielle Brown: Experience. I’ve been a teacher. I’ve been a Board of Education Member here. I have a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree educational leadership and curriculum development. I have a pulse on the community. I have an open-door policy with different groups where they share their thoughts and are brought back to the board and heard. We are all working for the greater good not just individual desires.

Junior Iglesia: I have a master’s degree in childhood education and a bachelor’s degree in finance and investment. I am a parent and my 3 young children are attending public schools (in Perth Amboy). I have a lot at stake in the school district. I’ve been a teacher for over 8 years. Right now, I am a Dual Language teacher in New York. I bring that experience here. We collaborate and work together. 

Beth Lieberman: My experience as a classroom teacher has given me a unique experience of student, staff, parents and the community. I have an unwavering commitment to the community. I’m committed to education. I’m a great listener and problem solver.

Justin Ross: I’m a good listener. I know how to count and work with others. Kids first, education first, the community – the parents. I traveled and work with kids in San Francisco. I know how to be a problem solver. I’ve worked with teens who were intense. I taught in South America where I learned Spanish. I will use all those experiences to the Board and will be positive and will complete our objectives as needed.  

Stanley Sierakowski: I’ve been described as an assertive person. I do not hesitate to challenge authority. Who, what, where, why, when, and where applicable, how.  If elected, I want to be appointed a liaison to the City Council all of who I know personally. I will attend the Redevelopment agency meetings and Planning Board meetings. There was land taken away from you.  The land was supposed to be used by you for a school in Harbortown was supposed to be given to you. I want that to be investigated.

Tashi Vasquez: I too have a master’s in public administration and a School B.A. Certificate of Eligibility. My passion and dedication to years of the city. I’ve spent 17 years working here. I am an alumnus of PAHS. This is my home and where I want to continue to serve. I’ve lived those concerns and I’ll continue to serve. It’s not just going to a meeting. It’s what is going on in the community.  I will dedicate my time and my service on the Board with teamwork, dedication and passion. 

Question: Two-part question: To the incumbents: How do you plan to improve and rebuild the trust of the community? To all other candidates: How do you plan on establishing a positive reputation and building the community’s trust?

Junior Iglesia: Right now, we have the highest graduation rate in our school district. We have been working diligently to have the best education diligently. Because of what we have done, the community trusts us.

Beth Lieberman: Advocacy for programs, implementing funding of maintenance of current buildings, ensure the needs of student and staff are met.  As a member of the Board of Education, we have to provide advocacy for direct channels – advocate for our district if it means to go to politicians, if we will. 

Justin Ross: Building trust in the community is something I’ve been doing for the past 2 months. I am dedicated to this community. I want to laud achievements we’ve had as a district. As a Board Member, I plan to spend every moment to move this district forward. I’ve knocked on doors as a community member. I’ve gone to community events. My actions will show what will do for the Board. 

Stanley Sierakowski: Rapport and trust. I will promote the needs not only for students, but for parents. For example, gridlock. I would expand the busing program to eliminate 10 cars by transporting 10 students (by bus). For the teachers I would expand the free Parking by the hospital, using eminent domain to condemn land to procure parking and for schools. I plan to attend council meetings, zoning, redevelopment agency meetings to see that needs are met. If you are in the dark without an effective liaison, most people don’t know what’s going on. We need effective liaisons. Know what’s up.

Tashi Vasquez: I’d like to believe I have the trust of the community. When people come up to you in ShopRite and ask the concerns of the community, they trust you. When it comes to trust, I’m there to listen. That’s what we have done in this board. That trust is here in the public and the community. We’ll get the word out to you.

Dr. Danielle Brown: Trust is not broken. Can it be improved? Yes. Concerns that come to us do not go unnoticed. We are the community. We are Perth Amboy. Truth matters. Improve on that trust. Improve on that relationship. Being transparent and remain being fair on issues that pertain to all of us. We are the community.

Question: Staff members, especially at the elementary level are reported being physically assaulted by students, for instance, being hit, kicked, or bitten. They feel neither their needs nor the child’s needs are being met, as a Board Member, how will you address this?

Beth Lieberman: There is a code of conduct that is in place and should be implemented. As a Board Member I will advocate for this code of conduct. If that code of conduct is not effective, I have to evaluate why it isn’t effective, not only in elementary schools, but middle and high schools as well.

Justin Ross: We do have a code of conduct. If a child in elementary school hitting teacher or hitting others, there is a problem not only in the classroom, but at home. Who is the advocate of the child?  Outreach to the parent is important. Implement the policy. For an elementary student, start at a (discipline) level that is appropriate, that the child understands. The code of conduct should be applied. 

Stanley Sierakowski: If a student made a verbal threat or physically assaulted another student, teacher or anyone, I would have that student removed immediately until it was adjudicated. A school should be a place of safety for students and teachers. If I thought I would be physically assaulted, I would call the police. You don’t let abusive, violent students (stay). A verbal threat – many people implement that threat. Those people should be removed as soon as possible, and depending on their age be charged with a crime.  

Tashi Vasquez: If a teacher is being hit or kicked, are they being listened to? –These are not bad kids. Perth Amboy generally has amazing kids. Let’s be very careful how we classify our students. It could be an issue of overcrowding. We have to be very careful. We are listeners. We have hired a new Director of Special Services and a new Supervisor and are working diligently to take a good look at that program. We need to look at the students.

Dr. Danielle Brown: It is the desire of the Board of Education that our students have the best learning environment possible. Another is to provide support and the best instructional environment possible and school safety and school learning are possible. As a Board Member, it’s our responsibility that these policies are conducive to these things. We should not classify all students who kick or hit. Take all factors into consideration. 

Junior Iglesia: If a staff member reports being assaulted by students? We shouldn’t look who is right or who is wrong. What are the needs of the student/educator? Every staff member should be safe. Every student’s needs should be met. Look closely to our needs.  As a Board Member how are we going to make sure every staff are safe to meets the need to this district. Invest in appropriate learning programs, maybe reducing classroom size.

Question: This schoolyear, Shull School staff had no copy paper. Staff members are paying for copy paper out of their own pocket. As a Board Member, will you ensure the staff has proper materials vital to do their job?

Justin Ross: There should be a committee or some sort of liaison to find out a solution to that problem. As a schoolteacher, staff should not be paying for supplies. As a Board Member, I would listen to what problem is and figure out through committees and find a solution to the problem. 

Stanley Sierakowski: I was in a bureaucracy for almost 30 years. Usually there was a primary person to go to make sure we have supplies. If so, go to another building for supplies. If staff members pay for a supply out of their own pocket, there should be an understanding that they are reimbursed. Why should you pay for supplies when there’s a $300 million budget? When I worked, we did inventory all the time. If something is missing, you see the person who ordered it.

Tashi Vasquez: This is districtwide. Our teachers go beyond what their expectations are. They buy things for their classroom. I thank you for that. As a Board Member, our role is as Board Members is to listen and to advocate. We cannot do an administrative function. It is the job of the school administrator to ensure every school gets what they need. 

Dr. Danielle Brown: Information is power, but it also brings sobriety. Sobriety is really important. We have to make sure we are not overstepping our bounds. I would ask the question to who is responsible for ordering the paper. When addressed, leave it in the hands of that administrator. We do thank the teachers who have above and beyond to ensure our needs are met.

Junior Iglesia: As a Board Member, we cannot call or send an email to order paper. That is not the function of a Board Member. This is unacceptable. I’m on the curriculum committee. With good communication, we will solve this. We do have to improve communication and follow proper protocol to make sure we meet their needs. This is not acceptable. 

Beth Lieberman: One of the roles of a Board of Education is to provide the resources for children to have the best education possible. It’s not the Board of Education Members responsibility to get paper. There has to be lack of communication. It becomes the responsibility of the Board of Education to make sure that it is brought to the administrator’s attention. 

Question: Last school year, the Superintendent received over $30,000 in bonus money. The taxpayers were never informed what the bonus money was for. What would you do to make sure the taxpayers know where their money is going?

Justin Ross: I need to understand I’m working for my constituents. Identify why that happened. As an advocate for staff and for students, I can only do so much. I have to no knowledge sitting here as to tell you. It is an issue that is a responsibility of the Board. A good Board will know where every dime goes. 

Stanley Sierakowski: I would ask what it is for. Is this a performance bonus? Is it in the contract? You have to honor a contract. I do not begrudge people getting money for performances, as long as everyone is able to partake in that evaluation and goals are met. I don’t know if it was deserved or not. I did not investigate it.

Tashi Vasquez: As a member of the personnel committee and the finance committee, I find it my obligation today to speak to those Merit Goals. What the Superintendent received was Merit Goal Pay. Money did not go missing. It was not unknown to the public. Merit Goals were enacted when the then governor enacted Superintendent cap. With that cap, he put out Merit goals for each Superintendent in the state to meet. Those merit goals are discussed to those Board Members who are not conflicted. Board Members who are conflicted are not part of that conversation. The Superintendent is evaluated on those merit goals. The Superintendent is doing an amazing job. He has not gotten a raise in 3 years. Money did not disappear. 

Dr. Danielle Brown and Junior Iglesia both stated they were satisfied with Vasquez’s explanation of the Superintendent’s bonus in merit goal pay. 

Beth Lieberman: I was just informed as to the process of by which Merit Goal Pay is produced. To this day, I’m not really sure what bonuses were for. I think when a Superintendent meets his bonuses, it’s because of the teachers and the staff of the entire district. Not only should those bonuses be awarded to the Superintendent but to the staff. We have been in negotiation with the staff for 3 years now. They have not received any kind of Merit Pay. Those kinds of Merit Pays really do need to be revisited to see if they are promoting education in this district.  

Question: Last year, over 100 staff members resigned or retired from the school district. Central Administration says their exit survey shows they are leaving for more money. The AFT survey says they are leaving due to inadequate support and lack of leadership. As a Board of Ed Member, what would you do to stop the exodus?

Stanley Sierakowski: If those members that resigned or went to other school systems or quit, have issues, the first thing they should do is go to the union – not to a Board Member. Have the union file a lawsuit and deal at that level. They have the other option of hiring an attorney. I saw on the TV the statistics were on the screen (about this issue at BOE meetings). Unless you know the facts of each individual case, there is no way to comment on it. I used to be a shop steward also. As a shop steward, I was misled, deceived, lied to from both ends.

Tashi Vasquez: Two different reasons: money and lack of support. Both those explanations are given on exit surveys. Exit surveys are somewhat flawed. If I’m a teacher, and I’m going to HR to leave a district, I possibly will say a half-truth – and if I go to the union, I may give them another half-truth. Exit surveys may not be the best way to measure why our staff is leaving. 100 staff members have left our district for various reasons. When your neighboring district is offering $10,000 more, it is a problem. So is support and morale and we are working on that. We need honesty from both ends. We need to open up that door of communication.

Dr. Danielle Brown: It’s important question to ask at what point are they leaving? Primarily it’s in the first 3 years. A lack of pay can also be translated as a lack of support. If you are a first-year teacher, it’s the bills. If I can go to next door and make $5,000 to $10,000 more, that neighboring school district is supporting me more than the school district I’m starting at. As a Board Member, I want to work with the AFT so that there’s incentives in those first 3 years, so we keep those teachers in our district.

Junior Iglesia: As a Board Member, I was one of the first members that recognized there were many teachers leaving our district and the staff retention record was a problem in our district. My goal is for every staff member to retire – to have a career in our school district. The longer a staff member works in a school district, the better they are prepared. We have to work in create a more supportive working environment. We need to continue to increase increments in salary.

Beth Lieberman: This is a reflection of the morale of the amazing staff in Perth Amboy. We need to give our staff and teachers the means they need to be included in decision making, curriculum decision making, provide the resources so they can do their job properly. The way to show staff that they are respected in value is to provide timely contracts and honor contractual agreements. 

Justin Ross:  What you want to do ideally is catch new teacher and keep them. Do more teachers leave compared than other districts? Are teachers leaving? Part has to do with salary. Part has to do with support. I would look into creating a program to pair young teachers with veteran teachers. It’s worked out well in my career. To have that support, to have that name, does wonders in your first year. Since most teachers are leaving within the first 3 years. It helps a new teacher and is important. Give them an endorsement as a mentor teacher. Focus on what makes veteran teachers better. Give them autonomy. 

Question: What factors are critical to the quality of education? What would you do to preserve and improve it?

Tashi Vasquez: The most important person in education is the teacher, and we have to provide them the support they need. Caring staff and administrators that understand there are social and emotional situations in a classroom.  We have been working on them with curriculum, programs for the teacher. How do we improve this? We’re sending teachers out to get more training. 

Dr. Danielle Brown: The learning environment is crucial in education. Assistance is important. Teachers can flourish here in a couple of years they can become administrators.  It is important to be liaisons to the community. We’ve got to be aware of those things. Consistency is important.

Junior Iglesia: Learning environment and learning space is the most important factors as well as well qualified educators. As far as space, we are working in the biggest project in New Jersey in the spring of 2020 we will begin construction of the biggest high school in New Jersey, totally funded by the SDA (School Development Authority). In 2024, will open that high school. We must make sure we have the staff we need for the high school. We invested $50 million in our budget to start preparing for the opening of the new high school. We are working now for our future.

Beth Lieberman: I would make sure that funding schools are a priority and acknowledging the classroom size and addressing the overcrowding. We must provide staff and teachers with necessary resources. A valued staff is a productive staff. Often, they are the bottom line.

Justin Ross: Consistency is first. Children need to understand there is a place for them. There is a crossing guard, a cafeteria worker there for them. Emphasize the community. Everyone is a part of a community. We need a rigorous curriculum that gives kids opportunity – not only 4-year colleges, but 2-year colleges. Focus on career paths. Perth Amboy can become better. 

Stanley Sierakowski: Try to create with school system with the teacher, a positive vision for that student. Bring back successful students who are athletes (or other high achievers). Tell them their future can be positive. 

Question: How would you balance budget pressures against the growing needs of the community which includes the rising population and overcrowding?

Dr. Danielle Brown: Information is power. The more information you have, the better decisions you can make. When you take into account all the factors, you balance with what funding you have available. Be informed. Are we in a crisis or not in a crisis?

Junior Iglesia: Work smart. Looking ahead. We know the school district is growing. It’s one reason we are getting a new high school. We need to balance the budget. We included in the budget to have the resources we need to operate the new high school. We also have a policy on the board – raising taxes is the last choice – not the first. 

Beth Lieberman: A large part of our budget comes from outside the city. A major amount goes to salary and other necessities and resources. As a Board Member I will be ever vigilant and careful eye on the budget. Our primary goal is that of educating the child. 

Justin Ross: We only have so much control over the budget. Most goes to salary and benefits. Balancing the budget goes with advocating – working with the AFT and NJEA and to establish trust and respect. Class size has been a problem. It’s always a struggle. 

Stanley Sierakowski: If it’s legal, I would try sell bonds for capital improvement projects. Another way long term, the biggest banker in the United States is the federal government. Pass legislation on a federal level to allocate the cost of that area in grants per student. Divert they trillions of dollars and bring it back for healthcare and education. 

Tashi Vasquez: Be informed. Ask questions and do your research. As a Board, we’ve been doing that. The SDA has invested $5 billion in new schools. It didn’t come out of our budget. We have to keep pressure in our state, so they continue to build for our students. 1000 students last 10 years; 1000 in the next 10 years. We know what the numbers are. We are preparing for those numbers. Collaboration with the city and making things work. 

Question: Where do you stand on the privatization of services within the schools? Are you in favor of privatization of support staff?

Junior Iglesia: I totally oppose privatization of any kind.

Beth Lieberman: The Board of Education is one of the largest employers in the city of Perth Amboy. The Board of Education has to be judicious when privatizing. Sometimes it is more fiscally responsible to do that.

Justin Ross: I am against privatizing. However, you do need privatizing where the school itself does not handle. We have a workforce in Perth Amboy need to invest in the people of Perth Amboy. We have the workforce in Perth Amboy to strengthen our school system here. Special Education should be privatized to be improved.

Stanley Sierakowski: Privatization is outsourcing the jobs. What generally happens is like on the Turnpike which was privatized. The new vendor/owner for the company gave them a chance to reapply and with no benefits, sick days or vacation days. It’s a lack of humanity for a person to make an extra million dollars. Look at those who are outsourced. Those people have no benefits. I’m against outsourcing people’s future and their children’s future.

Tashi Vasquez: I am against privatization. We have to care of own. We take care of our support staff and encourage continuing education. We have to keep it in house. We are caring for our support staff. 

Dr. Danielle Brown: I’m opposed to privatization. I’m pro-community. 

Question: How do you currently volunteer for the Perth Amboy community and in what capacity?

Beth Lieberman: I have attended afterschool events such as the harvest festival, science fair projects. I’ve organized trips outside the community. I donate monies to charities.

Justin Ross: I’ve been involved in years with the Civic Trust, an organization that lets people learn about government. I’m on the Board of Trustees at the Library. One of the first events I worked on was the Thomas Mundy Peterson event. I am fully invested to better the community.

Stanley Sierakowski: I’ve been retired 2 days, so I’ll have more time to volunteer. I attend City Council Meetings. I try to expose greed, disfunction, so money is better spent. I want to see a skyline in 30-50 years here to look at. New Brunswick had the vision to do that. I want to be a part of the process to create that vision in Perth Amboy that outlives all of us here.

Tashi Vasquez: I’ve been involved since I was a student. I continue to be involved. I find time to still do things outside my daily role. I along with a couple of friends started a woman’s networking groups. We help get a girl a prom dress or shoes for young ladies who cannot afford prom. I raise money for the Leaf Foundation. I was called to give. I started as a youth minister. I’m committed to this city and to our youth. 

Dr. Danielle Brown: My call is public service. I’m a pastor at the largest church in the city. I’m positive the light shines in this city. Through Mercy House, we feed the homeless in the soup kitchen every Thursday. We provide social services. We held back-to-school giveaways. I’m a member of the Perth Amboy NAACP. I’m currently on the strategic task force with particular attention to the qualityof life committee and safety commitee.

Junior Iglesia: I love public service. I work in New York City as an educator. I’m part of the school leadership committee. My 2 daughters play soccer. I try to go to their games. Before I was elected to the Board, I founded the Perth Amboy Soccer Organization. I serve on the Perth Amboy Democratic Committee. 

Question: How do you feel about a librarian in every school?

Justin Ross: I love the idea. I’m on the Library Board of Trustees. The people helped steer me are librarians. They are vital. They are crucial. I will advocate for a librarian in school and the community. Many mentors of a community use this library.

Stanley Sierakowski: I’m in favor of librarians in every school. When I was young, I looked for books on dinosaurs and Greek mythology. They bring an installment to any person growing up. Books can change your life forever. 

Tashi Vasquez: Reading is fundamental. There is a need for them (librarians/media specialists). Look to share services and collaborate with the public library. 

Dr. Danielle Brown: When I was writing my dissertation, I remember the research process. There was so many things my librarian taught me I was using 13 years later. Having a library in every school is a great idea. I would love for it to happen.

Junior Iglesia: If we have to give our students a gift the love of reading could be the greatest gift. Students should read a as a habit.

Beth Lieberman: Libraries are needed to teach how to find information in resources. Libraries no longer teach a child just reading. The children navigate technology and learn with librarians/media specialists. They are very important in our schools.

Closing Statements: 

Tashi Vasquez: I am here not to make promises, but to continue leading our district to success. I have advocated for the community. I have a personal obligation to serve our community. I support excellent schools. Keep personal agendas out of the classrooms. 

Stanley Sierakowski: One of my favorite quotes is: “All power to the imagination!” that’s for the students. The other one is “One’s reach shall exceed one’s grasp or what’s heaven for?” again that’s for the students. I would be the best liaison you would have. You’ve been left out of the loop. Most people don’t know what a PILOT is. There is no oversight. Developers can steal your land. I’m committed to control the oversight.

Justin Ross: You want someone who cares and who has the qualifications and who has the passion for children and their education. My goal is the install the love of learning. When you know learning, there’s no limit. I believe in this community.

Beth Lieberman: I believe education first. My hope is I’ve given an honest picture of my vision and trust how I can advance policy to be in a leadership role in this community. I’ve spent my whole life dedicated to education. 

Junior Iglesia: $2 million is what we saved our community. We had a budget to approve that included a $2 million tax increase. We had $48 million surplus. I believe in the policy of raising property tax as a last choice. I made the motion to amend the resolution to approve that budget without the tax increase. We were then able to save $2 million. We will act in your best interest.

Dr. Danielle Brown: We’ve made so much progress. Consistency is key. The numbers are there. The graduation rate, the test scores. It tells our story. The Board of Education we have should continue. Give us another 3 years.

The forum concluded. The entire forum is available for viewing on PA-TV.