10/29/19 Board of Education Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
Board Member
Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe
PERTH AMBOY – Student Representatives Delilah Morales and Anthony Diaz reported that students participated in the “Week of Respect “, “Stomping Out Bullying” and “Random Acts of Kindness” programs along with “School Spirit”. They noted that the Perth Amboy District accepted the award for being a National School of Character.
After a one and half hour closed session, the Board returned. There were three presentations.
The first presentation was given by Perth Amboy High School Principal Mr. Michael Heidelberg, Principal of the Personalized Learning Program and Anti-Bullying Specialist Ms. Yolanda. Gomez, and Principal of the Freshman Academy Mr. Keith Guarino who gave a presentation on the Learning Center. It was noted that the “Learning Center” is now the “Panther Enrichment Center”.
The presentation included the 6 principles of the Center: 1.) Peer Tutoring; 2.) Academic Enrichment; 3.) Independent Study Groups; 4.) Portfolio Support; 5.) Credit Recovery; 6.) Workshops
The second presentation was given by Director of Guidance Grades: K-12 Mrs. Mary Jo McAdam and Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Damian Medina. This presentation was on the State Assessment Results. The PARCC is now the NJSLA. They noted that the test is given to every student in New Jersey and it is all in English. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Vivian Rodriguez noted that the results are on the total population of students and not a specific group and as of May 2019, grades 3-11 take the NJSLA. It was noted that this mirrors the adoption of the New Jersey State Learning Standards of 2016. The test results revealed an upward trend over the years. “The Perth Amboy School District was honored as a Lighthouse District for substantial improvement and there were two requests to visit us to come and look how we are able to improve it. I am so proud to be here and retire knowing our school is in good hands,” stated Dr. Rodriguez.
Superintendent Dr. David Roman added, “Ten other districts have done what we have done. We are the largest.”
“We are the largest urban district.”
Director of Guidance Grades: K-12 Mrs. Mary Jo McAdam gave the third presentation on the 2018-2019 School Year on Self-Assessments for determining grades under the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act. She stated, “All Schools meet or exceed the expectations of self-assessment.”
During the first public portion on agenda items only, Perth Amboy AFT Representative Donna Tartz made a brief statement regarding what the union believes were unjust discipline given to certain staff members. She requested a few items to be tabled for further discussion with the Board.
When going over the agenda items for the Finance Committee, Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe asked how many buses are being utilized by the district. District Director of Operations Carmen Southward came up to explain, “We have a fleet of 40 buses. 33-34 are used every day and bus close to 3,600 students districtwide. This includes out of district students.”
Later in the meeting, Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe made a statement regarding the contract with the Perth Amboy AFT. “There are people working on a contract doing tremendous work on both ends. It’s a large group for everyone to work with. Please come to an agreement for the sake of our staff. It’s been over one year without a contract. We have a lot going on. Please get yourself together to come to an agreement. There’s only one more month left (in 2019) that we have a meeting.”
Board Vice-President Tashi Vasquez made a brief statement on the City Administration’s work on Census 2020. “It’s important that everyone is counted in 2020.”
Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe stated that although she was invited to the new Rose Lopez School opening, she was unable to go, but since then had seen the school. “It was the first time I was in the school. It was dynamic. No words can explain it.”
Board member Jesus Martinez commented, “On November 11th, it’s Veteran’s Day. So many of our Veterans have mental issues. Salute and honor them. It’s something special for that day for our armed services.
No one spoke during the public portion.
Board Attorney Isabel Machado read a statement on the ongoing negotiations between the Perth Amboy AFT and the Board of Education. The statement included some discrepancies with the salary guidelines. Both parties will continue to negotiate until they come to an agreement.
Board Member Dr. Danielle Brown and Board President Ken Puccio were not present. Board Member Junior Iglesia was late. The Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
