Iglesia Elevated to Vice-President

Contract with the Perth Amboy Federation Still Not Resolved

1/6/20 Board of Education Meeting

By: Katherine Massopust

PERTH AMBOY – Board Secretary Derek Jess read the results of the November 5, 2019 election. The newly elected Board of Education Members are Tashi Vasquez, Junior Igelsia, and Dr. Danielle Brown were re-elected for a 3-year term. Maria E. Rodriguez who ran unopposed was elected to the 1-year unexpired term. Maria Rodriguez was sworn in by Hon. Retired Judge Roger Daley. Vasquez, Igelsia, and Brown were sworn in by Board Secretary Derek Jess.

The election of officers went as follows: Anton J. Massopust was nominated for President by Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe and seconded by Maria Rodriguez.  Tashi Vasquez was nominated by Junior Iglesia and seconded by Dr. Danielle Brown. The voting was as follows: For Anton J. Massopust as President: Board Members Maria Rodriguez, Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe, Anton J. Massopust, and Ken Puccio voted “Yes”. Board Members Lissette Lebron, Junior Iglesia, Dr. Danielle Brown, and Tashi Vasquez voted “No”.The votes are tied: 4 Yes – 4 No. For Tashi Vasquez as President: Board Members Maria Rodriguez, Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe, Anton J. Massopust voted “No”. Lisette Lebron, Junior Igesia, Dr. Danielle Brown, Tashi Vasquez and Ken Puccio voted “Yes.” 5 Yes to 3 No. Vasquez is elected President.

Junior Igelsia was nominated for Vice-President by Anton J. Massopust and seconded by Dr. Danielle Brown. Dr. Danielle Brown was nominated by Maria Rodriguez. Brown declined the nomination. The votes were: Maria Rodriguez and Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe voted “No.” Anton J. Massopust, Lissette Lebron, Junior Iglesia, Dr. Danielle Brown, Ken Puccio, and Tashi Vasquez voted “Yes”. 6 Yes – 2 No. Igelsia was elected Vice-President.

During the first public portion Perth Amboy Federation President Pat Paradiso stated that there were still no pay raises to deserving teachers and staff. She pleaded with the Board to resolve any contract disputes. 

Union Representative Donna Tartza stated that the contract expired June 30, 2018 and the Perth Amboy Federation would like any incremental salary increases resolved. 

The executive session began at 5:56 p.m. and the Board returned at 6:46 p.m.

Tashi Vasquez thanked her fellow Board Members who elected her as President. “We work together. To have the title of President is to lead this group. I thank those who voted for me. I do it because I care.

Superintendent Dr. David Roman congratulated all the elected officials. 

The newly elected Board Member and re-elected Members each gave a short speech. 

Maria Rodriguez thanked everyone, stating “With God, all things are possible.”

Dr. Danielle Brown thanked the City of Perth Amboy for the opportunity to serve another three years. “I look forward to 3 more years of progress in our district.”

Junior Iglesia thanked his wife who drove his 3 daughters to soccer practice and games, giving him time to devote to the campaign. “This is a victory to the students. It symbolizes our community.” Iglesia noted that the graduation rate has improved to 81% over the past years and cited the progress of the construction of the new $283 million high school funded the SDA which is due to break ground spring 2020 and scheduled to be completed June 2024. “I promise to be your voice to the best of my ability and capacity.”

Tashi Vasquez took the opportunity to thank Ken Puccio “for serving as capacity as our president for the last 3 years. He was my DARE Officer in the 6th Grade. I’ve learned so much from him. He made it so easy. He has so much to contribute. Thanks for trusting me to follow in your footsteps.”

Board Attorney Isabel Machado read a statement regarding the contract between the Board of Education and the Perth Amboy Federation. There are still discrepancies regarding the contract regarding the existing guide for salary increases.

During the public portion, a disgusted President Pat Paradiso came up to speak. “People that were here 10 to 12 years are waiting for the salary they deserve. Those people will not get the money they’re entitled to. That’s not fair. Kid yourself all you want – it’s despicable.”

The meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m. Board Member Jesus Martinez was not present.