Two of the signs (above and below) displayed at the BOE Meeting expressing the sentiments of the PA-AFT contract negotiations *Photos by Katherine Massopust

2/6/20 Board of Education Meeting

By: Katherine Massopust

PERTH AMBOY – After the student representative spoke, The Board went into a closed session at 5:40 p.m. and returned at 8:48 p.m. (3 hours; 8 minutes).

During the first public portion on agenda items only, many Perth Amboy Federation members read aloud anonymous statements which represented the sentiment and feelings of teachers, staff who are suffering financially because of the lack of resolution to their contract. The teachers and staff also stated they felt like they were being held hostage during the 3 hours; 8 minutes closed session. PA-AFT President Pat Paradiso spoke first. She was followed by many passionate teachers and staff who have not received a raise in 2 years and feel disrespected. In these anonymous statements, many teachers and staff stated they have to take a second job to compensate financially. Others can’t afford to pay basic bills including their mortgage, and in some cases even can’t afford necessary medicine. They put in countless hours, sometimes spending their own money for school supplies. Most of all, they feel disrespected. They also stated while this goes on, many supervisors (the Superintendent received merit pay bonuses) received raises on their already large salary.

Marie Barnes, Food Service Worker and Perth Amboy Resident stated passionately, “Please look deeply into our hearts. When you lift us up, we will lift you up, too.”

On the agenda was the announcement of retirees, including Wilentz School Principal R.L. Anderson. R.L. Anderson’s daughter, Shana spoke during the public portion and thanked everyone, including her father’s peers, colleagues, and all the teachers.

During the business portion of the meeting, Board Member Junior Iglesia congratulated all the retirees including R.L. Anderson. 

Superintendent Dr. David Roman stated, “It’s a testimony when people matriculate in Perth Amboy Public Schools. Congratulations to Mr. R.L. Anderson for many years of service.”

Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe stated, “I’ve worked with Mr. Anderson in a multitude of scenarios. This is truly an amazing person. This is a great man. Thank you for all your years of service.”

Further along during the meeting, there was a brief discussion on finance. Dr. David Roman said, “I want to assure our finances have been validated by our auditors with qualitative, quantitative and empirical results.” 

Marie Barnes, Food Service Worker & Perth Amboy Resident

Board Member
Maria E. Rodriguez

The month of March 2020 is U.S. Census month. Dr. Vivian Rodriguez read a letter on Census 2020 encouraging the school community to be counted. Board Member Lissette Lebron stated, “It is very important to include in this resolution. In 2020, it’s important. The results of the 2020 Census will determine financially the next decade. It’s important that everyone complete the survey. Let’s shape the community together.”

Superintendent Dr. David Roman stated, “I value this city. It has a voice in this nation.”

Board Member Junior Iglesia brought up the topic of the coronavirus. “The World Health Organization declared an emergency. I want to state that it is the staff’s number one priority.”

Dr. David Roman addressed Iglesia’s concerns, “It’s important to address this. I want to assure the community that hygiene is implemented in classrooms. We are taking extreme measures to keep everything clean.”

Board Member
Dr. Danielle Brown

During the second public portion, a man whose first name is Mike whose wife is a teacher gave some remarks, “It’s hard as a husband to know my wife spends long hours. We have children, too. Waiting 3 hours here was disrespectful. It’s hard to hear these inflated salaries when people are fighting for scraps. They feel disrespected. It should be for you. They do it without question. We’ve raised money for clothing and jackets for the kids. Not only do these kids receive it – my wife is an elementary teacher, and these are college students now that come back (to visit). I hope you do them right. It’s been two years.”

Resident Sharon Hubberman came up to the podium and stated, “It’s very top-heavy (salary wise). There needs to be some sort of incentive to promote you to keep your job. You should honor the contract which is in place until you get a new contract.”

After the second public portion was over, Dr. Danielle Brown gave a PowerPoint presentation on the updates on the negotiations for the new contract with the PA-AFT. Dr. Brown stressed that Board Members are volunteers and do not get paid. She stated the budget the BOE has a $279.5 million budget.  Most importantly, it was stated in the presentation that any staff members will receive retroactive salary increases in backpay from July 2018 and on March 9, 2020 mediation will take place. “We hear you; we see you.”

The Board Meeting adjourned at 11:24 p.m. Board Members Anton Massopust (excused) and Jesus Martinez were absent. Board Member Ken Puccio (excused) was late.

Board VP Junior Iglesia, Board President Tashi Vasquez, and Superintendent Dr. David Roman listen to the PA- AFT’s statements