6/29/20 Board of Education Meeting

By: Katherine Massopust

PERTH AMBOY – In order to save on time after a closed session spanning almost 4 hours, there was only one public comment during the Meeting. The public was invited to speak on any matter and ask any questions they wished. Resident and Businessman Jeremy Baratta was the first to speak. He had concerns about the calling in system and administrative codes.

The second person to speak was Diane Crawford. She asked what the details were regarding the re-entry plan for going back to school in the fall. She asked if there were committee’s and if there was any idea what the school days will look like.

The public portion was closed at 10:10 p.m.

During the regular portion of the meeting, Board Member Maria Rodriguez asked why there were 3 months of bill lists on one agenda.

Board Secretary Derek Jess answered, “All bills were paid. We had an issue with accounting systems. We are working on the problem. We had an issue with updating our software. We are now confident to work on a regular schedule.”

When asked about the finances, Jess stated, “Regarding our debts, we paid all of our bonds. We will have no debt come July 1st.” Jess explained that each debt was paid off at different dates and he would provide the information on when these debts were paid to Board Member Rodriguez. 

Board President Tashi Vazquez gave the Board President’s Report. “I want to commend everyone on the virtual graduation. The parade was special and memorable – phenomenal job!” Vazquez then added, “I look forward to be on the committee (for reopening schools). We will look for community input.”

Superintendent Dr. David Roman stated that the remote graduation was a labor of love. “As far as opening schools in September – the guidelines are not clear. Dr. Rodriguez and Mr. Rodriguez are in charge. This week or next week we will start (preparing for reopening schools). It will be complicated. We will attempt to do all due diligence. It will be a priority.” Dr. Roman then changed the subject, “There will be another committee to discuss social justice. We will help create and have focus on what needs to be learned.”

Board Secretary Derek Jess stated, “A small portion of funding from the $3 million from the CARES Act goes to non-public schools. We assure you that money is going where it needs to be.”

Dr. David Roman added that the money mainly goes to enhance technology.

Jess also stated that there were meals given to students. The Board of Education prepared meals and they were distributed throughout the city. He explained that under the McKinney Act, homeless students are given aid by purchasing hygiene supplies and vouchers for school. 

Board Member Maria Rodriguez asked about LGBT Curriculum. “What are the students specifically studying? I feel more needs to be explained.”

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Vivian Rodriguez explained that here was an addendum at the end of the curriculum. “With the new regulations, we look at every curriculum. We provide professional diligence to go along with them. We should implement that. The work is being done. A lot of answers will be given.”

Board Member Junior Iglesia asked about the graduation ceremonies being planned in July. 

Dr. David Roman answered, “We are in the process. We received 20% of responses (to the survey sent out to students who are graduating). We had 106 responses. 98 said they would be willing to attend. I will be speaking to the Board President tomorrow (6/30/20).”

Board President Tashi Vazquez stated, “Because we had such a low response, we may have 1 or 4 (ceremonies). The graduation date may not be 7/14/20. We may have to look at a later date.”

For Buildings and Grounds, Board Member Maria Rodriguez asked what was being done to the roof of McGinnis School.

Dr. David Roman stated that there was storm damage from last August and the roof will undergo a partial repair –and the workers needed steel to complete the job.

Board Member Junior Iglesia congratulated all the retirees for their years of service. 

Dr. David Roman offered his congratulations to all the graduates and wished them the best of luck. He then stated the books on the summer reading lists are online for students to read. He reminded everyone to complete their 2020 Census forms.

Board Member Maria Rodriguez wished everyone a Happy Independence Day. Board President Tashi Vazquez wished everyone a happy and a safe summer.

The meeting adjourned at 11:22 p.m. and included a 4 hour closed session. Board Member Ken Puccio was not present.