10/15/20 Board of Education Meeting via Phone Conference
By: Katherine Massopust
PERTH AMBOY – The Meeting opened with a presentation by Superintendent Dr. David Roman and Assistant Dr. Vivian Rodriguez on the NJQSAC (New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum), the Graduation Report, and the Biliteracy Report.
Dr. Vivian Rodriguez stated that every 3 years the district is evaluated by State DPE (Department of Education) and that the Perth Amboy District did not pass by 2 points. The District Improvement Plan was given for the next 6 months to improve the curriculum and instruction score (in the science program). “The State does change along the way. One change is now the science scores count.” (They didn’t in the past).
Dr. David Roman was pleased to announce that the graduation rates are up every single year. For the 2019-2020 school year, 512 students graduated high school in four years.
Of these students, 222 passed the NJSLA, 82 passed by alternative assessment, 196 passed through portfolio assessment, and 12 passed through IFP. It was noted that in the following school years, the graduation rate steadily increased: 2016-2017 – 75.9%; 2017-2018 – 80.1%; 2018-2019 82.6%; 2019-2020 – 83%.
Dr. Roman stated the trend is positive. He also stated that in 2020, 274 students received the Seal of Biliteracy on their diploma. Dr. Vivian Rodriguez noted that this achievement is something the students will have their whole career for the rest of their life.
Board President Tashi Vazquez added her comments to the discussion, “It’s important to be transparent with the public where we stand. We will be as honest and fair as possible.”
The Board went into closed session at 6:02 p.m. They came back at 7:11 p.m. There was only one public portion where anyone can discuss agenda or non-agenda items.
The first person to speak was District Representative for The Perth Amboy Federation Lynn Audett. “There is a lack of communication with our staff. I want to be clear this is not at all due to Covid. The lack of communication was in this district. We want to be a part of the decision-making process. If there are decisions to be made, include staff members and the AFT in the process. We should not have to fight for this.”
Perth Amboy AFT President Pat Paradiso spoke next. “Teaching remotely is difficult. No administrator has tried to teach remotely during the pandemic. Preschool has unfinished assignments during the day. Elementary School Teachers advocate for early dismissal. Teachers should not have to take personal days to catch up on work. We need to make the school day more manageable.
It was noted by the PA-AFT Representatives that they feel as if teachers were being punished.
The next speaker was a woman who was a mother of twins with special needs currently enrolled in Kindergarten. Her number was blocked, but she said what the last 4 digits were. “My son is enrolled in the Richardson School. His needs are being overlooked. What these children who have been classified – it doesn’t work for them. That needed to be pointed out.”
Dr. David Roman said, “Transparency, clarity – it appears that indicated they asked the Board Members for experts. The lack of procedures – ask to go to our principals. To ensure clarity, we shall send a another note to some individuals who are not communicating.”
Assistant Superintendent Delvis Rodriguez stated, “We have sent them out to schools on October 7th and will on October 21st.”
Dr. David Roman said, “I cannot allow incorrect information to stand. There is inclusion in groups.”
Dr. Vivian Rodriguez added, “A committee was created during the summer.”
Dr. Roman said, “You are painting a picture that there is no communication. No administrator has been involved in remote teaching. No administrator has experience with a pandemic before. When we talked about punishing teachers – the elementary teachers are asked to do tutoring in the morning. PreK has one hour of teaching, tutoring the students that need help. I don’t know how that’s punishment (1-hour day).All contractual hours are there.”
Dr. Vivian Rodriguez said, “The program we have as teachers are not punishment. The time is to enrich. The students that need extra help – it’s a wonderful opportunity. It’s for one hour during the day. You have a 45-minute prep and a 45-minute lunch.”
Dr. Roman said, “I am speaking of the parent who was so eloquent, the mother of the special education student. What should students do? More teachers of special needs students are needed so teachers can teach one-on-one and offer support to parents.”
Dr. Vivian Rodriguez said, “On an elementary level, all teachers will have to learn at the same time – prep in the afternoon and go tutor children when the art, music, technology classes are. They will be able to tutor the kids to receive the extra help.”
Dr. Roman said, “I hear you. I see you. We have plans for you. All teachers – you feel you don’t have a voice.”
Board President Tashi Vazquez said, “We hear your concerns: parents, teachers, students, staff members. Things are going to change. We have to adjust together. Whether you are a preschool teacher or a high school teacher. All staff members are putting in extra hours. We will continue to work as needed.”
There were some concerns about the progress being made on the new high school. Dr. David Roman assured everyone that they were right on schedule. “We are meeting with the SDA every other week. We are exactly where we need to be. We looked at an infrastructure in the community.”
Board Vice President Junior Iglesia noted that the SDA is providing $283 million for the new high school and for providing the district with an emergency plan. “When the high school is completed, it’s going to be the biggest building in the community.”
Dr. Roman stated, “This is teamwork!”
Another discussion took place regarding lunches provided to the students. There was an item on the agenda with a federal mandate to raise the price on school lunches in response to inflation and the current pandemic. Dr. Roman stated that no one should have to pay for school lunches in this world.
Board Vice President Junior Iglesia asked if the Board could subsidize this.
Board Attorney Isabel Machado answered, “We can take a look at it.”
Dr. David Roman agreed with Igelsia that it is difficult to raise the price of food for everybody, especially for children. “If we can (subsidize the program), we will.”
Board President Vazquez noted that 70,000 meals were distributed this summer and over 100,000 this year. She thanked everyone who helped distribute those meals.
Dr. Roman said, “Our food program will be open in all locations. We wish to add locations to give food.”
For old business, Board Member Dianne Roman reminded everyone that the construction on the academies work was being done in the courtyard. “We are exactly where we need to be. It’s going to be phenomenal for our children.”
It was noted by Board Secretary Derek Jess that the date of completion will be early January.
Dr. Roman noted that students will receive college credit for courses completed in the academies.
Board Member Dianne Roman stated the mental health of our students is suffering.
Dr. David Roman stated, “We are looking at November 19th (in-school classes) to come back. November 18th is the end of the marking period.”
The meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m. The Board went into another executive session after adjournment. Board Members Maria Rodriguez and Jesus Martinez were absent (excused).
