11/19/20 Board of Education Meeting
By: Carolyn Maxwell
PERTH AMBOY –Superintendent Dr. David Roman introduced Assistant Superintendent Dr. Vivian Rodriguez to present her report on the anti-bullying policy. Rodriguez started out by stating, “The Anti-Bullying Report has to be presented twice a year according to the law. The presentation can also be viewed on the Board of Education’s website. This report was from the school year beginning from 2019-2020. The first report deals with self-assessment of the school and harassment prevention. There are 26 questions. Our district has met or exceeded the expectations. We have to score between 52-78 points. We all have met or exceeded this. The second part of the report involves the student data and harassment incidents, what kind of training we have in place and programs dealing with violence and vandalism. This also includes any student that had to be removed or suspended. The final report must be submitted by December 31, 2020.”
Board Vice President Junior Iglesia asked if there was any data from last year to compare to.
Rodriguez responded, “I can get it for you, but it was given to you already. There was less bullying because of remote learning. This includes violent vandalism, weapons, and other incidents. In the past, there were also suspensions of students who did not obey the code of conduct.”
Board President Tashi Vazquez asked if they had any incidents of violence or vandalism since we’ve had remote learning.
Dr. Roman then explained, “There have been some incidents that have been sexual in nature. We have observed students doing something. Sometimes parents or teachers will report cyber-bullying. We have been on top of it with security and other departments involved.”
After the presentation and comments made referring to the report, the Board of Education went into executive session at 5:49 p.m. The meeting resumed at 7:07 p.m. Again, there was only one public portion in which anything could be discussed.
Parent Mr. Ortiz was the first speaker. He was concerned because the Board of Education Members and Superintendent are not communicating enough with the parents when it comes to remote learning. “Other towns have Zoom Meetings to teach parents better ways to use technology for more of a in-school learning environment.”
Mr. Ortiz then introduced his son, who stated, “At home, you have too many distractions.”
Mr. Ortiz then stated, “There is not enough communications with the superintendent. Why are schools closed? The virus is not spreading that much in the schools.”
Perth Amboy Federation President Pat Paradiso and District Representative of the Perth Amboy Federation Lynn Audet each read a statement. (See column right p.9 & p.10)
Board President Tashi Vazquez thanked all for their opinions. She told the speakers they can email the Board of Education Members and administrators about their concerns. “We hear you,”
Vazquez then addresed some of the remarks by the AFT Members regarding the safety of teachers and staff. “We are learning as we go along regarding our food workers and staff. We have masks to give to anyone who needs them. Our Number #1 priority is making sure our students have what they need to communicate. There is a natural shortage of some equipment.” She then addressed the complaint about the AFT representatives concerns about the last contract that was signed. “The salary guide requirements were met in accordance with the contract negotiation with the AFT. The Board of Education stands by their decision.”
Superintendent Dr. Roman then addressed the father and son who spoke earlier and urged them to email your principal about your concern. “We have weekly meetings regarding the pandemic situation which all can participate in them. We are doing one-on-one engagement with the students. Other towns may have different criteria when it comes with when dealing with the pandemic. We follow the appropriate recommendations when handing out food. Thanksgiving is not going to be easy this year. One of our Board Members: Jesus Martinez is leaving, and we want to recognize his contributions, dedication, and his involvement as a Board Member. We also want to thank Board Member Maria Rodriguez for her service and how she could see firsthand how the Board of Education works.”
Board Member Ken Puccio said, “A lot of students have more engagement in the community and want some of the clubs to be reactivated after the pandemic is over. We hear your concerns.”
Board Member Lissette Lebron then spoke up, “There is an organization that has a donation of over 400 winter coats.”
Board Member Dianne Roman then said, “We need an assessment on how they will be distributed. We may have to meet with the Building and Grounds personnel regarding this matter.”
Superintendent Dr. Roman thanked the Maintenance and Custodial Staff for keeping our buildings clean.
Board President Tashi Vazquez then spoke up, “The Remote Learning and Childcare Contract with the YMCA is being reviewed before renewing the contract.”
Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe stated that it is National Adoption Month. “You can be a mentor or foster parent. There are 122,000 youth waiting for adoption and some of them are at-risk.
After she spoke, Board Member Lissette Lebron wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and thanked all the churches who participated by providing food for people this Thanksgiving.
Board Member Dianne Roman asked all to be cautious when dealing with the Covid, “Our numbers are going up. There were over 600 new cases in the last 17 days (in Perth Amboy). The numbers speak for themselves. I was grateful to serve with all the Board Members.”
Board Member Ken Puccio wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
The meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m. Board Members Dr. Danielle Brown and Jesus Martinez were not present.
