Scholarship Bequeathment, Status of

New High School, Covid Status

2/4/21 Board of Education Meeting via Zoom

By: Katherine Massopust

PERTH AMBOY – After some brief technical issues, the Board of Education Meeting began at 5:47 p.m. The Board immediately went into executive session at 5:51 p.m. and returned at 8:21 p.m. There was only one public portion in which each individual was allowed to speak on anything. 

The first individual to speak was Lynn Audet, District Representative for the Perth Amboy Federation. She thanked the Board for adopting a schedule for food distribution. She then asked that the grading window be moved from 2 days to 5 days to give teachers ample time to post grades on the computer.

Perth Amboy Federation President Pat Paradiso spoke next. She indicated that the Staff needs Covid protocols in our buildings and that there should be more transparency on how things are done. She also asked if there are outbreaks, the staff should be informed.

After the public portion was over, Assistant Superintendent Delvis Rodriguez stated that the district follows all Covid guidelines. “The security guards work for 4 days, then are off 1 day.”

Superintendent Dr. David Roman stated that when visitors come to the building, we want someone professional there to greet them. “We will get through this. Thank you to all of our staff.”

Board Member R.L. Anderson asked about one of the programs for students which helps give emotional support, especially during this pandemic, “How are these kids selected?”

Dr. Vivian Rodriguez answered, “This is a pilot program going to the middle school level with Dr. Foster who is a psychiatrist. Tier 3 intervention – she will start this pilot.”

Board Vice President Tashi Vazquez added, “This is with the national collaboration with WellCare. It is important to bring different people into the mix.”

Board Member Junior Iglesia said, “Part of the rational is that there is a lot of social-emotional need. I’m glad we are making social-emotional programs.”

It was noted by Board Secretary Derek Jess that Katherine McDermott who recently passed away left 2 bequests to the district to be used for scholarships. (She had no family) “I want to acknowledge the generosity to our district. She left $446,000 to our schools.”

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Vivian Rodriguez said, “We are glad to have a committee like this regarding this grant.”

It was noted that MaryJo MacAdam is retiring. Board Vice President Tashi Vazquez gave a few remarks, “Mary Jo MacAdam started when I was in the Seventh Grade. Happy blessed retirement.”

Dr. Vivian Rodriguez stated, “I worked with Mary Jo (MacAdam) for over 20 years. We worked really close together. Thank you very much.”

Board Member Dr. Danielle Brown stated, “When I went to college, I would come back to visit Ms. MacAdam. I still go to visit Ms. MacAdam. Congratulations on your retirement.”

Board Member Junior Iglesia asked about the status of the new high school. 

Superintendent Dr. David Roman answered, “We should be proud of our academic program which will be implemented in our new high school. With the pandemic, things have changed. We are on time. Our programs are intact. It will be the biggest high school ever built by the SDA (School Development Authority) in New Jersey. It will be a place where the children of Perth Amboy will go to become future leaders of this nation.”

Board Vice President Tashi Vazquez gave a statement on why winter sports were cancelled. “That decision was made with the safety of the children in mind.”

Dr. David Roman added, “When we started, Perth Amboy was leading Middlesex County with Covid cases. It was not clear what we should be doing on the state, county, and national level. We went remote. How do we say it is not okay to be in school and be okay to participate in a sport? We need to keep children safe. That is what we made our decision on.”

Board Member Dr. Danielle Brown said, “We understand these decisions are not made easily. Your safety is important to us. This is from a former student athlete and a mother of one.”

Board Comments:

Board Member Junior Iglesia stated that it is important to emphasize social distancing and not to expose yourself to large crowds. “Stay safe.”

Board Member Dr. Danielle Brown said, “It is Black History Month. Celebrate our community leaders.”

Board Vice President Tashi Vazquez echoed Board Member Iglesia’s statements. “We lifted some restrictions. Be safe.”

The meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m. All Board Members were present.