PERTH AMBOY – On May 6, 2021, I addressed the Perth Amboy Board of Education about the issues with ventilation in our schools that are not serviced by an HVAC system. As the District Representative for the Perth Amboy Federation/AFT, I am extremely passionate about the safety of the staff of the Perth Amboy Public Schools. Unions were formed to protect workers’ right, and to fight for worker safety. I take my job as the District Representative for the staff very seriously and want to do whatever I can to ensure their safety.

I wanted to know what the plan was over the summer to prepare for the upcoming school year as far as improving the ventilation for the schools in our district that do not have an HVAC system. The Federation has formally and publicly requesting to have PEOSHA come to assess the ventilation systems in: School 7, Peterson School, DLS, East Campus, South Campus, and PLP. We have requested a PEOSHA assessment of these schools several times to Central Administration but have yet to receive a response. The Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent addressed my concerns by explaining what has already been done in many of the schools such as adding air purifiers but they did not address the schools without an HVAC system. Those are the schools where I have the greatest concerns, especially since as we approach the Fall and Winter, windows will be closed.

Now on a different note…I have been an employed as a teacher in the Perth Amboy Public Schools for over 30 years. I have seen a lot over the course of 30 years… There have been times over the past 30 years that have been challenging, exhausting, and frustrating to say the least. The 2020-2021 school year for very obvious reasons, has been by far the most difficult school year in my over 30 year career.

I wanted to take this time to thank and extend my appreciation to the staff of the Perth Amboy Public Schools for everything that they have done this year, and that they continue to do every day.

Our essential workers have been coming into the buildings since day one of this pandemic. They have been an absolute blessing to this district. You made sure our children were fed, our schools remained safe, and that buildings were clean and sanitized. You made sure that our district remained operational during this unprecedented school year. Every one of our essential workers has made a positive impact on keeping this district up and running this year. Thank you for all that you do!

Next, to our staff members who worked remotely and hybrid this year: It was quite a challenge to say the least! I have seen the most amazing things this year from my colleagues, and by colleagues, I mean all component groups, and all positions within those component groups! Everyone, our entire staff, banned together and went above and beyond making sure our students got every possible thing that we could give to them to help them have a successful year despite various obstacles, and during an extremely stressful time.

Many staff member’s lives were directly impacted by Covid-19, and yet they continued to provide for our students. As District Representative, this school year has been an emotional roller coaster for me… I have seen so many things that have made me so proud of our staff and have made me smile from ear to ear. Unfortunately, I have also heard so many stories from our staff that have brought me to tears…

Our students, parents, and community are extremely lucky to have the staff of the Perth Amboy Public Schools! On behalf of the Perth Amboy Federation, thank you, staff! You are loved and appreciated!