10/19/21 Board of Education Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
PERTH AMBOY – There were two presentations at the meeting. The first presentation was on the 2019-2020 Self-Assessments for determining grades under the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act and the 2020-2021 Reporting Period Two Student Safety Data System and Harassment Intimidation and Bullying Incidents, Trainings and Program. The presentation was given by Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction Dr. Vivian Rodriguez, and Director of Guidance & Related Services Mr. Eric Swensen. Dr. Rodriguez and Mr. Swensen explained the assessment which stated that the district met or exceeded expectations.
The second presentation was on Building a Better Tomorrow which was given by Director of Social Special Services Dr. Jessica Neu.
Public Portion: Perth Amboy Federation President Pat Paradiso and District Representative Lynn Audet spoke.
Pat Paradiso: There are new extracurricular clubs on this agenda. Stipends for these clubs must be negotiated with the Federation. We are requesting dates to negotiate these stipends.
We have received concerns that the district dress code is “gendered”. As you all know we have a very diverse staff in this district. We are requesting dates to negotiate changes to the dress code.
We are requesting dates to negotiate the Emergency Virtual or Remote Instruction Program as it impacts the terms and conditions of employment for our bargaining unit members.
We are very concerned about the lack of substitutes available in this district. I know we have a ready supply of substitute food service workers, custodians, lunch aides and security. We are requesting that the district come up with a plan to have a supply of substitute teachers available as well. We know if they are hired by the district, they will only be able to work 29.5 hours a week. This can be managed by having subs work only 4 days a week. Those days can then be staggered among the potential pool of substitutes. We would also suggest raising the pay for substitutes as you have raised the pay for lunch aides to bring them back to the district. The current pay through ESS is less than $15 an hour. Having teachers cover on their preps costs the district $245 for 7 periods. Other districts have raised their rates for substitutes. We need to do something to be more competitive. Teachers and paraprofessional cannot keep up this current pace.
We also would like everyone to know that we have requested to be able to negotiate Covid 19 testing procedures several times and have been ignored.
Lynn Audet: There are new extracurricular clubs on this agenda. Stipends for these clubs must be negotiated with the Federation. We are requesting dates to negotiate these stipends.
We have received concerns that the district dress code is “gendered”. As you all know we have a very diverse staff in this district. We are requesting dates to negotiate changes to the dress code.
We are requesting dates to negotiate the Emergency Virtual or Remote Instruction Program as it impacts the terms and conditions of employment for our bargaining unit members.
We are very concerned about the lack of substitutes available in this district. I know we have a ready supply of substitute food service workers, custodians, lunch aides and security. We are requesting that the district come up with a plan to have a supply of substitute teachers available as well. We know if they are hired by the district, they will only be able to work 29.5 hours a week. This can be managed by having subs work only 4 days a week. Those days can then be staggered among the potential pool of substitutes. We would also suggest raising the pay for substitutes as you have raised the pay for lunch aides to bring them back to the district. The current pay through ESS is less than $15 an hour. Having teachers cover on their preps costs the district $245 for 7 periods. Other districts have raised their rates for substitutes. We need to do something to be more competitive. Teachers and paraprofessional cannot keep up this current pace.
We also would like everyone to know that we have requested to be able to negotiate Covid 19 testing procedures several times and have been ignored.
Resident Nicole DeRobles spoke last. She spoke in both English and Spanish, “Thank God we are all here together. There are some serious problems in Perth Amboy. The agenda should always be in both English and Spanish. We are sinking like the titanic. We need to work together. Where are the parents? Do they tell you what’s going on? You are doing good with the pandemic.”
Board President Ken Puccio reminded everyone that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “I think about cancer every day. Get yourself checked. At the football game Friday night, we honored the First Responders. Our First Responders are top notch. Last week was National Police Week. Last year was the deadliest ever. I participated in the Police Unity Tour. During National Police Week, the police ride from New Jersey to Washington D.C. – 300 miles on bicycle. 20 months ago, I didn’t think that I could ride a bike anywhere.”
Board Vice President Tashi Vazquez said, “Congratulations to President Puccio for making the ride he didn’t think he could make. It is also First Responder Week and Fire Prevention Month. Kids enjoy events at the firehouse. It is Red Ribbon Week and Walk Your Child to School Day. We met with OEM (Office of Emergency Management), the Police Department, and City Administrators. Keep friends safe outside/inside buildings and get the best services possible. It is important to show a collaborative effort. Social media plays a part of misinformation.”
Board President Puccio said, “Cooperation between these city and Police Department is unprecedented. We must talk and get things straightened out.
Superintendent Dr. David Roman said, “It is important that social media didn’t speak about threats that didn’t occur. We’ve had an extraordinary beginning of the school year.”
Dr. Roman then spoke about the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Perth Amboy High School. “The date is September 2024 for opening. Central Administration are on top of what is going on. The cost is roughly $300 million for the new high school. We are on target looking forward to it.”
Dr. David Roman then wished to address concerns of the community about information posted on social media concerning possible threats to the district. He warned of misinformation that spreads on social media platforms. He explained about safety and security in the district, “Mr. Tibor Kacso, District Chief of Security Personnel has taken on a lot of responsibility in personnel to keep the students safe. You (Kacso) make my life easier.”
Vice President Tashi Vazquez added, “The school district got information over to the community. I would like to thank Carmen Southwood, (District Director of Operations). There is a shortage in staff. Family members in the district – there is a shortage. This is not only in Perth Amboy, but nationwide – pre-pandemic. The pandemic enhanced it – what we’re already facing. The Governor signed a bill cutting the number of credits in college required to substitute. There is an issue. We’ve had conversations. What is our plan? Better pay, better training, support more teachers. We need to be transparent. The nation has a shortage.”
Board Member Junior Iglesia said, “Whenever I make a statement, I make it as an elected representative to the Board. Our greatest issue is that the world is changing so fast. There are so many threats concerning to all of us. Safety and security to students and staff should be our number one priority. When there is a drill or lockdown – if a door doesn’t close – fix it! Based on drills with the goal to be prepared for all kinds of threats. How prepared are we? Active shooter? Fire?”
Dr. David Roman answered, “We are extremely prepared. We are in constant communication.”
Mr. Tibor Kacso came up to speak. “We do what is required by the state. We have drills every month.”
The meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m. Board Member Dr. Dannielle Brown was not present at the meeting.
