Board of Education

2/3/22 Board of Education Meeting

By: Katherine Massopust

PERTH AMBOY – The 2/3/22 Board of Education Meeting began at 5:30 p.m. Live instruction had begun the past Monday (1/31/22) after a month of remote learning due to a surge in Covid.

The Board went into closed session at 5:44 p.m. They came back at 8:47 p.m. (3 hrs. 3 min. later).

There were two presentations: one on the 2020-2021 HIB Self-Assessment (HIB scores) and one on the New Jersey Strong Results. Both presentations were given by Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction Dr. Vivian Rodriguez and Director of Guidance and Related Services Mr. Eric Swensen.

 For the report on bullying, the Perth Amboy School District either met or exceeded the State Anti-Bullying Requirements in every category. Upon BOE approval, the results will be sent to the New Jersey Department of Education.

For the Start Strong results, the results were not so good. Much of the 2020-2021 school year was through remote learning. The tests indicated that strong teacher and student support was needed in nearly every subject. Dr. Rodriguez stated, “We are all concerned for our students.”

Public Portion:

Theresa Chism spoke first. “I am a parent advocating for my son. On December 13, 2021, my son was physically assaulted. There were no guards present. There are only 5-7 guards for 1,420 students. Two guards were out sick. The student who attacked my son has yet to be identified. The two security cameras were broken.”

She then stated, “Children are standing outside for long periods of time in the morning before the doors open. The children are out in the rain and the cold.”

 Perth Amboy Federation President Pat Paradiso spoke next followed by

Perth Amboy Federation Union Representative Lynn Audet.

 Parent Stephanie Sanchez spoke next. “The community needs to think outside of the box. Last year our sports season was cancelled. We are adjusting ourselves. I had two Shull School Students – one for wrestling. Recently, there was an event. We were shut down and had parents scrambling around town because transportation was cancelled. Perth Amboy should come up with a better way. Nobody communicates back with us. There has to be a better communication to work together for the kids. We should work together.”

Another mother of a student spoke, “The GMC Tournament – students have lack of transportation. The GMC Event was still on. It should be better way to get students there. I see what these sports do for our children. My son didn’t have science all year. He attended the Dual Language School – there was no science teacher.”

Superintendent Dr. David Roman gave his report. “We are coming back from remote learning to live instruction. The pandemic is before us. The District and Board took a candid approach, we were one of the last districts to come back to live instruction. This demonstrates a respect for this pandemic. We did it with resilience and with the County Superintendent and the Department of Health. We met the requirements of the students and completed all that was necessary. For workforce strategies, we need teachers. Many have moved on for various reasons. We understand that parents need to work. The staff handled different situations. The CDC changed its mandates. Also, there are mandates by the governor. There is no one answer. Decisions were made with many esteemed and intelligent individuals to expedite the progress as it relates to the pandemic. I implore all of our community to speak with our principals. I would like the Director of Security to meet with the woman whose son was assaulted. I will speak with you as well. The Security/Staff ratio – I would like two colleagues to speak with you. Please parents understand I cannot legally open up a building without staff there. Perhaps parents need to come in to greet the students.

When staff comes in the building, I can open up. The Teacher Retentions Committee is not reflective of the directive of the personnel. It is to reach out with teachers to find out what experiences they want. The committee never was designed as a Teacher Retention Committee. Don’t speak selfcare?

As teachers came back this week – we gave them time to let them acclimate. I find it hard to believe there are principals are not doing that. The parent’s concerns of the building not being open took place during a state of emergency called in at 3 p.m. We immediately rectified the situation. We do have protocols in place. We provide busses in as many places as we can.”

Dr. Roman then spoke about the archway in Water’s Stadium, “We met with Mr. Dyke (Perth Amboy City Historian), the Mayor, Council, and Board. The decision of the Board is to take the archway down because it is dangerous. We will pay for an archway to go back up. All voices will be heard. For safety reasons, the quality of that stone cannot be used. We will do what we need to do and have a new one up in time for the new PAHS when it opens.”

Dr Roman stated that there were staff shortages due to protocols which will remain upon whether or not we see the end of this pandemic. “They (other school districts) were not remote – we were. We do what is right for this district. What can be done regarding Covid protocols? We will make the best decision at that moment. I want to thank the Board who helped with the transition form remote to live. We must proceed with everything as required by the State of New Jersey. It is a national issue. We are working dynamically to keep people safe.”

Board Vice President Tashi Vazquez said, “I want to thank everyone for their hard work.” Vazqeuz then spoke about retiring security guard Mario Martinez. “He dedicated almost 25 years of his life to being a security guard.” She then said, “We have shortages in staff. The nation is facing a shortage. I asked to fill of all open vacancies. HR is seeking teachers to work on various projects. These projects are geared to recruit and retain our staff. We tried to build people up from within our community. You asked to give our teaching staff the opportunity. Why aren’t we giving people who taught here for 15+ years a chance for promotion? These are opportunities we are giving them. These projects are giving the teachers to opportunity to give them the necessary experience. This Board is committed to see these teaches grow.”

Board President Ken Puccio stated that Mario Martinez will be sorely missed.

Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe read a list of students who made accomplishments over the past school year. She emphasized the importance of recognizing these achievements. The Board agreed.

Superintendent Dr. David Roman stated that Perth Amboy was one of five districts to request Covid Test Kits. He stated that they are here and under secure lock and key.

 Board Vice President Tashi Vazquez stated that there is free Covid testing at the Youth Complex on Convery Boulevard. “It is open and walk-in. There are no requirements.”

 Dr. Roman stated that on Saturday, April 9 through Tuesday April 12 there will be a job fair which will be advertised.

The meeting adjourned at 10:52 p.m. Board Members Michael George and Dr. Dannielle Brown (sick) were not present at the meeting.