Students Honored for Perfect Score on NJSLA & Advanced Placement Exams, Controversy over LGBTQ Curriculum, Hiring and Firing of High School Boys Basketball Coach, Transferring of Teachers & Staff Throughout the District, and
3-Hour Executive Session All Make for a 6 Hour 21 Minute Marathon BOE Meeting

10/20/22 Board of Education Meeting

Editor’s Note: This meeting involved some heated discussion. Warning the language used may be uncomfortable for some readers. All meetings are videotaped and minutes are taken. Both are available at paps.net

By: Katherine Massopust
PERTH AMBOY – After the 10/20/22 Board of Education Meeting was called to order at 5:37 p.m. Superintendent Dr. David Roman stated that the Perth Amboy School District came in second place in the NJSPRA School Communication Awards for their Electronic Newsletter.

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Damian O. Medina, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Jessica Neu, and Dr. Richardson, along with Board of Education Members presented students that achieved a perfect score on the AP Exams and the NJSLA (New Jersey Student Learning Assessments) Tests. Each student received a certificate, trophy, and swag pack. Some of the students had graduated in 2022, although and were not present at the meeting (they are presently attending college), the district wished to honor them.

Ms. Katelyn Tivald gave a presentation on the District’s Anti-Bullying Self-Assessment. The district met or exceeded all the categories needed to pass the evaluation.

Superintendent Dr. David Roman and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Damian O. Medina gave a presentation on the State Assessment Results of the NJSLA. They identified areas that are successful and what areas needs to be addressed. It was noted that many newspaper articles emphasized that the pandemic wreaked havoc on New Jersey’s educational system and student performance. These articles state that there has been a decline in all NJ Assessment scores.

Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Jessica Neu explained some of the new educational initiatives being implemented in the district. This includes a Phonics Program in Grades K-2, I-Ready Software which is an online instructional tool to target literacy instruction. The new Math initiative will utilize real world applications to mathematics where the teacher is a facilitator to the students. There is an after school program, “Brilliant Math Games” which all contribute to the Countdown to Success. The district will continue its After School Program. For Special Education Students, the district will continue to support the students with disabilities and utilize the I-Ready Platform. For English Language Learners, there is Professional Development to enhance Bilingual Education.

Dr. Damian O. Medina stated that the NJGPA (New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Exam Assessment) which was taken for only informational purposes for review. Although the scores were less than what the district’s target was, it was noted that the projected Graduation Rate for 2023 was 86.2%.

Board Member Junior Iglesia stated, “With the pandemic, there is the reality I see there is a targeted intervention. Do we have any goal to when we will achieve our goals?”

Dr. Roman answered, “That is to be determined to get back to what it was.”
Public Portion (In-Person First):

The first person to speak was Perth Amboy Federation President Pat Paradiso (statement submitted upon request of the Amboy Guardian): “If you look at tonight’s agenda, you can see all the staff members who have been doing extra work teaching and caring for our students due to the lack of staff, and this doesn’t include the teachers or paraprofessionals who have been covering individual classes. Most of these staff members have yet to compensated for the extra work. It doesn’t make sense to make staff members wait so long to be compensated when the contractual rates are in our collective bargaining agreement. By the way, some people are still not getting paid at the correct rate. We will remedy this one way or another.

If you look at tonight’s agenda, you can see the transfers of staff members into different positions. Some of these transfers involve elementary teachers being moved to middle school content area positions, for which they are not certified, and which they are uncomfortable teaching. This is not a good practice, and the Board should investigate this.

Our non-certificated staff are also short-staffed and exhausted. Custodians are working dozens of hours of overtime with no end in sight. I am going to remind you again that the starting salary for custodians is below minimum wage. Food service workers are not afforded the opportunity to work overtime and must accomplish their extra work within the same time frame. No wonder so many of them end up injured.

Bilingual teachers are teaching different levels of students in the same classroom at the same time and being told that this is because there is no bussing. We have SIFE students, level 1 students, level 2 students, and level 3 students. I am no expert, but I know that SIFE student have limited formal education, level one students learn in Spanish, level two students learn in Spanish in the beginning of the year and transition to English halfway through the year, while level three students learn in English. How is it possible for teachers to meet the needs of these students all at the same time. Some teachers are expected to manage three different Bilingual levels. It doesn’t make sense, and it is clearly not in the best interest of the students.

In the middle schools, books are being deposited into classrooms with the expectation that a teacher will organize them, level them, and shelve them appropriately… all on their own time. This is on top of covering classes during their prep and staying after school to do the things they would have done on their prep.

At one of our preschools, staff members have been “voluntold” they need to provide vehicles, candy and decorations for a community Halloween event that occurs in the evening. This is not part of the staff’s job descriptions. To expect them to do it is insulting. You need to have Home School Liaisons at the preschools to make these events PTO functions. Then the staff who can attend can show up like guests and not like free labor.

For the first time since they were made 11-month employees Security officers were forced to work the last days of June without being compensated. We had an agreement in 2017 that the “11th month” would be either July or August. Someone decided it would be clever to keep guards from being fairly compensated fairly as they have been in the past. We think it is despicable.

If you want to keep the staff you have, and encourage other people to come to work here, you must treat us.

On a final note, we have come to believe that last month’s Board meeting was cancelled because of a certain Superintendent’s unprofessional behavior at Shull School in front of students and staff. Behavior like that should not be swept under the rug. Our staff is held accountable for actions their actions. My question is, where is the accountability for his?”

The second person to speak was Perth Amboy Federation District Representative Lynn Audet (Statement submitted upon the request of the Amboy Guardian):

“I am Lynn Audet, Perth Amboy resident, 31-year veteran teacher, taxpayer, and voter. I am also the District Representative for the Perth Amboy Federation. I am coming here tonight to discuss something that I have brought up multiple times over the years at Board of Education meetings…lack of communication.

Pat and I met with Central Administration last week to discuss issues that Staff have brought to our attention. The vibe that I got from that meeting because of the rude way we were treated, is that our Superintendent is very upset with us because “all we do is file grievances.”

I thought it would be helpful to explain the grievance process for those who may not know the steps. If a Staff member comes to Union Leadership with a contractual issue, we do what we can to address it first with Building Administrators, Supervisors, Directors, the Superintendent or an Assistant Superintendent.

If the contractual issue is not resolved, or the more likely scenario the Administrator does not respond to us at all, we file a grievance. I get the impression that Administrators have been told not to respond to us, because we rarely get a response.

This lack of communication is not productive. If you want less grievances filed, first and foremost don’t violate the contract, but secondly allow your Administrators to respond to us. It will be easier on all of us and would result in fewer grievances, since I am sure we can work most of the issues out.

Please understand that for the most part, Staff Members, don’t feel comfortable addressing these issues on their own. They just don’t. They look to us to handle the issues.

Our main role as Union Leadership is to make sure that our CBA is honored. I’m sorry if you don’t like it, but if the contract is being violated, we will take action. That is what we were elected to do by our Members. Unlike some people, we are not in the business of making empty campaign promises. Our Staff Members entrust in us to defend their CBA, and that’s what we are going to do. Period.

We have reached out to various Administrators to solve the following contractual issues, and we have yet to receive a response. Again, I am hoping to avoid more grievances…
1) We requested verification that FSAs are being taken out pre-taxed.
2) We requested additional time for Paraprofessionals and Secretaries to finish their Vector training since Paraprofessionals don’t have PLCs, and on PD days they were with the Teachers. Many of the School Secretaries were working in the schools as they were doing their Vector training. It was a few days before the start of the school year, and they were preparing for the new school year.
3) New Math program: From our CBA: “Teachers are supposed to be included in the ongoing process of curriculum development, including the selection of educational materials.” We requested to know where the piloting of the new Math program took place. We do not believe that happened. That is a contract violation. All we are asking for, however, is for Staff to not be observed doing the new Math program the first year, until they feel more comfortable with the program. This was done for Writer’s Workshop.

These issues need to be rectified immediately to avoid more grievances. They are clear contract violations.

I have also been asked to bring up that Teachers at PAHS were told that student names, specifics of the disciplinary incident, and ID numbers are not to be put on a discipline referral on IC. They would like to know the reasoning for this.”

The next person to speak was Math Teacher Samuel Cerritos (Statement submitted upon the Amboy Guardian’s Request) My name is Samuel Cerritos. I am a Bergen county resident in Teaneck, township. I’ve been an educator for the last 19 years in which I have spent my last 10 years in Perth Amboy. As a mathematics teacher, I had the privilege and opportunity to teach a full gamut of courses, ranging from Algebra, Geometry to AP Calculus AB/BC and Calculus III. I considered myself to be an influential member for the math department and to all colleagues. Throughout my time in the district, I have served in a wide range of committees such SLT, ScIP, Pandemic Response Team, been a club/organization advisor and most important, a student/teacher advocate. During the Summer of 2022 I was on the NJDOE/the NJSLS Writing Committee Mathematics Standard Committee. This past summer I was chosen/selected to be part of the “NJSLS Writing Committee”of New Jersey Student Learning Standards. b. As per state guidelines, Chief School Administrator (CSA) consent form is required.

I shared the information with the former principal, and I was contacted by the math department administration; I was never given the opportunity to meet with anyone from the Office of the Superintendent; it was not fair practice. We all deserve a change, instead, I was given a suggested email response: “Good afternoon Mr. Cerritos, Below is a statement that you can use to reply to Ms. Haberl if you would like. ‘I appreciate your offer to reach out directly to my superintendent. However, after discussing with the central administration, they will not approve my participation in part due to the teacher shortage. Time in September with students is crucial.’ If you have any questions, let me know.” – July 27, 2022

On September 1, 2022, I submitted my letter of resignation via email (electronic) and hand-delivered a copy on Friday, September 2, 2022. Since I did not receive any acknowledgement from the Central Office, a certified letter was sent highlighting that my last day of employment will be Monday, (60 days notice). It is sad; once again lack of communication. Personal letters of recommendation were denied from school administrators, but agreed to be contacted by telephone. On the other hand, it is expected that new employees do provide one; is this a new policy? As the former academic advisor for the Mathletes Club, I never had the opportunity to participate in the September/October competitions, and that is not fair to our students. We ended the 2021-2022 school with excellent goals; a good start and suddenly everything came to a FULL stop. Why? No one seems to know the reason. My colleagues need to be treated with respect. It is time to reflect and act. It is time to finalize the contract! District Initiatives include: A Staff Relations Committee – April 2014; was a good start! Why? A few meetings took place and it stopped. It is meaningless and that’s why many of my colleagues do not want to join or participate. The Math Initiative program – To my knowledge, there was NO teacher input here, at the Perth Amboy High School Main Campus. I am aware that I do NOT need to be chosen to participate in every committee: “Article VI Miscellaneous Certificated Provisions: A. Teachers shall be included in the ongoing process of curriculum development, including the selection of educational materials.” – Page 70

The email response from Director of Mathematics: “Good Evening Mr. Cerritos, Carnegie Learning MathBook and MathiA for grades 6-12 (and Eureka Math Squared and i-Ready for grades K-5) were chosen as new resources for our district curriculum with various stakeholders in a committee. This committee had administrative and teacher representation from the Mathematics Department, Bilingual Department, Special Education Department, as well as various grade levels and settings.

Thank you for reaching out and best of luck!” Director of Mathematics, Director of Curriculum and Instruction

I have asked for demo lessons from Carnegie Learning consultants instead, we have been offered a co teaching model. Do you want us, your faculty, to be successful? Then HELP us be successful. Zoom office hours are great but the issue is how to use the resources. Poor implementation of the program will be reflected on teacher observations. NOT FAIR.

The hiring process needs to be reconsidered – no follow-up and the turnaround time is very slow. Applicants can’t wait and are willing to take the next offer. Last year, there was a class that had no content teacher the entire year. Is that fair to our students? Each child deserves a free and appropriate education. Let us service these kids. Should your child be subject to this unfairness? There are many administrators in the district, they were teachers not long ago; teach our students. There was a data breach security incident (January 4, 2021) – No Respond from Central Administration. Has this issue been resolved? I was affected! I deserved an answer. Thank You! Our Kids Deserve More!”

The next person to speak was a parent, “This is my first time speaking. I have a daughter. Now we are requiring that parents to print out forms and hand them to personnel. In the 4th Grade level, my daughter is 9 years old and has to watch a film about romantic relationships, then it shows homosexual relationships. They are exposing our children to sexuality using these terms they shouldn’t be exposed to, like saying “clitoris” and “penis”. In this course, they show them pictures. It says it shows pictures of “vulva” and “vagina”. This stirred in my heart so much. This place should be filled with parents! There is a time and place for this. I know we are a culture of identity. I feel this should not be taught to fourth graders. We are throwing all seeds to confuse our students. We are here to fight for our children. My daughter should not feel she’s being punished because she is separated (Parents have an opt out option). My daughter was menstruating and went into the girl’s bathroom. There were 3 boys in there and they were not wearing dresses!”

Board Member Junior Iglesia suggested that the public could speak for 5 minutes instead of 3 minutes due to the lengthier statements of the speakers. The board agreed to do this.

Resident Lisa Nanton spoke next, (Statement submitted upon the Amboy Guardian’s request) “I am here to bring attention to the high school basketball coach position concerning Jeffrey Gumbs Jr. On Wed. October 5, Jeff had an interview with the assistant superintendent who told him that he wasn’t going to change his appointment but was still required to interview other candidates. October 11, Tuesday, Jeff receives and email from the assistant superintendent to move forward and begin to order supplies and equipment. Friday October 14, Jeff receives a call from Assistant superintendent that some kids had a petition for someone else and Jeff’s appointment was rescinded. There was alleged external interference that encouraged some players to sign a petition for another coach from AUL who was allowing ineligible players to play and was forced to forfeit games. Only 2 scenarios could have resulted from this action. Either some kids were able to override the Assistant Superintendents decision, which is analogous to the inmates running the asylum, or any applicant interviewing for a job cannot depend on the credibility of the administrator in question. I would suggest to all staff in the Perth Amboy School District, when interviewing for a new position, to have a union representative present and to record the interview. Jeffrey Gumbs Jr. was wronged and is owed an amends. It is up to the Board and Administration to right this wrong.”

Another parent spoke next. “I’ll leave it out – it’s not political or personal who is this qualified candidate. My comments represent the career of Mr. Gumbs. A formal inquiry should be made of both candidates and students who signed the petition. I believe Mr. Gumbs is a selection of high moral character. My complaint is the procedure on the whole thing. He asked if I would help him coach. We had connections to the classroom. He gave us an attendance sheet for After School Learning – minimum 10 kids to a maximum of 20 kids. We’ve had zero complaints from anyone. I know Jeffrey very well – his morals and his character. Jeffrey has gotten some kids scholarships. A 2-day timeframe – we should hire on facts – not feelings.”

Luis Gumbs Jr. spoke next, “Jeffrey is my nephew. I’ve followed Perth Amboy Sports for years. I’ve noticed after Mizerak retired; the quality is going down. What’s going on? Then you hired a gentleman from St. Anthony – that was a disaster. We lost respectability. Jeffrey Gumbs brought it back. Why would you change horses in the middle of the stream?”

Jeffrey Gumbs Jr. spoke next. “Three years ago, I interviewed for coach of the PAHS Basketball Team. As Basketball Coach I improved team athletics and academically as head coach to help students. I have delivered all my promises and had players had success of the team. On October 5th, I interviewed for Head Coach for Basketball. Mr. (Delvis) Rodriguez (Assistant Supervisor of Administration) said I could go forward and on Friday October 14th he said I will not be coach. He told me a group of students signed a petition to complain. Some students said they did not want their name on the petition. Mr. Rodriguez refuses to reveal who these students are. I went through the process and got fired. It was taken away with no wrongdoing on my part. I will bring back the glory of Perth Amboy Basketball. I have emails from students giving me words. Some came here to support me.”

Some students stood up in the auditorium in support of Jeffrey Gumbs, Jr.

Jeffrey Gumbs Sr. came up to speak, “I am an alumnus, ex-coach PAHS Championship and as a parent. Coach Gumbs – he is not only a coach, but a therapist, parent – he spends money on socks, bookbags, buys dinner for kids. He had a kid that was 18 years old. The kid’s parents were moving back to the Dominican Republic. The kid said that he didn’t want to go back with his parents. He wanted to graduate high school and play basketball. My son got him a room and paid his rent, and then got him a job in C-Town. If anybody says these teachers don’t work hard – they’re wrong. This young man – my son contacted Helmin Caba (at the time a Councilman) and Joel Pabon (Councilman) in front of Patten School at 10 a.m. on a Saturday morning. He was 5-6 credits short (to graduate). By the time January came, he was eligible. On Senior Night, when they announced the kid, he asked my wife to walk him out. Jeffrey made sure that kid had a hot meal. He got a kid last year a $20,000 scholarship. He gets kids into the Charter School. In the pandemic you couldn’t play, but he still got kids scholarships in Florida. During the season, he pays for some kid’s cellphones – lots of young players it’s their only mean of contact. My son – you have done a well job – excellent! Me and your mother – keep your head up. When the prayers go up, the blessings come down. In the interview process, my son was professional. He wore a suit. He blew Mr. Delvis Rodriguez away. He went there with a booklet page by page. He said every program should do this! He is also Assistant Football Coach. Your petition is flawed. The kids said they did not know what they were signing. One kid said his signature was forged.”

Parent Tony Minaya spoke next. “I have a daughter. I understand to accept people like that, but what is being taught – the school district should accept gender identity and parental consent is not required? If my daughter wants to change and the school will not tell me? I make decisions for my daughter. She is a minor. First of all, I think there is a problem with students that have an issue. You should follow up with a parent to see if there is a problem and help that student. Not everyone has the same level of education. I disagree that class has to be divided in two. I think this is encouraging bullying. How is this going to reflect on kids? They care less if two parents come in male or female. I don’t see how this is relevant because kids are not going to see these things. I went to school with all kinds of kids. I never questioned this. This (LGBTQ Curriculum) should not be taught to our kids.”

An Elementary School Teacher spoke next. “I’m a First Grade Teacher and I am now being transferred to Shull Middle School. I am a little kid teacher, and I am not prepared for the Seventh Grade. I understand there is a teaching shortage. There are seventeen kids in my class. Why would you allow a Kindergarten teacher to teach Seventh Grade?”

Another teacher came up to speak, “I am an elementary school teacher with a class of 5-year-olds. I am also on the list of transfers. No one asked. I got told 5 minutes before picking my kids up. I was a Second Grade Teacher last year. I took all my personal materials – 6 carloads back into that room and set it all up. On September 1st on Back to School Night I opened up my boxes. Six hours later I was told I was out the door. If you told me in May… It is an involuntary transfer. It doesn’t matter. I spent summer to be a better teacher. A couple of years ago, you told me I was an amazing teacher when I got the Teacher of the Year Award. If you are going to move me – move me – it killed me – I’m just a body to be put in a room, you need. You don’t treat people like this. 20+ years and I don’t feel valued anymore.
The room was opened up to Zoom Participants:

Parent Sarah Laura spoke first. “We moved here from Nevada. Our daughter was put in Shull School. She was placed in Algebra 1 and Basic English. She already had those classes. I was told there is no policy for advancing students to the next grade. I would not accept that answer. We were forced to pull her from school to be home schooled. It is not fair to my daughter. She loves to learn. If they are accelerating and proving they are learning – currently that is not happening. Every student deserves a fair education. No policy for advancing students? But there are tons of policies for failing students. I get a call from Dr. Medina saying there is nothing you can do. Something needs to be done about this. My daughter and her education are just as important.”

Joel Hopitch spoke next. “I’m here to support Jeffrey Gumbs, Jr. I am close to the family. I support my alma mater Delaware State University. I am currently the President of the Men’s Alumni Association. Coach Jeffrey Gumbs took time out to bring kids to school to give opportunities for these kids. I have known him all my life. I’ve seen this excellent young man give a significant amount of time to his athletes on the court – 12 months/7days/24 hours 100% to his students. He is presently setting up his students in the next level a culture of excellence and an outstanding representation of the school. I strongly recommend Jeffery Gumbs, Jr. as Head Basketball Coach.”

Resident Sharon Hubberman spoke next. “Following up a 9/19/22 email to Tashi Vazquez, Michael George, Ken Puccio, and Junior Iglesia from the Board of Education, they canceled the Board of Education Meeting (in September) I see a failure of the Board. While other school districts were informing the parents and the public about the new curriculum, and they could have opted out. How can you expect parents to make that decision when you don’t explain to the parents and the public? Most districts tabled it until it was explained to the parents and the public. It is up to the Board to decide to have that presentation. The letter I’ve received here has fallen on deaf ears. Let the parents be informed in that decision. I highly recommend the Board have a presentation before they adopt any big change in the curriculum – have a presentation.”

George Carty spoke next, “I am a PAHS Graduate in 1967. Jeffrey Gumbs is my godson. I’m concerned with the situation. The process needs to be looked at again. As my godson, he has taken time for the students. Keep your head up! You will be successful.”
The public portion was closed. Board Vice President Tashi Vazquez said, “There was a lot said this evening.” Vazquez mentioned offense to the comments of “the inmates running the asylum.” “The type of negotiations – (with the PA Federation) – it was stated we are not moving forward with the contract. That narrative needs to stop. October 20th – we have yet to receive a final proposal by Union leadership. It is your Union leadership’s responsibility to advocate. I sat on the last negotiations. This time around we did not delay a contract. Could it be they are waiting to see who sits on this board come January? We’ve asked since July for financial information.”

Board Attorney Isabel Machado then was asked to explain the negotiation process to the public and the grievance policy.

Board Member Junior Iglesia thanked the members and the public who did so in a respectful manner. “We may not all agree, but we agree to respect each other. As far as Health and Sex Education, is this a mandate by the state or can a parent opt out. I need to have more information. I make a motion to have a special public hearing on this current issue.”

Board Member Michael George seconded the motion.

Board President Ken Puccio said, “I agree with Junior Iglesia. Sometimes our hands are tied for our response in public. We should do this (have a public meeting). All Board Members voted “Yes.”

Board Member Junior Iglesia said, “I know Mr. Cerritos. He was my son’s teacher for AP Calculus BC Class.” He stated that Mr. Cerritos helped his son who is now very successful.

Board Member Marisol Gonzalez stated, “Insane people running the asylum? Students filed and signed a petition. It is our job to listen to our students. It is their voices that should be listened to. They spoke their mind. It mattered.”

The Board wen into closed session at 8:17 p.m. and returned at 11:18 p.m.

Superintendent Dr. David Roman said, “I will bring clarity to statements that were made. The fact that two transfer of staff members – if you were not spoken to – put it in writing. We will now be able to teach 270 students who do not have a teacher. We will be approving two new substation companies. We come up to procedures to hire teachers. We are conducting another job fair. We try to give enough notice to for transfers. Now does not mean forever. The transgender policy has been in place since 2018. This is mandated and we have no say. We’ve done so with due diligence and concern.”

Due to the lateness of the meeting, the Board voted on the whole agenda minus some items that required a roll call.

Board Member Junior Iglesia asked, “Covid-19 is still affecting a lot of people. What is the plan if we need to go to remote?”

Dr. Roman answered, “We have a similar plan that we had in the past. It’s up to the school district, but it is now more state or county dictated.”

When it came to vote on the table the hiring of the Boys Basketball Coach, Board Member R.L. Anderson abstained while the rest of the Board voted “Yes.”

When it came to Item #42 on page 31: Marisol Gonzalez said, “Working in preschool and jumping to seventh grade. I would say, yes, it is very difficult. It makes me uncomfortable, too. We want you to go where you love to be. The Vote went as follows: R.L. Anderson voted “No.” Dr. Danielle Brown, Marisol Gonzalez, Michael George, Stacey Peralta, Tashi Vazquez, Ken Puccio voted, “Yes”; Junior Iglesia and Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe abstained. Motion passes.

There was another vote on whether School Security can be armed in the school district. Board Secretary Michael LoBrace read the item and what requirements and training the armed security had to follow under NJS2C.

Board Attorney Isabel Machado stated that the Board is voting on a policy which is already in effect, and it give the option for security to be armed.

R.L. Anderson abstained. The rest of the Board voted “Yes.”

The meeting adjourned at 11:58 p.m. The meeting was called to order at 5:37 p.m.; went into closed session at 8:17 p.m.; returned 11:18 p.m. (3 hours 1 minute) and adjourned at 11:58 p.m. Runtime: 6 hours, 21 minutes. All board members were present, although R.L. Anderson and Dr. Danielle Brown arrived late.