AUL Charter School, Perth Amboy 3/14/18 *Photos by Paul W. Wang

By Katherine Massopust

PERTH AMBOY -Students from the AUL Charter School and Perth Amboy High School walked out at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Students protested Gun Violence and School Shootings. The nationwide walkout was for 17 minutes, each minute to commemorate the 17 lives lost in Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Mayor Wilda Diaz came to the Charter School to support the students.

At the 3/14/18 Perth Amboy Board of Education Meeting, Superintendent Dr. David Roman stated that it was the responsibility of the School District Staff to keep the students safe.  He stated there are plans in case such incidents take place, but it is not publicized. He named two people in charge of security who do an outstanding job. “We don’t share what we are doing so those who may do things that are not appropriate cannot take advantage of that,” stated Dr. Roman at the meeting. Dr. Roman also stated he was in full support of the students participating in the national walk out, “Our students participated with dignity. I want to thank them publicly.”