Honorees pose for photo with the Board of Education at the 4/11/19 Board of Education Meeting Governor’s Educator of the Year Awards:
Teachers: Edmund Hmieleski Jr. Early Childhood Center: Mary Gonzalez; Ignacio Cruz Early Childhood Center: Dejuan Alexander; Anthony V. Ceres Elementary School: Karen Gutierrez; Dual Language School: Veronica Austin; James J. Flynn Elementary School: Kirsten Nota; Edward J. Patten Elementary School: Michelle Batista; Dr. Herbert N. Richardson 21st Century Elementary School: Claire Ransegnola; Robert N. Wilentz Elementary School: Donna Fox; Samuel E. Shull Middle School: Jessica Perez; William C. McGinnis Middle School: Alexandre Lopes; Perth Amboy High School: Darrell Marshall.
Educational Services Professionals: Edmund Hmieleski Jr. Early Childhood Center: Lucia Checo; Ignacio Cruz Early Childhood Center: Teresa Jimenez; Anthony V. Ceres Elementary School: Mia Lanius; Dual Language School: Mary Cruz; James J. Flynn Elementary School: Suzan Lopez; Edward J. Patten Elementary School: Alexandria Riley; Dr. Herbert N. Richardson 21st Century Elementary School: Ramona Taylor; Robert N. Wilentz Elementary School: Meina Montalbano; Samuel E. Shull Middle School: Jacqueline Defilippis; William C. McGinnis Middle School: Brian Peters; Perth Amboy High School: Brieem Towns. *Photo by Paul W. Wang
4/11/19 Board Education Meeting
By: Carolyn Maxwell
PERTH AMBOY – The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. but shortly after the roll call and pledge of allegiance, the Board of Education went into a closed session that lasted from 5:42 p.m. until 7:06 p.m. When they came back into session, Superintendent Dr. David Roman made a few remarks regarding the 2018/2019 Governor’s Educator of the Year Awards. “These are the Oscars of Education. We’ve made monumental accolades over the years, and every school has shown significant growth from our students. Teachers reflect those changes. I want to congratulate these educators for their dedication, time, and effort.”
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Vivian Rodriguez then spoke, “As a former educator, I also want to thank the recipients of these awards.”
The principal of each school was then called to make remarks about each teacher and educational service professional who were recognized. There were a total of 11 teachers recognized, along with 11 educational services professionals.
When Principal R.L. Anderson of Wilentz School came up to speak about teacher Donna Fox’s accomplishments, she stood up from her seat and he remarked, “Oh, I’m not ready for you, yet.”
She said she wanted to break protocol because she is retiring, and she wanted to make a speech about her years in the Perth Amboy School System. She stated she came in 2000 and coming from the suburbs into an urban environment. At first, “I was seriously thinking about leaving.” Fox soon realized that staying was the best decision she ever made in her 37 year teaching career. “It’s not only the students, but it’s also the teachers who learn new things every day.” She also talked about 5 teachers that she had mentored. “There’s teachers and staff I’ve met who are the most hardworking and skilled professionals.” She also thanked all the principals – past and present who have supported and listened to all the teachers and gave them the latitude when needed. She wanted to thank everyone and choked up when she said, “I love you all,” putting her hands to her mouth and throwing a kiss to all.
Director of Special Funded Programs Pamela Spindel receives the NAFEPA State Leadership Award *Photo by Paul W. Wang
There was another special presentation made to a Ms. Pamela Spindel who was the recipient of the NAFEPA (National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators which began in 1974) State Leadership Award. She was recognized in Washington D.C.
After the awards were over, there was a question posed by Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe regarding Item No. 5 under the Curriculum. Approval for the Middlesex County Bar Foundation to facilitate (5) after-school civics lessons for district-wide fifth grade students between the months of April and May 2019 at no cost to the district under the supervision of the respective school’s principals. Jose Santos, Melissa Espana, Rosario Casiano, and Dr. Vivian Rodriguez.
Márquez-Villafañe questioned, “How many students were involved? Or was there a select group? Was it consistent or on a rotational basis?”
Dr. Rodriguez asked Mr. Dato to come forward to give a more detailed explanation. He explained that the students volunteered from McGinnis and Shull Schools with their parents approval. “Last year 45 students participated in the program. After having the 5 civic lessons, they had one more meeting where they reviewed what they have learned.”
Under the Finance Department, Committee Chairperson Junior Iglesia made a few comments. He said, “A lot of work was put into the budget which will pay for all the services for our student’s needs: now and into the future. It will cost $50 million to run the new high school. I’m urging everyone to vote in favor of the preliminary budget.”
William Clark Jr. (5th from Left) is the new Football Coach at PAHS replacing retired Coach Bishop. He is surrounded by family, friends, and well-wishers. Perth Amboy Athletics Director Nephtaly Cardona (Far Right) *Photo by Carolyn Maxwell
Board President Ken Puccio spoke next, “The financial committee did a lot of hard work and did their homework when working on this budget. I’m just riding on their coattails.”
During the new business portion, Board Member Junior Iglesia had a question about the performance report. He requested that the Curriculum Committee identify students interested in education and teaching in Perth Amboy.
Dr. Vivian Rodriguez remarked that Kean University offers credit to students taking this course.
Dr. Roman then remarked, “If students show an interest, this can be added to the STEM Program.”
During the last public comments, a teacher by the name of Mr. Johnson wanted to thank Nepthaly Cardona for hiring William Clark Jr. as the Head Football Coach for Perth Amboy High School. “I watched him (Clark) grow and take the necessary preparation needed (for this position). He has been a coach, a mentor, leader, and father figure. I am so proud of him.”
William Clark Jr. came up to speak next. “It’s an honor and privilege to be chosen for this position. I attended the University of Virginia and I’m a product of their academics and their athletic programs. I’m returning to the community. This is a teaching experience. There is a genuine relationship here. I want to teach honor, loyalty, teamwork, and pride.” He wanted to assure the school that he wants the football team to adopt an attitude for them to succeed, build integrity, and prepare for the real world.
Dr. Danielle Brown and Tashi Vasquez mentioned they graduated PAHS in the same year as Clark and how proud they were of him.
Board Members Lissette Lebron, Anton Massopust, and Jesus Martinez were not present.
