5/7/20 Board of Education Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
PERTH AMBOY – The 5/7/20 Board of Education Meeting was called to order at 5:36 p.m. via Zoom conferencing.
A presentation on the N.J. State Assessment Science Test Results for the 2018-2019 School Year was given by Dr. Vivian C. Rodriguez, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction.
Dr. Rodriguez stated, “At the lowest level, our children are not meeting the expectations they should be meeting. We have a lot of work to do in the area.” She stated for the 8th Grade to 11th Grade, the students did a little better.” Rodriguez explained that the exam is a new test and the district is changing a lot of things.
Rodriguez cited the recommendations for the district: “We have a lot of work to do if we are to meet the standards of the N.J.S.A. in Science. Our benchmarks are too different. We require a new school referendum of this exam.” She then added that it is necessary to increase development. “We need to amplify our new online system. We have it at Middle School and at Elementary levels. We need to bridge the gap between 8th Grade and 9th Grade and are working on scheduling. We need to implement a model learning system. We are in unchartered waters on how we are moving forward in lieu of the pandemic. I find it is for us. We will look at every single fact that we are now facing in education along with making the final state assessment.”
Rodriguez then added, “We have been designated as a Lighthouse District on improvement in this district.”
Board Vice President Junior Iglesia asked, “Looking at the data, most children in the district are below meeting grade level standards. How early do we start preparing students for specializing the curriculum and content? How are we doing with current curriculum we have in place in the classroom?”
Dr. Vivian Rodriguez answered, “Our benchmark curriculum has new standards in it. In the elementary schools, there are 180 days of school and 6 hours where there comes a million things. When you look at time for instruction, there is not so much. There is a double block of literacy, math, social science, art… We do our best to include science, but it does not have prime time. Science/social science does not have the amount of time required. It is more challenging based on schedule. We should be doing much better. That’s our challenge.”
Superintendent Dr. David Roman added, “In addition, our children have to deal with a language barrier. How do we supplement texts? It’s a little more difficult – The ultimate goal, we will. We were progressing upward. We will again. Addressing issues not just in science. I’ve had this conversation with the state.”
The next presentation was given by Dr. David Roman and Board Secretary Derek Jess who gave a Public Hearing for the proposed 2020-2021 Budget. Jess began, “The school year goes from July 1, 2020 thru June 31, 2021. The Budget Reserve for next year requires no increase in local property taxes. The payment of bonds and debts were completed this year. During the current fiscal year, we paid off all our debt. For the first time in 40 years, we are debt free. There are no taxes under out debt services. There is no increase in taxes in the BOE side in the next school year. State aid – what we receive from the Department of Education and the State of New Jersey there is an increase of $7.6 million in state aid which stems from being a former Abbott District and below adequacy, our state aid has increased. There are no debt services and there is a decrease of $672,000. For Federal Aid – Title 1 IDBA is slight increase up $2,000. There is in $2,040,000 federal purposes. The Capital Reserve money is utilized for the district to do projects including renovation. We can withdraw that money for projects, being a former Abbott District funding of schools. For capital projects, we can replace HVAC for a better atmosphere for our schools.”
Dr. Roman added, “We are entering the second year of the Health Science Academy with a zero-dropout rate. Scores do not define our children.”
Dr. Vivian Rodriguez said, “I’m proud of this expansion for health sciences for the next year.”
Dr. David Roman stated, “Kean University helped us put this tough curriculum together and got it fast-tracked. These students are the next doctor or veterinarian or in the health field.”
Dr. Vivian Rodriguez added, “We are going to produce the next generation of scientists. I am now proud of two academies we decided to embark on: Communications and Health. If we had a magic wand, we could not have done any better.”
Board Secretary Derek Jess continued, “Curriculum drives the budget. With new HVAC, students have an environmental condition conducive to learning.” Jess commented that the state has not increased funding since the 2008-2009 school year for PreK. “There is a slight cost. They have to fund Pre-K from local reserve money. Perth Amboy does not.”
The total budget for the 2020-2021 school year is $291,352,612.
Board President Tashi Vazquez thanked the finance committee. “To bring the debt down to zero.”
Board Vice President Junior Iglesia stated, “If you look at our budget, at the end of the school year, we end up with a surplus. The increase of added funding is due to a few factors. We served 14,356 students. This year will be 10,917 students. We are serving less students and providing more money. We should provide the quality of education we deserve. Thank you for keeping our district strong.”
Dr. David Roman added, “We’ve had these conversations. We are learning this process and have allocated funding. We have given out 154,000 meals as of yet to students. We’re looking at that. We’re diligent not to exceed our budget for our emergency services in any way, shape, or form.”
Board Secretary Jess stated, “Because of the pandemic, we’re in a state of emergency. Because FEMA is now involved, we will make sure what amount of funding is expected to be refunded by FEMA.”
Board President Vazquez stated, “It’s between 70%-75%.”
The third portion of the meeting was the interview of two candidates to replace Board Member Anton Massopust who recently passed away. The two candidates were Dianne Roman and R.L. Anderson. First, each candidate gave an opening statement, then 5 questions were asked by Board Members and then each candidate was to give a closing statement.
Dianne Roman:
Dianne Roman Opening Statement: Before being considered to fill the seat of Mr. Massopust, I sat next to Mr. Mass when I was on the Board. I come before you to seek your appointment. My years on the board were between 2011-2014. As a former Board Member, I understand the responsibility of Board Members. I was the Chair of the Curriculum Committee. I’ve devoted my professional career to the young and the young at heart. I never lost sight of my responsibility. I value education and the power it has. I believe my previous experience on the Board will help us during this crisis.
Lissette Lebron: Where do you think your strengths and weaknesses will fit in this current Board?
Dianne Roman: I am a team player and am about the bigger picture. I am committed. I am very invested. Things don’t always happen as fast as you want them to and I understand the process.
Maria Rodriguez: Recently there has been approval to incorporate LGBTQ into the 5th Grade thru High School 2020-2021 curriculum. What are your views on the LGBTQ curriculum?
Dianne Roman: This is an ever-changing world. There will always be new curriculum. There is a learning opportunity and we are creating every day to empower our young people.
Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe: In your opinion what is the best thing the district has done within the past year, one thing you would improve and one thing you would eliminate or completely change?
Dianne Roman: Best – The Health and Science Academy – It’s exciting to see 16-year-olds take blood pressure and become EMT’s. It looks good in the college application. Improve – changes in our elementary level – really evaluate certain roles of the Board and certain roles in administration. Be part of the team that moves to make progress. I do not see anything to change without analyzing the current program.
Ken Puccio: Based on the current pandemic, and what is going on in the city, how would you lend your talents to help the situation?
Dianne Roman: I would help coordinate food distribution. Currently I am helping food banks in Middlesex County Social Services.
Dr. Danielle Brown: The Perth Amboy Board of Education is comprised of 9 members who work collectively to serve people and the schools of this district. Could you share one professional or personal experience where you had work as a team to reach a goal where you may have differed in opinion from the group, and what was the outcome?
Dianne Roman: As a former Board of Education Member, there were plenty of times we had differences of opinions. I always tried to maintain my true beliefs and lead by example. Many issues are different. We may have differences of opinion. At the end of the day there were many times my opinions weren’t accepted and we have to move on.
Dianne Roman Closing Statement: Thank you. I continue to serve young people in the city. I could not – not be involved. I believe in public school education. Our scholars breathe life into the building. In recent months there are challenges due to the pandemic. Together we will get through this.
R.L. Anderson:
R.L. Anderson Opening Statement: I see this as the next evolution, the next change of my 47 years of my career serving the school system. I believe I have something to offer. I’ve graduated from PAHS. I have spent 47 years teaching math, 19 ½ years as an Administrator Vice-Principal on every level K-12. I think I am at the point I want to continue what I’ve done and serve on the current Board of Education.
Lissette Lebron: Where do you think your strengths and weaknesses fit in with the current Board?
R.L. Anderson: I think experience in all (is a strength). Weakness – I’m not too familiar with all the operations of the Board. If I am appointed, I will work to be up on those areas.
Maria Rodriguez: Recently there has been approval to incorporate LGBTQ into the 5th Grade thru High School 2020-2021 curriculum. What are your views on the LGBTQ curriculum?
R.L. Anderson: I haven’t seen the curriculum. We included Amistad and the Holocaust into the curriculum. It’ part of national and state curriculum. I think it is a good idea.
Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe: In your opinion what is the best thing the district has done within the past year, one thing you would improve and one thing you would eliminate or completely change?
R.L. Anderson: My biggest strength is writing a program for our children. One area of weakness – the students used to do well with math. We now have a strength in language. Now, stress on math. We have to bolster our math scores. Nationally – our students are extremely competitive. We need to strengthen our math program. We need to improve math.
Ken Puccio: Based on the current pandemic situation, how will you lend your talents to help the community?
R.L. Anderson: It’s difficult to learn when you don’t have materials at home. I operate with the Perth Amboy Fire Department and try to get the word out to the community. I work with the city as part of the OEM. It’s important to test not only who has the virus and but also antibody testing.
Dr. Danielle Brown: The Perth Amboy Board of Education is comprised of 9 members who work collectively to serve people and the schools of this district. Could you share one professional or personal experience where you had work as a team to reach a goal where you may have differed in opinion from the group, and what was the outcome?
R.L. Anderson: I was at Columbia University where there was an effective writing program. At first, I was hesitant, after a week of collaboration, I became very vested in the program. It worked.
R.L. Anderson Closing Statement: My goal is to support the objectives and goals of the Board and the Superintendent of Schools and serve the children, parents, staff, and citizens. When the kids do better, the community does better. I bring my unique experience and knowledge to the Board and eagerly await your decision.
The Board went into executive session at 7:40 p.m. They reconvened at 9:55 p.m.
Upon returning from executive session, Board Vice President Junior Iglesia nominated Dianne Roman. “I feel both candidates exhibit exemplary experience and would make a great addition to fill the vacancy which will be no more than 4 meetings. I feel Ms. Roman has Board of Education experience that Mr. Anderson does not have. Mr. Anderson was exceptional I wish to thank him.”
Board Member Lissette Lebron seconded the nomination.
The voting went as follows: Ken Puccio, Jesus Martinez, Lissette Lebron, Dr. Danielle Brown, Junior Iglesia, Tashi Vazquez voted “yes”; Maria Rodriguez, Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe voted “no”. 6 yes – 2 no – motion passes. Dianne Roman was appointed to the Board.
Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe disagreed with the appointment, “I don’t believe the reasons expressed were legitimate enough. I look beyond the resume. Honestly, I’m not confident with her (Dianne Roman’s) track record. I’m not confident she (Dianne Roman) was the best person. I am confident Mr. Anderson knows what is right and wrong. I believe Ms. Roman was on the Board in 2014 – 6 years ago. I feel Mr. Anderson would have been the best person. He’s someone who sees Perth Amboy from the inside out.”
Board Attorney Isabel Machado swore Dianne Roman in.
After the swearing in, the public was allowed to speak for 3 minutes per speaker. The technical administrator Keith Caba asked each person by the last 4 digits of the phone they called in on if they wished to speak.
Perth Amboy Federation President Pat Paradiso was first. “I want to give a shout out to all food service workers and those who work remotely. It would be a big help that they (food service workers) have better quality masks and better-quality gloves.”
Justin Ross was the next person to speak, “I appreciate you, the tech guy (Caba) – The fact that we hear from the public at 10:30 p.m. – we know we’re going to be online. This is reality. Thank everyone who came back at 10 p.m. We have to think forward in September. We have to be more respectful to the public. There is a lot going on. The public portion needs to be moved to an earlier portion of the meeting.”
Donna Tartza District Union Representative was next and asked, “When can the staff expect to receive pay stubs?”
Another resident wanted to know why the Superintendent achieved his merit goal pay, “How much did you receive and what did you do to receive it?”
Board Certified Teacher Lynn Audet spoke next, “I hope everyone on the Board is doing well. The past 8 weeks we have been teaching remotely. Multiple parents have been speaking out. With the volume of work sent to them, 5 and 6 years old have to go into Google Classroom. There is a tremendous amount of work to put on the students and parents. Not all our teachers were prepared for Google Classroom. They have to learn it over Easter Break. We also have to contact parents and instruct them how to get logged on. Many staff are at a breaking point. Many parents are still working, one parent messaged me at 12:15 a.m. Most often parents contact me after 3 p.m. and on the weekend. I am suggesting a catchup day or fun Fridays – where teachers can spend the time creating lessons. Please bear in mind everyone who is feeling overwhelmed. When children are overwhelmed, they break down.”
The public portion ended at 10:37 p.m.
Board President Tashi Vazquez read a statement in support of the students.
Superintendent Dr. David Roman spoke about masks and gloves. “We follow CDC guidelines (about masks). We spent thousands of dollars for equipment. We moved the last day of school to June 19th to get some duly needed rest.” Dr. Roman then answered the question about his merit goal pay. “My salary – I don’t speak about it. It stands for itself.” He then added, “Pay stubs – I’ll see what we can do about this.”
Board President Tashi Vazquez then explained merit goal pay, “Merit goals are instituted when composing the Superintendent’s contract. We set 5 additional merit goals for our Superintendent to meet (reasonable goals) by non-conflicted Board Members. They were sent to the County Superintendent at the end of the year and are sent to non-conflicting Board Members. It is 14.99% of his salary. His accomplishments and as stated, he has exceeded the measures of the goals.”
Each Committee motions were done by section and by pulled voting.
When it came to vote to approve the contract between the Board and the PA-AFT which would cover July 2008 – June 2021, Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe made the following statement: “I want to make a note how it’s been asking for a contract. The first time today, the district has been waiting for two years to get their contract. I am voting yes for the contract and we will pull apart any additions for any changes needed. It must be fair and equitable for all.”
Dr. David Roman stated, “I’m very happy the contract is going forward. It is my pleasure.”
Board President Tashi Vazquez stated, “Thank you to everyone who participated. I’m thankful we got to this point today. We will be negotiating in the near future. We rely on our committee to represent a complete Board.”
The vote went as follows: Maria Rodriguez, Ken Puccio, Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe, Jesus Martinez, Dr. Danielle Brown, Tashi Vazquez voted, “yes”. Dianne Roman, Lissette Lebron, Junior Iglesia abstained. 6 votes “yes” 3 abstentions – motion passes.
Concerning the 2020-2021 Budget, Dr. David Roman commented, “We met every two weeks with the SDA to take the initiative to get proper approval.”
Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe stated, “I have questions about a previous event at a school facility. I want to know what events are preapproved. Are the organizations knowing what is going on? How do we communicate with all of the organizers of these events? Have we reached out to everyone?”
Board Secretary Derek Jess answered, “The business office had made numerous phone calls. The governor has closed down buildings.”
Board Vice President Junior Iglesia reminded everyone it is Teacher Appreciation Week. He read a statement thanking the teachers for their hard work. He also reminded everyone to fill out their Census 2020 forms. “It’s important to the community so we can get funding.”
Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe asked, “Can we get a number for positive COVID-19 by area?” She then added, “Have a Happy Teacher Appreciation Week, especially to the teachers who had to revamp the way they teach. I always had a respect for teachers. I would not be here if it weren’t for my teachers. Also, it is Nurse’s Week. They do so much for children, caring loving, school nurses who go unnoticed. Happy Mother’s Day! – Anybody who fills the role of a mother – your compassion does not go unnoticed.”
The Board Meeting adjourned at 11:47 p.m. Time of meeting: 6 hours; 11 minutes (including 2 hours; 15 minutes executive session). All Board Members were present. Board Member Jesus Martinez was late. (Time: 8:28 p.m.)
