Puccio Elected President;
Vazquez Elected Vice President
1/7/21 Board of Education Meeting via Teleconferencing
By: Katherine Massopust
PERTH AMBOY – The newly elected members of the Board of Education were sworn in over the internet by Board Secretary Derek Jess: R.L. Anderson, Michael George, Marisol Gonzalez, and Stacey Peralta.
Stacey Peralta thanked her supporters. “I look forward to working with everyone, the students and their progress.”
Marisol Gonzalez thanked everyone, “Education is the future of this town.”
R.L. Anderson said, “No need to fear – R-Man is here. I interviewed for the position for the late Anton Massopust. I wasn’t selected but I was elected. I am going to gain and maintain public trust. My email is available on the BOE website. My goal is to maximize everyone in public school. I want to thank everyone for your endorsement. I want to thank my 6 children. I wouldn’t have reached the level I’ve reached without them. God Bless America!”
Michael George said, “I feel honored being a Board of Education Member. I’ve been out of education due to illness. I support the students, teachers, administrators. I’m honored to take the place of Anton Massopust who was my supervisor in the High School. I want to thank my two granddaughters.”
Before the Board went into executive session, Board Member Junior Iglesia stated that any discussion should be made according to Roberts Rules of order. “I don’t need to exclude the public. I believe we can continue public trust as we open in public. It will be beneficial to the public. I will remain with the public for discussion.”
Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe asked Board Attorney Isabel Machado for clarity, “Is that the only thing on the agenda? We need to be cautious on what we say.”
Machado stated, “There are two items to be discussed.”
The Board Members voted to go into closed session. Everyone voted “yes” except Junior Iglesia who abstained. The Board went into closed session at 6:01 p.m. They returned at 6:45 p.m.
When it came time to vote for president, Ken Puccio was nominated by Marisol Gonzalez and seconded by Michael George. R.L. Anderson nominated Tashi Vazquez who declined the nomination. The vote went as follows: Tashi Vazquez, Stacey Peralta, Ken Puccio, Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe, Michael George, Marisol Gonzalez, Dr. Danielle Brown voted, “yes” and Junior Iglesia, R.L. Anderson abstained. Ken Puccio was elected president by a vote of 7-2(abstentions).
Tashi Vazquez was nominated for Vice-President. R.L. Anderson nominated Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe for Vice-President. The vote went as follows for Tashi Vazquez: Tashi Vazquez, Stacey Peralta, Ken Puccio, Michael George, Marisol Gonzalez, Dr. Danielle Brown voted, “yes”; Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe, Junior Iglesia, and R.L. Anderson abstained. Tashi Vazquez was elected Vice-President by a vote of 6-3(abstentions).
Board President Ken Puccio gave a statement, “I want to thank Tashi. I want to move forward. I look forward to working with everyone. Congratulations to all the new Board Members. I’ve known Mike George for 45 years. It’s an honor to sit here with him. If he wasn’t there 46 years ago, we wouldn’t be here today. Also, to you Marisol Gonzalez. 46 years ago, I had a new guidance counselor. She (Former Board Member Obi Gonzalez) was pregnant with you – and I sat here (on the BOE) with her, and now I sit here with you.”
Tashi Vazquez stated, “I want to thank my colleagues on the Board. It’s been a year like any other. You put your trust in me. We’ve had conversations about the Covid pandemic that has ravaged our world. I had those important conversations regardless of what seat I sit on. Congratulations and welcome to the team. We serve as one. We stand with one purpose to learn and grow. Politics easily divides us.”
Public Portion:
Perth Amboy Federation President Pat Paradiso spoke first. She welcomed R.L. Anderson to the Board. “My favorite principal. He has experience and he knows teachers.”
Iris Rodriguez spoke next. “Congratulations to the new officers. With so many educators on the Board we must listen to their advice.”
District Representative for the Perth Amboy Federation Lynn Audet spoke next. “Congratulations to the new Board Members. We look forward to having an open and honest relationship and reach out to staff and AFT leadership. We have food distribution. Parents sometimes don’t wear masks. We do want parents wearing masks. Staff wants to know the protocols for parents for Covid-19. We look forward to be in schools again after the pandemic is over.”
Superintendent’s Report:
Superintendent Dr. David Roman wished everyone a happy new year. “We must unite, have polite respectful conversations. We will collectively work together with all our board members.” Dr. Roman thanked former Board Members, especially Dianne Roman and Lisette Lebron. “And to our new Board Members: what we do really does matter.”
Board President Ken Puccio said, “We haven’t had a board meeting (in public) since last March. At some point, we should look into having a board meeting in public. I’m asking the administration and Board to meet with the public again. Meeting in person is more personable. The city does it.”
Board member Junior Iglesia said, “I agree with you but I encourage it to make that degree of infection rate down – May or June. Make a decision based on infection rate. Congratulations to the new Board Members.”
Board Vice-President Tashi Vazquez said, “With the smaller Committee meetings, we never want to exclude someone in a public meeting. My suggestion: 23% of total cases were highest in December. My heart goes out to you – my prayers. We are here for you. Please continue to do your part.”
Board Member Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe said, “As a public servant, it is up to the public to know what is going on. A lot of us went through a lot last year. I want to inform the public I do not intend on stepping down. I am continuing on work I’ve been doing. Going on 9 years ago, I was just a student. Last month I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I’ve started chemo the week before Christmas. Now, I’m on the second round. I want to thank those who have supported me, especially Dr. David Roman, Ken Puccio, and Dr. Danielle Brown. I will continue. I graduated school last month. I felt it was important. Welcome new Board Members Michael George – the first person to tell me I will be a Board Member someday. I took on Obi’s (Former Board Member Obidulia Gonzalez) role on the Board and now I will work with Marisol. This Board is a professional family, and we need to work together. Keep putting Perth Amboy forward.”
The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m. All Board Members were present.
