Regular Meeting, Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 7 p.m. of the Township of Union Board of Education, UHS Library, 2350 North Third Street, Union, NJ. Zoom Information for the public will be posted on district website. | Township of Union Public Schools

Date

Tuesday, March 16, 2021 - 07:00 pm

Regular Meeting, March 16, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. of the Township of Union Board of Education, at Union High School Library, 2350 North Third Street, Union, New Jersey. Zoom information for the public will be posted on the district website.

TOWNSHIP OF UNION BOARD OF EDUCATION

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA – MARCH 16, 2021 – 7:00 p.m.

A. Roll Call

B. Flag Salute

C. Open Public Meetings Act Statement

D. Mission Statement

E. Comments from Public on Resolutions

F. Approval of Minutes:

1. January 7, 2021 – organization meeting

2. January 7, 2021 – executive session

3. January 12, 2021 – worksession

4. January 12, 2021 – executive session #1

5. January 12, 2021 – executive session #2

5. January 19, 2021 – regular meeting

6. January 19, 2021 – executive session

7. January 20, 2021 – Special Meeting

8. January 20, 2021 – executive session

G. Communications

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – MINNOIA

Request for unpaid FMLA/NJFLA (concurrently) from Francesca Minnoia, special education teacher-Battle Hill Elementary School, March 1, 2021-May 31, 2021.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – RAND

Request for paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA (concurrently) from Tiffany Rand, teacher-Washington Elementary School, April 12, 2021-December 31, 2021.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – VICIDOMINI

Request for intermittent FMLA from Julia Vicidomini, Executive Administrative Assistant-Central Office, March 1, 2021-March 1, 2022.

LETTER OF RETIREMENT – BARSI

Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Michelle L. Barsi, mathematics teacher-Burnet Middle School, effective July 1, 2021.

LETTER OF RETIREMENT – DENNIS

Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Maureen Dennis, paraprofessional-Connecticut Farms Elementary School, effective May 1, 2021.

LETTER OF RETIREMENT – GILMORE

Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Joan Gilmore, paraprofessional-Jefferson School, effective July 1, 2021.

LETTER OF RETIREMENT – LAIRD

Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from James Laird, social studies teacher-Union High School, effective June 30, 2021.

LETTER OF RETIREMENT – KAHN

Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Angela Kahn, teacher-Battle Hill Elementary School, effective July 1, 2021.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – WRIGHT

Letter of resignation from Rhonda Wright, mathematics teacher-Union High School, effective April 23, 2021.

LETTER OF RETIREMENT – SIEIRA

Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Brenda Sieira, greeter-Washington Elementary School, March 2, 2021.

LETTER OF RETIREMENT– TAVERNARIS

Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Irene Tavernaris, part-time bus driver-Transportation Department, effective February 19, 2021.

REQUEST FOR EXTENSION – O’HOLLA

Letter of extension of unpaid non-FMLA, non-NJFLA leave from Laura O’Holla, teacher-Jefferson School, new return date September 1, 2021.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – DAMATO

Letter of resignation from Andrea Damato, LDTC/LCSW-district wide special services department, effective March 3, 2021.

LETTER FROM TOWNSHIP OF UNION PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Letter from Township of Union Public Information Officer requesting use of parking lots at Hannah Caldwell Elementary School and Union High School/Cooke Drive on Saturday, May 8, 2021 for the Township’s Annual “Food Truck Fest & Inflatable Village”.

LETTER FROM TOWNSHIP OF UNION RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Letter from Township of Union Recreation Department requesting use of Jefferson School and Livingston Elementary School parking lots on Saturday, April 3, 2021 for the “Easter Bunny Tour” event.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – WILSON
            Letter of resignation from Michelle Wilson, part-time bus aide-Transportation Department, effective February 1, 2021.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – KORINIS
            Request for paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA (concurrently) from Christina Korinis, school psychologist-Union High School, April 14, 2021-January 2, 2022.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – NUFRIO
            Request for unpaid FMLA/NJFLA (concurrently) from Christina Nufrio, resource program in-class-Washington Elementary School, April 6, 2021-June 24, 2021.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – RAMIEREZ
            Request for NJFLA leave from Jennifer Ramirez, art teacher-Burnet Middle School, March 1, 2021-June 22, 2021.

H. Superintendent’s Report

1. Student Liaisons

I. Education/Student Discipline Committee Resolutions

Upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Education/Student Discipline Committee presents the following resolutions for the Board’s consideration:

E-1. Agenda item reported at March 9, 2021 worksession (Superintendent report of HIB-February 17 to March 9, 2021)

E-1-1. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT OF HIB

Superintendent’s Report of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) for the period March 9 to March 16, 2021 (no incidences to report) (no vote required; for reporting purposes only).

E-2. APPROVE 2021-2022 SCHOOL CALENDAR

Approve 2021-2022 school calendar, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

E-3. APPROVE ACCEPTANCE OF NJDOE ALLOCATION

Approve the acceptance of the following allocations from the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member: (a) ESSER II - $2,973,652, (b) Learning Acceleration - $190,834, (c) Mental Health Supports and Services - $45,000.

E-4. APPROVE CBI SITE AND SLE

Approve Community Based Instruction Site (CBI) and Structured Learning Experiences (SLE) for the 2020-2021 school year: (a) Union High School Cafeteria, administered by Pomptonian Food Services, located at 2350 North Third Street, Union, New Jersey.

E-5. APPROVE REVISED 2020-2021 SCHOOL CALENDAR

Approve the revised 2020-2021 school calendar, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

J. Fiscal and Planning Committee Resolutions

Upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Fiscal and Planning Committee presents the following resolutions for the Board’s consideration:

F-1. TREASURER’S REPORT

That the Treasurer’s Report dated February 28, 2021 be accepted.

F-2. SECRETARY’S REPORT

That the Secretary’s Report dated February 28, 2021 be accepted.

F-3. CERTIFY TREASURER’S AND SECRETARY’S REPORT

Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.11(a), I certify that as of February 28, 2021 no budgetary line-item account has obligations and payments (contractual orders) which in total exceed the amount appropriated by the district Board of education pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:22-8 and 18:22-8.1.

/s/ Yolanda Koon ____________

Yolanda Koon, Board Secretary Dated

Pursuant to N.J.A.C.6A:23-2.2(h), we certify that as of February 28, 2021 after review of the secretary’s monthly financial report (appropriations section) and upon consultation with the appropriate district officials that to the best of our knowledge no major account or fund has been over-expended in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.2(d)3 and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district’s financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year. This certification is solely based on the information provided by the School Business Administrator and Board Secretary and is assumed by the Board to be correct.

F-4. APPROVE APPROPRIATION TRANSFERS

Approve appropriation transfers in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

F-5. APPROVE LIST OF CONTRACTS/PURCHASE ORDERS

Approve the attached list of contracts and/or purchase orders pursuant to the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-5 (bid exceptions to requirement for advertising) and 18A:18A-10(a) (purchase through State agency; procedure), in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

F-6. APPROVE DISTRICT WIDE TRAVEL AND RELATED EXPENSES

Approve district wide travel and related expenses pursuant to the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:11-12, N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-7 and Board Policy File Code 6471 and in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

F-7. PRE-APPROVE DISTRICTWIDE STUDENT FIELD TRIPS

Pre-approve districtwide student field trip destinations and purposes pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-5.8 in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

F-8. APPROVE LIST OF 2020-2021 STATE CONTRACT VENDORS

Approve the amended list of the 2020-2021 State Contract Vendors pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-10(a) (purchase through State agency; procedure) to facilitate schools’ purchasing, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

F-9. APPROVED LIST OF CONTRACTS/PURCHASES (STUDENT ACTIVITY)

Approve the attached list of contracts and/or purchases pursuant to the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-5(21) (paid by funds raised by or collected by students), in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member:

School	Account/Department	Vendor/Description	Amount
Union High School	Athletics	UHS/Athletics - Lou Rettino Scholarship	$1,000.00
Union High School	2227/Senior Class	UHS/Senior Class – Zolnier Graduate LLC-purchase caps/gowns for Class 2021	$12,060.00 (not to exceed)
Union High School	2227/Senior Class	UHS/Senior Class – Prestige Laser Engraving – gifts for Class of 2021	$7,350.00
Union High School	2049/NHS	UHS/NASSP – purchase pins, cords and certificates	$1,136.13
Union High School	2227/$Senior Class	UHS/O’Donnell Sign Company-graduate lawn signs	$2,775.00

F-10. APPROVE 2020-2021 OUT-OF-DISTRICT STUDENT PLACEMENT LIST

Approval be given to amend the 2020-2021 out-of-district student placement list, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

F-11. APPROVE FUNDRAISERS

Approve the following fundraisers, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member:

Event Name	Date	Purpose
Johnny Napkins Fundraiser	April-June 2021	UHS/Softball Club – to raise funds to support the softball program.
Chipotle Fundraiser	March 27-April 30, 2021	UHS/National Honor Society – to raise funds for cords, pins, stoles and certificates
Fruit Snack Fundraiser	April 1-June 2021	UHS/National Honor Society – to raise funds for cords, pins, stoles and certificates
Baseball Program/Yearbook	March 17-April 30, 2021	UHS/Baseball-Baseball Diamond Club – raise funds for Winter Zone workouts, team food, middle school game night
BSN Sports Apparel	March 17-April 15, 2021	UHS/Baseball-Baseball Diamond Club – raise funds for Winter Zone workouts, team food, middle school game night
BSN Sports Funding Club	March 17-April 15, 2021	UHS/Baseball-Baseball Diamond Club – donations used for Winter Zone workouts, team food, middle school game night
BSN Sports Clothing Sale	March 17-June 2021	UHS/Softball Club – to raise funds to support the softball club
UHSPAC Logo-Mask/Hat Sale	March 19-April 15, 2021	UHS/Advanced Musical Theatre – to raise funds for theatre productions
Chipotle Event	March 19-April 30, 2021	UHS/Advanced Musical Theatre – to raise funds for theatre productions
Gertrude Hawk Chocolates	March 19-April 2, 2021	UHS/UHSPAC – to raise funds for spring musical
Apparel/Accessory Sale	March 20-April 20, 2021	UHS/UHSPAC – to raise funds for spring musical
Advertisement/Patron Package	April 1-May 15, 2021	UHS/UHSPAC – to raise funds for spring musical
Gertrude Hawk Candy Sale	April 10-June 30, 2021	UHS/Boys Basketball – to raise funds for senior night and summer/fall leagues
Districtwide Black History Game Night	March 27, 2021	UHS/Roots: Black Excellence Club – to raise funds for Juneteenth Celebration
Crewneck Shirt Sale	March 19-March 31, 2021	UHS/Roots: Black Excellence Club – to raise funds for Juneteenth Celebration
Teacher Raffle	April – June 2021	UHS/National Art Honor Society – to raise funds for the NAHS

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RESOLUTIONS F-12 THROUGH F-16 CONCERN THE

PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR

F-12. APPROVE GENERAL FUND TAX LEVY

Approve the General Fund tax levy of $95,524,677 in the 2021-2022 school year (includes use of banked cap), in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

F-13. APPROVE TRAVEL EXPENDITURE MAXIMUM

Approve Travel Expenditure Maximum ($85,000), in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

F-14. APPROVE ESTABLISHING A MAXIMUM DOLLAR LIMIT – PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Approve establishing a maximum dollar limit for professional services ($3,328,000), in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

F-15. APPROVE USE OF EXCESS SURPLUS FUNDS

Approve the Board of Education to include in the General Fund Budget $1,692,313 of the Board of Education’s excess surplus funds (@ 6/30/20 per audit) to help reduce the local tax levy.

F-16. APPROVE USE OF BANKED CAP

Approve in the final budget the adjustment for banked cap in the amount of $253,531, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-10.3(b). The District has fully exhausted all eligible statutory spending authority. The adjustment will be used for instructional supplies and materials and will complete this by June 30, 2022 and acknowledges that it cannot be deferred or incrementally completed over a longer period of time.

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F-17. APPROVE NJ SAFE SCHOOLS – ONLINE PROGRAM

Approve staff and student use of online courses through the NJ Safe Schools program, at no cost to the district, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

F-18. APPROVE INCREASE TO TOTAL EXPENDITURE – KID CLAN SERVICES

Approve increase to the total expenditure for Kid Clan Services to conduct occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech language evaluations for district students to $22,500.00 from the previous BOE approved amount of $14,000.00. The cost of each evaluation is as follows: $370.00-occupational therapy, $370.00-physical therapy and $335.00-speech language [Account #11-000-219-320-01-19].

F-19. APPROVE INCREASE TO TOTAL EXPENDITURE – KID CLAN SERVICES

Approve increase to the total expenditures for Kid Clan Services to conduct psychological and educational evaluations for district students to $59,000.00 for the 2020-2021 school year, from the previous BOE approved amount of $32,000.00. Each evaluation will cost $400.00 [Account #11-000-219-320-01-19].

F-20. APPROVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COMMISSION OF NJ – BEDSIDE INSTRUCTION

Approve teachers employed through The Educational Services Commission of New Jersey to provide bedside instruction for district students at the rates of $48.00 per hour provided by hospitals, and $69.00 per hour when provided at Children’s Specialized Hospital. This will be on an “as needed” basis for the 2020-2021 school year (not to exceed $10,000.00), in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member [Account #7693/11-150-100-320-01-19]. (Contract under attorney review)

F-21. APPROVE KID CLAN SERVICES – BILINGUAL EVALUATIONS

Approve Kid Clan Services to conduct the following evaluations at the indicated rate for district students: Bilingual Speech - $425.00; Bilingual Social - $40000; and Bilingual Psychological - $475.00 (total expenditures not to exceed $6,000.00 for bilingual evaluations) for the 2020-2021 school year, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member [Account #11-000-219-320-01-19].

F-22. Agenda item approved at March 9, 2021 worksession (Education and Communication Consulting)

F-23. For informational purposes only – vote not required. List of legal services for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

K. Grievance/Negotiations Committee:

Upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Grievance/Negotiations Committee presents the following resolution for the Board’s consideration:

G-1. Agenda item approved at March 9, 2021 worksession (MOA with ACMTE)

L. Operations Committee Resolutions

Upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Operations Committee presents the following resolutions for the Board’s consideration:

O-1. APPROVE SECURITY DRILL/BUS EVACUATION REPORTS

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:41-1 and P.L. 2009, Chapter 178, approve the following security drill and bus evacuation reports for the 2020-2021 school year, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

O-2. APPROVE REQUESTS FOR USE OF PARKING LOTS

Approve request from Township of Union Public Information Officer requesting use of parking lots at Hannah Caldwell Elementary School and Union High School/Cooke Drive on Saturday, May 8, 2021 for the Township’s Annual “Food Truck Fest & Inflatable Village” event, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

O-3. APPROVE REQUEST FOR USE OF PARKING LOTS

Approve request from Township of Union Recreation Department requesting use of Jefferson School and Livingston Elementary School parking lots on Saturday, April 3, 2021 for the “Easter Bunny Tour” event, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

M. Personnel Committee Resolutions

Upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Personnel Committee presents the following resolutions for the Board’s consideration:

P-1A. PERSONNEL ACTIONS – NEW HIRES

Personnel Actions-New Hires be approved in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

P-1B PERSONNEL ACTIONS – EXTRA PAY

Personnel Actions-Extra Pay be approved in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

P-1C PERSONNEL ACTIONS – TRANSFERS

Personnel Actions- Transfers be approved in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

P-2. APPROVE SUBSTITUTE LISTS

Approve Substitute Lists for the 2020-2021 school year in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board.

P-3. ACCEPT LETTERS OF RESIGNATION/RETIREMENT

Accept letters of resignation/retirement from the following staff:

Name	Position	Location	Eff. Date	Reason	Notes/ Corrections
Michelle L. Barsi	Teacher of Mathematics	BMS	7/1/2021	Retirement
Maureen Dennis	Elementary Paraprofessional	Connecticut Farms	5/1/2021	Retirement
Joan Gilmore	Paraprofessional	Jefferson Elementary	7/1/2021	Retirement
James Laird	Teacher of Social Studies	UHS	6/30/2021	Retirement
Angela Kahn	Elementary Teacher	Battle Hill Elementary	7/1/2021	Retirement
Rhonda Wright	Teacher of Mathematics	UHS	4/23/2021	Resignation	Letter indicates “60 days notice” from letter dated 2/22/2021
Brenda Sieira	Greeter	Washington	3/2/2021	Retirement	Last physical day will be 3/2/21
Irene Tavernaris	Part Time Bus Driver	Transportation	2/19/2021	Retirement
Andrea Damato	P/T LDTC/LCSW	Special Services Dept.	3/3/2021	Resignation
Michelle Wilson	Part Time Bus Aide	Transportation	2/1/2021	Resignation

P-4. APPROVE LEAVES

Approve leaves for the following staff:

Name	Position	Location	Leave Dates	Leave Type	Notes/ Corrections: All tentative approvals are pending required documentation.
Francesca Minnoia	Special Education Teacher	Battle Hill Elementary	3/1/2021-5/31/2021 Return 6/1/2021	Unpaid FMLA/ NJFLA (Concurrently)	FMLA/NJFLA (Concurrently) entitlement not to exceed 12 weeks.
Tiffany Rand	Elementary Teacher	Washington Elementary	4/12/21- 12/31/21	Paid Child Rearing Leave followed by Unpaid FMLA/ NJFLA (Concurrently)	FMLA/NJFLA (Concurrently) entitlement not to exceed 12 weeks.
Julia Vicidomini	Executive Administrative Assistant	Central Office	Intermittent 3/1/2021-3/1/2022	Intermittent FMLA	FMLA entitlement not to exceed 12 weeks.
Laura O’Holla	Elementary Teacher	Jefferson	Extension- Return 9/1/2021	Unpaid Non/FMLA Non/NJFLA Leave	FMLA/NJFLA time exhausted. Org. leave began 10/8/2020
Christina Korinis	School Psychologist	UHS	4/14/2021-1/2/2022 Return: 1/3/2022	Paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA (concurrently)	FMLA/NJFLA (concurrently) entitlement not to exceed 12 weeks
Christina Nufrio	Resource program in-class	Washington	4/6/2021-6/24/2021	Unpaid FMLA/NJFLA (concurrently)	FMLA/NJFLA (concurrently) entitlement not to exceed 12 weeks
Jennifer Ramirez	Teacher of Art	BMS	3/1/2021-6/22/2021	NJFLA	NJFLA entitlement not to exceed 12 weeks. Reasons previously listed under FFCRA (now expired) now covered under NJFLA only

P-5. APPROVE STUDENT TEACHERS AND INTERNSHIPS

Approve student teachers and internships for the 2020-2021 school year, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

P-6. APPROVE JOB DESCRIPTION – ACTING DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION AND ASSESSMENT

Approve the Job Description for Acting Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

N. Policy Committee

Upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Policy Committee presents the following policy(ies) for the Board’s consideration:

POL-1. APPROVE POLICY 1648 – RESTART AND RECOVERY PLAN

Approve Policy 1648 – Restart and Recovery Plan, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member (first reading).

POL-2. APPROVE POLICY 1648.02 – REMOTE LEARNING OPTIONS FOR FAMILIES

Approve Policy 1648.02 – Remote Learning Options for Families, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member (first reading).

POL-3. APPROVE POLICY 1648.03 – RESTART AND RECOVERY PLAN – FULL-TIME REMOTE INSTRUCTION

Approve Policy 1648.03 – Restart and Recovery Plan – Full-Time Remote Instruction, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member (first reading).

O. Residency Committee Resolutions

Upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Residency Committee presents the following resolutions for the Board’s consideration:

R-1. APPROVE LIST OF STUDENTS REMOVED FROM ROLLS

Approval be given to amend the list of students removed from the rolls [three (3) students exited as of March 16, 2021 (1 from elementary) or a total of six (6) students for the 2020-2021 school year] who are not domiciled in this school, in accordance with the non-public information in the hands of each Board member.

R-2. APPROVE TO REMOVE STUDENT

Approval to remove student #330769 from the attendance rolls as the student has been determined to be ineligible to attend the Township of Union Public Schools as a resident student.

P. Technology Committee

Q. Approval of Bills

Upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board concur with the bills listed in the permanent bound register appended to these minutes and be ordered for payment.