Worksession, Tuesday, May 10, 2022, 7 p.m. Administration Building, 2369 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083 | Township of Union Public Schools

Date

Tuesday, May 10, 2022 - 07:00 pm

Worksession, Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. of the Township of Union Board of Education at the Administration Building, 2369 Morris Avenue, Union, New Jersey 07083. Action will be taken.

TOWNSHIP OF UNION BOARD OF EDUCATION

WORKSESSION AGENDA – May 10, 2022

A. Roll Call

B. Flag Salute

C. Open Public Meetings Act Statement

D. Mission Statement

E. Comments from Public on Resolutions in BOLD only

F. Approval of Minutes:

G. Communications:

REQUEST FROM TOWNSHIP OF UNION EDUCATION FOUNDATION – LIVINGSTON SCHOOL PLAYGROUND

Request from the Township of Union Education Foundation requesting the use of Livingston School playground on June 4, 2022 for a Family Fun Health Fundraising Program (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.).

REQUEST FOR LEAVE EXTENSION– PARKHURST

Request for extension of unpaid non-FMLA/non-NJFLA child rearing leave from Jennifer Parkhurst, school counselor-Connecticut Farms Elementary School, through May 31, 2023.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE EXTENSION – WOJCIK

Request for extension of paid medical leave from Karen Wojcik, 12-month secretary-special services/Hamilton, new return date June 15, 2022.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – RESTREPO-AYALA

Letter of resignation from Annya Restrepo-Ayala, Spanish teacher-Franklin Elementary School, effective June 30, 2022.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – FRICKE

Letter of resignation from Britini Fricke, teacher-Franklin Elementary School, effective April 26, 2022.

LETTER OF RETIREMENT – LEWIS

Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Mary Lewis, librarian media specialist-Kawameeh Middle School, effective July 1, 2022.

LETTER OF RETIREMENT – MARSILLO

Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Aldo Marsillo, Assistant Transportation Manager-Transportation Department, effective August 31, 2022.

LETTER OF RETIREMENT – PERDICOLOGOS

Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Anna Perdicologos, bus aide-Transportation Department, effective July 1, 2022.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – VERAS

Letter of resignation from Dilcia Veras, cafeteria/playground aide-Connecticut Farms Elementary School, effective June 24, 2022.

H Superintendent’s Report:

1. State of the Schools – Livingston and Jefferson Elementary Schools - May 17

2. Student Spotlight – May 17

3. Spotlight on County Teachers of the Year – May 17

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. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT OF HIB

Superintendent’s Report of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) for the period April 27, 2022 to May 10, 2022 (no incidences to report), in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member (no vote required; for reporting purposes only).

E-1A. AFFIRM SUPERINTENDENT’S DETERMINATION OF HIB

Affirm the Superintendent’s determination of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) for the periods April 13, 2022 to April 26, 2022, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

E-2. APPROVE BATTLE HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – ESY PROGRAM

Approve the use of Battle Hill Elementary School for Extended School Year Program (ESY), ESY Services, CST testing and/or home instruction (July 2022) in case of Hannah Caldwell Elementary School being unavailable for use during July 2022 due to construction.

E-3. APPROVE NJSIAA MEMBERSHIP

Approve the membership and dues for the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association for Union High School Athletic Department for the 2022-2023 school year, 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 April 30, 2022 be accepted.

F-2. SECRETARY’S REPORT

That the Secretary’s Report dated April 30, 2022 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 April 30, 2022 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 April 30, 2022 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 2021-2022 STATE CONTRACT VENDORS

Approve the amended list of the 2021-2022 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	2227/Senior Class	C&R Graphics – senior flair for Class of 2022	$4,875.00
Union High School	Peer Ambassadors	Stitch America – uniform shirt for Peer Ambassadors leadership Program	$2,500.00 (not to exceed)
Union High School	2049/NHS	NASSP – stoles for members	$1,800 (not to exceed)
Union High School	2227/Senior Class	C&R Graphics – Banners to display at UHS and Town for Class of 2022 graduates	$1,097.00
Union High School	2077/Music/Theatre	11thourDesign – creative design, marketing, advertising for Kiss Me Kate	$10,390.00
Union High School	2018/Senior Awards	Chamber of Commerce – student TBD	$2,500*
Union High School	2018/Senior Awards	Chamber of Commerce – student TBD	$2,500*
Kawameeh Middle School	17/Music	Creations by Sahm – t-shirts for music students for Memorial Day Parade	$1,700.00
Kawameeh Middle School	41/musical production	Creations by Sahm – musical production t-shirts	$1,275.00
Kawameeh Middle School	41/musical production	Hummel – playbills/posters for musical	$2,000.00 (not to exceed)
Kawameeh Middle School	41/musical production	Audio Inc. – audio equipment rentals and crew members	$4,000.00 (not to exceed)
Kawameeh Middle School	41/musical production	Production Associates – lighting and set design for musical	$6,150.00

*Originally approved by Board on 3/22/2022 for $1,000 each; Chamber of Commerce increased awards to $2,500 each.

F-10. APPROVE 2021-2022 OUT-OF-DISTRICT STUDENT PLACEMENT LIST

Approval be given to amend the 2021-2022 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
Wacky Hat Wednesday	May 25, 2022	UHS/Ski Club – to raise funds for Ski Club trips
Drink/Bank Sale	May 18 through June 2022	UHS/Ski Club – to raise moneys for Ski Club trips
Bed, Bath and Beyond Registry	May 18 through June 2022	UHS/Club TESSLO/Unified Club – to supply materials for CBI program
Cookie/Candy Sale	May 18 through June 2023	UHS/Girls Tennis Team – to raise moneys for end of year party and swag for team

F-12. ACCEPT DONATIONS

Accept the following donations, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member:

From	For Use By	$/Item
Shutterfly, LLC	Burnet Middle School	$2,907.68
Shutterfly, LLC	Jefferson School	$1,588.85
Union Plaza Diner and John Basilone Marine Detachment	Special Services Department for special services picnic (5/20/22, rain date 5/24/22)	Food and services

F-13. APPROVE CHANGE TO PERKINS SECONDARY PROGRAMS

Approve the Township of Union School District will not apply for funds allocated under the Perkins Secondary programs for the 2022-2023 school year due to Perkins V program constraints.

F-14. APPROVE SCHOOLBOARDNET SERVICES – PAPERLESS AGENDA

Approve the renewal of Schoolboardnet Services for the paperless agenda at the annual rate of $1,888 (no increase from last year) for the 2022-2023 school year, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

F-15. APPROVE TUITION RATES FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR

Approve the following tuition rates for the 2022-2023 school year.

Preschool (full day) $13,302.00

Kindergarten $13,302.00

Grades 1 through 5 $15,140.00

Grades 6 through 8 $14,709.00

Grades 9 through 12 $15,461.00

LLD $16,501.00

M.D. $19,831.00

B.D. $26,835.00

Autism $17,168.00

Part-time Preschool Handicapped $0.00

Full-time Preschool Handicapped $13,979.00

F-16. APPROVE CHIEF MEDICAL INSPECTOR – MULLICK

Approve Bharati Mullick, M.D., as Chief Medical Inspector pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:40-1 for the 2022-2023 school year at an annual fee of $28,500, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

F-17. APPROVE LEARNWELL – BEDSIDE INSTRUCTION

Approve teachers employed through LearnWell to provide bedside instruction for district students on an “as needed” basis for the 2022-2023 school year in an amount not to exceed $10,000 [Account #7693-11-150-100-320-01-19], in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

F-18. APPROVE MORRIS UNION JOINTURE COMMISSION

Approve Morris Union Jointure Commission (MUJC) to provide (a) physical therapy - $220/hr.; (b) occupational therapy - $200/hr.; (c) speech therapy - $235/hr.; (d) personal aides for ESY - $7,383.33 each; (e) personal aides – 10 months: $72,727.00 each, in accordance with the students’ IEPs, not to exceed $530,000 for the 2022-2023 school year [Account #11-000-216-320-01-19], in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

F-19. APPROVE PLATT PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATES -PSYCHIATRIC CONSULTATION

Approve Platt Psychiatric Associate to provide basic student in-office psychiatric consultation at the rate of $1,000.00 per evaluation, fee for complex student psychiatric consultation at the rate of $1,600.00 per evaluation, and attorney or forensic conferences at the rate of $600.00 per hour for the 2022-2023 school year (not to exceed $14,000.00) [Account #11-000-219-320-01-19], in accordance with the information in the h ands of each Board member.

F-20. APPROVE APPLICATIONS FOR NEW JERSEY INCLUSIVE EDUCATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT

Approve the applications for the New Jersey Inclusive Education Technical Assistance Project (NJIETA) for pre-k technical assistance to schools on inclusive education for Battle Hill, Connecticut Farms, Franklin, Hannah Caldwell, Livingston and Washington Elementary Schools on the topic of Preschool Inclusion 101 during the 2022-2023 School Year, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

F-21. APPROVE COUNSELING CENTERS FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT – MENTAL HEALTH SCREENINGS

Approve Counseling Centers for Human Development for mental health screen (#90791-initial diagnostic interview) at the rate of $225.00 per screening (not to exceed $5,000.00) for the 2022-2023 school year [Account #11-000-219-320-01-19], in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

F-22. APPROVE THE FAMILY CENTER AT MONTCLAIR – MENTAL HEALTH SCREENINGS

Approve The Family Center at Montclair for mental health screenings at the rate of $150.00 per screening and $850.00 for psychiatric evaluation (not to exceed $7,500.00) for the 2022-2023 school year [Account #11-000-219-320-01-19 (7074)], in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

F-23. APPROVE EPIC HEALTH SERVICES – NURSING SERVICES

Approve Epic Health Services Inc. d/b/a Avenna Healthcare, to provide nursing services at the rate of $150.00 per trip (not to exceed $244,950.00) for the 2022-2023 school year [Account #11-000-216-320-01-19], in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

F-24. APPROVE ADVANCING OPPORTUNITIES – EVALUATIONS

Approve Advancing Opportunities to conduct assistive technology and augmentative communication (AAC) evaluations for district students: (a) assistive technology - $1,200.00 per evaluation and (b) augmentative communication - $1,400.00 per evaluation (not to exceed $4,600.00) for the 2022-2023 school year [Account #11-000-219-320-01-19], in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

F-25. APPROVE CBI PETTY CASH ACCOUNTS - CBI

Approve establishment of petty cash accounts for costs associated with students’ IEP driven Community Based Instruction (CBI) at the following schools for the 2022-2023 school year: (a) Hannah Caldwell Elementary School – Extended School Year Program - $1,000.00, (b) Burnet Middle School - $1,050.00, (c) Kawameeh Middle School - $1,050.00 and (d) Union High School - $7,400.00.

F-26. APPROVE FRONTLINE

Approve Frontline, the district’s program for application tracking, absence and time attendance, professional growth, special education and intervention.

F-27. APPROVE EFFECTIVE SCHOOL SOLUTIONS – THERAPEUTIC MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Approve Effective School Solutions (ESS) to provide therapeutic mental health services through licensed professionals to students in our district for the 2022-2023 school year, not to exceed $630,050.00, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

F-28. For informational purposes only – vote not required. List of legal services for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

K. Grievance/Negotiations Committee:

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

O-2. APPROVE RENEWAL OF FOOD SERVICE COMPANY – POMPTONIAN

Approve renewal of Pomptonian Food Service as company for district food services for the 2022-2023 school year, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

O-3. APPROVE ARCHITECTS OF RECORD

Approve Architects of Record for the period July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022: (a) Parette Somjen Architects LLC and (b) EI Associates.

O-4. APPROVE ENGINEERS OF RECORD

Approve Engineers of Record for the period of July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023: (a) Consulting & Municipal Engineers, (b) T&M Associates and (c) EI Associates.

O-5. APPROVE AUDITOR – SUPLEE CLOONEY & CO.

Approve the auditing firm of Suplee Clooney & Co. for the period of July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.

O-6. APPROVE LEGAL SERVICES – FLORIO, PERRUCCI, STEINHARDT, CAPPELLI,

TIPTON & TAYLOR, LLC

Approve the law firm of Florio, Perrucci, Steinhardt, Cappelli, Tipton & Taylor as the Board Attorney for the period of July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.

O-7. APPROVE PROPERTY/CASUALTY/WORKERS COMPENSATION BROKERAGE SERVICE - FAIRVIEW INSURANCE AGENCY

Approve Fairview Insurance Agency as the property/casualty/workers’ compensation brokerage service for the district for the period July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.

O-8. APPROVE HEALTHCARE BROKER

Approve Willis Towers Watson, as healthcare broker, for the period of July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.

O-9. APPROVE JDM CONSULTANT SERVICES

Approve JDM Consultant Services for interim facilities and construction management services.

DISCUSSION ITEM:

1. REQUEST FROM TOWNSHIP OF UNION EDUCATION FOUNDATION – LIVINGSTON SCHOOL PLAYGROUND - Request from the Township of Union Education Foundation requesting the use of Livingston School playground on June 4, 2022 for a Family Fun Health Fundraising Program (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.), 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 RESIDENCY INVESTIGATORS – SUMMER 2022

Approve residency investigators to work during summer 2022 as follows: (a) Maria Schmidtberg – 50 hours not to exceed 70 hours for July and August ($25/hr.); (b) Thomas Sheridan – 25 hours not to exceed 50 hours for July and August ($20/hr.); (c) Dan Hodge – 25 hours not to exceed 50 hours for July and August ($20/hr.).

P-3. ACCEPT LETTERS OF RESIGNATION/RETIREMENT

Accept letters of resignation/retirement from the following staff:

Name	Position	Location	Eff. Date	Reason	Notes
Annya Restrepo-Ayala	Spanish teacher	Franklin	6/30/2022	Resignation
Britini Fricke	Teacher	Franklin	4/26/2022	Resignation
Mary Lewis	Librarian media specialist	Kawameeh	7/1/2022	Retirement
Aldo Marsillo	Assistant Transportation Manager	Transportation Dept.	8/31/2022	Retirement
Anna Perdicologos	Bus aide	Transportation Dept	7/1/2022	Retirement
Dilcia Veras	Cafeteria/ playground aide	Connecticut Farms	6/24/2022	Resignation

P-4. APPROVE LEAVES

Approve leaves for the following staff:

Name	Position	Location	Leave Dates	Leave Type	Notes
Jennifer Parkhurst	School counselor	Connecticut Farms	Extension thru 5/31/2023 Return date: 6/1/2023	Unpaid non-FMLA/non-NJFLA child rearing leave
Karen Wojcik	12-month secretary	Special services/ Hamilton	Extension Return date: 6/15/2022	Paid medical leave

P-5. APPROVE TREASURER OF MONEYS – JENNIFER SEMLER

Approve the reappointment of Jennifer Semler as Treasurer of School Moneys for the 2022-2023 school year at an annual salary of $4,900.00.

P-6. APPROVE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION OFFICER – AWARDING CONTRACTS

Approve Yolanda Koon as Affirmative Action Officer for awarding contracts for the 2022-2023 school year under P.L. 1975, c. 127, at no cost to the district.

P-7. APPROVE CUSTODIAN OF RECORDS – KOON

Approve the appointment of Yolanda Koon as Custodian of School Records for the 2022-2023 school year, at no cost to the district.

P-8. APPROVE QUALIFIED PURCHASING AGENT – KOON

Approve Yolanda Koon as Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA) for the 2022-2023 school year, at no cost to the district.

P-9. APPROVE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT – BENAQUISTA

Approve the Employment Contract of Gerald Benaquista, Assistant Superintendent for the 2022-2023 school year, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

P-10. APPROVE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT – KOON

Approve the Employment Contract of Yolanda Koon, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary for the 2022-2023 school year, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

P-11. APPROVE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT – PEREZ

Approve the Employment Contract of Dr. Gretel Perez, Assistant Superintendent for the 2022-2023 school year, in accordance with the information in the h ands 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 3233 – POLITICAL ACTIVITIES

Approve Policy 3233 – Political Activities, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member. (First Reading)

POL-2. APPROVE POLICY 5460 – HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION

Approve Policy 5460 – High School Graduation, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member. (First Reading)

POL-3. APPROVE POLICY 9560 – ADMINISTRATION OF SCHOOL SURVEYS

Approve Policy 9560 – Administration of School Surveys, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member. (First Reading)

POL-4. APPROVE POLICY 9181 – VOLUNTEER ATHLETIC COACHES AND CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY ADVISORS/ASSISTANTS

Approve Policy 9181 – Volunteer Athletic Coaches and Co-Curricular Activity Advisors Assistants, 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 the month of April 2022 (3 from high school) or a total of thirty-three (33) students for the 2021-2022 school year] who are not domiciled in this school district and one (1) students who will be allowed to complete the 2021-2022 school year, in accordance with the non-public information in the hands of each Board member.

R-2. APPROVE TO REMOVE STUDENT

Approval to remove student #256053 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.

R-3. APPROVE TO REMOVE STUDENT

Approval to remove student #236057from the attendance rolls as the student has been determined to be ineligible to attend the Township of Union Public Schools as a resident student.

R-4. APPROVE TO REMOVE STUDENT

Approval to remove student #241335 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:

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

T-1. ACCEPT EMERGENCY CONNECTIVITY FUND FUNDING

Accept Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) funding commitment in the amount of $931,200 for the submission of reimbursement of equipment and services allowed through the ECF Program (no cost to the district), in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

T-2. APPROVE RECYCLING OF DEVICES

Approve list of devices for recycling, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

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.