Worksession - April 16, 2024 - 7 p.m. - Administration Building

1. Roll Call

2. Flag Salute

3. Mission Statement

4. Open Public Meetings Act Statement

5. Executive Session

6. Approval of Minutes:

            1.         March 12, 2024 – Special Meeting

            2.         March 12, 2024 - Executive Session

            3.         March 15, 2024 – Special Meeting/Ethics-HIB Trainings

            4.         March 16, 2024 – Special Meeting/Board Retreat

            5.         March 19, 2024 – Worksession

            6.         March 19, 2024 – Executive Session No. 1 and 2

            7.         March 26, 2024 – Regular Meeting

            8.         March 26, 2024 – Executive Session

7. Communications:

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – KRYGOSKI

            Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Patricia Krygoski, special education teacher-Burnet Middle School, effective July 1, 2024.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – OSEI-TUTU

            Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Kwaku Osei-Tutu, social studies teacher-Union High School, effective October 31, 2024.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – ZAWACKI

            Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Suzanne Zawacki, special education teacher-Kawameeh Middle School, effective July 1, 2024.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – JEKLINSKI

            Letter of resignation from Jonathan Jeklinski, career ed/business teacher-Union High School, effective July 1, 2024.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – RODRIGUES

            Request for paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA from Ana Rodrigues, CST-Burnet Middle School, May 28, 2024-December 3, 2024.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – SAAVEDRA

            Request for paid medical leave from Angela Saavedra, third grade teacher-Hannah Caldwell Elementary School, April 15, 2024-May 10, 2024.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – VIGIL

            Request for paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA from Alexis Vigil, first grade teacher-Washington Elementary School, September 3, 2024-December 23, 2024.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – MOTTA

            Request for paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/JFLA from Jessica Motta, social studies teacher-Union High School, June 3, 2024-November 25, 2024.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE - DIONISIO

            Request for paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA leave from Nancy Dionisio, OT-Washington Elementary School, September 1, 2024-September 1, 2025.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE UPDATE – RICHARDONE

            Request for leave update from Nicole Richardone, new return date February 1, 2025.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE UPDATE – KLEIN

            Request for leave update from Peter Klein, CST-Union High School, new return date April 8, 2024.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE UPDATE – SINGER

            Request for leave update from Corinne Singer, science teacher-Kawameeh Middle School, new return date September 1, 2025.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE UPDATE – BABIERI

            Request for leave update from Jessica Barbieri, ESL teacher-Jefferson School, new return date September 1, 2025.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE UPDATE – DUPLISSI

            Request for leave update from Kerri Duplissi, PE teacher-Hannah Caldwell Elementary School, new return date September 1, 2025.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE UPDATE – KLEIN

            Request for leave update from Peter Klein, CST-Union High School, new return date June 1, 2024.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – WHITFORD

            Request for intermittent FMLA/NJFLA leave from Lauren Whitford, math teacher-Kawameeh Middle School, March 21, 2024-March 4, 2025.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – WHITE

            Request for intermittent FMLA/NJFLA leave from Daniel White, social studies teacher-Burnet Middle School, March 27, 2024-June 20, 2024.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – OSBORNE

            Request for intermittent FMLA followed by unpaid FMLA from Nicole Osborne, ICS teacher-Kawameeh Middle School, March 26, 2024-March 26, 2025.

8. Comments from Public (on resolutions and all other matters)

9. Superintendent’s Report:

            1.         State of the Schools – April 24^th 

            2.         Student Liaisons: Neissa Filias; Gia Patel – April 24th

            3.         FY25 Budget – April 24^th

            4.         Schneider Electric – ESIP Program Presentation – April 24^th

10. 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.  AFFIRM SUPERINTENDENT’S DETERMINATION OF HIB

            Affirm the Superintendent’s determination of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) for the periods March 20, 2024 to March 26, 2024, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

E-1A.     SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT OF HIB

            Superintendent’s Report of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) for the period March 27, 2024 to April 16, 2024, in accordance with the information available to each Board member (no vote required; for reporting purposes only).

E-2.     APPROVE CURRICULA

            Approve the following curricula: (1) Grade 8 SS – US History, (2) World History, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

E-3.     APPROVE FOR THE LOVE OF LITERACY – ELA PARENT WORKSHOPS

            Approve For the Love of Literacy to coordinate ELA Parent Workshops for the Township of Union families, in the amount of $3,600.00 [to be paid for using Title IV Funds Account #8500], in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

E-4.     APPROVE INLINGUA – TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION SERVICES

            Approve Inlingua to provide translation and interpretation services to the district until August 31, 2024 [to be paid for using Title III Immigrant Funds, not to exceed $15,000.00], in accordance with the information available to each Board member. 

E-5.     APPROVE SUBMISSION OF SAFE RETURN PLAN

            Approve submission of the Safe Return Plan to be completed every six (6) months to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE).

11. 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 March 31, 2024 be accepted.

F-2.      SECRETARY’S REPORT
            That the Secretary’s Report dated March 31, 2024 be accepted.

F-4.      APPROVE APPROPRIATION TRANSFERS

            Approve appropriation transfers in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-5.      APPROVE LIST OF CONTRACTS/PURCHASE ORDERS

            Approve the attached list of contracts and/or purchase orders (copyrighted materials and licenses) 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 available to 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 available to each Board member.

F-7.      APPROVE DISTRICTWIDE STUDENT FIELD TRIPS

            Approve districtwide student field trip destinations and purposes pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-5.8, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-8.      APPROVE LIST OF 2023-2024 STATE CONTRACT APPROVED VENDORS

            Approve the amended list of the 2023-2024 State Contract Approved 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 available to each Board member.

F-9A.   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 available to each Board member: 

F-9B.   APPROVE FUNDRAISERS

            Approve the following fundraisers, in accordance with the information available to each Board member:

F-9C.   ACCEPT DONATIONS

            Accept the following donations:

F-10.    APPROVE 2023-2024 OUT-OF-DISTRICT STUDENT PLACEMENT LIST

            Approval be given to amend the 2023-2024 out-of-district student placement list (month of April), in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-11.    APPROVE FRONTLINE

            Approve Frontline, the district’s program for absence management (AESOP), professional growth (certified staff professional development and evaluations), IEP (special education), 504 interventions, recruiting and hiring (AppliTrack) and time and attendance for the 2024-2025 school year, in the amount of $100,531.42, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-12.    APPROVE DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS – UHS SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

            Approve distribution of funds from the following Union High School Senior Scholarship Awards: (a) $100 – Dora D. Feins Achievement Awards Fund, (b) $100 – Dora D. Feins Achievement Awards Fund (cost of two plaques), (c) $100 – Myrtle V. Hassey Awards Fund (two awards - $50 each), (d) $1,500 – Ellen S. Rever Memorial Scholarship Fund (three awards - $500 each).

F-13.    APPROVE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE PROGRAM SPENDING PLAN – UCESC

            Approve the Union County Educational Services Commission (UCESC) Nonpublic School Technology Initiative Program spending plan for United Academy of Union located within the district for the 2023-2024 school year, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-14.    APPROVE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL SECURITY INITIATIVE PROGRAM SPENDING PLAN – UCESC

            Approve the Union County Educational Services Commission (UCESC) Nonpublic School Security Initiative Program spending plan for United Academy of Union located within the district for the 2023-2024 school year, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-15.    APPROVE TRANSPORTATION SERVICE AGREEMENT CONTRACT – ERESC

            Approve Transportation Service Agreement Contract for the 2024-2025 school year with Essex Regional Educational Services Commission (ERESC), in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-16.    APPROVE TUITION CONTRACT AGREEMENT – MILLVILLE BOARD OF EDUCATION

            Approve Tuition Contract Agreement with Millville Board of Education for the 2023-2024 school year (Student #260580) at the annual tuition rate of $17,780.00 ($98.78 per diem/$1,778.00 per month), in accordance with the non-public information available to each Board member.

F-17.    APPROVE TUITION CONTRACT AGREEMENT – EDISON BOARD OF EDUCATION

            Approve Tuition Contract Agreement with Edison Board of Education for the 2023-2024 school year (Student #309035) at the annual tuition rate of $15,989.00 (prorated), in accordance with the non-public information available to each Board member.

F-18.    APPROVE PETTY CASH FUND FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR

            Approve the Board Secretary petty cash fund for the 2024-2025 school year: Fund-Board Secretary, Amount: $500 per month (not to exceed $6,000.00); Responsible Party: Board Secretary.

F-19.    APPROVE APPLICATION OF 2024 NJSIG SAFETY GRANT - $19,188.00

            Approve application of the 2024 NJSIG Safety Grant in the amount of $19,188.00.

F-20.    APPROVE MARILYN KUBICHEK, M.D. – EVALUATIONS

            Approve Marilyn Kubichek, M.D. to provide neurological evaluations and neurodevelopmental evaluations at the rate of $675.00 per evaluation for the 2024-2025 school year (not to exceed $19,500.00) [Fund Account #11-000-219-320-01-19], in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-21.    APPROVE ROMANA KULIKOVA, M.D. – EVALUATIONS

            Approve Romana Kulikova, M.D. to provide neurological evaluations and neurodevelopmental evaluations at the rate of $600.00 per evaluation in office and $650.00 for evaluations in school for the 2024-2025 school year (not to exceed $24,000.00) [Fund Account #11-000-219-320-01-19], in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-22.    APPROVE LEARNING TREE MULTILINGUAL EVALUATION AND CONSULTING – EVALUATIONS

            Approve Learning Tree Multilingual Evaluation and Consulting to conduct education, speech/language, social history, and psychological evaluations for district students at the following costs: (a) in Spanish-$800.00/per evaluation, and (b) in other languages-$850.00/per evaluation for the 2024-2025 school year (not to exceed $5,000.00) [Fund Account #11-000-219-320-01-19], in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-23.    APPROVE GREAT BEGINNINGS – EVALUATIONS

            Approve Great Beginnings, Dr. Debora Buzinkai, for the following evaluations: (a) dyslexia evaluation - $1,350.00, (b) dysgraphia evaluation - $1,350.00, (c) dyscalculia evaluation - $1,350.00, (d) psychological evaluation - $800.00, (e) psychoeducational evaluation - $1,800.00, and (f) complete neuropsychological evaluation - $3,200.00 for the 2024-2025 school year (not to exceed $5,000.00) [Fund Account #11-000-219-320-01-19], in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-24.    APPROVE TECH ABILITIES CONSULTING – EVALUATIONS

            Approve Tech Abilities Consulting to provide the following evaluations for district students: (a) assistive technology evaluations - $875.00/per evaluation, (b) augmentative communication evaluation - $1,000.00/per evaluation, (c) assistive technological or AAC consultation - $150.00/per hour for the 2024-2025 school year (not to exceed $20,000.00) [Fund Account #11-000-219-320-01-19], in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-25.    APPROVE PREFERRED HOME HEALTH CARE AND NURSING SERVICES – NURSING SERVICES

            Approve Preferred Home Health Care and Nursing Services to provide nursing services at the rate of $63.00/RN and $56.00/LPN for the 2024-2025 school year (not to exceed $60,000.00) [Fund Account #11-000-216-320-01-19], in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-26.    APPROVE CROSS COUNTY CLINICAL AND EDUCATION SERVICES – EVALUATIONS

            Approve Cross County Clinical and Education Services to provide bilingual evaluations at the rate of $980.00 per evaluation for the 2024-2025 school year (not to exceed $3,920.00) [Fund Account #11-000-219-320-01-19], in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-27.    APPROVE ASSISTIVE TEK – ASSISTIVE TECHNOLGY

            Approve Assistive Tek to provide assistive technology evaluations at the rate of $1,750.00 per evaluation for the 2024-2025 school year (not to exceed $5,250.00) [Fund Account #11-000-219-320-01-19], in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-28.    APPROVE COUNSELING CENTERS FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT – MENTAL HEALTH SCREENINGS

            Approve Counseling Centers for Human Development for mental health screening (#90791 – Initial Diagnostic Interview) at the rate of $225.00 per screening for the 2024-2025 school year (not to exceed $1,350.00) [Fund Account #11-000-219-320-01-19], in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-29.    APPROVE ACES – EVALUATIONS

            Approve ACES (Assessments Counseling and Education Services) to provide deaf and hard of hearing evaluations for district students at the rate of $950.00 per evaluation for the 2024-2025 school year (not to exceed $3,800.00) [Fund Account #11-000-219-320-01-19], in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-30.    APPROVE STARLIGHT HOMECARE AGENCY – NURSING SERVICES

            Approve Starlight Homecare Agency to provide nursing services, at the rate of $63.00/RN and $53.00/LPN for the 2024-2025 school year (not to exceed $63,000.00) [Fund Account #11-000-216-320-01-19], in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-31.    APPROVE CHILDREN SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL SCHOOL SERVICES – SPEECH THERAPY

            Approve Children Specialized Hospital School Services to provide speech therapy at the rate of $94.00/hr. for the 2023-2024 school year (not to exceed $60,000.00) [Fund Account #11-000-216-320-01-19], in accordance with the information available to the Board members.

F-32.    APPROVE RESOLUTION/AGREEMENT FOR PARTICIPATION IN COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION SERVICES – UCESC

            Approve Resolution/Agreement for Participation in Coordinated Transportation Services with the Union County Educational Services Commission for the 2024-2025 school year, in accordance with the information in the hands of each Board member.

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Resolutions F-33through F-39

Concern the Proposed Final Budget for the 2024-2025 School Year

F-33.    APPROVE GENERAL FUND TAX LEVY – FINAL BUDGET

            Approve the General Fund tax levy of $106,048,985.00 in the 2024-2025 school year, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-34.    APPROVE TRAVEL EXPENDITURE MAXIMUM

            Approve Travel Expenditure Maximum (not to exceed $85,000.00) for the 2024-2025 school year, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-35     APPROVE ESTABLISHING A MAXIMUM DOLLAR LIMIT – PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 

            Approve establishing a maximum dollar limit for professional services $8,515,980.00 for the 2024-2025 school year, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-36.    APPROVE USE OF EXCESS SURPLUS FUNDS/FUND BALANCE

            Approve the Board of Education to include in the General Fund Budget $2,497,298.00 of the Board of Education’s excess surplus funds $1,970.21 and additional fund balance $2,495,327.79 (@ 6/30/23 per audit) to help close budget gap.

F-37     APPROVE BANKED CAP 

            Approve in the final budget the adjustment for banked cap in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-10.1(b). The district has fully exhausted all eligible statutory spending authority and must increase the base budget in the amount of $352,129.00 for the purpose of instructional supplies and materials.  The district intends to complete said purposes by June 2025.

F-38     APPROVE USE OF ENROLLMENT ADJUSTMENT

            Approve in the final budget the adjustment for enrollment in the amount of $1,187,368.00 in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-15.3.  The district has fully exhausted all eligible statutory spending authority.  The adjustment will be used for instructional supplies and transportation costs and will complete this by June 30, 2025 and acknowledges that it cannot be deferred or incrementally completed over a longer period of time.

F-39     APPROVE ADJUSTMENT FOR HEALTH CARE COSTS

            Approve in the final budget the adjustment for increased costs of health benefits in the amount of $850,535.00.  The additional funds will be used to pay for the additional increases in health benefit premiums.

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F-40.    For informational purposes only – vote not required.  List of legal services for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

12. Grievance/Negotiations Committee:

13. 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, if applicable, bus evacuation reports for the 2023-2024 school year, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

O-2.     APPROVE FAMILY HOUSE FOR SCHOOL/FAMILY CONNECTION – FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

            Approve Family House for School/Family Connection – PBSIS event on April 25, 2024 at Franklin Elementary School gymnasium from 6-8 p.m., including Food Trucks (Certificates of Insurance provided), in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

O-3.     APPROVE UNIFIED CHAMPION SCHOOLS FIELD DAY AND RESPECT WEEK CAMPAIGN

            Approve Unified Champion Schools Field Day and Respect Week campaign to take place within the Township of Union Public Schools on May 17, 2024 (rain date May 21, 2024), in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

O-4.     APPROVE SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION FOR USE OF RABKIN PARK

            Approve the submission of the Picnic Area Application and Hold Harmless Agreement for the use of Rabkin Park on May 21, 2024 (rain date May 29, 2024) to the Union Township Parks and Recreation Department for the Special Services picnic, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

DISCUSSION ITEM:

O-5.     REQUEST FROM C.A.S.T. TO USE DISTRICT FACILITIES

            Request from Community Actors’ Student Theatre (CAST) to use district facilities, during the month of July (for rehearsals) and August 1, 2 and 3 for performances, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

14. 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 - none as of this date.

P-1B    PERSONNEL ACTIONS – EXTRA PAY

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

P-1C    PERSONNEL ACTIONS – TRANSFERS – none as of this date

P-2.      APPROVE SUBSTITUTE LISTS 

            Approve Substitute Lists for the 2023-2024 school year.

*Pending completed paperwork.

P-3A.   ACCEPT LETTERS OF RESIGNATION/RETIREMENT

            Accept letters of resignation/retirement from the following staff, with regrets:

P-3B.   APPROVE LEAVES

            Approve leaves for the following staff: 

P-4.      APPROVE ATTENDANCE AT NJASBO ANNUAL CONFERENCE - KOON

            Approve Yolanda Koon, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, to attend the NJASBO Annual Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey (June 5-7, 2024) for a total cost not to exceed $1,600.00.

P-5.      APPROVE NEW JERSEY COALITION FOR INCLUSIVE EDUCATION – PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

            Approve the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education to provide two (2) hours of professional development on co-teaching (not to exceed $1,250.00) for the 2023-2024 school year [Fund Account #11-000-219-320-02-19/7075], in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

P-6.     APPROVE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT- ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT 

            Approve Employment Contract for Marissa McKenzie, as Assistant Superintendent, for the 2024-2025 school year, subject to approval by the Executive County Superintendent, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

15. Policy Committee:

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

POL-1.  APPROVE POLICY 5111 – ELIGIBILITY OF RESIDENT/NONRESIDENT STUDENTS (M)

            Approve Policy 5111 – Eligibility of Resident/Nonresident Students, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

POL-2.  APPROVE REGULATION 5111 – ELIGIBILITY OF RESIDENT/NONRESIDENT STUDENTS (M)

            Approve Regulation 5111 – Eligibility of Resident/Nonresident Students, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

16. Residency Committee Resolutions:

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

R-1.     REPORT OF STUDENTS VOLUNTARILY TRANSFERRED TO DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE

            For informational purposes only (no vote required): The following residency investigations were completed and the listed students voluntarily transferred to the district of residence:

            For informational purposes only (no vote required): The following totals are as of the March 26, 2024 Board meeting (2023-2024 school year):

17. Technology Committee:

18. 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.

19. Unfinished Business:

20. New Business:

21.  Adjournment