Executive Session/Worksession - Tuesday, October 8, 2024 - 6:00 p.m.

1. Roll Call

2. Flag Salute

3. Mission Statement

4. Open Public Meetings Act Statement

5. Executive Session

6. Approval of Minutes:

    1.    September 10, 2024 – worksession
    2.    September 10, 2024 – executive session
    3.    September 17, 2024 – regular meeting
    4.    September 17, 2024 – executive session
 

7. Communications:

LETTER FROM TOWNSHIP OF UNION RECREATION DEPARTMENT – JEFFERSON SCHOOL PARKING LOT 
    Letter from Superintendent of Recreation for the Township of Union requesting the use of the Jefferson School parking lot on Saturday October 19, 2024 (rain date Sunday, October 20, 2024) from 9;00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. for the Township’s annual Trunk or Treat event.

LETTER FROM UHS PTA – UHS PRACTICE FIELD
    Letter from UHS PTA requesting the use of the Union High School practice field for the Junior bonfire on Thursday, October 17, 2024 (rain date Thursday, October 24, 2024) from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – GARDNER
    Letter of resignation from Lorraine Gardner, cafeteria/playground aide-Washington Elementary School, effective September 20, 2024.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – GIASI
    Letter of resignation from Teresa Giasi, behavior technician-Battle Hill Elementary School, effective October 12, 2024.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – SORBARA    
    Letter of resignation from Giuseppe Sorbara, plumber-Buildings and Grounds Department, effective September 11, 2024.

LETTER OF RETIREMENT – HERNANDEZ
    Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Nelson Hernandez, head custodian-Kawameeh Middle School, effective January 1, 2025.

LETTER OF RETIREMENT – TOWER
    Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Pam Tower, special education teacher-Kawameeh Middle School, effective February 1, 2025.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – CAVERLY
    Request for paid medical leave from Bonnie Caverly, first grade teacher-Livingston Elementary School, January 6, 2025-March 31, 2025.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – DOWSON
    Request for paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA from Katie Dowson, English teacher-Burnet Middle School, December 16, 2024-May 22, 2025.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – PRIETO
    Request for paid medical leave from Diana Prieto, counselor-Union High School, October 1, 2024-November 11, 2024.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – WHITEHOUSE
    Request for intermittent paid FMLA from Janet Whitehouse, teacher-Jefferson School, September 30, 2024-June 25, 2025.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – BOYD
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from John Boyd, carpenter-Buildings and Grounds Department, October 1, 2024-October 1, 2025.

8. Comments from Public (on resolutions being approved)

9. Superintendent’s Report:

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.    SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT OF HIB
    Superintendent’s Report of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) for the period September 18, 2024 to October 8, 2024, in accordance with the information available to each Board member (no vote required; for reporting purposes only).

E-2.    APPROVE CURRICULUM
    Approve the following curricula, in accordance with the information available to each Board member:

• Grades K-1, 4-12 – ELA

• Grades K-5 – Art

• Grades K-5 – Music

• Grades 2-4 – Computer Science

• Grades 6-8 – Math

• Grades 7 – Math Pre-Algebra

• Algebra 1 Math

• Statistics

• Grades 6-8 – Science

• Grade 9 – Environmental Science

• Chemistry (CP/Action)

• Chemistry (Honors)

• Grades 3-4 – Social Studies

• Dance 2

• Grade 8 -Financial Foundations

Grade K ELA

Grade 1 ELA 

Grade 4 ELA 

Grade 5 ELA 

Grade 6 ELA 

Grade 7 ELA 

Grade 8 ELA 

Grade 9 ELA

Grade 10 ELA

Grade 11 ELA 

Grade 12 ELA 

Grade K Art 

Grade 1 Art 

Grade 2 Art 

Grade 3 Art 

Grade 4 Art 

Grade 5 Art 

Grade K Music

Grade 1 Music

Grade 2 Music

Grade 3 Music

Grade 4 Music

Grade 5 Music

Grade 2 Computer Science 

Grade 3 Computer Science  

Grade 4 Computer Science 

Grade 6 Math 

Grade 7 Math  

Grade 7 Math Pre-Algebra  

Grade 8 Math 

Algebra 1 Math  

Statistics  

Grade 6 Science 

Grade 7 Science  

Grade 8 Science 

Grade 9 Environmental Science  

Chemistry (CP/Action) 

Chemistry (Honors)  

Grade 3 Social Studies

Grade 4 Social Studies

Dance 3

Grade 8 Financial Foundations

E-3.    APPROVE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL LIBRARIANS (AASL) DONATED BOOKS – KAWAMEEH MIDDLE SCHOOL LIBRARY
    Approve list of donated books from American Association of School Librarians (AASL) for the Kawameeh Middle School Library, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

E-4.    APPROVE THOMAS RICH ASSEMBLY – PARENT PRESENTATION
    Approve Thomas Rich LLC assembly for the Township of Union Public Schools parent presentation during the 2024-2025 school year (date TBD) at a cost of $2,500.00 to be paid for using Title IV funds.

E-5.    APPROVE ESEA 2024-2025 CARRYOVER AMOUNTS AND AMEND ESEA APPLICATION/ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORTS
    Approve the ESEA 2024-2025 carryover amounts according to the final report and permission to amend the ESEA Application and Annual School Reports in EWEG: (1) Title I - $58,758.00; (2) Title ISIA - $33,439.00; (3) Title II - $8,258.00; (4) Title III - $16,838.00; (5) Title III Immigrants - $21,733.00; (6) Title IV - $11,981.00.

E-6.    APPROVE TO RE-APPLY FOR NJDOE MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING IN SCHOOL GRANTS
    Approve to re-apply for the NJDOE Mental Health Screening in Schools Grant for the 2024-2025 school year.

E-7.    APPROVE LO LOGRAMOS CONSULTING – PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
    Approve Lo Logramos Consulting LLC to coordinate two (2) workshops on the October 14, 2024 professional development day entitled “Unlocking Proficiency through WL NJSLS” for district staff members at a cost of $2,500.00 to be paid for using Title II funds #8434, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
 

E-8.    APPROVE SCHOOL NURSING SERVICES PLAN
    Approve the 2024-2025 Nursing Services Plan, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

E-9.    PROCLAIM OCTOBER AS INTERNATIONAL ALPHA DELTA KAPPA MONTH
    Proclaim the month of October 2024 as International Alpha Delta Kappa Month.

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 September 30, 2024 be accepted.

F-2.      SECRETARY’S REPORT
            That the Secretary’s Report dated September 30, 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 2024-2025 STATE CONTRACT APPROVED VENDORS
    Approve the amended list of the 2024-2025 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 2024-2025 OUT-OF-DISTRICT STUDENT PLACEMENT LIST
    Approval be given to amend the 2024-2025 out-of-district student placement list (month of October), in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-11.    APPROVE MASTER COLLABORATIVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT – EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COMMISSION OF NEW JERSEY
    Approve the Master Collaborative Educational Services Agreement between the district and the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2030, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-12A.    APPROVE ANNUAL MAINTENANCE BUDGET AMOUNT WORKSHEET (M-1)
    Approve Annual Maintenance Budget Amount Worksheet (M-1) pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:26A, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-12B.    APPROVE COMPREHENSIVE MAINTENANCE PLAN REPORT
    Approve Comprehensive Maintenance Plan Report (FY24, budgeted FY25 and Planned FY26), in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

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 St. Michael School located within the district for the 2024-2025 school year, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-14.    APPROVE SUBMISSION OF FY 2025 IDEA GRANT AMENDMENT 1
    Approve submission of FY2025 IDEA Grant Amendment 1 to allocate the $19,109.00 unexpended nonpublic funds from the FY 2024 IDEA Grant.

F-15.    APPROVE CHILDREN’S SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL – SPEECH EVALUATION
    Approve Children’s Specialized Hospital to provide a speech evaluation at the rate of $713.00 and an occupational therapy evaluation, at the rate of $660.00 (no to exceed $1,373.00) for the 2024-2025 school year [Account Fund #11-000-219-320-01-19], in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-16.    APPROVE WEBSTER BANK LEASING & FINANCING – LEASE PURCHASE LOAN
    Approve the lease purchase loan from Webster Bank Leasing & Financing, Inc., in the amount of $1,110,000.00 for equipment lease of three (3) boilers (over a 5-year period) to replace outdated boilers at Burnet Middle School, Livingston Elementary School and Washington Elementary School, that are not functioning efficiently, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-17.    APPROVE BOND COUNSEL – WILENTZ GOLDMAN & SPITZER
    Approve agreement with Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer for bond counsel services for the various projects the district needs, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-Atty. For informational purposes only – vote not required.  List of legal services paid as of September 17, 2024 for the 2024-2025 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 2024-2025 school year, in accordance with the non-public information available to each Board member.
 

O-2.    LETTER FROM TOWNSHIP OF UNION RECREATION DEPARTMENT – JEFFERSON SCHOOL PARKING LOT 
    Letter from Superintendent of Recreation for the Township of Union requesting the use of the Jefferson School parking lot on Saturday October 19, 2024 (rain date Sunday, October 20, 2024) from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. for the Township’s annual Trunk or Treat event, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
 

O-3.    LETTER FROM UHS PTA – UHS PRACTICE FIELD
    Letter from UHSPTA requesting the use of the Union High School practice field for the Junior bonfire on Thursday, October 17, 2024 (rain date Thursday, October 24, 2024) from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., 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
    Personnel Actions-New Hires be approved in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

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

P-2.      APPROVE SUBSTITUTE LISTS 

            Approve Substitute Lists for the 2024-2025 school year.

.

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 STUDENT TEACHERS AND INTERNSHIPS
    Approve student teachers and internships for the 2024-2025 school year, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

P-5.    APPROVE CHANGE OF SALARY CLASS NO. 4
    Approve Change of Salary Class #4, effective September 1, 2024, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
 

P-6.    APPROVE ATTENDANCE AT VARIOUS MEETINGS – TRANSITION PROGRAMS
   Approve Sarah McCulloh, district School Social Worker, Natalie Mauriello, district Schol Social Worker, and/or Lauren Kohn, district teacher, to attend/visit various meetings/locations as part of our transition program, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
 

P-7.    APPROVE DISTRICT COMMUNICATION LIAISON – SPEKHARDT
    Approve William Spekhardt as the communication liaison to local law enforcement agencies for the 2024-2025 school year, at no cost to the district.

P-8.    APPROVE UPDATED STUDENT ACTIVITES ACCOUNT SIGNATORIES
    Approved updated Student Activities Account Signatories for the 2024-2025 school year, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
 

P-9.    APPROVE JOB DESCRIPTION – PERSONNEL SPECIALIST
    Approve Job Description – Personnel Specialist, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

P-10.    APPROVE JOB DESCRIPTION – CAFETERIA AIDE
    Approve Job Description – Cafeteria Aide, 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.      POLICY 3433.1 – VACATION BLACKOUT DATES
    Approve Policy 3433.1 – Vacation Blackout Dates (Teaching Staff Members), in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
 

POL-2.      POLICY 4433.1 – VACATION BLACKOUT DATES
    Approve Policy 3433.1 – Vacation Blackout Dates (Support Staff Members), 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.     APPROVE TO REMOVE STUDENTS

            Approve to remove the following students from the attendance rolls as the students have been determined to be ineligible to attend the Township of Union Public Schools as a resident student:

R-2.     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 September 17, 2024 Board meeting (2024-2025 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. Comments from Public:

22. Executive Session

RETURN TO PUBLIC:

AFFIRM SUPERINTENDENT'S DETERMINATION OF HIB - CFES #7

     Affirm the Superintendent's determination of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) for case CFES #7 (2023-2024).

23.  Adjournment