Executive Session/Worksession - 5:30 p.m. (change in time) Tuesday, November 12, 2024, Administration Building, 2369 Morris Avenue, Union, New Jersey Action will be taken.
The Board will open the meeting at 5:30 p.m. (change in time) and go into executive (closed) session. The Board will return to public thereafter.
TOWNSHIP OF UNION BOARD OF EDUCATION
WORKSESSION AGENDA – November 12, 2024
1. Roll Call
2. Flag Salute
3. Mission Statement
4. Open Public Meetings Act Statement
5. Executive Session
APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF BOARD MEMBER – FARIA
Approve appointment of Guida Faria to replace the unexpired term of Mary Lynn Williams until December 31, 2025.
ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE
6. Approval of Minutes:
1. October 8, 2024 – worksession minutes
2. October 8, 2024 – executive session minutes - #1 and #2
3. October 15, 2024 – regular meeting minutes
4. October 15, 2024 – executive session minutes
7. Communications:
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 – CASTANEDA
Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Julio Castaneda, custodian-Kawameeh Middle School, effective January 1, 2025.
LETTER OF RETIREMENT – JOSEPH
Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Yanick Joseph, paraprofessional-Jefferson School, effective January 1, 2025.
LETTER OF RETIREMENT – TVERDOV
Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Catherine Tverdov, social studies teacher-Burnet Middle School, effective December 31, 2024.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION – MANCIA INTERIANO
Letter of resignation from Cindy Mancia Interiano, World Language (Spanish) teacher-Union High School, effective December 15, 2024.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION – PAREKH
Letter of resignation from Rajeshwar Parekh, English teacher-Union High School, effective January 1, 2025.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION – RIGO
Letter of resignation from Mikaela Rigo, ESL teacher-Union High School, effective January 3, 2025.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION – ROQUE
Letter of resignation from Jennifer Roque, cafeteria/playground aid-Hannah Caldwell Elementary School, effective October 16, 2024.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION – MAYNARD
Letter of resignation from Ashley Maynard, special education teacher-Hannah Caldwell Elementary School, effective January 6, 2025.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE – HALL
Request for paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA from Shaquana Hall, custodian-Hannah Caldwell Elementary School, October 31, 2024-March 24, 2025.
REQUESET FOR LEAVE – McPHERSON
Request for paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA from Tiffany McPherson, second grade teacher-Franklin Elementary School, January 21, 2025-June 2, 2025.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE – TSAGARIS
Request for paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA from Lauren Tsagaris, fifth grade teacher-Jefferson School, February 4, 2025, June 24, 2025.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE – BRAVETTE
Request for paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA from Vittoria Bravette, math teacher-Burnet Middle School, December 2, 2024-March 26, 2025.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE – MATOS
Request for paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA from Sara Matos, business teacher-Union High School, January 16, 2025-October 1, 2025.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE – COLEMAN
Request for paid FMLA from Marqueta Coleman, part-time bus driver-Transportation Department, November 12, 2024-January 17, 2025.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE – RAGO
Request for paid medical leave from Ron Rago, art and music supervisor-Union High School, December 17, 2024-February 10, 2025.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE – BUSALACCHI
Request for paid FMLA from Patricia Busalacchi, café aide-Hannah Caldwell Elementary School, October 23, 2024-June 25, 2025.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE – DIONISIO
Request for extension of FMLA leave from Nancy Dionisio, OT-Special Services-Washington and Livingston Elementary Schools, new return date September 1, 2025.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE – DERING
Request for unpaid FMLA from Steven Dering, Physical Education teacher-Burnet Middle School, December 2, 2024-December 20, 2024 and April 22, 2025-June 20, 2025.
REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF LEAVE – BLASI
Request for extension of leave update from Regina Blasi, second grade teacher-Connecticut Farms Elementary School, new return date April 1, 2025.
REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF LEAVE – COCOCCIA
Request for extension of paid FMLA from Laura Cococcia, science teacher-Burnet Middle School, new return date December 11, 2024.
REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – LILOIA
Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Dana Liloia, second grade teacher-Livingston Elementary School, November 7, 2024-June 25, 2025.
REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – FIODILINO
Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Maria Fiodilino, special education teacher-Burnet Middle School, September 4, 2024-June 24, 2025.
REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – PAPEO
Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Gina Papeo, CST-Kawameeh Middle School, October 5, 2024-June 25, 2025.
REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – CORTES
Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Tatiana Cortes, special education teacher-Connecticut Farms Elementary School, October 1, 2024-June 24, 2025.
REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – BOYD
Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Glenn Boyd, head custodian-Connecticut Farms Elementary School, October 14, 2024-October 14, 2025.
REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – CLASS
Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Maria Class, security-Jefferson School, October 31, 2024-October 31, 2025.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE – LAURINO
Request for paid medical leave from Leslie Laurino, paraprofessional-Battle Hill Elementary School, November 13, 2024-December 20, 2024.
8. Comments from Public (on resolutions for approval)
9. Superintendent’s Report:
1. State of the Schools
2. Proclamation Honoring Nelson Hernandez
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 October 16, 2024 to November 12, 2024, in accordance with the information available to 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 October 9, 2024 to October 15, 2024, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
E-2. APPROVE HOME SCHOOLED STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN ATHLETIC PROGRAM
Approve C.L. and N.A., middle school students, who are home schooled, to participate in middle school sports during the winter of 2024-2025 school year.
E-3. APPROVE DONATED BOOKS FROM SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR AT CONNECTICUT FARMS – BURNET MIDDLE SCHOOL LIBRARY
Approve donated books from the Scholastic Book Fair at Connecticut Farms Elementary School to the Burnet Middle School Library, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
E-4a. APPROVE EDS – HIBSTER ANTI-BULLYING SOFTWARE PLATFORM
Approve Educational Development Software (EDS) – HIBster anti-bullying software platform for the 2024-2025 school year (districtwide), at a cost of $11,700.00 (paid for using the School Based Mental Health Grant #20468), in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
E-4b. APPROVE EDS – ASAP STUDENT ASSISTANCE SOFTWARE PLATFORM
Approve Educational Development Software (EDS) – aSAP student assistance software platform for the 2024-2025 school year (districtwide), at a cost of $11,700.00 (paid for using the School Based Mental Health Grant #20468), in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
E-5. APPROVE REVISED LIST OF STAFF/BENEFITS PAID FOR USING ESEA AND/OR SCHOOL BASED MENTAL HEALTH GRANT FUNDS
Approve revised list of district staff/benefits for the 2024-2025 school year (retract approval of salary (KH) under Title II (originally approved August 27, 2024)) to be paid for using ESEA and/or School Based Mental Health Grant Funds (removal needs to be noted per grant requirements), in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
E-6. APPROVE SUBMISSION – TITLE I COMPARABILITY REPORT
Approve submission of the Title I Comparability Report in EWEG (Electronic Web Enabled Grant).
E-7. APPROVE SUBMISSION – TITLE I PERFORMANCE REPORT
Approve submission of the Title I Performance Report in EWEG (Electronic Web Enabled Grant).
E-8. APPROVE VENDORS – PARENTING UNIVERSITY WORKSHOPS
Approve the following vendors to coordinate Parenting University workshops during the 2024-2025 school year for district families, at a cost of $7,800.00 (to be paid for using Title I funds account #17050, 168849, 17476:
(a) Wisdom Spring Wellness Services to provide the following sessions: (1) Just Breathe: A Return to Wellness for Parents of School Age Children” and (2) Mindful Parenting: Learn Effectively to Communicate with Your Children, in the amount of $750.00 (to be paid for using Title I funds account #17476), in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
(b) Inspired Instruction to provide the following sessions: (1) Empowering Families: Preparing Students for NJSLA-Math, (2) Empowering Families: Preparing Students for NJSLA-ELA, (3) Strategies for Supporting Mathematics at Home, (4) Supporting ELA at Home: Boosting Your Child’s Literacy Skills, (5) Tackling Absenteeism: Ensuring Your Child’s Success”, and (6) Train the Brain: Improving Study Skills and Executive Functioning at Home), in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
E-9. APPROVE FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION – PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Approve The Foundation for Educational Administration (FEA) to provide professional development sessions entitled “The Evolving Role of Supervisors” for district administration throughout the 2024-2025 school year, at a cost of $7,200.00 (to be paid for using Title II funds account #8434), in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
E-10. APPROVE TITLE I DISTRICT PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT POLICY
Approve the Title I District Parent and Family Engagement Policy – 2415.04 (no changes) for the 2024-2025 school year, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
E-11. APPROVE EDUCATION SERVICES AGREEMENT - EDUCERE
Approve Education Services Agreement with Educere for access to virtual education programs and courses and other educational services offered by Participating Education Providers, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
E-12a. APPROVE THE MAGIC IN YOU ASSEMBLY – WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Approve The Magic in You assembly at Washington Elementary School on December 5, 2024, at a cost of $1,495.00, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
E-12b. APPROVE BRAIN SHOW ASSEMBLY – WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Approve the Brain Show assembly at Washington Elementary School on June 4, 2025, at cost of $2,250.00, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
E-13. APPROVE SCHOOL PROGRAMS – KAWAMEEH MIDDLE SCHOOL
Approve the following school programs at Kawameeh Middle School, stipends to be paid through ESEA Title IV Grant: (a) E-Sports, (b) Girls Who Code, (c) Drone program and (d) STEAM program.
E-14. APPROVE DANIELSON FRAMEWORK
Approve the Danielson Framework for Teaching Evaluation Instrument for the 2024-2025 school year, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
E-15. APPROVE NJ PRINCIPAL EVALUATION FOR PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OBSERVATION INSTRUMENT (NJPEPL)
Approve New Jersey Principal Evaluation for Professional Learning Observation Instrument from AchieveNJ, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
E-16. APPROVE QSAC DISTRICT PERFORMANCE SELF REVIEW AND DISTRICT QSAC TEAM
Approve the QSAC District Performance Self Review and District QSAC Team, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lS8RBIJ3GX58nG4EgcAemQb23bURRpr…
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 October 31, 2024 be accepted.
F-2. SECRETARY’S REPORT
That the Secretary’s Report dated October 31, 2024 be accepted.
F-3. CERTIFY TREASURER’S AND SECRETARY’S REPORT
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:
School |
Account/Department |
Vendor/Description |
Amount |
Burnet Middle School |
2006 |
High Note Festivals – entrance fee to High Note Music Festival |
$7,000.00 (not to exceed) |
Burnet Middle School |
2006 |
Charter Up – round trip transportation to High Note Music Festival |
$6,000.00 (not to exceed) |
Burnet Middle School |
2006 |
Charter Up – transportation to Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (Philadelphia) |
$1,125.00 |
Burnet Middle School |
2014 |
Jostens – student yearbooks |
$2,615.52 |
Burnet Middle School |
2016 |
PBSIS/School Store-prizes/give aways for positive behavior |
$1,232.41 |
Union High School |
3350/Athletics |
BSN Sports –to purchase backpacks for baseball team |
$6,000.00 (not to exceed |
Union High School |
3280/Athletics |
BSN Sports –to purchase backpacks for wrestling team |
$3,100.00 (not to exceed) |
Union High School |
2077/Theatre/Music |
Old Fashion Candy – fundraising for productions and competition trip |
$5,000.00 (not to exceed) |
Union High School |
2077/Theatre |
Hellhound Audio – sound design, audio rental, audio engineering for the Heights |
$8,000.00 (not to exceed) |
Union High School |
2077/Theatre |
11thourDesign – graphic design, marketing, printing services, website maintenance |
$6,000.00 (not to exceed) |
Union High School |
2077/Theatre |
Cameron Filepas – lighting design services for the Heights |
$4,000.00 (not to exceed) |
Union High School |
2077/Theatre |
Anthony Freitas – scenic design services and scenic painting for the Heights |
$4,500.00 (not to exceed) |
Union High School |
3290/Athletics |
Stage House – field hockey team end of year celebration |
$2,500.00 (not to exceed) |
Union High School |
2051/Athletics |
Dominate The Drill Pad – National Drill Instructor to Train Union HS Army JROTC Drill Team |
$3,563.51 |
Union High School |
46/Key Club |
Key Club – membership dues |
$4,100.00 (not to exceed) |
Union High School |
2066/Unified Club |
Applebees – lunch for Unified trip |
$2,298.85 |
Union High School |
2066/Unified Club |
MSG Sports – Christmas Spectacular tickets – Unified trip |
$3,465.00 |
Union High School |
2066/Unified Club |
Panorama Tours – busing for Unified trip |
$3,190.00 |
F-9B. APPROVE FUNDRAISERS
Approve the following fundraisers, in accordance with the information available to each Board member:
Event Name |
Date |
Purpose |
Product Sales (popcorn, chocolate, etc) |
December 13, 2024-January 31, 2025 |
BMS/Band/Orchestra – to raise money for music festival trip in May 2025 |
“Girls Night In” |
December 13, 2024 |
KMS/Young Women of Purpose – promote healthy relationships |
“Hot Pop” Sale |
November 20-26, 2024 |
KMS/Young Women of Purpose – to raise funds to support club activities |
KMS Annual Fall Ball |
November 22, 2024 |
KMS/Young Women of Purpose – to raise funds to support club activities |
YWP Spring Fashion Show |
February 27, 2025-April 4, 2025 |
KMS/Young Women of Purpose – to raise funds for club activities |
Backpack Sale |
November 20, 2024-June 30, 2025 |
KMS/Student Council – to raise funds for future Student Council events, apparel, 8th grade dance |
Movie Night |
May 21, 2025 |
KMS/Esports – to raise funds to purchase games, equipment, jerseys and supplies |
Bake Sale |
December 19 and April 10, 2025 |
KMS/Esports – to raise funds to purchase games, equipment, jerseys and supplies |
Monthly Banke Sales |
December 2024-June 2025 |
KMS/Environmental Action Club – to raise funds for gardening supplies |
Blast Athletics – online fundraiser |
November 20, 2024-June 30, 2025 |
UHS/Baseball – to raise funds for clothing for team and end of year celebration |
BSN Sports – online clothing sale |
November 20, 2024-June 30, 2025 |
UHS/Baseball – to raise funds for end of year celebration |
Volleyball Tournament |
November 20, 2024 |
UHS/EmpowerMENt – to raise funds for Club shirts and clothes drive for the homeless |
Fast Food Fundraisers |
November 20, 2024-June 30, 2025 |
UHS/Senior Class – to raise funds for senior events, end of year activities |
Concessions during the Heights |
December 13-15, 2024 |
UHSPAC – to raise funds for production of the Heights |
Program ad sales and patron packages |
November 20, 2024-December 9, 2024 |
UHSPAC – to raise funds for production of the Heights |
Staff Dress Down Day |
November 20, 2024-June 24, 2025 |
UHS/Cheerleading – to raise funds for new uniforms, gear, tumbling classes, stunt clinic |
Art Show Karaoke Night Junior Class Dance Escape Room Video Game Tournament Dodgeball Tournament Candy Grams Tape-a-Teacher Cultural Food Sales |
November 20, 2024-June 24, 2025 – TBD |
UHS/Junior Class – to raise funds for the junior class |
Monthly Snack Sale |
November 20, 2024-June 15, 2025 |
UHS/Asian Student Alliance – to raise funds for upcoming events and activities |
Online Fundraiser |
December 2, 2024-March 3, 2025 |
UHS/Girls Basketball – to raise funds for off season training, basketball league |
Volleyball Game |
March-May 2025 TBD |
Washington School – to raise funds to donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society |
Pretzel Sale |
November 20, 2024-June 30, 2025 (monthly) |
Washington School/School Counselor/PBSIS Incentive Program – to raise funds for school-wide positive behavior program – Washington wages |
School Kindness t-shirts/sweatshirts |
November 20-December 15, 2024 |
Washington School/School Counselor – to raise funds to support PBSIS positive reward system |
F-9C. ACCEPT DONATIONS
Accept the following donations:
From |
For Use By |
$/Item |
Pepsico |
Union High School |
$750.10 |
Shutterfly, LLC |
Battle Hill Elementary School |
$652.10 |
Pepsico |
Union High School |
$475.47 |
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 November), in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
F-11. APPROVE CONTRACT – COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Approve School Contract with the State of New Jersey, Department of Human Services, Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, for educational services for students in the district for the 2024-2025 school year, in accordance with the non-public information available to each Board member.
F-12. 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 St. Michael School located within the district for the 2024-2025 school year, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
F-13. APPROVE NJDOE-JOINT TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENT
Approve the State of New Jersey – Department of Education (NJDOE) Student Transportation Unit – Joint Transportation Agreement with Delsea Regional High School District (host district) for transportation services, if needed, for the 2024-2025 school year.
F-14. APPROVE PETTY CASH ACCOUNT INCREASE – BURNET MIDDLE SCHOOL
Approve the increase of the petty cash account for costs associated with students’ IEP driven Community Based Instruction (CBI) for the 2024-2025 school year at Burnet Middle School from $2,200.00 to $3,400.00 due to an increase in student enrollment [Account Fund #11-212-100-610-01-19/7897].
F-15. APPROVE APPLICATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS UNIFIED GRANT
Approve the school-based application to the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools 2024-2025 Grant, for the following school as listed below and acceptance of the award: (a) Battle Hill Elementary School - $600.00, in accordance with the information available to each Board member
F-16. APPROVE SUMMIT SPEECH – CONSULTATION/EVALUATION
Approve Summit Speech to provide audiological consultation at the rate of $250.00/hr., diagnostic report review and recommendation at the rate of $250.00, acoustic evaluation for K through 5th grade, at the rate of $550.00 and 6th through 12th grade, at the rate of $750.00 (not to exceed $1,500.00) for the 2024-2025 school year [Account Fund #11-000-216-320-01-19], in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
F-17. APPROVE ACCEPTANCE OF 2024 NJSIG SAFETY GRANT - $19,188.00
Approve acceptance of the 2024 NJSIG Safety Grant in the amount of $19,188.00.
F-18. APPROVE PRELIMINARY BUDGET CALENDAR
Approve preliminary budget calendar, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
F-19. APPROVE TO AMEND LIST OF UHS STUDENT ACTIVITY ACCOUNTS
Approve to amend list of UHS Student Activity Accounts, to include the following: (a) Class of 2024, (b) Class of 2025, (c) Class of 2026, (d) Class of 2027, and (e) Class of 2028.
F-20. APPROVE UPDATE TO CURRICULUM WRITER STIPEND RATE
Approve update to curriculum stipend writer rate to $46.00/hr. for a maximum of 15 hours.
F-21. APPROVE GRAHAM BEHAVIOR SERVICES – BT SERVICES
Approve Graham Behavior Services to provide Behavior Technician services for a total of 320 hours at the rate of $80.00 per hour, 10 hours a week (not to exceed $25,600) for the 2024-2025 school year [Account Fund #11-000-216-320-01-19/7043], in accordance with the non-public information available to each Board member.
F-22. APPROVE MADCREEK – PUBLIC RELATIONS
Approve MadCreek, LLC, a public relations company, to serve as a strategic partner for the district to enhance the reputation, to communicate effectively and to engage with parents, students, staff and community; by leveraging a combination of media relations, strategic communications, content creation and crisis management, at a cost not to exceed $15,000.00, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
F-23. APPROVE AUTHORIZATION TO USE FUNDS – CAPITAL AND MAINTENANCE RESERVES
Approve the authorization to use funds from the district’s Capital Reserves ($700,000) and Maintenance Reserves ($300,000) to address the emergency expenses related to the temporary closure of Hannah Caldwell Elementary School and the cost associated with occupying temporary space at a new location.
F-24. APPROVE SUBMISSION TO NJDOE – EMERGENCY PROJECT
Approve submission for review and approval to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) and other agencies as required, of an emergency project for temporary educational use of the 3rd and 4th floor at 1085 Morris Avenue, Union, New Jersey, including amendment of the District’s Long Range Facility Plan (LRFP) to be consistent with the project as required.
F-25. APPROVE AGREEMENTS - TEMPORARY EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES – 1085 MORRIS AVENUE
Hannah Caldwell Elementary School has been displaced for the remainder of the FY25 school year; and
WHEREAS, the need for temporary educational facilities for the students of Hannah Caldwell Elementary School is urgent; and
WHEREAS, Kean University has offered the use of designated space on the 3rd and 4th floors located at 1085 Morris Ave, Union, New Jersey, for this purpose; and
WHEREAS, the parties have negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Licensing Agreement, and Affiliation Agreement to govern the terms of this temporary educational use;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the MOU, Licensing Agreement, and Affiliation Agreement with Kean University for the temporary use of the specified building space for the educational purposes of Hannah Caldwell Elementary School;
F-Atty. For informational purposes only – vote not required. List of legal services paid as of October 15, 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. APPROVE CAMP INVENTION – JEFFERSON SCHOOL
Approve Camp Invention to be held at Jefferson School the week of August 4-8, 2025 (8:30 a.m.-2:45 p.m.), for all students.
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.
Name |
Position |
Rate |
Kristina Laguerre |
Daily sub |
$140.00/day |
Sofia Azinheira |
Daily sub |
$140.00/day |
Zaynab Jamaal |
Daily sub |
$140.00/day |
Darren Meyer* |
Daily sub |
$140.00/day |
Christopher Boulin* |
Daily sub |
$140.00/day |
Alexis Reed* |
Daily sub |
$140.00/day |
Joel Cuevas* |
Daily sub |
$140.00/day |
Steven Martins |
Sub-custodian |
$16.00/hr. |
*Pending paperwork approval
P-3A. ACCEPT LETTERS OF RESIGNATION/RETIREMENT
Accept letters of resignation/retirement from the following staff, with regrets:
Name |
Position |
Location |
Eff. Date |
Reason |
Nelson Hernandez |
Head custodian |
KMS |
1/1/2025 |
Retirement |
Julio Castaneda |
Custodian |
KMS |
1/1/2025 |
Retirement |
Yanick Joseph |
Paraprofessional |
Jefferson |
12/15/2024 |
Retirement |
Catherine Tverdov |
Social studies teacher |
BMS |
12/31/2024 |
Retirement |
Cindy Mancia Interiano |
World language (Spanish) teacher |
UHS |
12/15/2024 |
Resignation |
Rajeshwar Parekh |
English teacher |
UHS |
1/1/2025 |
Resignation |
Mikaela Rigo |
ESL teacher |
UHS |
1/3/2025 |
Resignation |
Jennifer Roque |
Cafeteria/ playground aide |
Hannah Caldwell |
10/16/2024 |
Resignation |
Ashley Maynard |
Special ed teacher |
Hannah Caldwell |
1/6/2025 |
Resignation |
P-3B. APPROVE LEAVES
Approve leaves for the following staff:
Name |
Position |
Location |
Leave Dates |
Leave Type |
Shaquana Hall |
Custodian |
Hannah Caldwell |
10/31/2024-3/24/2025 |
Paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/ NJFLA |
Tiffany McPherson |
2nd grade teacher |
Franklin |
1/21/2025-6/2/2025 |
Paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/ NJFLA |
Lauren Tsagaris |
5th grade teacher |
Jefferson |
2/4/2025-6/24/2025 |
Paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/ NJFLA |
Sara Matos |
Business teacher |
UHS |
1/16/2025-10/1/2025 |
Paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/ NJFLA |
Marqueta Coleman |
Part-time bus driver |
Transportation Dept |
11/12/2024-1/7/2025 |
Paid FMLA |
Vittoria Bravette |
Math teacher |
BMS |
12/2/2024-3/26/2025 |
Paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/ NJFLA |
Ron Rago |
Supervisor – Art and Music |
UHS |
12/17/2024-2/10/2025 |
Paid medical leave |
Patricia Busalacchi |
Café aide |
Hannah Caldwell |
10/23/2024-6/25/2025 |
Paid FMLA |
Nancy Dionisio |
OT-special services |
Washington/ Livingston |
New return date 9/1/2025 |
Extension of FMLA leave |
Steven Dering |
PE teacher |
BMS |
12/2/2024-12/20/2024 and 4/22/2025-6/20/2025 |
Unpaid FMLA |
Regina Blasi |
2nd grade teacher |
Connecticut Farms |
New return date 4/1/2025 |
Extension of leave |
Laura Cococcia |
Science teacher |
BMS |
New return date 12/11/2024 |
Extension of paid FMLA |
Dana Liloia |
2nd grade teacher |
Livingston |
Intermittent 11/7/2024-6/25/2025 |
Paid intermittent FMLA |
Maria Fiodilino |
Special ed teacher |
BMS |
Intermittent 9/4/2024-6/24/2025 |
Paid intermittent FMLA |
Gina Papeo |
CST |
KMS |
Intermittent 10/5/2024-6/25/2025 |
Paid intermittent FMLA |
Tatiana Cortes |
Special ed teacher |
Connecticut Farms |
Intermittent 10/1/2024-6/24/2025 |
Paid intermittent FMLA |
Glenn Boyd |
Head custodian |
Connecticut Farms |
Intermittent 10/14/2024-10/14/2025 |
Paid intermittent FMLA |
Maria Class |
Security |
Jefferson |
Intermittent 10/31/2024-10/31/2025 |
Paid intermittent FMLA |
Leslie Laurino |
Paraprofessional |
Battle Hill |
11/13/2024-12/20/2024 |
Paid medical leave |
P-4. APPROVE ATTENDANCE AT VARIOUS MEETINGS – TRANSITION PROGRAMS
Approve Marcy Musarra, Dana Meixner and Janine Pascucci, district teachers, to attend/visit various meetings/locations as part of our transition program, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
P-5. APPROVE ATTENDANCE AT VARIOUS MEETINGS – TRANSITION PROGRAMS
Approve Christina Shpunder, district Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant and/or Daniel Seugling, district School Psychologist, to attend/visit meetings/locations as part of our transition program, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
P-6. APPROVE STUDENT TEACHERS AND INTERNSHIPS
Approve student teachers and internships for the 2023-2024 school year, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
P-7. APPROVE UPDATED STUDENT ACTIVITES ACCOUNT SIGNATORIES
Approve updated Student Activities Account Signatories for the 2024-2025 school year, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
P-8. APPROVE JOB DESCRIPTION – PRESCHOOL PART-TIME FISCAL SPECIALIST
Approve Job Description – Preschool Part-Time Fiscal Specialist, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
15. Policy Committee:
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 FROM ROLLS
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:
Student No. |
School |
#288329 |
Union High School – 9th grade - OOD |
R-2a. REPORT OF STUDENTS VOLUNTARILY TRANSFERRED TO DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE (INVESTIGATION)
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 the 2024-2025 school year:
Student No. |
School |
#285063 |
Union High School – 9th grade |
#338277 |
Battle Hill Elementary School – 4th grade |
#370799 |
Hannah Caldwell Elementary School - K |
R-2b. REPORT OF STUDENTS VOLUNTARILY TRANSFERRED TO DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE (HEARING)
For informational purposes only (no vote required): The following residency investigations and hearings were completed; and voluntarily transferred to the district of residence for the 2024-2025 school year:
Student No. |
School |
#298236 |
Burnet Middle School – 8th grade |
For informational purposes only (no vote required): The following totals are as of the October 15, 2024 Board meeting (2024-2025 school year):
Students Removed: |
4 |
Students Voluntarily Transferred: |
4 |
17. Technology Committee:
Upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Technology Committee presents the following resolution for the Board’s consideration:
T-1. APPROVE RECYCLING OF EQUIPMENT
Approve list of equipment for recycling, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.
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
APPROVE UPDATE TO REQUEST FROM DMK SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Approve update to request from the Douglas Michael Krueger (DMK) Scholarship Fund and Township of Union to use the Union High School stage or Kawameeh Middle School Auditorium on Saturday, November 16, 2024 (8 a.m.-2 p.m.) for rehearsal and Sunday, November 17, 2024 (8 a.m.- 9 p.m.), to present Union’s Got Talent 2024 (requesting all fees be waived) (Certificate of Insurance to be provided by Township.
23. Adjournment