Worksession - February 11, 2025 - 7:00 p.m. - Administration Building

A. Roll Call

B. Flag Salute

C. Mission Statement

D. Open Public Meetings Act Statement

E. Executive Session (if needed)

6. Approval of Minutes:

            1.         January 7, 2025 – reorganization meeting

            2.         January 11, 2025 – special meeting/retreat

            3.         January 11, 2025 – executive session

            4.         January 14, 2025 – worksession

            5.         January 14, 2025 – executive session

            6.         January 21, 2025 – regular meeting

            7.         January 21, 2025 – executive session

7. Communications:

REQUEST FOR USE OF UHS PARKING LOT
    Request from Victoria Smith (2021 UHS graduate, attending Montclair State University) requesting the use of Union High School parking lot to film a scene for her thesis project on March 22, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Certificate of Insurance provided.

REQUEST FOR USE OF UHS FACILITY SITE
    Request from Township of Union Chamber of Commerce to use the Union High School facility site for the 14th Annual Mayor’s Day 5K Run on September 28, 2025 (rain date October 12, 2025 (severe weather only).

REQUEST FROM TOWNSHIP OF UNION EDUCATION FOUNDATION
    Request from Township of Union Education Foundation requesting the use of Jefferson School gym and cafeteria for their spring reception on May 15, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Certificate of Insurance to be provided.

REQUEST FOR USE OF UHS FACILITIES
    Request from Dr. Passion Moss-Hasan, on behalf of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Central NJ Chapter, to use Union High School’s library and auditorium on Saturday, March 29, 2025 or Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for orientation and induction. Certificate of Insurance to be provided.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – CABRERA ESPINOZA
    Letter of resignation from Mayra Cabrera Espinoza, preschool teacher assistant-Hannah Caldwell Elementary School, effective February 1, 2025.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – FANA
    Letter of resignation from Macyeline Fana, part-time bus aide-Transportation Department, effective December 9, 2024.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – PALMA
    Letter of resignation from Bianca Palma, math teacher-Burnet Middle School, effective March 15, 2025.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – RICHARDONE
    Letter of resignation from Nicole Richardone, math teacher-Union High School, effective September 1, 2025.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – SHOREY
    Letter of resignation from Carlene Shorey, Behavior Technician-Connecticut Farms Elementary School, effective February 14, 2025.

LETTER OR RETIREMENT – HERRIGHTY, JR.
    Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Michael Herrighty, Jr., plumber-Buildings and Grounds Department, effective July 31, 2025.

LETTER OF RETIREMENT – McLEAN
    Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Delia McLean, vice principal-Burnet Middle School, effective April 1, 2025.

LETTER OF RETIREMENT – MUSARRA
    Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Marcy Musarra, special education teacher-Union High School, effective July 1, 2025.

LETTER OF RETIREMENT – WHITLEY
    Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Suzanne Whitley, social studies teacher-Union High School, effective March 1, 2023.

EMPLOYMENT SEPARATION – HEATH
    Employment separation from Jacqueline Heath, paraprofessional-Battle Hill Elementary School, effective September 1, 2024.

RQUEST FOR LEAVE – WALSH
    Request for paid medical leave from Alison Walsh, special education teacher-Washington Elementary School, January 23, 2025-June 28, 2025.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – KNOX
    Request for paid FMLA from LaForest Knox, teacher assistant-Battle Hill Elementary School, February 14, 2025-May 14, 2025.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – WILEY
    Request for paid medical leave from Pam Wiley, bus aide-Transportation Department, January 21, 2025-March 25, 2025.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – LUPO
    Request for paid medial leave from Diane Lupo, secretary-Livingston Elementary School, January 14, 2025-January 31, 2025.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – MINNOIA
    Request for paid FMLA from Francesca Minnoia, special education teacher-Hannah Caldwell Elementary School, March 31, 2025-May 1, 2025.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – CLARK
    Request for unpaid intermittent FMLA from Mary Clark, science teacher-Union High School, January 28, 2025-June 30, 2025.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – JOHNSON
    Request for paid FMLA from Jamie Johnson, 2nd grade teacher-Washington Elementary School, February 13, 2025-March 7, 2025.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – FOSTER
    Request for unpaid FMLA from Priscilla Foster, Behavior Technician-Union High School, February 7, 2025-February 14, 2025.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE CORRECTION – SANTIAGO
    Correction to request for paid intermittent FMLA, followed by unpaid FMLA, from Delfin Santiago, vice principal-Burnet Middle School, January 1, 2025-June 30, 2025.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE UPDATE – NICKELS
    Update to request for paid intermittent FMLA from Nicole Nickels, supervisor-PreK, December 2, 2025-December 2, 2026.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE UPDATE – HUFF
    Update to request for paid intermittent FMLA from Heidi Huff, kindergarten teacher-Connecticut Farms Elementary School, February 20, 2024-June 24, 2025.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE UPDATE – RIBEIRO
    Update to request for leave from Maria Ribeiro, teacher assistant-Battle Hill Elementary School, new return date February 25, 2025.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE UPDATE – PAZDAN
    Update to request for leave from Nicole Pazdan, science teacher-Kawameeh Middle School, new return date September 1, 2026.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE UPDATE – YAWNICK
    Update to request for paid medical leave followed by unpaid leave from Marilyn Yawnick, bus aide-Transportation Department, December 12, 2024-June 24, 2025.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – KATZ
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Barbara Katz, specialist-PreK-districtwide, February 3, 2025-February 3, 2026.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – RIVERA
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Jobina Rivera, PE teacher-Union High School, January 31, 2025-June 24, 2025.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – JOHNSON
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Portia Johnson, special ed teacher-Burnet Middle School, January 3, 2025-June 24, 2025.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – MARTINEZ
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Paula Martinez, teacher assistant-Union High School, February 18, 2025-June 24, 2025.

8. Comments from Public (on resolutions in BOLD and ALL MATTERS)

9. Superintendent’s Report:

     1.    Superintendent Report
     2.    Report on Student Safety Data System (SSDS) for period 1 (September 1-December 31, 2024)
     3.    Principal/PTA President Presentation – Burnet Middle School 

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 January 22, 2025 to February 11, 2025, 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 January 14, 2025 to January 21, 2025, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

E-2.    APPROVE STUDENT SAFETY DATA SYSTEM REPORT
    Approve the Student Safety Data System Report (formerly Violence and Vandalism Report) (SSDS) for period one (September 1-December 31, 2024) of the 2024-2025 school year, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

E-3.    APPROVE HOLLYROCK ENTERTAINMENT – ASSEMBLY AT FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
    Approve Hollyrock Entertainment to coordinate a Brain Challenge Parent and Student Assembly at Franklin Elementary School on February 26, 2025, in the amount of $1,750.00 (being paid using Title I parent engagement reserve funds #16867).

E-4.    APPROVE SOLUTIONS OVERVIEW, FRANKLIN COVEY EDUCATION – PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
    Approve Solutions Overview, Franklin Covey Education to coordinate professional development coaching sessions for district administration, in the amount of $12,269.14 (being paid through Title II/SIA funds #8434/#20315., in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

E-5.    APPROVE VARSITY TUTORS – TUTORING FOR STUDENTS
    Approve Varsity Tutors to provide high-dosage tutoring for students in grades three and four at Hannah Caldwell Elementary School, from March-June 2025, in an amount not to exceed $21,960.00 (being paid for using High Impact Tutoring Grant #20489.

E-6.    APPROVE APPLICATION - RACKSPACE TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION GRANT
    Approve application for Rackspace Technology Foundation Grant for the 2025-2026 grant year.

E-7.    APPROVE APPLICATION – DREAMS PROGRAM
    Approve application for the Developing Resiliency with Engaging Approaches to Maximize Success (DREAMS) Program for the 2025-2026 school year.

E-8.    APPROVE SUMMER SCHOLAR PROGRAM LOCATIONS
    Approve the following Title I/Title I SIA 2025 Summer Scholar Program locations:

E-9.    APPROVE GRANT APPLICATION 
    Approve the Township of Union Education Foundation grant application, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

E-10.    APPROVE LOCATIONS FOR EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR 
    Approve Battle Hill Elementary School (July and August 2025) and the Administration Building, 2369 Morris Avenue (June 25-August 31, 2025) for the 2025 Extended School Year (ESY) program, ESY services, CST testing and home instruction.

E-11.    APPROVE ACCEPTANCE OF “THE COOL BEAN MAKES A SPLASH” BOOK DONATION
   Approve acceptance of the Community Policing Unit of the Union Police Department’s donation of approximately 1,500 copies of “The Cool Bean Makes a Splash” by Jory John (approximate value of $8,985) to elementary schools across the district, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

E-12.    APPROVE DISPOSAL OF LIBRARY BOOKS – HANNAH CALDWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
    Approve disposal of identified library books and certain library materials from Hannah Caldwell Elementary School that have been identified as damaged due to the fungi/spores or no longer relevant to the current curriculum and students’ needs.

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 January 31, 2025 be accepted.

F-2.      SECRETARY’S REPORT
            That the Secretary’s Report dated January 31, 2025 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 February), 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 2025-2026 school year, in the amount of $104,164.42, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

F-12.    APPROVE NEW PATHWAY COUNSELING, INC.
    Approve New Pathway Counseling, Inc. to provide an evaluation, PHP treatment, and bedside home instruction, for a maximum of 10 hours per week, at a cost of $650.00 per week, in accordance with the non-public information available to each Board member.

F-13.    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-14.    APPROVE STUDENT TRANSPORTATION CONTRACT – DCF - STATE OF NEW JERSEY
    Approve Student Transportation Contracts with the State of New Jersey – Department of Children and Families for the 2024-2025 school year at a rate of $75.00 per day (5 students at DCF Regional School, Union Campus, Scotch Plains, NJ), in accordance with the non-public information available to each Board member.

F-15.    APPROVE PARENT/PUPIL TRANSPORTATION CONTRACT – 2024-2025
    Approve parent/pupil transportation contract for a special education student attending Capstone Center at the rate of $79.20 per day (not to exceed $7,208) for the period February 24, 2025-June 30, 2025, in accordance with the non-public information available to each Board member.

F-16.    APPROVE LEARNING ALLY – READING PROGRAM
    Approve contract with Learning Ally, Inc., to support students in reading, and allows use of program by eligible students in Livingston, Franklin, Washington, Hannah Caldwell, Battle Hill and Jefferson Elementary Schools, for the 2024-2025 school year, at no cost to the district.  This has been made feasible from a grant from the NJDOE to Learning Ally, Inc. to provide additional reading services to public school districts currently contracted with Learning Ally, 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 January 21, 2025 for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

12. Grievance/Negotiations and Legal Committees:

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

L-1.    APPROVE MODIFICATION OF SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
    Approve Modification of Settlement Agreement and Release in the matter of N.G. and E.G. obo C.G. v Township of Union Board of Education, in accordance with the non-public information available to each Board member.

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 NOTIFICATION OF ASSET CHANGE OF STATUS
    Approve the Notification of Asset Change of Status for disposal of one (1) piano at the Battle Hill Elementary School, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

O-3.    APPROVE USE OF UHS LIBRARY – SPECIAL OLYMPICS OF NEW JERSEY YOUTH SUMMIT – WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
    Approve use of Union High School Library for the Special Olympics of New Jersey Youth Summit-Women in Leadership on March 7, 2025 from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 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 27, 2025 (rain date May 29, 2025) to the Union Township Parks and Recreation Department for the Special Services picnic, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

Discussion Items:
O-5.    REQUEST TO USE UHS PARKING LOT
    Request from Victoria Smith (2021 UHS graduate, attending Montclair State University) requesting the use of Union High School parking lot to film a scene for her thesis project on March 22, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., in accordance with the information available to each Board member (Certificate of Insurance provided).

O-6.    REQUEST FOR USE OF UHS FACILITY SITE
    Request from Township of Union Chamber of Commerce to use the Union High School facility site for the 14th Annual Mayor’s Day 5K Run on September 28, 2025 (rain date October 12, 2025 (severe weather only), in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

O-7.    REQUEST FROM TOWNSHIP OF UNION EDUCATION FOUNDATION
    Request from Township of Union Education Foundation requesting the use of Jefferson School gym and cafeteria for their spring reception on May 15, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in accordance with the information available to each Board member. Certificate of Insurance to be provided. 

O-8.    REQUEST FOR USE OF UHS FACILITIES
    Request from Dr. Passion Moss-Hasan, on behalf of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Central NJ Chapter, to use Union High School's library and auditorium on Saturday, March 29, 2025 or Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for orientation and induction, in accordance with the information available to each Board member. Certificate of Insurance to be provided.

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 ATTENDANCE – TOWNSHIP OF UNION ADA MEETINGS
    Approve Kim Conti, Director of Special Services, to attend the Township of Union ADA meetings, at no cost to the district) from January 2025 through December 2025.

P-6.    APPROVE ATTENDANCE – NJ CASE MEETINGS
    Approve Kim Conti, Director of Special Services, to attend New Jersey Council of Administrators of Special Education (NJ CASE) meetings, at no additional cost to the district other than Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)/CASE membership dues previously paid by the district for the 2024-2025 school year.

P-7.    APPROVE JOB DESCRIPTION – CUSTODIAL SUPERVISOR
    Approve Job Description – Custodial Supervisor, in accordance with the information available to each Board member.

P-8.    APPROVE ATTENDANCE AT ASBO INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP FORUM – KOON
    Approve Yolanda Koon to attend the ASBO Leadership Forum in Tampa, Florida (March 5-8, 2025) for a total cost not to exceed $2,800.00.

P-9.    APPROVE ATTENDANCE AT NJASA/NJAPSA SPRING LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
    Approve Dr. Gerry Benaquista to attend the NJASA/NJAPSA Spring Leadership Conference 2025 – Uniting, Empowering, Celebrating: Education Matters, May 14-16, 2025, Caesars, Atlantic City, New Jersey.

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.    REPORT OF STUDENTS VOLUNTARILY TRANSFERRED TO DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE
    For informational purposes only (no vote required): The following residency investigation was completed and the listed student voluntarily transferred to the district of residence:

    For informational purposes only (no vote required): The following totals are as of the January 21, 2025 Board meeting (2024-2025 school year):

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 in the hands of 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. Executive Session (if needed):

APPROVE RETRO PAYMENT – EMPLOYEE #11046
    Approve retroactive payment to Employee #11046, in the amount of $5,367.00.

22.  Adjournment