Worksession Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 10, 2026, Administration Building, 2369 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083. Action will be taken.
TOWNSHIP OF UNION BOARD OF EDUCATION
WORKSESSION AGENDA – November 10, 2026
1. Roll Call
2. Flag Salute
3. Mission Statement - Empower and Inspire Every Student, Every Day
4. Open Public Meetings Act Statement:
In accordance with the provisions of the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act, the Township of Union Board of Education has caused notice of this meeting to be published by having the date, time, and place thereof published on the Board’s official Internet website, with a direct hyperlink to legal notices conspicuously placed on the website’s homepage, posted in the Administration Building at 2369 Morris Avenue, Union, New Jersey, filed with the Township Clerk, and mailed to all persons, if any, who have requested said notice.
5. Approval of Minutes:
1. October 13, 2026 - worksession
2. October 13, 2026 – executive session
3. October 27, 2026 – regular meeting
4. October 27, 2026 – executive session
6. Communications:
Use of Facilities:
None currently.
Letters of Resignation:
LETTER OF RESIGNATION – FEASTER
Letter of resignation from Alliyah Feaster, cafeteria/playground aide-Battle Hill Elementary School, effective October 21, 2026.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION – RAIMO
Letter of resignation from Charles Raimo, paraprofessional-Union High School, effective October 27, 2026.
Recission of Resignation:
LETTER RESCINDING RESIGNATION – ROULEAU
Letter rescinding resignation from Sherifaat Rouleau, supervisor of special services-district wide.
Letters of Retirement:
None currently.
Requests for Leave:
REQUEST FOR LEAVE – LEY
Request for paid FMLA and unpaid FMLA from Christopher Ley, special education teacher-Burnet Middle School, September 1, 2026-October 30, 2026 and November 2, 2026-December 3, 2026, respectively.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE – HIBBERSON
Request for paid FMLA from Sheila Hibberson, English teacher-Burnet Middle School, January 13, 2027-April 8, 2027.
Requests for Leave Update:
REQUEST FOR LEAVE UPDATE – FISKE
Updated request for paid FMLA from Cheryl Fiske, Vice Principal-Hannah Caldwell Elementary School, September 1, 2026-November 6, 2026.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE UPDATE – ABREU
Updated request for unpaid maternity leave from Gihann Abreu, school counselor-Connecticut Farms Elementary School, September 1, 2026-February 1, 2027.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE UPDATE – MENJIVAR
Updated request for paid FMLA, unpaid NJFLA and unpaid maternity leave from Victoria Menjivar, Spanish teacher-Union High School, September 1, 2026-September 15, 2026, September 16, 2026-February 9, 2027, respectively.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE UPDATE – LYTLE
Updated request for paid FMLA from Ana Lytle, math teacher-Union High School, September 11, 2026-November 20, 2026.
Requests for Intermittent Leave:
REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – SAVARESE
Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Christina Savarese, 1st grade teacher-Connecticut Farms Elementary School, November 9, 2026-June 30, 2027.
REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – FRAIN
Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Virginia Frain, secretary-Maintenance Department, October 3, 2026-October 2, 2027.
REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – ROYAL
Request for paid intermittent NJFLA from Marcel Royal, BCBA-districtwide, October 23, 2026-June 30, 2027.
REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – JONES
Request for paid intermittent NJFLA from Stephanie Jones, special education teacher-Battle Hill Elementary School, October 23, 2026-June 30, 2027.
REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – MURPHY
Request for paid intermittent NJFLA from Debra Murphy, secretary-Franklin Elementary School, October 26, 2026-June 30, 2027.
REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – FREITAS
Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Karen Freitas, 4th grade teacher-Connecticut Farms Elementary School, October 22, 2026-June 30, 2027.
7. Comments from Public (on resolutions in bold and all other matters)
8. Superintendent’s Report:
1. Superintendent’s Report
2. Student Liaison – Anderson DaSilva
9. 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 28, 2026 to November 10, 2026, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda (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 14, 2026 to October 27, 2026, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
E-2. APPROVE DATA SHARING AGREEMENT WITH AMIRA LEARNING, INC.
Approve the addendum to the Data Sharing Agreement with Amira Learning, Inc. authorizing the direct submission of student-level universal literacy screener data to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) on behalf of the district, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
E-3. APPROVE SUSPENSION – STUDENT
Approve long-term suspension and home instruction for student #286545 from the general education program.
E-4. APPROVE UPDATED ESEA STAFF ALLOCATION CHART
Approve updated ESEA staff allocation chart to reflect the payment of the Mathematics Instructional Coach for the 2026-2027 school year using Title II funds.
E-5. APPROVE ACCEPTANCE FUNDS – NJDOE SCHOOL LEAD FILTERS GRANT
Approve acceptance of funds in the amount of $11,148.00 for the receipt of the NJDOE School Lead Filters Grant to purchase point of use filtered bottle filling stations at Union High School and Burnet and Kawameeh Middle Schools.
E-6. APPROVE SUBMISSION AND ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS – 21ST CENTURY COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER IDEA SUPPLEMENTAL GRANT AWARD
Approve submission and acceptance of funds for the 21st Century Community Learning Center IDEA Supplemental Grant Award in the amount of $25,500.00 for the 2026-2027 school year to support STEM enrichment at both secondary schools.
E-7. APPROVE TO AMEND ESEA ANNUAL SCHOOL PLANS
Approve to amend the ESEA Annual School Plans at Jefferson and Hannah Caldwell Elementary Schools, Burnet Middle School and Union High School, to include the carryover funds for the 2026-2027 school year.
E-8. APPROVE SUBMISSION OF THE ESEA FINAL EXPENDITURE REPORT AND ACCEPTANCE OF ESEA CARRYOVER FUNDS
Approve submission of the ESEA final expenditure report and to accept the ESEA carryover funds for the 2026-2027 school year in the amounts of: (a) Title I - $76,383.00, (b) Title I SIA - $1,593.00, (c) Title II - $10,742.00, (d) Title III - $7,939.00, (e) Title III Immigrant - $6,157.00 and (f) Title IV - $12,608.00.
10. 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, 2026 be accepted.
F-2. SECRETARY’S REPORT
That the Secretary’s Report dated October 31, 2026 be accepted.
F-3. CERTIFY TREASURER’S AND SECRETARY’S REPORT
F-4. APPROVE APPROPRIATION TRANSFERS
Approve appropriation transfers in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
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 appended to the agenda.
F-6. APPROVE DISTRICTWIDE TRAVEL AND RELATED EXPENSES
Approve districtwide 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 appended to the agenda.
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 appended to the agenda.
F-8. APPROVE LIST OF 2026-2027 STATE CONTRACT APPROVED VENDORS
Approve the amended list of the 2026-2027 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 appended to the agenda.
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 appended to the agenda:
|
School |
Account Name/Account # |
Vendor/Description |
Amount |
|
Burnet Middle School |
2020/8th grade |
World’s Finest Chocolate – payment for 8th grade fundraiser |
$1,920.00 |
|
Union High School |
3201/HS Sponsorship |
Sports Paradise – boys volleyball uniforms |
$2,460.00 |
|
Union High School |
2527/student activities |
Major Printing Company – T-shirts for senior class trip |
$6,000.00 (not to exceed) |
|
Union High School |
2527/student activities |
Sunny Trail Inc. – transportation for senior class trip |
$15,000.00 (not to exceed) |
|
Union High School |
2527/student activities |
iPlay America – admission for senior class trip |
$22,500.00 |
|
Union High School |
2029/cheerleading |
Varsity Spirit – cheerleading gear |
$3,180.76 |
|
Union High School |
Humanities |
Sunny Trail – two buses to Washington DC for field trip-AP US History students |
$5,800.00 |
|
Union High School |
2033/Marching Band |
Camp Shohold – balance for camp band |
$13,044.00 |
F-9B. APPROVE FUNDRAISERS
Approve the following fundraisers, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda:
|
Event Name |
Date |
Purpose |
|
Coupon Book Sale |
November 23, 2026-January 23, 2026 |
KMS/G&T – raise funds for year-end out-of-state trip |
|
Seekers Club Worship Night – Extreme Love |
November 20, 2026 |
UHS/Seekers Club – raise funds for scholarship monies for foundational giving |
|
Candy Sales |
November 18, 2026-June 30, 2027 |
UHS/Class of 2028 – raise funds for Class of 2028 |
|
Bake Sale |
November 18, 2026-June 30, 2027 |
UHS/Class of 2028 – to raise funds for Class of 2028 |
|
Tattoo a teacher |
November 18, 2026-January 30, 2027 |
UHS/Class of 2028 – to raise funds for Class of 2028 |
|
Deck the Halls – Decorate Lockers |
December 1-26, 2026 |
UHS/Class of 2028 – to raise funds for class of 2028 |
|
After School Snack Sale |
November 18, 2026-December 23, 2026 |
UHS/Asian Student Alliance – to raise funds for spring field trip |
|
Volleyball Tournament |
November 19, 2026 |
UHS/EmpowerMENt – to raise funds for club shirts and scholarships |
|
Candy Sales |
November 18, 2026-June 30, 2027 |
UHS/Red Cross Club – to raise funds for 1st aid bags for all classrooms and donate funds to Red Cross |
|
Bake Sales/Candy Sales |
November 18, 2026-June 30, 2027 |
UHS/Red Cross Club – to raise funds for key chain masks for CPR for all members, classroom 1st aid kits, cords for seniors |
|
Movie Night in January |
January 1-30, 2027 |
UHS/Class of 2028-Juniors – to raise funds for junior class trip |
|
Candy Cane Grams |
December 1-30, 2026 |
UHS/Class of 2028-Juniors – to raise funds for junior class trip |
|
Cookies and cocoa cart |
December 1-21, 2026 |
UHS/Class of 2028-Juniors – to raise funds for junior class trip |
|
Telethon |
February 1-28, 2027 |
UHS/Dance Team – to raise funds for competitions, costumes, transportation and gear |
|
Gertrude Hawk Chocolate |
November 23, 2026-May 28, 2027 |
UHS/Dance Team – to raise funds for competitions, costumes, transportation and gear |
|
Pie a Dancer |
January 11, 2027-May 3, 2027 |
UHS/Dance Team – to raise funds for competitions, costumes, transportation and gear |
|
Pretzel Sale |
February 1, 2027-March 26, 2027 |
UHS/Dance Team – to raise funds for competitions, costumes, transportation and gear |
|
Dancing with the Staff |
March 12, 2027 |
UHS/Dance Team – to raise funds for competitions, costumes, transportation and gear |
|
Staff Apparel Sale |
November 18, 2026-June 30, 2027 |
UHS/Prom – to raise funds to support the senior prom |
|
Staff Step Challenge |
November 18, 2026-June 30, 2027 |
UHS/Prom – to raise funds to support the senior prom |
|
Popcorn Sale |
December 1, 2026-April 1, 2027 |
UHS/Chorus/Band – to raise funds for competition trip to Orlando |
|
Bake Sale/Snack Sale |
November 18, 2026-June 30, 2027 |
UHS/Sophomore Class of 2029 – to raise funds for future junior and senior year events |
|
Staff Dress Down Day |
November 18, 2026-June 30, 2027 |
UHS/Prom – to raise funds to support senior prom |
F-9C. ACCEPT DONATIONS
Accept the following donations:
|
From |
For Use By |
$/Item |
|
Shutterfly LLC |
Kawameeh Middle School |
$1,303.87 |
|
Commencement Group |
Burnet Middle School |
$440.90 |
|
Shutterfly LLC |
Burnet Middle School |
$1,233.66 |
|
Shutterfly LLC |
Burnet Middle School |
$1,185.19 |
|
Rotary Club of Union |
WLB Program at UHS |
$200.00 |
|
DMK Scholarship Fund |
WLB Program at UHS |
$200.00 |
|
Plymouth Rock |
Union High School |
$750.00 |
F-10. APPROVE 2026-2027 OUT-OF-DISTRICT STUDENT PLACEMENT LIST
Approval be given to amend the 2026-2027 out-of-district student placement list (month of November), in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-11a. ACCEPT NONPUBLIC SCHOOL NURSING AID FROM NJDOE
Accept the Nonpublic School Nursing Aid from the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) for the 2026-2027 school year as follows: (a) St. Michael’s School - $42,224.00, (b) United Academy of Union - $25,043.00, (c) Mosdos Pupa Linden - $10,774.00 and (d) United Academy of Union (Burnet) $22,131.00 [for a total of $100,172.00], in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-11b. ACCEPT NONPUBLIC SECURITY AID FROM NJDOE
Accept the Nonpublic Security Aid from the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) for the 2026-2027 school year as follows: (a) St. Michael’s School - $62,930.00, (b) United Academy of Union - $37,324.00, (c) Mosdos Pupa Linden - $16,058.00 and (d) United Academy of Union (Burnet) $32,984.00 [for a total of $149,296.00], in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-11c. ACCEPT NONPUBLIC TECHNOLOGY AID FROM NJDOE
Accept the Nonpublic Technology Aid from the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) for the 2026-2027 school year as follows: (a) St. Michael’s School - $11,368.00, (b) United Academy of Union - $6,742.00, (c) Mosdos Pupa Linden - $2,901.00 and (d) United Academy of Union (Burnet) $5,958.00 [for a total of $26,969.00], in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-11d. ACCEPT NONPUBLIC TEXTBOOK AID FROM NJDOE
Accept Nonpublic Textbook Aid from the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) for the 2026-2027 school year as follows: (a) St. Michael’s School - $16,112.00, (b) United Academy of Union - $9,556.00, (c) Mosdos Pupa Linden - $4,111.00 and (d) United Academy of Union (Burnet) $8,445.00 [for a total of $38,224.00], in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-12. APPROVE PRELIMINARY BUDGET CALENDAR
Approve preliminary budget calendar, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-ATTY. For informational purposes only – vote not required. List of legal services paid as of October 27, 2026 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
11. Grievance/Negotiations Committee:
12. Operations/Technology Committee Resolutions:
Upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Operations/Technology 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 for the month of October, and, if applicable, bus evacuation reports for the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with the non-public information appended to the agenda.
T-1. APPROVE RECYCLING OF EQUIPMENT
Approve list of equipment for recycling, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
13. 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 appended to the agenda.
P-1B PERSONNEL ACTIONS – EXTRA PAY
Personnel Actions-Extra Pay be approved in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
P-1C PERSONNEL ACTIONS – TRANSFERS
Personnel Actions- Transfers be approved in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
P-2. APPROVE SUBSTITUTE STAFF AND REMOVALS
Approve substitute staff and removals for the 2026-2027 school year.
|
Name |
Position |
Rate |
|
William C. Walker |
Sub-custodian |
$16.00/hr. |
|
Santiago Fernando Villarruel-Vargas |
Sub-custodian |
$16.00/hr. |
|
Charlene Barrow |
Daily substitute |
$160.00/per day (pending documentation) |
|
Damaris Isales |
Daily substitute |
$170.00/per day (pending documentation) |
|
Joseph Delorme |
Daily substitute |
$170.00/per day (pending documentation) |
|
Olufunmilayo Donsunmu |
Daily substitute |
$170.00/per day (pending documentation) |
|
|
|
|
|
Employee #13067 |
Substitute bus driver |
Removal of substitute staff |
P-3A. ACCEPT LETTERS OF RESIGNATION/RETIREMENT
Accept letters of resignation/retirement from the following staff, with regrets:
|
Name |
Position |
Location |
Eff. Date |
Reason |
Years of Service |
|
Resignations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alliyah Feaster |
Cafeteria/ Playground Aide |
Battle Hill |
10/21/2026 |
Resignation |
10 mos. |
|
Charles Raimo |
Paraprofessional |
UHS |
10/27/2026 |
Resignation |
2 yrs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recission of Resignation: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sherifaat Rouleau |
Supervisor of Special Services |
District wide |
-- |
Rescinding resignation |
-- |
P-3B. APPROVE LEAVES
Approve leaves for the following staff:
|
Name |
Position |
Location |
Eff. Dates |
Reason |
|
Leave Updates: |
|
|
|
|
|
Cheryl Fiske |
Vice Principal |
Hannah Caldwell |
9/1/2026-11/6/2026 |
Updated Paid FMLA |
|
Gihann Abreu |
School Counselor |
Connecticut Farms |
9/1/2026-2/1/2027 |
Updated Unpaid maternity Leave |
|
Victoria Menjivar |
Spanish teacher |
UHS |
9/1/2026-9/15/2026; 9/16/2026-12/17/2026; 12/18/2026-2/9/2027 |
Updated Paid FMLA; Unpaid NJFLA and Unpaid maternity Leave, respectively |
|
Ana Lytle |
Math teacher |
UHS |
9/11/2026-11/20/2026 |
Updated Paid FMLA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leaves: |
|
|
|
|
|
Christopher Ley |
Special ed teacher |
BMS |
9/1/2026-10/30/2026; 11/2/2026-12/3/2026 |
Paid FMLA and Unpaid FMLA, Respectively |
|
Sheila Hibberson |
English teacher |
BMS |
1/13/2027-4/8/2027 |
Paid FMLA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intermittent Leaves: |
|
|
|
|
|
Christina Savarese |
1st grade teacher |
Connecticut Farms |
11/9/2026-6/30/2027 |
Paid intermittent FMLA |
|
Virginia Frain |
Secretary |
Maintenance Dept. |
10/3/2026-10/2/2027 |
Paid intermittent FMLA |
|
Marcel Royal |
BCBA |
Districtwide |
10/23/2026-6/30/2027 |
Paid intermittent NJFLA |
|
Stephanie Jones |
Special Ed teacher |
Battle Hill |
10/23/2026-6/30/2027 |
Paid intermittent NJFLA |
|
Debra Murphy |
Secretary |
Franklin |
10/26/2026-6/30/2027 |
Paid intermittent NJFLA |
|
Karen Freitas |
4th grade teacher |
Connecticut Farms |
10/22/2026-6/30/2027 |
Paid intermittent FMLA |
P-4. APPROVE ATTENDANCE AT ASBO INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE – KOON
Approve Yolanda Koon to attend the Annual Leadership Forum Conference held in Savannah, Georgia (February 10-12, 2027) sponsored by ASBO International and paid by NJASBO (per contract).
14. Policy Committee:
15. 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 TRANSFERRED TO DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE FOLLOWING RESIDENCY INVESTIGATIONS
For informational purposes only (no vote required): The following residency investigations were completed, and the listed students were transferred to the appropriate district of residence:
|
Student No. |
School |
Grade |
|
#311073 |
Kawameeh Middle School |
8th |
For informational purposes only (no vote required): The following totals are as of the October 27, 2026 Board meeting (2026-2027 school year):
|
|
Total |
Elementary |
Middle School |
High School |
|
Students Removed: |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Students Transferred |
9 |
6 |
1 |
2 |
16. 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.
17. Unfinished Business:
18. New Business:
19. Executive Session
20. Adjournment
NEXT MEETING:
Executive/Regular Meeting - November 17, 2026 - 6:00 p.m.
DMK Black Box Theater, 1980 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
