Regular Meeting Minutes January 21, 2020 2020-33 TOWNSHIP OF UNION BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – January 21, 2020 NOTICE OF MEETING: TO ALL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS: The regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Township of Union was held on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at the Union High School Library, 2350 North Third Street, Union, New Jersey pursuant to notice sent to each member. Mrs. Minneci called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. PRESENT AT ROLL CALL: Dr. Guy Francis, Mrs. Sherry Higgins, Mr. Ronnie McDowell, Mrs. Nancy Minneci, Dr. Kalisha Morgan, Mrs. Linda Richardson, Mrs. Kim Ruiz, Mrs. Mary Lynn Williams ABSENT AT ROLL CALL: Mr. Vito Nufrio ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT: Mr. Gregory Tatum, Mrs. Annie Moses, Mr. Gerry Benaquista, Mr. Manuel Vieira, Mr. Barry Loessel, Mrs. Sandra Paul, Mrs. Anne Hart, Mrs. Maureen Guilfoyle ALSO PRESENT: Afshan Ajmiri Giner, Esq. Mrs. Ruiz led the Board and audience members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Vieira read the statement required under the “Open Public Meetings Act”, a copy of which is on file in the office of the Board Secretary. Mrs. Higgins read the District’s mission statement. COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC ON RESOLUTIONS: None Approval of Minutes: Moved by Mrs. Ruiz, seconded by Mrs. Higgins, that the following minutes be approved: 1. September 10, 2019 – worksession 2. September 10, 2019 – executive session 3. September 17, 2019 – executive session – hearing 4. September 17, 2019 – regular meeting 5. September 17, 2019 – executive session #1 6. September 17, 2019 – executive session #2
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Regular Meeting Minutes January 21, 2020
2020-33
TOWNSHIP OF UNION BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – January 21, 2020
NOTICE OF MEETING:
TO ALL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS:
The regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Township of Union was held on
Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at the Union High School Library, 2350 North Third
Street, Union, New Jersey pursuant to notice sent to each member.
Mrs. Minneci called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
PRESENT AT ROLL CALL:
Dr. Guy Francis, Mrs. Sherry Higgins, Mr. Ronnie McDowell, Mrs. Nancy Minneci, Dr. Kalisha
Morgan, Mrs. Linda Richardson, Mrs. Kim Ruiz, Mrs. Mary Lynn Williams
ABSENT AT ROLL CALL:
Mr. Vito Nufrio
ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT:
Mr. Gregory Tatum, Mrs. Annie Moses, Mr. Gerry Benaquista, Mr. Manuel Vieira, Mr. Barry
Loessel, Mrs. Sandra Paul, Mrs. Anne Hart, Mrs. Maureen Guilfoyle
ALSO PRESENT:
Afshan Ajmiri Giner, Esq.
Mrs. Ruiz led the Board and audience members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Vieira read the statement required under the “Open Public Meetings Act”, a copy of
which is on file in the office of the Board Secretary.
Mrs. Higgins read the District’s mission statement.
COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC ON RESOLUTIONS:
None
Approval of Minutes: Moved by Mrs. Ruiz, seconded by Mrs. Higgins, that the following minutes be approved:
1. September 10, 2019 – worksession
2. September 10, 2019 – executive session
3. September 17, 2019 – executive session – hearing
4. September 17, 2019 – regular meeting
5. September 17, 2019 – executive session #1
6. September 17, 2019 – executive session #2
Regular Meeting Minutes January 21, 2020
2020-34
DISCUSSION:
None
AYE: Mrs. Higgins, Mr. McDowell, Dr. Morgan, Mrs. Richardson, Mrs. Ruiz, Mrs. Williams,
Mrs. Minneci
NAY: None
ABSTAIN: Dr. Francis, Mrs. Ruiz (9/17/19 minutes) MOTION CARRIED
Communications REQUEST FOR LEAVE CORRECTION – ASHRAF
Request for leave – Correction - FMLA followed by unpaid child rearing leave under
NJFLA from Lisa Ashraf, school counselor-Kawameeh Middle School, November 26, 2019-
May 29, 2020, return date of June 1, 2020.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION – BOND
Letter of resignation from Marsha Bond, part-time bus aide-Transportation Department,
effective December 16, 2019.
LETTER OF RETIREMENT – DIONISIO
Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Angela Dionisio,
paraprofessional-Battle Hill Elementary School, effective March 1, 2020.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION – FEARON
Letter of resignation from Lesley Fearon, paraprofessional-Union High School, effective
January 17, 2020.
LETTER OF RETIREMENT – HORN
Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Sherri Horn, math teacher-
Union High School, effective July 1, 2020.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE – ASKEW
Request for intermittent unpaid FMLA from Robert Askew, custodian-Union High
School, January 6, 2020-April 6, 2020.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE – LICKS
Request for paid medical leave from Suzanne Licks, teacher-Livingston Elementary
School, February 17, 2020-May 3, 2020.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE – WISIAK
Request for paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA from Tara
Wisiak, school psychologist-Connecticut Farms Elementary School, April 20, 2020-June 30,
2020.
LETTER OF RETIREMENT – DREHER
Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Maureen Dreher, English
teacher-Union High School, effective July 1, 2020.
Regular Meeting Minutes January 21, 2020
2020-35
LETTER OF RESIGNATION – FULLER
Letter of resignation from Terence Fuller, paraprofessional-Union High School, effective
February 14, 2020.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION – WRIGHT
Letter of resignation from Erica Wright, front door greeter-Franklin Elementary School,
effective January 28, 2020.
REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – GRAUL
Request for intermittent FMLA from Kathleen Graul, 10-month secretary-Burnet Middle
School, January 1, 2020-June 30, 2020.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE – LEUNG
Request for paid child rearing leave and unpaid FMLA/NJFLA (concurrently) from
Christina Leung, general and vocal music teacher-Washington Elementary School, March 16,
2020-June 23, 2020.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE – MINITELLI
Request for paid medical leave from Jayne Minitelli, teacher-Hannah Caldwell
Elementary School, February 25, 2020-April 9, 2020.
REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – NORMAN
Request for intermittent FMLA from Sarah Norman, art teacher-Washington and Battle
Hill Elementary Schools, January 9, 2020-February 7, 2020.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE – PERMISON
Request for paid maternity leave from Daiana E. Permison, Spanish teacher-Union High
School, April 24, 2020-June 15, 2020.
REQUEST FROM UNION SEPAG
Request from Union SEPAG requesting the use of three classrooms on either April 11,
2020 or April 25, 2020 for SPAN’s transition mini-conference.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION – HERRIEJON
Letter of resignation from Anthony Herriejon, paraprofessional-Hannah Caldwell
Elementary School, effective January 31, 2020.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION – MELODY
Letter of resignation from Matthew Melody, security officer-Union High School,
effective January 1, 2020
REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF LEAVE – ROMANYSHYN
Request for extension of FMLA/NJFLA (concurrently) followed by unpaid non-
FMLA/non-NJFLA from Danielle Romanyshyn, teacher-Battle Hill Elementary School, through
June 24/2020.
Regular Meeting Minutes January 21, 2020
2020-36
REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – MANOCHIO
Request for intermittent FMLA/NJFLA (concurrently) leave from Fernanda Manochio,
accountant-Central Office, January 21, 2020-March 15, 2020.
Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Tatum stated Mr. Benaquista please come up to recognize our retirees.
Mr. Benaquista stated twice a year I have the honor of recognizing some of our
employees that retired. Three out of the four I had the privilege of working with.
The following retirees are being recognized tonight: Barbara Morele – café/playground
assistant at Battle Hill since 1999. Always interacting with our kids and helping whenever they
needed. Congratulations for all your years of service and we appreciate your time and energy
that you put in for caring for our kids. Mr. Tatum stated support people for our students are part
of what makes our schools operate more smoothly. It is honor to recognize their services and
everyone, no matter what role they play in the district, they all make contributions to the success
of our schools. Thank you very much for all the years of your service.
Mr. Benaquista stated Kathy Brooks – special services teacher since 1989 and teacher of
the year twice and that is an accomplishment in itself. She has gone above and beyond and
always doing extra curriculum with our students. Congratulations on your retirement and your
success. Mr. Tatum stated congratulations – you have served a number of years in the classroom
as well as outside of the classroom. Everywhere you go you are supporting our students. Thank
you very much for your years of service.
Mr. Benaquista stated Helene Lateiner – in the district since 1990 – known best for her
work in the health office. I have always been able to count on Helene and her husband Ron. A
key person in our health office and helping in the athletic department with Mrs. Ionta and her
team. Thank you for your services. You and Ron are very special to me.
Ron Lateiner – in the district since 2008 as a security guard, another person you can
count on and an asset to the building and building relationships with our kids which is a big part
of being a security personnel today. It is not just about security it is about getting to know our
kids. Thank you for all your services.
Mr. Tatum stated this couple will enjoy their time together. It has been a pleasure
working with both of you.
Mr. Tatum stated that Franklin School will not be giving a presentation tonight.
Principal Michelle Warren is here to give a presentation for Connecticut Farms
Elementary School.
Mrs. Warren stated good evening and thank you for having us here tonight. I have some
of my staff here and well as my family – my family and children. A school cannot be successful
Regular Meeting Minutes January 21, 2020
2020-37
without the commitment between a parent and the student and our staff. I have an extremely
great staff and great school to be working with. I have brought staff and students because it is
easier to hear from them. Mr. Filan is here tonight – our amazing music teacher with some of
our students, followed by Mrs. Parkhurst our guidance counselor who will share with you an
education plan in our building and last is a video clip with our students called Book Talk.
Mr. Mark Filan conducted the 4th
grade choir and the following students “What I am” and
“One Small Step”: Ved Shah, Angelo Crescenzi, Elias Osei-Fosu, Jakai King, Kassandra Lim,
Mia Wedele, Camar Jones, Isabella Colon, Tristian Ynchausfegui.
Mrs. Jennifer Parkhurst stated I’m a counselor at Connecticut Farms School – I am here
with some of my wonderful 4th
grade students. They are wonderful leaders and they are part of
my student council and they came tonight to share some mindfulness activities that we do in our
school.
Social and emotional learning – Academic Social Learning and SEL is a process through
which children and adult develop important schools like understanding emotions, setting and
achieving goals, showing empathy for others, maintaining positive relationships and making
responsible decisions. There are many studies and a lot of research that make SEL activities and
programs with short and long-term outcomes for students even later on in life.
How can mindfulness help us with social emotional learning? Mindfulness is an
awareness that comes to us through paying attention on purpose in the present moment which
seems like a simple concept but in this fast paced world it is not an easy skill to have. We
wanted to teach that to our students so they would respond to stressers rather than react to them.
The keys that are taught through mindfulness – self-awareness, which is the ability to recognize
your own emotions and how they enforce your behavior; try to understand the perspective of
others and to show empathy for other people. Self-management – regulating your emotions and
behaviors and important relationship skills with each other.
This year through Title IV funding in our district allowed us to host a workshop for all
the staff in our school which we did before the first day of school. The workshop trained our
staff to use the yoga for classroom program with our students. It was a great way to start the
school year on a positive note.
The grant I received through the Union Township Education Foundation allowed us to
purchase the materials to implement the programs in our school this year. Every homeroom
class received a yoga for classroom card deck. Each classroom has it displayed. The blue cards
are for breathing techniques, purple are for mindful meditation and there are also yoga poises.
The grant also allowed us to purchase two books about mindfulness for every homeroom so
teachers could review those concepts with students.
One of the things we implemented was a daily reminder to start our day off on a positive
note. We have announcements every morning and we have a themed day for each day of the
week. We start off with mindful Mondays, gratitude Tuesdays, wellness Wednesdays, self-talk
Thursdays and first breathe Fridays. It is a nice way to start off our days on a positive note.
Regular Meeting Minutes January 21, 2020
2020-38
We have other mindful activities – coloring pages for wellness Wednesdays to allow the
student to have a calming break or to take it home. Our school also uses a platform called
Classroom MoJo and we participated in a world’s largest mindful moment in May and that was a
great introduction to mindfulness for our students and there are also lessons on there with a little
character Mojo that teachers do with their students in the classroom.
Students who presented with Mrs. Parkhurst were: Ved Shah, Kassandra Lim, Elias Osei-
Fosu and Tristan Ynchaustegui. (Presentation appended to minutes)
Mrs. Warren stated Mrs. Parkhurst has been instrumental in making sure this is
implemented everyday by making the morning announcement and reminding them each and
every day what the focus is for the day. It has been truly an exceptional piece in our school and
with our students. Given that we live in a world that is very high paced and stressful, we all can
take a lot from this presentation. We hope that our children will be able to utilize this as they
grow older. Thank you Mrs. Parkhurst and Mr. Filan.
Mrs. Warren stated we are trying to implement Book Talk video to promote the love of
reading. Book Talk video was played at meeting.
Mrs. Warren stated we have multi-cultural day tomorrow so you are welcome to come
over to see the amazing things that are happening. Thank you.
Mrs. Minneci stated that you for the great presentation and thank you to your students
and staff.
Mrs. Ruiz stated Book Talk is an excellent idea. All schools should adopt that.
Mr. Tatum stated an exceptional job, thank you very much.
Mr. Tatum presented the Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Report (HIB) for the
period of September-December 2019. The report is appended to the minutes as E-5.
Mr. Tatum presented the Student Safety Data System Report (SSDS) – Period 1 – 2019-
2020 (formerly Violence and Vandalism Report). The report is appended to the minutes as E-6.
Mr. Tatum presented the suspension statistics report for 2019. The report is appended to
the minutes under the Superintendent’s Report.
Mr. Tatum stated that he plans on giving a monthly report and quarterly report at Board
meetings.
Student and staff attendance for December are 93.7% and 91.5%, respectively.
Upcoming events – next district planning committee meeting will be on Thursday,
February 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Regular Meeting Minutes January 21, 2020
2020-39
Dining to Donate – Tiff’s Restaurant is January 30, 2020. The Education Foundation will
receive 10% of all purchases including gift cards and take out.
Education/Student Discipline Committee Resolutions: Upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the following resolutions were
moved by Mrs. Ruiz, seconded by Mrs. Higgins, for adoption:
E-1. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT OF HIB
Superintendent’s Report of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) for the period
January 15, 2020 to January 21, 2020, in accordance with the information appended to the
minutes (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 December 11 to December 17, 2019 and December 18, 2019 to January 14,
2020, in accordance with the information appended to the minutes.
E-2. APPROVE STUDENT CLUB – UNION HIGH SCHOOL
Approve the establishment of the following student club: Social Skills Club – Dr. Jamie
Stillwell and Connor Wills – advisors (no stipend requested), in accordance with the information
appended to the minutes.
E-3. APPROVE CONTRACTS – COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY
IMPAIRED
Approve Service Contract(s) 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 2019-2020 school year, in accordance with the non-public information
appended to the minutes.
E-4. APPROVE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
Approve Settlement Agreement and Release for S.P., in accordance with the non-public
information appended to the minutes.
E-5. APPROVE STUDENT SAFETY DATA SYSTEM REPORT (SSDS)
Accept the Student Safety Data System Report (formerly Vandalism and Violence
Report) for period one of the 2019-2020 school year, in accordance with the information
appended to the minutes.
E-6. APPROVE JANUARY REPORT – NJDOE – HIB
Approve the Township of Union Public Schools January report presented by
Superintendent as required by the New Jersey Department of Education of Harassment,
Intimidation and Bullying (HIB). The report provides the public with the information collection
from September 2019 through December 2019, as well as the number of incidents per school
building, status of investigations, HIB investigators, nature of the HIB reports and the discipline
Regular Meeting Minutes January 21, 2020
2020-40
resulting from the report findings. The HIB report also includes all training of school district
personnel, building programs and assemblies during the time period.
E-7. APPROVE HOME SCHOOLED STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN ATHLETIC
PROGRAM
Approve A.R. and J.R., high school students who are home schooled, to participate in the
athletic program of Union High School.
E-8. APPROVE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
Approve Settlement Agreement and Release for A.M., in accordance with the non-public
information appended to the minutes.
DISCUSSION:
None
AYE: Dr. Francis, Mrs. Higgins, Mr. McDowell, Dr. Morgan,