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Executive Session/Regular Meeting - January 20, 2026 - 5:45 p.m.

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  • Executive Session/Regular Meeting - January 20, 2026 - 5:45 p.m.
By diane_cappiello | Fri, 01/09/2026 - 08:42 am
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - 05:45 pm

Executive Session/Regular Meeting - 5:45 p.m., Tuesday, January 20, 2026, of the Township of Union Board of Education, at the DMK Black Box Theater, 1980 Morris Avenue, Union, New Jersey 07083.

The Board will open the meeting at 5:45 p.m. and go into executive (closed) session.  The Board will return to the public thereafter.

TOWNSHIP OF UNION BOARD OF EDUCATION

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA – January 20, 2026

1. Roll Call

2. Flag Salute

3. Mission Statement

4. Open Public Meetings Act Statement

5. Executive Session

6. Approval of Minutes:

    1.    December 9, 2025 – worksession
    2.    December 9, 2025 – executive session
    3.    December 16, 2025 – regular meeting
    4.    December 16, 2025 - executive session

Jan 2026-minutes-worksession-December 9, 2025_0.pdf (189.56 KB)
Jan 2026-minutes-regular meeting-December 16, 2025_0.pdf (372.91 KB)

7. Communications:

REQUEST FROM CENTRAL JERSEY ALLSTARS TO USE UHS GYMNASIUM
    Request from Central Jersey AllStars to rent the Union High School Gymnasium on Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE UPDATE – RODRIGUEZ
    Request for leave update from Alicia Rodriguez, school counselor-Union High School School, new leave date December 15, 2025.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE UPDATE – DALY
    Request for leave update from Shannon Daly, English teacher-Union High School, new return date March 2, 2026.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – WHITEMAN-LAND
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Michaela Whiteman-Land, special service-Union High School, January 5, 2026-February 13, 2026.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – WALKER
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Lauren Walker, director-Pre-K, January 5, 2026-January 5, 2027.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – CLASS
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Maria Class, security-Jefferson School, January 5, 2026-January 5, 2027.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – STEEB
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Linda Steeb, math teacher-Kawameeh Middle School, December 15, 2025-June 30, 2026.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – PAYTON
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Jameelah Payton, counselor-Union High School, December 15, 2025-June 30, 2026.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – NICK
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Michele Nick, teacher-Kawameeh Middle School, January 5, 2026-January 5, 2027.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – PLAZA
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Vilma Plaza, paraprofessional-Connecticut Farms Elementary School, September 1, 2025-June 15, 2026.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – HAMPTON
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Deanna Hampton, fourth grade teacher-Livingston Elementary School, December 10, 2025-June 15, 2026.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – BOYD
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Glenn Boyd, custodian-Connecticut Farms Elementary School, December 24, 2025-December 24, 2026.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – LYTLE
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Ann Lytle, math teacher-Union High School, January 1, 2026-January 1, 2027.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – GRACA
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Susana Graca, paraprofessional-Kawameeh Middle School, January 5, 2026-June 20, 2026.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – THOMPSON
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Robert Thompson, special education teacher-Union High School, January 6, 2026-January 6, 2027.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – CICALESE
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Jennifer Cicalese, special education teacher-Livingston Elementary School, January 6, 2026-June 20, 2026.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – LAKE
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Kelly Lake, science teacher-Burnet Middle School, January 9, 2026-January 9, 2027.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – MOUSSALLEM-MOUTIS
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Sandra Moussallem-Moutis, biology teacher-Union High School, January 7, 2026-June 7, 2027.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – STEVENSON
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Davina Stevenson, physical education teacher-Franklin Elementary School, January 7, 2026-January 7, 2027.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – MITSAELIDES MICCICHE
    Request for paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA from Maria Mitsaelides Micciche, ESL teacher-Battle Hill Elementary School, March 27, 2026-October 31, 2027.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – DAMIANO
    Request for unpaid FMLA from Adriane Damiano, physical education teacher-Union High School, February 23, 2026-May 8, 2026.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – OLIVEIRA
    Request for paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA from Marissa Oliveira, English teacher-Union High School, February 23, 2026-September 1, 2026.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – ROBSON
    Request for paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA from Leane Robson, school counselor-Livingston Elementary School, April 20, 2026-May 8, 2026 (P/P maternity leave) and May 11, 2026-October 21, 2026.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – CRUZ
    Request for paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA from Stephanie Cruz, CST-Livingston Elementary School, May 26, 2026-December 7, 2026.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – CALDAROLA
    Request for paid FMLA from Anne Marie Caldarola, art teacher-Hannah Caldwell Elementary School, February 3, 2026-TBD.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – WILLIAMS
    Request for paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA from Bridget Williams, science teacher-Burnet Middle School, April 20, 2026-December 1, 2026.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE – GIGANTINO
    Request for paid FMLA from Kathleen Gigantino, paraprofessional-Battle Hill Elementary School, February 3, 2026-March 16, 2026.

REQUEST FOR LEAVE UPDATE – PRICE BARBOSA
    Request for leave update from Jacqueline Price Barbosa, teacher-Union High School, new return date March 2, 2026.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – NIGRINIS
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Lisetty Nigrinis, world language teacher-Union High School, March 23, 2026-March 23, 2027.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – CARLIN
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Donna Carlin, secretary-Administration Building, January 12, 2026-January 12, 2027.

REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – TEIXERIA
    Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Rosa Teixeria, CST-Burnet Middle School, January 12, 2026-June 15, 2026.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – WAHBA
    Letter of resignation from Erini Wahba, English Language Arts Teacher-Union High School, effective February 20, 2026.

LETTER OF RETIREMENT – AGUILAR
    Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Helen Aguilar, special education teacher-Kawameeh Middle School, effective July 1, 2026.

LETTER OF RETIREMENT – FIGUEIREDO
    Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Rosa Figueiredo, preschool teacher-Connecticut Farms Elementary School, effective July 1, 2026.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – REYNOSO
    Letter of resignation from Jeny Reynoso, bus driver-Transportation Department, effective January 24, 2026.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – GEORGE
    Letter of resignation from Sheren George, paraprofessional-Burnet Middle School, effective January 12, 2026.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – LANNO
    Letter of resignation from Catherine Lanno, paraprofessional-Battle Hill Elementary School, effective February 14, 2026.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – MAUER
    Letter of resignation from Bonnie Mauer, part-time occupational therapist-district wide-special services, effective April 1, 2026.

LETTER OF RETIREMENT – NEDELKOV
    Letter of resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from Nenad Nedelkov, 2nd shift custodian-Jefferson School, effective September 1, 2026.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION – GILLIARD
    Letter of resignation from Roslyn Gilliard, cafeteria/playground aide-Washington Elementary School, effective January 31, 2026.

8. Comments from Public (on resolutions):

9. Superintendent’s Report:

    1.    Superintendent’s Report
    2.     Student Liaison – Jacklyn Cassandra
    3.    Presentation by Auditors – Suplee, Clooney & Company
    4.    HIB Bi-Annual Report – September 2025-December 2025 (period 1)

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.    Agenda item reported at January 13, 2026 worksession (report of HIB).

E-1A.    Agenda item affirmed at January 13, 2026 worksession (affirm HIB).

E-1-1.    AFFIRM SUPERINTENDENT’S DETERMINATION OF HIB
    Affirm the Superintendent’s determination of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) for the periods December 17, 2025 to January 13, 2026, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.

E-1-1A. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT OF HIB
    Superintendent’s Report of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) for the period January 14, 2026 to January 20, 2026, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda (no vote required; for reporting purposes only).

Jan 2026-E-1-1 and E-1-1a updated 012026.pdf (93.98 KB)

E-2.    APPROVE JANUARY REPORT – NJDOE – HIB
    Approve the Township of Union Public Schools January report presented by the Superintendent as required by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB).  The report provides the public with the information collected from September 2025 through December 2025, as well as the number of incidents per school building, status of investigations, HIB investigators, nature of the HIB reports and the discipline resulting from the report findings.  The HIB report also includes all training of school district personnel, building programs and assemblies during that time.

Jan 2026-E-2_0.pdf (317.44 KB)

E-3.    ACCEPTANCE OF NJDOE PHONE FREE SCHOOLS GRANT
    Approve acceptance of the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) Phone Free Schools Grant in the amount of $33,747.70 to the district for the 2025-2026 school year, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.

Jan 2026-E-3_0.pdf (297.98 KB)

E-4.    APPROVE APPLICATION FOR LIFT GRANT
    Approve application for the Literacy Initiative for Families and Thriving Communities (LIFT) Grant for the 2026-2027 school year.

E-5.    APPROVE NJ TRANSIT SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM PRESENTATION
    Approve NJ Transit to present the NJ Transit Safety Education Program to district students during the 2025-2026 school year at the high school level.  The program is a free 45 minute statewide public transportation education program providing safety training by bringing rail, bus and pedestrian safety to life through age-appropriate education programs (no cost to district).

E-6.    APPROVE DONATION OF BOOKS – BURNET MIDDLE SCHOOL LIBRARY
    Approve list of donated books from Thorndike Press to the Burnet Middle School Library, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.

Jan 2026-E-6_0.pdf (138.75 KB)

E-7.    APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH RUTGERS UNIVERSITY – EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAM
    Approve Agreement with Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Graduate School of Education (GSE) to implement the Educator Preparation Program with the Township of Union Public Schools, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.

Jan 2026-E-7_0.pdf (413.18 KB)

E-8.    APPROVE GIRLS ON THE RUN PROGRAM - FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
    Approve Girls on the Run Program at Franklin Elementary School for grades 3-4 (April 7-June 3, 2026 (Tuesdays and Wednesdays), from 3:20-4:35 p.m.), at a cost of $25.00 per student (coaches: Tiffany Reid Anglin, Kari Graham, Eboni Dockery).

E-9.    APPROVE SUSPENSION – STUDENT
    Approve continuation of long-term suspension and home instruction for student #266593 from the general education program.

E-10.    APPROVE SCHOOL CALENDAR – STUDENTS – 2026-2027
    Approve the school calendar for students for the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.

E-11.    APPROVE SCHOOL CALENDAR – STAFF - 2026-2027
    Approve the school calendar for staff for the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.

Jan 2026-E-10 Final.pdf (544.64 KB)
Jan 2026-E-11 Final.pdf (549.31 KB)

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 December 31, 2026 be accepted.

Jan 2026-F-1 011226_0.pdf (307.2 KB)

F-2.      SECRETARY’S REPORT
            That the Secretary’s Report dated December 31, 2026 be accepted.

Jan 2026-F-2 011226_0.pdf (967.45 KB)
Jan 2026-F-2 budget 011226_0.pdf (6.45 MB)

F-3.      CERTIFY TREASURER’S AND SECRETARY’S REPORT

            Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.11(a), I certify that as of December 31, 2026 no budgetary line item account has obligations and payments (contractual orders) which in total exceed the amount appropriated by the district Board of education pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:22-8 and 18:22-8.1.
                         /s/   Yolanda Koon                                                   ____________
                         Yolanda Koon, Board Secretary                                  Dated
 
            Pursuant to N.J.A.C.6A:23-2.2(h), we certify that as of December 31, 2026 after review of the secretary’s monthly financial report (appropriations section) and upon consultation with the appropriate district officials that to the best of our knowledge no major account or fund has been over-expended in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.2(d)3 and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district’s financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year. This certification is solely based on the information provided by the School Business Administrator and Board Secretary and is assumed by the Board to be correct.
 

F-4.    APPROVE APPROPRIATION TRANSFERS
    Approve appropriation transfers in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.

Jan 2026-F-4 011226_0.pdf (742.93 KB)

F-5.    APPROVE LIST OF CONTRACTS/PURCHASE ORDERS (none at this time)
    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).

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.

Jan 2026-F-6_0.pdf (47.14 KB)

F-7.    Agenda item approved at January 13, 2026 worksession (student field trips).

F-8.    APPROVE LIST OF 2025-2026 STATE CONTRACT APPROVED VENDORS
    Approve the amended list of the 2025-2026 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.

Jan 2026-F-8_0.pdf (2.17 MB)

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/Department

Vendor/Description

Amount

Livingston Elementary School

Main Office

NED Show – selling of yoyos to offset cost 

$1,290.00

Burnet Middle School

Main Office

Worlds Finest Chocolates – chocolate fundraiser

$1,480.00

Burnet Middle School

2004/Student Activity

Broadway Inbound – tickets to Broadway performance

$2,891.00

Burnet Middle School

2004/Student Activity

US Coachways – bus to Broadway performance

$1,069.43

Franklin Elementary School

Main Office

NED Show – selling of yoyos to offset cost

$1,210.00

Union High School

33280/Wrestling

NJSIAA – Boys and Girls Region Wrestling Tournament Entry Fees.

$7,500.00

Union High School

2527

Dorney Park – Junior class trip

$17,000.00 (not to exceed)

Union High School

2527

Sunny Trail – transportation for Junior Class Trip

$12,000.00 (not to exceed)

Union High School

3380/Soccer

DGS Sports, Inc. – soccer chairs for field house

$4,258.52

 

F-9B.    APPROVE FUNDRAISERS
    Approve the following fundraisers, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda:
 

Event Name

Date

Purpose

Online Pledges from family and friends

January 21, 2026-June 1, 2026

UHS/Baseball – to raise funds for end of season party/awards; extra apparel, meals for games

Online Clothing Sale

January 21, 2026-March 30, 2026

UHS/Boys Basketball – to raise funds to purchase shoes, sweatshirts, backpacks, end of year celebration

 

F-9C.    ACCEPT DONATIONS
    Accept the following donations:
 

From

For Use By

$/Item

M.A.D.E. Stars LLC

Union High School – Marching Band

$2,000.00

Community Member and Store Owner

Burnet Middle School – 7th grade students – attending Broadway musical

$350.00

Shutterfly LLC

Franklin Elementary School

$1,048.64

Lowe’s

Westfield Art Association

Burnet Middle School

Hannah Caldwell Elementary School

Donation of supplies –

approximately $525 per school

Painting of murals at both schools (see attachments)

Jan 2026-F-9a-1_0.pdf (135.2 KB)
Jan 2026-F-9a-2_0.pdf (72.02 KB)
Jan 2026-F-9a-3_0.pdf (232.8 KB)
Jan 2026-F-9a-4_0.pdf (132.69 KB)
Jan 2026-F-9a-5_0.pdf (34.41 KB)
Jan 2026-F-9a-6_0.pdf (26.69 KB)
Jan 2026-F-9a-7_0.pdf (372.91 KB)
Jan 2026-F-9a-8_0.pdf (26.89 KB)
Jan 2026-F-9b-1_0.pdf (129.4 KB)
Jan 2026-F-9b-2_1.pdf (166.54 KB)
Jan 2026-F-9c-BMS_0.pdf (1.8 MB)
Jan 2026-F-9c-HCES_0.pdf (1.94 MB)

F-10.    APPROVE 2025-2026 OUT-OF-DISTRICT STUDENT PLACEMENT LIST
    Approval be given to amend the 2025-2026 out-of-district student placement list (month of January 2026), in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.

Jan 2026-F-10_0.pdf (469.53 KB)

F-11.    APPROVE INCREASE FOR MARILYN KUBICHEK – NEUROLOGICAL EVALUATIONS
    Approve increase of the not to exceed amount for Marilyn Kubichek MD, FAAP to provide neurological evaluations for the 2025-2026 school year to $60,000.00 (from $25,000.00; an increase of $35,000.00).

Jan 2026-F-11_0.pdf (21.86 KB)

F-12.    APPROVE APPLICATION – NEW JERSEY CHILD ASSAULT PREVENTION
    Approve application for the New Jersey Child Assault Prevention (NJCAP) 2025-2026 training (at no cost to the district), in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.

Jan 2026-F-12_0.pdf (657.25 KB)

F-13.    ACCEPT ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT AND MANAGEMENT REPORT
    Accept the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and the Auditor’s Management Report, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda (auditors to present report to the public at the January 20, 2026 meeting).

Jan 2026-F-13a_0.pdf (14.65 MB)
Jan 2026-F-13b.pdf (1.38 MB)

F-14.    APPROVE CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN (CAP)
    Approve the Corrective Action Plan for Single Audit Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.

Jan 2026-F-14_0.pdf (91.76 KB)

F-15.    APPROVE ACCEPTANCE OF “BLUEY – ROAD TRIP” BOOK DONATION
    Approve acceptance of the Community Policing Unit of the Union Police Department’s donation of approximately 1,500 copies of “Bluey – Road Trip” by Penguin Young Readers Licenses (approximate value of $8,985.00) to elementary schools across the district.

F-ATTY.  For informational purposes only – vote not required.  List of legal services paid as of December 16, 2025 for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.

Jan 2026-F-ATTY_0.pdf (277.37 KB)

12. Grievance/Negotiations Committee:

 

13. 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 December 2025 and, if applicable, bus evacuation reports for the 2025-2026 school year, in accordance with the non-public information appended to the agenda.

O-2.    APPROVE REQUEST FROM CENTRAL JERSEY ALLSTARS TO USE UHS GYMNASIUM
    Approve request from Central Jersey AllStars to rent the Union High School Gymnasium on Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

O-3.    APPROVE USE OF UNION HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS OF NEW JERSEY YOUTH SUMMIT – LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
    Approve the use of Union High School Library on April 8, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the Special Olympics of New Jersey Youth Summit – Leadership in Action.  Attendees will include members of districts associated with the Special Olympics organization.  Special Olympics of New Jersey staff will organize the library space for the summit and provide lunch to the attendees (at no cost to the district).

O-4.    APPROVE PARTNERSHIP - NATIONAL COALITION OF 100 BLACK WOMEN
    Approve partnership with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women to provide assemblies and mentoring for Union High School 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 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.

Jan 2026-P-1A_0.pdf (73.85 KB)
Jan 2026-P-1A add'l 011625.pdf (83.13 KB)
Jan 2026-P-1B_0.pdf (101.48 KB)
Jan 2026-P-1B add'l 011625.pdf (66.85 KB)
Jan 2026-P-1C_0.pdf (73.01 KB)

P-2.    APPROVE SUBSTITUTE LISTS 
    Approve Substitute Lists for the 2025-2026 school year.
 

Name

Position

Rate

Lina M. Sarrazola Palazio

Sub-custodian

$16.00/hr.

Roslyn Gilliard

Daily sub

$170.00/per day

Taylor Glover

Daily sub

$160.00/per day

Giovanni Lockhart

Daily sub

$160.00/per day

Deirdre Watley

Daily sub

$160.00/per day (pending paperwork approval)

Nafessah Venable

Daily sub

$160.00/per day (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

Years of 

Service

Erini Wahba

English Language Arts Teacher

UHS

2/20/2026

Resignation

3 yrs.

Helen Aguilar

Special Education teacher

Kawameeh

7/1/2026

Retirement

20 yrs.

Rosa Figueiredo

Preschool teacher

Connecticut Farms

7/1/2026

Retirement

17 yrs.

Jeny Reynoso

Bus driver

Transportation

Dept.

1/24/2026

Resignation

1 yr.

Sheren George

Paraprofessional

BMS

1/12/2026

Resignation

15 yrs.

Nenad Nedelkov

2nd shift 

custodian

Jefferson

9/1/2026

Retirement  

9 yrs.

Catherine Lanno

Paraprofessional

Battle Hill

2/14/2026

Resignation

8 yrs.

Bonnie Mauer

PT OT

Districtwide – special services

4/1/2026

Resignation

26 yrs.

Roslyn Gilliard

Cafeteria/ playground aide

Washington

1/31/2026

Resignation

2 mos.

 

 

P-3B.    APPROVE LEAVES
    Approve leaves for the following staff: 
 

Name

Position

Location

Eff. Dates

Reason

Alicia Rodriguez

School Counselor

UHS

New leave date

12/15/2025

New return date

Shannon Daly

English teacher

UHS

New return

3/2/2026

New return date

Michaela Whiteman-Land

Special services

UHS

1/5/2026-2/13/2026

Paid intermittent 

FMLA

Lauren Walker

Director-PreK

Administration Building

1/5/2026-1/5/2027

Paid intermittent

FMLA

Maria Class

Security

Jefferson

1/5/2026-1/5/2027

Paid intermittent

FMLA

Linda Steeb

Math teacher

KMS

12/15/2025-6/30/2026

Paid intermittent

FMLA

Jameelah Payton

Counselor

UHS

12/15/2025-6/30/2026

Paid intermittent

FMLA

Michele Nick

Teacher

KMS

1/5/2026-1/5/2027

Paid intermittent

FMLA

Vilma Plaza

Paraprofessional

Connecticut Farms

9/1/2025-6/15/2026

Paid intermittent

FMLA

Deanna Hampton

4th grade teacher

Livingston

12/10/2025-6/15/2026

Paid intermittent

FMLA

Glenn Boyd

Custodian

Connecticut Farms

12/24/2025-12/24/2026

Paid intermittent

FMLA

Michelle Nick

Math teacher

Kawameeh

1/5/2026-1/5/2027

Paid intermittent

FMLA

Ann Lytle

Math teacher

UHS

1/1/2026-1/1/2027

Paid intermittent

FMLA

Susana Graca

Paraprofessional

Kawameeh

1/5/2026-6/20/2026

Paid intermittent

FMLA

Robert Thompson

Special ed teacher

UHS

1/6/2026-1/6/2027

Paid intermittent

FMLA

Jennifer Cicalese

Special ed teacher

Livingston

1/6/2026-6/20/2026

Paid intermittent

FMLA

Kelly Lake

Science teacher

BMS

1/9/2026-1/9/2027

Paid intermittent

FMLA

Sandra Moussallem-Moutis

Biology teacher

UHS

1/7/2026-1/7/2027

Paid intermittent 

FMLA

Davina Stevenson

Physical Ed

teacher

Franklin

1/7/2026-1/7/2027

Paid intermittent

FMLA

Maria Mitsaelides Micciche

ESL teacher

Battle Hill

3/27/2026-10/31/2027

Paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA

Adriane Damiano

PE teacher

UHS

2/23/2026-5/8/2026

Unpaid FMLA

Marissa Oliveira

English teacher

UHS

2/23/2026-9/1/2026

Paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA

Leane Robson

School counselor

Livingston

4/20/2026-5/8/2026 and 5/11/2026-10/21/2026

P/P maternity leave

And paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA

Stephanie Cruz

CST

Livingston

5/26/2026-12/7/2026

Paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA

Anne Marie

Caldarola

Art teacher

Hannah Caldwell

2/3/2026-TBD

Paid FMLA

Bridget Williams

Science teacher

BMS

4/20/2026-12/1/2026

Paid child rearing leave followed by unpaid FMLA/NJFLA

Kathleen Gigantino

Paraprofessional

Battle Hill

2/3/2026-3/16/2026

Paid FMLA

Jacqueline Price Barbosa

Teacher

UHS

updated return

3/2/2026

Updated return date

Lisetty Nigrinis

World language teacher

UHS

3/23/2026-3/23/2027

Paid intermittent

FMLA

Donna Carlin

Secretary

Admin. Bldg.

1/12/2026-1/12/2027

Paid intermittent 

FMLA

Rosa Teixeria

CST

BMS

1/12/2026-6/15/2026

Paid intermittent

FMLA

Mary Ingrassia

Paraprofessional

UHS

1/15/2026-1/15/2027

Paid intermittent 

FMLA

Zara Fox

Music teacher

Connecticut Farms

11/1/2025-6/30/2026

Paid intermittent 

FMLA

 

P-4.    APPROVE STUDENT TEACHERS AND INTERNSHIPS
    Approve student teachers and internships for the 2025-2026 school year, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.

Jan 2026-P-4_0.pdf (73.28 KB)

P-5.    APPROVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT - MUJC
    Approve Shawn Paterno, Principal of Livingston Elementary School, to attend professional development at the Morris Union Jointure Commission (MUJC) for the 2025-2026 school year, at no cost to the district.

P-6.    APPROVE ATTENDANCE – NATIONAL SUPERINTENDENTS FORUM
    Approve Dr. Benaquista to attend the National Superintendents Forum in St. Louis, Missouri from April 19-April 21, 2026, at a not to exceed cost of $700.00.

P-7.    APPROVE VICE PRINCIPAL – UNION HIGH SCHOOL
    Approve Jerome Starr, as the Vice Principal of Union High School, at a contractual salary of $111,402.00, with a start date to be determined.

P-8.    APPROVE 10-MONTH SUPERVISOR – MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE
    Approve Robert Dally, as a 10-month Supervisor of Mathematics and Computer Science, at a contractual salary of $110,023.00, with a start date to be determined.

P-9.    APPROVE 10-MONTH SUPERVISOR – HUMANITIES SS/BUSINESS/ELA
    Approve Dana Bobertz, as a 10-month Supervisor of Humanities SS/Business/ELA, at a contractual salary of $114,023.00, with a start date to be determined.

 

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 investigations were completed and the listed students voluntarily transferred to the district of residence:
 

Student No.

School

Grade

#340612

Franklin Elementary School

4th grade

#380812

Hannah Caldwell Elementary School

Kindergarten

#368014

Hannah Caldwell Elementary School

2nd grade

 

17. 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.

Jan 2026-Bills-1_0.pdf (739.96 KB)
Jan 2026-Bills-2_0.pdf (997.21 KB)
Jan 2026-Bills-3_0.pdf (1.47 MB)
Jan 2026-Bills-4_0.pdf (96.96 KB)
Jan 2026-Bills-5_0.pdf (191.09 KB)
Jan 2026-Bills-6_0.pdf (108.75 KB)
Jan 2026-Bills-7 011426.pdf (1.09 MB)
Jan 2026-Bills-8 012025.pdf (2.16 MB)
Jan 2026-Bills-9 012026.pdf (974.35 KB)
Jan 2026-Bills-10 012026.pdf (1.08 MB)
Jan 2026-Bills-Summary.pdf (77.59 KB)

18. Unfinished Business:

19. New Business:

20.  Comments from Public:

21.  Executive Session (if necessary):

RETURN TO PUBLIC:

P-10.    APPROVE REINSTATEMENT OF EMPLOYEE #10709
    Approve reinstatement of Employee #10709 as a teacher at Burnet Middle School, effective January 28, 2026, subject to the conditions discussed in executive session.
 

22. Adjournment:

 

NEXT MEETING:

Worksession - Tuesday, February 10, 2026 – 7:00 p.m.

Administration Building, 2369 Morris Avenue, Union, New Jersey

 

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