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Residents raise safety, communication and academic concerns at Union school board worksession
Summary
During public comment, residents reported two carbon-monoxide alarm discharges at a district site, questioned responsiveness from administrators, raised concerns about mold and contracts tied to Hannah Caldwell Elementary, and urged improved outreach in Spanish-language families.
Several members of the public used the Board’s comment period on Dec. 10 to press district leaders on safety, communication and academic concerns.
Mrs. Cespedes told the Board she had documented "two discharges of the carbon monoxide alarm" and said she had filed an OPRA request and received information from the Town Clerk but had not received replies from district staff about her requests. She said she had asked for a progress report on her son’s work and that a teacher had told her the student "was on video games." The board responded that Dr. Jose Rodriguez would follow up on the academic progress report and Ms. Marissa McKenzie would follow up on facilities concerns.
Parent and community member Luisa Biaz urged more transition-planning training for Child Study Team staff and said Spanish-speaking parents were not receiving information. Michelle Zatta expressed concern about district NJSLA results and asked about two checks totaling roughly $740,000 related to Hannah Caldwell Elementary School’s gym and HVAC prior to a mold issue; the superintendent said a presentation would be made the following week.
Virginia Jeffries said the Nov. 19 meeting had been "insulting" to attendees and read the Code of Ethics; other commenters included praise for staff and questions about bus-route costs and club budgets. Board leaders acknowledged the comments and committed to follow-up on specific items raised.
