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Union board authorizes $1.58 million from reserves, approves emergency vendors after Hannah Caldwell closure
Summary
The Township of Union Board of Education voted to use $934,030 from capital reserves and $650,000 from maintenance reserves to cover emergency expenses tied to the temporary closure of Hannah Caldwell Elementary, and authorized three emergency vendors while awaiting insurance and state reimbursements.
The Township of Union Board of Education on Dec. 10 authorized using $934,030 from the district’s Capital Reserves and $650,000 from Maintenance Reserves to cover emergency costs stemming from the temporary closure of Hannah Caldwell Elementary School.
The motion — part of the Fiscal and Planning Committee agenda — also temporarily suspended the normal procurement process to expedite work and approved three emergency vendors: M & M Construction; Liberty Transport & Storage Group; and Rapid Hillmann Environmental. Board Secretary Yolanda Koon said the district will use reserve funds until insurance payments and additional state funding arrive and noted that the district notified the county superintendent and business administrator under N.J.S.A. 18A:7’s emergency-procurement provision.
"We need to pay these vendors," Koon said, explaining the district’s need to act quickly to restore essential operations and prioritize the health and safety of students and staff.
The Board voted unanimously to approve the authorization; the aye vote listed all present members: Cohan, Conteh-Mackey, Faria, McDowell, Minneci, Nasta, Scott-Hayden and Carbonell.
According to the resolution, district leaders anticipate refunding the reserves when insurance and other state funds are received. The motion did not specify exact reimbursement timelines or the insurance claim status. The agenda item described the spending as related to temporary space costs (1085 Morris Avenue) and emergency responses to the Hannah Caldwell closure.
Next steps announced at the meeting included continued audit finalization and follow-up reporting once reimbursements or additional funding are confirmed.
