Township of Union Board relocates Hannah Caldwell students to Kean University amid mold and transparency concerns

The Township of Union Board of Education on Nov. 19, 2024 confirmed that 39 temporary classrooms for Hannah Caldwell Elementary School students have been established at Kean University as the district implements a relocation while environmental issues are addressed, Superintendent Dr. Gerald Benaquista told the board.

The announcement came during the board’s regular meeting at Town Hall, 1976 Morris Avenue. The board unanimously passed a resolution commending staff, operations leaders and community partners—specifically Assistant Superintendent for Operations Marissa McKenzie and Facility Manager Anthony Cirella—for organizing the alternate site and supporting the Hannah Caldwell community.

Why it matters: parents and staff said they want clear, timely information about environmental testing, remediation plans and cost and expressed worry about other district facilities. Dozens of routine personnel, fiscal and program resolutions were approved at the same meeting; several members of the public used the public-comment period to press the board on health and safety and on a newly approved public-relations contract.

What the superintendent said: "Hannah Caldwell — 39 classrooms have been developed at Kean University for our Hannah Caldwell students," Dr. Benaquista said, thanking Kean University, municipal partners, district administrators, custodial and transportation staff, the Union Police Department and Union Fire Department for support.

Board action and recognition: the board unanimously approved a resolution commending the district’s staff and volunteers for the relocation work. The motion to commend Assistant Superintendent for Operations Marissa McKenzie and others was moved by Mr. Michael Cohan and seconded by Mr. Greg Nasta.

Public concerns during comment: several residents urged the board for more transparency and immediate action. Virginia Jeffries said the public-relations contract (F-22) raised procedural concerns and cited Policy 9120 and NJAC 6A:13A4-7; Susan Lipstein asked whether environmental testing and remediation reports would be published and said she had not received responses to questions she sent to the superintendent. Parent Eric Loese said he had been told 22 of 26 security cameras in one building were not working; another parent, Matthew Chase, said parents felt they had not been adequately consulted and sought accountability for supplies and teacher support.

District response and options: Dr. Jose Rodriguez explained that Educere, a virtual-education provider discussed on the agenda, would be used for credit recovery and that the district does not profit from those courses. District leaders reiterated they want to provide multiple options to support students, including temporary remote or virtual options when needed.

Funding and contracts noted at the meeting: the board approved several program and vendor contracts tied to grants and general funds. Of note for the Hannah Caldwell transition and district services: the board accepted a $19,188 NJSIG Safety Grant (F-17) and approved program and vendor purchases for student activities and services; it also approved F-22, a public-relations services agreement with MadCreek, LLC, at a cost not to exceed $15,000, a decision that drew questions from members of the public.

Votes at a glance (selected actions recorded in the minutes): - E-1-1A Affirm Superintendent’s determination of HIB (Oct. 16–Nov. 12, 2024): APPROVED (unanimous). - SUPERINTENDENT’S DETERMINATION OF HIB – KMS #1 (2024–2025): FAILED (4 AYE / 5 NAY). - E-2 Approve home-schooled students to participate in middle school athletics: APPROVED. - E-4a Approve EDS HIBster anti-bullying software, districtwide, $11,700 (School Based Mental Health Grant #20468): APPROVED. - E-4b Approve EDS aSAP student assistance software, districtwide, $11,700 (School Based Mental Health Grant #20468): APPROVED. - E-11 Approve Education Services Agreement with Educere (virtual-credit provider): APPROVED; district noted a fee for some services and no district profit. - F-9 series: multiple student activity contracts and purchases (dollar limits specified in minutes): APPROVED. - F-17 Accept 2024 NJSIG Safety Grant, $19,188: APPROVED. - F-22 Approve MadCreek, LLC public-relations agreement, not to exceed $15,000: APPROVED. (Full list of board resolutions and outcomes is recorded in the meeting minutes and appended materials.)

Next steps and community follow-up: members of the public asked whether environmental test reports and remediation plans would be published; several requested clarity about how funds for relocation and remediation would be allocated and whether independent testing would be performed. The board moved into executive session later in the evening for personnel and litigation matters and returned before adjournment. The minutes record that the board will disclose executive-session minutes when disclosure would not invade privacy or violate law.

The board is scheduled to continue ordinary business in future meetings; residents asked the district to provide updates to the Hannah Caldwell community and to publish environmental and security-camera status information when available.