Members of the 32BJ SEIU (Service Employees National Union) greeted Moorestown residents at an Oct. 19 board of education meeting with a petition to get their jobs back.
According to the document, on June 28 the Moorestown school board voted to terminate its service agreement with union contractor ABM, effectively terminating 24 employees. In addition to losing their jobs, the workers lost their family health benefits, paid vacation and sick time off, among other provisions.
Parents also voiced their support for the employees who were fired by stating in the petition that the new contractor, Healthcare Service Group (HCSG), refused to hire most of the incumbent workers, breaking years of established practice of retaining employees who have already been vetted and have years of experience and familiarity in the district.
The parents are asking for residents and community members to sign the petition in support of the employees who lost their jobs so that they can send it to the board of education and ask that they find a way to bring back the custodial workers.
Also at the meeting, Michael Volpe was named the new superintendent of schools.
“I just want to say how absolutely thrilled and excited and humbled I am to have been named next superintendent of Moorestown Township public schools,” said Volpe. “I feel that this room, that you have invited me to become a part of your family, part of your community. That’s where I want to be. I want to thank you for that from the bottom of my heart.”
“I am thrilled that you have invited me to become a part of this community and this family, and I won’t let you down,” he added.
Moorestown resident Karen Vidal then spoke to the board about picture day consent.
“I’m really disturbed to tell you that this year on picture day, multiple children in fourth, fifth and sixth grade were touched without their consent on picture day,” she said. “It’s not okay. You do not touch a child, a fourth, fifth or sixth grader without asking them.
“I understand that this was not met with malice, but it’s a serious problem.”
Dr. Leonard Fitts, interim superintendent, was also thanked by members of the board and residents for all that he has done for the district in a short period of time.
“I heard from so many in the parent community about the wonderful job, and I myself have observed it as well, Dr. Fitts, that you have done over the past couple of months,” said Moorestown resident Jill Fallows-Macaluso.
“The minute you walked through the door it was very clear that you had a great understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the board versus the superintendent and the administration, and I love the way that you refer to them as your executive team,” she added.
“Thanks for all that you have done and we’re going to miss you, but we look forward to the next chapter.”
