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Board of Education
September 8, 2020 - Regular Meeting
ZOOM Meeting
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Mary Tomasi, Suesen Hickey, Jessica Morozowich, Amy Domeika,
Mitch Koziol at 6:19 pm., Student Member Shannon Hickey.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Vice Chair Chris McGlynn Joanne Rose.
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Jeffrey Burt, Principal Colchester Elementary
School Principal Judy O’Meara, Jack Jackter Intermediate School Principal Elise Butson, Director of
Teaching and Learning Charles Hewes, Director of Pupil Services and Special Education Kathleen
Perry, Director of Education Operations Mario Hurtado, Director of Human Resources Shannon
Ramsby, Darren Smith Director of Digital Learning and Innovation.
1. MEETING OPENING
1.1 Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Mary Tomasi called this Regular Board of Education meeting to order at 6:06 pm
with a roll call for attendance. A quorum was present. Chair Tomasi led the Board in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
2. ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
Superintendent Burt requested the addition of Item 9.1 Language Arts Curriculum and Item 10.2
Dissolution of Ad-Hoc Consolidation Committee.
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to approve the addition of Item 9.1 Language Arts Curriculum and 10.2 Dissolution of
Ad-Hoc Consolidation Committee.
Second by: S. Hickey.
Vote: Unanimous
3. CELEBRATIONS
3.1 Welcome Back Video
A video from some of the Board of Education members, parents, students and First
Selectman Mary Bylone welcomed the students and teachers back to school.
3.2 New Employees Slides
Superintendent Burt presented a slide showing to introduce new teachers and staff.
District - Kendra Kickinson – ELL Coordinator
Dawn LePage – Human Resources Assistant
Heather Petit – Teaching and Learning Office Professional
Ann Marie Sammataro - Communications Office Professional
CES – Christina Cornell Kindergarten Teacher
Emily Derick – Kindergarten Teacher
Lauren Muller
Kindergarten Teacher
Vanessa Santos Grade 1 Teacher
Madison Soucy – Grade 2 Teacher
Katilyn Turner – Speech Pathologist
Ashlea Wilson – Front Entrance Security
Board of Education
September 8, 2020 – Regular Meeting
ZOOM Meeting
JJIS – Matthew Dolbey – Grade 5 Teacher
Mariah Lipscomb – Special Education Teacher
Meaghan Menesale – Special Education teacher
Julie Pelland – Music Teacher
Sophia Peters – Grade 4 Teacher
Katie Russo – Social Worker
Ana Rose Webster – Grade 3 Teacher
Hailey Wilk – Grade 4 Teacher
WJJMS – Jessica Rhodes – Math Teacher
BA - Bhupal Babajiyavar – Business Teacher
Jaime Grzych – Math Teacher
Michael Orfao – Special Education Teacher
Kenneth Rosa – Front entrance Security
3.3 Employee Longevity Awards
A slide show of the Employee Longevity Awards was shown. Receiving recognition for
20 years of service are: Deborah Bialowas, Karen Graves, Anne Lemke from CES;
Thomas Bech, Linda Kurczy Marjorie Perry Juia Putnam from JJIS; Cynthia Dako and
Sharon Hatch-Duffy from WJJMS; and from BA, Christine Depew and Angie Parkinson.
Awards for 25 years go to Pamela Cannata, Tamson Rogers and Susan Tuohy from CES;
Jill Leonard from JJIS; Karen Christianson, Anna Dipierro, Jodi Mendlinger and
Raymond Watson from BA; Phyllis Taylor and Sandra Onderdonk from the District.
An award for 30 years was given to Lori Barrack from JJIS.
Awards for 35 years were given to Margaret Bonham from CES and to Nancy Condon from
WJJMS
3.4 Staff of the Year
Congratulations were given to Teachers of the Year, Paraprofessionals of the Year and
Classified Staff Member of the Year as follows:
Teacher Amy Rau, Paraprofessional Linda Rubin, and Classified Staff Member Susan
Bartholomew from CES.
Teacher Linda Lane, Paraprofessional Holly Bolduc and Classified Staff Member Leanne
Ranheim from JJIS.
Teacher Rebecca Nadeau, Paraprofessional Knikka Wetzel. and Classified Staff Member
Jennifer Major from WJJMS.
Teacher Jennifer LaBombard, Paraprofessional Marquis Lawson and Classified Staff Member
Susan McKiernan from BA.
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Board of Education
September 8, 2020 – Regular Meeting
ZOOM Meeting
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
No comments received.
5. REPORT FROM SUPERINTENDENT
5.1 Communications
No communications received.
5.2. First Day of School Update
Superintendent Burt stated that the first day of school went extremely well. There was
high enthusiasm giving credit to the staff. Shannon Hickey said there was no First Day
celebration as in past years but things went well.
5.3 2020-2021 Budget Update
There is no update at this time as the monthly budget meeting was cancelled due to
work on grants and quarterly reports. This will be an ongoing item on the agenda.
6. POLICIES/REGULATIONS FOR FIRST READING
6.1 5000.4T Use of Face Coverings in School
Shipman Goodwin has provided this new, temporary COVID19-related policy on Use of
Face Coverings in School. This policy will be revisited post-pandemic.
M. Koziol joined the meeting at the end of this discussion.
Motion by: S. Hickey
to approve the new, temporary COVID19-related Policy of Use of Face Coverings in School.
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Abstaining: M. Koziol.
In favor: All others present. Approved.
7. PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
7.1 Pay to Play Fees
A discussion followed of the Pay-To-Play policy considering a shortened season and less
play time. Superintendent Burt recommended waiting until end of the season, if the
season is shortened there may be a possibility of a pro-rated refund. Games will begin
in October and are practicing in small groups.
8. GRANTS/OTHER FINANCIALS
8.1 ESSER Grant
The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fud (ESSER Fund) was
established as part of the Education stabilization Fund in the CARES Act. State education
agencies (SEAs) will award subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to address the
impact that the new Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had, and continues to
have, on elementary and secondary schools across the Nation.
C. Hewes noted that this grant will allow additional technology software to support distance
learning.
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to accept the grant ESSER Grant in the amount of $193,903.99.
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Board of Education
September 8, 2020 – Regular Meeting
ZOOM Meeting
Second by: M. Koziol.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
8.2 Donation of Video Security System Equipment
A donation of a video security system has been received from Peter Jones of Colchester
complete with six cameras, a DVR for recording and all necessary information.
Motion by: S. Hickey
to accept this generous offer of the Video Security System equipment from Mr. Jones.
Second by: A. Domeika
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
8.3 Budget Transfer Over $5,000 (None at this time)
9. CURRICULUM/INSTRUCTION/ASSESSMENT
9.1 English Language Arts Curriculum
The revised English Language Arts Curriculum was approved by the Curriculum Committee
to move to the full Board for approval.
Motion by: A. Domeika
to approve the revised English language Arts Curriculum.
Second by: M. Koziol.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
9.2 Digital Literacy & Innovations Curriculum
The Curriculum Committee B reviewed the curriculum and moved to the full Board for
approval.
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to approve the revised Digital Literacy & Innovations Curriculum for 2020-21.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
9.3 Health and Wellbeing Curriculum
The Curriculum Committee reviewed the Curriculum and has moved it to the full Board
for approval.
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to approve the Health and wellbeing Curriculum.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
9.4 Adoption of Education Evaluation Plan for 2020-2021
The Professional Growth and Development Committee has recommended to the Board of
Education adoption of the proposed flexibilities afforded by the Connecticut State
Department of Education (CSDE) to the Education Evaluation Plan for the 2020-2021
academic year.
Motion by: S. Hickey
to approve the Educator Evaluation Plan for 2020-2021.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
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Board of Education
September 8, 2020 – Regular Meeting
ZOOM Meeting
9.5 Update on Hybrid Model and At-Home Instruction
Superintendent Burt said the Hybrid Model was launched today. All students will be
at home on Wednesdays with live instruction. Wednesday is considered an early release
day. All teachers are working in teams. There are approximately eight percent of students
staying at home full time.
10. CONTINUED DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
10.1 WJJMS Building Project Update
The concrete issues were solved by repouring, the sewer line issue has been resolved
and the athletic fields are in good shape. The Building Committee will be contacted to
complete the process by turning over the school to the Town.
10.2 Diversity Committee
Bylaw 9131 Standing Committees and Bylaw 9132 Adhoc Committees explain the
differences between the two committees. The Board needs to make the determination
whether the Diversity Committee is a Standing Committee or an Adhoc Committee.
Chair Tomasi suggested this action be tabled as the focus groups are working and
training. Another two months or so would give the Board more information.
This item was tabled with an update to be given at the next BOE meeting.
11. CONSENT AGENDA
11.1 August 27, 2020 Special Meeting Minutes
11.2 August 17, 2020 Meeting Minutes
Motion by: M. Koziol
to approve the Consent Agenda.
Second by: J. Morozowich.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
12. REPORTS FROM BOARD COMMITTEES
12.1 Policy - none
12.2 Budget - none
12.3 Personnel - none
12.4 Ad-Hoc Curriculum – no further report
12.5 Ad-Hoc Consolidation
Chair Tomasi stated this committee should be dissolved as no action from the committee
has taken place.
Motion by: M. Koziol
to dissolve the Ad-Hoc Consolidation Committee.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
12.6 Welcome Back Video – No further report.
13. REPORTS FROM BOARD LIAISONS
13.1 No reports at this time.
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Board of Education
September 8, 2020 – Regular Meeting
ZOOM Meeting
14. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS and INFORMATION ITEMS
14.1 Next Meetings
MEETING DATE TIME LOCATION
Personnel Committee 9/14/2020 5:30pm BOE
Policy Committee 9/21/2020 5:30pm BOE
Budget Committee 10/8/2020 9am BOE
Board of Education 10/13/2020 6pm CES
14.2 Enrollment Report – Enrollment for September 2020 is 2273 students.
14.3 Regulations – (None at this time)
14.4 Approved Committee Meeting Minutes (None at this time)
14.5 Monthly Budget Reports (None at this time)
14.6 Cafeteria Fund (None at this time)
14.7 Budget Transfer Under $5,000 )None at this time)
Information items, no action taken.
15. INFORMATION ITEMS: NON-SUBSTANTIVE POLICY CHANGES
None at this time.
16. PUBLIC COMMENT
No comments were received.
17. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Tomasi adjourned this Regular Meeting at 7:29 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Jane Slade
Recording Secretary
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