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COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
Colchester, CT
BUDGET COMMITTEE
Thursday, February 4, 2021
BOE Budget Committee Meeting 9:00AM
Virtual Meeting via Zoom
MINUTES
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Jessica Morozowich, Joanne Rose
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Jeffrey Burt, CFO Maggie Cosgrove,
Director of Educational Operations Mario Hurtado, Bacon Academy Principal Matthew Peel,
Bacon Academy Athletic Director Kevin Burke
OTHERS PRESENT: BOE Chair Mary Tomasi, BOE Member Amy Domeika, Executive
Assistant to the Superintendent Amy Trinnaman
1. CALL TO ORDER
1.1 Call to Order
Chair Morozowich called the meeting to order at 9:02AM.
2. ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
2.1 *Budget transfer over $5,000
2.2 *East Haddam Transportation Contract
Motion by: J. Rose
To add agenda items 2.1 Budget transfer over $5,000 (add to 8.5) and 2.2 East Haddam
Transportation Contract (add to 5.2) to the agenda.
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: J. Rose, J. Morozowich
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
3.1 Public Comment
None.
4. *APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4.1 Approval of January 7, 2021 Minutes
Motion by: J. Rose
To approve the minutes of the January 7, 2021 Budget Committee meeting.
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: J. Rose, J. Morozowich
5. *PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
5.1 *Set Tuition Rate
The recommendation from Superintendent Burt is to hold the tuition rate at $12,200 for
school year 2021-2022.
Motion by: J. Rose
To approve the tuition rate of $12,200 for school year 2021-2022 and forward to the full
BOE for approval.
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: J. Rose, J. Morozowich
5.2 *East Haddam Transportation Contract
CPS has long had an agreement with East Haddam for their students to be transported to
Norwich Tech from Bacon Academy with Colchester students. While a flat fee of
$10,000 for up to 5 students is currently set, the recommendation is to create a tiered
system based on the number of students being transported.
Motion by: J. Rose
To approve the East Haddam Transportation Contract, with minor adjustment to correct
typo, and move to the full BOE for approval.
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: J. Rose, J. Morozowich
6. BUDGET REPORTS
6.1 Monthly Budget Reports
CFO Maggie Cosgrove presented the budget report through the end of January 2021.
Discussion of the status of several line items ensued (reviewing discussion from
previous meetings). Projections for utilities are challenging due to instructional model
changes that have students learning remotely, not present in buildings. Superintendent
Burt is reviewing accounts with Administrators for which savings have been identified
due to changes associated with the current instructional model.
6.2 Cafeteria Fund
Preliminary numbers for January remain on target with what was projected for the
overall year-end deficit, but we will continue to monitor and revise financial projections
monthly.
6.3 Health Insurance Reserve
CFO Cosgrove presented a report through the end of December. Claims experience
reflects the postponement of medical appointments, as individuals resume medical care
visits delayed due to the pandemic. Calculating estimates for next year is a challenge, so
CFO Cosgrove is working closely with Lockton on the assumptions being used for
budget projections for FY 21/22.
6.4 Special Education Excess Cost Report
Changes from the last report include a residential placement forecast that was slightly
less than predicted, and departure of a student who was in a residential placement. The
transportation component is fluctuating as students are at times in person and at times
remote learning.
6.5 Use of Schools
This fund is primarily used to pay the custodial needs of having the building open for
use. Accumulation of funds has historically been used to make improvements to
facilities, like the auditorium lighting and sound systems. Wear and tear is added into the
fees that groups are charged, and these funds are used to supplement improvements. Due
to the ongoing pandemic, there has been very little activity in this fund as the buildings
have not been open for use by outside groups.
6.6 Capital Reserve
CFO Cosgrove presented the BOE Capital Reserve report through December 31, 2021.
The Committee was reminded that these funds do not lapse at the end of the fiscal year,
but are carried over from year to year until fully expended.
6.7 Budget Transfers Under $5,000
None.
7. OLD BUSINESS
None.
8. *NEW BUSINESS
8.1 Budget Transfer Over $5,000
The request is from the Director of Educational Operations, Mario Hurtado, for repairs at
Bacon Academy. As an almost-30 year old building, preventative maintenance at Bacon
Academy is a priority to avoid more costly replacements or repairs at a later time.
Motion by: J. Rose
To approve the request for a budget transfer in the amount of $8,000 for maintenance
and repairs at Bacon Academy and move to the full BOE for approval.
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: J. Rose, J. Morozowich
8.2 2021-22 Budget Discussion
Budget discussions are underway with each school and department to review each line
item in preparation for the 2021-2022 budget. The ESSER grant in the amount of
$937,826 will allow for academic supports, safety, technology, social/emotional learning
as related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds will supplement, not supplant,
efforts to recovering the learning initiatives, including possible additional tutoring and
student support.
8.3 Bacon Academy Oil Tank Funding Discussion
The oil tank at Bacon Academy must be replaced in 2022 for an approximate cost of
$200,000. The money available in the fund balance from prior years’ unexpended BOE
budgets was discussed. CFO Cosgrove proposed two options for funding this project: (1)
adding $100,000 each year for two years to the operating budget, or (2) bringing an
appropriation request to the Board of Finance for use of $200,000 in unexpended funds
for this mandated replacement. Superintendent Burt shared his concern that we are
underfunded for maintenance and repairs for schools, which needs a longer term plan.
8.4 Bacon Academy Scoreboard Discussion
Principal Peel indicated that funds are available in the athletic budget supplies line to
replace two scoreboards because of the reduced level or cancellation of sports due to the
pandemic. Supplies for Spring sports had been purchased last year prior to the
cancellation of all spring sports, and therefore do not need to be purchased this year.
Athletic Director Kevin Burke shared that the purchase of supplies for sports have also
been reduced this year. The cost for the purchase and installation of the new scoreboards,
and the removal of the old scoreboards is approximately $9,500.
8.5 *Budget Transfer Over $5,000
This budget transfer corrects the account number for the Math SRBI Paraprofessional at
Bacon Academy.
Motion by: J. Rose
To approve the budget transfer that corrects the account number for the Math SRBI
Paraprofessional at Bacon Academy and move to the full BOE for approval.
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: J. Rose, J. Morozowich
9. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NEW ISSUES RAISED OR SUBJECTS DEVELOPED
9.1 Public Comment
None.
10. ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:44AM.