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Board of Education
March 30, 2021 – Regular Meeting
Zoom Meeting
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Mary Tomasi, Vice Chair Chris McGlynn, Amy Domeika, Suesen
Hickey, Jessica Morozowich, Joanne Rose, Student Members Shannon Hickey, Evelyn Toennes.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mitch Koziol.
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Jeffrey Burt, Bacon Academy Principal Matt
Peel, Colchester Elementary School Principal Judy O’Meara, Jack Jackter Intermediate School
Principal Elise Butson, William J. Johnston Middle School Principal Chris Bennett, Director of Pupil
Services and Special Education Kathleen Perry, Director of Teaching and Learning Charles Hewes,
Director of Education Operations Mario Hurtado, Director of Technology Darren Smith, Chief
Financial Officer M. Cosgrove.
1. MEETING OPENING
1.1 Call to Order
Chair Mary Tomasi called this Regular Meeting to order at 6:02 pm with a roll call to
establish a quorum.
2. ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
Superintendent Burt is requesting the following items be added to the agenda:
2.1 School Resource Officer Position Discussion
Motion by: C. McGlynn
to add School Resource Officer Position Discussion to agenda as Item 7.2.
Second by: A. Domeika
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
2.2 Discussion of Possible Change to BOE-approved 2021-2022 Budget
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to add Discussion of Possible Change to BOE-approved 2021-2022 Budget as Item 7.3.
Second by: S. Hickey.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
2.3 Donation of Food
Motion by: C. McGlynn
to add Donation of Food Discussion to the agenda as Item 7.4.
Second by: J. Rose.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
2.4 Donation of Musical Instruments from Smarthunts, Inc
Motion by: S. Hickey
to approve the addition of donation of 30 sets of boomwhacker instruments as Item 7.5.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
3. RECOGNITIONS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
3.1 BOE Appreciation Videos
Video: Bacon Academy Student Council
Video: Thank you BOE, from C3
My Favorite Things at CES
Video: Mrs. Desrocher’s 5th Grade Class
The videos were made for Board Appreciation Month.
Board of Education
March 30, 2021 – Regular Meeting
Chair Tomasi requested moving item 7 Priority Discussion/Action Items to be heard after Item 5.
No objections to move.
3.2 Charline Records, CES Special Services Teacher
CES Special Services Teacher Charline Records reached out to Meghan Amado and I during
the summer of 2020 to share a 3-year school improvement plan for Social Emotional
Learning. In partnership with Anne Lemke, Charline has been an instrumental teacher
leader for helping CES grow in SEL. She plans for and hosts a monthly meeting with a
team of staff and has been instrumental in providing us with many resources to grow and
learn. Charline always reminds us to take care of ourselves as educators as our well-being
affects the children we support. We are thankful for her leadership. Here is a quote she
shared at one of our meetings:
“Studies of effective early childhood and school environments confirm that academic
skills in the first years of schooling are entwined with the ability to regulate emotions
and behavior and to engage in positive social interactions with peers and adults, and that
academic behaviors in the later years (e.g., attendance) are closely tied to students’
social, emotional, and behavioral functioning.”
(Stephanie M. Jones & Jennifer Kahn, 7)
3.3 JJES Students Food Drive
Upon learning that the Colchester Food Bank was running low of food items, JJIS grade
4 students, Abbie Barthel, Kyra Walter, Elizabeth Vance and Delaney Scholl jumped
into action. They presented their proposal to hold a food drive at Jack Jackter
Intermediate School. They shared their idea with the entire school and encouraged
students to donate nonperishable food items. The food drive was a major success! In
just under one week, students collectively donated more than 15 times the anticipated
goal of 220 food items. More than 3,169 nonperishable food items were donated and
brought to the Colchester Social Service Department. Students took a great deal of pride
knowing their initiative inspired fellow students to truly make a difference in their
community.
The students who proposed the drive spoke to the Board thanking them for allowing
them to do have the food drive.
3.4 Poster Contest Winner: Leah Balser, Junior at Bacon Academy
Bacon Academy Junior Leah Balser placed 3rd in a poster contest by the Connecticut
Council of Language Teachers. A student of Sra. Denay Johnston, Leah’s exceptional
talent and message of “Languages Celebrate Our Differences” can be seen in the
attached files. Congratulations, Leah!
Principal Peel said this is a yearly competition and Leah Balser placed 3rd out of 150
students state wide. Teacher Denay Johnson congratulated Leah and said her poster will be
framed and hung in the hallway for students to see. Leah noted that the poster was made
during Covid and the people represented in the poster wore masks with flags representing
their country.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
None received.
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Board of Education
March 30, 2021 – Regular Meeting
5. REPORT FROM SUPERINTENDENT
5.1 Pandemic/Vaccinations Update
Superintendent Burt noted that a number of staff experienced side effects after
receiving the first vaccination causing CES to be closed for one day. This day
will be made up in June using an ‘inclement weather day” for CES students only.
It has been reported that one third of all Colchester adults have received the vaccine.
While there are no statistics on the staff, it is a significant number. The vaccination is not
a requirement. An update on Friday from the State Health Department noted that there
is an uptick in the 16-24 year old population. Schools are continuing with mitigation
strategies.
5.2 Student Social/Emotional Health Reports: CES, JJIS, WJJMS
Principal O’Meara said CS student work on a breathing strategy, share videos with
greetings and morning announcements. Staff members are working with parents and
supporting families as needs arise.
Principal Butson said JJIS is having virtual town meetings, music and art are continuing
and teachers are working closely with families to support the students.
Principal Bennett said a pilot program is being developed to live stream volunteer at
home students in the fall. WJJMS is having after school tutoring, has students attending
the Youth Services Learning Lounge for studying after school that provides adult
supervision. Principal Bennett is hoping to have Spring Track begin soon and a Live
Band Performance is in the planning stage for the end of the school year.
5.3 Current Instructional Model Update
Superintendent Burt said there are no changes at the elementary level. At this time there
is an uptick in the virus and variants but it is likely the schools will reopen after April.
Close attention is being paid to the virus numbers and the variants. Results of a survey of
Students, teachers, and parents is being reviewed. There are no cohorts at Bacon Academy as
at the elementary schools. At this time, no determination to move forward has been made.
5.4. Federal Grants Discussion
The Esser II Grant is in process with final adjustments. The new ARPA-Esser Grant
is $2.3 million but waiting on guidelines. The Bacon Academy training center for
manufacturing that was discussed two years ago will also be revitalized.
5.5 Communications – None received.
7. PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION INFORMATION
7.1 Shared Services Agreement with East Haddam is for a Transition Program to meet the
needs of students ages 18 to 21 of the respective Districts.
Motion by: J. Rose
to approve the shared services agreement with East Haddam.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
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Board of Education
March 30, 2021 – Regular Meeting
7.2 School Resource Officer Position Discussion
Chair Tomasi said she and Superintendent Burt met with First Selectman and Chief of
Police M. Bylone, State Trooper Sgt. Rondinone, Colchester Police Sgt. Edwards, Board
Secretary A. Domeika and Executive Secretary A. Trinnaman to discuss revitalizing the
Resource Officer position.
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to reinstate the School Resource Officer Position in the 2021-2022 budget.
Second by: C. McGlynn.
Vote: Abstaining: J. Rose
In favor: All others present. Approved.
7.3 Discussion of Possible Change to the BOE - Approved 2021-2022
To reinstate the position in the 2021-2022 budget, the amount would be $86,401
plus $395 or a telephone for a total of $86,795. Due to the approval of reinstating the
School Resource Officer, the increase to the 2021-2022 BOE budget will bring the total
to $42,466,230, or 2.7% increase over the 2020-2021 BOE budget.
Motion by: C. McGlynn
to approve the increase to bring the total budget to $42,466,230.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
7.4 Donation of Food Discussion
District Nutrition Program Coordinator/Cafeteria Manager Leanne Ranheim shared that
between the four kitchens, there is a total of 67 - 4 lb cans of tuna, ordered by the
previous supervisor. The cans have an expiration date of August 2021. The USDA
contact at the CSDE said we can give it to another school district, soup kitchens, food
pantries, etc. The soup kitchen in Norwich has indicated they can definitely use it.
Motion by: S. Hickey
to approve donating the cans of tuna.
Second by: J. Morozowich.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
7.5 Donation of Musical Instruments from Smarthunts, Inc.
Principal O’Meara explained Joe Groves and Smarthunts, Inc. have donated 30 sets of
boomwhacker percussion instruments to CES with a value of $900.
Motion by: J. Rose
to accept the generous donation of the percussion instruments.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
6. POLICIES/REGULATIONS FOR FIRST READING
6.1 4115.3P Athletic Coaches
6.2 4117/31P Return to Work Program
6.3 4118.14P Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act & title II of the Americans with
Disabilities act of 1990
6.4 4118.15P Civility/Respectful Communications and Actions
6.5 4131P Professional Development
6.6 4134P Tutoring
6.7 4152.6P Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
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Board of Education
March 30, 2021 – Regular Meeting
6.8 4151.71P Emergency/Personal Leave
As these policies are the first reading, no action was taken.
8. GRANTS/OTHER FINANCIALS
8.1 Budget transfer Over $5,000: Fire Pump at Bacon Academy
The fire pump that supports the sprinkler system at BA is not working properly and must be
replaced. It cannot be repaired as parts are no longer available. The 2021-2022 budget includes
$20,000 for repairs, this request will be needed for installation of the replacement pump.
Motion by: C. McGlynn
to approve the budget transfer in the amount of $14,000 for a new fire pump at Bacon Academy.
Second by: S. Hickey.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
9. CURRICULUM/INSTRUCTION/ASSESSMENT (None at this time)
10. POLICIES/REGULATIONS FOR A SECOND READING
10.1 1312P General Complaint Procedures
10.2 4214P Transfer/Reassignment
10.3 4212.43P Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus Drivers
10.4 5111P Admissions/Placement
10.5 5145.14P On-Campus Recruitment
Motion by: A. Domeika
to approve the above stated policies.
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
11. NON-SUBSTANTIVE POLICIES
11.1 4112.4P Health Examinations. No action needed.
12. CONSENT AGENDA
12.1 Approval of minutes from March 9, 2021 BOE meeting.
12.2 Approval of minutes from March 16, 2021 BOE meeting
12.3 Approval of minutes from March 23, 2021 BOE meeting
Motion by: C. McGlynn
to approve the Consent Agenda as presented
Second by: J. Rose.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
13. REPORTS FROM BOARD COMMITTEES
13.1 Policy – Next meeting is April 19, 2021
13.2 Budget – Next meeting is April 1, 2021
13.2 Personnel – No report
13.4 Ad-Hoc Curriculum – No report
13.5 Ad-Hoc Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion –
J. Rose reported that the Committee met with a representative from The National
Conference for Community and Justice and will invite youth workers and administrators
to a virtual presentation.
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Board of Education
March 30, 2021 – Regular Meeting
14. REPORTS FROM BOARD LIAISONS
14.1 BA Project Grad Liaison
14.2 Board of Finance Liaison
14.3 Board of Selectmen Liaison
14.4 Building Committee Liaison
14.5. Collaborative for Colchester’s Children (C3) Liaison
14.5 Commission on Aging
14.7 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Liaison
14.8 Fire Department Liaison
14.9 Parks & Recreation Liaison
14.10 Police Commission Liaison
14.11 PTO Collaborative Liaison
14.12 School Readiness Council Liaison
14.13 Senior Center Liaison
14.14 Youth & Social Services Liaison – S. Hickey said Youth & Social Services have filled
the Coalition Grant Coordinator position.
No reports for 13.1 through 14.13.
15. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS and INFORMATION ITEMS
15.1 Budget Calendar
15.2 Next Meetings
MEETING DATE TIME LOCATION
Budget Committee April 1, 2021 9:00 AM Virtual
DEI Committee April 7, 2021 5:00 PM Virtual
Policy Committee April 19, 2021 5:30 PM Virtual
Board of Education May 11, 2021 6:00 PM Virtual
Personnel Committee June 7, 2021 5:30 PM Virtual
15.3 Monthly Student Enrollment
Student Enrollment for March is 2204 students.
15.4 Approved Committee Meeting Minutes
Ad Hoc DEI Committee Minutes from March 10, 2021.
15.5 Monthly Budget Reports – None at this time.
15.6 Notification of Resignation
15.7 Cafeteria Fund – (No report at this time)
15.8 Budget Transfers Under $5,000 (None at this time)
Information items only, no action taken.
16. PUBLIC COMMENT
Ron Goldstein spoke in support of restoring the Resource Officer.
Mike Egan, BOF member, commended the Board with doing a great job and for presenting a
well thought out budget.
17. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Tomasi adjourned this Regular Meeting at 7:48 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Jane Slade
Recording Secretary
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