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COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
Colchester, CT
BUDGET COMMITTEE
Thursday, April 1, 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
OTHERS PRESENT: BOE Chair Mary Tomasi, 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: Choral Shells for Bacon Academy
Motion by: J. Rose
To include item 2.1 as an addition to the agenda as item 8.1
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: J. Rose, J. Morozowich
2.2 *Budget Transfer Over $5,000: Special Education Testing
Motion by: J. Rose
To include item 2.2 as an addition to the agenda as item 5.1
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: J. Rose, J. Morozowich
2.3 *Bacon Academy LMC Furniture Discussion
Motion by: J. Rose
To include item 2.3, as an addition to the agenda as item 5.2
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: J. Rose, J. Morozowich
2.4 *Budget Transfer Under $5,000: WJJMS Music Department PPE
Motion by: J. Rose
To include item 2.4 as an addition to the agenda as item 6.7
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 March 4, 2021 Minutes
Motion by: J. Rose
To approve the minutes of the March 4, 2021 Budget Committee meeting
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: J. Rose, J. Morozowich
5. *PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
5.1 *Budget Transfer Over $5,000: Special Education Testing
Director of Pupil Services and Special Education Kathleen Perry discussed the need for
additional testing instruments and protocols across all schools in the amount of $7,000.
There is a significant increase in the number of students referred and evaluated this
year. This transfer is needed to continue evaluation of students this school year. Funds
are available due to a reduction in need for home-based, hospital-based tutoring since
implementation of the hybrid model of instruction.
Motion by: J. Rose
To approve the request for a budget transfer in the amount of $7,000 and forward to the
full BOE for approval
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: J. Rose, J. Morozowich
5.2 Bacon Academy LMC Furniture Discussion
Principal Peel and Superintendent Burt discussed the possibility of transferring
unexpended funds from various lines across several departments, and supplementing
funds from various internal accounts. The space in the Bacon Academy Library Media
Center is being used differently; there is a need for furniture that allows flexibility in
allocating space for different purposes. Discussion ensued regarding the types of
furniture that allow for better use of the LMC space. No action was taken.
6. BUDGET REPORTS
6.1 Monthly Budget Reports
CFO Maggie Cosgrove presented the budget report through the end of March 2021.
There are no new budget lines that show over expenditures, and no major changes from
last month. Discussion of unemployment claims and employee benefits ensued.
6.2 Cafeteria Fund
The FY 2019-2020 amounts have been revised to reflect year-end adjustments related to
inventory on hand at the end of the year. This adjustment is required to present financial
statements in accordance with accounting standards. As of March 31, 2021, the current
operating loss in the Cafeteria Fund is $101,867. There has been much discussion of
how the ESSER II grant may alleviate this loss. While it is not clear that the funding can
be used for lost revenue, increased costs incurred (summer wages for food services
employees, food purchases) due to COVID-19 can be reimbursed under ESSER II.
6.3 Health Insurance Reserve
CFO Cosgrove presented a report through the end of February 2021. Claims have been
fairly consistent, and we are working with employees to resolve claims processing issues
associated with the new Anthem platform rollout.
6.4 Special Education Excess Cost Report
This report has not changed from last month, with the exception of one student who
moved out of district. Transportation costs have been an ongoing issue, but the Pupil
Services and Special Education Department is working with the provider to review and
correct all billing issues. There have been no issues with the services provided.
6.5 Use of Schools
No report at this time.
6.6 Capital Reserve
No report at this time.
6.7 Budget Transfer Under $5,000: WJJMS Music Department PPE
PPE is needed for another layer of protection for WJJMS music students. Joanne Rose
inquired as to whether the PPE is washable and reusable; Superintendent Burt will
request and share that information.
7. OLD BUSINESS
7.1 Update on Federal Grants
Superintendent Burt shared that we are taking a very close look at how ESSER II Grant
funds can be utilized on needs such as intervention, tutoring, social/emotional needs,
extended school year, recovering learning, needs of voluntary at-home learners and
homeschooled students. The guidelines for use of the American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA) funds are unclear at this time. Detailed parameters for use have not been
released to school districts at this time.
The ESSER II grant 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. *NEW BUSINESS
8.1 *Budget Transfer Over $5,000: Choral Shells for Bacon Academy
Principal Peel shared that funds are available due to lack of festivals, fees, travel
expenses, and supplies in this program. This purchase is for a new set of Choral Shells
for the Auditorium, totaling $14,962, which would be purchased by transferring funds
from several music department lines plus supplementing the balance through the Use of
Schools fund Music.The request for budget transfer will be brought to the next Budget
Committee and BOE meetings.
8.2 Contingency Budget Transfer
CFO Cosgrove explained the reallocation of funds to the Contingency account for the
adopted budget reduction originally approved from capital funding. Funding was
available due to Magnet School student expenditures being less than expected.
Motion by: J. Rose
To approve the request for a budget transfer to Contingency in the amount of $40,000
and forward to the full BOE for approval
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: J. Rose, J. Morozowich
8.3 2021-22 Budget Discussion
On April 6, 2021, the Board of Education budget will be presented to the Board of
Finance. There are no additional updates at this time.
9. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NEW ISSUES RAISED OR SUBJECTS DEVELOPED
9.1 Public Comment
None.
10. ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:09AM.