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Board of Education
July 13, 2021 – Regular Meeting
Zoom Meeting
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Mary Tomasi, Suesen Hickey, Jessica Morozowich, Joanne Rose.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Vice Chair Chris McGlynn, Amy Domeika, Mitch Koziol.
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Jeffrey Burt, 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 Human Resources Shannon Ramsby, Chief Financial Officer
M. Cosgrove.
1. MEETING OPENING
1.1 Call to Order
Chair Mary Tomasi called this Regular Meeting to order at 6:03 pm with a roll call to
establish a quorum.
2. ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
None at this time.
3. RECOGNITIONS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
None at this time.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
No comments received.
5. REPORT FROM SUPERINTENDENT
5.1 Pandemic Update
Superintendent Burt reported that the numbers are holding steady with only one case in town
in the last two weeks. Connecticut has a 65% vaccination rate. At this time, new CDC
guidelines are not available. Each state has the right to determine the response to the
pandemic. The Connecticut Department of Health will determine whether masks will be
required.
As of now, Superintendent Burt anticipates full time school, no remote learning, normal
instruction, no screen dividers, elementary students back to group tables, but may wear masks.
The Administration is not permitted to ask about Covid-19 vaccinations. There are a lot of
unknowns but decisions will be made based on best guidance at that time.
5.2 2021-2022 Budget Updates
The Board of Education is now operating on the 2021-2022 budget as of July 1, 2021.
5.3 Update on Board Meetings and Meetings Spaces
The August Board meeting is planned to be in person at Town Hall in Rooms 1 and 2.
Recording or live streaming the meeting is being looked into. At the minimum, meetings
will be recorded for FaceBook and/or YouTube.
Board of Meeting
July 13, 2021 – Regular Meeting
5.4 School Resource Officer (SRO) Process Update
The final draft of the SRO policy has been reviewed, interview process is beginning and it is
hoped the officer will be hired before the end of July and will be introduced to the Board at
the September BOE Meeting.
5.5 Communications – None at time.
6. POLICIES/REGULATIONS FOR FIRST READING – None at this time.
7. PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
7.1 APRA/ESER Draft Allocations
Superintendent Burt stated that this grant requires participation from the community,
staff, parents, and Board members. The timeline is tight and requests for feedback will be
sent out. The presentation is available on Board Docs.
8. GRANTS/OTHER FINANCIALS
8.1. Pay to Play Reimbursement
The Pay to Play reimbursements are being reviewed and each student will receive the same
amount of reimbursement.
9. CURRICULUM/INSTRUCTON/ASSESSMENT - None at this time.
10. POLICIES/REGULATIONS FOR A SECOND READING
10.1 1110.1P School, Family, and Community Partnerships
10.2 9325B Meeting Conduct
This item will be further reviewed and brought back at a future meeting.
10.3 9326B. Minutes, Taping, Broadcasting
10.4 9321B Time, Place, Notification for Meetings
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to approve Item 10.1 10.3 and 10.4 as presented.
Second by: J. Rose.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
11. NON-SUBSTANTIVE POLICIES – None at this time.
12. CONSENT AGENDA
12.1 Minutes of the June 8, 2021 BOE Meeting
12.2 Minutes of the June 21, 2021 Special Meeting
12.3 Minutes of the June 25, 3032 Special Meeting of the BOE
Motion by: S. Hickey
to approve the minutes in items 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 on the Consent Agenda, as read.
Second by: J. Morozowich.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
12.4 Bacon Academy Request for Disposal
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to approve Item 12.4 BA Request for Disposal on the Consent Agenda.
Second by: J. Rose.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
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Board of Meeting
July 13, 2021 – Regular Meeting
12.5 CES Request for Disposal (ELA Program)
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to approve Items 12.5 Request for ELA Program Disposal materials.
Second by: S. Hickey.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
13. REPORTS FROM BOARD COMMITTEES
13.1 Policy
13.2 Budget
13.3 Personnel – Budget, Policy and Personnel will meet August 5, 2021.
13.4 Ad-Hoc Curriculum
13.5. Ad-Hoc Diversity Equity, and Inclusion – J. Rose stated this Committee will present a report
to the Board of Selectmen on July 15, 2021.
14. REPORTS FROM BOARD LIAISONS
1. BA Project Grad Liaison
2. Board of Finance Liaison
3. Board of Selectmen Liaison
4. Building Committee Liaison
5. Collaborative for Colchester’s Children (C3) Liaison
6. Commission on Aging Liaison – M. Tomasi said the Senior/Community Center project referendum
is scheduled for September.
7. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Liaison
8. Fire Department Liaison
9. Parks & Recreation Liaison –
10. Police Commission Liaison
11. PTO Collaborative Liaison
12. Scholl Readiness Council Liaison
13. Senior Center Liaison
14. Youth & Social Services Liaison - S. Hickey noted that Youth First Coalition is working on the
objective for a Drug Free Grant.
15. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS and INFORMATION ITEMS
15.1 Next Meetings
MEETING DATE TIME LOCATION
Policy Committee August 3, 2021 5:00 PM Virtual
Personnel Committee August 3, 2021 5:30 PM Virtual
Board of Education August 10, 2021 6:00 PM Town Hall
Budget Committee TBD 9:00 AM Virtual
DEI Committee TBD Virtual
15.2 New Safe School Climate and Bullying Protocols
15.3 Monthly Student Enrollment
15.4 Approved Committee Meeting Minutes
15.5. Monthly Budget Reports – None at this time
15.6. Cafeteria Fund – None at this time
15.7. Budget Transfers Under $5,000 – None at this time
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Board of Meeting
July 13, 2021 – Regular Meeting
15.8. Notices of Retirement/Resignation – None at this time
15.9. Regulations – None at this time
Information items only, no action taken.
Due to the Executive Session being next on the agenda, Chair Tomasi asked if any citizens would like
to comment now rather than wait until after the Executive Session. No comments were received.
16. EXECUTIVE SESSION
16.1 Executive Session to discuss the Superintendent’s Evaluation
16.2 Executive Session to hear Staff Request for Leave of Absence
Motion by: J. Rose
to into Executive Session to discuss the Superintendent’s evaluation and a staff request for
leave of absence and to invite Superintendent Burt into the session.
Second by: S. Hickey.
Vote: Unanimous to approve. Time: 7:02 pm.
Chair Tomasi brought the Board out of Executive Session at 7:16 pm.
See below for action.
17. POSSIBLE ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to extend Superintendent Burt’s contract an additional year from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024.
Second by: S. Hickey.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
Motion by: S. Hickey
to approve the staff request for a leave of absence.
Second by: J. Rose.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
18. PUBLIC COMMENT - see above.
19. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Tomasi adjourned this meeting at 7:18 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Jane Slade
Recording Secretary
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