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Board of Education
January 11, 2022 – Regular Meeting
Zoom Meeting
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Alexander Oliphant, Vice Chair Mary Tomasi, Donna Antonacci,
Maguerite Gignac, Rosemary Gignac, Jessica Morozowich at 7:03 pm, one vacancy.
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Jeffrey Burt, Bacon Academy Principal
Matt Peel, Colchester Elementary School Principal Judy O’Meara, William J. Johnston Middle
School Principal Chris Bennett, Director of Teaching and Learning Charles Hewes, Director of
Education Operations Mario Hurtado, Director of Human Resources Shannon Ramsby, Chief
Financial Officer M. Cosgrove.
OTHERS PRESENT: Board of Finance Liaison Michael Egan.
1. MEETING OPENING
1.1 Call to Order
Chair Oliphant called this Regular Meeting to order at 6:05 pm with a roll call to establish
a quorum.
2. ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
2.1 New Agenda Items
No new items were requested.
3. RECOGNITIONS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
None at this time.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Russell Melmed, Chair of the Youth Services Advocacy Board (YSAB), said he appreciated
the support of the Board of Education and thanked the Board for appointing R. Gignac as
liaison to the YSAB. The Youth Coalition’s Survey data is very important to support to
Youth Services for grants and programs.
Carla Roselli introduced herself and said she will give comments later under Item 7.3 CT
Grown for CT Kids Grant.
5. REPORT FROM SUPERINTENDENT
5.1 Pandemic Update
A lot of recent changes regarding quarantine have happened and now contact tracing is
not required making that new position unnecessary. A rise in cases was seen at the
beginning of January and a new reporting system is on the website. Superintendent Burt
will continue to review the guidance given by the State of Connecticut.
5.2 Communications
No public communications were received.
6. POLICIES/REGULATIONS FOR FIRST READING
6.1 4111.1P Equal Employment Opportunity
6.2 4118.5P Employee Use of District’s Computer System
6.3 1120P Public Participation at Board of Education Meetings
As this is the first reading, no action was taken. Item 6.1 will be sent back to the Policy
Committee for further review.
7. PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
Board of Education
January 11, 2022 – Regular Meeting
7.1 Project Oceanology 2022-2021 CRC Interdistrict Program
Project Oceanology has invited Colchester Public Schools (CPS) to participate in the 2022-
2023 Connecticut Rivers Connections (CRC) interdistrict program. Project Oceanology’s
CRC program brings students of diverse backgrounds together to learn and apply scientific
inquiry practices related to the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound environments. This
is a legacy grant program for students that CPS has participated in for several years with
student data collected and submitted to the State of Connecticut.
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to approve the Colchester Publics Schools’ participation in Project Oceanology’s
Connecticut River Connection program.
Second by: M. Gignac.
Vote: Unanimous to approve by those present.
7.2 Youth Coalition Survey
This is an anonymous online survey taken during class for 6 through 12th grade students
given every two years and students may opt out. The data is used to help with grants and
substance abuse programs. The subject of the survey is the youth in the community, not
the public schools.
Charity Benedict, Colchester Coalition Coordinator, said the survey is given on a
continuous basis and will continue for ten years, if funded. At this time, the funding will
allow a survey for 2022 and 2024. A presentation will be given when the survey is
completed.
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to approve the Colchester Youth Services Survey for the years 2022 and 2024.
Second by: R. Gignac.
Vote: Unanimous to approve to approve by those present.
7.3 CT Grown for CT Kids Grant
The CT Grown for CT Kids Grant is a statewide grant program to help establish and
further farm to school initiatives. Students will learn where foods come from, how they
are produced, and include growing, identifying and tasting foods.
Agriculture Commission Vice Chair Carla Roselli presented information regarding the
CT Grown for CT Kids Grant. This item will be on a future agenda for approval after the
grant is awarded.
7.4 CABE Membership Discussion
As services from the CABE membership are available to the Board for a fee without the
$10,000 membership fee and several services are available through other sources,
Superintendent Burt felt there are greater opportunities for less funds.
7.5 Finance Department Reorganization
Due to the retirement and resignation of three finance department positions, Superintendent
Burt is proposing a possible change to the shared positions that may also be a cost
savings.
J. Morozwich joined the meeting during Item 7.5.
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Board of Education
January 11, 2022 – Regular Meeting
8. GRANTS/OTHR FINANCIALS
8.1 Approval of Donation of Materials to BA
Principal Peel stated Colchester Toyota offered to donate equipment that would benefit
students by learning on industry standard equipment. Toyota offered training for teachers
and students and a possibility of additional equipment. This is a good partnership with a
business supporting the school system.
Motion by: D. Antonacci
to approve the donation of a Hunter GSP9000 wheel balancer has a used retail market in
the range of $5500-$7800 to Bacon Academy and to thank Toyota of Colchester for their
generous donation.
Second by: M. Tomasi.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
8.2 Approval of Wireless Bid
The bid includes various work at each school. Director Smith explained that there is a
five to six month lead time and the work would be done in the summer months. This bid is
in the amount of $191,583.
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to approve the recommended wireless project bid for Colchester Public Schools.
Second by: M. Gignac.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
8.3 Raptor Emergency Management System
Superintendent reviewed the proposed emergency management system. This system will
tie into the current visitor system and will elevate the existing security plan. The proposal
for the Raptor System is for $136,000 with a recurring $7,000 cost.
8.4 Budget Transfers over $5,000 (None at this time)
9. CURRICULUM/INSTRUCTION/ASSESSMENT
9.1 Approval of Quarantine Student Learner Coordinator Job Description
Due to changes to the quarantine and contact tracing policies, that previously discussed
position is not necessary. The new quarantine Student Learner Coordinator will be two
part-time as needed, in person positions and not permanent. One position will be at CES
and one at JJIS.
Motion by: D. Antonacci
to approve the Quarantine Student Learner Coordinator job description.
Second by: J. Morozowich.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
10. POLICIES/REGUATIONS FOR A SECOND READING (none)
11. POLICIES RECOMMENDED FOR REMOVAL (none)
12. NON-SUBSTANTIVE POLICIES (none at this time)
13. CONSENT AGENDA
13.1 Approval of December 14, 2021 BOE Regular Meeting Minutes
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Board of Education
January 11, 2022 – Regular Meeting
Motion by: M. Gignac
to approve the December 14, 2021 Regular Minutes a read.
Second by: J. Morozowich.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
13.2 Request for Disposal: JJIS Obsolete Unit Material
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to approve the requests for disposal of JJIS obsolete unit material.
Second by: M. Tomasi.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
13.3 Request for Disposal: CES Media Center Books
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to approve the request for disposal of CES Media Center books.
Second by: M. Gignac.
Vote: Unanimous to approve
13.4 Request for Disposal: BA Career and Technical Education Items
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to approve the requests for disposal of BA Career and Technical Education item.
Second by: M. Gignac.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
14. REPORTS FROM BOARD COMMITTEES
14.1. Policy - No report
14.2 Budget - J. Morozowich said the cafeteria is still experiencing delivery and supply
shortages, excess costs are coming in, there are no major health insurance
issues.
14.3 Personnel – No report
14.4 Ad-Hoc Curriculum – No report
14.5 Ad-Hoc Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – No report
15. REPORTS FROM BOARD LIAISONS
1. Board of Selectmen – Donna Antonacci
2. Board of Finance – Margo Gignac
3. P&R Parent Commission – Rotating Members
4. PTO Collaborative – Marg Gignac
5. C3 Collaborative - vacancy
6. Commission on Aging – Mary Tomasi
7. CORE Commission: Jessica Morozowich
8. Youth & Social Services: Rosemary Gignac
No reports at this time.
16. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS and INFORMATION ITEMS
16.1 Next Meetings
Board of Education February 8, 2022 6:00 PM Virtual
Policy Committee February 16, 2022 5:30 PM Virtual
Budget Committee February 3, 2022 9:00 AM Virtual
PersonnelCommittee February 28, 2022 5:30 PM Virtual
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Board of Education
January 11, 2022 – Regular Meeting
16.2 Monthly Student Enrollment for January is 2,270 students.
16.3 Approved Committee Meeting Minutes
16.4 Monthly Budget Reports
16.5 Cafeteria Fund
16.6 Regulations (None at this time)
16.7 Notice of Retirement/Resignations
1. Jessica Taylor
2. Judy Ladegard
3. Edy Torres
4. Danielle Battaglino
17. PUBLIC COMMENT
BOF Liaison M. Egan stated his support for the reorganization of the Finance Department.
18. EXECUTIVE SESSION
18.1 Superintendent’s Mid-year Evaluation
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to go into Executive Session to discuss the Superintendent’s Mid-year Evaluation
and the Staff Request for Leave of Absence and to invite Superintendent Burt and
Director of Human Resources Shannon Ramsby into the session.
Second by: M. Gignac.
Vote: Unanimous to approve. Time: 8:00 pm
Chair Oliphant brought the Board out of Executive Session at 9:26 pm.
See action below.
18.2 Staff Request for Leave of Absence
See above
19. POSSIBLE ACTION OF LEAVE REQUEST
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to approve the staff request for leave of absence.
Second by: M. Gignac.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
20. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Oliphant adjourned this meeting at 9:27 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Jane Slade
Recording Secretary
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