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Board of Education
May 11, 2021 – Regular Meeting
Zoom Meeting
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Mary Tomasi, Vice Chair Chris McGlynn at 6:07 pm, Amy Domeika,
Suesen Hickey, Jessica Morozowich, Joanne Rose.
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 Human Resources Shannon Ramsbury,
Chief Financial Officer M. Cosgrove.
1. MEETING OPENING
1.1 Call to Order
Chair Mary Tomasi called this Regular Meeting to order at 6:00 pm with a roll call to
establish a quorum.
2. ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
2.1 PJ Day Acknowledgement
Superintendent Burt requested the addition of PJ Day Acknowledgement to the agenda
as Item 3.4.
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to approve the addition of PJ Day Acknowledgement to the agenda as Item 3.4
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve by those present.
3. RECOGNITIONS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
3.1 Kendra Dickinson
Kendra Dickinson, District English Language Learner Coordinator, has been selected,
based upon her experience working with English Learners, to participate on a State level
project led by Janet Stuck regarding the assessment of English learners with significant
cognitive disabilities. Kendra will be attending after-school meetings with this team that
will lead to the development of guidance for districts to be published some time in 2023.
Congratulations Kendra, and thank you for representing Colchester in such an innovative
way!
3.2 JJIS Day of Kindness
JJIS students participated in many kindness activities including beautification projects,
kindness notes, flower pots for the Senior Center, and more!
3.3 National Geographic: Tracy Butterick
William J Johnston Middle School Social Studies Teacher Tracy Butterick shared this
exciting update:
“When I heard that National Geographic wanted to use my video in part of a new class they
were creating, I felt incredibly honored, but figured that it would be one of many other
examples to be shown. Imagine my surprise to see that my video was being used in full as
THE example showing the integration of the QFT and Geo-Inquiry Processes. They
Board of Education
May 11, 2021 – Regular Meeting
introduced me and the school in an introductory write-up. I have included screenshot images
and the video (again) as attachments here. I think that what I find most exciting is that this
video is being used in an INTERNATIONAL online class for teachers meaning that the
students' message of saving pollinators is being shared far beyond their original
expectations.”
3.4 PJ Day Acknowledgement
A thank you letter was received from Tara Wesoloskie and Family, Founders of PJ Day
for Kids. Funds go to Children’s Hospital Cancer Center to help to support families
financially and emotionally.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Karen Monteleone spoke on behalf of the Colchester Choir and Orchestra stating that the group
is very grateful for the use of the school and equipment for practice and concerts. The choir and
orchestra are looking forward to beginning again.
Jeff Koonankeil said after a comment by his child, he was concerned when a review of the
program material was found to be very one-sided but was pleased with the teacher’s response
to his comments.
Evan Evans expressed concern over the recent unpredictable bus schedule, as much as an hour
and a half on one day.
C. McGlynn arrived during the Public Comments.
5. REPORT FROM SUPERINTENDENT
5.1 Pandemic/Vaccinations Update
In reference to the bus situation, Superintendent Burt met with the bus company and the
delays are due to staffing shortages. Text messages are being sent to parents as soon as
a delay is known.
A recent in school vaccination clinic was not well attended. Students 16, 17, and 18 years
of age need parental permission but the younger students need a parent with them. At this
time, there is no plan to offer another clinic as there are multiple places where vaccinations
are easily available.
5.2 Federal Grants Update
Superintendent Burt received an update on the Elementary and Secondary Emergency
School Relief Fund Under the American Rescue Plan (ARP ESSER) grants. The amount
of the grant is $2,279,789. There are guidelines for a safe return plan that is due in June and
the grant application is due in August. These funds may be used over a three year period.
5.3 2021-2022 Budget Updates
The Board of Finance will accept the budgets at their May 12, 2021, meeting and set a
date that night for a May 26, Town Meeting to vote to send the budgets to referendum on
June 3, 2021.
The Board of Finance has asked the BOE to reduce their budget by $275,000.
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May 11, 2021 – Regular Meeting
5.4 Communications
Several email letters were received and are available on go.boarddocs.com.
6. POLICIES/REGULATIONS FOR FIRST READING
6.1 0521P Nondiscrimination (Community/Board Operations)
6.2 2111P Equal Employment Opportunity
6.3 4118.11P Nondiscrimination (Personnel)
6.4 5124.1P Student Privacy Policy (PPRA)
6.5 5145.4P Nondiscrimination (students)
As these are first readings, no action was taken.
7. PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
7.1 June 2021 Calendar
The month of June needs adjustment to balance cohorts for Bacon Academy.
Due to a closure at CES earlier this year, CES students will attend school on
June 1, but WJJMS and BA will have that day off. The last day of school is
scheduled to be June 17, 2021. WJJMS promotion day will be June 16 and BA
graduation June 19, 2021.
Motion by: J. Rose
to approve the changes to the school calendar.
Second by: S. Hickey.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
7.2 Discussion and Potential Approval of School Resource Officer MOU
Discussion followed over the Memorandum of Understanding for the resource officer.
Motion by: C. McGlynn
to approve the School Resource Officer MOU as presented.
Second by: J. Rose.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
7.3 Colchester Civic Orchestra Agreement
The Board discussed the draft of the Colchester Choir and Orchestra (CCO) agreement to
clearly identify the roles and responsibilities of each party.
Motion by: A. Domeika
to approve the agreement with the Colchester Choir and Orchestra.
Second by: S. Hickey.
Vote: Abstaining: J. Morozowich (J. Morozowich is a member of the CCO).
In favor: All others. Approved.
7.4 Long-range Preschool Plan
Superintendent Burt presented a plan for universal pre-school primarily for four year old
students. The cost to the budget, class sizes, lottery, tuition were presented for discussion.
This plan covers school year 2021-2022 through 2023-2004. The consensus of the Board
members was to go forward with planning for the preschool plan.
7.5 Discussion of Potential Solar Power Plan
The Board discussed the potential for the use of solar panels on certain CPS schools.
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May 11, 2021 – Regular Meeting
The Letter of Intent is a non-binding agreement that acknowledges that Colchester is
participating in the SolarMAP program, that Green Bank is proposing their PPA for the
projects and the Town is supportive of Green Bank continuing to develop the proposed
projects. By signing the LOI, Green Bank would secure these utility incentives needed
for each project as well as include them into the RFP for a construction partner, which
will include other Connecticut towns that are also participating in the SolarMAP
program. The Letter of Intent does not commit the Town to signing a future PPA for the
proposed projects.
Motion by: A. Domeika
to recommend that the First Selectman, or designee, sign the Letter of Intent with the
Connecticut Green Bank
Second by: J. Morozowich.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
7.6 Board Goals Update
Board members read the updated Goals and Indicators dated May 4, 2021, and are looking
for further member input.
7.7 Proposal for Diversity of Thought Committee
Concerns were expressed that classes are not receiving a balance of resources. Superintendent
Burt stated students should be provided resources to research a subject, not be given answers.
Dr. Hewes and Superintendent Burt review sample lessons. If a concern arises, it will be
addressed. There are public curriculum committee meetings for information and at this time,
with the other diversity committees in place, it was felt it is not necessary to add another
committee.
8. GRANTS/OTHER FINANCIALS
8.1 Budget Transfer Over $5,000: Contingency
8.2 Budget Transfer Over $5,000: Special Education Testing
8.3 Budget Transfer Over $5,000: Special Education Tutoring
8.4 Budget Transfer Over $5,000: Bacon Academy Choral Shells
Motion by: S. Hickey
to approve Items 8.1 Reallocation of Funds to Contingency- $40,000, 8.2 Special Education
Testing-$7,000, 8.3 Special Education Tutoring $11,000, 8.4 Bacon Academy Choral Shells-
$9779.
Second by: J. Morozowich.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
8.5 Competitive School Readiness Grant
This grant supports the school readiness component of Colchester's early childhood
initiative. It provides tuition for students to attend preschool in local programs. The
tuition amount requested is $150,000 and the corresponding administrative funds request
is $7,500. Additionally, this application includes a request for $3,881 in Quality
Enhancement funds to be used to support quality component standards in area preschool
programs as well as to meet legislative mandates for supervision of sites. Request to
authorize the Superintendent to sign the application as required.
Motion by: C. McGlynn
to approve Item 8.5 Competitive School Readiness Grant and the request to sign as required.
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May 11, 2021 – Regular Meeting
Second by: S. Hickey.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
8.6 Project SHARE Grant
This is a Hot School Grant in the amount of $4,500.
Motion by: A. Domeika
to approve the request for the Project SHARE Grant.
Second by: C. McGlynn
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
9. CURRICULUM/INSTRUCTION/ASSESSMENT – (None at this time)
10. POLICIES/REGULATIONS FOR A SECOND READING
10.1 4115.3P Athletic Coaches
10.2 4117.31P Return to Work Program
10.3 4118.14P Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act & Title II of the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1999
10.4 4118.15P Civility/Respectful Communications and Actions
10.5 4132P Professional Development
10.6 4134P Tutoring
10.7 4152.6P Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
10.8 4151.71P Emergency/Personal Leave
Motion by: A. Domeika
to approve Policy Items 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7 and 10.8.
Second by: J. Rose.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to approve 10.3 Policy 4118.15P deleting the paragraph entitled “Optional Language for
Fragrances and Chemical Sensitivities” to find another location for that item and correcting
the address for Director of Pupil Services and Special Education.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
11. NON-SUBSTANTIVE POLICIES – None at this time.
12. CONSENT AGENDA
12.1 Approval of March 30, 2021 BOE Minutes
Motion by: S. Hickey
to approve the minutes of March 30, 2021, BOE Minutes with a correction to Item 7.3
Discussion of Possible Change to the BOE Approved 2021 (Budget) to read, ‘to reinstate
the position in the 2021-2022 budget, the amount would be $86,401 plus $395 for a
telephone for a total of $86,795.”
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve the March 30, 2021, minutes with the correction as stated.
12.2 Approval of April 22, 2021 BOE Special Meeting Minutes
12.3 Approval of April 27, 2021 BOE Special Meeting Minutes
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May 11, 2021 – Regular Meeting
12.4 Approval of April 1, 2021 Tri-Board Meeting Minutes
Motion by: J. Rose
to approve Consent Agenda Items 12.2, 12.3 and 12.4 as read.
Second by: J. Morozowich.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
13. REPORTS FROM BOARD COMMITTEES
13.1 Policy – No report
13.2 Budget – J. Morozowich reviewed several budget area and noted there will be no summer
lunch program this year.
13.3 Personnel – A. Domeika said the next meeting is scheduled for June 7, 2021.
13.4 Ad-Hoc Curriculum – No report
13.5 Ad-Hoc Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion- J. Rose noted the members have been attending
training sessions and have not been having
meetings during that time. Next meeting will be in
July.
14. REPORTS FROM BOARD LIAISONS
14.1 Listing of Board Liaisons – No report
BA Project Grad Liaison – No report
Board of Finance Liaison – No report
Board of Selectmen Liaison – No report
Building Committee Liaison – No report
Collaborative for Colchester’s Children (C3) Liaison
Commission on Aging – M. Tomasi attended the CoA on Monday, May 10, 2021,
and gave the members information on the budget and noted that
the BA graduation is scheduled for June 19, 2021.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Liaison – No report
Fire Department Liaison – No report
Parks & Recreation Liaison – No report
Police Commission Liaison – No report
PTO Collaborative Liaison – No report
School readiness Council Liaison – No report
Senior Center Liaison – No report
Youth & Social Services Liaison – No report
15. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS and INFORMATION
15.1 Budget Calendar (updated April 28, 2021)
15.2 Next Meetings
MEETING DATE TIME LOCATION
Policy Committee May 20, 2021 5:30 PM Virtual
Budget Committee June 3, 2021 9:00 AM Virtual
Personnel Committee June 7, 2021 5:30 PM Virtual
Board of Education June 8, 2021 6:00 PM Virtual
DEI Committee TBD Virtual
15.3 Monthly Student Enrollment for May is 2,216 students
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May 11, 2021 – Regular Meeting
15.4 Approved Committee Meeting Minutes
15.5 Monthly Budget Reports
15.6 Cafeteria Fund
15.7 Budget Transfers Under $5,000
15.8 Notices of Retirement/Resignation
15.9 Regulations (none at this time)
Information only, no action taken.
16. PUBLIC COMMENTS
No comments were received.
17. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Tomasi adjourned this Regular Meeting at 9:34 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Jane Slade
Recording Secretary
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