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Board of Education
June 9, 2020 – Regular Meeting
Zoom Meeting
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Mary Tomasi, Suesen Hickey, Jessica Morozowich, Joanne
Rose, Mitchell Koziol, Student Members Nick Janus, Shannon Hickey.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Vice Chair Chris McGlynn, Amy Domeika.
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Jeffrey Burt, Principal Colchester Elementary
School Principal Judy O’Meara, Jack Jackter Intermediate School Principal Elise Butson, Director
of Teaching and Learning Charles Hewes, Director of Pupil Services and Special Education
Kathleen Perry, Director of Education Operations Mario Hurtado, Director of Human Resources
Shannon Ramsby, Darren Smith Director of Digital Learning and Innovation, Chief Financial
Officer Maggie Cosgrove.
1. MEETING OPENING
1.1 Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Mary Tomasi called this Regular Meeting to order at 4:09 pm with a roll call to
establish a quorum. With five members present, a quorum was established.
A live video Pledge of Allegiance was led by students Madeline Hagan (Grade 3 Mrs.
Bakai’s class) and Liam Hagan (Grade 1 Ms. Roger’s class).
2. ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO AGENDA
Chair Tomasi requested moving Item 18 Public Comment before Item 17 Executive
Session.
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to move Item 18 Public Comment before Item 17 Executive Session.
Second by: S. Hickey.
Vote: Unanimous to approve by those present.
3. CELEBRATIONS
3.1 Valedictorian and Salutatorian
Valedictorian Matthew Voiland and Salutatorian Arian Spearin were presented to the
Board members. Principal Peel spoke about the accomplishments of the two students.
3.2 JJIS Students Advance to National Invention Convention
The Annual Connecticut Invention Convention Finals is an annual celebration of K-12
inventors and entrepreneurs from across Connecticut. This year’s events were held
virtually due to Covid-19. Traditionally held at the University of Connecticut for the past
21 years, this is the showcase event for Connecticut Invention Convention young
inventors. The event usually provides a live, in-person opportunity for youth inventors
and entrepreneurs in grades K-12 to display their critical thinking skills through
inventing, innovating, and entrepreneurial activities.
Katherine Belding in Mrs. May’s 5th Grade class invented the Shorty Stepper 2.0, a
step that is convenient and able to stored out of the way to help in reaching an object.
Board of Education
June 9, 2020 – Regular Meeting
Zoom Meeting
Charlotte Bunting in Mrs. Bakaj’s 3rd Grade class invented The Upsie Daisy to help her
dog go up the stairs by pressing a button that turns a special set of stairs into a conveyor v
belt.
Abby Belding, Grade 8, invented the EX Exit 3.0 – The Descent, the next version of her
previous invention to allow an escape window to open with the press of a button. This
next step allows for a person to be lowered out of a second story window. Abby was
awarded a patent for her invention and has competed in the International Invention
Convention.
The inventors above were selected to advance to the United States Finals to be held
digitally in Michigan later this month.
3.3 Retirees Slideshow
A slide show of the personnel retiring this year was shown with comments from
principals and others about the retirees and their many years with Colchester schools.
Central Office:
Natalie Caverly
Colchester Elementary School Retirees:
Suzanne DiCioccio
Linda Rhodes
Irene Stanavage
Jack Jackter Intermediate School Retirees:
Monica Dostaler
Lynne McCune
William J. Johnston Middle School Retiree:
Maddalena Scrivano
Bacon Academy retirees:
Donna Bonin
Donna DesSureault
Kelly Cook
Melissa Malcolm
Ed Ninteau
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
No comments received.
5. REPORT FROM SUPERINTENDENT
5.1 Communications
Several emails were received supporting the budget.
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Board of Education
June 9, 2020 – Regular Meeting
Zoom Meeting
5.2 2020-2021 Budget Process and Timeline Update
The proposed budget is a .19% or a $76,000 increase over the current year. This budget
has been presented to the Board of Finance. The BOF will vote on the Board of Selectmen
and Board of Education Budgets on June 15, 2020.
5.3 2019-2020 Budget Update
The current budget will be discussed at a June 18, 2020, Special Meeting for a review of
projects, instructional supplies, potential savings, how State recommendations pertain to
the budget, taking into consideration the bus contract, etc.
6. POLICIES/REGULATIONS FOR FIRST READING
6.1 5131.11P and 5131.11R Surveillance on School Property (Students)
6.2 4128.4P and 4218.4R Surveillance on School Property (Personnel)
As these are first readings, no action was taken.
7. PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
7.1 Bacon Academy Graduation Plans
Continuing to receive information from the State, options are limited until July 6.
The priority is to have all students celebrating together. After July 6 timeframe all grads
would be in chairs with distancing, they would be able to cross a stage to receive
diplomas. The First Selectman, Emergency Management Director and Chatham Health
Department are all in agreement. The goal is to have a personal ceremony and keeping
with tradition as much as possible. All planning has considered health and safety of all.
7.2 Technology Integration Specialist Position Description
Motion by: J. Rose
to approve the Technology Integration Specialist Position Description as presented.
Second by: S. Hickey.
Vote: Unanimous to approve by those present.
7.3 Front Entrance Security Personnel Position Description (Revised)
Wording to be added to include utilizing the computerized background check system for
Visitors.
Motion by: S. Hickey
to approve the revised Front Entrance Security Personnel Position Description
as amended.
Second by: J. Morozowich.
Vote: Unanimous to approve by those present.
7.4 M&J Bus Contract Revision
The contract negotiations are complete, the lawyers are reviewing and drawing up the
documents.
8. GRANTS/OTHER FINANCIALS
8.1 Budget Transfer over $5,000 – (None at this time)
9. CURRICULUM/INSTRUCTION/ASSESSMENT (None at this time.)
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Board of Education
June 9, 2020 – Regular Meeting
Zoom Meeting
10. CONTINUED DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
10.1 WJJMS Building Project Update
M. Hartudo noted the inside sewer system is no longer a problem and the outside
situation is being resolved. The field is going to be awhile before ready for use.
11. POLICIES/REGULATIONS FOR SECOND READING
11.1 6172.6P and 6177.6R Virtual Online Courses
The Policy Committee reviewed and made proposed changes to 6172.6P and 6172.6R
Virtual Online Courses.
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to approve the revised 6172.6P and 6172.6R Virtual Online Courses as presented.
Second by: M. Koziol.
Vote: Unanimous to approve by those present.
12. CONSENT AGENDA
12.1 IT Request for Recycling Equipment
12.2 Approval of May 12, 2020 Minutes
12.3. Approval of June 2, 2020 Special Meeting Minutes
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to approve the Consent Agenda.
Second by: J. Rose.
Vote: Unanimous to approve by those present.
13. REPORTS FROM BOARD COMMITTEES
13.1 Policy – No report
13.2. Budget
Chair J. Morozowich stated the reopening task force is making progress, the new budget
must be approved to be able to use savings from this year appropriately. Purchase orders
must be sent in before June 30.
13.3 Personnel – No report
13.4 Ad-Hoc Curriculum – No report
13.5. Ad-Hoc Consolidation – No report
14. REPORTS FROM BOARD LIAISONS
No reports received.
15. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS and INFORMATION ITEMS
15.1 Next Meetings
Meeting Meeting Time Date Location
Budget Committee 9:00AM June 18, 2020 Virtual
Board of Education (Special Meeting) 4:00PM June 18, 2020 Virtual
Policy Committee 4:00PM June 22, 2020 Virtual
Board of Education 4:00PM July 14, 2020 Virtual
Personnel Committee 4:00PM Sept. 14, 2020 Virtual
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Board of Education
June 9, 2020 – Regular Meeting
Zoom Meeting
15.2 Enrollment Report for June 2020 BOE Meeting for May is 2297 students
15.3 Regulations (None at this time)
15.4. Approved Committee Meeting Minutes
15.5 Monthly Budget Reports
15.6. Health Insurance Reserve Analysis
15.7. Budget Transfer Under $5,000 (None at this time)
Information items only, no action taken.
16. INFORMATION ITEMS: NON-SUBSTANTIVE POLICY CHANGES
16.1 5000P Concept and Roles in Student Policies
16.2 5140P Student Welfare
16.3 5141P Health
16.4 5143.1P. Student Insurance
Information items only, no action taken.
18. PUBLIC COMMENTS
No comments received.
17. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by: J. Rose
to go into Executive session to discuss the Superintendent’s evaluation and to invite
Superintend Burt into the session.
Second by: S. Hickey.
Vote: Unanimous to go into Executive Session. Time: 5:45 pm.
Chair Tomasi brought the Board members out of Executive Session at 6:36 pm.
No action was taken.
19. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Tomasi adjourned this meeting at 6:37 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Jane Slade
Recording Secretary
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