Machine-extracted text of a publicly
posted document, provided for reference and search. The original document at
the link above is authoritative.
Board of Education
October 12, 2021 – Regular Meeting
Zoom Meeting
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Mary Tomasi, Vice Chair Chris McGlynn, Jessica Morozowich,
Joanne Rose, Suesen Hickey, Amy Domeika.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Suesen Hickey, Mitch Koziol.
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Jeffrey Burt, Bacon Academy Matthew Peel,
William J. Johnston Middle School Principal Chris Bennett, Colchester Elementary School
Principal Judy O’Meara, Jack Jackter Intermediate School Principal Elise Butson, Director of
Pupil Services and Special Education Kathleen Perry, Director of Teaching and Learning Dr.
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 6:02 pm with a roll call of
members to establish a quorum.
2. ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
No additions or changes were requested.
3. RECOGNITIONS/ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
3.1 BA Student Named Commended Student in National Merit Scholarship
Bacon Academy Senior Michael Barnett has been named a Commended Student in the
National Merit Scholarship competition, based on junior year PSAT scores. Of 3.4 million
test takers nationwide, 34,000 high scorers will be named Commended Students and will
receive Letters of Commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise.
Michael Barnett stated he will attend college to pursue a degree in computer science.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
No comments were received.
5. REPORT FROM SUPERINTENDENT
5.1 Pandemic Update
Superintendent Burt reported the Covid numbers are dropping. JJIS has had several cases
that are not related. Students that are non-symptomatic do not have to quarantine if
vaccinated. Non-vaccinated staff are testing once a week, 97% of the staff is fully
vaccinated. The Governor’s mandate for masks has been extended to February. At this time
the school facilities are open for outside groups to use.
5.2 Transportation Update
Transportation continues to see the same issues. There has been no information from the
State to remediate the situation. M&J Bus Company is seeking new drivers. This is not a
Colchester issue but a statewide one. The combined bus runs do receive a credit.
Board of Education
October 12, 2021 – Regular Meeting
5.3 Capital Improvement Plan Update
The School Resource Officer, Resident State Trooper and Director of Education
Operations M. Hurtado have reviewed the safety plans and an update is necessary for the
school buildings, except WJJMS. There is an inspection each year but this will be a look
into the future and in the updated long range improvement plan.
5.4 Communications
A letter was received from Seth Breitmiaer stating support for extending the mandatory
mask use in Colchester schools.
6. POLICIES/REGULATION FOR FIRST READING
6.1 0521P Nondiscrimination (Community/Board Operations
6.2 1800P Green Cleaning Programs
6.3 1330P Use of School Facilities
6.4 1212P Volunteers, Student Interns, and Other Non-Employees
6.5 12 50P Visitors and Observations in Schools
6.6 4112.5P Employment Checks
6.7 4118.11P Nondiscrimination (Personnel)
6.8 4118.112P Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment in the Workplace (Personnel)
6.9 3541P Transportation
6.10 5124.1P Student Privacy Policy (PPRA)
6.11 5131.911P Bullying Prevention and Intervention
6.12 5145.4P Nondiscrimination (Students)
6.13 5145.5P Policy Regarding Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972-Prohibition of
Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment (Students)
Above policies were reviewed. As this is the first reading, no action was taken.
7. PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
7.1 Proposed BOE Meeting Dates for 2022
Superintendent Burt presented a proposed list of meeting dates for 2022 for review.
Motion by: J. Rose
to approve the proposed list of dates for 2022.
Second by: J. Morozowich.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
7.2 Goodwin University Early College Advanced Manufacturing Pathway (ECAMP)
Superintendent Burt presented a proposal from Goodwin University to form a partnership
with Goodwin to develop a manufacturing course offering a certificate program.
7.3 Budget Process Update
Superintendent Burt would like to engage in the budget process early this year looking at
needs, savings areas, efficiencies, being transparent, discussing the needs of the district.
7.4 Budget Priorities
A draft of the 2022-2023 budget priorities was discussed.
2
Board of Education
October 12, 2021 – Regular Meeting
7.5 October Enrollment
Enrollment numbers were presented and in each class numbers were slightly above the
projected numbers.
7.6. Superintendent Evaluation Process Discussion
The Superintendent’s goals will be set to line up with the Board’s goals. An evaluation is
scheduled at the end of the year.
8. GRANTS/OTHER FINANCIALS (None at this time)
9. CURRICULUM/INSTRUCTION/ASSESSMENT
9.1 Test Scores Presentation
Dr. Hewes reviewed the test scores of 2017, 2018, 2019, no tests in 2020. Progress was
being made prior to the pandemic and the scores for this year show that the pandemic has
had an impact, especially with the younger students. Continued support is needed for
these students.
10. POLICIES/REGULATION FOR A SECOND READING (None at this time)
11. POLICIES RECOMMENDED FOR REMOVAL
11.1 1000.1T Green Cleaning Programs (1800P)
11.2 1000.2T Use of School Facilities (1300P)
11.3 1000.3T Volunteers, Student Interns, and Other Non-employees (1212P)
11.4 4000.1T Employment Check
11.5 5000.3T Transportation (3541P)
The above policies were temporary policies to deal with the pandemic and will be
removed when the new policies are approved.
12. NON-SUBSTANTIVE POLICIES (None at this time)
13. CONSENT AGENDA
13.1 Approval of September 14, 2021 BOE Regular Meeting Minutes
Motion by: C. McGlynn
to accept the minutes of the September 14, 2021, meeting, as read.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
13.2 Field Trip: Bacon Academy Chamber/Women’s Choir to Ogunquit, Maine
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to approve the BA Chamber/Women’s Choir to Ogunquit, Maine.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
14. REPORTS FROM BOARD COMMITTEES
14.1 Policy – No further report.
14.2 Budget – J. Morozowich noted that the food service company has suspended produce
deliveries due to the supply shortage. Produce will be purchased from a
another company for market value having to pay out of pocket, not being able
3
Board of Education
October 12, 2021 – Regular Meeting
to use USDA government funds. Usually, USDA funding runs out in early spring
and the switch is made then. It is hoped that the supply situation will be resolved
and the USDA funding will be used at that time. This is a country-wide issue.
14.3 Personnel – A. Domeika said the committee is looking at revising the exit interview
14.4 Ad-Hoc Curriculum – Superintendent Burt said a meeting is planned for November.
14.5 Ad-Hoc Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – J. Rose said a meeting will be held tomorrow.
15. 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
7. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Liaison
8. Fire Department Liaison
9. Parks & Recreation Liaison
10. Police Commission Liaison
11. PTO Collaborative Liaison
12. School Readiness Council Liaison
13. Senior Center Liaison
14. Youth & Social Services Liaison
No reports at this time.
16. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS and INFORMATION ITEMS
16. Next Meetings
MEETING DATE TIME LOCATION
DEI Committee October 13, 2021 5:00 PM Virtual
Policy Committee October 18, 2021 5:00 PM Virtual
Budget Committee November 4, 2021 9:00 AM Virtual
Board of Education November 9, 2021 6:00 PM Virtual
Personnel Committee December 6, 2021 5:30 PM Virtual
16.2 Monthly Student Enrollment for October is 2246.
16.3 Approved Committee Meeting Minutes
16.4 Monthly Budget Reports
16.5. Cafeteria Fund
16.6 Budget Transfers Under $5,000 (None at this time)
16.7 Notices of Retirement/Resignation
1. Lawrence Paterno
2. Jill Leonard
3. Linda Kurczy
4. Barbara Stiles
5. Melanie Wehrenberg
6. Katherine Jesmonth
16.8 Regulations (None at this time)
Information items only, no action taken.
4
Board of Education
October 12, 2021 – Regular Meeting
17. PUBLIC COMMENT
No comments received.
18. EXECUTIVE SESSION
18.1 Staff Request for Leave of Absence
18.2 Superintendent’s Goal Setting
18.3 Personnel Discussion
Motion by: C. McGlynn
to go into Executive Session to discuss 18.1, 18.2 and 18.3 and to invite Superintendent
Burt to all sessions but to invite Director of Human Resources Shannon Ramsby to discuss
Item 18.1 Staff Request for Leave of Absence.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve. Time: 7:55 pm.
Chair Tomasi brought the Board out of Executive Session at 9:02 pm.
See below for action.
19. POSSIBLE ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by: A. Domeika
to approve the leave of absence as requested.
Second by: C. McGlynn.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
No action was taken on Item 18.2 and Item 18.3.
20. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Tomasi adjourned this meeting at 9:03 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Jane Slade
Recording Secretary
5