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COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
Colchester, CT
BUDGET COMMITTEE - SPECIAL MEETING
Thursday, November 4, 2021
BOE Budget Committee Meeting 9:00AM
Virtual Meeting via Zoom
MINUTES
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Jessica Morozowich, Joanne Rose
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Jeffrey Burt, CFO Maggie Cosgrove,
Director of Educational Operations Mario Hurtado, Director of Digital Learning and Innovation
Darren Smith
OTHERS PRESENT: BOE Chair Mary Tomasi, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
Amy Trinnaman
1. CALL TO ORDER
1.1 Call to Order
Chair Morozowich called the meeting to order at 9:05AM.
2. ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
3.1 Public Comment
None.
4. *APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4.1 Approval of October 7, 2021 Minutes
Motion by: J. Rose
To approve the minutes of the October 7, 2021 Budget Committee meeting
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: J. Rose, J. Morozowich
5. *PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
5.1 Zoom Room Conferencing Discussion
Due to the Governor's Executive Order, BOE is holding virtual meetings until April
2022. However, after that date, providing “hybrid” meeting access will be required. Both
in-person and online attendance will be possible with new technology. Director of
Digital Learning and Innovation Darren Smith provided information on a solution that
has sound, video, and streaming capabilities. Zoom Room allows a virtual audience to
interact with the in-person audience. The proposed system, which includes a wireless
microphone system, would be installed in Town Hall, in Rooms 1 and 2. Funding
sources (possible ARPA grant funding) and alternate systems were discussed. This
system could be shared with the Town. Increased public participation is a key goal.
This item will go before the full BOE in January 2022 for a full presentation and a
thorough discussion.
5.2 *Approval of 2022 Budget Committee Meeting Dates
Motion by: J. Rose
To approve the revision to the proposed 2022 Budget Committee Meeting Dates to have
a meeting start time of 9:00AM
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: J. Rose, J. Morozowich
Motion by: J. Rose
To approve the proposed 2022 Budget Committee Meeting Dates as amended.
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: J. Rose, J. Morozowich
6. BUDGET REPORTS
6.1 Monthly Budget Reports
CFO Cosgrove presented the October 2021 budget report. Certified Salary amounts were
reclassified to the ARPA grant after revisions to the grant were made related to funding
SPED positions. Funding for social workers was originally reduced from the BOE
budget, however in order to maximize Medicaid funding of positions, the social workers
will be funded from the budget and teaching positions will be moved to the ARPA grant
– see Item 8.1 Budget transfers over $5,000. There has been an increase in Vo-Ag
attendance. We are also reviewing possible reclassification of some expenditures
associated with a reconfiguration of two Bacon Academy classrooms.
6.2 Cafeteria Fund
Committee Chair Morozowich requested that a status report of the cafeterias program be
discussed at the full BOE meeting on November 9, 2021. CFO Cosgrove explained that
it is too soon to predict the long-term financial health of the program. The supply chain
problems are still impacting food deliveries. Director of Food Services Leanne Ranheim
is ensuring that students are receiving meals despite the uncertainty of the supply chain.
6.3 Health Insurance Reserve
CFO Cosgrove shared the September 2021 health insurance reserve report. The medical
claims were lower than in previous years. Based on the timing of the rolling data used in
determining the calculations for the following year’s budget, because we are at a good
point as far as claims are concerned, the budget would be based on these favorable
figures. Whether or not the trend downwards will continue is uncertain. There have not
been significant changes to the number of employees on the plan, or changes to the plan
itself. Superintendent Burt suggested a review of the last five years’ figures. A strategy
meeting is scheduled with Lockton for later this month. Further information will be
presented to the Budget Committee after that meeting.
6.4 Special Education Excess Cost Report (Not at this time)
6.5 Use of Schools (Not at this time)
6.6 Capital Reserve (Not at this time)
6.7 Budget Transfers Under $5,000
This budget transfer within the CES budget accounts is due to the need to purchase the
paid version of the software because of the pandemic and the need to provide instruction
to students in quarantine.
7. OLD BUSINESS
7.1 Update on Federal Grants
Changes to the use of ARPA grant funds are underway to ensure efficient use. ESSER II
is also being reviewed for certified positions.
8. *NEW BUSINESS
8.1 *Budget Transfer Over $5,000
Budget transfer in the amount of $150,213 (Special Education/ARPA ESSER grants)
8.2 *Budget Transfer Over $5,000
Budget transfers in the amounts of $37,740, $37,620, and $38,080 (JJIS/WJJMS teacher
assignments)
8.3 *Budget Transfer Over $5,000
Budget transfer in the amount of $47,644 (Union Settlements)
8.4 *Budget Transfer Over $5,000
Budget transfer in the amount of $27,648 (non-union merit pay)
CFO Cosgrove explained each of the four budget transfers.
Motion by: J. Rose
To approve the budget transfers in agenda items 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, and 8.4 and move to the
full BOE for approval
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: J. Rose, J. Morozowich
9. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NEW ISSUES RAISED OR SUBJECTS DEVELOPED
9.1 Public Comment
10. ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:08AM.