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COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
Colchester, CT
POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
BOE Policy Committee Meeting 5:30 PM
Virtual Meeting via Zoom
MINUTES
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Donna Antonacci, Marguerite Gignac, Mary
Tomasi
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Jeffrey Burt
OTHERS PRESENT: None
1. CALL TO ORDER
1.1 Call to Order
Chair Antonacci called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM
2. ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
Superintendent Burt asked to move agenda item 5.4, 6145.8P Activity Funds Management,
to agenda item 8.1 as the recommended changes are non-substantive.
Motion by: Mary Tomasi
To approve the movement of 6145.8P to agenda item 8.1
Second by: Marguerite Gignac
Vote: Unanimous
Role Call: Donna Antonacci, Marguerite Gignac, Jessica Morozowich
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
3.1 Public Comment
None.
4. *APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4.1 Approval of December 20, 2021 Minutes
Motion by: Mary Tomasi
To approve the minutes of the December 20, 2021 Policy Committee Meeting
Second by: Marguerite Gignac
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: Marguerite Gignac, Mary Tomasi, Donna Antonacci
5. *PRIORITY DISCUSSION/POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS:
POLICIES/REGULATIONS FOR A FIRST READING
5.1 5141.21P Administration of Medication
Superintendent Burt reviewed the recommendation to add a section on Naloxone for
emergency purposes. Superintendent Burt stated there is a Connecticut foundation that
provides free Naloxone to school districts as well as free training to the district.
The board took a short recess at 5:36 PM and returned at 5:38 PM.
Superintendent Burt will review Naloxone in regard to field trips and an opt-out form for
parents.
5.2 9221B Filling of Vacancies
Superintendent Burt reviewed the recommendation to update the policy to more closely
align with the Town Charter and past practice. The committee recommended clarifying
language that the vacancy will be filled by a member of the same party of the exiting
board member. The committee clarified that the resignation of an existing board member
should be presented in written format to the Chair. Superintendent Burt will review the
statute for specific language regarding the official ballot. No action was taken, the
committee will review and have further discussion at the next policy committee meeting.
5.3 6145.6P Travel and Exchange Programs
Superintendent Burt reviewed the revised policy to add language regarding permission
prior to leaving for exchange work to be counted for coursework.
5.4 6145.8P Activity Funds Management
Moved to agenda item 8.1
5.5 6115P Ceremonies and Observances
Superintendent Burt reviewed the CABE model policy recommendation for ceremonies
and observances. No action was taken, the committee will review and have further
discussion at the next policy committee meeting.
5.6 6141.2PR Recognition of Religious Holidays
Superintendent Burt reviewed the recommended update and added language regarding the
district’s approach to religion from an objective, curriculum related perspective,
encouraging all students and staff members to be aware of the diversity of beliefs and
respectful of each other’s religious and/or nonreligious views.
Motion by: Mary Tomasi
To move policies 5141.21P, 6145.6P, and 6141.2PR to the full Board for a first reading.
Second by: Donna Antonacci
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: Marguerite Gignac, Mary Tomasi, Donna Antonacci
6. OTHER POLICIES REQUIRING IMMEDIATE ATTENTION (NONE)
None.
7. *CONTINUED DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
7.1 4111.1P Equal Employment Opportunity
Chair Antonacci discussed the recommendation by Secretary Jessica Morozowich at the
last board meeting to change the language from “... of this community” to “...of our
region.”
Motion by: Donna Antonacci
To change the language from “community” to “county” and move policy 4111.1P to the
full Board.
Second by: Mary Tomasi
Discussion was had on the change in language.
Second was then withdrawn by Mary Tomasi.
Motion by: Mary Tomasi
To move policy 4111.1P with the original proposed language back to the full board.
Second by: Marguerite Gignac
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: Mary Tomasi, Marguerite Gignac, Donna Antonacci
7.2 9271 Bylaw / 0050P Revision
Superintendent Burt discussed recommended changes including change in numbers,
moving language to conduct and removing items already covered under other policies or
bylaws.
Motion by: Mary Tomasi
To move policy 9271B and 9272B to the full board for a first reading.
Second by: Marguerite Gignac
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: Mary Tomasi, Marguerite Gignac, Donna Antonacci
8. *NON-SUBSTANTIVE POLICIES
8.1 6145.8P Activity Funds Management
Motion by: Donna Antonacci
To move policy 6145.8P to the full board.
Second by: Mary Tomasi
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: Mary Tomasi, Marguerite Gignac, Donna Antonacci
9. *POLICIES/REGULATIONS RECOMMENDED FOR REMOVAL
9.1 *5000.3T Transportation
Superintendent Burt discussed recommended temporary COVID policies put into effect.
The transportation temporary policy is sunsetting and the recommendation is to remove
5000.3T and revert to the preexisting transportation policy 3541.3. Chair Antonacci asked
that 3541.3P be brought to the next policy committee meeting for review.
Motion by: Marguerite Gignac
To remove temporary policy 5000.3T and revert back to existing policy 3541.3P.
Second by: Mary Tomasi
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: Mary Tomasi, Marguerite Gignac, Donna Antonacci
10. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NEW ISSUES RAISED OR SUBJECTS DEVELOPED
10.1 Public Comment
None.
11. ESTABLISH NEXT MEETING AGENDA PRIORITIES
Continue with series 6000, 3541.3P, and then remaining 5000.
12. ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 6:42PM