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COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
Colchester, CT
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
6:00 PM
The Commons (Black Box Theater)
William J. Johnston Middle School
360 Norwich Avenue, Colchester
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MINUTES
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Alexander Oliphant, Vice Chair Mary Tomasi,
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Secretary Margo Gignac, Michelle Millington, Christopher Rivers, Donna Antonacci
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Daniel P. Sullivan, III, Assistant
Superintendent Dr. Charles E. Hewes
OTHERS PRESENT: Business Director Rachel Linkkila, Executive Assistant to the
Superintendent/Board Clerk Heather Petit, Student Board Member Brooke Dean
1. MEETING OPENING
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1.1 Call to Order
Chair Alexander Oliphant called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM
1.2 Roll Call
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Chair Alexander Oliphant conducted a roll call of the Board.
1.3 Pledge of Allegiance
2. STUDENT BOARD MEMBERS REPORT
2.1 Student Board Member Report
Brooke Dean gave a report on school happenings and activities. Ms. Dean said that they
raised funds to put on the Bacon Academy Annual First Day. Ms. Dean said fall sports
are also in full swing including cross country, football and soccer. Ms. Dean reported that
at WJJMS students had a Meet and Greet prior to their first day to allow them to feel
more comfortable in the building; tomorrow night at JJIS tomorrow is an instrumental
band night from 6:30-7:30 PM; and at CES there will be an Open House coming up for
Prek-2nd.
3. *ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
3.1 New Agenda Items
None.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
4.1 For Public Comments, Please See Bylaw on Meeting Conduct
Kerrey Tarlton, 107 Berry Lane
Ms. Tarlton read a written statement on behalf of herself, Patrick Clark and Jennifer
Harrison whose students attend Grasso Tech. In the statement, the families requested to
have a hearing in regard to transportation for their students to/from Grasso Tech. Ms.
Tarlton spoke to her experience with transportation this school year. Ms. Tarlton said that
withdrawal of transportation has caused families unnecessary hardship. Ms. Tarlton
submitted a hard copy of the written statement to the Board Chair.
Patrick Clark, 60 Deer Run Drive
Mr. Clark read written statements from three students, Caleib Clark, Amber Harrison and
Banastre Tarlton in regard to their transportation to Grasso Tech. Hard copies of the
statements were provided to the Board Chair.
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Jennifer Harrison, 47 Novelli Place
Ms. Harrison read a letter from Jonathan Grossman, Dean of Students at Grasso Tech.
After reading the letter, Ms. Harrison said there is a great impact on the parents and their
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children. Ms. Harrison stated that the Board of Education minutes of April 28, 2023,
spoke about the proposal to cut Grasso Tech transportation but the impact to students was
not mentioned. A hard copy of Mr. Grossman’s letter was submitted to the Board Chair.
5. REPORT FROM SUPERINTENDENT
5.1 Update on the Beginning of the School Year
Superintendent Sullivan stated that the heat last week caused an impact on Bacon
Academy school days. Mr. Sullivan stated that several air conditioning units were out at
Bacon and despite the Director of Educational Operations’ best efforts with fans and
other measures, the school became too oppressive to have a full day of school.
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Mr. Sullivan said that he will be having a Pride and Purpose Meeting on September 19,
2023 to discuss the strengths and areas of growth for the District. Superintendent
Sullivan said he hoped community members would be able to attend. Invitations were
sent to all families and staff through email and/or ParentSquare.
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Mr. Sullivan stated that the District had a wonderful Convocation event at the beginning
of the school year. Superintendent Sullivan stated they recognized the teacher of the
year, paraprofessional of the year, and staff longevity. Mr. Sullivan said that it was a nice
start to the school year.
6. *CONSENT AGENDA
6.1 *Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2023
6.2 *Board of Education Retreat Minutes of August 22, 2023
6.3 *Board of Education Special Meeting Minutes of September 6, 2023
6.4 *BA Material Removal Request - Metal Lockers, Preschool Cubbies and
Cafeteria Tables
Motion by: M.Gignac
To approve the consent agenda as presented.
Second: M.Tomasi
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
7. POLICIES – FIRST READ
7.1 1180 Memorials to Deceased Students and Staff
Donna Antonacci said this proposed policy predates the Board but was edited by the
Committee. Ms. Antonacci said the policy will not allow for any permanent memorials;
however, the administration can approve temporary memorials.
Discussion was had in regard to past memorials already at some schools. The consensus
of the Board was that these memorials would stay as they were already in place.
Discussion was had in regard to schools or the district establishing permanent memorials.
Mr. Sullivan suggested that the last sentence read “No permanent memorials will be
permitted for/by an individual or group of individuals” which would still allow the school
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or a special committee associated at the school to have a plaque in place, etc.
8. *POLICIES - SECOND READ
8.1 *3540 Surveillance on School Property
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Ms. Antonacci stated that policy 3540 would consolidate 4118.4 and 5131.11 into a
policy that encompasses both students and staff.
8.2 *4118.4 Student Surveillance on School Property
Motion by: M.Gignac
To approve the removal of 4118.4 and approve policy 3540
Second: D.Antonacci
Roll call: All in favor
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Vote: Motion carried
8.3 *5131.11 Personnel/Student Surveillance on School Property
Motion by: D. Antonacci
Second: M. Gignac
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To remove 5131.11
Roll Call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
8.4 *9000 Role of Board and Members
Motion by: D. Antonacci
To approve 9000 with the edit to strike the word “develop” in line K.
Second: C. RIvers
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
8.5 *9010 Limits of Authority
8.6 *9012 Legal Responsibilities of the Board of Education
8.7 *9020 Public Statements
Motion by: M. Tomasi
To remove policies 9010, 9012 and 9020
Second: M.Gignac
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
8.8 *9222 Resignation/Removal from Office/Censure
Motion by: D.Antonacci
To approve policy 9222
Second: C. Rivers
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
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8.9 *9250 Remuneration
Motion by: D.Antonacci
To table 9250 until the next Policy Committee meeting
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Second: M. Tomasi
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
8.10 *9270 Conflict of Interest
Motion by: D.Antonacci
To approve 9270
Second: C.Rivers
Roll call: All in favor
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Vote: Motion carried
8.11 *9271 Code of Ethics
8.12 *9272 Code of Conduct
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Motion by: D.Antonacci
To remove policy 9271 and replace with policy 9272
Second: M. Millington
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
Ms. Antonacci stated that policies 3540 Surveillance on School Property and 1180
Memorials to Deceased Students and Staff have been submitted to the Board attorney for
review. Ms. Antonacci said that if the attorney recommends changes the Board may have
to revisit them.
9. REPORTS FROM BOARD LIAISONS / COMMITTEES
9.1 Reports from Board Liaisons
● Board of Selectmen: Donna Antonacci
Ms. Antonacci said she is currently reviewing the last Board of Selectmen
meeting video.
● Board of Finance: Christopher Rivers
Mr. Rivers stated that the Board of Finance Chair reached out in regard to a
meeting about the upcoming budget process. Mr. Rivers stated that if anyone
on the Board had any ideas on the process to please reach out.
● P&R Commission: Margo Gignac
Ms. Gignac stated that the Field of Dreams project is underway. Ms. Gignac
said that R1 and R2 are currently getting irrigation systems put in followed by
R3 and R4. Ms. Gignac stated that the Parks and Rec Department will be
looking for a new machine to assist in care of the fields.
● PTO Collaborative: Margo Gignac
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Ms. Gignac stated that a meeting has not been held yet as the PTOs are just
kicking off as it's the beginning of the school year.
● C3 Collaborative: Rosemary Gignac
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Ms. Gignac stated that the C3 Collaborative Kickoff meeting will be on
September 18, 2023 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM in Room 1123 at Bacon Academy.
● Commission on Aging: Mary Tomasi
None.
● Youth & Social Services: Michelle Millington
None.
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9.2 Reports from Board Committees
● Budget Finance Committee
Mr. Rivers stated that this is one of very few months that the Committee does
not review transfers or budget reports because they want to look at July and
August together to give an entire snapshot.
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● Policy Committee
No further information to report.
● Curriculum Committee
None.
● Facilities Committee
Mr. Rivers stated that the Committee is very well aware of the air conditioning
situation and the administration has been finding solutions and looking at
potential funding sources to get the situation resolved.
Mr. Sullivan reiterated that the meeting on September 19, 2023 at 4:30 pm
will give community members opportunities to be involved in facilities and
other areas.
10. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS AND INFORMATION ITEMS
10.1 Next Meetings
● BOE Regular Meeting: Tuesday, September 26, 2023
● Budget Finance Committee: Wednesday, October 4, 2023
● Curriculum Committee Meeting: Monday, October 16, 2023
10.2 Enrollment Report
Mr. Sullivan stated that the October 1 enrollment report is what all districts use for
reporting to the state. Mr. Sullivan stated that a comparison report next month will be
provided and then again during the budget process.
10.3 Personnel Report
Informational only. See attachment in Board packet. Mr. Sullivan is hoping to fill a
special education position as filling special education positions is a challenge across the
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state.
10.4 Notices of Retirement/Resignation
● Dr. Charles E. Hewes
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● Brianna Laskey
● Shelly Landry
● Amanda Tallman
● Patrick Donnelly
11. PUBLIC COMMENT
11.1 For Public Comments, Please See Bylaw on Meeting Conduct
Jennifer Cox, 7 Ivy Court
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Ms. Cox recommended that the Board consider having a special education advisory
committee. Ms. Cox stated that the committee working along with administration could
help improve special education services in Colchester as well as community perception.
12. ADJOURNMENT
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Chair Oliphant adjourned the meeting at 6:55 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Heather R. Petit
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent/Board Clerk