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COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
6:00 PM
William J. Johnston Middle School
The Commons (Black Box Theater)
360 Norwich Avenue, Colchester
MINUTES
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Alexander Oliphant, Vice-Chair Christopher Rivers,
Secretary Margo Gignac, Donna Antonacci, Michelle Millington, Rosemary Gignac (joined at
6:10 PM), Stefanie Tracey-Calash
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Daniel P. Sullivan, III, Assistant
Superintendent Jessica L. Kuckel, William J. Johnston Middle School Principal Christopher
Bennett, Bacon Academy Principal Amy Begué
OTHERS PRESENT: Business Director Rachel Linkkila, Executive Assistant to the
Superintendent/Board Clerk Heather Petit, Instructional Technology Coordinator lBarbara
Johnson, Student Board Member Brooke Dean, William J. Johnston Middle School Teacher
Kristina Ngai, Bacon Academy School Psychologist Jessica Perreault
1. MEETING OPENING
1.1 Call to Order
Chair Alexander Oliphant called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM
1.2 Roll Call
Chair Oliphant conducted a roll call of the Board.
1.3 Pledge of Allegiance
2. RECOGNITIONS/ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
2.1 WJJMS Celebrations
Principal Christopher Bennett and Innovations Teacher Kristina Ngai presented on the
William J. Johnston Middle School (WJJMS) innovations program. Mr. Bennett
celebrated Ms. Ngai on becoming nationally board certified. Ms. Ngai spoke about the
program and said it is an elective class at WJJMS. It is required for 6th graders but a
choice for 7th and 8th grade students. Ms. Ngai stated that the STEAM team works
collaboratively to offer the best programming for students. Ms. Ngai said the curriculum
includes: Maker Skills, Basic Circuitry, and Inventions in Grade 6; Computer Aided
Design, 3D Printing, Introduction to Entrepreneurship in Grade 7; and Advanced 3D
Design & Making to Help Others, Laser Cutting and Engraving, Introduction to Robotics
in Grade 8. Ms. Ngai said the PTO is very supportive and the Innovations program
receives many grants for materials and equipment. Ms. Ngai said other offerings at
WJJMS include robotics club, invention convention, and community collaborative
projects including sensory boards for CES and JJIS, sensory boards for a group home for
adults with special needs, customized leashes for K9 officers throughout the state, and
enrichment workshops. Ms. Ngai said the team has been asked to host the CT Innovation
Collaboration at which they can highlight the WJJMS program. Ms. Ngai said the
program has fostered a 20% increase in Tech Ed class enrollment at BA overall and a
40% increase in female students enrolling in Tech Ed courses. Ms. Ngai thanked partners
who have awarded the program grants including Pfizer, PEGPETIA, local businesses.
Mr. Bennett said the program has also received drones from grants which students enjoy.
Superintendent Sullivan thanked Ms. Ngai for all of her hard work and congratulated her
again on her national certification.
3. STUDENT BOARD MEMBERS REPORT
3.1 Student Board Member Report
Brooke Dean stated that the first semester at Bacon Academy is coming to a close with
midterms next week
Girls Basketball has a home game this evening, WJ has their annual Snowball Dance on
Thursday.
4. *ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
4.1 New Agenda Items
None.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
5.1 For Public Comments, Please See Bylaw on Meeting Conduct
None.
6. REPORT FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
6.1 BA Magnet School Proposal
Ms. Begué presented on the Bacon Academy (BA) Magnet School Proposal. Ms. Begué
stated that the magnet school would provide an opportunity to increase enrollment at BA
and provide more post diploma opportunities for students who may want to go right into
the workforce. Ms. Begué stated that the theme of the magnet school will be the Public
Service Academy of Eastern CT. Ms. Begué thanked Ashley Zaugg, Co-Chair of the BA
Magnet Committee, Steve Hoffman and other members of the BA Magnet Committee.
Ms. Begué stated that the pathways include fire and public safety, healthcare, education,
aviation and Air Force ROTC. Ms. Begué stated that these pathways would align with
the Governor's Workforce Initiative. Ms. Begué said that the magnet school will not cost
the District any money; the District would partner with the state and pursue a plethora of
partnerships in the development and finetuning of these pathways. Ms. Begué said that
the state would also be transporting students who choose to attend. Ms. Begué said the
proposal includes the construction of a single level metal building hopefully funded by
the state. Ms. Begué discussed the anticipated timelines. Ms. Begué spoke to a three
year anticipated enrollment, projecting that the District would add 120 students to BA
with the state helping with recruitment of some of those students outside of Colchester.
Fire Chief Steven Hoffman stated that this is a wonderful opportunity and he is working
with the State of Connecticut on building a 4 year curriculum for the public and fire
safety component. Mr. Hoffman said this would help the District access Perkins grants,
etc.
Mr. Sullivan stated that there would be a lottery for students who applied whether or not
the student is from Colchester or out of District.
Ms. Dean asked if they would be dual-enrolled (receive college credits). Ms. Begué said
the District would work toward having the courses college accredited. Ms. Begué said
there would still be regular academic requirements; however, they will look at overlap for
regular coursework and the magnet courses (i.e. Capstone). Ms. Begué stated the District
will define the course requirements very specifically for the magnet school.
Ms. Tracey-Calash asked if there was a scenario where the magnet school was approved
but the building was not. Mr. Sullivan said the state would apply to its Department of
Administrative Services for funding for the building and the state seems very optimistic
that this would be approved. Mr. Sullivan stated that once the building is built, it belongs
to the District even if the magnet school portion closes. Mr. Sullivan stated that he would
not want to start the program until the District knows that the financial component will be
covered by the state. Mr. Sullivan stated that the planned pathways and location are very
appealing to the state. Mr. Rivers stated he is excited about the opportunities it gives
students and carves the pathway into career opportunities beyond the diploma and
potentially to jobs right in Colchester.
6.2 Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) Training
Mr. Sullivan stated that many staff in the District received CSTAG training last week and
introduced Jessica Perreault, School Psychologist at Bacon Academy. Ms. Perreault
presented on CSTAG and the Behavioral Threat Assessment Management (BTAM)
component of the training which includes identification, evaluation, and intervention.
Ms. Perreault said that CSTAG focuses on a team approach including administrators,
mental health staff, SRO, counselors, social workers and psychologists, teachers and
nurses. Ms. Perreault spoke to the two types of threats; transient (not actual intent, joke,
exaggeration, etc.) and substantive (serious, intent to harm someone, not easily resolved,
protection action needed).
Ms. Perreault said CSTAG offers a lot of guidance including safety plan templates,
mental health resources, etc. as well as intervention and identification resources for
students that need support.
Mr. Sullivan thanked Ms. Perreault and Officer Scheel for their work on the CSTAG
training. Mr. Sullivan stated that it is important for families to know that there is a
consistent process that occurs in the District and is grounded in research and training.
Ms. Perreault stated that the training is focused on administrators, school psychologists,
social workers, safety officers, special education staff; those working with our students
closely. Ms. Perreault stated that if a student expresses wanting to harm themselves, that
is handled more by mental health professionals in the school.
6.3 Required Indoor Air Quality Inspections
Andrew Barillari spoke to Indoor Air Quality inspections required by the state which
include two forms; 1) checklists that involve pest management, food services, ventilation,
etc. and 2) HVAC inspection of all schools. Mr. Barillari stated that the HVAC
inspections/testing will be done by an outside vendor such as Trueflow and the first
testing will need to be done by 2025. Mr. Barillari stated that the District is in very good
shape overall and the checklists will be posted on the website after they are approved and
completed. Mr. Rivers stated that there are HVAC needs in the district such as BA. Mr.
Rivers asked about the cost of the new mandated inspections. Mr. Barillari said that this
cost will be approximately $30,000-$40,000 a building. Mr. Sullivan stated that the CT
Association of Public School Superintendents has indicated that there will likely be an
extension in regard to when the inspections are due because contractors will be in high
demand. Mr. Sullivan said there is some concern after the inspections are completed; if
the district does not follow the recommendations from the contractor it could potentially
put students/staff at risk; however, the recommendations may also benefit the vendor who
would then most likely gain the work to fix the recommendations that they put forth.
7. *APPROVAL OF MINUTES
7.1 *Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes of December 12, 2023
Motion by: M.Gignac
To approve the minutes as presented.
Second: C.Rivers
Roll call: D.Antonacci sustained; all others in favor.
Vote: Motion carried.
8. REPORTS FROM BOARD COMMITTEES
8.1 Budget Finance Committee
Mr. Rivers spoke to the December monthly budget report and there are no concerns. Mr.
Rivers also spoke to the quarterly revenue report. Ms. Linkkila said that the quarterly
report is a preliminary format; next quarter it will have only the object codes, which the
state tracks across all school districts, and not organization codes.
Mr. Rivers stated that the HVAC grant was submitted and the District will hopefully hear
back in March on the submission. Mr. Rivers thanked the Board of Selectmen for
holding a special meeting to assist in getting the grant submitted.
Mr. Rivers spoke to the WJJMS building project which was bonded through the state.
Mr. Rivers said that Ms. Linkkila has been doing a lot of work to get this moving forward
and the project is now in the audit phase. Mr. Rivers stated that afterward the state will
reimburse expenses that are applicable (expenses were approximately $5 million for
WJJMS and $360,000 for Pupil Services). Ms. Linkkila stated that the Budget Finance
Committee will continue to review this every month so it stays in the forefront. Mr.
Rivers stated that even though bonding is handled on the townside, the Board wanted it to
move forward so enlisted Ms. Linkkila’s help to do so.
8.2 Curriculum Committee
Donna Antonacci stated that a meeting was held on December 6, 2023. Ms. Kuckel said
the committee worked on the sports medicine curriculum and will have an update for the
Board during the time of program review.
8.3 Facilities Committee
Mr. Rivers and Margo Gignac said the Pride and Purpose Facilities Committee is working
on a comprehensive plan and overall vision for the District.
8.4 Policy Committee
Ms. Antonacci stated she would like to have a meeting this month to continue working on
the 9000 series.
9. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS AND INFORMATION ITEMS
9.1 Next Meetings
Budget Finance Meeting: Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Board of Education Regular Meeting: Tuesday, February 13, 2024
9.2 Personnel Report
Mr. Sullivan stated that we have had 12 hires; 2 resignations. Superintendent Sullivan
stated the District is still looking for custodians and paraprofessionals and M&J also
needs bus drivers.
9.3 Notices of Retirements/Resignations
● Danielle Poirier
● Michelle Marceau
10. PUBLIC COMMENTS
10.1 For Public Comments, Please See Bylaw on Meeting Conduct
Deanna Bouchard, Meadow Drive
Ms. Bouchard asked that the Magnet School presentation be attached online so the citizens
can be aware. Ms. Bouchard stated that there are ramifications of adding a magnet school to
Bacon Academy. Ms. Bouchard said that the Pride and Purpose committees should have
minutes and are required by FOI. Ms. Bouchard said she wanted it to be clear that the money
coming back from the bonding project will go to the town and not the Board of Education.
Margo Gignac thanked Mr. Sullivan on behalf of the Board for his first year of service to the
District and presented him with a card. Mr. Sullivan thanked the Board and said he was very
happy to be in Colchester.
Motion by: M.Gignac
To have a two minute recess
Second: R.Gignac
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
Motion by: A.Oliphant
To return from recess
Second: C.Rivers
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
11. *EXECUTIVE SESSION
11.1 *Local 1303-450 Colchester Office Professionals and Greeters Tentative
Agreement 2024-2028 (Discussion proposed for executive session)
Motion by: M.Gignac
To move into executive session for discussion regarding the Local 1303-450 Colchester
Office Professionals and Greeters Tentative Agreement; inviting in Superintendent Daniel
Sullivan
Second: D.Antonacci
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
Returned to public session at 8:03 PM
12. *POSSIBLE ACTION FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION
12.1 *Local 1303-450 Colchester Office Professionals and Greeters Tentative
Agreement 2024-2028
Motion by: M.Gignac
To approve the Local 1303-450 Colchester Office Professionals and Access Control
Attendants Tentative Agreement
Second: M.Millington
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
13. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by: M.Gignac
To adjourn at 8:04 PM
Second: R.Gignac
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
Respectfully submitted,
Heather R. Petit
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent/Board Clerk