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SA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
a PRS,
COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
6:00 PM
William J. Johnston Middle School BlackBox Theatre
MINUTES —
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT : Chair Donna Antonacci, Vice-Chair Christopher Rivers, Secretary
Margo Gignac, Alexander Oliphant, Michelle Millington, and Stefanie Tracey-Calash.
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT : Superintendent Daniel P. Sullivan, III, Assistant Superintendent
Jessica L. Kuckel, Director of Pupil Services Eve Hurley, Assistant Director of Pupil Services Rebecca
Tedesco, Bacon Academy (BA) Principal Amy Begué, BA Assistant Principal Jennifer Martin, BA
Assistant Principal Michael Mal, Colchester Elementary School (CES) Assistant Principal Kelly Bahre.
OTHERS PRESENT : Director of Finance and Operations Rachel Linkkila, Instructional Technology
Coordinator Barbara Johnson, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Alyssa Fratoni, Director of
Educational Operations Andrew Barillari, Student Board Member Abigail Stillwell, Student Board
Member Toheed Usman.
1. .MEETING OPENING
11. Call to Order
D.Antonacci called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM
12 Roll Call
All Board Members present except R.Gignac.
1.3 Pledge of Allegiance
2. *ADDITIONS / CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
2.1, *New Agenda Item
Motion by: D.Antonacci
Motion to add policy changes to Agenda Item 10
Second: S.Tracey-Calash
Roll Cail: Ali in favor
Vote: Motion carried
3. RECOGNITIONS
3.1. Vision of a Colchester Learner Presentation
CES Assistant Principal Bahre, WJ Library Media Specialist Lane, BA Teacher Emery and BA
Student Cora gave the presentation from the work over the summer that they and others from across
the district did to outline what makes our school community unique. They defined the 7 attributes
that a Colchester Learner should have once they leave our schools. Those 7 are Confident and Self
Aware, Curious and Creative Thinker, Effective Communicator, Collaborative Contributor, Problem
Solver, Integrity, and Empathetic and Kind. The next steps are to communicate with staff for a
uniform roll out and develop checklists and rubrics to measure student growth.
4. STUDENT BOARD MEMBER REPORT
4.1. | Report from Student Board Members
The school year began with Senior Sunrise, followed by a First Day Club celebration featuring
a pep rally, food trucks, and activities. .
Fall sports are underway - volleyball has ‘two wins, and cross country placed second at the
Blue Dragon meet. Upcoming soccer and football games include a home football game this
Saturday. :
Picture day for underclassmen and staff was September 4; senior portraits are taking place
this week. Yearbooks are now on sale.
Clubs such as student council and peer mentoring have begun meeting. Eastern credit is free
this year, with many AP classes offering both AP and Eastern credit. Classes are progressing
smoothly, and students are settling into routines with a positive start to the year.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
5.1. _ For Public Comments, please see Policy 1120 Public Comment and Correspondence at
Board Meetings
None.
6. REPORT FROM SCHOOL LIAISONS
6.1. CES
Students.are excited to be back and.adjusting well. The school’s mantra-—take care of yourself,
each other, and our school-is being embraced. Staff have also. adopted “Fun Fridays” to build school
spirit.
6.2. JJIS
Nothing to report.
63. WJIMS
A walk through was done with the new building admin before the start of school. Keeping an
eye on some preventative maintenance work that will be needing attention soon.
64. BA
Nothing to report.
7. *CONSENT AGENDA
7.1. *Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of August 19, 2025
Motion by: C.Rivers
Motion to approve Consent Agenda
Second: M.Millington
Roll Call: Ail in favor
Vote: Motion carried
7.2. *Approval of WJ Field Trip to NY in April
See 7.1
73. *Approval of JJIS Disposal Request
See 7.1
8. REPORT FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
8.1. Opening of School
The year has started off well. Colchester Police increased presence at all schools to reassure
the community after a recent tragedy. The town ensured safe passage for student walkers after the
walking bridge went out. All schools opened fully staffed—thanks to the admin team and central
office for successful hiring.
9
8.2. Facilities Update
8.2a Review of Capital Plan
Cc. Rivers asked to update documentation with progress and obtain a true estimate for
completion of tasks on the Capital Plan.
A. Barillari reported the Fire Alarm system at CES is at end of life; vendors are providing
quotes, and grant options are being explored.
Discussion on disposal of the Portables at BA due to health and safety concerns and
future needs for students and staff. C. Rivers requested options (need vs. no need, leasing vs.
owning). A. Begue and A. Barillari will follow up.
8.2b Indoor Air Quality
A.Barillari reported that annual testing requirements have been budgeted, with costs
based on each building’s square footage. The goal is. to complete one school per year. The
same grant as the HVAC grant applies. Assessments are included in the budget, but repair
costs are not.
8.2c BA HVAC
A.Barillari reports that Demo work begins 9/15. Parts are ordered and expected in
roughly four weeks. A walkthrough will be scheduled to review the layout before cold weather
sets in. New heat pumps will support the aging heating system. Regular updates will continue
to be shared with the community.
8.2d BA Roof
Efforts continue to keep the roof dry, but replacement is needed soon to avoid safety
hazards.
8.2e Personnel Update
Hired maintainer Jacob Richards, a licensed gas professional with 20+ years of
mechanical experience. He is a Colchester resident with children in the schools.
REPORT FROM COMMITTEES : A
9.1. Budget Finance Committee ,
C.Rivers discussed the end of year transfers and stated that. we are looking at roughly $50
remaining as we close out the fiscal year 2025.
10.
9.2. Curriculum Committee
Meeting in October.
93. Facilities Committee
A meeting has not been scheduled yet.
9.4. Policy Committee
.Policy changes in the next section of the agenda.
POLICY CHANGES
10.1. 4000 Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Free Workplace
Motion by: M.Gignac
Motion to approve non-substantive changes to all policies presented tonight
Second: C.Rivers
Roll Call: Ail in Favor
Vote: Motion Carried
10.2. 4000 Bloodborne Pathogens :
10.3. 4000 Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness for Intramural and Interscholastic Athletics
10.4. 4218.4 Surveillance on School Property
10.5. 4000 Concussion Management and Training for Athletic Coaches
10.6. 4000 Use and Disclosure of Criminal Justice Information
10.7. 4000 Suspension / Administrative Leave
10.8. | 4000 Concepts and Roles in Personnel
11. *PRIORITY DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
11.1. Cafeteria Supervisors Union Contract
The self-funded program’s contract is up for renewal. After review of comparable schools, a
3-year contract with a market adjustment is recommended. The structure includes four managers
and a stipend director position, aligning with other programs. No budget impact is expected for the
next few years.
Motion by: C.Rivers
Motion to approve going forward with the Cafeteria Supervisors: Union Contract
Second: A.Oliphant
Roll Call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
11.2... Special Education Update
E.Hurley reported on éfforts to meet student needs while promoting greater independence.
Transitioning students to regular buses. when possible is saving money and supporting peer
integration.
11.3. District Goals
Motion by: M.Gignac
Motion to adopt the presented goals for the 2025-2026 school year
Second: S.Tracey-Calash
Roll Call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
12. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS / INFORMATION ITEMS
12.1. Items of Correspondence -
Secretary M.Gignac summarized the two items:of correspondence received. The first from
Michael Dubreuil, stating that he is outraged at the Boards about budget and accountability. The
second from Rayna Northcutt, a parent at CES, who praised the staff for how well the transition into
pre-k went for her child.
12.2. Next Meeting
The next Regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
13. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by: M.Gignac
Motion to adjourn.
Second: C.Rivers
Roll Call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
D.Antonacci adjourned the meeting at 8:00 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Alyssa Fratoni
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent