BOEspmtg20April2020

Board of Education
April 20, 2020 – Special Meeting
Remote Zoom Meeting

MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Mary Tomasi, Vice Chair Chris McGlynn, Suesen Hickey,
Amy Domeika at 4:26 pm., Jessica Morozowich, Joanne Rose.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mitchell Koziol.

ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Jeffrey Burt, Bacon Academy Principal
Matthew Perry, Bacon Academy Assistant Principal Melissa Cyr, William J. Johnston Middle
School Principal Chris Bennett, William J. Johnston Middle School Assistant Principal Dr. Stacy
Ewing, Jack Jackter Intermediate School Principal Elise Butson, Colchester Elementary School
Principal Judy O’Meara, Director of Teaching and Learning Charles Hewes, Director of Pupil
Services and Special Education Kathleen Perry, Assistant Director of Special Education Rebecca
Lopes, Information Technology Director of Digital Learning and Innovation Darren Smith,
Director of Education Operations Mario Hurtado, Director of Human Resources Shannon
Ramsby, Chief Financial Officer Maggie Cosgrove.

OTHERS PRESENT: First Selectman Mary Bylone, Board of Finance Chairman Robert
Tarlov.


1. MEETING OPENING
   1.1 Call to Order
       Chair Tomasi called this Special Meeting to order at 4:06 pm. A roll call was held to
       establish attendance – Chair M. Tomasi, C. McGlynn, S. Hickey, J. Morozowich. J. Rose.
       were in attendance for a quorum.

2. PUBLIC COMMENT
   2.1 Citizens were invited to address the Board by emailing boardquestions@colchesterct.org
       or in written form to Colchester Board of Education, 127 Norwich Avenue, Suite 202,
       Colchester, Connecticut 06415. Public questions entered at least one hour prior to the start
       of the meeting were addressed if in regard to an agenda item. Other questions were
       answered in writing and added to the minutes of the meeting.

       No comments were received.

3. REPORT FROM SUPERINTENDENT
   3.1 Update on Distance Learning
       Superintendent Burt provided an update on how distance learning is being received
       and the impact on students and teachers. Students are engaged and teachers are reaching
       out to their students. Discussions have been held on the long term impact and what the
       long term plan is for the future. A link has been set up with the digital backpack for
       feedback.

 A. Domeika joined the meeting during the update.
Board of Education
April 20, 2020 – Special Meeting
4. PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
   4.1 Approval to received PEGPETIA Technology Grant
       Public Education and Governmental Programming and Education Technology Investment
       Account Program Pursuant to Public Act 07-253
       The District applied and received a grant from the above State program in the amount of
       $64,700. This grant will go towards an equipment upgrade to the audio system at Bacon
       Academy auditorium and an audio system for Board of Education meetings.
       Motion by: A. Domeika
       that the Colchester Public School Board of Education accept the PEGPETIA Technology
       Grant fund in the amount of $64,700.
       Second by: J. Rose.
       Vote:        Unanimous to approve by those present.

  4.2 Discussion of Proposed 2020-2021 Education Budget
      Superintendent Burt stated after four months of work the Board of Education presented
      the 2020/2021 BOE budget to the Board of Finance last week as a 2.99% increase over
      the current budget. Amid uncertain times with economic concerns, Superintendent Burt
      would like the Administration to take time to further review the budget. It may be
      necessary to move amounts around while waiting for financial information from the State
      and Town. Information is needed from the transportation companies as well.
      Superintendent Burt suggested the Board give a percentage or amount to work with to
      redo the budget.

      Superintendent Burt presented Proposed and Priority Reductions to the Board members
      for discussion. The Proposed and Priority Reductions are attached.
      Motion by: J. Morozowich
      to request the Administration to reduce the proposed 2020/2021 budget from a 2.99%
      increase to a 1.43% increase over the 2019/2020 Board of Education budget.
      Second by: C. McGlynn.
      Vote:        Unanimous to approve by roll call vote by those present.

5. ADJOURNMENT
   Chair Tomasi adjourned this Special Meeting at 6:05 pm.

Respectfully submitted,


Mary Jane Slade
Recording Secretary




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