BOEspmtgAPRIL272020

Board of Education
April 27, 2020 – Special Meeting
Webinar Video/Audio

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mitchell Koziol.

ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Jeffrey Burt, Principal Colchester Elementary
School Principal Judy O’Meara, Jack Jackter Intermediate School Principal Elise Butson, Director
of Teaching and Learning Charles Hewes, Director of Pupil Services and Special Education
Kathleen Perry, 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.

1. MEETING OPENING
   1.1 Call to Order
       Chair Tomasi called this Special Meeting to order at 5:04 pm with a roll call to establish
       attendance – M. Tomasi, C. McGlynn, A. Domeika, S. Hickey, J. Morozowich, J. Rose for
       a quorum.

2. PUBLIC COMMENT
   2.1 Citizens are 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, CT 06415. Public questions entered at least one hour prior to the start of the
       meeting will be addressed if in regard to an agenda item. Other questions will be
       answered in writing and added to the minutes of the meeting.
       No questions were received prior to the meeting.

       The comments below were from citizens calling into the meeting:

       Deanna Bouchard stated appreciation for the work the Board members and Administration
       have done with this budget.

       Vin Rose said thank you for the process, but keep in mind, cuts in this budget will have
       long term effects.

       Cathy Ryan appreciated the work done on the budget and commented on the positions
       being postponed.

3. PRIORITY DISCUSSION/POSSIBLE ACTION ITEM
   3.1 Discussion of Proposed 2020-2021 Education Budget
       Superintendent Burt reviewed the proposed reductions being presented for a .08% decrease.
       The proposed reductions are attached to these minutes.

       Superintendent Burt said he would like to bring a general number to the Board of Finance
       and then work with the Administration to arrive at a final number. This is unlike a typical
       year with so much unknown information – potential funds from CARES ACT, requirements
Board of Education
April 27, 2020 – Special Meeting
       to allow opening of school, in May or September, potential for summer school, possible
       union changes. There is so much uncertainty with circumstances and/or future requirements.
       A general number would allow for more flexibility as conditions become known.

       Superintendent Burt reviewed the current proposed reduction line items with Board members.
       Discussion followed.

       An additional meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, for further discussion.


       Citizens offered the following comments:

       Ian Lilly stated his concern is quality of life for the long term.

       Deanna Bouchard noted that in a past budget negotiations with the unions resulted in
       savings and asked if that could be considered.

       Monica Swyden questioned possible position reduction.

       Meaghan Kehoegreen stated an .08% increase is reasonable and will maintain services
       for the students.

       State Representative Brian Smith commended those involved with the budget and felt a
       zero percent increase would be difficult.

       Christos Alevras stated he appreciated the hard work involved and he supports the teachers
       but could not support a zero increase budget.

4. ADJOURNMENT
   Chair Tomasi adjourned this Special Meeting at 6:49 pm.

Respectfully submitted,


Mary Jane Slade
Recording Secretary




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