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From: Katherine Kosiba <kmk178@att.net>
Date: Mon, Jan 13, 2020 at 9:44 AM
Subject: New proposed BOE policy on Memorials to Deceased Students and Staff;
comments/suggestions
To: Jeffrey Burt <jburt@colchesterct.org>
Cc: <JPaggioli@colchesterct.gov>, Matthew Peel <mpeel@colchesterct.org>
Dear Jeff,
In September 2019, I wrote to Bacon Academy Principal Matt Peel about my concern for the
condition of the living memorials and surrounding areas on school grounds and asked about
whether the schools/BOE had a policy on their creation and maintenance. The matter was
referred to you for consideration. I am pleased to see a new policy has been developed
regarding memorials and is on the Jan. 14, 2020 BOE meeting agenda for review.
I wanted to provide my comments on the new policy in advance of the meeting, and ask
whether I need to present these at the meeting, or do you present these?
● I would suggest reference to “shrub” be added as an example of a living memorial to
paragraph 2: “The preferred method for permanent memorials to deceased students or
staff is a living memorial, such as a tree or shrub. ” With finite space for additional
plantings, suggesting a shrub is also a suitable and may be a more affordable option,
and the shrub may flower and provide multiple seasons of interest.
● In this time of concern for the environment, I suggest a list be developed with
descriptions of acceptable native trees and shrubs that could be made available for
review towards the selection of a suitable memorial. Shrubs provide the opportunity for
some planned groupings and more options for placement in the landscape. There are
many beautiful natives that can be classified into small, medium and large natives trees,
as well as many beautiful native shrubs of varying sizes and interesting characteristics
suitable for school grounds. Native plants are easily adaptable, normally require less
maintenance and have wildlife/pollinator value. The Colchester Garden Club would
welcome the opportunity to help develop a native tree and shrub list suitable for this
important purpose.
● The policy includes: “Living memorials may be marked with a permanent stone or plaque
indicating the name and relevant information of the person to be memorialized.” Does
BOE, schools or Public Works have sources for the stone or plaque (bronze? metal?
plastic?) so there will be different options at various price points to be affordable in
different situations with a consistency in appearance of different materials. For
illustrative purposes only:
○ https://www.gardenmarker.com/engraved-signs
○ http://www.intbronze.com/
○ http://12hourawards.com/section_castings.htm
● There is reference at the end of the policy: “The District reserves the right to establish
design parameters so that all permanent memorials blend with the architecture or setting
of the facility, and/or blend with existing memorials.” This is important to consider so
visitors can easily locate the memorials rather than walking the entire grounds of a
school, as well as fitting the living memorials into the landscape for appearance and
maintenance. Does the BOE, schools or Public Works have the intention to develop a
high level landscape plan in the near future for each location so it will be in place when a
new memorial is requested? Consider a memorial grove, garden or landscaped area
being preferred to single tree specimens and will allow for more attractive and easily
maintained remembrances. The Colchester Garden Club may be interested in being
part of the development of a high level site plan for each location.
● The policy does not reference anything about the ownership, installation, maintenance
of the living memorial. Is additional wording needed, such as: “The living memorial
and its components will be installed by the Town of Colchester, under the
direction of the Superintendent or his/her designee. Once installed the living
memorial and components become the property and responsibility of [the Town of
Colchester? School? Other?] Is there an administrative policy in place of who
maintains the living memorials (e.g. if tree, who maintains mulched or planted area
around the tree so mower does not hit trunk, who prunes the tree, who replaces if it dies,
etc.)
● The policy does not reference the potential situation of the living memorial being in need
of replacement, which could occur and has; there was a situation I heard of a memorial
tree at Bacon Academy died and needed to be replaced twice which involved the family.
Please let me know if you have any questions or need clarification of any of these points. The
Colchester Garden Club has members with Master Gardener Certifications from UConn
Extension, members with other advanced degrees related to horticulture, as well as many
experienced gardeners. The Colchester Garden Club may be a resource if the BOE, schools
or Public Works decide to develop plans, supplemental information or administrative practices
related to the new policy that we can discuss further if you may like to engage us.
I will be attending the BOE meeting tomorrow, and look forward to the discussion on this new
policy from the board. Thank you.
Warm regards
Katherine M. Kosiba
Colchester Garden Club, President
Advanced Master Gardener, UConn Extension
Community Wildlife Habitat of Colchester
860-267-4471 kmk178@att.net