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Board of Education
June 8, 2021 – Regular Meeting
Zoom Meeting
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Mary Tomasi, Vice Chair Chris McGlynn, Amy Domeika, Suesen
Hickey, Jessica Morozowich, Joanne Rose, Student Member Shannon Hickey.
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Jeffrey Burt, Bacon Academy Principal Matt
Peel, Colchester Elementary School Principal Judy O’Meara, Jack Jackter Intermediate School
Principal Elise Butson, William J. Johnston Middle School Principal Chris Bennett, Director of Pupil
Services and Special Education Kathleen Perry, Director of Teaching and Learning Charles Hewes,
Director of Education Operations Mario Hurtado, Director of Human Resources Shannon Ramsbury,
Chief Financial Officer M. Cosgrove.
1. MEEETING OPENING
1.1 Call to Order
Chair Mary Tomasi called the Board of Education meeting to order at 6:00 pm with a roll
call to establish a quorum.
2. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
No additions were requested.
3. RECOGNITIONS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
3.1 Honoring Our Retirees
School Principals introduced and extended appreciation to the following retirees from
Colchester Public Schools:
COLCHESTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
Frances Bysko
Mary Gagnon
Anne Lemke
WILLIAM J. JOHNSTON MIDDLE SCHOOL:
Sharon Hatch-Duffy
Les Kershnar
Cynthia Riordan
Suzanne Windsor
BACON ACADEMY:
Carol Johansen
Christopher Juhl
Diana Matsuzaki
Nancy VanZander
The retirees were surprised earlier with flowers and gifts from the Board of Education.
3.2 CPS welcomes Elisa Fabiszak as Assistant Director of Pupil Services and Special Education.
Jeffrey Burt, Superintendent of the Colchester Public Schools, is pleased to announce the
appointment of Elisa Fabiszak as the next Assistant Director of Pupil Services and Special
Education for the Colchester Public Schools.“I am grateful that Mrs. Fabiszak will be joining
our team of dedicated administrators. She and Director Kathleen Perry will make an
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June 8, 2021 – Regular Meeting
outstanding Pupil Services and Special Education team, working collaboratively to support
instructional staff and provide exceptional programming for all of our students,” said Mr.
Burt. Elisa has
been an educator for more than 13 years, and brings a variety of experiences to Colchester.
She began working in Glastonbury Public Schools as a School Psychologist in 2008. In her
role, she supports teachers in creating inclusive classrooms where students are inspired, think
critically, and work collaboratively with their peers in order to problem solve with a growth
mindset.
Throughout her career, she has supported special education students at the elementary,
middle school, and high school levels. She has extensive background and understanding
of special education law and 504 plans, as well in-depth knowledge of academic and
social/emotional development for students with a wide range of disabilities.
In addition to direct classroom experience, Elisa also has extensive experience, in both
private practice and hospital inpatient settings, supporting families and students with
significant mental health needs and disabilities.
Mrs. Fabiszak holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Central Connecticut
State University, a Masters of Science degree and a 6th Year certificate in School
Psychology from the University of Hartford, and an 092 certificate in Intermediate
Administration and Supervision from Sacred Heart University.
Mrs. Fabiszak will start as Colchester Public Schools’ new Assistant Director of Pupil
Services and Special Education on July 1, 2021. Mrs. Fabiszak will replace Rebecca
Lopes, who will begin her role as Director of Pupil Services and Special Education in
Putnam Public Schools.
3.3 Honoring Bacon Academy’s Valedictorian, Salutatorian Gilbert Lamb Essayist
Congratulations to the following Bacon Academy students:
Valedictorian Sara Rosenthal will be attending the University of Connecticut.
Salutatorian Ashley Clark will be attending Thomas Jefferson University.
Gilbert Lamb Essayist Shannon Hickey will be attending Marist College.
The Colchester Board of Education wished all the best to the students in their future endeavors.
3.4 Recognition of Graduating Student BOE Member Shannon Hickey
The Board of Education extends their gratitude to Shannon Hickey for her outstanding
contribution to the Board of Education and Colchester Public Schools. Thank you, Shannon!
Shannon will be attending Marist College in the Fall. The Board wished Shannon all the
best.
3.5 Welcoming New Student BOE Member: Ryan Moores
The Board of Education is so pleased to welcome Bacon Academy Sophomore Ryan Moores
as the new student member of the Board. Ryan will be serving on the BOE alongside rising
Senior Evelyn Toennes. The Board welcomed Ryan.
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June 8, 2021 – Regular Meeting
3.6 Janice Passacantando’s Award for Continuing Education
The Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
has granted a 1st Award for Continuing Education. Mrs. Janice E. Passacantando joins a select
group of individuals who have made a concerted, personal effort to continue professional
learning beyond an academic degree.
3.7 Madeline Ives’ Winning Video
WJJMS student Madeline Ives won the Best in State prize for the best video in Connecticut
for her video, “Save Our Planet: Reduce Our Carbon Footprint.”
She was awarded this prize through the World of 7 Billion student video contest.
3.8 Ethan LoVetere’s Coding Competition Win
WJJMS's Ethan LoVetere was selected as a Round 1 Winner in the "Voice Is Power" Coding
Competition. The experience lets students examine how music, computer science, and
entrepreneurship pathways promote racial equity. He used his Python programming skills to
mix a song that encourages social change.
Ethan was the only winner from Connecticut and will be getting an Amazon gift card for
his winning entry.
3.9 Matthew Parsons, District Tutor Coordinator
Colchester Public Schools responded swiftly to the demand for student support caused by
the impact of COVID19 by developing, from scratch, a district-wide virtual tutoring
program for students in grades K-12. Mr. Matthew Parsons, math teacher at Bacon
Academy, in his role of District Tutor Coordinator, worked with the administrative team
to develop a tutoring system that included 26 tutors serving more than 70 students.
From February to May, our tutors met consistently with these students for nearly two
hours each week to provide an intensive supplement to our core curriculum. Under Mr.
Parson's leadership, tutors were trained to work alongside students and the faculty to pre-
teach or supplement instruction in order to "accelerate learning". In all cases, our tutors
were innovative in their approach, finding ways to connect with students virtually,
designing learning experiences that supported the individual needs of students, and to
create a bridge between school and home that supported the child.
With overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, the tutoring program assisted our
students get "back-on-track" with their learning, and close gaps caused by interruptions to
instruction between March 2020 and January 2021. Colchester Public Schools is proud to
celebrate the leadership of Mr. Parsons and the innovation and dedication of each and
every tutor on our team.
Heather Petit, Teaching & Learning Office Professional, was instrumental in facilitating
District tutoring efforts.
The Board thanked M. Parsons and H. Petit for all that they have done to support students.
3.10 JJIS Courtyard Beautification
The BOE recognized the following members of the CPS/Colchester community for donating
time and materials for the JJIS courtyard beautification project:
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June 8, 2021 – Regular Meeting
Melinda Machalick- Wind chimes
Mrs. Festa- flowers, dirt and gloves
Shannon Baier- slate and mulch
Cheryl Whipple- pots, water cans, knee pads
Annamarie Cwikla- various garden decorations
Karen Serrenho- chair plant holders, garden décor
Diane Cook- clay pots, wind chimes, bird feeder
Sylvia Delson- spider plants
Jane Forcellina Willson- plastic pots
Megan Lapointe- bricks
Janet Kizer- birdseed
Deborah Pothier- garden kit
Jennifer Magrey- fertilizer, soil, knee cushion
Mrs. Guinan- garden décor, potting soil
Jacqueline Lucco- chair cushions
Annette Gauthier Parker- wood signs
Theresa Eldrege Cleary- garden supplies
3.11 Book Fairs
Sales data from the JJIS Book Fair:
Total Sales: $9424.61
Books Sold: 1521
Cash Profit: $2250
Scholastic Dollars Earned: $212.31
Sales data from the CES Book Fair:
Profit for the school: $2500
Scholastic money made: $900
144 books were purchased for the school between the classrooms and the library.
50 Free books (last year's profits) were given to kids.
3.12 Bacon Academy Courtyard Beautification
Bacon Academy students Shannon Hickey, Jamie Greene, Victoria Violette, and Abigail
Burke beautified the Bacon Academy courtyard with help from Colchester Garden Club
President Katherine Kosiba and BOE member Suesan Hickey.
3.13 Bacon Academy National Honor Society Recognized by Connecticut Association of Schools
Bacon Academy National Honor Society Students Shannon Hickey, Jamie Greene, and
Victoria Violette received a citizenship award from the Connecticut Association of Schools
The State Student Advisory Council on Education and the Commissioner of Education
selected “Bacon Academy NHS Gives Back” as a statewide winner in the Challenge to
Educational Citizenship Award Program
Bacon Academy’s chapter of the National Honor Society creates enthusiasm for
scholarship, promotes leadership, develops character, and most importantly kindles a
desire to serve our community. This past school year, our chapter of 25 students has
collectively completed a total of 271.5 hours of service and supported 1,000 individuals
throughout Colchester. Projects we have pursued include: a tutoring program for students
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June 8, 2021 – Regular Meeting
district-wide, organizing trash-cleanups along Norwich Ave, advocating for a local small
business, supporting a local nursing home by organizing a holiday gift drive (200 gifts,
wrapped and delivered). Additionally, we are currently completing a courtyard cleanup
project.
3.14 CPS Custodian Appreciation
Director of Education Operations read a letter written to the Board commending the custodial
staff for their work and commitment to the students and staff throughout the last year.
3.1 CPS Cafeteria workers Appreciation
Director of Education Operations read a letter written to the Board thanking the cafeteria workers
for working long hours even through the summer months cooking and serving meals.
3.16 JJIS/CES Music and Visual Arts Department-concert
A short video was shown to the Board members with a full version available on the
website.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Jeff Koonankeil spoke about an incident that happened in school with his child that he mentioned
last month and commented on diversity.
Lisa Johnson spoke about the work being done with the Ad-Hoc Diversity Committee and is asking
for a serious commitment to this committee’s work.
5. REPORT FROM SUPERINTENDENT
5.1 Pandemic Update
Superintendent Burt stated he has had no further update. Weekly health department meetings will
be winding down and it will be status quo for now. The return to normal will depend on the
vaccination rate and at this time Superintendent Burt is waiting for guidance for the beginning of
school in the fall.
5.2 Federal Grants Update
Elementary and Secondary Emergency School Relief Fund Under the American Rescue Plan
known as the ESSER-ARP is for $2,270,789 in total. There is specific guidance for use of
these funds. At this time, information is being gathered for development of the grant.
5.3 2021-2022 Budget Updates
Superintendent Burt noted that the budget referendum is set for June 15, 2021.
5.4 Communications
Michael Dubreuil sent two letters regarding students use of masks outside.
6. POLICIES/REGULATIONS FOR FIRST READING -None at this time
7. PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
7.1 2021-2022 Budget Adjustment
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June 8, 2021 – Regular Meeting
The BOE budget was reduced by the BOF in the amount of $275,000 and $364,175, for a
total of $639,175. The BOE previously discussed possible areas of reduction for $275,000
at a special meeting in April 2021. The Superintendent presented additional suggestions for
reductions for the $364,175 additional amount.
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to approve recommendation of the 2021-2022 budget adjustments.
Second by: J. Rose.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
7.2 Additional Kindergarten Teacher
Based on enrollment projections for Kindergarten of 174 students the approved BOE
budget for 2021-22 raised the number of K sections from 8 to 9. At this time it is likely
the Kindergarten enrollment will exceed the maximum number of students for 9 sections
of 180 and an additional section, for a total of 10, is recommended at this time. This
addition may be temporarily funded by a grant if necessary.
Motion by: C. McGlynn
to approve the hiring of an additional Kindergarten teacher.
Second by: M. Koziol.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
7.3 Paraprofessionals Position Description
This position description has been updated by Dr. Hewes.
Motion by: A. Domeika
to approve the updated Paraprofessionals Position Description as presented.
Second by: S. Hickey.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
7.4 Long-Range Capital Improvement Overview
The Superintendent and the Director of Educational Operations presented a long-range capital
improvement plan that focuses on major mechanical systems and roofing.
amounts
7.5 Human Resources Software Improvements
This item was tabled.
7.6. Stipend positions under APRA Grant
This item was tabled.
8. GRANTS/OTHER FINANCIALS
8.1 Budget Transfer Over $5,000: Curriculum (CES Wonders Reading Program)
Motion by: J. Rose
to approve the budget transfer request for $24,568 for the reading program
from the electrical account.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
8.2 Budget Transfer Over $5,000: CES Roofing
8.3 Budget Transfer Over $5,000: JJIS Roofing
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Board of Education
June 8, 2021 – Regular Meeting
8.4 Budget Transfer Over $5,0000: WJJMS Long-Range Maintenance
8.5 Budget Transfer Over $5,000: Bacon Academy Building Repairs
These transfers are possible due to savings in electricity because of reduced usage during the
pandemic.
Motion by: S. Hickey
to approve the above requested transfers – CES roofing $50,000, JJIS Roofing $50,000,
WJJMS Long Range Maintenance for $10,000 to the reserve account
Second by: J. Morozowich.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
8.6 1330 Use of School Facilities: Fee Schedule for 2021-2022
Motion by: C. McGlynn
to approve 1330 Use of School Facilities: Fee Schedule for 2021-2022 as presented.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
9. CURRICULUM/INSTRUCTION/ASSESSMENT – None at this time
10. POLICIES/REGULATIONS FOR A SECOND READING
10.1 3240P Tuition Fees
This policy will be revised to allow for minor clarifications and be on a future agenda for action.
11. NON-SUBSTANTIVE POLICIES – None at this time
12. CONSENT AGENDA
12.1 Bacon Academy Library Media Center (LMC) Request for Disposal
Motion by: J. Rose
to approve the request from Bacon Academy LMC for Disposal of Obsolete Materials.
Second by: M. Koziol.
Motion and second rescinded.
Motion by: J. Rose
to approve the request from Bacon Academy LMC for Disposal of Obsolete Materials offering
the materials to teachers, students and donations to ReRead Books.
Second by: M. Koziol.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
13. REPORTS FROM BOARD COMMITTEES
13.1 Policy – no report
13.2 Budget- J. Morozowich reported that the Cafeteria fund was a net loss of $65,000 but with
end of year savings, the fund will be made whole with a clean slate for next year.
13.3 Personnel – no report
13.4 Ad-Hoc Curriculum – no report
13.5 Ad-Hoc Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – J. Rose said the last of five training sessions,
thanking the Board for funding the sessions that
were well attended. Meetings will resume in July.
14 REPORTS FROM BOARD LIAISONS
1. BA Project Grad Liaison
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June 8, 2021 – Regular Meeting
2. Board of Finance Liaison
3. Board of Selectmen Liaison
4. Building Committee Liaison
5. Collaborative for Colchester’s Children (C3) Liaison
6. Commission on Aging
7. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Liaison – J. Rose noted the Town Diversity Ad-Hoc Committee is
preparing a proposal to present to the BOS in July.
8. Fire Department Liaison
9. Parks & Recreation Liaison
10. Police Commission Liaison
11. PTO Collaborative Liaison
12. School Readiness Council Liaison
13. Senior Center Liaison
14. Youth & Social Services Liaison – S. Hickey said Youth First is offering training for a grant.
15. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS and INFORMATION ITEMS
15.1 Budget Calendar (updated May 19, 2021
15.2 Next Meetings
MEETING DATE TIME LOCATION
Budget Committee June 17, 2021 9:00 AM Virtual
Board of Education July 13, 2021 6:00 PM Virtual
Policy Committee TBD (July) 5:30 PM Virtual
Personnel Committee September 13, 2021 5:30 PM Virtual
DEI Committee TBD Virtual
15.3 Monthly Student Enrollment for June 2021 is 2203.
15.4 Approved Committee Meeting Minutes
1. Policy Committee: April 22, 2021
2. Budget Committee: May 6, 2021
3. Personnel Committee: March 1, 2021
15.5 Monthly Budget Reports
15.6 Cafeteria Funds
15.7 Budget Transfers Under $5,000 – None at this time
15.8 Notices of Retirement/Resignation
- Diana Matsuzaki
- Carol Johansen
15.9 Regulations – None at this time
16. PUBLIC COMMENT – no comments received.
17. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to go into Executive Session to discuss a Request for a Leave of Absence and to invite
Superintendent Burt and Director of Human Resources Shannon Ramsby into the session.
Second by: C. McGlynn.
Vote: Unanimous to approve. Time: 8:41 pm.
Chair Tomasi brought the Board out of Executive Session at 8:45 pm.
Action below.
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June 8, 2021 – Regular Meeting
18. POSSIBLE ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION ACTION
Motion by: M. Koziol
to approve the Leave of Absence request.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
19. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Tomasi adjourned this Regular Meeting at 8:46 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Jane Slade
Recording Secretary
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