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COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
Colchester, CT
BUDGET COMMITTEE - SPECIAL MEETING
Thursday, September 9, 2021
BOE Budget Committee Special Meeting 10:00AM
Virtual Meeting via Zoom
MINUTES
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Jessica Morozowich, Joanne Rose
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Jeffrey Burt, CFO Maggie Cosgrove,
Director of Pupil Services and Special Education Kathleen Perry
OTHERS PRESENT: BOE Chair Mary Tomasi, BOF Liaison Michael Egan, Executive
Assistant to the Superintendent Amy Trinnaman
1. CALL TO ORDER
1.1 Call to Order
Chair Morozowich called the meeting to order at 10:03AM.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
2.1 Public Comment
None.
3. *APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4.1 Approval of June 17, 2021 Minutes
Motion by: J. Rose
To approve the minutes of the June 17, 2021 Budget Committee meeting
Second by: J. Morozowich
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: J. Rose, J. Morozowich
4. *PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
4.1 Budget Process Discussion
Superintendent Burt discussed the 2022-2023 budget process. Mr. Burt will start budget
discussions with District administrators beginning in October. Discussion of accounts
that fluctuate - specifically salary lines, fuel costs, and special education - ensued.
Budget goals, priorities, and assumptions are being discussed now in preparation. To
help the community understand specific aspects of the BOE budget and the budget
process, the Superintendent will share a series of brief, topical videos on the District
website.
5. BUDGET REPORTS
5.1 Monthly Budget Reports
CFO Maggie Cosgrove shared three budget reports, including the fiscal year-end report
through June 30, 2021. This is the final (unaudited) budget report for the school year
2020-2021. CFO Cosgrove provided an explanation of several budget lines as well as
an overview of accounting procedures.
J. Rose commended the District on such careful budget planning; Chair Morozowich
concurred.
5.2 Cafeteria Fund
Last fiscal year’s Cafeteria Fund report was presented. CFO Cosgrove highlighted that
the federal reimbursement rate was significantly different than in past years because we
were operating under a different meals program (currently the Seamless Summer Option
of free meals). The federal government has since raised the reimbursement rate.
Superintendent Burt shared that we expect the meals program will generate revenue this
year from a-la-carte sales.
5.3 Health Insurance Reserve
We had significantly fewer stop-loss claims this year, possibly due to COVID-19’s
impact on the ability to have elective procedures. At the recommendation of Lockton,
CPS will continue to follow a funding methodology that will not make budget
adjustments based on one unusual year.
5.4 Special Education Excess Cost Report (Not at this time)
5.5 Use of Schools
CFO Cosgrove presented the Use of Schools report through June 30, 2021 Restrictions
are in place if students are present, but individual groups are beginning to utilize the
space offered by our schools. The current mask mandate is in effect.
5.6 Capital Reserve
CFO Cosgrove presented the Capital Reserve Fund as of June 30, 2021.
5.7 Budget Transfers Under $5,000
None.
6. OLD BUSINESS
6.1 Update on Federal Grants
We have been approved for the ESSERII/ARPA grant. Some adjustments have been
made to ensure that use of funds is in alignment with CPS needs. PreK transportation is
included as part of our transportation agreement with M&J.
7. *NEW BUSINESS
7.1 Discussion on Budget Committee Meeting Times
Chair Morozowich proposed no change in time until new BOE/Budget Committee
members are onboarded. This item is tabled.
8. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NEW ISSUES RAISED OR SUBJECTS DEVELOPED
9.1 Public Comment
BOF Liaison M. Egan shared his experience being involved in the decision to set the
time for the Budget Committee to mornings. He also commented on funding of the
Health Insurance Reserve.
9. ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 11:00AM.