Machine-extracted text of a publicly
posted document, provided for reference and search. The original document at
the link above is authoritative.
Board of Education
January 12, 2021 – Regular Meeting
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Mary Tomasi, Amy Domeika, Suesen Hickey, Jessica Morozowich,
Joanne Rose.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Vice Chair Chris McGlynn, Mitch Koziol.
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Jeffrey Burt, Bacon Academy Principal Matt
Peel, 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, Director of Education Operations Mario Hurtado,
Director of Human Resources Shannon Ramsby, Director of Technology Darren Smith, Chief
Financial Officer Maggie Cosgrove.
OTHERS PRESENT: Board of Finance Liaison Mike Eagan.
1. MEETING OPENING
1.1 Call to Order
Chair Mary Tomasi called this Regular Meeting to order at 6:01 pm with a roll
call to establish a quorum.
2. ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
None requested.
3. RECOGNITIONS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
3.1. Recognition of Teachers’ Completion of Intensive Reading Training
The Board of Education would like to recognize the following teachers for completing
intensive reading training:
• WJJMS teachers Mark Hanney, Laura Hamlin, and Brie Vess recently participated
in Orton Gillingham (OG) structured literacy training. This structured literacy
approach introduced the idea of breaking reading and spelling down into smaller
skills involving letters and sounds, and then building on these skills over time.
OG also pioneered the multisensory approach to teaching reading, which is a
common component of effective literacy programs. This means that instructors use
sight, hearing, touch, and movement to help students connect language with letters
and words.
• Bacon Academy teachers Michael Orfao and Heather Rettig for attended a three-day
Wilson Reading System (WRS) overview training. They are both now doing the
Wilson certification course, which is a course that deepens teachers’ content
knowledge while providing a supervised practicum that allows teachers to apply and
practice skillful use of research-based strategies. WRS provides the background
knowledge of dyslexia and reading acquisition, as well as an overview of intensive
instruction and the high quality program implementation needed to effectively begin
teaching the Wilson Reading System® curriculum. Course topics include the
integrated and systematic study of phonology, morphology, and orthography, student
1
Board of Education
January 12, 2021 – Regular Meeting
identification, placement and progress, principles of structured literacy and
multisensory instruction, as well as lesson planning and delivery.
3.2 Recognition of Website Committee
The BOE would like to recognize the following members of the Website Committee for
their efforts over the last year to re-envision a district website that ensures families,
students, staff, and community can easily find critical district and school resources. This
team consists of CPS staff, parents, students, and BOE members:
Alexis Jados
Amy Begue
Amy Trinnaman
Annette Tamburrino
Charles Hewes
Cindy Noniewicz
Barbara Johnson
Darren Smith
Dawn Shea
Geri Dineen
Jennifer Welborn
Kadyn Landry
Mallory Scherff
Marlene Blumberger
Matthew Parsons
Michele Lane
Robert Meany
Ronald Sefchik
Suesen Hickey
Vanessa Allen
Our goals were to create a website with the following components:
• Clear, well-organized navigation
• Exceptional brand/design consistency
• Responsive design and/or mobile app integration
• Featured videos/photos
• Curriculum
• New Parents information
• Long-term vision
• Social media integration
• ADA Accessibility:
• We are committed to providing access to all individuals, with or without disabilities,
seeking information on our websites.
3.3 Hour of Code: Coding in Spanish at Bacon Academy
Bacon Academy Spanish teacher Jennifer Kollwitz was inspired to find a project to
align with Coding Week. She discovered a program in Spanish that allowed students to
create art. See how her Spanish III class brought coding and Spanish together:
2
Board of Education
January 12, 2021 – Regular Meeting
Video of art created using Spanish coding
Slideshow of art created using Spanish coding
Principal Peel gave an explanation of the two coding programs along with the
Video and slideshow above.
This work exemplifies how our teachers are integrating technology through the
disciplines.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jennifer Cox thanked the Board for the home schooling information and said she appreciates
the process and the quick response. J. Cox asked if this includes student access to their
google account. Superintendent Burt stated this would be addressed under Item 10.1.
J. Cox also said the new website is great.
5. REPORT FROM SUPERINTENDENT
5.1 2021-2022 Budget Updates
Superintendent Burt said the proposed budget numbers are being reviewed by the Finance
Department for contracts, salaries, etc. and will be presented to the Board of Finance
(BOF) on Wednesday, January 20, 2021. This is a very different year and after two years
of very low increases and finding creative ways to keep the increase to zero or 1 ½%
increase, the capital improvement plan that was $150,000 is now at zero. The ten year
technology plan has been reduced. Being out of school for four months allowed pre-
purchasing and savings in some areas but $600,000 was spent before the new process
began. Staffing is 80% of the education budget. There are 200 volunteer at home learners
and there has been a significant loss of knowledge and learning and Superintendent does
not want to reduce staff as every member of the staff has stepped up and is being utilized
to the fullest especially on the instructional side. Maintaining the budget is a significant
concern. The Bacon Academy 20,000 gallon oil tank must be replaced after 30 years in
the ground. The remediation plan for the tank is not in the budget and the technology line
item is a concern.
The education budget does not include new items, it is just to maintain the status quo.
A zero increase would have a significant impact on the ability to meet the needs of the
students and it is not known what September will bring.
BOF Liaison M. Egan stated that it is important to respond to meet the needs of
the students and move the district forward.
5.2 Pandemic Update
Superintendent Burt stated there have been 32 cases of Covid-19 with students but
resulted in only one class being isolated. There have been no cases of contact tracing in
schools. The isolation time is now at 10 days. Superintendent Burt has been informed that
the vaccine is effective against the new strain and the schools will maintain safety
measures. Teachers and those working in education are now considered front line
workers.
5.3 Communications
No communications were received.
3
Board of Education
January 12, 2021 – Regular Meeting
5.4 Current Instructional Model Update
There are no changes at this time.
6. POLICIES/REGULATIONS FOR FIRST READING
6.1 4000P Concepts and Roles in Personnel
6.2 4118.51P Social Networking
As this is the first reading, no action was taken.
7. PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
7.1 2020-2021 School Year Calendar Revision
The proposed revision establishes the school year calendar through May 2021. The
calendar for the month of June will be reviewed at the BOE meeting in April 2021.
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to approve the revisions to the 2020-2021 school year calendar.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
7.2 Creation of ad Hoc DEI Committee
The Colchester Board of Education recognizes the need to cohesively and comprehensively
provide a framework for social justice “best practice” in the school system.
Motion by: A. Domeika
to establish an Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the period of
two years. The purpose of the committee is to review and make recommendations to the
Board of Education regarding the incorporation of Social Justice into best practice in the
areas of budget, policy and curriculum. The Ad Hoc Committee will work cohesively
with Colchester Public Schools and recognizes the Mission Statement developed by the
CPS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
Second by: J. Morozowich.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
8. GRANTS/OTHER FINANCIALS
8.1 Donation to Bacon Academy from the Estate of Irene Herden
Irene Herden, widow of former Bacon Academy Principal Everett Herden and longtime
supporter of Bacon Academy scholarships for graduating seniors, left in her will $25,000 for
Bacon Academy. The amount will be split between two scholarships: Lillian M. Herden
Memorial Scholarship and Everett Herden Memorial Biology Scholarship.
Motion by: J. Rose
to accept the donation of $25,000 to Bacon Academy from the Estate of Irene Herden
Second by: S. Hickey.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
8.2 Perkins Grant
The Carl D. Perkins grant is a federally funded grant that is used to support Bacon
Academy CTE courses. This grant will support the purchase of equipment for instruction
and professional development for teachers in the areas of Business Education, Career
Technical Education, and Family Consumer Sciences.
Motion by: S. Hickey
to accept grant monies in the amount of $27,071 from the Carl D. Perkins Career and
4
Board of Education
January 12, 2021 – Regular Meeting
Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 funds to support the career and technical
education (CTE) courses at Bacon Academy.
Second by: J. Morozowich.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
8.3. Budget Transfer over $5,000 – None at this time
9. CURRICULUM/ INSTRUCTION/ASSESSMENTS – None at this time
10. POLICIES/REGULATIONS FOR A SECOND READING
10.1 4112.8P Nepotism
The Policy Committee reviewed this policy and proposed edits based on CABE guidance.
Motion by: A. Domeika
to approve revisions to 4112.8P Nepotism
Second by: S. Hickey.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
10.2 4118234P Psychotropic Drug Use
The Policy Committee reviewed this policy suggested language revisions, specifically
changing "psychotropic" to "prescription."
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to approve revisions to 4118.234P Psychotropic Drug Use.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
10.3 5139P Participation Fees for School Activities
The Policy Committee reviewed this policy and made recommendations.
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to approve revisions to 5139P Participation Fees for School Activities.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
10.4 5145.15P Student Directory Information
CABE suggested this policy update, which was reviewed by the Policy Committee.
Motion by: S. Hickey
to approve revisions to 5145.15P Student Directory Information
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
10.5 60001T Home Schooling
This temporary COVID-19 related policy establishes the level of District support of
home schooled students.
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to approve 6000.1T Home Schooling as a temporary, COVID-19 related policy.
Second by: J. Rose.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
5
Board of Education
January 12, 2021 – Regular Meeting
11. NON-SUBSTANTIVE POLICIES
11.1 4218.3P Duties
11.2 4215P Evaluation/Supervision
No action.
12. CONSENT AGENDA
12.1 Approval of December 8, 2020, BOE Meeting Minutes
12.2 Approval of December 1, 2020, BOE Special Meeting
12.3 Bacon Academy Request for Disposal
Motion by: J. Rose
to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
13. REPORTS FROM BOARD COMMITTEES
13.1 Policy – no report.
13.2 Budget – J. Morozowich reported that they continue to watch the Cafeteria Fund and
now estimate a $150,000 deficit. Soft freezes may be implemented. A second
round of Cares Act funding is possible but there is no idea of the amount.
Special Education student population is having a non-typical fluctuation.
13.3 Ad-Hoc Curriculum – no report.
14. REPORTS FROM BOARD LIAISONS
14.1 Town Diversity and Inclusion Committee
J. Rose reported that Director of Senior Services Patti Watts gave an overview of the
membership of the Senior Center at the December 21, 2020, Town Diversity and
Inclusion Committee meeting. Town Planner Matt Bordeaux has been invited to the
January 26, 2021, meeting.
Chair Tomasi stated that at the Commission on Aging meeting this week, it was noted
that a presentation of the plans of the new Senior Center will be made at a joint Board
of Selectmen and Board of Finance meeting Wednesday, January 21, 2021.
15. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS and INFORMATION ITEMS
15.1 Next Meetings
MEETING DATE TIME LOCATION
Policy Committee 1/25/2021 5:30 PM Virtual
Budget Committee 2/4/2021 9:00 AM Virtual
Board of Education 2/9/2021 6:00 PM Virtual
Personnel Committee 3/1/2021 5:30 PM Virtual
15.2 Monthly Student Enrollment
15.3 Approved Committee Meeting Minutes
15.4 Monthly Budget Reports
6
Board of Education
January 12, 2021 – Regular Meeting
15.5 Cafeteria Fund
15.6 Addition of Paraprofessional at Bacon Academy
15.7 Budget Transfers under $5,000 – None at this time
15.8 Regulations – None at this time
Information items only, no action taken.
16. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jennifer Cox thanked the Board members for expediting her request.
17. EXECUTIVE SESSION
17.1 Superintendent Evaluation
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to go into Executive Session to discuss the Superintendent’s Evaluation and invite
Superintendent Burt into the session.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve. Time: 7:45 pm.
Chair Tomasi brought the Board out of Executive Session at 9:02 pm.
No action was taken.
18. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Tomasi adjourned this meeting at 9:02 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Jane Slade
Recording Secretary
7