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 14, 2020 – Regular Meeting
Colchester Elementary School Cafeteria
(Corrected 2/11/2020)
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Mary Tomasi, Vice Chair Chris McGlynn, Amy Domeika,
Sue Hickey, Jessica Morozowich, Joanne Rose; Student Members Nick Janus and Shannon
Hickey.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mitch Koziol
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Jeffrey Burt, Bacon Academy Principal Matt
Peel, William J. Johnston Middle School Principal Chris Bennett, 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 Information Technology Darren Smith, Director of Education
Operations Ken Jackson, Chief Financial Officer Maggie Cosgrove.
OTHERS PRESENT: Board of Selectmen Liaison Denise Mizla.
1. MEETING OPENING
1.1 Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Mary Tomasi called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Second grade students
Taylor Hardy and Lilah Martz led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chair Tomasi presented the students with pledge cards for their participation.
2. ADDITIONS AND CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
No additions or changes were requested.
3. REPORT FROM SUPERINTENDENT
3.1 Communications
Superintendent Burt noted that further information regarding concerns about the Pre-
School lottery and tuition will be available soon.
3.2 Introduction of Mario Hurtado, new Director of Educational Operations
The Board welcomed Mario Hurtado to the district as Director of Educational
Operations. Mario has an extensive background in operations management with over 26
years of experience as a Director of Buildings and Property Manager. For the last 8
years Mario has been the Director of Buildings and Grounds at the Rectory School in
Connecticut, managing 110 acres with 29 buildings. Mario will be taking over the
responsibilities of Ken Jackson's position effective January 27, 2020.
3.3 Recognition of Katherine Kosiba, Garden Club President
The Board of Education recognized Katherine Kosiba, President of Colchester's Garden
Club, for her dedication and hard work with the day lily fundraising project and
subsequent plantings for Bacon Academy.
3.4 Recognition of Innovators of the Month from William J. Johnston School: Kristina
Ngai and Kelli Cauffman
Board of Education
January 14, 2020 – Regular Meeting
Kelli Cauffman and Kristina Ngai are two people who are constantly engaged in
thinking about providing opportunities for students to engage their critical thinking,
creativity, and ingenuity in and out of the classroom.
Kelli understands that technology is constantly evolving and she prepares students to
adapt to current trends, as well as prepare them for future advancements. In her class
students spend time on specific areas of focus, that allow them to specialize in content
of interest.
Kristina works with students so they are able to apply their skills, knowledge, and
creativity to solve relevant real world problems and explore new ideas. She helps
students overcome obstacles and break down barriers, to develop or create something
unique or solve a problem.
A video was shown highlighting the students’ amazing accomplishments through
technology.
3.5 Recognition of Bradley Bernier
The Colchester Board of Education recognized Bradley Bernier for his 10 years of
dedicated service to the BOE, School District, and Colchester Community.
On behalf of the Board, Chair Tomasi presented B. Bernier with a token of appreciation
for his service on the Board.
3.6 Recognition of Mary Bylone
The Colchester Board of Education recognized Mary Bylone for her two years of dedicated
service to the BOE, School District, and Colchester Community.
On behalf of the Board, Chair Tomasi presented M. Bylone with a token of appreciation
for her service on the Board.
3.7 Recognition of Jason Violette
The Colchester Board of Education recognized Jason Violette for his dedicated service to
the BOE, School District, and Colchester Community. J. Violette was unable to attend.
On behalf of the Board, Chair Tomasi will present J. Violette with a token of appreciation
for his service on the Board.
3.8 Recognition of Kendall Jackson
The Colchester Board of Education recognized Ken Jackson for his seven years of
dedicated service to the BOE, School District, and Colchester Community.
On behalf of the Board, Chair Tomasi presented K. Jackson with a token of appreciation
for his service on the Board.
3.9 District Technology Update on Digital Conversion 5-Year Plan
Director of Teaching and Learning Dr. Charles Hewes and Director of Information
Technology Darren Smith presented the district technology update on the digital
conversion 5-year plan.
2
Board of Education
January 14, 2020 – Regular Meeting
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Ronald Goldstein, as former Board member and Chair, stated he wanted recognize the service
of B. Bernier, M. Bylone, K. Jackson, and K. Kosiba given to the Board of Education and the
Town.
K. Kosiba spoke in reference to the Chromebooks given to students – security issues,
responsibility for loss, damage, recycling, upgrading, etc. K. Kosiba asked if the Board
would consider a partnership with the Colchester Community Partnership to establish a
town location, possibly one of the schools, for community groups to use built in projection
equipment. The only place available is Cragin Memorial Library and only on Mondays
where scheduling for the year fills up fast.
5. PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS – None
6. POLICIES/REGULATIONS FOR FIRST READING
6.1. 1180P Memorials to Deceased students and Staff
This policy will be sent back to committee for further review.
6.2. 3110P Budget Planning
As this is a first reading, no action was taken.
6.3. 9402 Bylaw: Facilities Review
As this is a first reading, no action was taken.
7. GRANTS/OTHER FINANCIALS
7.1 4500 Grant to JJIS from Exxon Mobil
Derek Jette from Global Partners presented JJIS with a $500 grant from ExxonMobil
Educational Alliance. This is the third year in a row that JJIS has been presented with this
grant.
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to accept the $500 grant from ExxonMobil Educational Alliance to Jack Jackter
Intermediate School.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
7.2 Budget Transfers Over $5,000 – None at this time
8. CURRICULUM/INSTRUCTION/ASSESSMENT
8.1 Update on Curriculum
Director of Teaching and Learning Dr. Charles Hewes noted that the membership of
Committee A and Committee B for the curriculum update will need to be revised.
Dr. Hewes will contact Chair Tomasi with further information and Board members
may then volunteer for a committee.
8.2 Colchester Youth Services is working in collaboration with Colchester Public
Schools on implementing a suicide prevention curriculum. This is a result of a
3
Board of Education
January 14, 2020 – Regular Meeting
2-year grant from the Connecticut Networks of Care for School Systems Suicide
Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Project. The program, called SOS
(Signs of Suicide) is prescribed for middle (grade 7) and high school (grade 9)
students.
This policy will be sent back to committee for further review.
9. CONTINUED DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
9.1 WJJMS Building Project Update
No report at this time.
10. POLICIES/REGULATIONS FOR SECOND READING
10.1 5118.1P Homeless Children and Youth
The Policy Committee reviewed this policy and made suggested revisions based on
CABE recommendations.
Motion by: A. Domeika
to approve the revised policy 5118.1P Homeless Children and Youth.
Second by: C. McGlynn.
Vote: Abstaining: J. Rose.
In favor: All others present. Motion approved. (5-1).
10.2. 5131.6P Drugs Alcohol Tobacco
The Policy Committee reviewed this policy and has made suggested revisions based
on new legislation regarding unauthorized possession of tobacco products on school
property at any time.
Motion by: J. Morozowich
to approve the revised policy 5131.6P Drugs Alcohol Tobacco.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
10.3. 5141.214P and 5141.214R Sunscreen Application in School
The Policy Committee reviewed this new CABE-proposed policy and regulation
based on new legislation regarding the use of sunscreen by students.
Motion by: A. Domeika
to approve the revised policy and regulation 5141.214P and 5141.214R Sunscreen
Application in School.
Second by: J. Rose.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
10.4 5144P Student Discipline
The Policy Committee reviewed this policy and has recommended revisions based
on new legislation regarding expulsions.
Motion by: A. Domeika
to approve the revised policy 5144P Student Discipline.
Second by: J. Morozowich.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
10.5. 5144.4P Physical Exercise and Discipline of Students
The Policy Committee reviewed this new CABE-proposed policy based on new
4
Board of Education
January 14, 2020 – Regular Meeting
legislation regarding physical exercise and discipline.
Motion by: A. Domeika
to approve the new policy 5144.4P Physical Exercise and Discipline of Students.
Second by: J. Morozowich.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
10.6 Bylaw 9221 Filling Vacancies
The Policy Committee has reviewed this Bylaw and is suggesting minor revisions.
This policy is tabled to be sent back to committee for further review.
10.7. Bylaw 9271 Code of Ethics
The Policy Committee reviewed this Bylaw and is recommending a replacement
with a CABE-suggested policy.
Motion by: J. Rose
to approve the revised Bylaw 9271 Code of Ethics.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
11. CONSENT AGENDA
11.1 Approval of 12/10/2019 BOE Minutes
11.2 Approval of 12/9/2019 Special Meeting Minutes
11.3 Approval of 12/10/19 Special Meeting Minutes
11.4 Approval of 1/7/2020 5:00 PM Special Meeting Minutes
11.5 Disposal of Obsolete Materials
11.6 Notification of Resignation: Cate Tsahalis
11.7 Notification of Resignation : Ryan Florentine
11.8 Field Trips – None
Motion by: C. McGlynn
to approve the Consent Agenda items as presented.
Second by: A. Domeika.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
12. REPORTS FROM BOARD COMMITTEES
12.1. Policy – no further report.
12.2. Budget –
J. Morozowich was elected as interim chair at the January 9, 2020, budget meeting.
This meeting was a ‘financial training’ meeting for new members. CFO M. Cosgrove
reviewed significant line items, Director K. Perry reviewed the out-of-district tuition
placements. A deficit has occurred due to the unexpected hiring of key “high demand”
positions. However, savings have been identified for approximately half of the deficit
and a soft freeze is in place.
12.3. Personnel – no report.
12.4. Ad-Hoc Curriculum- no report.
12.5. A-Hoc Consolidation – no report.
5
Board of Education
January 14, 2020 – Regular Meeting
13. REPORTS FROM BOARD LIAISONS
CES PTO Liaison - J. Morozowich stated she was pleased to hear the pre-school lottery
and tuition questions will be addressed.
Commission on Aging Liaison - Chair Tomasi reported that the Commission on Aging is
planning a co-generational presentation, “Food, Stuff, Water and Energy”, to be held in
April with the BA Environmental Club. Also, the Senior Center Building Committee has
received four bids for architectural design and hopes to select an architect by the end of
January. Chair Tomasi reported that the Senior Center membership has increased 142%
since 2013.
14. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENT and INFORMATION ITEMS
14.1 Next Meetings
14.2. Enrollment for January 2020
14.3. Regulations – None at this time
14.4 Approved Committee Meeting Minutes
14.5. Monthly Budget Reports
14.6 Health Insurance Reserve Analysis
14.7. Budget transfers Under $5,000 – None at this time
Information items only, no action taken.
15. INFORMATION ITEMS: NON-SUBSTANTIVE POLICY CHANGES
15.1 9300 Methods of Operation
15.2 9310 Development, Distribution and Maintenance of Policies, Regulations, and Bylaws
15.3 9313 Formulation, Adoption and Amendment of Administrative Regulations
15.4 9314 Suspension of Policies, Bylaws and Regulations
15.5. 9320 Meetings
15.6 9321.1 Work Sessions
15.7 9325.1 Quorum
15.8 9325.3 Parliamentary Procedures
15.9. 9401 Policy Review
Information items only, no action taken.
16. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NEW ISSUES RAISED OR SUBJECTS DEVELOP
No comments received.
17. EXECUTIVE SESSION
17.1 Superintendent Midyear Evaluation Update
Motion by: A. Domeika
to go into Executive Session to discuss the Superintendent’s midyear evaluation
Second by: C. McGlynn.
Vote: Unanimous to approve. Time: 8:47 pm.
Chair Tomasi brought the Board out of Executive Session at 10:20 pm.
No action taken.
6
Board of Education
January 14, 2020 – Regular Meeting
18. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Tomasi adjourned this meeting at 10:21pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Jane Slade
Recording Secretary
7