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COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
Colchester, CT
POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
BOE Policy Committee Meeting 5:30 PM
Virtual Meeting via Zoom
MINUTES
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Donna Antonacci, Mary Tomasi, Margo Gignac,
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Jeffrey Burt
OTHERS PRESENT: None
1. CALL TO ORDER
1.1 Call to Order
Chair Antonacci called the meeting to order at 5:32 PM
2. ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
None.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
3.1 Public Comment
None.
4. *APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4.1 Approval of January 26, 2022 Minutes
Motion by: M.Tomasi
To approve the minutes of the January 26, 2022 Policy Committee Meeting
Second by: M.Gignac
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: Mary Tomasi, Margo Gignac, Donna Antonacci
5. *PRIORITY DISCUSSION/POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS:
POLICIES/REGULATIONS FOR A FIRST READING
5.1 3541.3P Transportation
Superintendent Burt discussed the transportation policy and minimum walking
distances which need to be reviewed and updated. In addition, Superintendent Burt
said there will need to be updates in regard to multiple drop off locations per each
student and the current policy will need to be adhered to with a maximum of two
locations per child. The transportation policy will be an ongoing discussion with the
Policy Committee, Superintendent Burt, and Director of Educational Operations,
Mario Hurtado. Superintendent Burt will bring comparison documents to a future
meeting as well.
5.2 6113P Released Time
Superintendent Burt spoke to the update to the existing policy including giving
students the right to make up tests and not be deprived of awards due to religious
holidays. In addition, the update includes language on student absences for medical
appointments and strongly recommends families make appointments outside of
school hours whenever possible.
5.3 6173P Homebound Instruction
Superintendent Burt stated that the policy outlines home instruction guidelines and
state law around providing tutoring for medically complex students, students out of
school for disciplinary reasons, and students who are hospitalized. Chair Antonacci
asked that acronyms be spelled out the first time of use in the policy.
Motion by: D.Antonacci
To move policies 6113 Released Time and 6173 Homebound Instruction to the full board
for first reading.
Second by: M.Tomasi
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: Mary Tomasi, Margo Gignac, Donna Antonacci
6. OTHER POLICIES REQUIRING IMMEDIATE ATTENTION (NONE)
None.
7. *CONTINUED DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
7.1 Review Temporary Policies
Superintendent Burt discussed the temporary COVID-19 related policies currently in
place and recommended some, if not all, could be removed. Superintendent Burt and
Chair Antonacci will meet prior to the full board meeting to discuss which temporary
policies should be recommended for removal.
7.2 9221B Filling of Vacancies
Chair Antonacci discussed minor changes made to remove duplicative language.
Superintendent Burt reported that the ballot and election information in item number
4 of the policy is specific language from Connecticut General Statutes 10-219.
7.3 6115P Ceremonies and Observances
Chair Antonacci tabled item 7.3 until the next policy meeting to allow for further
review.
7.4 5141.21P Administration of Medication
Superintendent Burt spoke to the lead nurse and medical advisor regarding the
availability of Naloxone (Narcan) on field trips. Naloxone would be available on all
school field trips if needed.
Motion by: M. Gignac
Motion to approve 9221B Filling of Vacancies and 5141.21P Administration of
Medication to the full board for first read.
Second by: M.Tomasi
Vote: Unanimous
Roll call: Mary Tomasi, Margo Gignac, Donna Antonacci
8. *NON-SUBSTANTIVE POLICIES
None.
9. *POLICIES/REGULATIONS RECOMMENDED FOR REMOVAL
None.
10. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NEW ISSUES RAISED OR SUBJECTS DEVELOPED
10.1 Public Comment
Margo Gignac said she would like to have a discussion item on the next meeting
agenda regarding school uniforms. Chair Antonacci suggested that they also send
out an invite for public comment on this item.
11. ESTABLISH NEXT MEETING AGENDA PRIORITIES
Continue with 6000 Series including 6115P, and Transportation policy
12. ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 6:15 PM.