2.16.22 Policy Committee Mtg Minutes

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.