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Board of Education
March 29, 2022 – Regular Meeting
via Zoom
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Alexander Oliphant, Vice Chair Mary Tomasi, Donna Antonaccio,
Margo Gignac, Jessica Morozowich, Christopher Rivers, Rosemary Gignac at 6:07 pm.
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Jeffrey Burt, Bacon Academy Principal
Matt Peel, Colchester Elementary School Principal Judy O’Meara, Jack Jackter Intermediate
School Principal Elise Butson, William J. Johnston Middle School Principal Chris Bennett,
Director of Teaching and Learning Charles Hewes, Director of Human Resources Shannon
Ramsby, Director of Technology Darren Smith, Facilities Manager Mario Hurtado, Chief
Financial Officer M. Cosgrove.
OTHERS PRESENT: Board of Finance Liaison Mike Egan.
1. MEETING OPENING
1. 1 Call to Order
Chair Alex Oliphant called this Regular Meeting to order at 6:02 pm with a roll call to
establish a quorum.
2. ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
No changes were requested.
3. RECOGNITIONS/ACKNOWLEGEMENTS
3.1 JJIS Grade 5 Student Recognition
During the month of February, a number of Grade 5 students created and presented
beautiful valentines for Compassus Hospice patients. The hospice center recently sent a
letter to thank our students for their kindness and to let them know how much of a
difference they made in their lives. The amazing artwork and kind messages brought a
smile to their hearts and faces.
3.2 Quarantined Student Learner Tutors
Special thank you to Erin Mucciacciaro, Sue DiCiccio, and Tammie Mangold for their
dedication, flexibility and time working with our quarantined students.
3.3 WJJMS Jazz Band
At the Waterford Jazz Festival, the WJJMS Jazz band earned multiple awards.
The trombone section - Oliver Melmed, Michael Krol, Ben Salemi, and Cole Mitchell,
won "Best Trombone Section." Joey Papale, Ben Buyniski, and Charlotte Galarneau were
"Outstanding Musicians." Talan Ladyga earned a "Best Soloist" award.
R. Gignac joined the meeting at this point.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Heide Parum spoke in support of an increase in the budget.
Matt Parsons spoke in favor of an increase in the budget.
Vince Rose spoke in favor of an increase in the budget.
Board of Education
March 29, 2022 – Regular Meeting
Jenny Sevigny spoke in support of the budget.
Dave Koji spoke in favor of an increase in the budget.
Jeremy McKenzie spoke in favor of a budget increase.
Mary Bylone spoke in support of the budget.
Joanne Rose supports fully funding the capital improvements and services to support
children.
A caller (name?) spoke in support of an increase in the budget.
Jason LaChappelle is not in support of an increase.
Monica Swiden spoke in support of an increase.
Tamara Dimitri spoke in favor of an increase.
Amy Domeika spoke in support of adding a one percent increase.
Deanna Bouchard spoke about a special education issue.
Bernie Dennler spoke in favor of an increase to the budget.
Julie Fetzer noted her concerns with special education.
Jeremy McKenzie commented on the amount spent per student.
Mike Egan noted figures regarding the accountability index from State Department of
Education.
Sharon Willinski spoke in support of the budget.
Jason LaChapelle said “we” have to be smart about addressing the problems.
Michael Hayes supports the budget and noted an historic increase in the grand list this year.
Cindy Kost asked about a special meeting to address special education.
Deanna Bouchard commented on Board members following protocol for meetings and stated
it would be a year to give the tax payers a break.
5. REPORT FROM SUPERINTENDENT
5.1 Pandemic Update
Superintendent Burt stated there have been very low numbers of the virus and today was
at zero. The regular cafeteria setup is back and the students were excited. About 10-20%
of teachers and student are choosing to wear masks.
5.2 Update on Underground Storage Tank and Oil Spill at BA
A less invasive remediation will be done during the April school vacation.
Director of Facilities Manager Mario Hurtado has completed a certificate to manage
the project. DEEP and Chatham Health are involved in the project as well. The five
properties with wells near the spill have been contacted and will be monitored for a year.
At this time no contamination has been found.
5.3 Communications
Letters were received as follows:
K. Collins-Voiland regarding Special Education
T. Pappalardo regarding Special Education
T. Pappalardo on behalf of the Parent Group regarding Special Education
M. Kehoegreen regarding the budget
L. Lindsey regarding the budget
6. POLICIES//REGULATIONS FOR FIRST READING
6.1 6162.6P Use of Copying Devices
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Board of Education
March 29, 2022 – Regular Meeting
6.2 9123B Secretary of the Board
As these are first readings no action was taken.
7. PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
7.1 2022-2023 Budget Discussion and Possible Action
Discussion followed and J. Morozowich noted that budget committee meetings are held
on online on Thursday mornings at 9:30 am and all are welcome. The complete budget is
available to the public on the website.
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to approve the 2022-2023 Budget in the amount of $42,225,701.
Second by: J. Morozowich.
Vote: Opposed: D. Antonaccio, A. Oliphant.
In favor: All others. Approved 5-2.
7.2 2021-2022 School Calendar Adjustments
Motion by: M. Gignac
to approve the 2021-2022 School Calendar adjustments as presented; Friday April 15,
2022 and Tuesday, June 21, 2022 as early release days for Bacon Academy
Second by: C. Rivers.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
7.3 Competitive School Readiness Grant Application
This grant supports the school readiness component of Colchester's early childhood
initiative. It provides tuition for students to attend preschool in local programs. The
tuition amount requested is $150,000 and the corresponding administrative funds request
is $7,500. Additionally, this application includes a request for $3,881 in Quality
Enhancement funds to be used to support quality component standards in area preschool
programs as well as to meet legislative mandates for supervision of sites. Request to
authorize the Superintendent to sign the application as required.
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to approve the school readiness grant application including quality enhancement funds
and authorize the Superintendent to sign the application as required
Second by: R. Gignac.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
7.4 Healthy Food Certification
RECOMMENDATION: That the district will participate in the healthy food option
(exact motion language need by the State of CT)
Motions by: M. Tomasi
MOTION: Pursuant to C.G.S. Section 10-215f, the board of education or governing
authority certifies that all food items offered for sale to students in the schools under its
jurisdiction, and not exempted from the Connecticut Nutrition Standards published by the
Connecticut State Department of Education, will comply with the Connecticut Nutrition
Standards during the period of July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023. This certification
shall include all food offered for sale to students separately from reimbursable meals at
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Board of Education
March 29, 2022 – Regular Meeting
all times and from all sources, including but not limited to school stores, vending
machines, school cafeterias, culinary programs, and any fundraising activities on school
premises sponsored by the school or non-school organizations and groups.
RECOMMENDATION: That the district will allow for food exemptions (exact language
needed by the State of CT)
• MOTION: The board of education or governing authority will allow the sale to students
of food items that do not meet the Connecticut Nutrition Standards provided that the
following conditions are met: 1) the sale is in connection with an event occurring after
the end of the regular school day or on the weekend; 2) the sale is at the location of the
event; and 3) the food items are not sold from a vending machine or school store. An
“event” is an occurrence that involves more than just a regularly scheduled practice,
meeting, or extracurricular activity. For example, soccer games, school plays, and
interscholastic debates are events but soccer practices, play rehearsals, and debate team
meetings are not. The “regular school day” is the period from midnight before to 30
minutes after the end of the official school day. “Location” means where the event is
being held and must be the same place as the food sales.
RECOMMENDATION: That the district will allow for beverage exemptions (exact l
language needed by the State of CT)
• MOTION: The board of education or governing authority will allow the sale to students
of beverages not listed in Section 10-221q of the Connecticut General Statutes provided
that the following conditions are met: 1) the sale is in connection with an event occurring
after the end of the regular school day or on the weekend; 2) the sale is at the location of
the event; and 3) the beverages are not sold from a vending machine or school store. An
“event” is an occurrence that involves more than just a regularly scheduled practice,
meeting or extracurricular activity. The “school day” is the period from midnight before
to 30 minutes after the end of the official school day. “Location” means where the event
is being held and must be the same place as the beverage sales.
Second by: D. Antonaccio
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
7.5. Bacon Academy NY (Broadway) Field Trip
The trip is for the Chamber and Women’s Chorus to Broadway to see the show Wicked
on May 18, 2022.
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to approve the Bacon Academy field trip to New York (Broadway).
Second by: R. Gignac.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
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Board of Education
March 29, 2022 – Regular Meeting
8. GRANTS/OTHER FINANCIALS
8.1 Budget Transfers over $5,000 (none)
9. CURRICULUM/INSTRUCTION/ASSESSMENTS
None at this time.
10. POLICIES/REGULATIONS FOR A SECOND READING
10.1 6113P Released Time
10.2 6173P Homebound Instruction
10.3 5141.21P Administration of Medication
10.4 9221B Filling of Vacancies
Motion by: D. Antonaccio
to approve Policies 6113P Released Time, 6137P Homebound Instruction and
5141.21P Administration of Medication, as read and to send Policy 9221B Filling of
Vacancies back to the Policy Committee for further review.
Second by: J. Morozowich.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
11. POLICIES RECOMMENDED FOR REMOVAL (NONE)
12. NON-SUBSTANTIVE POLICIES (NONE)
13. CONSENT AGENDA
13.1 Approval of March 8, 2022 BOE Regular Meeting Minutes
13.2 Approval of March 15, 2022 BOE Special Meeting Minutes
13.3 Approval of March 22, 2022 BOE Special Meeting Minutes
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Second by: C. Rivers.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
14. REPORTS FROM BOARD COMMITTEES
14.1 Policy – no further report
14.2 Budget – J. Morozowich stated the Budget Committee will meet April 7th, at 9:30 am.
14.3 Personnel – M. Tomasi said the committee will meet in June.
14.4 Curriculum – no report
14.5 Ad-Hoc Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – C. Rivers said meeting to discuss action
plan will be held on April 20, 2022.
15. REPORTS FROM BOARD LIAISONS
1. Board of Selectmen: Donna Antonaccio – Board discussed hybrid meeting equipment.
2. Board of Finance: Margo Gignac – no report
3. P&R Parent Commission: Christopher Rivers - At the April 20, meeting an action plan
will be on the agenda.
4. PTO Collaborative: Margo Gignac- no report
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Board of Education
March 29, 2022 – Regular Meeting
5. C3 Collaborative: Jessica Morozowich – next meeting is May 6, 2022, at 9:30 am.
6. Commission on Aging: Mary Tomasi – a logo contest is underway for the new Senior
Center.
7. CORE Commission: Jessica Morozowich – Discussion was held regarding by-laws.
8. Youth & Social Services: Rosemary Gignac – no report
16. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS and INFORMATION ITEMS
16.1 Next Meetings
Board of Education May 10, 2022 6:00 PM Virtual
Policy Committee April 13, 2022 5:30 PM Virtual
Budget Committee April 7, 2022 9:00 AM Virtual
Personnel Committee June 6, 2022 5:30 PM Virtual
Curriculum Committee May 3, 2022 6:00 PM Virtual
Ad Hoc Diversity, Equity and Inclusion April 20, 2022 5:00 PM Virtual
16.2 Approved Committee Meeting Minutes
16.3 Budget Transfers Under $5,000 (none)
16.4 Regulations (none at this time)
16.5 Notices of Retirement/Resignation
Information only, no action taken.
17. PUBLIC COMMENT
M. Egan commented favorably on the level of questions regarding the budget and said the
BOF will meet on April 5, 2022.
18. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Oliphant adjourned this Regular Meeting at 8:28 pm.
Respectfully submitted
Mary Jane Slade
Recording Secretary
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