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
June 14, 2022 – Special Meeting
Via Zoom
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Alexander Oliphant, Vice Chair Mary Tomasi, Donna Antonaccio,
Margo Gignac, Christopher Rivers, Rosemary Gignac.
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Interim Superintendent Dr. Thomas McDowell, 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, Director of Educational Operations Mario Hurtado, Business Director
Rachel Linkkila, Board of Finance Liaison Mike Egan.
1. MEETING OPENING
1.1 Call to Order
Chair Alex Oliphant called this Regular Meeting to order at 601 pm.
1.2 Roll Call
Chair Oliphant called the roll to establish a quorum.
1.3 Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Oliphant led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. RECOGNITIONS/ADNOWLEDGEMENTS
2.1 Celebration of Retirees
Dr. McDowell noted that the ten retirees have 216 years of service. Dr. McDowell
thanked them and said he will visit with all of the retirees with a gift from the Board
next week. Happy Retirement!
Board Member Mary Tomasi said it was a pleasure to know and work with some of
the teachers that are retiring.
2.2 Recognition of BOE Secretary Jessica Morozowich
J. Morozowich was recognized for her work on the Board of Education. The Board
thanked her and wished her the best with her move out of state.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Jessica Trusz spoke in support of Mr. Peel.
Monica Swyden Egan said she was disappointed that the valedictorian and salutatorian
and other celebrations have been dropped from the agenda.
Sam Norman, school district union president, thanked the Board for scheduling the
presentation by Mark Powers this evening. While we have been through quite a bit of
turmoil, the district is now going in the right direction
Joann Holmes spoke in support of Mr. Peel and said he has earned her family’s respect.
Amanda LaSaracina also spoke in support of Mr. Peel saying Mr. Peel knew all of the
students and kept in touch with the parents, and dedicated hours to the graduation
ceremony.
Board of Education
June 14, 2022 – Special Meeting
Keri Toper had raised her hand but no comments were made.
4. REPORT FROM SUPERINTENDENT
4.1 Welcome New Business Director
Interim Superintendent McDowell welcomed Rachel Linkkila as the new Business
Director.
4.2 Update on Bacon Academy Oil Spill
M. Hurtado gave an update on the oil spill accident in February. One monitoring well
still has a slight amount of oil. This project is scheduled to be completed in July.
There are no signs of oil on the outside area and cracks will need to be sealed in the
basement area. The cost is between $280-$285,000. The insurance company clear
that this is not covered.
It was hoped that the abatement of the tank would allow an extension for ten years,
however, through the process of compliance, DEEP would not allow keeping the
tank. It must be removed and replaced. There is no option but to replace the tank.
The parameters are going to make it difficult to accomplish due to retaining
contractors at this time trying to meet short timeframes on bids.
4.3 Update on Special Education Survey
Dr. McDowell explained the first survey is to receive input from students, parents and
staff regarding attributes, qualification, etc. for Director Special Education. The
information from the survey will be used to complete the parent survey. A parent will
be on the interview panel. Applications are being screened at this time.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
5.1 Approval of May 10, 2022 BOE Regular Meeting Minutes
5.2 Approval of May 13, 2022 BOE Emergency Meeting Minutes
5.3 Fundraising Approval Request – BA Young Dems Pizza After Exams
5.4 Fundraising Approval Request – Boys Lacrosse Subway Sponsorship
5.5 CES Donations from Colchester McDonald’s
5.6 CES Donation from JB Trucking
5.7 JJIS PTO Donation for Technology Equipment
5.8 JJIS Donation from Colchester McDonald’s
5.9 BA Robotics Team Donation from Dominion Energy
5.10 BA Piano Donation
5.11 BA Material Removal Request - Pianos
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to approve the Consent Agenda items with the exception of Item 5.2.
Second by: C. Rivers
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
Motion by: M. Gignac
to approve Item 5.2 on the Consent Agenda.
Second by: D. Antonaccio.
Vote: Abstaining: M. Tomasi (absent from meeting).
In favor: All others. Approved.
2
Board of Education
June 14, 2022 – Special Meeting
6. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
6.1 Director of Human Resources Update
Director Shannon Ramsby reviewed his report with the Board members and noted that
there are 19 new staff members. S. Rambsy is impressed with quality of people hired
but noted the demographics have not changed.
6.2 Approval of Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes of March 1, 2022
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to approve the Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes of March 1, 2022.
Second: R. Gignac
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
6.3 Virtual High School Coordinator Job Description
C. Hewes reviewed the job description for this position – this is the liaison person for
teachers, counselors and students. The coordinator will work with students during
enrollment and help them with the platform. The teachers are certified, this platform
will provide a variety of courses. The coordinator will be a liaison between BA and
virtual high school.
Motion by: C. Rivers
to approve the job description for the Virtual High School Coordinator.
Second by: R. Gignac.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
6.4 Safe School Climate Specialist Job Description - Building
At this time, each school has a specialist. This job description is relevant to the
building. The Specialist will supervise the investigation of reported acts of bullying,
if appointed, and will foster a positive school atmosphere. The exception is at BA
where the administration conducts the investigation. This is a stipend position.
6.5 Safe School Climate Coordinator Job Description - District
Dr. Hewes said the State requires each district have a coordinator. This job
description is relevant to the district. This is also a stipend position.
Motion by: D. Antonucci
to approve Items 6.4 Safe School Climate Specialist Job Description and 6.5
Safe School Climate Coordinator Job Description.
Second by: C. Rivers.
Vote: Unanimous to approve both job descriptions.
7. BUDGET COMMITTEE
7.1 Monthly Budget Reports
Business Director Rachel Linkkila reviewed the reports with the Board members.
7.2 Cafeteria Account Report and Transfer of Funds
A transfer of $182,564.55 to refund money used to cover the losses in the Food Service
Department due to the COVID pandemic in fiscal year 2021 and 2020, is being requested.
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to approve the transfer of $182,564.55 as requested.
Second by: R. Gignac.
3
Board of Education
June 14, 2022 – Special Meeting
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to approve the transfer in the amount $120,000 to the BOE Capital Reserve Fund for
Cafeteria equipment upgrades and maintenance.
Second by: M. Gignac.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
7.3. Budget Transfers over $5,000
Motion by: C. Rivers
to approve the Bacon Academy budget transfer from alternative education salaries
to the certified salary line at Bacon Academy.
Second by: M. Tomasi.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
8. CURRICULUM COMMITTEE
8.1 Approval of May 7, 2022 Curriculum Committee Minutes
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to approve the May 7, 2022 Curriculum Committee Minutes
Second by: C. Rivers.
Vote: Abstaining: D. Antonaccio, M. Gignac, R. Gignac.
In favor: M. Tomasi, R. Gignac. Motion denied.
8.2 TEVAL Flexibilities for 2022-2023
The State Department of Education has provided flexibility over the teacher
evaluation plan due to the Covid -19 pandemic. This flexible plan will be for the next
year only as a new plan will be available for 2023-2024.
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to approve the TEVAL Flexibilities for 2022-2023 as presented.
Second by: M. Gignac.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
8.3 Proposed Math Curriculum
Dr. Hewes gave a presentation of the proposed Math Curriculum.
Motion by: M. Gignac
to approve the math curriculum as presented.
Second by: C. Rivers.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
9. POLICY COMMITTEE
9.1 Bylaw 9221 Filling Vacancies on the Board
As this is the first reading, no action was taken.
10. PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
10.1 Suspension of Bylaw 9221 Filling Vacancies on the Board per Bylaw 9314
Motion by: M. Gignac
to approve the suspension of Bylaw 9221 Filling Vacancies on the Board per
Bylaw 9314.
4
Board of Education
June 14, 2022 – Special Meeting
Second by: D. Antonaccio.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
10.2 Precision Retirement Group Presentation
S. Ramsby introduced Mark Powers from Precision Retirement Group. This is
benefit for retiring teachers at no cost to the Board of Education.
Motion by: C. Rivers
to approve the administration to work with Precision Retirement Group to finalize a
no-cost agreement in regard to an accumulated sick pay solution for retirees and a
FICA alternative retirement plan pending approved MOU from the Teachers’ Union.
Second by: R. Gignac.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
10.3 Discussion and Possible Action on Appointment of Assistant Superintendent
Interim Superintendent Dr. McDowell proposed to appoint Dr. Charles Hewes as
the Assistant Superintendent. This would allow him to help with administrative
evaluations. At this time, Dr. Hewes is the Director Teaching and Learning and
taking on some of the responsibilities of an Assistant Superintendent.
Motion by: M. Gignac
on the recommendation of the Interim Superintendent, to change Dr. Hewes’ title to
Assistant Superintendent with the same job description of the Director of Teaching and
Learning plus other duties.
Second by: R. Gignac
Vote: No: M. Tomasi, C. Rivers.
Yes, D. Antonaccio, R. Gignac, M. Gignac, A. Oliphant. Approved.
10.4 Approval of 2022-2023 Operating Budget as Recommended by Administration
Motion by: C. Rivers
to approve the 2022-2023 operating budget in the amount of $42,025,701 as
recommended by the administration.
Second by: M. Tomasi.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
10.5 Changes of Authorized Signers for State of CT Agreement for Child Nutrition Program
Motion by: D. Antonaccio
to change the authorized signers for the State of CT Agreement for Child Nutrition
Programs to Dr. Thomas Y. McDowell and Ms. Rachel Linkkila.
Second by: M. Gignac.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
10.6 Committee as a Whole
This format does away with all subcommittees and the Board members are responsible
as a whole for each prior subcommittee item. Discussion followed and a motion made.
Motion by: M. Gignac
to try ‘Committee as a Whole’ on a trial basis with the Regular Board Meeting on the
second Tuesday and discussing committee business at a Special Meeting on the fourth
Tuesday of the month.
Second by: R. Gignac.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
5
Board of Education
June 14, 2022 – Special Meeting
11. REPORTS FROM BOARD LIAISONS
11.1 Reports from Board Liaisons
Board of Selectmen: No report.
Board of Finance: M. Gignac noted that voters passed the Board of Education budget.
P&R Parent Commission: C. Rivers
PTO Collaborative: M. Gignac – the next meeting will be in the Fall.
C3 Collaborative: No report.
Commission on Aging: M. Tomasi
CORE Commission: Liaison to be determined.
Youth and Social Services: No report.
12. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS and INFORMATION ITEMS
12.1 Next Meetings – The next scheduled meeting for the Board of Education is July 12,
2022.
12.2 Monthly Student Enrollment
Student enrollment for the month of May is 2263.
12.3 Notices of Retirement/Resignation
A retirement notice has been received from Nancy Casey, and resignation notices
have been received from Marcie Cunningham, David Zachas, Lauren Miller,
Christina Cornell, Melissa Dei and Gayle Hathaway.
13. PUBLIC COMMENT
Michelle Gilman thanked the Board for all the activities but has a concern about the
assistant superintendent position. It has not been reviewed or discussed, how would it
impact the budget and felt it should wait until a new superintendent has been hired
Krista Kardys said she was profoundly saddened that Bacon Academy’s principal will not
be there to shake the graduates hands, it is a difficult situation for parents and students.
Vince Rose thanked the Board members stated concern for reduction in teachers and
would like to keep the maximum number of teachers.
Mike Egan, BOF member and BOE liaison thanked everyone for the hard work done
in handling a difficult situation and expressed concern for the assistant superintendent
position as a major change at a time when a new superintendent is not in place yet.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Oliphant adjourned this Special Meeting at 9:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted
Mary Jane Slade
Recording Secretary
6