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Board of Education
July 26, 2022 – Special Meeting
Via Zoom
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Alexander Oliphant, Vice Chair Mary Tomasi, Donna Antonacci,
Margo Gignac, Christopher Rivers, Rosemary Gignac, Michelle Millington.
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Interim Superintendent Dr. Thomas McDowell, Business
Director Rachel Linkkila, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Charles Hewes, Director of Human
Resources Shannon Ramsby, Director of Technology Darren Smith.
1. MEETING OPENING
1.1 Call to Order
Chair Alexander Oliphant called this Special Meeting to order at 6:01 pm.
1.2 Roll Call
A roll call was held to establish a quorum, all members present.
1.3 Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Oliphant led the Board members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. RECOGNITIONS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
2.1 Welcome New Board Member Michelle Millington
Board members welcomed M. Millington as a new member.
3. ELECTION OF OFFICER
3.1 The Board of Education Election of Secretary of the Board
Chair Oliphant asked for nominations for the Board Secretary.
Motion by: R. Gignac
to nominate M. Gignac for the Secretary position.
Second by: C. Rivers.
No other nominations were received.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
No comments received.
5. REPORT FROM SUPERINTENDENT
5.1 Superintendent Update
Interim Superintendent Dr. McDowell met with search consultant Dr. Gagliarducci
and then met with administration and some of the staff. Dr. McDowell also met with
M. Milligan and is looking forward to working with her.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
6.1 Approval of July 12, 2022, BOE Regular Meeting Minutes
6.2 Approval of July 14, 2022, BOE Special Meeting Minutes
6.3 Approval of July 19, 2022, BOE Special Meeting Minutes
The July 12, minutes, Item 6.3 should state, “Chair Oliphant said he has received
seven applications . . .”; July 14, minutes correct spelling to “Tomasi” and July 19,
Board of Education
July 26, 2022 – Special Meeting
to note that “six candidates were interviewed but one candidate, Carl Swanback, did
not attend his interview."
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to approve the Consent Agenda Items 6.1 July 12, Regular Meeting Minutes, Item 6.2
July 14, Special Meeting Minutes and Item 6.3 July 19, 2022, Special Meeting Minutes
with the changes as stated.
Second by: M. Gignac
Vote: Abstaining: M. Millington (not in attendance).
In favor: All others. Approved.
7. PERSONNEL DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
7.1 Director of Human Resources Update
Shannon Ramsby, Director of Human Resources, provided an update to the Board
noting 18 positions were filled and eight resignations/retirements were reported.
S. Ramsby provided a list of vacant positions.
8. FINANCIAL DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
8.1 Business Director Update
Rachel Linkkila, Business Director, provided an update on the transitioning of the
positions of one finance director for Town and Board of Education together to two
directors, one for each. Munis is being updated and R. Linkkila is in the process of
closing out the year.
8.2 Cisco Meraki Buyback Proposal
Darren Smith, Director of Technology, reviewed the proposals in Items 8.2, 8.3, 8.4,
and 8.5. The company will
buy back computers, ipads, chromebooks, etc. that are damaged or needing repairs.
Funds received will go for future repairs. Items 8.2 through 8.5 were approved with
one motion below.
8.3 AGiREPAIR iPad Buyback Proposal
8.4 AGiREPAIR iMac Buyback Proposal
8.5 AG Parts Education Chromebook Buyback Proposal
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to approve the AG Parts Education Buyback Proposals in Items 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 and 8.5.
Second by: R. Gignac.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
8.6 BA Fundraiser Request for Friends of Football Golf Tournament
Motion by: D. Antonacci
to approve the fundraiser request for Bacon Academy Friends of Football Golf
Tournament to be held at Blackledge, in Hebron on August 5, 2022.
Second by: M. Gignac.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
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Board of Education
July 26, 2022 – Special Meeting
8.7 Budget Transfer Under $5,000
Dr. Hewes reviewed the requests for transfer. Requests under $5,000 do not require
Board action.
9. POLICY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
9.1 3541.44 Transportation of Students By School Employees
As this is a first reading, no motion was made. This policy is to allow employees
with the required license to transport students to off campus trips of school sponsored
activities. This will be shared driving of vehicles and students with East Haddam.
10. PUBLIC COMMENT
Miles Lubben congratulated M. Millington on her appointment to the Board. M. Lubben
will send an email with a typographical error in a policy he recently read.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Oliphant adjourned this Special Meeting at 6:37 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Jane Slade
Recording Secretary
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