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Board of Education
October 25, 2022 – Regular Meeting
Via Zoom
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Alexander Oliphant, Vice Chair Mary Tomasi, Donna Antonacci,
Secretary Margo Gignac, Christopher Rivers, Rosemary Gignac, Michelle Millington.
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Interim Superintendent Dr. Thomas McDowell, Assistant
Superintendent Dr. Charles Hewes, Principal Amy Begué, Business Director Rachel Linkkila,
Director of Pupil Services and Special Education Director Amy Emory, Director of Human
Resources Shannon Ramsby.
1. MEETING OPENING
1.1 Call to Order
Chair Alexander Oliphant called this Regular Meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
1.2 Roll Call
A roll call was done to establish a quorum.
1.3 Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Oliphant led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
2.1 New Agenda Items
No new items were requested.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mike Egan commented on the recent article in The Rivereast about a survey sent out
regarding armed guards.
4. REPORT FROM SUPENINTENDENT
4.1 Superintendent Report
Superintendent Dr. McDowell noted the interviews were completed for the Assistant
Principal position and the Supervisor of Pupil Services and Special Education position.
4.2 Discussion and Possible Action on Bacon Academy Assistant Principal Appointment
Motion by: M. Gignac
to approve the administration's recommendation of the appointment of Bacon Academy
Assistant Principal Michael Mal.
Second by: C. Rivers.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
4.3 Discussion and Possible Action on Supervisor of Pupil Services and Special Education
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to approve the administration's recommendation of the appointment of Supervisor of
Pupil Services and Special Education Laurie Labato-DiTomasso.
Second by: C. Rivers.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
4.4 District Improvement Strategy and Test Scores
Dr. Hewes gave a presentation on the strategy for improvement and reviewed the last
three years of data on test scores. New goals were discussed for years 2022-2027.
Board of Education
October 25, 2022 – Regular Meeting
5. CONSENT AGENDA
5.1 Approval of the BOE Regular Meeting minutes of September 27, 2022
5.2 Approval of the BOE Special Meeting minutes of October 13, 2022
5.3 Approval of the BOE Special Meeting minutes of October 14, 2022
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to approve the Items 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 with a correction to spelling of D. Antonacci.
Second by: C. Rivers.
Vote: M. Gignac and R. Gignac lost the connection and did not vote.
Approved: by all others. 5-2.
M. Gignac and R. Gignac returned to the meeting.
5.4 Bacon Academy GSA Fundraising Request in Honor of Andra Spencer
5.5 Bacon Academy Dance Team Fundraising Request – Decorations at BA Sleigh Bells Faire
5.6. Bacon Academy Dance Team Fundraising Request Local Establishments’ Percentage of
Proceeds
5.7 Bacon Academy Dance Team Fundraising Request – Cookie Dough Sales
5.8 Bacon Academy Interact Club Fundraising Request - Thrift Store
5.9 Bacon Academy Friends of Football Fundraising Request – Parking Spot Raffle
5.10 Bacon Academy SOAR Fundraising Request – Holiday Gift Wrapping
Motion by: M. Millington
to approve Items 5.4 through 5.10 fundraising requests.
Second by: D. Antonacci
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
5.11 WJJMS 8th Grade Chorus & Bank Field Trip Request to NYC Broadway Musical
5.12 WJJMS 8th Grade Chorus & Band Field Trip Request too Six Flags New England, in
Agawam, MA
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to approve Items 5.11 and 5.12.
Second by: C. Rivers.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
5.13 Stephen Byrne Request for Data Collection
S. Byrne is requesting permission to collect data from interviews with teachers, from student
documents and then from a student survey.
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to approve the request from S. Byrne for Data Collection
Second by: M. Gignac.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
6. FINANCIAL DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
Business Director update.
Rachel Linkkila reported the updated version of Munis has been installed. R. Linkkila reviewed
the budget report with Board members. Transfers will be presented for review and approval at
the next Board meeting.
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Board of Education
October 25, 2022 – Regular Meeting
7. PERSONNEL DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
7.1 Director of Human Resources Update
Director Ramsby reviewed the recent new hires, resignations, leave requests and the new
positions being advertised.
8. POLICY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
8.1 Series 3000 Donation or Gifts to Schools or Districts
8.2 1205 Agenda Format/Preparation ad Dissemination and Bylaw 9323 Agenda
Construction/Meeting Materials
As these are first readings, no action taken.
9. REPORTS FROM BOARD LIAISONS
No reports this evening.
10. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS and INFORMATION ITEMS
10.1 Next Meeting – Next Board meeting is scheduled for November 8, 2022.
10.2 Monthly Enrollment for Octobers is 2247 students.
10.3 Notices of Retirement/Resignation have been received from the following:
1. Alisa Barnett
2. Paula Tamborra-Berglund
3. Kathleen Brandon
4. Kellie Cirillo
5. Nancy Condon
6. Pauline Hyla
7. Laura Jamison
8. Donald Levine
9. Janice Passacantando
11. PUBLIC COMMENT
Jen Cox said she was in favor of the hybrid meeting format and would like to see the Board
meeting posted on the Town website.
Samantha Van Zilen noted that the Board of Education meeting was not posted on the Town
website and it was challenging to find it on the Board Documents app. S.Van Zilen noted that
students participating in both chorus and band practice are having their times split and not
getting the full experience.
Don Levine has given his notice to retire, effective 2023, and wanted to thank the Board stating
he has enjoyed 34 years of teaching.
12. ADJOURMENT
Chair Oliphant adjourned this Regular Meeting at 7:33 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Jane Slade
Recording Secretary
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