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Board of Education
November 22, 2022 – Regular Meeting
Via Zoom
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Alexander Oliphant, Vice Chair Mary Tomasi, Donna Antonacci,
Secretary Margo Gignac, Rosemary Gignac, Michelle Millington at 6:30 pm, Christopher Rivers at
6:49 pm, Student Liaison Ryan Moores.
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Interim Superintendent Dr. Thomas McDowell, Assistant
Superintendent Dr. Charles Hewes, Bacon Academy Principal Amy Begué, Colchester
Elementary School Principal Judy O’Meara, William J. Johnston Middle School Principal Chris
Bennett, Jack Jackter Intermediate School Principal Elise Butson, Director of Human Resources
Shannon Ramsby, Business Director Rachel Linkkila.
1. MEETING OPENING
1.1 Call to Order
Chair Alexander Oliphant called this Regular Meeting of the Board of Education to
order at 6:10 pm.
1.2 Roll Call
Chair Oliphant called a roll call to establish a quorum. A quorum was established.
1.3 Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Oliphant led the members of the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
2.1 New Agenda Items
Motion by: D. Antonacci
to add Student Update as Item 2.2.
Second by: R. Gignac.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
2.2 Student Update
Ryan Moores is the new senior Student Liaison and Brooke Dean is the Junior Student Liaison.
R. Moores stated he has been listening to the Board zoom meetings for the last year and a half.
He reported on the activities at Bacon Academy – Veterans’ Day session with the juniors
and seniors, Drama Club production, writing and math centers have been established and the
recent Powder Puff Football to raise funds for Friends of Football to benefit the BA football
team.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
3.1 Jeffrey Marks commented on Colchester students/residents attending Norwich Technical
School being told that they cannot participate in the robotics team at Bacon Academy as has
been done in the past. His older son who attended BA was on the team with out of town
students.
Tony Paquette stated his son attended Bacon Academy but left after his sophomore year to
attend an out of town school but was allowed to participate in the robotics team.
Board of Education
November 22, 2022 – Regular Meeting
Susie Milner commented on the recent shootings in Colorado and encouraged people to be
supportive of all students. S. Milner also noted that her son was on the robotics team and said
support for students residing in Colchester but attending other schools should be given.
M. Millington joined the meeting at this point in the agenda.
4. REPORT FROM SUPERINTENDENT
4.1 Superintendent Report
Dr. McDowell provided an update to the board.
4.2 Principal Updates from Beginning of School through the Present
CES Principal Judy O’Meara stated 642 Cardinals are attending school. Principal
O’Meara said she is grateful for the smaller class sizes this year.
JJIS Principal Elsie Butson noted the 448 Jaguars and reviewed the ROCKS program.
WJJMS Principal Chris Bennett reported that 486 students with strong academics are
back to full time students, things are back to normal and the first ‘whole school’ assembly
in two years was held.
BA Principal Amy Begué said Bacon Academy welcomed 667 students and celebrated
‘First Day the Bacon Way’.
4.3 Armed Security Update
Superintendent McDowell shared the results of a recent survey to parents regarding
concealed armed security guards when schools are in session. The Yes vote was 66.5%,
No – 24.6%, Maybe – 8.9%. The survey is just a baseline that will require more study.
The security topic was discussed at an area superintendents’ meeting and could cost
$150,000.
C. Rivers joined the meeting during the above discussion.
4.4 Discussion and Possible Action on Setting the Tuition Rate for 2023-2024 School Year
Tuition rates were reviewed and discussed. Superintendent McDowell said the Per Pupil
Expenditure this year is $19,002, and at this time the tuition rate for out of town students
attending school here is $12,200. The Administration is recommending raising the cost
for the 2023-2024 school year to $19,002 plus related service costs.
Motion by: C. Rivers
to set the tuition for out of town students at the per pupil expenditure rate plus any related
service costs and transportation starting with the 2023-2024 school year.
Second by: M. Millington
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
5.1 Approval of BOE Regular Meeting Minutes of October 25, 2022
5.2 Approval of BOE Special Meeting Minutes of November 17, 2022
5.3 BA Class of 2023 Fundraising Request – Advisory Bake Sale
5.4 BA Fencing Team Fundraising Request -Percent of Sales from Inishmore
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Board of Education
November 22, 2022 – Regular Meeting
Motion by: M. Tomasi
to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Second by: C. Rivers.
Vote: Unanimous to approve.
6. CURRICULUM DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
6.1 Assistant Superintendent Update
Dr. Hewes provided a curriculum update.
7. FINANCIAL DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
7.1 Business Director Update
Business Director Rachel Linkkila presented the Board with revised forms for requesting
transfers and reporting the financial information.
8. PERSONNEL DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
8.1 Director of Human Resources Update
Director Ramsby reviewed the recent new hires, vacancies and resignations.
9. POLICY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
9.1 Series 3000 Donation or Gifts to Schools or District Policy
This policy is the second reading and discussion was had. It will be revised and on the
December 13, 2022, agenda.
9.2 Bylaw 9323 Agenda Construction/Meeting Materials
Discussion followed about the agenda changes. This item will be on the December 13, 2022,
agenda.
9.3 1205 Agenda Format/Preparation and Dissemination
This item will be on the December 13, 2022, agenda.
10. REPORTS FROM BOARD LIAISONS
10.1 Reports from Board Liaisons –
D. Antonacci reported the Board of Selectmen discussed the Freedom of Information
requests and noted the Town budget passed.
C. Rivers also reported the Board of Finance budget passed.
R. Gignac said that C3 will meet on November 29, 2022.
M. Gignac noted the meeting for PTO is in December.
M. Tomasi did not have a Commission on Aging report but did note that the Board of
Finance reported the bid for the new Senior Center came in a million dollars over the
approved amount.
11. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS and INFORMATION
11.1 Next Meeting – December 13, 2022
11.2 Monthly Enrollment Report – 2,259 students enrolled.
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Board of Education
November 22, 2022 – Regular Meeting
11.3 Notices of Retirement/Resignation – informational only
11.4 Budget transfer (Less than $5,000) – BA Tech Ed Security Gate
Information items only, no action taken.
12. PUBLIC COMMENT
No comments received.
13. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Oliphant adjournment this meeting at 7:49 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Jane Slade
Recording Secretary
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