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COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
Colchester, CT
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
4:30 PM
The Commons (Black Box Theater)
William J. Johnston Middle School
360 Norwich Avenue, Colchester
HYBRID
MINUTES
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Alexander Oliphant, Vice-Chair Mary Tomasi, Secretary
Margo Gignac, Donna Antonacci, Rosemary Gignac, Michelle Millington, Christopher Rivers
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Daniel P. Sullivan, III, Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Charles E. Hewes, Bacon Academy Principal Amy Begué, Bacon Academy Assistant Principal
Melissa Cyr, Bacon Academy Assistant Principal Michael Mal, William J. Johnston Middle School
Principal Christopher Bennett, Jack Jackter Intermediate School Principal Elise Butson, Colchester
Elementary School Principal Judy O'Meara, Assistant Principal Jennifer Reynolds, Director of
Pupil Services and Special Education Amy Emory
OTHERS PRESENT: Student Board Members Brooke Dean and Ryan Moores, Business Director
Rachel Linkkila, Director of Digital Learning and Innovation Darren Smith, Director of Educational
Operations Mario Hurtado, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent/Board Clerk Heather Petit
1. MEETING OPENING
1.1 Call to Order
Chair Alexander Oliphant called the meeting to order at 4:31PM
1.2 Roll Call
Chair Oliphant conducted a roll call of the Board
1.3 Pledge of Allegiance
2. STUDENT BOARD MEMBERS REPORT
2.1 Student Board Member Report
Ryan Moores reported that they held a Snowball Dance at Bacon Academy and had a nice
turnout. Mr. Moores said that Bacon Academy Band and Choir are going to Disney to play
and engage in a workshop with professional musicians. Brooke Dean and Mr. Moores will
be working with other schools’ student councils in the next few weeks.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
3.1 For Public Comments, Please See Bylaw on Meeting Conduct
Michael Dubreuil, 180 Woodbine Road. Mr. Dubreuil asked that the Board of Education
publish a Munis report of the budget detail. Mr. Dubreuil also asked about the Board using
the transparency software proposed by the First Selectman.
4. REPORT FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
4.1 Board of Education Member Appreciation
Superintendent Sullivan celebrated the Board for Board of Education Appreciation Month.
Superintendent Sullivan thanked the Board for their time, volunteerism and dedication to
the District. Students from all four schools sent the Board tokens of appreciation including
cards, sweets, pens, artwork and a thank you video.
5. *CONSENT AGENDA
5.1 *Board of Education Special Meeting Minutes of February 7, 2023
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5.2 *Board of Education Budget Workshop Minutes of February 14, 2023
5.3 *Board of Education Budget Workshop Minutes of February 23, 2023
5.4 *CES Material Removal Request - Warn, Damaged Media Center Books
Motion by: M. Tomasi
Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented
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Second: M. Gignac
Roll Call: All in favor.
Vote: Motion carried
6. PRIORITY DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
6.1 *Bacon Academy and William J. Johnston Middle School Program of Studies
Donna Antonacci spoke to state mandated changes and discussed the credits for freshman
students which was proposed to be 8 credits for next school year. Ms. Antonacci said the
Board received some feedback from parents who asked that this requirement be reduced
and study hall reinstituted.
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Dr. Hewes said the original thought of 8 credits was to increase the rigor for students. Dr.
Hewes said the recommendation from the administration is for an increase from the 6.5
credits. Ms. Begué said that 7.5 credits might be a good compromise and allow for some
study hall time as well as additional course offerings.
Ms. Millington and Ms. M Gignac stated their support for 7 credits as it gives room to help
students transition as well as take additional course offerings.
Discussion was had in regard to the number of credits for freshman.
Motion by: M.Millington
To adjust the credit requirement for Freshman at Bacon Academy to be a minimum of 7
credits with the option to take more.
Second: M.Tomasi
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Roll Call: Donna Antonacci abstained; all others in favor.
Vote: Motion carried.
Motion by: Christopher Rivers
To approve the Bacon Academy and William J. Johnston Middle School Program of
Studies for 2023-2024 including the previous motion’s changes.
Second: R. Gignac
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
6.2 *Set the Bacon Academy Graduation Date
Motion by: M.Gignac
To set the Bacon Academy graduation date as June 16, 2023
Second: D.Antonacci
Roll Call: All in favor
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Vote: Motion carried.
6.3 *Healthy Food Certification
Motion by: M.Millington
Motion pursuant to C.G.S Section 10‐215f, that the Colchester Board of Education 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
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period of July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. This certification shall include all food
offered for sale to students separately from reimbursable meals at 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.
Second: D.Antonacci
Roll Call: All in favor.
Vote: Motion carried.
Motion by: M.Millington
Motion that the Colchester Board of Education will allow the sale to students of food items
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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.
Second: D.Antonacci
Roll Call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
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Motion by: C.Rivers
The Colchester Board of Education 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: D.Antonacci
Roll Call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
6.4 *Non-Enrolled Student Guidelines
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Dr. Hewes stated that a committee was established to look at co-curricular activity
participation for Colchester students who are not enrolled in Colchester Public Schools.
Committee members included Board members, teachers, parents and administrators. The
committee proposed guidelines for non-rolled students to participate in co-curricular
activities at Colchester Public Schools for residents in Colchester who attend school
elsewhere. The guidelines do not include athletics and are not applicable to homeschooled
students. Students must be attending an accredited school to participate.
Motion by: M.Gignac
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To approve the Non-Enrolled Student Participation in Co-Curricular Activities Guidelines
as presented.
Second: C.Rivers
Roll Call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried.
7. *REPORTS FROM BOARD LIAISONS/COMMITTEES
7.1 Reports from Board Liaisons
Board of Selectmen: Donna Antonacci
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None.
Board of Finance: Christopher Rivers
Meeting scheduled for this evening was canceled. Superintendent Sullivan said the
meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 21, 2023.
P&R Parent Commission: Margo Gignac
None.
PTO Collaborative: Margo Gignac
Ms. Gignac said that they met and discussed the budget. The PTOs have worked
with the finance department in regard to their funds which was very helpful.
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C3 Collaborative: Rosemary Gignac
Ms. Gignac reported that a meeting was held at Cragin Library and discussion was
had on the C3 budget. The next meeting will be on April 6, 2023.
Commission on Aging: Mary Tomasi
Ms. Tomasi said a meeting was held yesterday, March 13, 2023. Ms. Tomasi
reported to the commission on the Board of Education budget. Ms. Tomasi said
there was also discussion about the senior center and concern about the project
passing.
Youth & Social Services: Michelle Millington
Ms. Millington attended the Youth & Social Services meeting and discussion was
had on putting vape detectors in the bathrooms at Bacon Academy. Other
discussion included residents with non-traditional families and putting supports in
place for families to engage with others in similar situations within the community.
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7.2 Reports from Board Committees
Budget Finance Committee
Mr. Rivers stated that at the last meeting that there was discussion regarding the
letter that was subsequently sent to the Town in regard to the Health Reserve
account. The Committee is concerned the Town is not putting in enough money
each month to cover the fund and that in the future the reserve might dwindle.
Mr. Rivers also spoke in regard to budget transfers. The Board approves any
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budget transfers over $5,000. The Committee would like to propose that any
transfers under $5,000 would be reviewed by the Committee but not brought to the
full Board. In regard to transfers over $5,000 the Committee would review first for
any questions before going to the full Board.
Mr. Rivers said that Rachel Linkkila will be working on providing updated formats
for budget reports.
Policy Committee
None. Ms. Antonacci stated there would likely be a meeting next week to look at
initial updates.
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Curriculum Committee
The Curriculum Committee met and will continue to meet and bring more
information as work moves forward.
Communications Committee
None.
Facilities Committee
None.
8. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS AND INFORMATION
7.1 Next Meetings
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● Budget Finance Committee Meeting: Wednesday, April 5, 2023
● Curriculum Committee Meeting: Wednesday, April 19, 2023
● BOE Regular Meeting: Tuesday, April 25, 2023
7.2 Enrollment Report
Current enrollment for the district is 2242.
7.3 Notices of Retirement/Resignation
● Erin Connolly
● Jennifer Conklin
● Marquis Lawson
● Lane Perkins
● Ashley Strange
● Kathy Wonderly
● Catherine Zachas
● Paula Gooslin
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● Rosie Lipman
9. PUBLIC COMMENT
9.1 For Public Comments, Please See Bylaw on Meeting Conduct
Christopher Bennett stated that the Innovations class made a laser engraved pen as a token
of their appreciation. Mr. Bennett said the Jazz Band was scheduled to play tonight but due
to the weather will play at a future meeting date.
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Amy Begue stated that the small easels are from the BA Art Club and the treats are from the
BA Culinary Club.
10. *EXECUTIVE SESSION
10.1 *Apex Technology Group Contract
10.2 *Discussion on the Local 1303-77 (Custodian) and Board of Education Contract for
2023-2026
10.3 *Discussion on the UPSEU Local 424 Unit 54 (Nurses) and Board of Education
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Contract for 2023-2026
Motion by: M. Tomasi
To enter into Executive Session at 5:36PM and invite Superintendent Sullivan, Assistant
Superintendent Dr. Charles Hewes, and Business Director Rachel Linkkila
Second: M.Gignac
Roll Call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
Returned to public session at 6:55 PM.
11. *POSSIBLE ACTION FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION
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11.1 *Apex Technology Group Contract
Motion by: M.Gignac
To approve the Apex Technology Group Contract as presented
Second: M.Millington
Roll Call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
11.2 *Local 1303-77 (Custodian) and Board of Education Contract for 2023-2026
Motion by: C.Rivers
To approve the Local 1303-77 custodian contract for 2023-2027
Second: R.Gignac
Roll Call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
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11.3 *UPSEU Local 424 Unit 54 (Nurses) and Board of Education Contract for
2023-2026
Motion by: M. Tomasi
To approve the UPSEU Local 424 Unit 54 Nurses contract for 2023-2027
Second: R.Gignac
Roll Call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
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12. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Oliphant adjourned the meeting at 6:57 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Heather R. Petit
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent/Board Clerk
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