Machine-extracted text of a publicly
posted document, provided for reference and search. The original document at
the link above is authoritative.
COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
Colchester, CT
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING: COMMUNITY FORUM
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
5:00 PM HYBRID
William J. Johnston Middle School
The Commons (Black Box Theater)
MINUTES
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Alexander Oliphant, Vice-Chair Mary Tomasi, Donna
Antonacci, 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, William J. Johnston Middle School Assistant Principal Stacy
Ewings, Jack Jackter Intermediate School Principal Elise Butson, Jack Jackter Intermediate School
Assistant Principal Jennifer Reynolds, Colchester Elementary School Principal Judy O'Meara,
Colchester Elementary School Assistant Principal Meghan Amado, Director of Pupil Services and
Special Education Amy Emory, Assistant Director of Pupil Services and Special Education Elisa
Fabiszak, Supervisor of Special Education Laurie Labato-DiTomasso
OTHERS PRESENT: Business Director Rachel Linkkila, Executive Assistant to the
Superintendent/Board Clerk Heather Petit, Director of Digital Learning and Innovation Darren
Smith, Athletic Director Kevin Burke
1. 5:00 PM SCHOOL AND PROGRAM EXPO
1.1 School and Program Expo in The Commons Area at William J. Johnston Middle
School
Students, families, administrators, staff and Board of Education members participated in an
expo highlighting Colchester schools and programs. Board member Donna Antonacci gave
a virtual tour of the expo for community members who joined virtually.
2. MEETING OPENING
2.1 Call to Order
Chair Oliphant called the meeting to order at 5:47 PM
3. *COMMUNITY FORUM
3.1 Open Forum on the Budget, Schools, and Programs
Rosemary Gignac thanked the community for joining the forum and encouraged
everyone to treat each other with dignity and respect through a video message. Ms.
Gignac stated the importance of being an example for students as they are watching and
learning.
Superintendent Sullivan thanked administration and staff at William J. Johnston Middle
School for getting everything set up for the expo, Mr. Sullivan also thanked teachers,
families and students for taking part in the expo as well as administrators, the athletic
director, and central office staff for their help and participation.
Superintendent Sullivan stated that Board Members, administration and staff were all
available this evening to answer any questions or receive feedback related to schools,
programs and budget.
A community forum was held.
4. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Heather R. Petit
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent/Board Clerk