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COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
Colchester, CT
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
6:00 PM
The Commons (Black Box Theater)
William J. Johnston Middle School
360 Norwich Avenue, Colchester
MINUTES
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Alexander Oliphant, Vice Chair Mary Tomasi,
Secretary Margo Gignac, Rosemary Gignac, Michelle Millington, Christopher Rivers, Donna
Antonacci
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Daniel P. Sullivan, III, Assistant
Superintendent Dr. Charles E. Hewes, Bacon Academy Principal Amy Begué, William J.
Johnston Principal Christopher Bennett, Jack Jackter Intermediate School Assistant Principal
Jennifer Reynolds, Colchester Elementary School Principal Judy O’Meara
OTHERS PRESENT: Business Director Rachel Linkkila, Director of Digital Learning and
Innovation Darren Smith, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent/Board Clerk Heather Petit
1. MEETING OPENING
1.1 Call to Order
Vice-Chair Mary Tomasi called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM
1.2 Roll Call
Vice-Chair Mary Tomasi 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 said he wanted to recognize Bacon Academy students for putting together
end of year celebrations including yard games, an assembly and grad walk through other
schools in the district. Mr. Moores said the Student Council voted on the upcoming
Junior student board member for the Board of Education and it will be announced soon.
Mr. Moores stated he knows that they will serve the student body and Board well.
3. *ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
3.1 New Agenda Items
None.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
4.1 For Public Comments, Please See Bylaw on Meeting Conduct
None.
5. REPORT FROM SUPERINTENDENT
5.1 Honoring Colchester Public School Retirees
Judy O'Meara, Colchester Elementary School Principal, recognized Donald Levine and
Kathy Sheehan for their years of service to Colchester Public Schools, the students and
community.
Jennifer Reynolds, Assistant Principal of Jack Jackter Intermediate School, recognized
Kathleen Brandon and Alisa Barnett for their years of service to Colchester Public
Schools, the students and community.
Christopher Bennett, Principal of William J. Johnston Middle School, recognized Janice
Passacantando and Nancy Condon for their years of service to Colchester Public Schools,
the students and community.
Amy Beguė, Principal of Bacon Academy, recognized Elizabeth Rusconi, Amy Hopkins,
Kellie Cirillo, Pauline Hyla, Christopher Petersen, and Paula Tamborra-Berglund for their
years of service to Colchester Public Schools, the students and community.
6. *CONSENT AGENDA
6.1 *Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes of May 23, 2023
6.2 *WJJMS Material Removal Request - Outdated Library Books
Motion by: M.Gignac
To approve the consent agenda as presented.
Second: R.Gignac
Roll call: A.Oliphant, M.Tomasi, M.Gignac, R.Gignac, M.Millington, C.Rivers in favor;
D.Antonacci abstained
Vote: Motion carried
7. *PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
7.1 *Revised 2023-2024 School Year Calendar
Superintendent Sullivan discussed the recommended revision to the school year calendar
which will allow staff adequate time to work with special education staff on services for
children; to decision making on unit planning, interventions, etc. Dr. Hewes stated that in
addition, there is an increase in required training from the State for educators by almost
125% and the updated calendar allows educators time to participate in and complete this
training.
Donna Antonacci asked about Veterans’ Day on November 10, 2023 and if there had
been any discussion about observing Veterans’ Day on that day during school instead of
students having the day off from school. Dr. Hewes stated there had been conversation
about this in years’ past and recommended that the district meet with different groups in
the community to gauge interest.
Motion by: M.Gignac
To approve the revised 2023-2024 school year calendar as presented.
Second: M.Tomasi
Roll call: All in favor.
Vote: Motion carried.
7.2 *AP Science Textbook Approval
Donna Antonacci stated that the College Physics book was vetted by the Curriculum
Committee. Ms. Antonacci said that there are funds to buy the textbooks this year and
this is the second version.
Motion by: M.Tomasi
To approve the textbook College Physics for AP Science
Second: M.Gignac
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
7.3 *Director of Instructional Technology Job Description
Superintendent Sullivan said with the decision to outsource the infrastructure side of
technology with Apex, it now allows the Director of Instructional Technology to really
focus on how to utilize technology in the classroom to best support teachers and students.
Dr. Hewes said that the position will help enhance student skill in academics and career
choice.
Motion by: M.Gignac
To approve the Director of Instructional Technology job description as presented
Second: D.Antonacci
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
7.4 *Assistant Superintendent Job Description
Superintendent Sullivan said he was asked often about the administrative transition from
a Director of Teaching and Learning to an Assistant Superintendent role and he is
concerned that there is a lack of understanding between the jobs, the importance of the
role, and how it serves the district. Mr. Sullivan said that the Superintendent and
Assistant Superintendent are necessary complementary roles. The Assistant
Superintendent role allows a partner in administrator evaluation, a role in Special
Education and in building and District level oversight.
Mr. Rivers asked Superintendent Sullivan to explain how the position translates for better
outcomes for students in the classroom as he feels there is a lack of understanding of
what a superintendent and assistant superintendent do to facilitate outcomes for children
in the classroom. Mr. Sullivan said there are a multitude of days that the Assistant
Superintendent is working in the District modifying, creating and enhancing curriculum,
and working to make sure the District has the best outcomes for kids. Mr. Sullivan stated
that the District needs an assistant superintendent who has the ability to evaluate
administrators and hold them accountable if necessary and that the role also helps to
make better teachers and administrators.
Dr. Hewes said that when he came into the District there was no expectation to work on
learning to effectuate change. Dr. Hewes took it upon himself with the support of an
unbelievable administrative team to work on school improvement. Dr. Hewes said that
although the administrative team is outstanding, anyone working with administrators on
school improvement needs to have authority if there ever was an issue. Dr. Hewes said
that this position has the authority to effectuate that change.
Ms. Antonacci stated that the EEO paragraph on the bottom of page three needs to be on
each job description. Dr. Hewes said the updated version of the descriptions will all
include the new EEO language.
Motion by: R.Gignac
To approve the Assistant Superintendent job description as presented
Second: M.Gignac
Roll call: All in favor.
Vote: Motion carried.
7.5 *Solar Opportunity
Mr. Sullivan said the opportunity the district was asked to be the entity for the Silver
Brook solar project which allows them to take advantage of the reduced rates that comes
with solar. In turn, the company will refund the district. Mr. Sullivan stated that if the
Board chooses to move forward, they have the opportunity to either be paid out in a lump
sum or through an annuity (smaller payments over 20 years). Ms. Tomasi said she
would like to find out from the Board of Finance where the money would go; to the town
or to the District. Mr. Rivers said that the annuity (20 year payment) would allow the
District to do some real strategic planning and the annuity helps not to create a fiscal cliff.
Michelle Millington and Ms. Antonacci agreed with Mr. Rivers.
Ms. Antonacci asked if the Board of Selectmen needed to approve as well to move
forward. Mr. Sullivan said that the town can choose a lump sum refund and the Board
can choose annuity (20 year payments) or vice versa; either would work.
Motion by: Christopher Rivers
To accept and approve the 20 year annuity approach and contract with Silver Brook
Solar.
Second: M.Millington
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
7.6 *Tuition Fees
Superintendent Sullivan said that the Board made the decision previously to change the
tuition rate for students coming from other districts to the per pupil expenditure (PPE).
Mr. Sullivan stated that Norwich has made the decision to not maintain Bacon Academy
as a secondary option due to many factors. Mr. Sullivan said that since that time, the
administration has presented Bacon Academy as an option to Franklin and on August 1,
will be presenting to Bozrah. Mr. Sullivan believes it is valuable to the Board to
reevaluate the cost of tuition in regard to help bring in more students to the district as
well as a benefit to staff who send their students to Colchester schools. Mr. Sullivan
stated that staff choosing to send their children here is a high compliment and allowing
them to do so helps retention. Mr. Sullivan said that at the Policy Committee this was
discussed and $12,900 seemed to be palpable.
Mr. Rivers asked that we set the tuition rate every year in the fall prior to budget season.
Superintendent Sullivan said the month the Board did that this past year in November is a
good time to look at that.
Motion by: M.Tomasi
To set the tuition rate for the 2023-2024 school year as $12,900.
Second: D.Antonacci
Roll call: All in favor.
Vote: Motion carried
7.7 *Budget Transfers Over $5,000
Mr. Rivers discussed the budget transfers over $5,000 and the reasons and rationale are
all included in the request.
Motion by: C.Rivers
To approve the budget transfers over $5,000 as presented
Second: M.Gignac
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
7.8 Legal Cost and Options
Superintendent Sullivan stated that it was a request from some Board members to add
legal cost to the agenda for discussion. Mr. Rivers stated that the Board recently received
a renewal notice from Shipman & Goodwin with increased rates. Mr. Rivers said that as
fiscally responsible Board members, it is important to see what the options are. Ms.
Antonacci said it is good to look elsewhere as well because Shipman & Goodwin is in
conflict with the town. Ms. Millington said this would be a responsible way to save
without affecting students directly. Mr. Rivers said Attorney Anne Littlefield has been
great and is in no way due to her services.
Mr. Sullivan confirmed that the Board would like him to let Attorney Littlefield know
about the discussion tonight and do his due diligence to explore what other legal options
are out there; to which the Board agreed. Mr. Sullivan said he will plan to report back to
the Board in August.
8. POLICIES – FIRST READ
8.1 9130 Committees
8.2 9131 Standing Committees
8.3 9132 Guidelines of Ad Hoc Committees
8.4 9325.1 Quorum
8.5 9325.2 Order of Business
8.6 9325.3 Parliamentary Procedure
Ms. Antonacci reviewed the potential update to Bylaw 9130 Committees, and the
proposed removal of 9131 and 9132 as they would be included in 9130. In addition, Ms.
Antonacci proposed that Bylaws 9325.1, 9325.2, and 9325.3 be removed as they have
been included in 9321 Time, Place and Notice of Meetings.
9. *POLICIES - SECOND READ
9.1 *3542.4 Meal Charging
9.2 *9321 Time, Place and Notice of Meetings
Ms. Antonacci spoke to the legal update required in 3542.4 Meal Charging and the
update to 9321 Time, Place and Notice of Meetings.
Motion by: M.Tomasi
To approve the revisions to policies 3542.4 and 9321
Second: M.Gignac
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
10. REPORTS FROM BOARD LIAISONS / COMMITTEES
10.1 Reports from Board Liaisons
● Board of Selectmen: Donna Antonacci
Ms. Antonacci said they interviewed candidates for the water and sewer
commission. Ms. Antonacci stated that the Board of Selectmen discussed
the creation of a public safety subcommittee; however, Mr. LaChappelle
did not agree with the way the bylaws were worded as they gave the
superintendent and other non-elected town staff the ability to speak as part
of the committee.
● Board of Finance: Christopher Rivers
Mr. Rivers encouraged everyone to vote in the referendum.
● P&R Commission: Margo Gignac
None.
● PTO Collaborative: Margo Gignac
None.
● C3 Collaborative: Rosemary Gignac
None.
● Commission on Aging: Mary Tomasi
Ms. Tomasi said there would a forum on aging in place at 4pm on 6/14/23.
● Youth & Social Services: Michelle Millington
None.
10.2 Reports from Board Committees
● Budget Finance Committee
Nothing further to report.
● Policy Committee
Nothing further to report.
● Curriculum Committee
None.
● Facilities Committee
Mr. Rivers asked for reformatting of technology plan and capital plan
which the administration has done. The committee will walk the buildings
and grounds with the professionals in charge of the buildings and help the
committee get a true state of facilities and make a three year plan. Ms.
Gignac said that to make the Central Office more efficient and practical
for training there will be a slight redesign of office space to accommodate
a conference room.
11. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS AND INFORMATION ITEMS
11.1 Next Meetings
● Budget Finance Committee: Wednesday, July 12, 2023
● Policy Committee Meeting: Tuesday, July 13, 2023
● Policy Committee Meeting: Thursday, July 18, 2023
● BOE Regular Meeting: Tuesday, August 22, 2023
● Curriculum Committee Meeting: Monday, October 16, 2023
11.2 Personnel Report
Superintendent Sullivan stated that in the packet are the new retirements/resignations as
well as new hires as this is a busy time for school districts
11.3 Enrollment Report
The District currently has 2253 students enrolled.
11.4 Notices of Retirement/Resignation
Jennifer Major
Christine Hupfer
Jennifer Merkent
Julie Pelland
Nancy O’Neil
Debra Stevenson
Karla Staubach
Maddie Cutler
Knikka Wetzel
Megan Farrington
11.5 Budget Transfers Under $5,000
Mr. Rivers said these transfers were discussed in the Budget Finance Committee and is
for informational purposes for the full board.
11.6 Donation to Bacon Academy Robotics Team of $500 from Rand-Whitney
11.7 Donation to BA Life Skills Program of $1,000 from Aline and Robert Dubiel
11.8 Donation of $18,495.06 from Ahold Delhaize (Stop & Shop)
Mr. Rivers asked that we help send information out to families in regard to signing up for
the Stop & Shop program.
12. PUBLIC COMMENT
12.1 For Public Comments, Please See Bylaw on Meeting Conduct
None.
13. *EXECUTIVE SESSION
13.1 *Discussion and Possible Action on Non-Union Salaries for 2023-2024
(discussion proposed for executive session)
Motion by: M.Tomasi
To go into executive session at 7:31 PM inviting Superintendent Daniel Sullivan for the
purpose of discussing non-union salaries for 2023-2024.
Second: M.Gignac
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
Returned to public session at 8:58 PM
Motion by: M.Gignac
To approve the Business Director contract as discussed.
Second: M.Tomasi
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried.
Motion by: M.Gignac
To approve the Assistant Superintendent Contract as discussed.
Second: R.Gignac
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried.
Motion by: M.Gignac
To authorize the superintendent to finalize non-union contracts for the 2023-2024 school
year.
Second: R.Gignac
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
14. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by: M.Gignac
To adjourn the meeting at 9:05 PM
Second: C. Rivers
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Unanimous