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COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
Colchester, CT
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
8:00 AM
Pupil Services Conference Room
380 Norwich Avenue, Colchester
HYBRID
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Alexander Oliphant, Vice Chair Mary Tomasi,
Secretary Margo Gignac, Donna Antonacci, Rosemary Gignac, Christopher Rivers
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Daniel P. Sullivan, III, Assistant
Superintendent Dr. Charles E. Hewes, Assistant Director of Pupil Services and Special Education
Rebecca Tedesco
OTHERS PRESENT: Business Director Rachel Linkkila, Director of Educational Operations
Andrew Barillari, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent/Board Clerk Heather Petit
1. MEETING OPENING
1.1 Call to Order
Chair Oliphant called the meeting to order at 8:03 AM
1.2 Roll Call
Chair Oliphant conducted a roll call of the Board
1.3 Pledge of Allegiance
2. *CONSENT AGENDA
2.1 *Dual-Credit Grant Award
Dr. Hewes spoke to the grant award which will allow our school district to partner
with Charter Oak State College to offer students a Firefighter 1 course. EMT and
a CNA program for nursing are other options being discussed. This is a two-year
grant award. After the grant expires, there will be a small annual cost to continue
the firefighter program. Dr. Hewes will bring this to the Curriculum Committee
to discuss as appropriate.
2.2 *PEGPETIA Grant Award
Dr. Hewes stated that the PEGPETIA grant award for $91,000, will fund a hybrid
technology Zoom room at William J. Johnston Middle School (WJJMS) and as
well as technology equipment needed in the school.
2.3 *Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Secondary Supplemental Grant
award
Dr. Hewes stated that the Perkins supplemental grant award will fund equipment
used for Colchester Public Schools’ manufacturing program.
Motion by: C.Rivers
To approve the consent agenda as presented.
Second: M.Gignac
Roll call: All in favor.
Vote: Motion carried.
3. *PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
3.1 *Budget Recommendations Pending a Successful Referendum
Superintendent Sullivan presented recommendations in regard to the additional $300,000
added to the Board of Education budget for referendum. Mr. Sullivan stated that if the
budget passes at referendum, he is recommending that the District restore world language
in Grade 7 as well as a French teacher at Bacon Academy. In addition, Mr. Sullivan
recommended removing pay-to-play for middle school music and to add safety officers to
each of the schools.
Andrew Barillari spoke to capital projects currently ongoing throughout the District. Mr.
Barillari stated that the Colchester Elementary School (CES) is currently being
recarpeted. In addition, the WJJMS gym floor is ready for the beginning of the school
year.
Mr. Sullivan spoke to technical school transportation and shared opportunities with
Lebanon and East Hampton in transporting Colchester students to Windham and Vinal
Tech.
Mary Tomasi asked about Kindergarten and First Grade teachers. Mr. Sullivan stated that
the District is adequately staffed in those areas.
Dr. Hewes reported on a meeting with the Bozrah Board of Education that he attended in
regard to making Bacon Academy a school of choice for their district. Dr. Hewes stated
that their board asked two questions in regard to Bacon Academy; 1) what does BA have
for school security and 2) is their support of funding for schools going forward. Dr.
Hewes spoke to the commitment of the Colchester Board of Education to support our
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students and schools. Dr. Hewes said that it is important to note that other towns are
watching and are aware as to what is going on in the Colchester community.
Margo Gignac asked Superintendent Sullivan to speak to the Business Teacher position
as it was discussed recently by a Board of Finance member. Mr. Sullivan said that it
would prove difficult to find and hire a second Business Teacher. Mr. Sullivan stated it
would be difficult to fill given that the position was previously cut and applicants may be
hesitant to come to the District. Mr. Sullivan said that the high school has already
completed student schedules without a second Business Teacher for the upcoming school
year as well.
In regard to the recommendations to utilize the additional $300,000 if passed by
referendum, Mr. Sullivan reiterated they are:
● World Language at WJJMS with the understanding it may be difficult to hire
● Remove Pay-to-Play for music
● Look to hire safety officers for each of the schools
Motion by: M.Gignac
To approve the budget recommendations as discussed pending a successful referendum.
Second: C.Rivers
Roll call: All in favor.
Vote: Motion carried.
3.2 *2023-2024 Substitute Compensation
Mr. Sullivan stated that the current District substitute rates are $150 per day for certified
and $100 for non-certified substitutes. Superintendent Sullivan reported surrounding
districts’ rates for substitutes.
Christopher Rivers recommended that the surrounding district rates are gathered annually
during budget season and determining rates during that time.
Discussion on substitute rates was tabled for a future meeting.
3.3 *Appointment of Assistant Director of Pupil Services and Special Education
Mr. Sullivan introduced Rebecca Tedesco to the Board Ms. Tedesco stated that she is a
social worker and worked in South Windsor previously. Ms. Tedesco said she is thankful
for the opportunity and looks forward to serving students in Colchester.
Donna Antonacci asked about the current structure of special education. Mr. Sullivan
said that team leaders were hired to help serve students and to work with special
education teachers. In addition, team leaders can serve as designees and will be able to
take a leadership role in PPTs. Mr. Sullivan stated that the overall goal of the team leader
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positions is to support the directors which will allow Amy Emory and Rebecca Tedesco
to work more closely with students and teachers needing support.
Motion by: M.Gignac
To approve the Rebecca Tedesco as the Assistant Director of Pupil Services and Special
Education
Second: R.Gignac
Roll call: All in favor.
Vote: Motion carried.
3.4 *Appointment of Director of Educational Operations
Mr. Sullivan introduced Andrew Barillari to the Board. Mr. Barillari stated that he is a
resident of Colchester and has a daughter in the school system. Mr. Barillari said that he
has worked in several school districts in the past and as he lives closeby, is able to easily
serve around the clock as needed for the District. He stated that he is focusing on needed
updates at Bacon Academy and using ARPA and ESSER funding as available. Mr.
Barillari said he has been meeting with community stakeholders including town
departments (public works, highways, etc.).
In addition, Mr. Barillari stated that the department has cleared out old, moldy furniture
and other items from Old Bacon Academy. Mr. Sullivan said he and the First Selectman
met with the Old Bacon Academy Board of Trustees last week and agreed to a contract.
Mr. Sullivan said the trustees are going to work on the building to support C3 and the
transition academy (CTAC) potentially in the future.
Motion by: C.Rivers
To approve Andrew Barillari as the Director of Educational Operations.
Second: R.Gignac
Roll call: All in favor.
Vote: Motion carried.
4 PUBLIC COMMENT
4.1 For Public Comments, Please See Bylaw on Meeting Conduct
None.
5. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by: C.Rivers
To adjourn the meeting at 9:01 AM
Second: R.Gignac
Roll call: All in favor.
Vote: Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
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Heather R. Petit
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent/Board Clerk
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