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COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
Colchester, CT
BOARD OF EDUCATION RETREAT
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
5:30 PM
180 West Street
Hebron, CT
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
1. MEETING OPENING
1.1 Call to Order
Vice-Chair Mary Tomasi called the meeting to order at 5:35 PM
1.2 Roll Call
Vice-Chair Mary Tomasi conducted a roll call of the Board.
2. *PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
2.1 Student Performance Update
Superintendent Sullivan discussed the understanding of student performance pros and
cons. Dr. Hewes reviewed student performance and gave an overview of standardized
assessments. Dr. Hewes reviewed indicators of literacy, math and science proficiency
and identified strengths and opportunities for each.
Chair Alexander Oliphant joined the meeting at 5:47 PM.
2.2 *Board of Education Goals for 2023-2024
The Board reviewed administrative, district and community goals. Discussion was had in
regard to general committee options to bring partnerships with the community.
Discussion was had in regard to Board and District goals and putting together a three to
five year improvement plan.
2.3 *Philosophy of Employee Compensation
Discussion was had on the challenges of retaining employees. The Board compared
salaries with other districts.
2.4 *Legal Fees
The Board discussed money saving ideas around legal costs. Discussion was had
regarding taking a new path with Shipman and Goodwin to utilize other attorneys on staff
who are at a lesser cost per hour.
2.5 *Budget Process for 2024-2025
No discussion was had.
2.6 *Colchester Public Schools Logo
Donna Antonacci presented options and Board members gave input,
3. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Alexander Oliphant adjourned the meeting at 8:14 PM