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COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
Colchester, CT
BOARD OF EDUCATION SPECIAL MEETING
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
4:15 PM
The Commons (Black Box Theater)
William J. Johnston Middle School
360 Norwich Avenue, Colchester
MINUTES
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: 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, Principal of Bacon Academy Amy Begué, Principal of
William J. Johnston Middle School Christopher Bennett, Principal of Jack Jackter Intermediate
School Elise Butson, Principal of Colchester Elementary School Judy O’Meara, Director of Pupil
Services and Special Education Amy Emory, Assistant Principal of Bacon Academy Melissa
Cyr, Assistant Principal of Bacon Academy Michael Mal, Assistant Principal of William J.
Johnston Middle School Stacy Ewings, Assistant Principal of Jack Jackter Intermediate School
Jennifer Reynolds, Assistant Principal of Colchester Elementary School Meghan Amado,
Assistant Director of Pupil Services and Special Education Rebecca Tedesco
1. MEETING OPENING
1.1 Call to Order
Vice-Chair Mary Tomasi called the meeting to order at 4:15 PM
1.2 Roll Call
Vice-Chair Mary Tomasi conducted a roll call of the Board.
1.3 Pledge of Allegiance
2. *PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
2.1 *Appointment of the Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Superintendent Sullivan stated that earlier that day Dr. Charles Hewes was appointed as
the Deputy Commissioner for the State of Connecticut. Superintendent Sullivan
congratulated Dr. Hewes.
Mr. Sullivan stated a search committee did a nationwide search for an assistant
superintendent given Dr. Hewes’ departure. Mr. Sullivan stated that the committee
unanimously chose Ms. Jessica Kuckel. He stated that Ms. Kuckel began her career in
education as a social worker for the Milford Public Schools and later for the Capital
Region Education Council (CREC). Mr. Sullivan spoke further in regard to Ms. Kuckel’s
experience and stated that she has a Masters in Social Work from Southern Connecticut
State University, a 6th year degree from the University of Bridgeport and completed the
Executive Leadership program at Central Connecticut State University in 2020. Mr.
Sullivan said that Ms. Kuckel began working in the South Windsor Public Schools as the
Supervisor of Elementary Special Education in 2014. Mr. Sullivan stated that three years
later, she was appointed Director of Special Services and last year she was promoted to
the role of Executive Director of Student Services. Superintendent Sullivan said that her
wide range of experiences, especially in related services and special education, should be
an asset to the Colchester Public Schools He stated that he is excited to bring her before
the Board as the recommended candidate for Assistant Superintendent of Colchester
Public Schools.
Motion by: M.Gignac
To appoint Jessica L. Kuckel as the Assistant Superintendent of Colchester Public
Schools
Second: C.Rivers
Roll call: All in favor.
Vote: Motion carried.
Jessica Kuckel thanked Superintendent Sullivan and the Board of Education. It is an
honor and a privilege to follow Dr. Hewes and anticipating working on behalf of this
wonderful community. Ms. Kuckel said she knows they will have a great partnership.
3. POLICIES - FIRST READ
3.1 5131.11 PR - Personnel/Students Surveillance on School Property
3.2 4118.4 - Students Surveillance on School Property
Donna Antonacci spoke in regard to the surveillance on school property policies and
needed updates. Ms. Antonacci said these updates would also assist in applying for a
school safety grant for the district.
Dr. Hewes stated that it is an opportunity to expand protective services in the safety of
our schools. Dr. Hewes spoke to the recommended language for the policies and an
update to the regulatory language.
4. ADJOURNMENT
Vice-Chair Mary Tomasi adjourned the meeting at 4:27 PM