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COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
Colchester, CT
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
Tuesday, November 14, 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, Donna Antonacci (arrived at 6:06 PM), Rosemary Gignac, Michelle
Millington, Christopher Rivers
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Daniel P. Sullivan, III, Assistant
Superintendent Jessica L. Kuckel, Principal of Jack Jackter Intermediate School Elise Butson,
Assistant Principal of Jack Jackter Intermediate School Jennifer Reynolds, Bacon Academy
Principal Amy Begué, Bacon Academy Assistant Principal Melissa Cyr, William J. Johnston
Middle School Principal Christopher Bennett, Colchester Elementary School Principal Judy
O’Meara, Assistant Director of Pupil Services and Special Education Rebecca Tedesco.
OTHERS PRESENT: Business Director Rachel Linkkila, Executive Assistant to the
Superintendent/Board Clerk Heather Petit, Instructional Technology Coordinator Barbara
Johnson, Student Board Member Brooke Dean, Student Board Member Mariam Kasli
1. MEETING OPENING
1.1 Call to Order
Chair Alexander Oliphant called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM
1.2 Roll Call
Chair Alexander Oliphant conducted a roll call of the Board.
1.3 Pledge of Allegiance
2. RECOGNITIONS/ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
2.1 Jack Jackter Intermediate School Rocks Stars
Principal Butson recognized students in third, fourth and fifth grade who have done
amazing work in academics and with social skills. The following students were honored:
● Lilly Civardi, Grade 3
● Caroline Frasier, Grade 4
● Lochlan Fabry, Grade 5
2.2 Recognition of Board of Education Mary Tomasi
Mr. Oliphant thanked Mary Tomasi for her service to the Board of Education as well as
her teaching. Superintendent Sullivan thanked Ms. Tomasi for all of her support and
wished her all the best in her retirement. The Board presented Ms. Tomasi with a card
and gift to thank her for her time given to the District and the Board. Ms. Tomasi
thanked the Board for all of their good work over the years and wished them well in their
time ahead.
3. STUDENT BOARD MEMBERS REPORT
3.1 Student Board Member Report
Ms. Kasli reported that Bacon Academy recently held their annual Powder Puff game.
Brooke Dean reported that an upcoming event at Bacon Academy will be where students
compete to become Mr. Bacon. Ms. Dean reported that William J. Johnston Middle
School and Jack Jackter Intermediate School honored Veterans who spent time in their
schools.
4. *ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
4.1 New Agenda Items
None.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
5.1 For Public Comments, Please See Bylaw on Meeting Conduct
None.
6. REPORT FROM SUPERINTENDENT
6.1 COPS Grant
Mr. Sullivan discussed the Colchester Police Department’s submission for the COPS
grant. Mr. Sullivan stated that if it was awarded, the grant would have provided an
additional School Resource Officer for the District. Mr. Sullivan said that unfortunately,
Colchester was recently notified that they were not awarded this grant.
Christopher Rivers discussed different types of grants and the District’s access to them.
Mr. Rivers stated that the COPS grant and HVAC grant are competitive and not
guaranteed; however, there are other grants that the District can more readily rely on that
are not competitive including ECS, Title I, Title II, et al.
6.2 BA Magnet
Mr. Sullivan stated that he, Jessica Kuckel, Amy Begué, and Ashley Zaugg, recently had
a meeting with the CT State Department of Education school choice office where they
learned how the magnet program works and all of the support the state would provide if
accepted into the program. Superintendent Sullivan stated that they are waiting on a
quote from the facilities department and then will submit an initial application to the
state.
Mr. Rivers stated that the magnet school would be a win for the community and the cost
for transportation and tuition would be funded by the state. Mr. Sullivan said that it
allows the opportunity to add additional programming to BA as well as career
opportunities.
Mr. Sullivan stated that Bacon Academy held the National Honor Society induction
ceremony last week. Mr. Sullivan said it was a job well done to the students, Chelsea
Salafia, NHS Director and the Bacon Academy administration.
Superintendent Sullivan said the girls’ soccer team would be playing in the semi-finals
against Woodland High School.
7. *CONSENT AGENDA
7.1 *Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes of October 24, 2023
7.2 *BA Material Disposal Request - Old Microscopes and Wrestling Mats
Motion by: M.Gignac
To approve the consent agenda as presented.
Second: M.Millington
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
8. POLICIES – SECOND READ
8.1 9110 Oath of Office
8.2 9325 Meeting Conduct
8.3 9326 Minutes/Taping/Broadcasting
Motion by: D.Antonacci
To approve policies 9110, 9325 and 9326
Second: M.Tomasi
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried.
9. REPORTS FROM BOARD COMMITTEES
9.1 Budget Finance Committee
Mr. Rivers reviewed the September Monthly Budget Report. Mr. Rivers stated there are
no concerns and budget transfers will be presented quarterly. Mr. Rivers thanked Ms.
Linkkila and the team for all the work they have been doing with the state to finalize the
William J. Johnston Middle School building project. Mr. Rivers said that the next step
would be an audit on the project.
9.2 Policy Committee
None.
9.3 Curriculum Committee
None. Meeting postponed until December.
9.4 Communications Committee
None.
9.5 Facilities Committee
Ms. Gignac stated that she had been attending the Pride and Purpose Facilities Committee
which meets weekly.
10. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS AND INFORMATION ITEMS
10.1 Next Meetings
● Budget Finance Committee Meeting: Wednesday, December 6, 2023
● BOE Regular Meeting: Tuesday, December 12, 2023
10.2 Personnel Report
Informational only; attachment in Board packet.
10.3 Notices of Retirement/Resignation
● Melanie Lalumiere
● Erin Hermann
● Kevin Tallman
● Amy Emory
● Kristopher Menditto
11. PUBLIC COMMENT
11.1 For Public Comments, Please See Bylaw on Meeting Conduct
None.
12. *EXECUTIVE SESSION
12.1 *Confidential Student Matter (discussion proposed for executive session)
12.2 *Contractual Matter (discussion proposed for executive session)
12.3 *Appointment of Director of Pupil Services and Special Education (discussion
proposed for executive session)
Motion by: A. Oliphant
To move into executive session at 6:22 PM for discussion regarding a confidential
student matter, a contractual matter, and to interview the potential Director of Pupil
Services and Special Education; inviting in Superintendent Daniel Sullivan and Jessica
Kuckel for portions of the session.
Second: M.Gignac
Roll call: All in favor.
Vote: Motion carried.
The Board returned to public session at 7:39 PM
13. *POSSIBLE ACTION FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION
13.1 *Appointment of Director of Pupil Services and Special Education
Motion by: M.Gignac
To appoint Eve Hurley as the Director of Pupil Services and Special Education
Second: M.Millington
Roll call: All in favor.
Vote: Motion carried.
Superintendent Sullivan congratulated and welcomed Eve Hurley to Colchester Public
Schools. Ms. Hurley stated that it was an honor to be considered and appointed to the
position. Ms. Hurley stated that the Colchester school district is known for prioritizing
education and for putting the needs of students first. Ms. Hurley said she is committed to
being a collaborative team member with transparent and visible leadership.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by: M.Gignac
To adjourn the meeting at 7:40 PM
Second: C.Rivers
Roll call: All in favor.
Vote: Motion carried
Respectfully submitted,
Heather R. Petit
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent/Board Clerk