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COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
R-EGULARMEETING
Tuesday, March 12,2024
6:00 PM
lVilliam J. Johnston Middle School >J :1
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BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Alexaoder Oliphant, Vice-Chair Christopher
Rivers, Secretary Margo Gignac, Donna Antonacci, Michelle Millington, Rosemary Gignac,
Stefanie Tracey-Calash
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Daniel P. Sullivan, III, Assistant
Superintendent Jessica L. Kuckel,
OTHERS PRESENT: Business Director Rachel Linkkila, Instructional Technology
Coordinator Barbara Johnson, Bacon Academy Assistant Principal Melissa C1r, Bacon
Academy Assistant Principal Michael Mal, Colchester Elementary School Principal
Judy O'Meara, Bacon Academy Student Board Member Brooke Dean, Bacon Academy
Student Board Member Mariam Kasli
1. MEETING OPENING
I .1 Call to Order
Chair Alexander Oliphant called the meeting to order at 6:03 PM
1.2 Roll Call
Chair Oliphant conducted a roll call of the Board.
1.3 Pledge of Allegiance
2. RECOGNITIONS/ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
2.1 Digital Literacy Night recognitions
Superintendent Sullivan thanked the Board for all oftheir hard work and effods. He presented
the Board with gifts for Board of Education Appreciation Month.
Instructional rechnology coordinator Barbara Johnson recognized the staff members who
contributed to the Digital Literacy Night that was held at cES on Thursday, February 15,2024.
Kimberly Hebb, Sarah Dolan-Adamec, Micheie Lane, Karen Groves, Barbara Gabriel, Kelli
Cauftnan, Geri Dineen, Chelsea Greer, Dan Patersen, Kendra Meany and Peter Arseneault.
3. STT]D BOARDMEMBE REPORT
3.1 Student Board Member Report
Brooke discussed the students' SAI Prep as well as the SAT Prep that was offered to students.
The Students thanked the staff who assisted with the SAI Prep classes. The BA Robotics Team
had their first competition where they placed 3rd. The Class of2025 is hosting a "Star Search"
fundraiser on Wednesday, March 27 , 2024 .
4. *ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
4.1 New Agenda Items
Motion by: C. fuvers
To request Budget Transfer Requests be added to the agenda
Second: M. Millington
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
Motion by: D. Antonacci
To suggest an addition of a second read ofPolicy Number 9130 & Policy Number 5118
Second: M. Millington
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
Motion by: D. Antonacci
To suggest removing 8.7-8.13
Second: M. Miilington
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
Motion by: A. Oliphant
To suggest adding a discussion regarding the Healthy Food Certification
Second: M. Gignac
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
5.1 For Public Comments, Please See Bylaw on Meeting Conduct
1. M. Parsons Via zoom-Mr. Parsons thanked the Board and the Administration for the work at
the Budget Workshop as well as the Capital Plan.
2. Skip Starks (In person)- Mr. Starks spoke in regards to the Athletic Complex as well as the
other items on the Capital Plan.
3. Shannon Rogers (ln person)- Mr. Rogers discussed the sports facilities and supporting the
Athletic Complex updates.
4. Josh Bessett (In person)- Mr. Bessett informed the Board that he is the Waterford Boys Varsity
Soccer Coach. He stated that he "dreads" playing in Colchester due to the condition ofthe fields.
He stated that when they receive the athletic schedule, they have to confim early games due to
no lighting on the fields.
5. Jessica Ferrigno (In person) Ms- Ferrigno spoke regarding the Athletic Fields and schedules
She also stated that there is an urgent need for action.
6. Nicole McKenzie Via Zoom- Ms. McKenzie stated that she is in support of the facilities plan
She also mentioned that the Board should have a "back-up plan" in lieu ofthe gant application
She also discussed the current budget that was presented to the Board having a 4Y6 itcrease.
7. J.P. Fougerouse (In person) Mr. Fougerouse, a Jr. at Bacon Academy, Varsity Soccer Team
Membel discussed the safety issues on the current Bacon Academy fieids. He also discussed
some student injuries as a result of the fields.
8. Russ Glover (ln person) Mr. Glover added to the support of the Athletic Fields
9. A.J. O'Neil (In person) Mr. O'Neil stated that as a Jr.at Bacon Academy on the Football Team
discussed the poor conditions of the fields as well as possibility of injury.
10. Ryan Williams (In person) Mr. Witliams, a sophomore at Bacon Academy discussed the use
of the fields at Bacon Academy.
11. Suzie Milner Via Zoom- Ms Milner spoke in support of the Capital Plan. She highlighted
some ofBacon Academies successes. She urged folks to support the Capital Plan to maintain
Bacon Academy.
12. Ashley Zaugg (In-person) Ms. Zaugg discussed the value a turf field can bring to the district
She also discussed the new fields being for everyone in town, notjust Bacon Academy students.
13. Luke McCoy (In person) Mr. McCoy spoke in regards to the budget as well as some agenda
ltems
6. REPORT FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
6.1 Mr. Sullivan began by clarifying the groups as "committees" should be referred to as "work
groups" as these work groups do not have decision making authority nor a budget.
Superintendent Sullivan stated that he wanted to engage stakeholders to identifz the areas that
the district can grow. He discussed the needs for a Facility Work Group as well as the Magnet
School Work group. He then introduced the Professional Culture Work Group.
Tiffany Moroch and Melissa Cyr presented the Pride and Purpose: Professional Culture work
addressing the district's goal to "Ensure all members of our school community feel valued,
accepted and conntected. " The work group discussed their goals, their progress and their
agenda. This work group is staff, parents and community members. The work group discussed a
district wide survey that went out to all Colchester staffmembers. The work group discussed the
feedback from the survey. The work group's next meeting will be on April 3,2024.
M. Millington thanked the group for all of their work within the district.
Superintendent Sullivan introduced the Trust Work Group. Rebecca Tedesco and Elise Butson
presented on behalfofthe Trust, Image and Perception Work Group. The vision ofthe group is
" Create opportunities to build understanding and partnership with the communtty while
increastng transparency " The group identified community partnerships and increasing
community facing visuals.
The Pride and Purpose: Student Life Work Group presented their goals and updates. M. Mal and
R. Anderson presented the Student Life Work Group goals of "Ensuring all members of our
school community feel valued, accepted and connected." The work group discussed future goals
ofreviewing parent and student survey data, peer mentoring applications, training students for
peer mentoring as well as continuing the conversation on creating school and community based
activities that help all students feel accepted, connected and ready to learn.
6.2 Budget Process
Superintendent Sullivan stated the Board of Education will present their budget to the Board of
Finance on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Superintendent Sullivan also clarified that updates to the
Athletic Complex are not within the operational budget rather than part ofthe Capital Pla:r.
7. *APPROVAL OF MINUTES
7. I *Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes of February 27 , 2024 (Agenda has a typo of
February 27,2023. Correction is "2024")
Motion by: C. Rivers
To approve the minutes as amended
Second: M. Millington
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
7.2 *Board of Education Special Meeting Minutes of February 22,2024..
Motion by: C. fuvers
To approve the minutes
Second: M. Millington
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion canied
8. PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
8.1 *Discussion and Possible Action on District Capital Plan
Superintendent Sullivan presented the District Capital Plan spreadsheet. C. Rivers pointed out
the work the Pride and Purpose Work Group was able to do assisted with the Facilities
Committee to look at the district needs.
Motion by: M. Gignac
To approve the Capital Plan with edits to the "Cost Estimates" column, "Status Updates"
column, and changing the name to "Outdoor Athletic Facilities "
Second: M. Millington
Further Discussion: None
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried {
8.2 *Update on the 2024-2025 Budget
C. Rivers inquired about the new state guidelines for Kindergarten having an impact on the
budget at CES in regards to adding an additional Kindergarten Teacher position. Colchester
Elementary School Principal Judy O'Meara responded that there are currently 29 students who
require an evaluation as to if they qualify to begin kindergarten this upcoming school year based
on their age. The administration is trying to keep the class sizes between 16- 18 however if 18-20
ofthose 29 students are school ready, there is a good possibility that Colchester Elementary
School would require a new Kindergarten Teacher Position to accommodate. This teacher
position is not currently in the budget. Evaluations will be completed by April.
C. Rivers asked to readdress the Transportation budget line item for students who attend
Norwich Tech. Superfurtendent Sullivan clarified that the line item was readdressed after the
budget workshop and the determination is that the line item can be reduced by $45,762.00.
Superintendent Sullivan then discussed the need for maintenance in the budget, in particular the
painting updates. Business Director R. Linkkila clarified that the savings would be $15,219.00,
to the Capital Outlay. Business Director R. Linkkila confirmed that the savings would create a
$38,931 savings to add to the Capital Outlay account.
Motion by: C. Rivers
To adopt the 2024-2025 School Year Budget including the budget changes to support summer
painting, transportation changes, Capital Outlay fundings as well as the savings fiom the
changes in Central Office Staff.
Second: R. Gignac
Further Discussion: None
Roll call: A11 in favor
Vote: Motion carried
8.3 *Discussion and Possible Action on Proposed Central Office Reorganization Plan and
Associated Costs
The Finance Committee approved a Reorganization Plan for the Central Ofirce. The net savings
is roughly $15,000.00. Superintendent Sullivan suggested that the Board of Education retitle
some of the positions within the Finance Office. The changes suggested are changing the
Business Diector to Director ofFinance and Operations, adding an Assistant Finance Director,
changing Finance Associates positions to hourly employees from salaried employees. Lastly, the
Human Resources Coordinator expectations have been raised.
Motion by: C. Rivers
To accept proposed changes to the Finance Office
Second: D. Antonacci
Further Discussion: None
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
8.4 *Discussion Regarding State Required Educator Diversity Plan
Superintendent Sullivan discussed the State Required Educator Diversity Plan. Assistant
Superintendent Kuckel presented the theory of actions, vision and suggestions for Colchester
Public Schools based on the guidelines through the state of Connecticut.
Motion by: M. Gignac
To accept the State Required Educator Diversity Plan
Second: R. Gignac
Further Discussion: None
RolI call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
8.5 *Discussion and Possible Action on Bacon Academy Facility Evaluation
C. Rivers explained that the Facilities Committee is asking the board to approve $14,244.00 to
updates
Motion by: M.Gignac
To allow the administration to enter within a conhact with STD to analyze the condition of
Bacon Academy pending verification of a check with legal counsel and on DAS
Second: S. Tracy-Calash
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
Motion by: C. Rivers
To approve the transfer of $14,244.00 from (Employee Related Insurance) account number
41210 to account number (Professional, Technical Services) 44330
Second: M. Gignac
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
8.6 *Discussion and Possible Action on Bacon Academy Outdoor Athletic Complex
C. Rivers expressed that the Facilities Committee would like to approve $25,000.00 to get an
itemized summary of the Athletic Complex presentation. This summary would be compiled to be
able to bring the itemized proposal to the Board of Selectmen{Board of Finance.
Motion by: M. Gignac
To authorize the administration to sign an agreement with Field Turf for $25,000.00 for design
work, permitting and any other preliminary work to update the Outdoor Athletic Complex at
Bacon Academy (Pending a check with legal council and ior the Department of Administrative
Services)
Second: R. Gignac
Further Discussion: None
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
Motion by: D. Antonacci
To authorize the the transfer of $25,000.00 from (Electricity) 45622 to (Other Professional
Technically Services) 44330 to cover the cost of Field Turf design work contract
Second: M. Gignac
f,'urther Discussion: None
RoIl call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
8.7 +Discussion and Possible Action on Second Read of Policy Number 9130 & Policy Number
5118
9130- Development, Distribution and Maintenance of Mdnual of Policies, Regulations, ByLaws
Approval of the edit to Policy 9130, removing the Communications Committee.
Motion by: M. Gignac
To approve the edit to Policy 9130
Second: C. fuvers
Further Discussion: None
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
5 1 1 8 - No nres i d e nt At t end anc e
Approval of edits to Policy 51 18 to add a residency verification each time a student transitions to
another school within Colchester Public Schools.
Motion by: D. Antonacci
To approve the edit to Policy 51 18
Second: C. fuvers
Further Discussion: None
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
8.7 *Discussion on New Educator Evaluation and Support Plan
Assistant Superintendent Kuckel presented the State of Connecticut Department of Education
New Educator Evaluation and Support guidelines. The Board of Education will have one year to
decide which Support Plan to adopt.
8.8 *Discussion and Possible Action on the Healthy Foods Certification
Pursuant to C.G.S. Section 10-215f, The Colchester Board of Education certifres that all food
items offered for sale to students in the schools under its jurisdiction, and not exempted fiom the
Connecticut Nutrition Standards pubiished by the Connecticut State Department of Education,
will comply with the Connecticut Nutrition Standards during the period of July l, 2024, through
June 30, 2025. This certification shall include a1l food offered for sale to students separately
fiom reimbursable meals at a1l times and fiom all sources, including but not limited to school
stores, vending machines, school cafeterias, culinary programs, and any fundraising activities on
school premises sponsored by the school or non-school organizations and groups.
Motion by: M. Gignac
To approve the Healthy Food Certification Compliance-ED-099
Further Discussion: None
RoIl call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
FOOD EXEMPTIONS - The Colchester Board of Education will allow the sale to students of
food items that do not meet the Connecticut Nutrition Standards provided that the following
conditions are met: l) the sale is in connection with an event occurring after the end of the
regular school day or on the weekend; 2) the sale is at the location of the event; and 3) the food
items are not sold from a vending machine or school store. An "evont" is an occurrence that
involves more thanjust a regularly scheduled practice, meeting, or extracurricular activity. For
example, soccer games, school plays, and interscholastic debates are events but soccer
practices, play rehearsals, and debate team meetings are not. The "regular school day" is the
period fiom midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of the official school day. "Location"
means where the event is being held and must be the same place as the food sales.
Motion by: M. Gignac
To approve the Healthy Food Certification Compliaace-ED-099 (FOOD EXEMPTIONS)
Second: C. Rivers
Further Discussion: None
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
BEVERAGE EXEMPTIONS: The Colchester Board of Education will allow the sale to students
ofbeverages not listed in Section 10-22Lq of the Connecticut General Statutes provided that the
following conditions are met: 1) the sale is in connection with an event occurring after the end
ofthe regular school day or on the weekend; 2) the sale is at the location ofthe event; and 3)
The beverages are not sold from a vending machine or school store. An "event" is an occurence
that involves more than just a regularly scheduled practice, meeting, or extracurricular activity.
The "school day" is the period from midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of the official
school day. "Location" means where the event is being held and must be the same place as the
beverage sales.
Motion by: C. Rivers
To approve the Healthy Food Certifrcation Compliance-ED-0gg (BEVERAGE EXEMPTIONS)
Second: M. Gignac
Further Discussion: None
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
9. REPORTS FROM BOARD COMMITTEES
9.1 Budget Finance Committee-
Transfering $25,075.00 from employee insurance to implementation and maintenance ofthe all
hazard plan
Motion by: M. Millington
To approve the transfer of$25,075.00 from the savings of vacant positions employee insruance
to cover the all hazard plan
Second: D. Antonacci
Further Discussion: None
Roll call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried
WJJMS Bond Update-R. Linkkila discussed the state has sent two progress payments in t}re
amounts of $317,142.00 and $292,935.00. There are more funds to be released once the audit
from the State is complete. Ms. Linkkila shared that the state has all of the required documents.
9.2 Curriculum Committee-
No Report
9.3 Facilities Committee-
C. Rivers confirmed that the HVAC grant is being evaluated currently.
9.4 Policy Committee-
D. Antonacci stated the committee has completed work on the 9000 series. They will have a
first read during the next meeting.
10. BOARD ANNOUNCENIENTS AND INFOKUA-TION ITEMS
9.1 Next Meetings
The next BOE regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 16,2024.
9.2 Personnel Repo(
8 New hires and 6 resignations/retirements
9.3 Notices of Retirements/Resignations
V. Wolk, J. Holcomb, M. Hartley, G. Leyland were listed as resignations.
11. PUBLIC COMMENTS