12.18.2024 Special Minutes

PUBLIC SCHOOLS
—y

 

 

COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
Special Meeting

 

 

 

Wednesday, December 18, 2024
5:30 PM
William J. Johnston Middle School

 

MINUTES

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT : Chair Alexander Oliphant, Vice-Chair Christopher Rivers,
Secretary Margo Gignac, Donna Antonacci, Michelle Millington, Rosemary Gignac and Stefanie
Tracey-Calash.

ADMINISTRATION PRESENT : Superintendent Daniel P. Sullivan, Ill, Assistant Superintendent
Jessica L. Kuckel, Assistant Director of Pupil Services Rebecca Tedesco, Bacon Academy (BA)
Principal Amy Begué, BA Assistant Principal Melissa Cyr, William J Johnston Middle School
(WJJMS) Principal Christopher Bennett, WJJMS Assistant Principal Stacey Ewings.

OTHERS PRESENT : Director of Finance and Operations Rachel Linkkila, Instructional
Technology Coordinator Barbara Johnson, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Alyssa
Fratoni, Director of Educational Operations Andrew Batillari, Hayward Academy for Public
Service (HAPS) Development Coordinator Ashley Zaugg.

1. MEETING OPENING
1.1. Call to Order
Chair Oliphant called the meeting to order at 5:32 PM

1.2 Roll-Call
All present

Superintendent Sullivan asked Principal Begué and Development Coordinator Ashley Zaugg to
give a recap and recent updates on HAPS prior.to Public Comment.

What is HAPS - They stated that HAPS would be a schoo! within a school. Magnet School
operating within BA with four public-service pathways with the option to go directly into
employment upon graduation.

Enrollment - Out of District (OOD) students attending HAPS would have to perform accordingly
to stay in the program, and in Colchester. If they do not perform, they would be sent back to
their home district.

Lottery - 30% of the seats per grade are reserved for Hartford students. 25% of the seats per
grade are reserved for Colchester students. The rest of the seats would be filled from the other
22 sending districts. They stated that unfilled classes have the option to be filled by BA students
not enrolled in HAPS.

 

 


 

 

 

Recruitment - without attending any recruitment fairs so far, HAPS has 28 applicants. There
are two recruitment fairs coming up in January and February that we are planning to attend.
Cost - the Regional School Choice Office (RSCO) has sent tuition for OOD students to be
$13,500. Doing rough math, that means around $1.6 million dollars in tuition to cover the cost of
running HAPS. Transportation and Special Education costs for OOD students would be covered
by the sending district, not Colchester.

Construction - 95% of the construction costs would be covered by grants. The other 5%
(roughly $60,000) would have to be covered by Colchester. For reference, quotes were obtained
to see how much it would cost to remove the Portables at BA..It would cost close to $90,000.
Again, these are quotes and are subject to change.

Partnerships and Other.Opportunities- the partnership with the well renowned University. of
New Haven (UNH) is a huge opportunity. The classes are entry level that are highly transferable
to other schools. This partnership will create opportunities for college bound and work bound
students after graduation. HAPS will also create opportunities for the expansion of athletics and
other revenue.

M. Gignac asked about the timeline for 2025. A. Zaugg stated that applications are due by
February 7, 2025.

Superintendent Sullivan gave a comparison in revenue vs. cost for 50, 100 and 150 students
paying tuition at HAPS. 50 students would get approximately $427,000. 100 students
approximately $690,000 and 150 students would yield approximately $1.1 million dollars.

M. Millington asked about what start-up costs would look like for the taxpayers. Superintendent
Sullivan stated that if enough of the community believed in the basis of the program and what
the program could bring for Colchester to benefit as a town and community, then fiscally,
fronting the $1.2 million would be the only hurdle. There is a possibility that the state would work
with us to fund us and not ask us to put the money forward.

2. PUBLIC COMMENT
2.1. For Public Comments, please see Bylaw on Meeting Conduct
John Consiglio, Diane Lane - asked about the burden on the taxpayer. Superintendent
Sullivan stated that it would be 5% of the construction cost including the demo of the portables.
He stated the portables need to be taken care of either way.

Jason Lachapelle, Highwood Circle - via Zoom stated that he is confused as to why this
meeting is happening and not the Tri-Board Meeting that was proposed by the Board of
Selectmen (BOS) and Board of Finance (BOF). He stated that the citizens and parents deserve
a voice in their child’s education. He also spoke about the Board’s accountability on our
students due toa recent event with his daughter.

John Thomas, Debbie Circle - via Zoom asked why this was not brought to thé attention of the
Town back in January when the process was started. He spoke about Per Pupil Expenditure
(PPE) for Colchester students being much higher than the tuition cost of the OOD student and
why is it different. He spoke about how the Superintendent was tasked with increasing
enrollment, but yet still asks for more money during Budget seasons. He stated that HAPS is
going to suck more money out of the town that we don’t have. He stated that the Town needs a
vote and it should go to referendum.

Erin Kaiser, Carriage Drive - gave her support for HAPS. She stated that the Superintendent
was asked to bring in revenue to offset the BOE budget. He is trying to do that and he is now
being slandered and ridiculed for it. She stated that by design, magnet schools desegregate


urban areas and encourage leaming among students of all colors and cultures..She stated that
this is an amazing opportunity to bring to Colchester. She stated that the Republican Town
Committee (RTC) has put out claims that HAPS will bring increased crime rates to our town and
less playing time for town residents on high school teams. The implications of the racial -
undertones are dangerous and will set us back 100 years or more. Diversity, equity and
inclusion are here to stay and we need to get on board for the sake of our children.

John Farrell, Felicia Barber Lane - via Zoom stated he does not feel the communication was
handled properly and that he has concerns about the cost seeing how the number of new
teachers needed seems to be changing a lot. He stated that this program could be a parasite to
the host district.

Michael! Dubreuil, Woodbine Road - stated that this is a disservice to the community and
developed in secrecy. He stated that this will take spots away from local kids in sports. He
stated that this is a financial risk with a lack of financial transparency. How can the town be
expected to support this when you don’t know how much it will cost. He stated that the state
does not adequately fund magnet schools and the community deserves.a say in the decision.

Lynette Dimmock, Dutton Road - via email expressed her support for the exciting opportunity
that will benefit the students and school community. It will help boost enrollment and offer
educational opportunities while earning college credits.

Suzie Milner, Buckley Hill Road - via Zoom commended the hard work and research up to this
point. She stated that declining enrollment has an impact on the BA curriculum.

Wendy Worley, North Court - stated that her family moved to Colchester because of the
demographics in a nice, peaceful neighborhood for the children to grow up. She spoke about
the PPE of Colchester students being $11,000 more than the tuition cost of OOD students. She
asked why we are having decreasing enrollment and why the town isn't bringing in young
families and new businesses.

Suzanne Salemi, Prospect Hill Road - via email expressed her support. She believes this
would be a huge loss to Colchester if it gets denied.

Sarah Croucher, Woodbine Road - via Zoom stated that she is excited to hear about this
initiative. She stated that it is important for our children to:engage with as many different
communities as possible because that is the world they are going to grow up and live in. She is
excited that students have the opportunity to receive credits towards higher education.

Zachary Carr, Old Hebron Road - stated that he only knew about this a few weeks ago. He
stated the reason why he moved to Colchester was to get away from inner-city schooling and
because of the demographics. He is not in favor and that the town should vote on it.

Leann Laspino, Diane Lane - via email stated her support for implementing HAPS as it
provides opportunities for students.

Mike Egan, Lebanon Ave - via Zoom addressed the public comment made by a fellow BOF
member John Thomas stating that this was discussed at the January 11, 2024 BOF meeting
where he-gave a report as the liaison. He stated that this initiative addressed the. concerns
brought before the BOE by the previous BOF chair on declining enrollment and additional
revenue opportunities for Colchester kids.

 


 

Brian Martin, Heatherwood Drive - spoke about how BA students are going to other schools
because BA hasn't been improved for years. The’ school needs support. He stated that he has
been trying to-get improvements for 12 years and Superintendent Sullivan is the first one to
make any progress. Education is going in the diréction of school choice; we need OOD kids to
want to come to Colchester. :

Jeremy & Nicole McKenzie, Bull Hill Road - via email applauded the Board for taking this step
and loves the ‘theme. They state that the program will help provide much needed diversity within
the school as well as a revenue stream for the town that will help stabilize the: budget and .
provide additional programming to students. :

Matthew Parsons, Taylor Road - spoke about his personal experience with a magnet school
startup. He spoke that tuition money would be coming in from magnet students instead of going
out to other schools to pay for Colchester kids. He stated that this is a good benefit to the town
and will bring in programs to have more options in school.

Karen Belding, Deer Run Road - via email, spoke of her questions:

e Rough estimate or cost range associated to the building and constriction portion of the
project : .

e Key milestones or pieces of that project -need.a building committee, bidding, design, etc
and estimated timelines to estimate duration and reimbursement

e Details to the reimbursement mechanisms - requirements, timelines, etc

e Variables and likely progression for state funding decisions - if there are two possible,
when will decision be made; impactful differences between them, etc

e What kind of funding mechanisms will be needed by the town - bonding, etc - to
understand how it might affect other potential projects or priorities

e Written sample of high level cost/revenue expectations for program such as this - with
examples of how it in turn impacts the overall BOE budget

Tiffany Moroch, Maclyn Drive - stated that she likes the idea but has some reservations and
concerns regarding the special education cost and specialized equipment needed. She spoke of
the demographics in the town; and if there would be an integration support plan for the magnet
students that would be coming into the community. She stated that she has been following the
magnet proposal since it began last year.

Cliff O’Donal, New London Road -'stated that he feels that anything of this magnitude should
be brought before the people of the town at referendum.

Tim Vaillancourt, McDonald Road - in response to Mike Egan's public comment, he stated
that there was-a short liaison report about it with no moré details to follow. He also was upset
that the RTC members were made out to be racistand he will not stand for it.

Joe Brady, Goldberg Road - he stated that the proposal has merit but it seems to be a draft ,
proposal that seems like a’scoping stage. He believes that this needs to go to referendum and a
summary of the cost should be available to the taxpayers. He stated it seems like we are
rushing.

Bernie Dennler, First Selectman - He stated that he respects the fact that the BOE took a step
back fo hear the citizens instead of moving forward with the Tri Board meeting with the BOS and
BOF. He has concerns about the timeline and: construction.


Ashley Zaugg, Usher Swamp Road - Stated that she agrees this feels rushed with inadequate
information. She feels this is a wonderful opportunity for Colchester. She stated that this is about
education for our children. This is not bringing a city into Colchester. She stated that we are
working on the state’s timeline and we do not want to lose out on this. Be open-minded and
come to an understanding together.

Deanna Bouchard, Meadow Drive - via Zoom, stated that she appreciates First Selectman
Dennler’s comments. She stated that the proposal needs a building; which-would be on school
property, which belongs to the town. She stated that.no one spoke about the 30% of seats that
would be held for Hartford students. She stated that the BOE has not taken the time to listen to
the people of the town. She stated that when Dr. Hewes was on staff, he was working on
curriculum in the public safety realm:

Jill Hagen, Cambridge Court - via Zoom, spoke that she used to live in MA where school
choice was a real thing. She stated that the best and the brightest left as soon as they were able
because the schools were not funded or progressed. The district pays for those students to
leave and.attend another school. She stated that if we do not move forward and make our
education better and more diverse, we will lose the best and brightest kids.

Jocelyn Anastasiou, Tanglewood Drive - stated that everyone wants what is best for our
students and the town. She stated that the overall issue seems to be the lack of transparency.
She said she sees the benefits but there is not a good plan being presented to the town.

Kristen Norige, Gary Lane - feels as though there was a lack of transparency, communication
and identifying risks associated with the project. She is upset that there was no mention of this
project in any of the First Selectman’s weekly updates in the past year. She stated that this
needs to go to referendum.

Lea Poresky, Settlers Lane - stated that there was so much missing information and details
and she is struggling to see what the benefit is. for Colchester and other BA students. She asked
if the proposed pathways are of high desire or just in high demand. She asked what the plan for
the revenue is and would like to see a financial plan that spans the next ten years.

Donna Gray, Lebanon Ave - stated that for years, she has been asking about bringing back the
Gifted and Talented program and has constantly been told that we do not have the money. She
asked what is going to happen to our younger students when more money is needed for the
high school.

3. *PRIORITY DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
3.1. *Discussion and Possible Action on Hayward Academy for Public Service
S. Tracey-Calash is struggling with the timeline, the cost and the fact that budget season is
approaching. Despite these challenges, she believes in the magnet school concept and sees its
potential value.

R. Gignac shared how she attended Lyman Memoria! in the VOAG program instead of BA. It
influenced her career path, giving her opportunities she wouldn't have had otherwise. She
emphasized the importance of extending these opportunities to other kids in similar positions.
She also noted that she was able to maintain connections with Colchester while being a
cheerleader at BA, highlighting the program’s ability to give students experiences they may not
otherwise have.

 


 

M. Millington expressed strong feelings about the benefits this opportunity could provide. She
noted that opportunities like this are rare and may not come again. She fully supports the idea of
creating new and exciting pathways for students to rétain the ones currently enrolled while
attracting more. However, she acknowledged the challenges posed by deadlines and factors
beyond their control. She is concerned about the misinformation circulating within the
community and how it is impacting perceptions of the project.

D. Antonacci echoed M. Millington’s sentiments about the problematic rollout tof the program.
She suggested there could have been more transparency regarding the financial aspects.
Despite these concerns, she sees this. as a great 6pportunity for the district. She highlighted that
the per-pupil expenditure for educating a Colchester student is higher because transportation
and special education costs for out-of-district students are covered by the sending district.

C. Rivers shared his regret that the facts werén’t presented earlier, as it would have allowed for
a more informed discussion a year ago. He acknowledged the complexity.of high school
schedules but stressed the immense positive impact this opportunity could have on both ©
personal and community levels. He highlighted the value of allowing students to tag onto
courses, viewing education as a community effort. While recognizing the importance of differing
opinions, he cautioned against rushing the program and possibly closing it prematurely. He
believes the right approach for the community is to pause and proceed thoughtfully.

M. Gignac reflected on how worthwhile projects, like the senior center, often take time and face
challenges. She emphasized that this is not an investment in the building itself but in the people
who will occupy it. While there is significant support for the program, she noted there is also'a
lot of misinformation: She clarified that communications should go to the BOE; not the BOF or
BOS, and addressed concerns about class sizes, explaining differences between elementary
and high school schedules. She pointed out that all students are eligible to apply for free and
reduced lunch and explained that no referendum was required because the magnet program
falls under curriculum. She also highlighted the need to remove portables regardless of the
program, the benefits of diversity, and the fact that CREC will not run the program—it will be
managed by local administration. She suggested pausing the decision to allow for more
feedback, surveys, and a tri-board meeting before making a final decision.

A.Oliphant stated that he came to listen and address concerns. He expressed his support for
creating more pathways for students and acknowledged the issue of declining enrollment, which
extends even to colleges. He shared concerns similar to those raised by M. Millington, S.
Tracey-Calash, and C.Rivers, emphasizing that the program cannot move forward without
community support. He acknowledged that the rollout and communication were not handled as
well as they should have been and noted the tight state-imposed deadlines, saying more time
would have been ideal.

Motion by: M. Gignac
Motion to continue into mid January, when we can find a time for all seven Board

Members to attend a meeting, giving administration time to roll out, schedule community
meetings, a joint meeting with BOS and BOF, with community input and make a fully informed
decision.

Second: R. Gignac

Roll Call: 4 Yes’ from R: Gignac, M. Millington, D. Antonacci and M. Gignac.

3 No’s from S. Tracey-Calash, C. Rivers and A.Oliphant
Vote: Motion carried


4. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by: M. Gignac
Motion to adjourn.
Second: C. Rivers
Roll Call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried

Chair Oliphant adjourned the meeting at 7:56 PM

Respectfully submitted,

ination

Alyssa Fratoni
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent