4.8.2025 Regular Minutes

RECEIVED

COLCHESTER, CT

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COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
Regular Meeting

 

 

 

Tuesday, April 8, 2025
6:00 PM
William J. Johnston Middle School BlackBox Theater

MINUTES

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

ADMINISTRATION PRESENT : Superintendent Daniel P. Sullivan, III, Assistant Superintendent
Jessica L. Kuckel, Director of Pupil Services Eve Hurley, Bacon Academy (BA) Principal Amy Begué,
BA Assistant Principal Melissa Cyr, BA Assistant Principal Michael Mal, William J Johnston Middle
School (WJIJMS) 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, Human
Resources Coordinator Pauline Goetz, Director of Educational Operations Andrew Barillari, Student
Board Member Abigail Stillwell, District Nutrition Coordinator Leanne Ranheim, Athletic Director
Kevin Burke.

1. MEETING OPENING
1.1. Call to Order
Chair Antonacci called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM.

1.2 Roll Call
S.Tracey-Calash not present at time of Roll Call

13. Pledge of Allegiance
2. RECOGNITIONS / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

S.Tracey-Calash arrived at 6:04 PM
A.Stillwell arrived at 6:06 PM

2.1. BA Girls Basketball

Coach Fennell, A.D. Burke, and Principal Begué congratulated the BA girls basketball team for
becoming the first in school history to win the Division, Conference, and State Title in the same year.
They held every tournament opponent to 30 points or fewer, and three seniors made history as the
only BA athletes to win two state titles in different sports.

 


2.2. Good Citizen Award (previously Agenda Item 2.1)
Maureen McCall, representing the Daughters of the American Revolution, presented BA senior
Kevin Reas with an award recognizing his commitment to education and loyalty.

2.3. Capstone Community Services Updates (previously Agenda Item 11.2)

Kelly Blain, a BA English Teacher, gave.a presentation on the Senior Capstone course at BA,
highlighting its evolution and significance. She explained how the course began in 2014, transitioned
due to budget constraints, and was eventually restructured and reintegrated into the regular school
day. Now a required, half-year course, Senior Capstone emphasizes real-world skills such as
communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Students complete 20 hours of field-related
shadowing, including service learning, to explore careers and give back to the community. Blain
emphasized that the course is designed to equip.students with the skills they'll need to succeed in the
world they’re stepping into, not just the one that exists today.

2.4. School Librarian Recognition (previously Agenda Item 2.2)

Barbara Johnson gave a presentation in recognition of School Library Month, highlighting the
vital role that certified school librarians and library media centers play across all schools in the
district. She emphasized the importance of maintaining diverse, current, and engaging resources,
creating inclusive and welcoming environments, and promoting innovative technology and research
practices. Johnson also acknowledged the continued efforts to support literacy, learning, and access
for all students and staff. Thank you to all of our School Librarians.

3. STUDENT BOARD MEMBERS REPORT
3.1. Report from the Student Board Members
Student Board Member Stillwell reported that the music department recently traveled to
Virginia, where all groups were graded with excellence. The department also participated in the
All-State music.event. Spring sports have begun, SAT scores will be available soon, and NGSS testing
will be happening soon. Additionally, peer mentoring clubs have started at JJIS for the spring
semester.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT
4.1. For Public Comment, please see Bylaw on Meeting Conduct
Robert Morsch, Starr Road - spoke of technology concerns

5. *ADDITIONS / CHANGES TO THE AGENDA

5.1. *New Agenda Iiems
Motion by: D.Antonacci .
Motion to add BA Girls Basketball as Agenda Item 2.1, Good Citizen Award to be

Agenda Item 2.2 and School Librarian Recognition to 2.4

Second: M.Gignac
Roll Call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried

Motion by: D.Antonacci

Motion to move Agenda Item 11.2 Capstone Community Service Update to Agenda
Item 2.3

Second: M.Gignac

Roll Call: All in favor

Vote: Motion carried

6. CONSENT AGENDA


6.1. *Approval of Special Meeting Minutes of March 4, 2025
Motion by: C.Rivers
Motion to approve.
Second: M.Gignac
Roll Call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried

7. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
7.1. Budget Finance Committee
C.Rivers briefly discussed the transfers over and under $5,000.00 and the Monthly Budget
Report for March 2025.

Motion by: M.Millington
Motion to accept Budget Transfers over $5,000.00
Second: A.Oliphant
Roll Call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried

7.2. Curriculum Committee
D.Antonacci stated that the next Curriculum Committee meeting is scheduled for May 13, 2025.

73. Facilities Committee
C.Rivers stated that the Committee has been looking at the Capital Plan.

74. Policy Committee / .
D.Antonacci stated that the Committee has been hard at work trimming down the Policy
Manual.

8. POLICY FIRST READ
8.1. Policy 1120 Board of Education Meetings

After discussion, it was decided that this policy will go back to the Policy Committee for
potential consolidation with other meeting-related, public comment, correspondence policies.

8.2. Policy 4111.1 Affirmative Action: Recruitment and Selection
D.Antonacci went over edits to Agenda Items 8.2-8.13 and those policies will go to second read
at the May 13, 2025 Regular Meeting.

8.3. Policy 4111.2 Vacancies

See 8.2

8.4. Policy 4111.3 Minority Recruitment Plan
See 8.2

8.5. . Policy 4112 Appointment and Conditions of Employment
See 8.2

8.6. Policy 4112.5 Employment Checks

See 8.2

8.7. Policy 4117.1 Retirement

See 8.2

8.8. Policy 4117.31 Return to Work Program
See 8.2

 


 

 

8.9. Policy 4118.11 Non-Discrimination Policy (Personnel)
See 8.2
8.10. Policy 4118.14 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disabilities
See 8.2
8.11. Policy 4131 Professional Growth and Development: Appendix
See 8.2
8.12. Policy 4212.42 Non-Certified Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus Drivers
See 8.2
8.13. Policy 4218.3 Duties
See 8.2

9. POLICY FIRST AND SECOND READ
9.1. Policy 4118.011-F Discrimination Complaint Form .
Motion by: M.Gignac
Motion to approve the removal of Policy 4118.011-F Discrimination Complaint Form and
Policy 4118.11-R Discrimination Complaints - Administrative Regulations (Personnel).

Second: M.Gignac

Roll Call: All in favor

Vote: Motion carried

9.2. Policy 4118.11-R Discrimination Complaints - Administrative Regulations (Personnel)
See 9.1

10. REPORT FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
10.1. FOIA

Superintendent Sullivan stated that during public comment at the BOF Budget Workshop, a
citizen referenced a FOIA ruling stating that the Superintendent’s cell number is not exempt. The
hearing officer found the testimony credible and imposed no penalties.

Superintendent Sullivan explained that he had used his work phone as his personal phone for
better service to the district, with prior approval from the BOE. He clarified the need for key
personnel to reach him during emergencies while also being able to disconnect during off-hours.

He acknowledged the ruling and will comply by acquiring a personal cell phone and turning
off his work phone outside of working hours.

The Superintendent also stated that the administration will return to having district-paid cell
phones for work purposes.

10.2. Electronic Payments
Superintendent Sullivan acknowledged the concerns raised by some patrons regarding the
absence of electronic payment options for purchasing game tickets and concessions. To address this,
the recommended solution is the GoFan platform. A.D. Burke is currently exploring this option with
the aim of launching it in the fall.

10.3. Childcare
Superintendent Sullivan stated that he has been invited to speak at the upcoming regional
superintendent meeting and to attend an event in May to discuss the staff childcare offerings at CES
through Little Peoples Play Piace, Too. The program has been recognized as a model for other school
districts to consider.

4


11. *PRIORITY DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
11.1. *Discussion and Appointment of Jack Jackter Intermediate School Principal

The Interview Panel, consisting of teachers, administrators, students, Board Members, and
parents, unanimously recommends Stacy Ewings, the current Assistant Principal at WJ.

M.Millington asked about S.Ewings motivation for working with younger groups and what she
is looking forward to. Ewings shared that she began in elementary education and has 18 years of
experience. She values the opportunity to work with younger students because it allows her to
connect to her roots and passion, which are in the elementary foundation. She enjoys being in
classrooms, ensuring students are ready to learn and grow, and seeing their development.

C.Rivers inquired about Ewing's perspective on the benefits of a HOT School and vision.
Ewings explained that it integrates the arts with language and math, and it’s important to make this
connection more understood. She emphasized that many students and parents don’t fully grasp how
these subjects relate, so it’s vital to integrate them into the classroom and curriculum, making the
connections clearer for everyone.

Motion by: M.Gignac

Motion to appoint Stacy Ewings as Principal of Jack Jackter Intermediate School
beginning July 1, 2025.

Second: R.Gignac

Roll Call: All in favor

Vote: Motion carried

11.2. (Moved to Agenda Item 2.3)

11.3. Youth Services Survey administered to BA and WJJMS students in Fall 2024

Assistant Superintendent Kuckel stated that a concern was raised about the survey and
student privacy rights. She clarified that while the survey was grant-funded, it did not originate from
the Department of Education. Specific legislation was followed to ensure student privacy, anda
summary of the results will be provided in the spring. Families were notified in advance, and an
opt-out option was available through Youth Services and the students’ respective school. The survey
was dnonymous, with no way to trace responses back to individual students, and it had no
connection to the district’s budget.

Marquis Lawson from Youth Services thanked the board and schools, noting that the survey
has been conducted previously as part of the Drug-Free Community grant. The data collected drives
many decisions in Youth Services. The survey employs skip logic, where if a respondent answers "no"
to a question, they are not asked further questions on that topic. He also stated that any responses
that could potentially identify individuals are removed from the survey, such as only a few students
responding to a question.

11.4. *Discussion and Possible Action on LED Upgrades
Energy rep Chris Jordan went over the potential upgrades fo lights throughout the district and
the cost savings over time. He and the Facilities Committee are recommending Energy Resources bid
proposal for the work.
Motion by: C.Rivers
Motion to accept Energy Resources proposal

 


 

 

115.

Second: A.Oliphant
Roll Call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried

*Discussion on Food Services .

Superintendent Sullivan raised a concern regarding the food service program. He noted that it
was trending negatively before the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal funding during COVID helped build
a financial cushion, but the trend is now moving negative.again. He proposed outsourcing a
component of the food-service to benefit from the larger company’s buying power, while still
maintaining unionized employees. Staffing part-time and line workers has become challenging due
to low wages, few hours, and difficulty recruiting and retaining staff. |

Superintendent Sullivan emphasized that all current non-union cafeteria employees:would be
offered the same or better rates and hours; however, the responsibility of hiring would fail to the
outsourcing company. C.Rivers also explained that federal funds allocated for food services cannot
be used for other purposes, such as roof repairs. The process for this proposal differs from the
standard RFP, and the proposal will be open for 45 days.

Motion by: M.Gignac
Motion to authorize administration to begin the RFP process for outsourcing Food

Services.

11.6.

Second: C.Rivers
Roll Call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried

*Correction to Board of Education Approved Budget for 1.) Greeter Salary & Benefits;
2.) Director of Finance and Operations Salary & Benefits
Motion by: M.Millington
Motion to make the following adjustments to all greeter salaries and benefits lines:
Salary $12,496
Benefits $1,494
Total $13,990 per greeter, $55,960 overall reduction to the budget.
Second: M.Gignac
Roll Call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried

Motion by: R.Gignac

Motion to make the following adjustments to Director of Finance and Operations line:
Salary $153,777
Benefits $12,302
Total $24 overall increase to the budget.

Second: C.Rivers

Roll Call: All in favor

Vote: Motion carried

12. REPORT FROM SCHOOL LIAISONS

M.Millington left the meeting at 7:45 PM.

12.1.

CES


Nothing to report.

12.2. JJIS
Nothing to report.

12.3. WJJMS
In the market for a new Principal and Assistant Principal.

12.4. BA
Nothing to report.

13. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS / INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1. Personnel Report
HR Coordinator Pauline Goetz gave a presentation on the resignations, retirements and new

hires from January 2025-current.
M.Millington returned to the meeting at 7:49 PM.

13.2. Next Meeting
Special Meeting scheduled for April 10, 2025 at 7:30AM. This meeting will be cancelled if the
Board of Finance does not come up with a figure at their April 9, 2025 meeting.
Special Meeting scheduled for April 21, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Regular Meeting scheduled for May 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM

13.3. Items of Correspondence
Email received from J.LaChapelle
Email received from M.Parsons

14. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by: M.Gignac
Motion to adjourn.
Second: C.Rivers
Roll Call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried

Chair Antonacci adjourned the meeting at 7:51 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Alyssa Fratoni
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent