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Colchester Public Schools
127 Norwich Avenue, Suite 202
Colchester, CT 06415
Daniel P. Sullivan, III Phone (860) 537-7208
Superintendent dsullivan@colchesterct.org
January 10, 2024
Dear Students, Staff and Families:
Last evening Bacon Academy Principal Amy Begué delivered a presentation to the Colchester
Board of Education regarding the possibility of a “school within a school” magnet program at
Bacon Academy. While Ms. Begué was the presenter, this work has not happened in isolation.
During both the transition of leadership and budget processes last year, I heard from several
people about the decrease in enrollment at Bacon Academy and the program limitations
associated with reduced enrollment. At the same time, our students, staff and community
members talked about the importance of expanding career pathway opportunities for students.
This led to the formation of a “Pride and Purpose” subcommittee composed of district staff,
Board of Education members, parents and community members to explore the possibility of a
magnet program at Bacon.
The BA Magnet committee is chaired by Ms. Begué and Director of School Counseling, Ashley
Zaugg. Ms. Begué and Ms. Zaugg did quite a bit of research on successful programs around the
country, and gauged the interest of recent graduates, current students and community members
before the first official meeting of the committee this fall. Ultimately this committee has proposed
a magnet program with the following pathway programs: Fire and Public Safety, Allied Health
including certification programs for EMT and CNA, Education, Aviation and Air Force ROTC.
While we are only in the early stages of this process, we are excited about the opportunities that
a program like this presents for the students of Bacon Academy. An increased enrollment at
Bacon Academy would allow us to add Pre-AP classes, elective courses in content areas
including but not limited to English, Social Studies and Science and perhaps other gifted and
talented classes. It may also allow us to restore sub-varsity and varsity athletic programs which
have diminished in recent years. For example, .at one point in time Bacon had freshman boys
basketball, freshman girls soccer and varsity tennis. We also believe this will benefit the local
community. For example, our early childhood centers struggle to fill vacant positions, Fire Chief
Steve Hoffman tells us that the Hayward Fire Department has seen a decrease in volunteers in
recent years, and the ambulance service certainly needs more EMT’s.
Understandably, a proposal like this leads to questions. That is why we’ve communicated openly
about this since the beginning of the school year. We’ve spoken about the Magnet possibility in
Parent Square messages, newsletters and at public meetings. Please be assured that we will
continue to do so every step of the way. With that in mind, please reference our communications
and reach out directly if you have questions. While I know that we live in a social media world,
you cannot rely upon Facebook for accurate, reliable information unless it is our official page.
Sincerely,
Daniel P. Sullivan, III
Superintendent of Schools
FAQ’s
When did the district talk about the magnet school?
Please click here for a detailed history. BA Magnet Initial Discussions
What was shared by Ms. Begué at the Board Meeting?
Please click here for a summary. BA Magnet Presentation Notes from BOE Meeting 1.9.24
Where is Colchester at in the process?
The Colchester Public Schools submitted an initial proposal to the Connecticut Department of
Education in late December and is submitting a revised proposal this week.
Does this mean that Bacon Academy would become a magnet school and anyone from
anytown could attend Bacon?
No, and no. The proposal calls for the establishment of a “school within a school” model with
specific magnet programs. Enrollment in the school would require an application process and
selection would be determined via a lottery process managed by the state. Continued
enrollment would be contingent on enrollment in magnet school courses.
Would magnet school students take classes with non-magnet students?
Yes. All magnet school students would be Bacon Academy students. This means that they
would take the core curriculum classes in the main building with everyone else, and be full
participants in all Bacon Activities.
Could Colchester students attend the magnet school?
Yes, Colchester students are permitted to apply to the magnet school. They would also go
through the lottery process and no more than 25% of the students in any magnet program may
be from the host community.
What does this mean for activities and athletics?
Again, all magnet school students would be Bacon Academy students. They would be eligible to
audition for roles in drama productions, music ensembles and to try out for athletic teams.
Would out-of-district students be expected to adhere to the rules of Bacon Academy?
Yes, as all magnet students are Bacon Academy students, they would be held to the same
academic and behavioral standards. The magnet school and associated programs may also
have higher standards in some instances. For example, you may need a minimum grade in
some prerequisite courses before enrolling in the EMT class, or the ROTC program may have
higher behavioral expectations.
What diploma would magnet students receive at graduation?
They would receive a Bacon Academy diploma and a certificate of completion from the to be
named magnet school.
Do we have room for additional students and programs?
Bacon Academy was built to accommodate approximately 850 students in the main building. As
such, the school has capacity for magnet students in our classrooms, cafeteria and media
center. In terms of space for these specialized programs, the magnet application requests
demolition of the portables behind the gym and construction of a metal building with classrooms,
a lab space and garage bay for specialized equipment.
For context, Bacon had 907 students in 2014, 816 students in 2017, 772 students in 2020, and
661 in 2023.
How can the town afford this?
The magnet school application includes a staffing request from the state for 5 full-time teachers
and a school counselor. In addition, the Colchester Public Schools would receive tuition for
out-of-district students to offset operating costs in the general education program. Colchester
would not be responsible for providing transportation.
Could special education students attend the magnet school?
Yes. Magnet schools are part of the public education system and are required by federal law,
specifically the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), to provide appropriate services
and accommodations to students with disabilities. Colchester Public Schools would not be
responsible for the cost of these services.
Do you have a copy of the presentation Ms. Begué delivered at the Board meeting?
Yes, please click the following link. Bacon Academy Magnet Presentation
Do you have a copy of the application that was submitted to the Department of
Education?
Yes, please click the following link. Magnet School Application
Shouldn’t the community have the opportunity to weigh in on something like this?
Absolutely. That is why we’ve communicated about our work since September. At the same
time, we need to respect the process. While we are optimistic about our prospects, we have
only submitted an initial application. If the state confirms interest, we will keep you informed and
will hold a special meeting of the Board of Education at the proper stage of the process.