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COLCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION

  

 

 

 

 

 

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Tuesday, February 24, 2026 ind Ss = oD oS
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William J. Johnston Middle School Black Box Theatre
MINUTES

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT : Chair Stefanie Tracey-Calash, Vice-Chair Christopher Rivers,
Secretary Cody McNeely, Cari Duigou, Gussie Gilberti, Michelle Millington and Nancy Nelson

ADMINISTRATION PRESENT : Superintendent Daniel P. Sullivan, ITI, Assistant Superintendent
Jessica L. Kuckel, Director of Pupil Services Eve Hurley, Assistant Director of Pupil Services Rebecca
Tedesco, Bacon Academy (BA) Principal Amy Begué, BA Assistant Principal Jennifer Martin, BA
Assistant Principal Michael Mal, William J Johnston Middle School (WJJMS) Principal Meghan
Amado, WJJMS Assistant Principal Bonnie McAneny, Jack Jackter Intermediate School (JJIS)
Principal Stacy Ewings, JJIS Associate Principal Melissa Cyr, Colchester Elementary School (CES)
Principal Judy O’Meara, CES Assistant Principal Kelly Bahre.

OTHERS PRESENT : Director of Finance and Operations Rachel Linkkila, Instructional Technology
Coordinator Barbara Johnson, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Alyssa Butova, Human
Resources Coordinator Pauline Goetz, Director of Educational Operations Andrew Barillari, Student
Board Member Toheed Usman.

i. MEETING OPENING
11. © Callto Order
SJracey-Calash called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM

1.2 Roll Call
All Board Members present for roll call except G.Gilberti

13 Pledge of Allegiance
G.Gilberti arrived at 6:02 PM

2. PREORITY DISCUSSION
2.1. Presentation from Administrative Team on Following Budgets: JJIS, WJJMS and CES
Assistant Superintendent Kuckel gave an overview of the district goals and
performance. Principals O’Meara, Ewings and Amado gave their respective schools’
projections, priorities and progress.

2.2. Board Q&A on Following Budgets: JJIS, WJJMS and CES

 


 

C.Duigo asked what WINN stood for at WJ. It was stated that it stands for “What I
Need Now” and it is when students can receive extra support.

M.Millington asked about the HOT Schools and the loss of the Drama Coach at JJIS. It
was stated that they did not lose a person, just shifted the work and who will be doing
it. Previously there was an outside coach and now that has shifted to an in-house
person.

M.Millington asked why there was an increase in electricity usage for only two of the
four schools. It was stated that there were new bids for power with new rates. The
contract we were in was for five years and has expired

G.Gilberti asked about the increase in nursing staff. It was explained that a second
school-day nurse has been added at each school. The budget book reflects line items
for each individual nurse, and staffing is scheduled in shifts. In some cases, the second
nurse may work a split shift. Any discrepancies between line items are due to the
number of shifts each nurse works at a given school.

N.Nelson asked about the math books and textbooks at JJIS. This year’s budget
includes the purchase of one teacher manual, as well as manipulatives and consumable
materials. Because students write directly in the materials as workbooks, they must be
replaced annually.

S‘Tracey-Calash asked about the SRBI paraeducator position at JJIS on page 22, line
50, noting it was not included, It was clarified that the position was not cut but
reallocated to special education based on student needs. :

C.Rivers asked about the Kenwood radios for JJIS listed on page 23, line 100. The
radios are used for staff communication during recess, extended recess, and special
programs. Many of the current radios are no longer functioning properly.

C.Rivers asked about the “Really Good Stuff” line item on page 23 at JJIS. This refers
to language arts instructional materials and supplies.

C.McNeely asked about the reallocation of funds for Eureka Math and Great Minds at
JIIS on page 23, line 71. It was confirmed that funds were reallocated from
instructional supplies to textbooks. He also asked whether professional development
for 2025-2026 would support Eureka Math, which it will. When asked whether additional
professional development is needed, it was noted that the math coach will assume
some responsibility for supporting teachers. C.McNeely asked whether the math coach
is a staff member and whether the district could operate without instructional coaches.
It was confirmed that the math coach is a staff member. At CES, JJIS and WJ, coaches
co-teach and push info classrooms, help develop support lessons, analyze data, and
collaborate with teachers to address student needs.

S.Tracey-Calash reviewed staffing and student enrollment projections and related
reallocations. Although enrollment is down in third grade, it is up in fifth grade, resulting
in no additional staffing needs at JJIS. WJ is not requesting any new staff additions,
which currently has eight content teams, nine applied academic sections, and three
world language sections. At CES, kindergarten will increase to 11 teachers.

N.Nelson asked whether the Associate Principal position at JIS had decreased. It was
clarified that a portion of the salary is funded through Title I.

S7Tracey-Calash asked about page 27, line 48, regarding the 403(b) contribution at WJ.
This is a contractual contribution for the principal and assistant principal and is divided
over 24 pay periods. She also asked about stipends on page 27, line 49. These stipends
at WJ are contractual and include advisors, directors, clubs, sports, specialists, team
leaders, and technology integration roles. There is an additional stipend this year for a
robotics advisor. The stipends are structured in different tiers according to the teachers’
contract.

S.Tracey-Calash asked about the robotics program at JJIS. It was stated that many


25.

robotics students are currently in fifth grade and will be moving to WJ. At this time,
there is only a need for one robotics team. If participation increases, a second advisor
will be added. An interest survey will be sent in the spring to fourth and third grade
students to assess future participation.

N.Nelson asked how decisions are made regarding software licensing and support
costs, and whether they are included in individual school budgets or the IT budget. If
the software is used only by one school, the cost is included in that school’s budget. If it
is used by more than one school or location, it is included in the IT budget to secure
optimal pricing, manage renewals, and ensure compliance with legal and student
privacy standards.

S-Tracey-Calash asked about decreases on page 18, lines 39-40, for the principal and
assistant principal at CES. The decrease reflects a longevity payment made last year
under the contract for 10 years of service, which will not recur this year. Additionally,
the prior assistant principal was at a higher step than the current assistant principal
and also had a longevity payment of five years.

S.Tracey-Calash asked about the reduction on page 18, line 44. The staff member at
CES works part-time, four hours per day, which accounts for the reduction.
S.Tracey-Calash asked about the reduction on page 18, line 57. Office Professionals
were offered the option to reduce their work year, and this individual at CES elected to
work fewer summer hours. The position is now 216 days, resulting in reduced wages due
to.a shorter work year.

S.Tracey-Calash asked about CES stipends. These include the Safe School Climate
Specialist and other contractual teacher leader positions.

C.McNeely asked whether all administrators had confirmed the FTEs reflected in their
budgets, particularly in light of a previously identified discrepancy. He also asked how
differences in individual contracts are verified. It was noted that the current format
was agreed upon by the subcommittee last year. Superintendent Sullivan suggested
reviewing the format for potential improvements next year.

M.Millington asked about significant increases at CES on page 18, lines 9, 3, and 23. The
increases are due to a lower-step employee being replaced by a higher-step employee,
as well as a step increase from step 10 to step 11 in the sixth year.

C.McNeely asked: about magne? school tuition and whether the district receives state
reimbursement. It was explained that the district is legally required to pay tuition for
Colchester students attending magnet schools, and the tuition rates are set by the
Regional Educational Service Center (RESC). The district does not receive
reimbursement for magnet tuition. Students remain Colchester students, and the
district continues to pay for IEP and 504 services, case manage their plans, and meet
regularly with the magnet schools.

Presentation from Administrative Team on Following Budgets: General Operating

Budget and Transportation
Superintendent Sullivan, USI Insurance Broker Chris Monroe and Director of

Educational Operations Barillari gave their presentations on priorities.

2.4,

Board Q&A on Following Budgets: General Operating Budget and Transportation
Board members asked how the different scenarios in the presentation were developed
and how the projected figures were determined. There was also discussion about
whether the Board has the authority to make changes to the insurance plan. Monroe

 


 

 

explained that the current proposal reflects maintaining the status quo. Superintendent
Sullivan indicated he would like to bring the matter to the tri-board to further evaluate
the risk-reward considerations.

The Board asked whether the schoo! district could separate from the Town for insurance
purposes. Monroe explained that while it is possible, it is generally not done and would
not be advantageous from a stop-loss administration standpoint.

There was a request to review employee insurance claims to better understand whether
current claims are driving the projected costs. It was noted that there has been an
increase in claims and expenses.

The Board asked whether increasing the stop-loss threshold would affect employees’
take-home pay. It was explained that any impact would be very small.

Members asked how long it would take to rebuild a healthy reserve. It was stated that
reserves would need to perform at projected levels and that rebates beyond what is
currently built into the budget would help. Rebuilding the reserve would require a
favorable claims year and disciplined budgeting to capitalize on a positive year.

The Board asked about the implications of not having a favorable year. In that case,
the district may need to pivot back to a fully insured model, which would be
significantly more expensive. Other options discussed included joining the state
partnership plan or moving fully insured, which would reduce flexibility and local
control. It was noted that insurance costs are increasing by approximately 12-15%
annually, making it critical to enter the year with a properly funded budget and a
disciplined plan to rebuild reserves.

There was discussion of a waiver process. It was noted that the district would need to
determine what proposal to bring forward. The process would mirror language in the
teachers’ contract, requiring engagement with the teachers’ union for approval before
approaching other bargaining units. This will be discussed more at the next workshop.
Board members asked about bus runs versus.additional bus runs. The increase
reflected in the budget represents the contractual percentage increase. Additional bus
runs refer to orientation routes for students to learn their bus routes, as well as
coverage for the 21 regular bus routes and days when other districts that our students
atiend are in session and Colchester is not.

Transportation reimbursement was discussed, including mileage reimbursement for
Superintendent Sullivan and Assistant Superintendent Kuckel, and other staff members.
Athletic buses were also discussed. These costs are billed separately and are reflected
within individual school budgets.

Motion by: M.Millington
Motion to recess
Second: N.Nelson

Roll Call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried

The meeting recessed ai 8:42 PM
The meeting returned from recess at 8:56 PM

e C.Rivers asked about page 49, certified daily substitutes and classroom daily

substitutes. The amounts were determined based on trend data reflecting an increase
in staff absences and the need to ensure adequate coverage. The adjustment
represents an effort to budget more accurately rather than overspending those line


25.

items during the year.

G.Gilberti asked about page 49, lines 9 and 10. It was clarified that Finance Associate 1
is Accounts Payable and Finance Associate 2 is Payroll.

C.McNeely asked about page 44, line 11, including when the individual was s hired, the
job description, and responsibilities. It was clarified that this is not a new position. The
district had an employee leave, and when the position was reposted, it was reduced to
fewer hours to achieve budget savings.

N.Nelson asked about page 44, line 13, regarding the School Resource Officer (SRO),
and how thai role differs from other security positions in the schools. The SRO is a
Colchester Police Department officer assigned through an agreement between the
Town and the schools. The SRO is primarily stationed at Bacon Academy but attends
activities at all schools as needed. Schoo! Security Officers are Board of Education
employees. There are currently two SSOs at CES, two at BA, one at JJIS, and one at
WJ. :

C.Rivers asked about page 50, line 44, regarding payment for retiring teachers’ sick
leave payouts. It was noted that eight teachers are retiring this year, resulting in the
associated payout costs.

M.Millington asked about the stipends for Central Office staff. These stipends are for
the Director of Safety and the Head Nurse.

N.Nelson asked about professional development for general education teachers and
where those costs are reflected. It was clarified that teacher professional development
is accounted for within the curriculum budget.

M.Millington asked about the Munis contract and whether it is shared with the Town.
The district’s portion of the shared contract is $70,000.

C.McNeely asked about page 50, line 64, regarding the administrative retreat. The
administrative team participates in a structured professional development retreat,
which is common practice. The team typically works with a New England college or
university partner to align district priorities, ensure consistency around data and goals,
receive leadership training, and review legislative updates. The retreat fakes place over
a couple of days in the summer and is designed for principals, directors, and Central
Office administrators. It is one of the few professional development opportunities
specifically designed for the leadership team rather than facilitated by them.
S.Tracey-Calash asked about additional professional development for Central Office
staff, including the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent. These opportunities
are largely state and regional conferences, such as those offered by New England
Association of School Superintendents (NEASS) and Connecticut Association of Public
School Superintendents (CAPSS). Participation ensures awareness of legislative
developments and other state-level updates that could directly impact the district.
C.McNeely asked about page 50, line 82, regarding membership dues and fees. It is
essentially just the membership association fees and what those memberships provide
to the disirict.

C.McNeely asked about page 49, lines 1-3, and why the figures differ from last year’s
contract. The differences reflect changes within specific line items that the Board
approved after the budget was made.

Citizen Q&A on Following Budgets: JJIS, WJJMS, CES, General Operating and
Transportation

Molly Anderson, Norwich Avenue, asked about salaries that were adjusted and whether
certain individuals received a double or higher raise, while others in similar categories

5

 


 

were not adjusted. She also asked about the Associate Principal salary and the SRBI
Paraeducator salary. Clarification was provided thai the Associate Principal at JJIS is

. partially funded through Title I. The SRBI paraeducaior position was not eliminated but
shifted from an intervention line to a special education paraeducator line based on
student needs.

@ Michael Dubreuil, Woodbine Road, via Zoom, asked about the Superintendent’s salary,
noting that while the contract was negotiated and executed, it did not come before the
full Board for approval. It was explained that the Board previously voted to authorize
the Board Chair to negotiate the Superintendent’s salary, consistent with past practice.

e Iustina (Babs) McNeely, Windham Avenue, via Zoom, asked about salary increases
and the process by which raises were determined, particularly with the Health Reserve
in such a bad place. She asked what would prevent similar decisions regarding pay
increases in the future instead of directing funds toward addressing budget concerns.
It was stated that decisions were made based on the information available at the time,
and that the district is continuing to review and unpack prior processes to ensure
improved oversight and decision-making moving forward.

2.6. Board Q&A on Following Budgets: JJIS, WJJMS, CES, General Operating and
Transportation
e None

3. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by: C.Rivers
Motion to adjourn.
Second: C.McNeely
Roll Call: All in favor
Vote: Motion carried

STracey-Calash adjourned the meeting at 9:49 PM

Respectfully submitted,

(tare

Alyssa Butova
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent