MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Bradley Bernier, Mary Tomasi, Mary Bylone, Amy Domeika, Renie Besaw, Christopher McGlynn; Student Member Nick Janus.

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1 March 12, 2019 Regular Meeting William J. Johnston Middle School Cafeteria 360 Norwich Avenue MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Bradley Bernier, Mary Tomasi, Mary Bylone, Amy Domeika, Renie Besaw, Christopher McGlynn; Student Member Nick Janus. MEMBERS ABSENT: Mitch Koziol, Amy Domeika, Student Member Samantha Lovering. ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Superintendent Jeffrey Burt, Bacon Academy Principal Matt Peel, William J. Johnston Middle School Principal Chris Bennett, Colchester Elementary School Principal Judy O Meara, Jack Jackter Intermediate School Principal Elise Butson; Director of Teaching and Learning Charles Hewes, Director of Pupil Services and Special Education Kathleen Perry, Director of Educational Technology Darren Smith, Director of Educational Operations Ken Jackson, CFO Maggie Cosgrove. OTHERS PRESENT: Board of Finance Chair Rob Tarlov, Board of Finance Liaison Andrea Migliaccio. 1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE This is Appreciation Week and the WJJMS Band and Choir students entertained the Board members under the direction of Lynn Goodwin. Students prepared cookies and other treats for the members. Board Chair Brad Bernier called the meeting to order at 7:12 pm. Second grade students Caroline Bruni and Nicholas Bruni led the Pledge of Allegiance. Chair Bernier presented each of the students with a pledge card for their participation. JJIS Principal Butson shared a video with many JJIS students thanking the Board for their support. JJIS students Emily McElvey and Bailey Elliott played a clarinet selection. 2. ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Superintendent Burt requested removal of Item as the signature change had been done at a previous meeting, and to add a field trip as Item to approve the removal of Item and the addition of item Vote: Unanimous. 3. REPORT FROM SUPERINTENDENT 3.1 Communications No additional communications. 3.2 Recognitions/Celebrations Member Appreciation Superintendent Burt thanked the Board for the hard work that they do, not just for the regular Board meetings but also for the many other committee meetings they attend and the commitment to the district and students. 3.3 Presentations No presentations this evening.

2 4. PUBLIC COMMENT Katie Kehoegreen spoke about the interaction with the intervention paraprofessionals and the teachers and how important the paras are in supporting those teachers. Chris Bogue stated he learned life lessons in the Alternative Education (Alt-Ed) program and the teachers there are caring and supportive. Meaghan Kehoegreen said she felt class size does make a difference in determining the quality of the teaching. Gage Smith has heard that the Alt-Ed start time is changing, teaching staff is being reduced and feels these changes have not been addressed with students. He thinks the Board members do not know enough about the program. Jeanne Bussiere said the people involved should know what is happening in the Alt-Ed program and when questions have been asked, no one can answer them. Tanya Tucker said she had a son who graduated from the Alt-Ed program. Mrs. Tucker stated the program is a safe place and an opportunity for students to receive an education for those who find it difficult to be in the mainstream class. Josh Vinoski felt that it is still early in the budget process and would request the Board to wait to vote until the public has a chance to see the details. Jonathan Dankiw is a new student to the Alt-Ed program and feels the students have been left in the dark and it is stressful not knowing if the program will be there for him to graduate. He said there are many rumors but no one seems to have the answers. Chair Bernier said the Alt-Ed program is not being eliminated. 5. PRIORITY DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS 5.1 Policies/Regulations Requiring Attention: First Readings Concepts, Goals and Roles in Community Relations (1000P) Revisions to existing policy include the addition of a BOE goal to invite community participation in school activities. As this is a first reading, no action was taken Meetings (1120P) Suggested new policy from CABE includes public participation at BOE meetings and BOE relations with community organizations. No action; first reading Distribution of Materials to and by Students (1140P) Revised language clarifies responsibilities for approving requests for distribution of materials to and from students. No action; first reading. 2

3 5.1.4 Responsibilities of School Personnel (1150P) Minor language change on the responsibilities of school personnel. No action; first reading. 5.2 Policies/Regulations Recommended for Removal No policies are being presented for removal. 5.3 Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment Visual Literacy Curriculum Update Curriculum Committee B forwarded a new Visual Literacy curriculum to the BOE for approval. to approve the new Visual Literacy curriculum with the exclusion of scope and sequence. Vote: Unanimous to approve as stated. 5.4 Grants/Other Financial Robotics Team 1699 Donations The Robotics Team 1699 received the following donations: $10,500 from Dominion Energy, a main sponsor for fundraising and employer of the team leader $1,000 from Tsunami Tsolutions; a team mentor s employer. $500 from Microbest Inc.; a team mentor s employer. $500 from Herb s Country Deli; donated a portion of sales to team. to approve four donations to the Robotics Team Second by: M. Bylone Healthy Food Certification ED099 Colchester is in full compliance with the state requirements. This report is filed through the state s online reporting system. to certify that the Colchester Public Schools Food Service Program meets Connecticut Nutrition Standards for public schools. Second by: C. McGlynn Change of Authorized Signer for ED-099 Agreement to authorize Superintendent Burt as the primary signer, and Director of Teaching and Learning Dr. Hewes as secondary signer, of the ED-099 Agreement for Child Nutrition Programs. This item removed from agenda. 3

4 5.4.4 Background: Hypertherm Grant Bacon Academy Technical Education department is applying for a grant from Hypertherm for a hand held plasma cutter worth approximately $2000. to approve the grant application to Hypertherm for a hand held plasma cutter worth approximately $ Budget Transfer over $5,000 for JJIS Greeter Station JJIS greeter position was approved by the BOE at the December 11, 2018 BOE meeting. This transfer will cover the cost of equipment and software for the greeter station. Motion by: C. McGlynn to approve the budget transfer for equipment and software for the JJIS greeter station. Second by: R. Besaw. 5.5 Update from the Board Chair Chair Bernier noted that the Board members should take every opportunity to speak to community groups regarding the budget. 6. CONTINUED DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS 6.1 Superintendent s Proposed Budget for School Year Discussion and Possible Action on the Superintendent Proposed Estimate of Expenditures There was consensus to table the vote on the Superintendent s proposal to a subsequent meeting, in the hope of having all board members present. A special meeting will be scheduled. Chair Bernier shared that detailed budget information is on the website. No action was taken on the budget. 6.2 WJJS Building Project Update Principal Bennett stated that the Lions Club is having their dinner meeting here tomorrow evening. There are some small items that are still in need of completion. The noisy desk and chair problem has been solved. 6.3 Policies/Regulations Requiring Attention (second readings) Agenda Format/ Preparation and Dissemination Policy (1205P) New policy language establishes an order to the BOE agenda that is now in line with revised Bylaw Order of Business. to approve the revised Agenda Format/ Preparation and Dissemination Policy (1205P). Vote: Unanimous to approve. 4

5 6.3.2 News Media Relationships (1112P) New language includes a statement that Principals shall follow the parent/caregiver consent guidelines for allowing students to be interviewed or photographed by the media. to approve the revised News Media Relationships policy (1112P). Vote: Unanimous Transportation Requests and Complaints (3541.5P) Proposed language includes the addition of the appeals process and inclusion of requirement for the Superintendent to provide the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles with a copy of the written record of transportation complaints within thirty (30) days of the end of the school year. New policy also includes a new form for bus stop/route change requests. to approve the revised Transportation Requests and Complaints policy (3541.5P) Second by: R. Besaw Nonresident Attendance (5118P and 5118R) New policy language provides clarity on nonresident attendance, ineligibility, and proof of residency requirements. A new proposed regulation provides clear guidelines for nonresident attendance. to approve the revised Nonresident Attendance policy and regulation (5118P and 5118R) Crowdfunding (3281.2P and R) A proposed new policy on Crowdfunding gives guidance to public school employees for online fundraising campaigns. Key points include requirement for Superintendent approval and statement that any good/proceeds obtained become property of the BOE, not the group or individual who solicited items or funds. to approve the new proposed Crowdfunding policy and regulation (3281.2P and R). Second by: R. Besaw. 7. CONSENT AGENDA 7.1 Approval of Minutes 7.2 Disposal of Obsolete Materials JJIS request for removal of older student chairs and desks 7.3 Notification of Retirements (none) 7.4 Field Trips within the US 5

6 7.4.1 FIRST Robotics Team 1699 to Hartford Public School FIRST Robotics Team 1699 to District Championship in Worcester, MA FIRST Robotics Team 1699 to District Championship in Houston, TX Middlesex Community College, Climate Team, Sayreville, NJ Motion by: M. Tomasi to approve the above requested field trips. Second by: C. McGlynn. 8. REPORTS FROM BOARD COMMITTEES- School Board Committee Reports 8.1 Policy 8.2 Budget 8.3 Personnel 8.4 Ad-Hoc Curriculum 8.5 Ad-Hoc Consolidation - No additional information at this time. 9. REPORTS FROM BOARD LIAISONS - Members may report on items pertinent to school district business. No reports at this time. 10. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS and INFORMATION ITEMS 10.1 Next Meetings: Meeting Meeting Time Date Location Policy Committee 6:30 PM March 25, 2019 BOE Conference Room Budget Committee 9:00AM April 4, 2019 BOE Conference Room Meeting 7:00 PM April 9, 2019 WJJMS Cafeteria Personnel Committee 5:30PM June 3, 2019 BOE Conference Room 10.2 Enrollment 10.3 Non-substantive policy changes Policies and Bylaws for Colchester Public Schools (0300P) 10.4 Regulations (None) 10.5 Approved Committee Meeting Minutes Policy Committee Minutes January 28, Budget Committee Minutes February 7, Monthly Budget Reports 10.7 Health Insurance Reserve Analysis 10.8 Budget Transfers Under $5, Communications Connecticut Department of Labor on the Youth Manufacturing Pipeline initiative at Bacon Academy Letter of appreciation from JJIS to Colchester Federated Church Communication received from Vincent Rose Communication received from Monica Egan 6

7 Information items only, no action taken. 11. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NEW ISSUES RAISED OR SUBJECTS DEVELOPED Katie Kehoegreen questioned the number of paraprofessionals in relation to the students. Julie Fetzer spoke about the need for the Alt-Ed program and how it has helped her son. Gage Smith was glad to hear the Alt-Ed program is not being eliminated. He still questions the changes being made. Chris Bogue asked if the program existed for so long why is it being changed? 12. EXECUTIVE SESSION 12.1 Request for Unpaid Leave to go into Executive Session and to invite Superintendent Jeffrey Burt into the session. Vote: Unanimous to go into Session. Time: 9:04 pm. Chair Bernier brought the Board out of Executive Session at 9:10 pm. See below for action. 13. POSSIBLE ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS 13.1 Possible action on 12.1 Request for Unpaid Leave Motion by: M. Tomasi to approve the request for unpaid leave. Second by: M. Bylone 14. ADJOURNMENT Chair Bernier adjourned this Regular Meeting at 9:11 pm. Respectfully submitted, Mary Jane Slade Recording Secretary 7