TRUSTEES PRESENT: Allyn Brown; Betsy Conway; Keith Fontaine; Chris Jewell; David Kalla; Denise Lindell; Maria Miranda; Todd Postler; Cheryl Ritacco; Mark Tramontozzi and Bill Warzecha

 

ABSENT:  Bryan Hayes

 

ADMINISTRATION PRESENT:  Head of School, Nate Quesnel; Director of Operations/Head Principal, Kristin Peckrul; Director of Student Support Services, Jessica Vocatura;  Director of Human Resources, Anthony Menard; Executive Director NFA Foundation, Kathy McCarthy; Director of Communications, Michael O’Farrell; Controller, Sharon Lent; and recorder, Mary Vega.

 

1.  Call to Order

     a.  D. Kalla called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

2.  Amendments to the Agenda

3.  Reading/Approval of Minutes

     a.  Approval of Minutes

     Motion by M. Tramontozzi, seconded by B. Warzecha, to approve the March 18, 2025

     Regular Meeting Minutes. 

     Vote:  All in favor  Motion Passed

B.  Informational Reports

1.  Spotlight

a.  Backus Hospital/Hartford Healthcare Student Interns

N. Quesnel briefly spoke about the program, which he said came through the partnership with ReadyCT, stating it is a pipeline program with paid internships for juniors and seniors who have an interest and aptitude. N. Quesnel stated he is very proud of this program as it helps us gets students engaged.  He then welcomed and introduced Kara Burkholder, Healthcare Pathway Program Manager for ReadyCT, who gave a brief description about the partnership and program.  He also introduced Jayden Williams (Gr. 12) and Senjinah Noze (Gr. 11), 2 of our 15 students in the program.  Each student spoke about their interests, experience and the department they are working in.  The experience includes hands on experience, resume building skills and interview skills.  N. Quesnel also expressed his thanks to J. Vocatura and Linda Farinha who were instrumental in getting this program off the ground.  The committee congratulated the students on their achievements and thanked them for coming.

2.  Chairman Report

D. Kalla previewed the agenda.

3.  Head of School Report

N. Quesnel provided an update on the following:

                        a.  School Metrics

                        b.  Enrollment and Recruitment

                        c.  Conversation with Park Church

                        d.  Cafeteria Project

                        g.  Dates Ahead

 

4.  Finance Report

S. Lent provided the financial report for the period ending March 31, 2025.  She also briefed the Trustees on other financial matters.

            1.  Facilities Committee – C. Jewell provided brief update.

            2.  Finance Committee – D. Lindell provided update.

D. Old Business – N/a

1.  Resolution Naming Authorized Individuals

Motion by T. Postler, seconded by M. Tramontozzi, to approve the resolution.

Vote:  All in favor    Motion Passed

2.  Healthy Food Certification Statement for School Year 2025-26

a.  Vote 1:  Required vote for participation in healthy food option of HFC

Pursuant to C.G. S. Section 10-215f, the Norwich Free Academy Board of Trustees certifies that all food items offered for sale to students in the schools under its jurisdiction, and not exempted from the Connecticut Nutrition Standards published by the Connecticut State Department of Education, will comply with the Connecticut Nutrition Standards during the period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.  This certification shall include all food offered for sale to students separately from reimbursable meals at all times and from all sources, including but not limited to school stores, vending machines, school cafeterias, culinary programs, and any fundraising activities on school premises sponsored by the school or non-school organizations and groups.

 

Motion by M. Tramontozzi, seconded by B. Warzecha, to vote “No” to participate in the healthy food option of C.G.S. Section 10-215f and follow the Connecticut Nutrition Standards (CNS).

Vote:  All in favor    Motion Passed

 

b.  Vote 3:  Optional vote for beverage exemptions for all BOE’s

The Norwich Fee Academy Board of Trustees will allow the sale to students of beverages not listed in Section 10-221q of the Connecticut General Statutes provided that the following conditions are met:  1) the sale is in connection with an event occurring after the end of the regular school day or on the weekend; 2) the sale is at the location of the event; and 3) the beverages are not sold from a vending machine or school store.  An “event” is an occurrence that involves more than just a regularly scheduled practice, meeting, or extracurricular activity.  The “school day” is the period from midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of the official school day.  “Location” means where the event is being held and must be the same place as the beverage sales.

 

Motion by M. Tramontozzi, seconded by B. Warzecha, to vote “Yes” to allow beverage exemptions.

Vote:  All in favor    Motion Passed

            3.  Facilities Projects

                        a.  Proposal to Replace Fan Coil Units in Latham

                        b.  Proposal to Replace 4 Air Handling Units in Latham

                        N. Quesnel reviewed the projects and recommended proposals to the Board.

Motion by T. Postler, seconded by A. Brown, to approve the recommended proposals for both projects.

            Vote:  All in favor  Motion Passed

F.  Executive Session – N/a

Motion by M. Tramontozzi, seconded by K. Fontaine, to adjourn the meeting at 6:17 p.m.

Vote:  All in favor    Motion passed

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Mary E. Vega

Recorder                                                                    

Approved: