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

 

ABSENT:  Betsy Conway

 

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 6:00 p.m.

2.  Amendments to the Agenda

     a.  Move Informational Report , item #5, to “New Business”

3.  Reading/Approval of Minutes

     a.  Approval of Minutes

     Motion by M. Tramontozzi, seconded by T. Postler, to approve the February 11, 2025

     Regular Meeting Minutes. 

     Vote:  All in favor  Motion Passed

B.  Informational Reports

1.  Spotlight

a.  Athletic Champions

N. Quesnel welcomed and introduced the following 2 students, listing their achievements: 

Ed Lavoie (12^th Gr):  Wrestling - Class LL & ECC Champion, also earned his 100^th career win; and Trinity Ambruso (11^th Gr):  Gymnastics - New England Champion (Uneven Bars), State Open Champion (Balance Beam), also holds 3 school records (floor, beam and all around). 

N. Quesnel also recognized Chris Amy (12^th Gr), who was not in attendance:  Track and Field - 2025 CT High School Coaches Association Boys Indoor Field Athlete of the Year, State Open Champion (Shot Put), Class LL and State Record Holder (65 feet, 7 inches), ranked 4^th nationally, All State Selection, also broke the school record at least 6 times.  Both students present spoke about their experiences at NFA.  N. Quesnel also stated while each student is different in their own way, each represents the values of NFA and he is very proud of each one of them.  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.  Legislative Engagement

                        d.  Engagement with the Department of Administrative Services (DAS)

                        e.  Presentation to Voluntown BOE

                        f.   Alumni Convening in Florida

g.  Dates Ahead

4.  Academic Initiative Project Update

S. Jones, Director of Curriculum, provided an update to the board.

5.  Finance Report

N. Quesnel and S. Lent provided the financial report for the period ending February 28, 2025.  They also briefed the Trustees on other financial matters.

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

            2.  Preliminary Nominating Committee – D. Kalla provided update.

            3.  Finance Committee – D. Lindell provided update.

D. Old Business – N/a

1.  CSDE Authorized Signatures Change Form

            2.  Resolution Authorizing Check Signatures

            3.  Resolution Naming Authorized Individuals – Loomis Sayles

D. Kalla reviewed the 3 documents that need authorization from the Board.

Motion by M. Tramontozzi, seconded by B. Hayes, to approve the CSDE Authorized Signatures Change Form (for the ED-099 Agreement for Child Nutrition Program) and the 2 Resolutions. 

     Vote:  All in favor  Motion Passed

            4.  Tuition Waivers

     N. Quesnel reviewed the tuition waiver request with the Board.

Motion by M. Tramontozzi, seconded by T. Postler, to approve the Tuition Waiver Request. 

     Vote:  All in favor  Motion Passed

            5.  Ricoh Contract

N. Quesnel reviewed the new contract with the Board.    

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

     Vote:  All in favor  Motion Passed

            6.  Bid Review and Approval

                        a.  Locker Room Restoration Project Bid Review

                        b.  Latham Building Circulator Pumps Bid Review

                        N. Quesnel reviewed the projects and recommended bids with the Board.

                        c.  Auditorium Restoration

                                    1.  Auditorium Restoration Docs and Bid Review

K. McCarthy reviewed the auditorium restoration project and recommended bids with the Board.

Motion by W. Warzecha, seconded by A. Brown, to approve the recommended bids for each of the 3 projects.

            Vote:  All in favor  Motion Passed

            7.  Audit/990

S. Lent reported that the Finance Committee reviewed the 990 and recommended for approval.      

     Motion by M. Tramontozzi, seconded by T. Postler, to approve the 990.

     Vote:  All in favor  Motion Passed

E.  Executive Session – N/a

Motion by M. Tramontozzi, seconded by T. Postler, to adjourn the meeting at 7:37 p.m.

Vote:  All in favor    Motion passed

           

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Mary E. Vega

Recorder                                                                     Approved: