DRAFT Minutes - October 18, 2022
Norwich Free Academy
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
Tuesday, October 18, 2022, 5:30 p.m.
Norwich Free Academy
Latham Building, Board Room (#1101)
305 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360
MINUTES
TRUSTEES PRESENT: Allyn Brown, III; Betsy Conway; Keith Fontaine; Chris Jewell; DeVol Joyner; David Kalla; Denise Lindell; Maria Miranda; Todd Postler; Mark Tramontozzi; and William Warzecha
ABSENT: Diana Boisclair
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Head of School Brian M. Kelly, Ed.D.; Director of Finance/Human Resources, Rich Freeman; Director of Communications, Mike O’Farrell; Student Recruitment Coordinator, Kelby Chappelle; and Recorder, Mary Vega
1. Call to Order—Chairman DeVol Joyner called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m.
2. Secretary’s Report
a. Approval of Minutes: September 20, 2022, Regular Meeting
Motion by M. Tramontozzi, seconded by K. Fontaine to approve the minutes.
Vote: 10 in favor, 1 Abstention Motion Passed
3. Consent Agenda
a. Juneteenth Independence Day
Dr. Kelly reported that NFA has chosen to recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday and would like the Board’s official approval.
b. Policy Update
1. Advanced Courses or Programs, Eligibility Criteria for Enrollment – Policy #6141.51
2. Challenging Curriculum Policy (Criteria for Identification of Eligible Grade 9 Students) – Policy #6141.52
Dr. Kelly reported that we are required to implement these policies, according to new legislation.
Motion by M. Tramontozzi, seconded by C. Jewell, to approve all consent agenda items.
Vote: 10 in favor Motion Passed
4. Information & Planning
a. Spotlight – Kelby Chappelle
Dr. Kelly introduced NFA’s new Student Recruitment Coordinator, Kelby Chappelle, who comes with much experience and with knowledge of the university level. K. Chappelle briefly spoke about his 20 years of experience and what he’s already started working on.
b. Reports and Updates
1. Superintendent’s Report
B. Kelly provided an update of the following:
a. Enrollment
b. What’s Happening at School
c. NEASC-CIE
d. ACE Foundation Standards
e. ACE Learning Principles
c. Reports and Updates
1. Finance
a. Monthly Finance Report
R. Freeman provided a financial report for the period ending September 30, 2022. He also briefed the Trustees on other financial matters
5. General Agenda Items – None
6. Communications/Discussion
a. Field Trip Requests
b. Public Law 94-344
c. Children’s Mental Health Day May 26
d. Guidelines on Identifying and Reporting Abuse
7. Other Business - None
8. Executive Session
Motion by D. Kalla, seconded by M. Tramontozzi, to go into Executive session at 6:20 p.m. for discussion regarding Attorney-Client Privileged Communications and Personnel
Vote: 10 in favor Motion passed
B. Kelly and R. Freeman were invited to attend.
Motion by M. Tramontozzi, seconded by D. Kalla to come out of Executive session at 7:49 p.m.
Vote: All in favor Motion passed
9. Action Regarding Executive Session Discussion
a. Attorney-Client Privileged Communications
Motion by D. Kalla, seconded by C. Jewell, to authorize the Board Chair to sign the union contract with the EANFA, as discussed with the Board.
Vote: 11 in favor Motion passed
b. Personnel
Motion by D. Kalla, seconded by C. Jewell, to authorize the Board Chair and the Chair of the Search Committee to negotiate and sign a contract, as discussed with the Board, for the Head of School.
Vote: All in favor Motion passed
10. Adjournment
Motion by K. Fontaine, seconded by M. Tramontozzi, to adjourn the meeting at 7:51 p.m.
Vote: All in favor Motion passed
Respectfully submitted,
Mary E. Vega
Recording Secretary
Approved: