Norwich ― The new Board of Education started its term Tuesday with news of a possible $1 million budget deficit at the end of the year but did not address the ongoing investigation into complaints about the conduct of its two highest-ranking administrators.

The board elected veteran Democratic member Mark Kulos as chairman, new Democratic member John Iovino as vice chairman and veteran Democrat Carline Charmelus as secretary. The new board has a 6-3 Democratic majority.

Superintendent Kristen Stringfellow and Assistant Superintendent Tamara Gloster were placed on administrative leave in September after months of complaints by staff and union leaders alleging the two leaders fostered a work climate of intimidation and retaliation. The board appointed Susan Lessard, former principal of John B. Stanton Elementary School, as acting superintendent and retired student services director Jamie Bender as acting assistant superintendent.

The board has hired Hartford attorney Kyle McClain to interview current and former staff and conduct the investigation into the two leaders’ conduct. Initially, the previous board had hoped to receive a report from the attorney before the election, but Kulos said at that time, and again on Tuesday, that McClain is continuing his interviews.

Kulos said regardless of whether McClain’s report is ready, the board will need to hold a special meeting later this month or in early January, because Lessard’s interim appointment as acting superintendent runs through Jan. 8 and likely will need to be extended.

During Tuesday’s meeting, school Business Administrator Robert Sirpenski reported that this year’s school budget is running a projected deficit that could top $1 million. He said the administration has enacted a spending freeze where possible and may shift money from some line items to others.

Sirpenski attributed much of the deficit to special education costs, including a new state law that requires the school district to cover costs of vocational education for students turning 22 through the end of the school year. Students previously had to leave the programs when they reached their 22nd birthday. He estimated the change could cost Norwich $350,000.

Last-minute budget cutting in June stirred controversy, when Stringfellow at first sought to cut preschool offerings dramatically, limiting it mostly to half-day programs. After an outcry by parents, legislators and state early childhood education leaders, the state provided additional funding to restore full school-day slots.

Cori Beckwith, early childhood coordinator, told the board Tuesday the school district is gearing up for January enrollment in preschool next year. A community meeting with parents was held recently, and additional online and evening sessions are planned to alert parents to the preschool registration requirements and available programs.

Norwich will continue to have three programs, half-day sessions either morning or afternoon; full school-day classes and year-round classes open for 10 hours per day. Beckwith said no transportation is provided for the year-round program, and parents can drop off their children a half hour before classes start and pick them up a half hour after closing.

“It’s not that children stay for 10 hours,” Beckwith said, “but it’s open for 10 hours.”

Beckwith said about half the total 317 available slots for next year are filled up. One early obstacle is the state mandate that all preschool students receive their flu vaccines. Beckwith said about 120 students still need to meet the requirement by the Jan. 1 opening of the registration period.

c.bessette@theday.com