1999-04-05-ATM-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Adjourned Session —1999 Annual Town Meeting April 5, 1999 8:54 p.m. Joel Adler, pr. 1, commented on possible reductions, including the fourth grade French and Spanish foreign language classes. Mr. Adler also questioned what services would be restored with the $150,000 restored to the budget. Mr. Adler spoke in support of the budget but of his disappointment in the cut of elementary language classes. Superintendent Brooks -Baehr explained the program cuts and changes, including elimination of fourth grade French and Spanish. 9:00 P.M. Richard Pagett, pr.6, spoke of his opposition to elimination of elementary foreign language classes. 9:05 p.m. Eric Michelson, pr. 1, questioned Dr. Brooks -Baehr on enrollment children of non - resident teaching staff in the Lexington Public Schools, and questioned services from funds restored to the secondary schools. Superintendent Brooks -Baehr reported on non - resident staff children enrolled in the system. 9:08 P.M. Bruce Collier, pr.3, stated a point of order and questioned why the three persons in the balcony awaiting to speak had not been identified. 9:09 P.M. David Rudner, pr.2, questioned Superintendent Brooks -Baehr regarding the elimination of foreign languages in grade 4. Superintendent Brooks - Baehr addressed the need to look at strengthening the program in the long run, the $122,000 savings this brought, and of the difficult decisions required to come up with the 42 reductions totaling $1.4 million. 9:12 p.m. Thomas Diaz, pr.2, spoke of his concern in the elimination of the grade 4 foreign language program and questioned if the school department can change plans for use of funds. The Moderator stated the town meeting could not identify how funds must be used, only the School Committee. 9:13 p.m Ms. Leslie Nicholson, 33 York Street, requested the School Department reconsider elimination of foreign languages in the elementary grades. 9:14 p.m. Ms. Leslie Wilcott- Henrie, 70 East Street, spoke against cuts in foreign languages, drama, and arts at the elementary level. 9:17 p.m. David Kessler, pr.3, questioned the programs eliminated at the Middle Schools. Superintendent Brooks -Baehr explained program changes are currently being identified. 9:18 P.M. Perry Pollins, pr.5, spoke on the escalation of real estate taxes due to the increases in school budgets. 9:20 p.m. Sally Sharp Lehman, 6 Sherman Street, urged the school budget be rejected. 9:22 p.m. Richard Schaye, pr.9, commented on class size and the impact of staff children enrolled in the schools, stating what a benefit it was to the Town in drawing quality staff. 9:23 p.m. Carol Liff, pr.5, spoke in favor of the budget but of her unhappiness with the foreign language cuts. 9:25 p.m. Anthony Galaitsis, pr.6, spoke of his concern with elimination of elementary foreign language programs. 9:27 p.m. Scott Burson, pr.4, questioned the Selectmen if sufficient funds were in the reserve accounts for the purpose of funding fourth grade foreign languages.