1975-01-20-SC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 15 January 20, 1975 The regular meeting of the Lexington School Committee came to order at -30 p. rn. in Unit F of Lexington High School. Present were Mr. Currier, Mr. Rotberg, _✓Ir. Wadsworth, Mrs. Berchtold, Mrs. Davison and Mrs. Swanson. Also present were Mr. Barnes, Mr. Maclnnes, Dr. Monderer, Mr. Spiris, Dr. Fobert and Mrs. Cummings. A large group of parents was present during Public Participation to hear the following persons make statements concerning the recommendations of the recent building survey. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION John Sharff, Co-Chairman of the Munroe PTA Board, spoke in favor of keeping up the small neighborhood schools. He extended an invitation to the School Committee to meet with all Munroe parents to discuss this matter at an informal meeting before any final decisions are made. . Sven Spoerri, speaking for the Lexington Council of the PTA and the Fiske School, urged that no precipitous action be taken on the survey until the full impact of the recommended changes can be assessed by a broadly based group drawn from the educational establishment and the town as a whole. He asked the School Committee to appoint such a group promptly so that its analysis can be a thorough review of Lexington's long range educational plans, of which the survey is only one part. Sam Nablo, Co-Chairman of the Muzzey PTA Board, read excerpts from a _etter written by Anton Morton to Mr. Terry. The letter praised the Muzzey faculty and the benefits derived from the educational excellence at the school. Vincent Vitto, representing the Adams PTA, said they had conducted a survey of parents to determine their reaction to the recommendations in the building survey. He gave the results of the survey of parents noting that 78% of those polled were willing to pay an average of $2. 60 increase in-the tax rate to renovate the Adams School rather than to see it close down. A copy of the form used and background material supplied to the parents was passed to the School Committee. Mrs. Swanson noted that a $2. 60 increase in taxes would have to be applied to all schools and not to just one in particular. Esther Litt, Publicity Chairman for the Hancock PTA, said a statement regarding the building survey has been sent to the School Committee. William Welch commented on the new budget figures for fuel. He asked the committee to consider a minimum of 16c increase in fuel prices when considering the costs for the year. Frank Sarno asked when the committee will hold public meetings to discuss school closings. Mrs. Berchtold said an announcement will be made once the dates are set.