1975-02-06-SC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 36 February 6, 1975 The regular meeting of the Lexington School Committee came to order at 7:40 p. m. at Jonas Clarke Jr. High School. Present were Messrs. Rotberg, Wadsworth, Mesdames Berchtold, Davison and Swanson. Also present were Messrs. Barnes, Maclnnes, Spiris, Dr. Monderer, Dr. Fobert and Mrs. Cummings. William Welch questioned the state law regarding public participation of the budget discussion. He was told a meeting will be held on February 26 at which time the public will have the opportunity to discuss the budget with the school committee. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Alan Wachman, of the Student Advisory Board, read a prepared statement concerning staffing needs at the high school. He said they could not support any other alternative than to maintain the present number of staff in the system. Donald White of the Appropriations Committee agreed "in fact, but not in principle" with the previ ous statement. He said that the taxpayer has been burdened far greater this year than at any other time and he urged us not to consider anything beyond Alternative 1. Mr. Rotberg asked Dr. Fobert to explain the rationale for his decisions to close schools on Wednesday and Thursday which were snow days. Dr. Fobert said his decisions were based on weather conditions and forecasts which were available at that time. Staffing needs for kindergarten, Grades 1-6 and Grades 7-12 were THE BUDGET considered separately in a discussion between the school committee and Dr. Fobert. The general discussion covered Alternatives 1, 2 and 3, pupil teacher ratios, class size, declining enrollments, inflation, school closings and renovations. STAFFING NEEDS Mr. Rotberg suggested that Mr. Maclnnes include a certain amount in the expense budget to allow for inflation. Dr. Fobert said that the principals did this when presenting their needs. Kindergarten Mr. Wadsworth read a statement in which he said "To ask the citizens to support the preliminary budget of the school committee is unreasonable. Over 85% of the budget is for personal services. I believe personal services should be cut 4. 5% since a cut of this magnitude would not change the overall effectiveness of the system. I also be lieve we should eliminate some programs now being offered" The committee discussed the fact that students from Adams could be transferred to the Munroe kindergarten. He said no formal choice was given, although when he spoke to the Adams PTA he told them they caul apply for transfers. He didn't think many parents took advantage of the suggestion. Mr. Rotberg suggested that we increase the number of kindergarten teachers for 1975 from 12. 5 to 13 and to use the 1/2 teacher at Hastings to reduce the teacher/student ratio. He then made a formal MOTION which was seconded by Mrs. Davison, that we authorize the Superintendent to increase the number of kindergarten teachers from 12. 5 to 13. 5 for 1975 - 76 so children in Lexington would have more equal class sizes thar they have now.