1975-02-15-SC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 54. February 15, 1975 The regular meeting of the Lexington School Committee came to order at 10:00 a.m. at the school administration building. Present were: Mrs. Berchtold, Mrs. Swanson, Mrs. Davison, Mr. Rotberg and Mr. Wadsworth. Also present were Mr. Barnes, Mr. PMcInnes, Mr. Spiris, Dr. Monderer and Dr. Fobert. Dr. Fobert reviewed the state aid for Chapters 69, 70, 71 since THE BUDGET 1972. He discussed the payment overlap that occurs because of the sporadic issuance of checks by the state. He estimated that additional funds of approximately $800,000 are due Lexington. He noted that our reimbursable figure under Chapter 70 is now based on nine million dollars since other expenses come under Chapter 766. He said there are doubts on the exact amount due Lexington since the state account total is uncertain. If we receive all that we expect (three million dollars) we could possibly have one million dollars available toward next year's budget. Mrs. Swanson asked what other educational charges are carried in the town budget. Dr. Fobert and Mr. Maclnnes gave examples of the items as follows: bonds, police, snowplowing, care of the lawns, and retirement. It was also stated that the town received reimbursement on such bonds on Clarke (65%), Bridge and. Bowman (45%) . Special Needs A review of the Chapter 766 budget - Alternative #1 took place next. Needed personnel per prototypes were outlined. Mr. Rotberg declared that we shouldnot approve additional personnel under innovative programs until at least one year of operation and evaluation has passed. Dr. Fobert explained that we should plan now for these programs since present personnel do not reflect the services projected and recommended by the Core Evaluation Team. Mr. Rotberg commented that a new speech therapist would contact more pupils than a person in the innovative program, thus being a better and wiser system-wide investment in services. Mrs. Swanson felt that as a person not favoring the innovative program originally, she would like it understood that after hearing and learning about the Alternative Choice Education Program (ACE) , she felt more favorable about it - especially since a core evaluation is a prerequisite now. In-service education for present teachers to train them for special needs services was discussed by the committee. Mrs. Berchtold and Mrs. Swanson felt we could spend our money more wisely if we improved the whole staff rather than hire new persons only. The superintendent said that under Alternative #2 in-service plans would be considered. It was agreed that the superintendent would present a summary of in-service plans which would be realized under Alternative #2. Mrs. Swanson asked for an additional plan regarding the high school curriculum. Mrs. Davison made a MOTION, which was not seconded, that we add $10,000 to the budget to catty out an in-service training program to support, present classroom teachers. The program would be arranged by the superintendent. Mrs. Berchtold made a request that a report on special education (counseling, learning disabilities, etc.) and how it operates in each school, be given at a future meeting. The superintendent agreed to this request.