1975-02-24-SC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 62 February 24, 1975 The regular meeting of the Lexington School Committee came to order at 7:30 p.m. at Unit F of Lexington High School. Present were Messrs. Currier, Rotberg, and Wadsworth, Mesdames Berchtold, Davison, and Swanson. Also present were Messrs. Barnes, Maclnnes, Dr. Fobert and Mrs. Cummings. Mrs. Barbara Hills, representing the Munroe Building Survey Committee, read a statement regarding the results of a questionnaire which was sent to Munroe parents. Fred Tarr, speaking for the Munroe, Parker, Hancock and Muzzay PTSA, read a statement regarding the importance of the neightborhood school. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Ms. Claire Zalewski, representing the LEA, Ms. Sylvia Schatz, Franklin School, and Ms. Anne Lane, Bowman School, made comments regarding the value of the Science specialists. Ms. Zalewski quoted Article VII of the LEA contract which states that "the committee, where educationally and financially feasible, shall make an effort to continue, in effect, the present number and areas of special teachers for the life of the agreement." It was VOTED: To approve the names of the following citizens to sit on the EDUCATIONAL committee to study the educational program in the Lexington Public PROGRAM Schools. COMMITTEE James C. Beck Martha Hauptman Nancy Bender Kenneth M. Hoffman Marjorie Daggett Melvin G. Holland Ronald R. Edmonds Robert Turvene (Davison, Swanson, Unanimous) Dr. Fobert reviewed his February 24, 1975 memorandum to the school committee which stated that the cost of living increase for the 1975-76 salary schedule is 7.5% rather than 8.5%. This reduces the budget by $112,973 giving a new figure of $14,272,244 and still contains a reduction of fifteen professional staff. Dr. Fobert said that Mr. William Read, 1/2 time Assistant Principal at Harrington and also a 1/2 time elementary teacher in the fall. This will reduce the number of specialists from 4 1/2 to 4. He added that as schedules for teaching specialists at the elementary level in art, music, physical education and French are developed, it may be possible without reducing teaching ratios, to reduce by 1/2 or less in each area. He recommended that the total decrease in staff remain at 15 to provide the administration with the flexibility to assign staff where needs occur.