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

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Page 65 February 24, 1975 Mr. Edward Jacobus of Adams School supported the science program and said we should not underestimate the value of the specialists. He added that we should seriously consider the impact on the students and teachers if a reduction is made. The balance of the discussion included further comments from Mr. Abegg, Mr. Costanza, Mr. Turner and Mrs. Schatz. Mrs. Davison asked Mrs. Swanson if she woul consider making a MOTION to reduce the staff on the elementary level by two to take care of her concern regarding reduction in the budget. Mrs. Swanson declined. Mrs. Davison then made an amendment which was seconded by Mr. Rotberg, to amend Mrs. Swanson's MOTION to decrease the staff at the elementary level by two. She commented that if the consideration is the budget and total costs, she would prefer the superintendent to carry out our concern by adjusting his elementary staff by two. Dr. Fobert said he would like the flexibility to do this. He said he could implement this MOTION and not destroy the science program as it is now. Mrs. Berchtold said the program was not being destroyed and felt the intent of Mrs. Swanson's MOTION was clear. Dr. Fobert answered the a re- duction of 2 1/2 specialists would destroy the program. A vote was called on Mrs. Davison's MOTION. It was defeated 3-2. (Wadsowrth, Swanson, Berchtold, NO, Rotberg, Davison YES) . Mr. Rotberg then made an amendment which was seconded by Mrs. Davison, that since there is so much disagreement about the teaching of science in Lexington, the school committee should appoint a blue ribbon citizens' committee to investigate the teaching of science to see how it may be improved and whether it is overstaffed. This MOTION was defeated 3-2. (Wadsworth, Swanson, Berchtold, NO, Rotberg, Davison, YES) A vote was called on the original MOTION of Mrs. Swanson which was "To eliminate the category of elementary science specialists and establish a new title of science coordinator". The vote was 3-2 in favor. (Wadsworth, Berchtold, Swanson, YES. Davison, Rotberg NO) . Mrs. Davison asked Mrs. Berchtold if she would reconsider the vote at another time. Mrs. Berchtold said she would not unless new information was presented. The list of non-tenure personnel was presented for approval. After NON TENURE STAFF - 1975-76 a brief discussion, it was MOVED:TO approve the list of non-tenure staff for 75-76. (Rotberg, Wadsworth,seconded)