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

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Page 139 June 2, 1975 The regular meeting of the Lexington School Committee came to order at 8:00 p.m. at the school administration building. Present were Messrs. Rotberg, Wachman and Wadsworth; Mesdames Perchtold and Swanson. Also present were Messrs. 'Barnes, Macinnes, -Spiris, Dr. Monderer and Dr. Fobert. Melinda Ballou , Steve Engelberg, and Mary Rockwood of the Student Advisory Board were first to meet with the school committee. SteveEngelberg expressed concern over some recent school committee decisions. He felt a need for more STUDENT community input regarding evaluation of secondary school curriculum. Another . ADVISORY concern was the recent denial by the school committee of a teacher-developed BOARD request for a Junior High English Curriculum summer workshop. Mrs. Swanson replied that there has been, and will continue to be, areas for community input; e.g. Chapter 622 and the school facilities advisory committees. She added that the community should not be involved in developing cirruculum. Next year the Professional Standards Committee will be used as a vehicle to improve communication between staff and the school committee. In summary, she stated that as elected representatives, the school committee does reflect- the feelings of the community. These feelings are not always related to "just dollars Mrs. Berchtold noted that the Advisory Committee on Educational Pro;iams is attempting to look at many of the concerns expressed this evening. She explained that there are all kinds of options available. Sometimes the community has other options than what the school committee expresses. Mr. Rotberg encouraged the members of the Student Advisory Board to bring their suggestions to the school committee and the administration because this is part of their role. Mary Rockwood told the committee that bus conditions have improved and that the "no smoking policy" is being enforced by many drivers. Further, buses seem to be less crowded. Melinda Ballous expressed frustration in relation to her feelings toward the school committee. She suggested that next year we should all be encouraged to "listen more and be more flexible". Mrs. Jacqueline Ward exuiessed concern about Lexington's efforts for an in-service training program for Ch 766. She reported that at recent meetings conducted by Dr. Lars Gludager, only 5 teachers were present at each of the two sessions, while 30 parents attended the Saturday session. She said there was evidence to support the need for further education of staff in learning disabilities. She requested the school committee to seek ways to improve attendance at these meetings. Mrs. Swanson agreed to place this subject on the agenda for a future meeting. Dr. Fobert explained that recently 100% of staff attended workshops on reading and that over the past two years teachers have been attending many work- shops on critical topics.