1975-12-08-SC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 235 December 8, 1975 d Mrs. Swanson explained that it was necessary to establish a timetable TIMETABLE: l "' to deal with declining enrollments. She said this would make the situ- DECLINING ation more manageable, it will allow the committee to discuss space, ENROLLMENTS High School reorganization and several administrative functions. Mr. Wadsworth asked if a detailing of surplus classrooms could be obtained. Dr. Rotberg warned that use of the term "surplus" could be misleading because it had no long term definition because of possible program usage. Mrs. Swanson stated that the School Committee should have the enroll- ment projections updated constantly. She also emphasized that the idea of consolidation of schools was not to have larger classes. In summary, she mentioned that the use of school buildings needed review. Mr. Brown voiced support for the disposition of buildings. He felt no action should occur until the Town responded to the situation, Mrs. Berchtold agreed also, but pointed out that some people probably were hesitant to voice an opinion until a specific building was named. She also felt the School Committee should meet with appropriate boards to discuss disposition. Mr. Wadsworth suggested a letter be sent to the selectmen. Dr. Rotberg expressed his hope that the School Committee would address the situation as an educational opportunity for improvement rather than the (;- consideration of any administrative or enrollment needs. After discussion it was VOTED: to authorize the chairman of the School Committee to send a letter to the selectmen requesting a meeting on the topic of school clos- ings. (Yes - Wadsworth, Brown, Swanson, Berchtold. Abstain Rotberg) Mrs. Swanson announced that the Cost Committee would meet with the SCHOOL CLOSINGS School Committee as part of the December 22, agenda. They would be asked to give the Brown proposal more review and to take one of the smaller schools, perhaps Munroe, and give figures on the savings. Dr. Rotberg stated that he hoped the Cost Committee would comment on the school administration figures. Mrs. Swanson replied that could occur but the Cost Committee was not interested in any specific building. Dr. Rotberg stated that savings on the school budget alone were of no value to the taxpayer since the buildings revert to town who in turn needs to provide money for upkeep. It was agreed by the committee to discuss a variety of questions with the Cost Committee on the 22nd of December. Mrs. Swanson announced that the Redistricting Committee would be present at the December 22 meeting also. She said that she was not sure as to when the Education Program Committee would report but would check on this.