1976-01-26-SC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 16 January 26, 1976 town approximately $400,000. He suggested that the school department work with the police department to see if they could bring this figure down. Mrs. Swanson said she was conscious of the fact that the economic conditions of the time dictated trying to do better without sacrificing quality education. She said the School Committee would consider Mr. White 's remarks. Chris Anderson, Lexington High School senior, and spokesman for EARLY GRADUATION the graduation committee presented a proposal to the Lexington School Committee to change the graduation date. He said the late graduation date this year, prevented senior class members from obtaining jobs, and enrolling in other activities. He explained that the change of gradu- ation date proposal had the support of the P.T.A. , the P.T.S.A. , the L.E.A. , and administration, and hoped that the School Committee would receive it with favorable action. He suggested that graduation change from June 16 to June 9, and senior classes cease as of June 2 He said the committee had surveyed surrounding towns and Lexington was the last to graduate. He also indicated there was support from parents in his survey and said that concern for summer jobs was a valid reason for re- consideration of graduation dates. He also asked that the second part of his proposal be considered. The committee recommended the length of the school year calendar be set at 185 days with five days alloted for unusual reasons such as snow, emergency closing. If these five days were not used each year, they would be deducted and graduation would be scheduled twelve days before the last day of school. Mr. Spiris said that the graduation date suggested was consistent with the law and he was supportive of the request to change graduation from June 16 to June 9, however, he was not in agreement with the second part of the proposal. Dr. Clune was then asked for his recommendation and he a- greed with the Superintendent. After this discussion it was VOTED: to change the date of graduation this year from June 16 to June 9, and cease senior classes as of June 2, 1976. (Brown, Rotberg, Unanimous) Student representative Alan Wachman requested the School Committee consider the possible reduction of vacation times in future calendars. He felt that an analysis should be made of February and April vacations, thus closing the school year earlier. Dr. Rotberg felt that the present vacation method saved heating costs during the winter months and that it was one reason for the decision last year. Mr. Spiris complimented the graduation committee for the work they did and charged the seniors to find support for shorter vacations. He hoped they could rally support for this concept with other organizations and he would like to appoint two students to work on the calendar com- mittee. Chris Anderson agreed to submit two student names. He said students felt that Christmas vacation should be shorter rather than the February or April vacation. Dr. Rotberg replied again stating that April might not be the focus, if one was thinking of economics.