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Page 29 February 9, 1976 Multi-Handicapped (Burlington) February 6, 1976 Classified Payroll #11 216.00 Pre-K (Burlington) February 6, 1976 Classified Payroll #10 384.00 ACE Program January 30, 1976 Bill Schedule #4 1,226.00 February 6, 1976 #5 1,200.00 Mr. Spiris requested tentative approval of the budgets as presented. 1976-1977 School Committee members agreed that there were several items yet to be BUDGET resolved, but felt that a tentative budget should be voted for presenta- tion to the Town Meeting. The figure agreed upon including all reduc- tions and additions as voted to and including the meeting of February 2, 1976 was $14,489,384. Mrs. Berchtold began the discussion of facilities consolidation by FACILITIES stating that the School Committee needed to move on the matter of con- CONSOLIDATION solidation in order to maximize the education system. She declared that this action would give direction and allow the development of specific information for facility consolidation. Her proposed motion would reflect the knowledge acquired from all the reports, meetings, and discussions of the past three years. Her suggested action would also separate the school closing issue from the renovation program. Her assessment was that Lexington could not support, with the declining enrollment, 11 elementary and 3 junior high schools. She further stated that Lexington should be concerned with maintaining its schools at a better level, than at present. Mrs. Berchtold summarized the criteria previously set forth and felt the following had been met: 1. that neighborhoods would be divided carefully. 2. that a neighborhood would be redistricted in a single year. 3. that schools remaining open would be subject to minimal dis- ruption. 4. that the closing schedule be adhered to. After this presentation it was moved: That the School Committee move ahead to implement the school clos- ing sequence whi-h begins September, 1977, as recommended in the final report, Study of the Reassignment of Pupils. Prior to a vote members commented on Mrs. Berchtold's motion. Mr. Wadsworth stated that he agreed with her statements. He also suggested we project building enrollment well into the future by using the services of Walter Koetke and Frank DiGiammarino. Mr. Brown declared his support for the statements of Mrs. Berchtold FACILITIES and Mr. Wadsworth. He hoped that consideration would still be given to CONSOLIDATION the possibility of elimination of classrooms in larger buildings. He felt closing down segments of larger buildings could have merit.