1976-02-23-SC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 40 February 23, 1976 Mr. Wadsworth noted that all reports are received and reviewed by the committee prior to release. He felt he needed at least a week to di- gest this extensive report. Dr. Rotberg expressed agreement with Mrs. Swanson and others by stating the report was well done, one of high quality and one that was comprehensive in every aspect. Mrs. Edith Sandy, 353 Emerson Road said she had looked for a copy in the library to assist her with present issues that were going to be discussed in neighborhood meetings on February 25, but found none. She felt the information would help her. She also noted she called the Attorney General 's office and the basic determinations as to whether a report was public information were the state of its completeness and re- ceipt by the School Committee. She felt the spirit of the law was ful- filled and the School Committee was in violation of the law, Chapter 4, Section 7, since they were in possession of completed copies. She urged immediate availability of copies to the Lexington Minuteman and to the public. Mr. Spiris disagreed with release since he did not want the Lexing- ton Minuteman picking and choosing. He said the report is an excellent one and would influence Lexington Schools for a long time. It is a con- structive report and should be used for the benefit and improvement of the schools. He felt staff should read and react prior to dissection by the newspaper. Dr. Rotberg expressed disagreement by stating the public should have the contents immediately, since the information will have great effect on them and their children; Mr. Spiris responded saying it was not only a matter of reading the report but discussion time was needed. Dr. Rotberg finalized his remarks by saying that if the School Com- mittee were involved in any illegality as Mrs. Sandy suggested, it should take immediate action and release the report. Mr. Joel Jensen, 60 Bloomfield St. , asked if any substantive changes would be made in the report before release and would copies be placed in libraries after Lexington Minuteman deadline. The School Committee indi- cated that no changes were expected and the dissemination plan would be discussed at the March 1, meeting. Mrs. Marion Reilly, 25 Walnut Street, asked if a new superintendent had been voted. Mrs. Swanson replied that the topic would be taken up later in the evening. Dr. Rotberg asked for clarification and a response to Mrs. Reilly's question. Mrs. Swanson said that the School Committee had taken a vote to authorize her to offer the position to a person. Mrs. Rena Abelman, 7 Moon Hill Rd. , inquired as to the date of the vote. Dr. Rotberg replied the vote was taken last Tuesday, February 17, at a meeting of the School Committee.