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Page 87 May 3, 1976 LEADS Program April 30, 1976 Classified Payroll #16 600.10 April 30, 1976 Bill Schedule #15 123.70 Autistic Program (Lexington) April 30, 1976 Classified Payroll #17 175.05 Autistic Program (Arlington) April 30, 1976 Classified Payroll #18 30.72 April 30, 1976 Bill Schedule #11 250.31 Multiple-Handicapped (Burlington) April 30, 1976 Classified Payroll #17 96.00 Pre-K (Burlington) April 30, 1976 Classified Payroll #16 192.00 April 30, 1976 Bill Schedule #17 37.98 Mr. Michelman began the discussion of the school calendar by stat- SCHOOL CALEND! ing his concern that not all religious holidays received uniform treat- ment. He said his first reaction was to suggest that schools close on Jewish holidays, but now felt that would be a step in the wrong direction. He felt the schools should try to be non-sectarianism in their decision making. He stated that if the religious significance of a day was not a criterion for closing then the schools should remain open on Good Friday. He emphasized his regard and respect for anyone who wished to be absent from school for a religious reason, but was also concerned about the lack of uniformity in treatment of religious holidays. He then suggested the Lexington Public Schools try to stay open next year on Good Friday. He asked for other committee members comments. Mrs. Swanson said the closing had nothing to do with the religious aspect. The closing on Good Friday was a practical matter due to the number of staff who would possibly be absent and the number of substi- tutes needed on that day. Mr. Wadsworth asked Mr. Spiris to state at what point he would close a school due to staff absences. Mr. Spiris replied that he didn' t know. He did know that getting substitute teachers on the Jewish holidays was a problem, but school did remain open. Mr. Wadsworth then suggested we ask teachers in advance, if they would take Good Friday off and then a decision could be made. Mr. Spiris said he doubted that we could operate if we needed more substitutes than are on the list which contains approximately 100 names. Of these, some would be unable to substitute so the number available would be even less. Mr. Maclnnes also noted that classified staff could also be absent for a religious holiday. Dr. Rotberg suggested we review past absenteeism on Good Friday and then vote on the matter next week. Mr. Spiris replied that past figures would be invalid since the contract has changed the policy of religious holiday absenteeism.