1976-05-14-SC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 96 May 14, 1976 A special meeting of the Lexington School Committee was held Friday, May 14, in the School Administration Building at 3:00 p.m. Present were Mrs. Swanson, Messrs. Michelman, Wadsworth, and Rotberg. Also present were Messrs. Spixis and Maclnnes, and Miss Quinn. Dr. John Lawson, who will assume the position of Superintendent of the Lexington Public Schools on June 14, 1976 was also in attendance. The purpose of the meeting was to allow an exchange of ideas between Dr. Lawson and the members of the School Committee on matters of mutual concern, especially filling the position of Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. Mr. Michelman opened the discussion. He noted that there was little question of the need to fill such a position, and to do so as expeditiously as possible. He did feel that some questions do exist, and that airing of those questions is important as the screening process begins. He cited several concerns: - the need for system coordination, coherence, and control vs the value of diversity, local (school) autonomy. - the question of internally created curricula vs those commercially produced. Dr. Lawson stated that he had obviously not had sufficient time or exposure to Lexington to allow him to formulate precise responses to those concerns. He did, however, have several perceptions that he would like to share. He noted first that he had reviewed most of the recent reports pre- sented to the School Committee (ADL, Educational Program Study Committee) and had met with Central Office Administrators. He added that he had asked also each principal to reveal what he or she perceived to be the primary strength and weaknesses of the school system. All of these sources, plus his awn experience with a major administrative reorganiza- tion, contributes to his perception of this situation. Dr. Lawson felt that any change in the structure of central admini- stration should contribute to the improvement of programs, services and procedures. He noted that the development of goals and objectives should precede any changes, and that such development should be based on broad input from faculty, community, students, and School Committee. Without such goals, there exists the risk of continual misunderstanding and the danger of frustration in any attempts at teamwork. Dr. Lawson stated that he has a strong commitment to "involvement", and that that implies a need for teamwork at the system level. There seems to be a fairly strong consensus, Dr. Lawson continued, that there exists in Lexington a void in the area of curriculum. The plan to hire an Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, addresses this need. Dr. Lawson sees this as an essential position for change--change for the learner, for teachers and administrators, for the community, because the needs of all these groups are changing. He sees this person as a facilitator of renewal, helping staff in a number