1976-09-13-SC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Page 166 September 13, 1976 It was PUBLIC LAW 874 VOTED: to authorize the Superintendent of Schools, John H. Lawson, to apply for Federal funds under Public Law 874, and to act as the school committee's representative in the application of the funds. (Brown, Michelman, Unanimous) An interim report on a proposed drama program was presented by Dr. DRAMA REPORT Pierson and Dr. Lawson. The recommendation included provisions for in- service workshops for staff, improvement of facilities of the High School auditorium, materials, stipend for a liaison person and funds for substi- tutes for classroom teachers who will work on a special committee. The committee will consist of representatives from each secondary school and several elementary schools and will elicit reactions and advice from staff presently involved in teaching and directing drama activities. Committee members will meet for one or two afternoon arganizational meetings and then for one or two full days to assist in the development of activities and a rationale for a K-12 program. Dr. Pierson said he hoped the pro- posal which includes an immediate recommendation, and Phase II which would make recommendations for 1977-78 would bring a rebirth of dramatic ac- tivity to the Lexington Schools. Mr. Michelman asked where the funds for this year would come from, if school committee gave approval to the first phase. Dr. Lawson said stipends were already budgeted for, as were professional development funds. Other areas could probably be financed within the present budget due to the small amount needed. Stipends for coordinators could probably be covered in the professional salary account due to replacement funds made available when less experienced people are hired to fill vacancies. Both Mr. Michelman and Dr. Rotberg stressed the need for a role description for the liaison person (coordinator) . Dr. Lawson agreed and said this would be done in cooperation with the special committee. Mrs. Swanson noted her concern for the need for an expanded dramatic program since interest seemed diminished this past year. Miss Abelman said lack of interest was due to lack of adutl staff to supervise drama- tics. Mr. Brown said consideration should be given to deleting the mini- mum enrollment figures as is done with some courses until the program is well underway. It was VOTED: to proceed on the drama recommendation specified in the 1976-77 summary report with the understanding that Phase II would be re- ported later. (Rotberg, Michelman, Unanimous) Dr. Lawson presented a recommended plan for administration reorgani- ADMINISTRATIVE zation. He said he felt the need for several immediate changes which REORGANIZATION he believed would enable the administration to provide better and faster service, support and leadership to those who need it most: classroom teachers, department heads, coordinators and principals. Dr. Lawson then proposed the following changes for Phase I of the administrative reorganization: (See attached) After a brief discussion it was VOTED: to approve the administrative reorganization for Phase I as recommended by the Superinteca.ent. (Rotberg, Brown, Unanimous)