1987-03-02- To 1987-05-13-ATM-min

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CANNUAL TOWN MaTINO Hath 08/5 tont. 9 9 Dr. Pierson explained that the charge is based on bills from Boston Edison and a recent reclassification is being re-evalued. 9:49 p.m. Frank Sandy, Precinct 6, stated that excellence must be paid for, but that spending money doesn't necessarily yield an excellent education. He spoke in favor of merit increases. 9:51 p.m. David Williams, Precinct 5, asked for further explanation on the kindergarten program expansion. 9:56 p.m. Dr. Pierson stated that parents were in favor of an all morning program, and that teachers are trying to accomplish too much in too short a time. 9:57 p.m. Michael Golay, Precinct 6, stated that a vote should not be taken tonight as the question had not been prepared in a manner that would allow Town Meeting to act. He stated that it was not a take it or leave it proposition, that a set of priorities was needed. He stated that the issue is not the merit of the program, but that roughly 50% of the budget was going to 20% of the Town's families. He expressed concern over the test scores. 10:00 p.m. James McLaughlin, Precinct 8, received a "yes" answer when he asked if a majority vote was necessary to pass the School Budget. He stated that everyone was there to vote and that a vote should be taken. 10:03 p.m. Neil Gray, Precinct 9, stated that the inequities of compensation needed to be addressed and that the Town is getting considerably more than mediocre results from the tax dollar. 10:05 p.m. Carol Grodzins, Precinct 3, questioned where cuts could be made. 10:07 p.m. Mr. Clough responded with some possible areas where budget reduction would occur if the budget were to be cut. 10:08 p.m. James Barry, Precinct 1, stated that some courses are frills and need to be cut. 10:12 p.m. Several citizens spoke from the balcony: Marcia Baker, President of the Pre-School PTA, urged approval. Pat McClure urged a renewal of commitment to education and the quality of life and urged adoption as proposed by the School Committee. Peter Adler, Lexington PTA Council President, spoke in support of the budget. 10:18 p.m. Renee Cochin, Precinct 7, asked how much money had been returned to the General Funds. 10:22 p.m. Mr. Clough stated that no money has been returned. 10:23 p.m. June Hatfield, Co-President of the Bridge School Association, said that the Town has historically maintained a strong commitment to excellent education and urged trust of the School Committee's budget. 10:28 p.m. Thomas DelBanco, Partridge Road, stated it is a question as to priorities and the value system. 10:32 p.m. Louis LeBlanc, Precinct 9, stated that there is too much slush in the curriculum and spoke against merit raises. 10:36 p.m. Margaret Rawls, Precinct 4, stated that she felt inadequate in making a decision but asked whether there would be a necessity for the $300,000 Stabilization Fund. 10:38 p.m. Mr. Eddison stated that there was nothing in the budget that could not be cut. Next year would be tougher than this and the Stabilization Fund is a way of saving for a rainy day in order to cover essential items. 10:39 p.m.