1996-02-07-AC-MIN.pdf - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE MEETING WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1996 ROOM 105, TOWN HALL, 7:30 PM Present: P Lapointe, J Pagett, L Peck, M Mairson, M Miley, R Borghesani, R Leone, R Colwell, J Ryan Absent: M Hastings Also Present: J Dini, J Young, S Guryan, J Moynihan * P Lapointe opened the meeting suggesting that the issues referred to in his memo of February 5, 1996 be addressed. * J Young discussed the post industrial school system. Schools cannot solve all problems and therefore must become focused on those issues they can impact. The SC and community must decide what are the most important issues facing the community and what the school system will focus on. The school system today must access outside agencies in order to learn. The role of the teacher will change with technology. The teacher will become a guide or facilitator. The educational focus as stated on page 9 & 10 of the superintendents budget book deals with technology and core academics. The $ 45,000 requested is a small start. * J Dini stated that he and J Young have met with other school committees and all seem to have the same issues( Belmont, Lincoln, Weston, Carlisle). The schools have become social welfare providers. Any changes which will result in long term savings are an unknown at this time. The Education Reform Act requires that all teachers and administrators be recertified at least once every five years (120ppds) the cost for which the Town is responsible. * Enrollment projections in the out years are probably understated. Any increase in class size in an attempt top control costs will only be done when instructed to do so by the SC. There are many needy families in town and there are citizens within the community who are in denial of the issues facing some of the children. Lexington is not any different than any other community in facing all the social problems of today's society. * The issue of space was addressed by J Young and J Moynihan. An additional 23 classrooms will be needed over the next 4 years. This need will require some building. All schools are currently full. $ 808,000 of the capital request in fiscal 1997 is space related. Approximately $ 300,000 will be expended this summer with the remaining $ 500,000 equaling 10% of a $ 5,000,000 program as identified by the Building Finance Committee for the purpose of engaging an architect and space planner. The schools plan is to use the industrial arts building for a technology lab. General discussion of the LABBB program and the costs associated with the reallocation of space and the costs associated with providing those services in another setting. * Enrollments were discussed. The fiscal 97 estimate is too low. Add 100 to the out years. The high and middle school numbers are fairly accurate but the elementary and