HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-03-24-AC-MIN.pdf 13
APPROPRIATION COMMIT'T'EE
DATE: March 24, 1973
TIME: 9:00 A.M.
PLACE: Town Office Building - Room G15
PRESENT: Edward E. Furash, Chairman, Jack L. Mitchell,
Vice Chairman, Elizabeth M. Flynn, Secretary,
c3 Arthur T. Bernier, J. H. Blaisdell, Levi G.
Burnell, Howard L. Levingston, Richard M. Perry,
Donald B. White
I . SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Present: F. Frick, J. Berchtold, P. Swanson, V. Page ,
Supt. Fobert
Mr. Frick explained that the School Committee is also
-- concerned about the amount of School budget in both expenses
and personal services. The $200,000 asked by Town Meeting
would have 'to come out of Personal Services - salaries are
set by the LEA so nothing can be done there . The second
alternative would be to cut programs which also means
personnel; this would be impossible to do in short time
available . In the Expense budget $200,000 is really 13%o
32% is materials ; 36% is maintenance and 22% is transportation
which is set by State law. $100,000 could be saved by setting
a 2 mile limit on bussing.
The major problem here stated Mr. Frick is in the '73- '74
salary negotiations. We propose that the entire package will
come up for review and work will start in the Spring and the
School Committee will initiate action in the Fall. It was
made very clear that the .help of the Appropriation Committee
is most necessary.
Chairman Furash thinks that education is important but hears
from other parents that they are most discontent with the
school system. Parents feel that they are spending more
dollars and getting less back in education and as present
guidance programs are set up parents are made to feel guilty
and responsible for a child's problems . There is definitely
a discipline problem at the High School with minority groups
with axes to grind. There is frustration with the parents as
to the quality of education coming from the school thus generat-
ing hostility towards the teachers. We are faced with inflation,
militant unionism and no hope of financing schools in the next
five years except by the Property Tax stated Chairman Furash.
14
It was suggested by the Chairman that priorities be
set and the system trimmed back. I feel at this time
that Town Meeting has a desire to express that there
is a financicl crisis -- therefore sending back the
School Budget. A large number of members at Town Meeting
feel that this action will be most beneficial on the next
negotiations.
Supt. Fobert defended the teaching in the school system
by saying that the 4th grade annual standardization tests
exceeded expectations and that Lexington did better than
like schools.
II . OTHER BUSINESS
a. The library bids have come in 10% below the
anticipated.
b. Howard Levingston reported on Community Development
Study - Article 54 - There would be a new Motion for
$20, 000 - Members of group to be appointed by the
Moderator. VOTED in the negative by the Appropriation
Committee .
c. Chairman Furash stated that extreme pressure is being
put on from the merchants on the Meriam Street parking
lot. They definitely want it expanded.
Meeting adjourned at 11:15 A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
7 >.z_t ;•, 7;-- Yr /�,"v
Elizabeth M. Flynn/mo'b
Secretary