HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-03-19-SC-minLEXINGTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
Sunday, March 19, 2023
Meeting Minutes
CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOME: 4:07 PM
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Sara Cuthbertson, Chairperson
Deepika Sawhney, Vice -chair
Kathleen Lenihan, Clerk
Larry Freeman
Eileen Jay
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT
Dr. Julie Hackett, Superintendent
The School Committee convened remotely. Members of the public can view and participate the
meeting webinar from their computer or tablet by clicking on the link provided with the
meeting agenda. Please note that this meeting is being recorded and that attendees are
participating by video conference. This afternoon's meeting is being taped by LexMedia for
future on -demand viewing. All supporting materials that have been provided to members of
this body are available on the Town's website unless otherwise noted.
The minutes were taken by Sara Jorge, Office Manager to the Superintendent and the School
Committee.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Town MeetinE Articles Discussion
The School Committee discussed and took positions on the following 2023 Annual Town
Meeting articles:
Article 4 - Appropriate for FY 24 Operating Budget
Ms. Cuthbertson took a roll call vote on Article 4 - Appropriate for FY 24 Operating
Budget, passed 5-0.
Article 9 - Departmental Revolving Funds
Ms. Lenihan motioned to approve Article 9 - Departmental Revolving funds. Mr.
Freeman seconded. Ms. Cuthbertson took a roll call vote, passed 5-0.
Article 10 - Appropriation for CPC Budget and Approve CPA Projects
Ms. Lenihan motioned to have the School Committee support Article 10 - Appropriate
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for CPC Budget and Approve CPA Projects. Mr. Freeman seconded. Ms. Cuthbertson
took a roll call vote, passed 4 Yes [Cuthbertson, Freeman, Lenihan, Sawhney];1
Waiting to hear more information [Jay].
Article 15 - Appropriate for School Capital Projects and Equipment
Ms. Lenihan moved that the School Committee support Article 15 - the school capital
improvement budget. Mr. Freeman seconded. Ms. Cuthbertson took a roll call vote,
passed 5-0.
Article 16 - Appropriate for Public Facilities Capital Projects
Ms. Cuthbertson pointed out that this article has three items that are related to the schools -
16d: School paving and sidewalks, 16f: School building envelopes and associated systems, and
16h: 173 Bedford St Design.
Ms. Cuthbertson stated that the Select Board Chair, Ms. Hai, did reach out to see if the School
Committee would like to hold a joint meeting with the Select Board to discuss the potential use
of 173 Bedford Street. From my understanding, this article is on the design and they would do
this anyway no matter what they used it for.
Ms. Lenihan stated, "I do think a meeting with the Select Board on 173 Bedford Street is a good
idea to receive some clarity on moving the Central Office."
Ms. Cuthbertson recommends holding off on voting for 16h until after the joint meeting with
the Select Board.
Ms. Jay moved to approve 16d and 16f of Article 16. Mr. Freeman seconded. Ms.
Cuthbertson took a roll call vote, passed 5-0.
Article 19 - Establish, Amend, Dissolve, and Appropriate To and From Stabilization Funds
Ms. Jay moved to support Article 19d - Establish, Amend, Dissolve, and Appropriate To
and From Stabilization Funds. Mr. Freeman seconded. Ms. Cuthbertson took a roll call
vote, passed 5-0.
Article 23 - Establish Special Education Reserve Fund
Ms. Jay asked, "Why is the appropriation amount still uncertain at this point? I believe it was
going to be $750,00 originally. Has this changed?"
Dr. Hackett explained that she believes that is the correct number and what she had as well. She
will follow up with Mr. Coelho tomorrow on this.
Ms. Jay moved that the School Committee support the approval of Article 23. Mr.
Freeman seconded. Ms. Cuthbertson took a roll call vote, passed 5-0.
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The School Committee discussed the draftposition statement that Ms. Cuthbertson drafted for
the School Committee's position on Article 23.
ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Jay made a motion to adjourn at 4:38 PM, Mr. Freeman seconded. Ms.
Cuthbertson took a roll call vote, passed 5-0.
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