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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-02-11-SC-min Page 50 February 11, 1975 The regular meeting of the Lexington School Committee came to order at 1:00 p.m. at the school administration building. Present were Mrs. Berchtold, Mrs. Davison, Mrs. Swanson, Mr. Rotberg and Mr. Wadsworth. Also present were Mr. Barnes, Mr. Maclnnes, Hr. Spiris, Dr. Monderer and Dr. Fobert. COMMITTEE ON A brief discussion was held on the number of suggested members for the STUDENT committee on student redistributuion. Remarks were also made regarding the REDISTRIBUTION charge and membership of other citizen committees. The superintendent reviewed the Budget Summaries for Alternatives 1, 2, and 3. The changes were a result of decreases in EDCO, Data Processing, Project Local, Computer Center. Increases were noted in Computer Instruction and acoustical tile for Adams and Parker. The net result under Alternative #1 was a $1761 decrease in the expense budget. Committee members asked about the cost of keeping staff constant. THE BUDGET The superintendent responded that by adding $180,000 to Alt. #1 this could be done. This figure would represent the cost of 15 teachers. The figure for the percent increase for negotiations were discussed. The superintendent said he had been in contact with Mr. Alan Miller. It was noted that the figure for the cost of living for the Boston area would be released on 2/21/75. The effect on the 1975-76 budget can then be noted since this will determine the increase in salaries. The superintendent stated that he has been finalizing the Ch 766 Budget with Drs. Guldager and Monderer. The superintendent will make his recommendations shortly. Questions were raised as to how to allocate funds to accounts. The function of the school committee in this area was discussed. The superintendent stated that policy decisions should be goals and for his direction. Mrs. Swanson said that the school committee should not interfere with reallocation of funds within accounts. This account and alternatives were discussed. Mr. Maclnnes gave an over- view of the proposed budget as follows: PLANT MAINTENANCE 4210-4 Plantings, resurfacing, hot topping are among items to be completed in this account. 4220-4a-b Reduction in plumbing is contingent on hiring a plumber on staff as recommended. A review of repairs and replacement (doors, burners, etc. ) at several schools was outlined. Acoustical tile at Adams and Parker was added for an additional $1400. 4210-5 Mr. Rotberg asked if an advisory committee could be formed to obtain funds for the purpose of beautifying the other schools. This resource could assist in plantings etc. Mrs. Swanson noted the beautification committee now formed is not just for the high school and their services can be expanded. However, a job well-done at one school should be a priority before involving other schools. Page 51 February 11, 1975 7390-8b Mr. Rotberg asked about the inclusion of three language labs. Mr. Maclnnes responded that these were deleted last year. Mr. Rotberg felt that we can do without them due to economic constraints and suggested a possible trade-off with some other items. Expensive musical instruments were then discussed. Specific reference. was made to the acquisition of Orff instruments. The music specialist felt these instruments were needed for a quality program. Mrs. Berchtold asked if these could be cycled to various schools rather than to make purchases for each school. She wondered if declining enrollments were taken into account when approving the request. Mr. Maclnnes responded in the affirmative. Mrs. Berchtold then noted that some surplus goods had been sold. Mr. Maclnnes said that surplus wooden chairs and desks had been sold thanks to the ACE Program staff who volunteered and coordinated these efforts. Future sales are expected in the next few months. Mrs. Touart and Mrs. Krensky appeared before the committee to explain the operation of the Summer Coop and to request an increase in funding. A question and answere period followed. A review of course offerings, fees and schedules was included in the discussion. Mrs. Davison asked if the present budget could reflect needs if more pupils enroll due to a lack of jobs. Mrs. Krensky felt it could not, eventhough additional funds were sought. Mrs. Touart and Mrs. Krensky discussed the great difficulties they have experienced in raising donations and asked for a 60% increase over last year's figure to operate the Coop. This increase would amount to $3,000 for new funding of $8,000. A MOTION was made to endorse the request of the Summer Coop representatives to increase the budget from $5,000 to $8,000. (Rotberg, Davison, seconded) A MOTION to table the previous MOTION was made by Mr. Wadsworth and seconded by Mrs. Swanson. The vote was 3-2 in favor of tabling the MOTION. (Wadsworth, Swanson, Berchtold YES, Rotberg; Davison NO) . A reference point for budget purposes for Ch 766 was given by Dr. Fobert. He reviewed the rationale for the three alternatives with further explanation to be given on 2/15/75. Mrs. Swanson asked who gave input to the Ch 766 budget recommendations. Dr. Ponderer said that Mr. Wilson, the Core Evaluation Team, the Special Ed Staff, and the staff of the Reading Lab and others indirectly contributed . Dr. Fobert said that the committee should be aware of the expectations of parents due to the CET recommendations for services. If services are recommended by the CET and not provided by the Lexington Public Schools, concern is shown by the parents. He also noted that we have not budgeted nor are we paying for individual continual psychotherapy or physiotherapy services for children. Hr. Rotberg mentioned that as we improve our diagnosis techniques we identify more areas to be serviced. He questioned whether there should be a cutback of diagnostic testing or some other plan or analysis for services made. Mrs. Swanson and Mrs. Davison voice opposition to any limitation of diagnostic testing. Page 53 February 11, 1975 A MOTION was made to concentrate on Alternative #1 for the 1975-76 budget. (Swanson, Wadsworth, Berchtold YES, Rotberg, Davison NO) It was VOTED: To adjourn the meeting at 4:24 p.m. (Swanson, Wadsworth, Unanimous) Res tfully submitted, 112: Richard H. Barnes