HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-02-15-SC-min Page 54.
February 15, 1975
The regular meeting of the Lexington School Committee came to order at 10:00 a.m.
at the school administration building. Present were: Mrs. Berchtold, Mrs. Swanson,
Mrs. Davison, Mr. Rotberg and Mr. Wadsworth. Also present were Mr. Barnes,
Mr. PMcInnes, Mr. Spiris, Dr. Monderer and Dr. Fobert.
Dr. Fobert reviewed the state aid for Chapters 69, 70, 71 since THE BUDGET
1972. He discussed the payment overlap that occurs because of the
sporadic issuance of checks by the state. He estimated that additional
funds of approximately $800,000 are due Lexington. He noted that our
reimbursable figure under Chapter 70 is now based on nine million dollars
since other expenses come under Chapter 766. He said there are doubts
on the exact amount due Lexington since the state account total is uncertain.
If we receive all that we expect (three million dollars) we could possibly
have one million dollars available toward next year's budget.
Mrs. Swanson asked what other educational charges are carried in the
town budget. Dr. Fobert and Mr. Maclnnes gave examples of the items as
follows: bonds, police, snowplowing, care of the lawns, and retirement.
It was also stated that the town received reimbursement on such bonds on
Clarke (65%), Bridge and. Bowman (45%) .
Special Needs
A review of the Chapter 766 budget - Alternative #1 took place next.
Needed personnel per prototypes were outlined. Mr. Rotberg declared that
we shouldnot approve additional personnel under innovative programs until
at least one year of operation and evaluation has passed. Dr. Fobert
explained that we should plan now for these programs since present personnel
do not reflect the services projected and recommended by the Core Evaluation
Team. Mr. Rotberg commented that a new speech therapist would contact more
pupils than a person in the innovative program, thus being a better and
wiser system-wide investment in services. Mrs. Swanson felt that as a
person not favoring the innovative program originally, she would like it
understood that after hearing and learning about the Alternative Choice
Education Program (ACE) , she felt more favorable about it - especially since
a core evaluation is a prerequisite now.
In-service education for present teachers to train them for special
needs services was discussed by the committee. Mrs. Berchtold and
Mrs. Swanson felt we could spend our money more wisely if we improved the
whole staff rather than hire new persons only. The superintendent said
that under Alternative #2 in-service plans would be considered. It was
agreed that the superintendent would present a summary of in-service plans
which would be realized under Alternative #2. Mrs. Swanson asked for an
additional plan regarding the high school curriculum.
Mrs. Davison made a MOTION, which was not seconded, that we add $10,000
to the budget to catty out an in-service training program to support, present
classroom teachers. The program would be arranged by the superintendent.
Mrs. Berchtold made a request that a report on special education
(counseling, learning disabilities, etc.) and how it operates in each
school, be given at a future meeting. The superintendent agreed to this
request.
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February 15, 1975
THE BUDGET
(continued)
Busing Policy
It was MOVED to remove the busing policy question from the table.
(Wadsworth, Swanson, Berchtold, YES, Davison, Rotberg NO)
Mrs. Davison and Mr. Rotberg felt it was not appropriate to remove
the question from the table at this time. They felt more public input
should be obtained before casting a vote.
It was MOVED to eliminate the $175,000 for busing in the 1975-76
budget. (Swanson, Wadsworth, Berchtold, Davison YES, Rotberg NO)
Food Services
Dr. Fobert reviewed the past financial situation of the food services
program. Presently, we are not sure what amount of money will be available,
if any, to apply to the food services deficit. Therefore, $50,000 has
been projected as a need for the 1975-76 budget. There was a discussion
regarding methods of financing the projected deficit. Dr. FobeiL
noted that one problem is that state reimbursement lags three to four
months behind the system needs. Further discussion on this topic will
occur at the next meeting.
Mr. Rotberg suggested that "Our Schools" brochure should include a
notation that $50,000 will be needed to support the food services program
for the coming school year. He added that it might be wise to outline
the cost of the program for the public.
Mr. Rotberg MOVED to delete $50,000 for food services from the 1975-76
budget. This MOTION failed for lack of a second.
It was MOVED to use the balance in the 1971 -75 budget (up to $50,000)
to finance the food services deficit.If the balance is less than $50,000
then that amount will be added to the 1975-76 budget. (WadswoLLh, Davison,
Unanimous)
The following requests were made by the committee:
1. that the 1/2 assistant principal at Harrington be eliminated due
to enrollment decrease projections.
2. that the superintendent review other specialist ratios for possible
reductions.
3. that scheduling of specialists be reviewed.
A discussion of psychotherapy and physiotherapy services took place
next. The superintendent noted that Lexington does not pay for these services
at all. Mrs. Swanson made a MOTION that an increase of $116,000 for Ch 766
be includedin the 1975-76 budget. This was seconded. by Mr. Wadsworth.
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February 15, 1975
Mrs. Davison made a MOTION to amend Mrs. Swanson's MOTION as follows:
That Chapter 766 personnel needs be increased to $120,000 and expenses to
$18,000, the increase to include a speech therapist and. in-service training.
The MOTION was withdrawn after a brief discussion.
Mrs. Davison then made another MOTION to amend. Mrs. Swanson's MOTION
as follows: To increase personnel services to $120,000 to include a speech
therapist. This was seconded by Mr. Rotberg. This was defeated 3-2 with
Mrs. Berchtold, Mrs. Swanson and Mr. Wadsworth in opposition.
A vote was called on Mrs. Swanson's MOTION as stated above.
(Swanson, Wadsworth, Berchtold, YES, Rotberg, Davison ABSTAIN)
The meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
Resmectfully subm/itted,
SFJ 2,
Richard H. Barnes