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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-06-02-SC-min Page 139 June 2, 1975 The regular meeting of the Lexington School Committee came to order at 8:00 p.m. at the school administration building. Present were Messrs. Rotberg, Wachman and Wadsworth; Mesdames Perchtold and Swanson. Also present were Messrs. 'Barnes, Macinnes, -Spiris, Dr. Monderer and Dr. Fobert. Melinda Ballou , Steve Engelberg, and Mary Rockwood of the Student Advisory Board were first to meet with the school committee. SteveEngelberg expressed concern over some recent school committee decisions. He felt a need for more STUDENT community input regarding evaluation of secondary school curriculum. Another . ADVISORY concern was the recent denial by the school committee of a teacher-developed BOARD request for a Junior High English Curriculum summer workshop. Mrs. Swanson replied that there has been, and will continue to be, areas for community input; e.g. Chapter 622 and the school facilities advisory committees. She added that the community should not be involved in developing cirruculum. Next year the Professional Standards Committee will be used as a vehicle to improve communication between staff and the school committee. In summary, she stated that as elected representatives, the school committee does reflect- the feelings of the community. These feelings are not always related to "just dollars Mrs. Berchtold noted that the Advisory Committee on Educational Pro;iams is attempting to look at many of the concerns expressed this evening. She explained that there are all kinds of options available. Sometimes the community has other options than what the school committee expresses. Mr. Rotberg encouraged the members of the Student Advisory Board to bring their suggestions to the school committee and the administration because this is part of their role. Mary Rockwood told the committee that bus conditions have improved and that the "no smoking policy" is being enforced by many drivers. Further, buses seem to be less crowded. Melinda Ballous expressed frustration in relation to her feelings toward the school committee. She suggested that next year we should all be encouraged to "listen more and be more flexible". Mrs. Jacqueline Ward exuiessed concern about Lexington's efforts for an in-service training program for Ch 766. She reported that at recent meetings conducted by Dr. Lars Gludager, only 5 teachers were present at each of the two sessions, while 30 parents attended the Saturday session. She said there was evidence to support the need for further education of staff in learning disabilities. She requested the school committee to seek ways to improve attendance at these meetings. Mrs. Swanson agreed to place this subject on the agenda for a future meeting. Dr. Fobert explained that recently 100% of staff attended workshops on reading and that over the past two years teachers have been attending many work- shops on critical topics. Page 140 June 2, 1975 Frank Sarno, President of the LEA, revealed that 30 teachers from the system attended recent workshop on learning disabilitiesat Muzzey. He reeuested that the school committee draw 1210 objectives for summer workshops so teachers can know the precise goals and expectations of the committee. He felt the staff worked all year to make recommendations for workshops only to be told that they were doing it incorrectly. Since teachers do not have time for research and development during the day, summer workshops are critical. He felt such a focus would be beneficial to all. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Mrs. Lorraine Baron, a parent, told the school committee that the hot weather has caused noticeable physical discomfort to the children at Clarke Jr. High School. Her claim was supported by teac1Yer Roberta Newman of the Clarke Staff. Mr. Macinnes was asked to look into the matter immediately and report back to the committee at the next meeting. Mrs. Rebecca Shankland, representing the PTA Council, read a letter commending the Ch 622 Advisory Committee for its work. She complemented Dr. Fobert for his receptivity to comply with suggested improvements. The Council requested a response from Lexington Public Schools by October 1975 regarding its plans to implement the 622 regulations of the Department of Education. In addition, the Council encouraged the formation of a committee to follow progress of these implementations. Mrs. Althea Kota, representing the LWV Educational Workshop, read a letter by Mrs. Jane Trudeau in which she commended the Ch 622 Committee for its recent report. The letter encouraged the hiring and promoting of women via affirmative action programs. Other areas expressed concern over training staff to screen material and the develop- ment of a mechanism to evaluate changes which take place each year. Mrs. Swanson, commenting on an excerpt of the letter which asked for a balance between men and women in administrative postions, said that our goal was to get cualified candidates first regardless of sex. Mrs. Berchtold felt that it was true that Lexington is overloaded by men and/or women in some areas and that balance should be a goal in some aspect. Dr. Fobert said that the recent polling of staff indicated their highest value was on the best qualified personnel first - not on sex balance. Mr. Rotberg reminded the committee that we should address the point of criteria for quality, and that we should make sure we know what quality is before doing so. The financial statement was discussed. Dr. Fobert revealed that at this time, conditions point to no surplus at all. Mr. Maclnnes said that all outstanding purchase orders have been cancelled. New purchase orders have not been approved and emergency funds are not available. Dr. Fobert noted that the $25,000 for the management study hadn't been budgeted this year, thus, the estimated balance in FINANCIAL Pc-sonal Services would be used to pay this bill and other overexpenditures in STATS1•LNT the Tr. pense budget. Page 141 June 2, 1975 Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was VOLLCD: To accert the Schdule of Payments as presented. SC's DUTIL OF Berchtold, Wadsworth, Unanimous) PAY LINTS Person-7 Services May 30, 1975 Non-Certificated Payroll -;2? NC c63,42 .: Expenses • May 29, 1975 Bill Schedules #149 $18,501.12 May 29, 1975 #150 $ 4,377.00 May 29, 1975 #151 $12,702.52 Adult Education May 22, 1975 Bill Schedule #9 $ 17.79 SPECIAL PROGRAMS (Non-Lexington Funds) Title III-Learning Disabilities Training Film Project May 30, 1975 Non-Certificated Payroll #24 $ 321.45 LAB. Pre-Vocational Life Care Program May 30, 1975 Non-Certificated Payroll #19 $1,047.48 Autistic Program (Arlington) May 30, 1975 Non-Certificated Payroll #16 $ 146.40 Multi-I-tandicarped (Burlington) May 30, 1975 Non-Certificated Payroll #19 $216.00 Mrs. Elizabeth Haines, Chairperson of the Ch 622 Committee, read a Ch 622 five page statement to the school committee which contained a summary of COMPITTEE reactions to the superintendent's recommendations. The CAC agreed with Dr. Fobert aht "schools do and should play a role in developing attitudes and values relative to sex roles and practices" . The CAC concurred that corrective measures should be directed toward discrimination of race, religion and sex, but felt that other communities should study the first four areas. The letter outlined areas of agreement and disagreemnt with Dr. Fobert's recommendations regarding Ch 622 implementation in Lexington. Ln summary, the . CAC commended the school system for positive steps taken but felt more- active efforts should be made. The CAC requested that the school committee review and respond to the 86 recommendations in the report, "Sex Inequalities in the Lexington Schools". In reference to line 4, para 4, Mr. Rotberg asked the CAC if it had any supportive data to substantiate the remark. None was available but he was told that it was felt there was a policy. This will be checked further with Mr. Spiris. Mrs. Sheila Clemon-Karp felt that there was a lack of active recruitment efforts to hire women for administrative positions. Dr. Fobert noted that of the 88 high school principal candidates, only one was a woman. He also felt we do advertise widely. Mrs. Swanson commented that women have to take the initiative and apply. Mrs. Berchtold noted that sometimes our screening limited candidates; e.g. , requiring central office e-cperrence for a new assistant superintendent. Perhaps this limitation precluded some women being considered. for appointment. She fel-i, we should. keep note of the recommendations of the CAC and perhaps_ rs form a. committee the fall to assist the schools. Parte 142 June 2, 1975 Dr. Cobert clarified the statement on Page 2, section 1, line 6. He said that Deu?.rtent Heads did use members of the department to review all materials. This summer or early fall, maidelines gill be developed for all CCC's as they review material in relation to all aspects of Ch 622. Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was PL1SOP±Ii:1L CHLNG2S (certific) Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was VOTED: New personnel presented this evening will be voted by the school committee at the next meeting. Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was VOTED: to accept the new wage guide for special class assistants WAGE GUIDE according to wage negotiations (Wadsworth, Rotberg, Unanimous) SPECIAL CLASS ASSISTANTS Step 1 2 3 4 5 6 Rate 4.42 4.65 4.89 5.15 5.L0 5.73 Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was BIDS VOTED: That the Lexington Public Schools award a contract for the MILK supply of milk and other dairy products to Martines Brothers, Inc. (Blue Ribbon Dairy) , as the low bidder meeting specifications, and that Items 4 and 5 be rejected as being in the best interest of the Town of Lexington. (Wadsworth, Rotberg, Unanimous) Item #1 - i?ilk Homogenized w/3.5% butterfat Unflavored 1/2 pt. .0863 Unflavored qt. .37 Unflavored 1/2 gal. .69 Choc. flavored I/ pt. .0974 Non-fat (skimmed) 1/2 pt. .0863 Item #2 - Cream Light - qt. NB Light 1/2 gal. 1.48 Heavy 1/2 pt. .42 Heavy pt. NB Heavy a t. NB Item ::=3 - Cottage Cheese 11b. .59 2 lbs. NB 5 lbs. 2.70 Pase 1' 3 June 2, 1975 Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was ` OTED: To purchase ice cream for the school food service program from H. P. Hood, Inc. based on their low bid meeting specifications TO: ca:AM (Berchtold, Rotberg, Unanimous) Bid price is ;51.22 for ice cream sandwiches and sauce cups (per dozen) Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was ✓OTED: That the Lexington Public Schools accept bids for bakery products with Mazzola Brothers Bakery Trust and Ward Baking Company Inc. as the low bidders meetings specifications. (Wadsworth Berchtold, Unan) BAKERY PRODUCTS ITEM MazzolaBrothers Ward Baking Co. Inc. 1. Pullman Sand. Bread .46 2. Hamburg Rolls .48 3. Frankfort Rolls .48 4, Pan Rolls .37 5. Submarine Rolls .79 6. N. Y. Hard Rolls .43 7. French Stix .33 8. Bulkie Rolls .79 9. Small Rolls .43 10. Italian Bread .33 11. English Muffins .55 12. Raisin Bread .57 LUNCHROOM PAPER SUPPLIES Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was VOTED: That orders be placed with the companies mentioned below based upon their low unit prices meeting specifications, in the approximate totals and. their low unit prices meeting specifications and that all bids for Item #1 be rejected as not meeting specifications. (Berchtold, Wadsworth, Unanimous) . ITEMS COT'TANY APPROXIMATE TOTALS 2, 3, 4, 11, 16 Arrow Paper Corp. $2,483.62 21, 22, 23, 27 13, 14, 15, 20, 26 Bay Colony Paper Corporation 4,283.70 8, 12, 17, 18, 19 Brenner Paper & Chemical Co. 1, 661.25 7, 25 The Dowd Company, Inc. 183.45 9, 10 Goldman Paper Co. 950.00 5, 6, 24 w rs S Paper Co. , Inc. 719.00 $10,281.02 Page 144 June 2, 1975 It was VO'TID: To go into Executive Session with the LTA at 9:59 p.m. to discuss Personnel matters with the possibility of open session later in the evening. (Berchtold, r(adswo- h, Unanimous) It was VOTED: To move to open session at 11:20 p.m. (Wadsworth, Rotberg, Unanimous) It was VOTED: To deny Grievance #16 (Wadsworth, Rotberg, Unanimous) (Non election to Tenure, GRIEVANCES It was 16, 17, 18 VOTED To deny Grievance #17 (Wadsworth, Rotberg, Unanimous) (Moratorium on Sabbaticals) It was VOTED: To deny Grievance #18 (Wadsworth, Rotberg, Unanimous) (Refusal to Salary increase to Tenure Teachers, ' Mr. Rotberg felt his request regarding 3uzzey musicals had not been adequately answered. ?'_. Spins will Provide additional information for the next meeting. It was V0riu: To adjourn the meetings at 11:400 p.m. (Wadsworth, Berchtold, Unanimous) Respectfully spbmi ted, Bic aril Babies s'