Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-02-09-SC-min CARY NEL CR AL LIBRAR`9 Page 28 LEXINGTON, MASS. 02173 February 9, 1976 On Monday evening February 9, 1976 the Lexington School Committee conducted a meeting at the Jonas Clarke Junior High School. The meeting began at 8:00 p.m. Present were Mesdames Berchtold and Swanson, Messrs. Brown, Rotberg and Wadsworth, student representative Alan Wachman. Also present were Miss Quinn, Messrs. Barnes, Spiris, Monderer, Maclnnes. Mrs. Catherrae Nigrini, 17 Highland Avenue asked the Lexington PUBLIC School Committee if they had heard or received the report from the PARTICIPATION Educational Program Study Committee. She also asked if copies of the report would be made public and copies placed in the town and school libraries. Mrs. Swanson replied that the Educational Program Study Committee had not reported yet. She added that copies of the report would be placed as usual in the town and school libraries. The minutes of January 12, 1976 were reviewed. It was MINUTES 1/12/76 VOTED: to accept the minutes of January 12, 1976 (Berchtold, Wadsworth, Unanimous) Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools it was SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS VOTED: to accept the following Schedule of Payments. (Brown, Berchtold, Unanimous) SCHOOL DEPARTMENT PAYMENTS Personal Services February 6, 1976 Classified Payroll #6NC $68,129.55 Expenses February 6, 1976 Bill Schedule #110 1,256.06 February 6, 1976 #111 49,275.08 SPECIAL PROGRAMS (Non-Lexington Funds) METCO Program February 6, 1976 Classified Program #10 NC 1,202.22 Teacher Training Program II February 6, 1976 Classified Program #11 NC 86.40 February 6, 1976 Bill Schedule #9 54.84 LAB Pre-Vocational Life Care Program February 6, 1976 Classified Program #12 1,182.75 LEADS Program February 6, 1976 Classified Program #11 NC 803. 72 February 6, 1976 Bill Schedule #8 179. 18 Autistic Program (Lexington) February 6, 1976 Classified Program #11 251. 10 February 6, 1976 Bill Schedule #3 46.41 Autistic Program (Arlington) February 6, 1976 Classified Program #12 153.60 February 6, 1976 Bill Schedule #7 189.98 Page 29 February 9, 1976 Multi-Handicapped (Burlington) February 6, 1976 Classified Payroll #11 216.00 Pre-K (Burlington) February 6, 1976 Classified Payroll #10 384.00 ACE Program January 30, 1976 Bill Schedule #4 1,226.00 February 6, 1976 #5 1,200.00 Mr. Spiris requested tentative approval of the budgets as presented. 1976-1977 School Committee members agreed that there were several items yet to be BUDGET resolved, but felt that a tentative budget should be voted for presenta- tion to the Town Meeting. The figure agreed upon including all reduc- tions and additions as voted to and including the meeting of February 2, 1976 was $14,489,384. Mrs. Berchtold began the discussion of facilities consolidation by FACILITIES stating that the School Committee needed to move on the matter of con- CONSOLIDATION solidation in order to maximize the education system. She declared that this action would give direction and allow the development of specific information for facility consolidation. Her proposed motion would reflect the knowledge acquired from all the reports, meetings, and discussions of the past three years. Her suggested action would also separate the school closing issue from the renovation program. Her assessment was that Lexington could not support, with the declining enrollment, 11 elementary and 3 junior high schools. She further stated that Lexington should be concerned with maintaining its schools at a better level, than at present. Mrs. Berchtold summarized the criteria previously set forth and felt the following had been met: 1. that neighborhoods would be divided carefully. 2. that a neighborhood would be redistricted in a single year. 3. that schools remaining open would be subject to minimal dis- ruption. 4. that the closing schedule be adhered to. After this presentation it was moved: That the School Committee move ahead to implement the school clos- ing sequence whi-h begins September, 1977, as recommended in the final report, Study of the Reassignment of Pupils. Prior to a vote members commented on Mrs. Berchtold's motion. Mr. Wadsworth stated that he agreed with her statements. He also suggested we project building enrollment well into the future by using the services of Walter Koetke and Frank DiGiammarino. Mr. Brown declared his support for the statements of Mrs. Berchtold FACILITIES and Mr. Wadsworth. He hoped that consideration would still be given to CONSOLIDATION the possibility of elimination of classrooms in larger buildings. He felt closing down segments of larger buildings could have merit. Page 30 February 9, 1976 Dr. Rotberg stated that there was confusion over the issue and statements. He felt it was inappropriate to vote any action until the Educational Study Committee reported its findings. He noted that two members were searching for new information, yet were willing to support such a motion prior to the advisory committee report. Another source to consider was the Cost Implication Report which stated no signifi- cant savings unless disposition of the building (or buildings) was de- termined. He also said that, perhaps the new superintendent may wish to review the matter and make a recommendation. In summary, he stated that the motion seemed premature, future public and school committee dis- cussions would be the most beneficial course of action, and the motion of the educational system as stated by the maker of the motion would not contribute to any maximizing. Mrs. Swanson replied that the motion sought to solve the problem of going around in circles. The action would give responsible direction and present an opportunity for specific information development. The motion would provide a vehicle to get a handle on the issue. She added that one way to reduce the operating budget was to reduce plant. In conclusion, Mrs. Berchtold stated that the Education Program Study Committee report would have been helpful, if it had been com- pleted, but felt the need for action rather than further delay. The report, she said, will not be easily digested due to its completeness, therefore months of discussion may be needed. The school closing issue needed an immediate focus. The vote was called: YES Berchtold, Wadsworth, Swanson, Brown; NO-Rotberg Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools it was PERSONNEL CHANGES VOTED: to accept the personnel changes (professional) . Brown, Wadsworth, (PROFESSIONAL) Unanimous) Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools it was PERSONNEL CHANGES VOTED: to accept the personnel changes (classified) (Brown, Wadsworth, (CLASSIFIED) Unanimous) . Dr. Clune reviewed his recommendation for increasing the number of HIGH SCHOOL credit hours required for graduation. He said that beginning with the GRADUATION class of 1979 a student's credit requirements would increase from 56 REQUIREMENTS to 66 credits. Students will be encouraged by counselors to take addi- tional courses. Page 31 February 9, 1976 Mrs. Swanson, Mr. Wadsworth, and Mr. Brown stated their support. HIGH SCHOOL Dr. Rotberg expressing his support, asked if there were disadvantages GRADUATION to the new system. Two of his concerns were the possible reduction of REQUIREMENTS flexibility and that students might take easier courses in order to (CONTINUED) accumulate the credit requirements. Dr. Clune replied that flexibility might be reduced but not signifi- cantly. He felt that by expecting more of students, we could get more. He also noted that his discussion with students indicated support for the recommendation. The question of the quality of courses will be looked at by Department Heads to assure that course offerings are at a high qual- ity level. Mr. Lord and Dr. Clune outlined the reasons for recommending the HIGH SCHOOL passing of physical education as a requirement for graduation. It PHYSICAL was noted that about 10% of students do not participate. The high EDUCATION school administration feels that all should be be required to partici- PROGRAM pate and attend classes. It will be a self-administered policy, there- fore parents and students should note this. Dr. Clune said the de- tails of the policy would be publicized widely and often. Dr. Rotberg felt there was a need for a more detailed statement on the program if it is going to be a graduation requirement. Also a pro- cedure for informing parents of absences or refusal to attend, needed to be established. A brief discussion of the Summer School Program suggestion took place with Mr. Spiris and Dr. Rotberg recommending that all curricular areas be considered for summer school rather than just physical educa- tion. It was VOTED: to support both proposals (graduation credit and physical educa- tion requirements) excluding the summer school program. (Brown, Wadsworth, Unanimous) Mr. Ralph Lord presented an organization chart and job descriptions PHYSICAL for the proposed Athletic and Physical Education Department Reorganize- EDUCATION tion. REORGANIZATION After a brief discussion it was VOTED: to approve the Athletic and Physical Education Department re- organization. (Brown, Wadsworth, Unanimous) Mr. Spiris reviewed the forms and notices sent to professional PROFESSIONAL staff asking for suggestions for professional development programs. DEVELOPMENT Mr. Spiris requested that school committee members follow the same pro- cedure. Please send, recommendations to him by February 17, 1976. Page 32 February 9, 1976 Mr. Wadsworth expressed his concerns for transportation costs and BUSING possible reduction or elimination of state reimbursement for transporta- tion. He felt the time was appropriate to consider consolidation of stops, central pick up locations, etc. He asked committee members to indicate to him if they were interested in having him pursue the idea. Members felt he should review the points expressed and return with a plan or plans in the future. Mr. Wadsworth said he would do so. It was VOTED: to go into Executive session at 10:23 p.m. for a matter concern- ing negotiations. (Brown, Wadsworth, Unanimous) Respctfully submitted, / Richard H. B nes / Recording cretary /k Pro Tem