HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-05-10-SC-min Page 90
May 10, 1976
On Monday evening May 10, 1976, the Lexington School Committee con-
ducted a meeting at the Jonas Clarke Junior High School at 8:00 p.m.
Present were Mrs. Swanson, Messrs. Brown, Michelman, Rotberg, Wadsworth,
and student representative Nancy Abelmann. Also present were Miss Quinn,
Messrs. Spirts, Barnes, Maclnnes, Monderer.
Mrs. Beryl Safford, 12 Meriam St., read the following letter from PUBLIC
the Hancock parents: PARTICIPATION
"Hancock parents wish to present this petition to you at this time SCHOOL CLOSING
to reaffirm our strong support for our school and for its educational
program.
'We would like the school committee to note that this petition has
been signed by 97 per cent of Hancock's Lexington parents and thus repre-
sents the view of the vast majority. Moreover, parents of children who
live in other school districts, but who attend Hancock for special needs
expressed the wish, when signing the petition that their other children
also could attend the school.
'We earnestly hope that the school committee, as our elected repre-
sentatives, will be responsive to this virtually unanimous declaration.
We also urge that more extensive attention be given the contents of the
Educational Program Sub-Committee report before irrevocable steps are
taken which would cost Lexington one of its finest schools."
Hancock School Association
Richard and Beryl Safford
Co-Presidents
Mrs. Ruth Gallagher, 14 Moon Hill Road, expressed her concern that FOOD ADDITIVES
the Food Services Department included processed meats (hot dogs, sausage,
etc.) in the school menu. She emphasized the potentially dangerous ef-
fects of additives and also the lack of nutritional value.
Prof. George Wolf of the M.Z.T. faculty explained that processed
meats were not dangerous, but were low in nutritional value and were
uneconomical. He further added that meat containing nitrates, such as
bacon were potentially dangerous when cooked at high temperatures. He
asked the committee to consider the cost in money and potential cost
in health.
He explained that nitrates were introduced into foods to retard
botulism, improve flavor and retain color and nitrites themselves are
not poisonous. The danger is in the conversion to nitrosamines from
high heat.
Mr. Michelman stated that there was a fair amount of public and
community concern about additives--some of these scientifically based.
He summarized stating he felt the school policy should be to pro-
vide an alternative menu.
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May 10, 1976
Mrs. Griffin, Coordinator of the School Lunch Program noted that
the amount of nitrites in foods had been reduced greatly by the federal
government. She said natural foods also contained them. She stated
that hot dogs were used only twice a month and that alternatives could
be provided anytime to students expressing concern over school lunch.
Dr. Rotberg commented that he felt there was not a good reason to
include processed meats in the school menu. Even though data was not
sufficient, he expressed concern about gambling with the health of
children.
Mr. Wadsworth and Mrs. Swanson expressed reservations about deter-
mining menus, but agreed that alternatives and use of processed meat
should be made under the direction of Mrs. Griffin. Mrs. Griffin and
Mr. Spiris agreed to provide alternate choices on the days when pro-
cessed meats are on the menu.
Dr. Rotberg asked if Lexington would be required to begin a break- BREAKFAST
fast program. Both Mr. Maclnnes and Mrs. Griffin responded in the nega- PROGRAM
tive due to the lack of qualified applicants. Mr. Maclnnes also asked
the committee to oppose the present law requiring such programs.
Mr. Spiris presented the school committee with a report outlining EDUCATIONAL
a suggested plan for working with the Citizens Advisory Committee. He PROGRAM
also suggested that staff and administrators consider the EPSC Report STUDY
and make recommendations to the school committee. He then requested COMMITTEE
the school committee and C.A.C. meet to decide the major areas of the
report that need discussion and clarification.
Mrs. Swanson asked the EPSC to set guidelines and establish pri-
ority items for discussion.
Mr. Wadsworth stated that the school committee was a policy setting
body and he would like to hear the views of the advisory committee as
they relate to present educational philosophy, suggested changes in phil-
osophy and suggestions for implementation. With such responses he felt
he could better decide on policy direction.
Mr. Michelman agreed that the committee was a policy setting body.
He felt that the key sentence in Mr. Spiris's memo was the one stating
that the school committee should have sufficient opportunity to discuss
the report of the Study Committee. He felt that due to the breadth and
richness of the report, more than one discussion session would be needed.
Dr. Hoffman then presented his comments on the future role of the
E.P.S.C. and its suggested procedure for dealing with the report.
He said the future role and discussion should focus on the following:
- the achievement of some very clear understandings with the new
superintendent to formulate basic policies (curricula correlation,
style of management, structure of system) .
- the implementation of some other recommendations (curriculum center,
curriculum coordinators)
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May 10, 1976
- .the improvement of public understanding (discussion of the report,
public discussion groups)
- the consideration of school closings.
The Superintendent and Mr. Hoffman disagreed on the role of the
E.P.S.C. Advisory Committee as it related to discussions with other
groups. Mr. Spiris felt he should restrict discussion to the school
committee. Mr. Hoffman disagreed.
The school committee, in summary, requested the interim superintend-
ent to contact Dr. Lawson to arrange a meeting to discuss the report in
the near future.
Mrs. Swanson requested that the Redistricting Committee and Cost ADVISORY
Implication Committee be disbanded. COMMITTEE
Mr. Wadsworth then moved
to discharge the Redistricting Committee and the Cost Implications
Committee. The motion was seconded by Mr. Brown.
Both Dr. Rotberg and Mr. Michelman requested the committees remain
because their business was unfinished. After a brief discussion it was
agreed to place the item on the next school committee agenda.
Mr. Wadsworth withdrew the motion.
The minutes of May 3, 1976 were discussed. It was MINUTES
MAY 3, 1976
VOTED: to accept the minutes of May 3, 1976 as amended.
(Brown, Michelman, Unanimous)
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent it was SCHEDULE OF
VOTED: to accept the following Schedule of Payments. (Brown, PAYMENTS
Michelman, Unanimous)
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT BUDGETS
Personal Services
May 7, 1976 Professional Payroll #23 $400,187.58
Expenses
May 7, 1976 Bill Schedules #156 6,692.20
May 7, 1976 #157 8,037.90
May 7, 1976 #158 26,748.11
Out-of-State Travel
May 7, 1976 Bill Schedule #18 619.00
Athletics
May 7, 1976 Bill Schedule #30 955.00
May 7, 1976 Payroll 427 314.00
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May 10, 1976
SPECIAL PROGRAMS (Non-Lexi_gton Funds)
Adult Education
May 7, 1976 Professional Payroll $ 284.40
May 7, 1976 Bill Schedule #9 45.60
Driver Education '(Adult Education)
May 7, 1976 Professional Payroll 695.75
LABB Pre-K Bedford
May 7, 1976 Professional Payroll 329.74
METCO Program
May.7, 1976 Professional Payroll 3,527.50
Teacher Training Program II
May 7, 1976 Professional Payroll 368.85
LAB Pre-Vocational Life Care Program
May 7, 1976 Professional Payroll 580.46
LEADS Program
May 7, 1976 Professional Payroll 1,403.87
Autistic Program (Lexington)
May 7, 1976 Professional Payroll 717.96
Autistic Program (Arlington)
May 7, 1976 Professional Payroll 2,667.45
Multiple-Handicapped (Burlington)
May 7, 1976 Professional Payroll 425.65
Pre-K (Burlington)
May 7, 1976 Professional Payroll 2,066.54
Title I (PL 89-313 Spec. Ed.)
May 7, 1976 Professional Payroll 102.89
ACE Grant
May 7, 1976 Bill Schedule #10 2,845.35
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent it was STAFF
RE-ELECTION
VOTED:
Upon the recommendation of the superintendent the following were LEADERSHIP
voted leadership awards for 1975-1976. (Michelman, Wadsworth, Swanson,
Brown, YES, Rotberg, Abstained)
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent it was NEW PERSONNEL
VOTED:
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent it was PERSONNEL CHANG
(PROFESSIONAL)
VOTED: to accept the following professional personnel changes. (Rotberg,
Brown, Unanimous)
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May. 10, 1976
Appointment
Resignations
Maternity Leave
Leave of Absence
Mr. Spiris proposed a suggestion by Mr. Brown to provide an appro- RETIREMENT
priate recognition to school employees who retire after 20 or more years RECOGNITION
of service in the Lexington Public Schools. Mr. Brown said other town
agencies had a similar program.
Dr. Rotberg felt a routinized method was void of meaning and sug-
gested that members might design a more personal, informal and meaning-
ful program--one that would focus on individual contributions rather
than town funds. Mr. Michelman questioned the use of town funds, but
was assured that it was legal to use funds for such a program.
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent it was
VOTED: to adopt a policy to suitably recognize employees with 20 or
more years of service upon retirement from the Lexington Public
Schools. (Brown, Wadsworth, Unanimous) .
Mr. Spiris said that there was no unanimous agreement on phasing PHASING JUNIOR
among the three junior high school staff as to a firm direction that HIGH SCHOOL
the Lexington Public Schools should move. The L.E.A. had been con-
tacted and Mr. Spiris said he was suggesting a professional consulta-
tion with the faculties on the topic.
It was agreed to postpone discussion on the topic until after the
arrival of the new superintendent, Dr. Lawson. Miss Nancy Abelmann ad-
vised the committee that the student advisory committee would have a
statement on the topic shortly.
Upon the advice of the Superintendent it was agreed to accept the PARKING LOT
administration's plan to eliminate one of the two part-time high school MONITOR
parking lot monitors and make the other position full time.
Upon the suggestion of Mr. Michelman the language of the superin- SUPERINTENDENT'S
tendent's contract was changed to include an annual evaluation of the CONTRACT
superintendent of schools. Mr. Michelman felt the change was a more
positive one, and evaluations should occur as a matter of course. The
former language made it necessary for a member to express his displeas-
ure with the superintendent in order to raise the issue of evaluation.
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May 10, 1976
It was agreed the new language would provide for an evaluation an-
nually as a matter of routine.
Mr. Spiris requested the school cuuwkittee vote $2,000 to cover the SUPERINTENDEN
expenses of Dr. Lawson which were incurred in visiting Lexington on EXPENSES
school matters on February 23 and May 14. He said the sum was a rough
estimate and was consistent with the policies of other school systems.
Dr. Rotberg expressed his objection to the interim Superintendent's
request stating that in effect Dr. Lawson' s salary would be $42,000 rather
than the $40,000 that the committee had approved previously. In summary,
he felt there was insufficient reason for the requested sum. Mrs. Swan-
son noted that the sum represented expenses incurred in this school year,
not next. The monies then, are not part of his salary.
A vote was called:
to grant Dr. Lawson $2,000 to cover expenses incurred in visiting
Lexington on school matters and time spent on a consulting basis.
(YES, Brown, Wadsworth, Michelman, Swanson, NO, Rotberg)
It was
VOTED: to go into Executive Session at 10:55 p.m. to discuss a matter
of litigation and character and reputation of individuals. The
Chairman announced the committee would return to open session later.
(Yes, Brown; Yes, Rotberg; Yes, Michelman; Yes, Wadsworth, Yes,
Swanson).
At 11:30 p.m. , it was
VOTED: to return to open session. (Wadsworth, Brown, Unanimous)
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent it was
VOTED:
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent it was
VOTED: to accept the proposal of counsel in respect to the filing of a
complaint re: the David Altman case. (Michelman, Wadsworth,
Unan.)
It was
VOTED: to adjourn at 12:00 midnight. (Wadsworth, Brown, Unanimous)
Respectfully submitted,
,c.
hard H. Bines
/k Recording ecretary, Pro Tem