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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-06-21-SC-min Page 124 June 21, 1976 On Monday evening June 21, 1976, the Lexington School Committee con- ducted a meeting at the Jonas Clarke Junior High School at 8:00 p.m. Pre- sent were Mrs. Swanson, Messrs. Michelman, Rotberg, Brown, Wadsworth. Also present were Dr. Lawson, Messrs. Spiris, Monderer, Maclnnes, Barnes and Miss Quinn. Mrs. Mary F. Anderson, 3 Loring Road, commented on her request for DRAMA DEPARIMEN' a drama department at Lexington High School. She gave a resume of her LHS four proposal options presented to the School Committee prior to the meeting. She encouraged the schools to focus on the needs of all stu- dents whether their needs be drama or athletics. She asked the school committee for a public statement of support and expressed her hope that at least one person would be hired for the school year 1977-78 to teach electives in the English department (drama) . Miss Lucy McCaffrey, high school drama coach, outlined her experi- ences within the department. She said her experience as a full time teacher and a part-time drama coach presented great problems since she could not provide quality service in both areas. She explained that due to this reason it became necessary for her to resign as coach. She said the drama club had continued to meet by finding interested parents to volunteer as chaperones, but this did not provide the instructional and professional help that was required.. She also noted the diminished pro- gram at the junior high school level. Speaking on behalf of the drama proposal was Miss Karen DeMorrow of the Waltham Schools who reviewed the K-12 Waltham Drama Program. Mr. Robert Gartside, 20 Loring Road, expressed his concern that children be presented with all the possible options available. He said citizens look to the school committee to operate under a philosophy of education in which students could exercise options. He complimented the academic program in the Lexington Public Schools and stated he would like to have an additional stress in the schools in the area of drama. He felt drama opportunities were lacking in the life of the Lexington student. He requested the school cuuuuittee consider putting into the budget a full time director of drama. Mr Michelman expressed his concern over the lack of drama in the Lexington schools and said he hoped that the school committee discussion would culminate in a proposal for drama staffing alternatives at the var- ious levels. He requested the superintendent to prepare a recommendation on this topic. He also questioned the level of dramatic productions this year. Mrs. McCaffrey responded saying that Diamond and Clarke had no ma- jor productions (dramatic) and Muzzey had a French-English department production. She said the high school had some musical productions, but were not of the quality that should be presented. Dr. Rotberg asked Dr. Clune to express his position on the matter of a drama department. Dr. Clune responded saying he was in favor of a drama department as long as it did not take funds from another area of the high school bud- get. If additional funds were available, a drama department could be considered. Mr. Michelman concluded his remarks by saying he felt full length drama productions were a natural ingredient for the creation of a positive spirit among staff and students. Page 125 June 21, 1976 Dr. Rotberg stated that he would like to see a full time person or a part-time person hired for the 1976-1977 school year. Dr. Rotberg then said that he would rather not vote the personnel changes recommend- ed since it included two persons to do a job that perhaps one person could do more efficiently. Mr. Spiris responded saying the reason two persons were recommended for the coming school year as coaches, reflect- ed the sentiments of the high school drama department. Dr. Rotberg asked Dr. Lawson to comment on the matter. Dr. Lawson said the Lexington pro- grams as he viewed it, based upon his limited knowledge of the schools and from the reading he had done, was operating in the "dark ages" in dramatics. He felt that the program needed extensive enrichment. He suggested that the school committee look at the philosophy of education and see if its course offerings reflected appropriate priorities. He said he supported the concept of a drama department and suggested that in the next budget year we review the entire budget and see if this would be a priority item. He requested the school committee accept his suggestion to review the budget and make a recommendation at a future date. The school committee authorized Dr. Lawson to study the entire matter and suspended action on the personnel changes until the super- intendent responded. The school committee recognized Mrs. Georgia Glick of the Educe- PUBLIC tional Task Force of the Lexington Chapter of NOW at this point in the PARTICIPATION meeting. She expressed the chapter's support for the efforts of Chapter 622 implementation within the school system but said that even though she was encouraged to see some beginnings of an organized effort she felt there was room for improvement. Among the items she recommended were: 1. To extend the provision for workshop training to all staff. 2. To begin an active compliance effort in accordance with state regulations. 3. To appoint an individual with significant authority and time to coordinate all areas of Chapter 622. 4. To appoint individuals representing the elementary and secondary classroom teachers to coordinate staff efforts. 5. To implement the area of curricula regulations under Chapter 622. 6. To request the school committee to make a formal vote on the need to implement Chapter 622 immediately and to state that the school committee see this as a priority item and to communicate this con- cern to staff and public. The Chapter 622 sub-committee represented by Chairman Charles Como, Principal of Fiske School and central office liaison person, Richard Barnes, reviewed the status and activities of the past year. Mr. Barnes outlined the historical development of the sub-committee charge and compo- sition of the committee. He expressed the system's grateful appreciation to the 29 volunteer members who have worked so hard on this active com- mittee. He also reviewed the results of a survey taken last February of the department heads and department chairpersons conducted in cooperation with the educational task force of NOW. Information retrieved provided the sub-committee with pertinent information regarding the supervision of evaluation of texts . Instructional materials and the utilization of a check list used for the evaluation of instructional materials and text- books. He noted that leadership training for 5 Lexington teachers took place in May when the State Department conducted sessions for key local personnel. He concluded stating that the Lexington Public Schools was undergoing an internal evaluation as required by Chapter 622 in all areas. Page 126 June 21, 1976 Mr: Charles Como, Chairman of the committee reviewed the concerns of the members of the sub-committee which included noticeable resistance at some levels to the law, and the problems of individual teacher discre- tion on major issues. He outlined the recommendations of the sub-com- mittee which included a proposal that the sub-committee develop activi- ties encompassing human relations and human development and within the next school year emphasize Chapter 622. He said that he would be work- ing with Mr. Barnes this summer to develop recommendations for the super- intendent of schools for the coming school year as they relate to Chap- ter 622. Some of these recommendations would be the combining of facul- ty meetings at the elementary and secondary levels to focus on related issues early in the school year, the planning and development of a learn- ing center and development of informational bulletins regarding the law. The school committee was urged by Mrs. Georgia Glick to take a formal vote in support of Chapter 622. Some members of the school com- mittee felt that Chapter 622 was a priority item. Some members said they thought a formal vote would be redundant. No vote was taken. The school committee authorized Dr. Lawson, at his suggestion, to draft a resolution that will emphasize the school committee's previous commit- ment to Chapter 622, Title IX, and the implementation of the laws. Mr. Paul Ciano, Coordinator of the Visual Arts presented a report THETA on Project THETA (teenage, health, education, teaching assistants). This project is an innovative program that was conducted at the Munroe School recently. He said that students in grades 4 through 6 spent approximate- ly 30 minutes each day with students from the highschool unified science class. The high school students were trained by dental assistants from Lexington and other communities. Classes stressed correct brushing, flossing and diet. High school students conducted demonstrations for elementary pupils. The program included art projects, audio-visual ma- terials, health care lessons. He said that at the end of one week the pilot program was deemed very successful. Mr. Ciano also reported on the Lexington. Arts Program. He reviewed PROJECT LEAP the program of the past year which included music, mime, ballet, puppetry, and outstanding guest speakers. He presented an exciting overview for 1976-1977. He also announced that the LEAP program had received a $10,000 grant from the State for a dance program next year. The School Committee expressed its grateful appreciation to Mr. Ciano who was the prime mover in both of the programs. Dr. David Clune, Principal of the Lexington High School, presented FIELD HOUSE DOM a proposal for the painting of a mural on the field house dome. Paul Ciano, Coordinator of Visual Arts, and newly appointed art teacher, Paul. White displayed a model of the field house dome and a selection of pos- sible designs. . Mr. White said that the present graffiti on the dome was an example of "negative creativity" and that a mural on the field house dome would create a positive image and outlet for students. Dr. Clune expressed interest in the project, but acknowledged the fact that the current budget did not contain the needed estimated funds of $4,000 to $5,000. He said this could be reduced by $1500, because of donations of painting and scaffolding. Mr. Maclnnes stated his concern for water- Pat e 127 June 21, 1976 proofing in addition to other work needed. He said ,se factors would increase the cost and that coordination would be neened. He expressed his concern that students would do the actual mural painting due to the liability problems. Mr. White outlined the program stating students would not do the actual painting, he would. Mr. Wadsworth suggested that Dr. Clune approach the Bicentennial and Town Celebrations Committee regarding the project. Mrs. Swanson agreed with the suggestion and said the School Committee might be able to provide some funds. Mr. Brown said he would be in favor of the group approaching other sources, but if they were unsuccessful he would support it as a budget item for the next school year. Dr. Lawson said he favored any action that would make the school better for students, however, he had no recommendations at this time because the money was not included in the budget. The status and future plans of the Educational. Program Study Com- EDUCATIONAL mittee were discussed. Dr. Lawson said that he had read the report PROGRAM STUDY twice, reviewed the recommendations several times, and complimented the COMMITTEE group of citizens on the fine job. He said that he would be receiving models from the schools that would deal with evaluation of aspects of the report by June 30. He said he would then receive a report from each school containing feedback from the staff regarding implementation by November 1. At that time he said he would share the results with the advisory committee and the school couauittee. Later he would make recom- mendations to the school committee. He said that there would be two ma- jor points concerning the educational programs study committee. Areas where there were general agreement he would assume there would be rapid implementation, especially in those areas not needing extra dollars. However, in areas not in agreement, There would. need to be discussion prior to his making a recommendation. The major concern in his mind would be the overall goals and benefits to the Lexington Public Schools. Dr. Rotberg asked Dr. Lawson if the process could be quickened since there were some budgetary items noted in the report. Dr. Lawson empha- sized the need to follow the timetable as suggested. He felt that the professionals should be allowed to comment on the validity of any aspect of the report with a reasonable amount of time allowed for such a pro- cess. Mr. Michelman said that a great deal of appraisal was needed for specific recommendations, and that the setup of feedback was most appro- priate. He said many areas needed review since they were basic policy questions that perhaps would need re-examination. He felt the committee would like to discuss such items with the superintendent and asked Dr. Lawson his feeling on that matter. Dr. Lawson responded saying that he welcomed discussion. Mr. Kenneth Hoffman, Chairman of the EPSC was asked for his viewpoint. He said there may be a danger in having too much commentary before the results were in from staff. Therefore he supported Dr. Lawson's model as presented. In conclusion the school committee authorized Dr. Lawson to meet with the EPSC to clarify and discuss any areas that he felt needed to be reviewed. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent it was MINUTES MAY 17, 1976 VOTED: to approve the minutes of May 17, 1976 as amended. (Brown, Michelman, Unanimous) Upon the recommendation of the superintendent it was MINUTES JUNE 11, 1976 VOTED: to approve the minutes of June 11, 1976. (Michelman, Wadsworth, Swanson, Yes; abstain Rotberg, Brown) Page 128 June 21, 1976 Upon the recommendation of the superintendent it was SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS VOTED: to accept the following Schedule of Payments. (Brown, Wadsworth, Unanimous) SCHOOL DEPARTMENT BUDGETS Personal Services June 11, 1976 Classified Payroll #25 $ 66,823.26 June 18, 1976 Professional Payroll #26C 1,836,298.72 June 18, 1976 Professional Payroll #27C 21,160.00 Expenses June 11, 1976 Bill Schedules #170 4,817.77 June 11, 1976 #171 6,872.17 June 11, 1976 #172 44,946.61 June 18, 1976 #173 5,677.60 June 18, 1976 #174 2,445.37 June 18, 1976 #175 38,484.66 Out-of-State Travel June 11, 1976 Bill Schedules #23 161.50 June 18, 1976 #24 375.87 Vocational Education June 18, 1976 Tuition #28V 3,099.00 Athletics June 11, 1976 Payroll #34AP 619.00 June 18, 1976 Bill Schedules #34AE 622.85 June 18, 1976 #35AE 2,125.48 SPECIAL PROGRAMS (Non-Lexington Funds) Driver Education - Adult Education June 18, 1976 Professional Payroll 788.25 LABB Pre-Kindergarten - Bedford June 11, 1976 Classified Payroll #3 53.00 June 18, 1976 Professional Payroll 304.74 Metco June 11, 1976 Classified Payroll #19 1,318.06 June 18, 1976 Professional Payroll 14,783.25 June 18, 1976 Bill Schedule #10 26,227.20 Teacher Training Program II • June 11, 1976 Classified Payroll #20 96.00 June 18, 1976 Professional Payroll 1,844.25 June 18, 1976 Bill Schedule #19 1,554.87 Title III - Learning Disabilities-Adm. Grant June 18, 1976 Bill Schedule #10 27.84 Page 129 June 21, 1976 LABE - Pre-Vocational Life Care Program June 11, 1976 Classified Payroll #21 $ 1,182.75 June 18, 1976 Professional Payroll 3,344.80 June 18, 1976 Bill Schedule #17 97.04 L.E.A.D.S. Program June 11, 1976 Classified Payroll #19 440.25 June 18, 1976 Bill Schedule #17 109.96 June 18, 1976 Professional Payroll 1,403.87 Autistic Program - Lexington June 11, 1976 Classified Payroll #20 280.80 June 18, 1976 Professional Payroll 3,589.80 June 18, 1976 Bill Schedule #8 45.53 Autistic Program - Arlington June 11, 1976 Classified Payroll #21 153.60 June 18, 1976 Professional Payroll 2,667.45 June 18, 1976 Bill Schedule #13 68.44 Multi-Handicapped - Burlington June 11, 1976 Classified Payroll #19 216.00 June 18, 1976 Professional Payroll 2,128.25 June 18, 1976 Bill Schedule #7 17.50 Pre-School - Burlington June 11, 1976 Classified Payroll #18 480.75 June 18, 1976 Professional Payroll 7,969.66 June 18, 1976 Bill Schedule #21 35.04 Pre-School - Bedford June 18, 1976 Bill Schedule #8 765.00 Title I - P.L. 89-313 - Spec. Ed. June 18, 1976 Professional Payroll 514.45 ESEA Library June 18, 1976 Bill Schedule #7 67.39 ESEA Math June 18, 1976 Bill Schedule #3 8.94 ACE Program June 11, 1976 Bill Schedule #13 1,245.78 Adult Education June 18, 1976 Bill Schedule #10 5.75 Upon the recommendation of the superintendent it was NEW PERSONNEL (PROFESSIONAL) VOTED: to elect Mr. Douglas Knight to teach in the Lexington Public Schools 1 time position for the school year 1976-1977 at the annual salary rate of $5360 (B-2) 2 of $10,720) Page 130 June 21, 1976 Upon the recommendation of the superintendent it was PERSONNEL CHANGES VOTED: to accept the resignation of Mrs. Kathleen Corcoran-Hill. (PROFESSIONAL) (Rotberg, Brown, Unanimous) Upon the recommendation of the superintendent it was VOTED: to accept the change in salary for earned credits for Miss Barbara A. Murray to $20,170 (M/30-M) effective 9/1/76. (Michelman, Brown, Unanimous) Upon the recommendation of the superintendent it was VOTED: to set the salaries of the following personnel. (Brown, Michelman, Unanimous) Name Salary Third Election On Tenure ) Upon the recommendation of the superintendent it was VOTED: Upon the recommendation of the superintendent it was VOTED: Upon the recommendation of the superintendent it was PERSONNEL CHANGES VOTED: to accept the Personnel Changes (Classified) (CLASSIFIED) (Michelman, Brown, Unanimous) Page 130A June 21, 1976 The recommended new personnel were referred to executive session. NEW PERSONNEL (PROFESSIONAL) Upon the recommendation of the superintendent it was RE-ELECTION CLASSIFIED STA VOTED: to elect the following custodial and maintenance personnel at the classification and step indicated effective 7/1/76. (Michelman, Brown, Unanimous) (See attached) Upon the recommendation of the superintendent it was VOTED: to elect the following secretarial and clerical personnel full- time at the classification and step indicated effective 7/1/76. (Michelman, Brown, Unanimous) (See attached) Upon the recommendation of the superintendent it was VOTED: to elect the following secretarial and clerical personnel part- time at the classification and step indicated effective 9/1/76. Brown, Wadsworth, Unanimous) (See attached) Upon the recommendation of the superintendent it was BIDS MEDICAL SUPPLIE VOTED: to place orders with the following companies based on the low unit prices and the following approximate totals on items 34 and 35 be rejected as being in the best interests of the Lexing- ton Public Schools. Wadsworth, Brown, Unanimous) Chapin Medical Supply Co. , Inc. $ 742.92 Otis Clapp & Son, Inc. 437.93 Park Surgical Co. , Inc. 32.40 School Health Supply Co. 1054.54 $ 2267.79 Upon the recommendation of the superintendent it was ATHLETIC SUPPLIES VOTED: that orders be placed with the following companies at approximate totals as indicated based on their low bids meeting specifications and that items 36,46,152, and 156 be rejected in the best interest in the Town of Lexington. (Michelman, Brown, Unanimous) Company Item No. Total Award A/C Gymnastics 1,6,125,126,131 $ 1,494.00 Arrow System, Inc. 5,7,38,45,58,130 491.80 W. H. Brine Co. 71,75,76,87,105,172,180 182,183,188, 198,214,215,216 1,656.94 Champion Products, Inc. 118 35.10 J. L. Hammett Co. 11,29,35 36.52 Everett Sq. Sporting Goods, Inc. 16 16.50 Finnerty's 14,15,94,98,173,218 118.75 Holovak & Coughlin 2,30,32,33,34,37,40,43,50,99,113 114,122,124,142,143,146,148,150,151, 159,160,161,162,163,164,165,169,171, 185,187,190,191,192,195,197,199,200, 201,202,203,205,207,209,210,211,219 2,450.63 Page 131 June 21, 1976 Company, Item No. Total Award ATHLETIC SUPPLIES - House of Sports 23,39,42,55,56,64,68,80,83,86,93, (CONT'D.) 115,119,121,127,129,136,139,149, 184,196,206,217 $1,109.96 Medford Sq. Sporting Goods Co. 19,21,31,41,44,49,51,89,90,91, 95,96,101;110,133,134,138,141,154, 157,177,178,181,186,189,194,204, 208 1,273.05 Marciano-Shaw Sporting Goods 20,47,52,60,70,81,97,108,109, 120,144,166 1,549.19 Sidney Musinsky Sporting Goods 63,65,88,111,116,117,128,135, 145,153,168,169,174,176,193 870.90 Nissen Corp. 73 290.80 Program Aids 26 62.40 Frank Seyboth 77 294.00 Snitz Mfg. Co. 28 129.68 Saunders Archery Co. 66 54.00 Tri-Con Sports Shop 3,4,8,9,10,12,13,17,18,22,24, 25,27,48,53,54,57,59,61,62,67, 69,74,78,79,82,84,85,92,102, 103,104,106,107,112,123,132, 137,140,147,155,158,167,175, 179,212,213,220 2,995.29 $14,929.51 Upon the recommendation of the superintendent it was DATA PROCESSING VOTED: that we award the bid for Data Processing Equipment to the Digital Equipment Corporation based upon their bid for a 7 year lease, (cancellable if not annually funded) of $7,288.50 per year. Brown, Michelman, Unanimous) Upon the recommendation of the superintendent it was LEXINGTON EDUCATION VOTED: that the Lexington School Committee agree with the request by the ASSOCIATION Lexington Education Association that the 21 payment plan for pay- REQUEST ment of salary be suspended for the duration .of the new contract and be replaced by the language in the 1974-1976 contract. (Rotberg, Brown, Unanimous) Page 132 June 21, 1976 Dry Rotberg said that there had been difficulty on the school buses BUS PROBLEM with students smoking tobacco and other substances and felt a meeting should be held between the school administration and bus officials re- garding this, and that the transportation policy regarding behavior be reviewed. Dr. Lawson said he would take up the matter and report to the school committee shortly. It was VOTED: to go into executive session at 11:17 p.m. to discuss the character and reputation of one or more individuals, litiga- tion, and negotiations. It was announced that the school com- mittee would not be coming out of executive session later in the evening. (Michelman, Yes; Rotberg, Yes; Brown, Yes; Wads- worth, Yes; Swanson, Yes) Respectfully submitted, B Richard H. Barnes /k Recording Secretary, Pro tem