HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-09-13-SC-min Page 160
September 13, 1976
On Monday evening September 13, 1976, the Lexington School Committee
met at the Jonas Clarke Junior High School at 8:00 p.m. School Committee
members present were Messrs. Brown, Wadsworth, Rotberg, Michelman, Mrs.
Swanson and student representative, Nancy Abelmann. Also present were
Messrs. Lawson, Pierson, Monderer, Spiris, Maclnnes and Barnes.
The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by the Chairman, Mrs.
Swanson.
None. PUBLIC
PARTICIPATION
It was AUGUST 3, 1976
MINUTES
VOTED: to accept the minutes of August 3, 1976 as corrected.
(Michelman, Brown, Unanimous)
It was AUGUST 24, 1976
MINUTES
VOTED: to accept the minutes of August 24, 1976 as corrected.
(Rotberg, MicheIman, Unanimous)
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools it was SCHEDULE OF
PAYMENTS
VOTED: to accept the following Schedule of Payments. (Brown, Wadsworth,
Unanimous)
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT BUDGETS
Personal Services
September 3, 1976 Classified Payroll #5 $ 41,655.29
August 19, 1976 #4a 1,222.50
August 27, 1976 #5 33,439.01
September 10, 1976 #6 220,891,65
Lexington Summer Coop.
August 27, 1976 Professional Payroll 224.00
Expenses
August 27, 1976 Bill Schedules #23 8,286.94
August 27, 1976 #24 10,626.81
August 27, 1976 #25 10,674.85
September 3, 1976 #26 903.15
September 3, 1976 #27 12,984.53
September 3, 1976 #28 7,967.26
September 3, 1976 #29 2,035.49
September 3, 1976 #30 1,075.28
September 10, 1976 #31 18,306.33
September 10, 1976 #32 6,467.01
September 10, 1976 #33 44,442.43
Expenses (1976 Carryover)
September 3, 1976 #196 364.09
September 10, 1976 #197 231.40
September 10, 1976 #198 67.80
Page 161
September 13, 1976
Athletics
August 27, 1976 Bill Schedules #6 5,668.64
September 3, 1976 #7 754.48
September 10, 1976 #8 294.91
Metco
August 27, 1976 Professional Payrolls 794.85
September 10, 1976 #13 1,893.52
September 10, 1976 Bill Schedule 44.80
Summer Reading (Low Income) '
September 10, 1976 Bill Schedule #3 207.03
ESEA Library (Title II)
September 10, 1976 Bill Schedule #2 2,690.82
ACE Program
September 10, 1976 Bill Schedule #17 1,425.31
Other
Fire Ins. Claim (Hastings) Bill Schedule #1 775.00
Dr. Lawson presented the text of a recoumaended Equal Opportunity EQUAL OPPOR-
Policy. He noted it was reviewed by Town Counsel, and had been reviewed TUNITY POLICY
and developed in collaboration with representatives of citizen groups
staff, administration, and school committee members.
Upon the recommendation of the, Superintendent of Schools it was
VOTED: to adopt the Equal Opportunity Policy as follows: (Brown,
Michelman, Unanimous)
The purpose of the Lexington Public Schools is the fullest possible
development of every child. Consistent with this philosophy, the Lexing-
ton School Committee reaffirms its policy on equal opportunity based
upon these beliefs:
that our free society is founded in the worth and dignity of
all individuals.
that each individual is unique.
that a free society must nurture and cherish individual dif-
ferences, while fostering a respect for the rights of others.
that a free society depends upon the actions and inter-actions
of its individuals.
that all individuals are fundamentally equal in their need to
fulfill their highest potential and to achieve stature in
their own eyes.
that freedom, justice and equal opportunity must be more than
mere aspirations, they are inherent rights accruing to all
P
Page 162
September 13, 1976
that the cultural diversity of our nation has been, is and
will continue to be a source of enrichment, stimulation and
strength.
that quality public education is the foundation of an open,
pluralistic, law-respecting and democratic society.
In fulfillment of its policy the Lexington School Committee states
that:
With direction and procedures established by the School
Administration, all programs, policies, procedures, materials
and activities shall support the laws of the town, state and
nation which guarantee to students and employees that they
shall not be discriminated against on the basis of race, sex,
religion, color, age, or national origin.
No person residing in Lexington or accepted on tuition
shall be excluded from or discriminated against in admission
to the public schools or in obtaining the advantages or privi-
leges of the courses of study, activities, services or re-
sources available on account of race, color, sex, religion,
national origin, blindness or severly impaired vision.
Personnel practices which include the recruitment, selec-
tion, assignment and promotion of new or present staff shall
be based on qualifications, achievement, ability to work well
with others and demonstrated excellence. All employees includ-
ing principals, extracurricular supervisors, nurses, secretar-
ies, and other clerical assistants, custodians, maintenance
employees, cafeteria workers, data processing specialists,
supervisory personnel and administrators, shall be selected,
assigned, promoted or discharged without regard to such fac-
tors as race, color, religion, sex, age or national origin.
The staff is strongly encouraged and will occasionally
be required to participate in system-sponsored workshops, in-
service programs, and other educational activities to develop
an understanding and respect for the achievements and poten-
tial of the members of each sex, race, religion, and culture
which, in turn, will result in a better society for all which
will give them opportunities to experience and understand the
challenges and problems of inter-group relationships.
The staff shall use positive human relations materials,
print and non-print, in the total school curriculum (K-12)
in all subjects and disciplines.
The School Administration will develop guidelines and monitoring
and evaluation procedures under the direction of the Superintendent of
Schools to insure full compliance with the laws of the town, state and
nation.
Page 163
Septeieber 13, 1976
Discrimination-Grievance Procedure
Level I Student, parent, guardian or employee meet with school prin-
cipal within five school days of filing of complaint to dis-
cuss the situation. If there is no satisfactory resolution
of the complaint within ten school days from the filing of
the grievance, it proceeds to Level II.
Level II The Title IX director receives the grievance from the complain-
ant. If the complaint is not resolved satisfactorily, within
the next ten school days the grievance proceeds to Level III.
Level III The superintendent reviews the grievance. If the grievance
is unresolvable at this level within the next ten school days,
it proceeds to Level IV.
Level IV The School Committee reviews the complaint. Action on the com-
plaint will be completed within thirty school days from receipt
of grievance. The School Committee will respond in writing
to the complainant and inform the Bureau of Equal Educational
Opportunity of the nature and resolution of the complaint.
Any person who wishes information concerning the application of
Title IX and/or Chapter 622 and its regulations should contact the
director, Richard H. Barnes, 862-7500, extension 117, Lexington Public
Schools, 1557 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, Massachusetts 02173.
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools it was NEW PERSONNEL
PROFESSIONAL
VOTED: to appoint the following persons to teach in the Lexington Public (ELEMENTARY)
Schools at the elementary level for the stated dates and salaries.
(Brown, Michelman, Unanimous)
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools it was SECONDARY
VOTED: to appoint the following persons to teach in the Lexington Public
Schools at the secondary level for the stated dates and salaries.
(Brown, Wadsworth, Unanimous)
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools it was (SPECIAL NEEDS)
VOTED: to appoint the following Pupil Services staff, with the exception
of the first name to serve in the Lexington Public Schools for
the stated dates and salaries. (Brown, Michelman, Unanimous)
Page 164
September 13, 1976
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools it was PERSONNEL
CHANGES
VOTED: to accept the following resignations. (Brown, Michelman, Unan.) (PROFESSIONAL)
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools it was
VOTED: to set the Varsity Coaching salary at the recommended amount.
(Brown, Michelman, Unan.)
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools it was
VOTED: to accept the following maternity leave. (Rotberg, Brown, Unan.)
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools it was
VOTED: to accept the following salary correction and changes in salary.
(Brown, Michelman, Unanimous)
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools it was PERSONNEL
CHANGES
VOTED: to accept the following classified personnel changes, resigna- (CLASSIFIED)
tions and transfers. (Michelman, Rotberg, Unanimous)
Resignations
Transfers
Page 165
September 13, 1976
New Personnel PERSONNEL
CHANGES
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendents of Schools it was BIDS
FOOD SERVIC
VOTED: to place orders with the following companies based upon low PAPER SUPPL
unit prices meeting specifications in the approximate totals.
(Brown, Michelman, Unanimous)
Items Company Approx. Totals
4,5,18 Arrow Paper Corp. $ 193.60
1-3,6-17,19,20 Bay Colony Paper Corp. 4,947.28
$5,140.88
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools it was AIR
CONDITIONING
VOTED: to award the contract for air conditioning as indicated as being
in the best interest of the Lexington Public Schools. (Brown,
Michelman, Unanimous)
Item 1 Item 3
Data Dept. Hd. Offices
Processing & Prof. Library
Delta Environ.
Control $12,596.15
Wm. Lynch Co. $5,760.00
•
Page 166
September 13, 1976
It was PUBLIC LAW 874
VOTED: to authorize the Superintendent of Schools, John H. Lawson, to
apply for Federal funds under Public Law 874, and to act as the
school committee's representative in the application of the
funds. (Brown, Michelman, Unanimous)
An interim report on a proposed drama program was presented by Dr. DRAMA REPORT
Pierson and Dr. Lawson. The recommendation included provisions for in-
service workshops for staff, improvement of facilities of the High School
auditorium, materials, stipend for a liaison person and funds for substi-
tutes for classroom teachers who will work on a special committee. The
committee will consist of representatives from each secondary school and
several elementary schools and will elicit reactions and advice from staff
presently involved in teaching and directing drama activities. Committee
members will meet for one or two afternoon arganizational meetings and
then for one or two full days to assist in the development of activities
and a rationale for a K-12 program. Dr. Pierson said he hoped the pro-
posal which includes an immediate recommendation, and Phase II which would
make recommendations for 1977-78 would bring a rebirth of dramatic ac-
tivity to the Lexington Schools.
Mr. Michelman asked where the funds for this year would come from,
if school committee gave approval to the first phase. Dr. Lawson said
stipends were already budgeted for, as were professional development funds.
Other areas could probably be financed within the present budget due to
the small amount needed. Stipends for coordinators could probably be
covered in the professional salary account due to replacement funds made
available when less experienced people are hired to fill vacancies.
Both Mr. Michelman and Dr. Rotberg stressed the need for a role
description for the liaison person (coordinator) . Dr. Lawson agreed and
said this would be done in cooperation with the special committee.
Mrs. Swanson noted her concern for the need for an expanded dramatic
program since interest seemed diminished this past year. Miss Abelman
said lack of interest was due to lack of adutl staff to supervise drama-
tics. Mr. Brown said consideration should be given to deleting the mini-
mum enrollment figures as is done with some courses until the program
is well underway.
It was
VOTED: to proceed on the drama recommendation specified in the 1976-77
summary report with the understanding that Phase II would be re-
ported later. (Rotberg, Michelman, Unanimous)
Dr. Lawson presented a recommended plan for administration reorgani- ADMINISTRATIVE
zation. He said he felt the need for several immediate changes which REORGANIZATION
he believed would enable the administration to provide better and faster
service, support and leadership to those who need it most: classroom
teachers, department heads, coordinators and principals. Dr. Lawson
then proposed the following changes for Phase I of the administrative
reorganization: (See attached)
After a brief discussion it was
VOTED: to approve the administrative reorganization for Phase I as
recommended by the Superinteca.ent. (Rotberg, Brown, Unanimous)
PHASE I (September, 1976)
Proposed Administrative Reorganization
Proposed Changes - Summary:
Administrative Assistant for Business
Add - adoption of improved business procedures
cooperate with the Coordinators of Planning and Computer Services
to develop a better business operation through full use of the
computer
Assistant Superintendent - Instructional Services
Drop -personnel responsibilities
Add - K-12 instructional services responsibilities
supervision of Coordinator of Libraries
supervision of Department Heads and Coordinators
supervision of Curriculum Specialists
evaluation support to principals and department heads
investigation of the need for a Curriculum Resource Center
Assistant Superintendent - Personnel
Drop - instructional responsibilities
Add - K-12 professional responsibilities for special needs personnel
professional contractural responsibilities
supervision of driver education
supervision of adult education
Director of Pupil Personnel Services
Drop - professional personnel responsibilities
Add - reorganization of pupil personnel division
improved delivery of pupil services to students, with special
attention to guidance
Director of Research and Information
Add - responsibility for heading Division of Planning and Research
supervision of the Coordinators of Planning and Computer Services
• SCHOOL COMMITTEE ' • Phase I
Proposed Administrative
Reorganization
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Phase I Changers Instructional Services under an Assistant Superintendent (K-12)
Sept. 1976 Certified Personnel under an Assistant Superintendent (K-12)
Director of Pupil Services drops special personnel functions 0-C-12)
Direct Coordinator of Planning is assigned to the Director of Planning & Research •
Coordinator of Computer Services is assigned to Director of Planning & Research
Evaluation Only o ® e o Assistant Superintendent for Personnel adds Adult Education & Driver Education
Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services adds Coordinator of Libraries
Cooperative. . . .
Page 167
September 13, 1976
Dr. Lawson reported on the enrollments for the first day of school. ENROLLMENTS
He noted the following: 1975-1976 opening day enrollment K-12 was 7818 vs
7493 for 1976 opening day. He said he would report official figures af-
ter the October 1, tally. October 1, is the official date for enrollment
determination for the school year.
The Superintendent mentioned that METCO enrollment was above the METCO
voted quota of the school committee due to the fact that Minuteman
Regional-Vocational-Technical School had riot been able to resolve a
tuition problem with METCO and the State Department. He said that up
until the day before school began Lexington was not certain as to the
status of the 5 new students to be enrolled at MVRTS. The situation re-
sulted in students not being enrolled in MVRTS. One student moved away;
one enrolled at East Boston Tech and three students were to return to
Boston or to Lexington. He requested permission to accept the 3 students
due to the situation.
It was
VOTED: that the Superintendent be authorized to accept a number of METCO
students in excess of 280 insofar as necessary to accommodate all
students who have relied on acceptance in the Lexington Schools
or, through Lexington, in the MRVTS, and to apply to the State
for appropriate additional reimbursement. (Michelman, Brown, Unan.)
Dr. Lawson stated that he received a certificate enrolling Hancock HANCOCK SCHOOL
School in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Superintendent said that Mr. Barnes had met with C & W drivers TRANSPORTATION
and conducted an orientation session re: the transportation of Lexington
students.
The Superintendent said he was in the process of setting up visita- SCHEDULE
tion schedules to schools for school committee members and he would be
in contact with them re: suggested times .
Dr. Lawson said that flyers with the "old" rates were received by DRIVER
students and that the increased rates for driver ed would go into effect EDUCATION
as soon as the next sign-up occurred.
It was agreed that the second and fourth Mondays of each month be MEETING DATES
designated for school committee meetings.
It was
VOTED: to adjourn to Executive Session at 9:54 p.m. to discuss negotia-
tions and the character and reputation of an.individual. It was
announced that the committee would be returning to open session
later in the evening. (Rotberg, Yes; Brown, Yes; Michelman, Yes;
Swanson, Yes; Wadsworth, Yes.
d
Page 168
September 13, 1976
It was
VOTED: to return to open session at 11:09 p.m. (Brown, Michelman, Unan.)
The session was called to order by the Chairman at 11:09 p.m. CALL TO ORDER
Present were Mrs. Swanson, Messrs. Brown, Michelman, Rotberg,
Wadsworth.
Others: Messrs. Lawson, Spiris, Guldager, Maclnnes, Monderer.
, Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools it was NEW PERSONNEL
VOTED: to elect the first name on page 220 as a special needs teacher
in the Lexington Public Schools. (Brown, Wadsworth, Unanimous)
It was
VOTED: to adjourn at 11:10 p.m. (Brown, Michelman, Unanimous)
Respectfully submitted,
It hard H. Barnes
✓k Recording ecretary