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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-06-27-SC-min Page 122 June 27, 1977 The Lexington School Committee met at the School Administration Building, June 27, 1977, at 8:00 p.m. Those in attendance were Gaudet, Hoffman, Brown, Swanson, Michelman. Also present were Lawson, Barnes, Spiris, Monderer, Maclnnes and Pierson. Mr. Robert Lague, Music Teacher at Muzzey Jr. High School, pre- PUBLIC sented the Lexington School Committee and Central Office Administra- PARTICIPATION tors with a record album produced by the Muzzey Jr. High School choir. He said the Muzzey Jr. High School choir was the only junior high school in the East accepted to sing at the All Eastern Conference of the Music Educators National Conference. He noted that about one hundred stu- dents performed at the recent conference. The School Committee thanked Mr. Lague for the album and compli- mented the Muzzey Jr. High School chorus for their production and honor. Mr. Robert Lague, Lexington Education Association president, said that he was concerned by remarks that High school classes of fifteen or less were being cut. He said that this would cause problems in special areas, such as, calculus. He asked that a response be given at a future meet- ing. Dr. Pierson stated that the administration guidelines were that no class under fifteen be scheduled unless by the approval of the Super- intendent. He said there had been no decision made to cancel classes at this time. He added that the matter was routine, and all classes under fifteen would be reviewed before a recommendation was made. An informational package was presented to the School Committee re- LEA GRIEVANCE garding Grievance #76-77-4. Mr. Spiris gave a resume' of the grievance, #76-77-4 stating that a teacher in a self-contained classroom of Special Needs students, was presently not receiving a special class tea- cher stipend for 1976-77. He said the Lexington Education Association was contending that should receive a special class stipend for the year. Mr. Spiris added it had been hoped that a definition agreeable to the LEA and the School Committee would be worked out. He said that when it became apparent that no uniform definition of special class teacher could be arrived at, it was necessary to hold stipends and also recommend the stipends for 1977-78 be held until the grievance was resolved. Mr. Spiris stated that the major problem was the effect an agreeable definition would have on the people presently receiving the stipend who would not qualify under the proposed definition. Mr. Michel- man felt that according to the administrative definition, qualified, and anyone that would qualify under the administrators' de- finition should be paid, but not others. Mr. Spiris said that others then might grieve. Mr. Spiris said it was the advice of counsel to go to arbitration. Mr. Cawley, LEA Spokesman, said the LEA was not opposed to the proposed definition developed by the administration, but did ques- tion the grandfather clause, and would accept the definition for future stipends. Mrs. Swanson thanked the LEA and Mr. Spiris for the informa- tion and said the school committee would take the matter under advise- ment. VOTED: to accept the minutes of May 2, 1977 as amended. (Brown, Gaudet, MINUTES OF Unanimous) 5/2/77 VOTED: to accept the minutes of May 9, 1977 as amended. (Michelman, MINUTES OF Hoffman, Unanimous) 5/9/77 rage June 27, 1977 VOTED: to accept the minutes of May 23, 1977 as corrected. (Brown, MINUTES OF Gaudet, Hoffman, Swanson, Yes; Michelman, Abstain) . 5/23/77 VOTED; to accept the executive session minutes of May 2, 1977 as pre- EXECUTIVE sented. (Gaudet, Michelman, Unanimous) SESSION MINUS 5/2/77 VOTED: to accept the executvie session minutes of May 9, 1977 as cor- EXECUTIVE rected. (Brown, Gaudet, Unanimous) SESSION MIND' 5/9/77 Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS VOTED: to accept the following Schedule of Payments. (Brown, Michelman, Unanimous) SCHOOL DEPARTMENT BUDGETS Personal Services June 3, 1977 Professional Payrolls #26C $ 419,247.91 June 17, 1977 #27C 1,941,034.16 June 10, 1977 Classified Payroll #25 71,898.43 Expenses June 17, 1977 Bill Schedules #182 2,274.43 June 17, 1977 #183 2,805.46 June 17, 1977 #184 39,489.55 June 24, 1977 #185 1,435.21 June 24, 1977 #186 6,436.78 Expenses (Carryover) June 17, 1977 Bill Schedule #215 45.00 Athletics June 17, 1977 Bill Schedule #39 2,891.46 June 24, 1977 #40 541.01 SPECIAL PROGRAMS -(Non-Lexington Funds) Driver Education (Adult Education) June 3, 1977 Professional Payrolls 1,144.71 June 17, 1977 1,069.82 ME TCO Program June 3, 1977 Professional Payrolls 4,996.06 June 17, 1977 15,443.99 June 24, 1977 Bill Schedule #18 13,627.20 June 10, 1977 Classified Payroll 1,513.64 Page 124 June 27, 1977 Leads Program June 3, 1977 Professional Payrolls $ 811.53 June 17, 1977 811.53 June 17, 1977 Bill Schedule 1,200.90 June 10, 1977 Classified Payroll 1,629.32 MTA Southwick Salary June 3, 1977 Professional Payroll 745.38 June 17, 1977 3,727.02 Bus Ticket Account June 17, 1977 Bill Schedule #9 1,081.50 Dr. Lawson presented a suggested formulation, adoption, amendment, FORMULATION, of policies statement. The suggested policy is as follows: ADOPTION, AMENDMENT OF "All policy proposals and suggested amendments to or revisions of POLICIES existing policies shall be submitted in writing to all members of the school committee, as a part of their agenda materials, prior to a regu- larly scheduled school committee meeting. Proposed or amended policies shall be read and discussed at a meeting prior 'that at which formal adop- tion is voted. The affirmative vote of at least three members of the school committee shall be necessary for the adoption or amendment of any policy. 'Development of all policy proposals for new or amended policies, prior to submission to the school committee, shall include to the fullest (`- ` extend possible, discussions with all persons to be affected. 'This policy may be suspended for special purposes by three affirma- tive votes of the school committee at a meeting in the call for which the proposed suspension has been described in writing, or upon a two- thirds vote of all members of the school committee (four) when no such written notice has been given." It was agreed that this be the first reading of the policy and the policy would receive a second reading at the next scheduled School Com- mittee meeting. Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools it was VOTED: to accept the following new personnel. (Hoffman, Brown, Unani- mous) Name Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was PERSONNEL CHANGES VOTED: to accept the following personnel changes (professional) as (PROFESSIONAL) follows with stipends as indicated (Michelman, Brown, Unanimous) Page 125 June 27, 1977 Resignations Yrs. in Lexington Effective Reason Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools it was EARLY TENURE' ELECTION VOTED: to elect the following persons to early tenure in the Lexington Public Schools at salaries indicated. (Michelman, Brown, Unani- mous) Mrs. Swanson, on behalf of the School Committee, said that the com- mittee supported early tenure for outstanding persons, and extended con- gratulations to the individuals. Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was PERSONNEL CHANGES VOTED: to accept the following personnel changes (classified) (Hoffman, (CLASSIFIED) Michelman, Unanimous) Resignations Page 126 June 27, 1977 Transfers Change of Hours Revision of Re-Election List of 6/13/77 Food Services Resignation Re-Election Transfer Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools , it was STAFF RE- ELECTION VOTED: to elect the following staff for salaries set as follows. (Michel- (PROFESSIONA: man, Brown, Unanimous) Page 127 June 27, 1977 Second Election Third Election Tenure Personnel ) Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was NON-ELECTION C STAFF VOTED: to inform the following personnel that they would not be re- elected due to reasons indicated as follows: " " " Mr. Spiris reviewed Article XIV of the 1976-78 School Committee/ LEADERSHIP Lexington Education Association Agreement regarding the Leadership Pro- PROGRAM gram. He stated that the Leadership Committee consisted of prime eval- uators of all candidates, administrative and supervisory personnel and teachers. This year's committee consisted of twenty-seven members, 50% of which were teachers. He said they had ten meetings which included meetings with candidates, organization meetings, discussions with prime evaluators, and a personal discussion with each candidate. He added that after protracted review, the following people were being recommend- ed for Leadership in the following amounts. He noted that the amount available for Leadership awards for 1977-78 was $15,500, and the Leader- ship Committee was recommending that $10,500 be recommended to the School Committee by the superintendent. 1 Page 128 June 27, 1977 Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools it was VOTED: that Leadership contracts be awarded to the following staff in accordance with their proposal in the amount indicated subject to provisions of the School Committee/Lexington Education Assoc- iation Contract. (Brown, Michelman, Unanimous) Name School Proposal Amount of Money Mrs. Swanson, on behalf of the School Committee, stated that there has been great concern regarding the Leadership Program in the past years, but was happy that both staff and School Committee reactions in- dicated changes were needed and that positive changes were agreed upon during negotiations which hopefully strengthened the program. Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools it was EXTRA DUTIES VOTED: to accept the following persons at the stipends stated for extra duties. (Michelman, Gaudet, Unanimous) (Both of the above stipends are paid for from Adult Education revolving funds) Page 129 June 27, 1977 Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools it was BIDS VOTED: to award contracts for painting in the Lexington Public Schools PAINTING to the companies as follows: (Michelman, Brown, Unanimous) Southeastern Description TLT Construction Painting Item No. Interiors Corp. Co. , Inc. 1. Sr. High Classrms. old bldg. 2nd flr. & stairwells $ 2,265. 2. Sr. High Gym & Bleachers 1,690. 3. Diamond - 2nd fir. 2,950. 4. Muzzey-Admin. & Lib. 1,435. 5. Muzzey-Auditorium 1,550. 6. Bowman-Corridors 1,490. 7. Bridge-Corridors & Natural Woodwork 1,880. 8. Estabrook-Classrooms Phi Wing $ 1,815 9. Hastings-Lower Floor 1,875. 10. Munroe-1st flr. Corridor 2nd fir. classrms 2,075. 11. Exteriors Sr. High-0ld Bldg. Complete - New Bldg. Entrance 10,700. 12. Estabrook 1,980. 13. Franklin 4,700. Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools it was ROOFING VOTED: to award a contract for roofing work at Estabrook School to Allstate Roofing and Waterproofing Corp. , in the amount of $6,321. (Brown, Michelman, Unanimous) Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was FCO SERVICE & PAPER VOTED: that orders be placed with the following companies based upon on SUPPLIES their low unit prices meeting specifications in the following ap- proximate totals. (Brown, Michelman, Unanimous) Item Company Approximate Total 3,8,9,11,12,28,32,35 Arrow Paper Company $ 5,246.17 1,14,21,23,24,26,29 Bay Colony Paper Corp. 18,611.59 13,31,34 Cerelli Foods, Inc. 416.56 2 Flagstaff Food Service 1,550.40 7,10,22,27,30 Franklin & Perkins Co. , Inc. 1,091.40 5-7,25,32 Goldman Paper Co. , Inc. 1,216.65 Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was TOWEL SERVICI VOTED: that towel service be awarded to BasBanes Linen Supply, based on their low bid, .105 per towel, for the school year 1977-78. (Yes, Brown, Gaudet, Hoffman, Swanson; Abstain, Michelman) Page 130 June 27, 1977 Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was RUBBISH CONTAINER Voted: to award the rubbish container service contract to Miller Dispo- SERVICE sal, Inc. (Michelman, Gaudet, Hoffman, Swanson, Yes; Abstain, Brown) Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was STUDENT ACCI- DENT INSURANCE VOTED: to award Student Accident Insurance to James J. Campbell In- surance Agency for the school year 1977-78, as Item I and VI, as being in the best interest to Lexington. (Brown, Michelman, Unanimous) An informational report regarding the Driver Education Program was DRIVER presented to the School Committee. After a brief discussion of the pro- EDUCATION gram it was VOTED: to authorize the setting of a fee up to $65 which would make the program self-supporting. (Michelman, Brown, Unanimous) Following the vote it was VOTED: to express thanks to George Rowe for his contributions to the Lexington Public Schools. An informational report was presented to the School Committee LEXINGTON from DeForest Matthews, Director of the Adult Education Program. It EVENING SCHOOL- was noted that the program continued to be self-supporting. The School ADULT EDUCATION Committee expressed pleasure that the program had a balance as of May 18, 1977, of $5,239.46. They complimented Mr. Matthews for managing an excellent program. Dr. Lawson, in his introductory remarks, told the School Committee PEAT,MARWICK, that the study had been in process for the last ten months. He said MITCHELL STUDY that, as he stated in his opening address to staff last year, it was (PEAS) the priority of the School Committee to implement a new budgeting and accounting system in the Lexington Schools. He added that based on this priority one of his first actions in the past school year was to establish a Financial Services Committee, consisting of Frank DiGiammarino, Coordinator of Planning, as Chairman; Mr. James Maclnnes, Administrative Assistant for Business; Walter Koetke, Coordinator of Computer Services; and Richard H. Barnes, Director of Planning and Research. He said this committee was responsible for the entire development of the new system. At this point, he presented the chairman of Financial Services Committee, Frank DiGiammarino. He stated that the result of the Peat, Marwick, Mitchell Study was due to a triad--the Financial Services Committee, Systems Management Team (principals, coordinators, administrators) and the consultants from Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. Dr. DiGiammarino re- viewed the philosophy of the program, the guidelines developed by the management team, and the responsibilities of each person within the bud- get and accounting system. Next he presented an overview of program budgeting and budgeting guidelines. He noted that the program as sug- gested by Peat, Marwick, and Mitchell had already begun due to the need to meet specific time lines. He added that this did not mean that changes Page 131 June 27, 1977 could not occur. He summarized that the projection was, that by mid- October, the program would be on computer. He said that the School Com- mittee had often expressed a desire for additional information for a particular program, individually or systemwide; and this new system will be able to respond to such requests. Due to the lateness of the hour and the committee having received the report only a few days prior to the meeting; it was agreed that a meeting if necessary be scheduled for further discussion of the entire report. The committee thanked Dr. DiGiammarino, the Financial Services Committee, and Mr. Robert Nielsen and Mr. George Tatter of Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. , who were in the audience, Dr. Monderer reviewed the Testing Program results of the Compre- 1976-1977 hensive Tests of Basic Skills administered systemwide in April, 1977. TESTING PROGI Dr, Monderer noted that Lexington students scored well in most areas, well above the national average. He said that in several areas, Lex- ington performed better than expected. (reading, vocabulary, comprehen- sion, language expression, math concepts, reference skills) . Areas in which students performed as expected were math computation, and math app- lications. Finally, he noted that Lexington students performed below expectations in language mechanics and spelling. He said that emphasis in the math areas was "paying off". He felt that with improved curricu- lum management, there would he additional "pay off". Mr. Hoffman said that in the area of testing, he hoped that Lexing- ton could sharpen what it was doing. He said that during the study by the EPSC, there was an absence of appropriate responses to the Citizens Committee in the area of testing. He felt that an in-depth response was still needed and would suggest a discussion of the Testing Program at a later date. Mrs. Gaudet asked if it were standard procedure that test results be shared with parents. Dr. Monderer said that it was op- tional with the school principal. He agreed that there should be some discussion about whether, it should be standard procedure. It was agreed that a discussion be held at a later date regarding the Testing Program. Dr. Lawson said that there was still a need for space for placement STATUS OF TEL of some specialists in the Lexington schools. He said the small room at BRIDGE SCHOOI Bridge School had not been committed or agreed to as a space available EXTENDED DAY area. He added that the present policy regarding rental should be dis- KINDERGARTEN cussed with the parents requesting an extended day program. Another area PROGRAM that should be considered in the discussion was state guidelines regard- PROPOSAL ing day care and nursery schools. He felt that the program did not meet these requirements in the space being requested. He also said that if the extended day was available at Bridge, others would want similar ser- vices. It was agreed that Mr. Maclnnes would discuss the present policy as it applied to groups, and would then report the results of the dis- cussion at a future meeting. Dr. Lawson said that as of now he had re- ceived no additional response from Mrs. Evans. It was VOTED: to go into executive session at 11:12 p.m. to discuss strategy for collective bargaining. It was noted that the School Com- mittee would be coming out of executive session. (Michelman, yes; Brown, yes; Gaudet, yes; Swanson, yes; Hoffman, yes) Respectfully submitted, /,/,r 1% ektcnara H. Barne /k Recording Secretary