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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-02-13-SC-min Page 31 February 13, 1978 The Lexington School Committee met at the school administration building, February 13, 1978, at 8:00 p.m. Those in attendance were: Michelman, Brown, Swanson, Gaudet. Also present were: Lawson, Spiris, Pierson, Monderer, Maclnnes and Barnes. Dr. Lawson reviewed the emergency and operational measures taken RE-OPENING OF during the period, Tuesday, February 7 though Friday, February 10. He SCHOOLS noted there was great concern that some operations (heating, fuel level checks, etc.) had to go on even though there was an emergency. He ex- pressed his sincerest appreciation to Mr. Coleman and Mr. Maclnnes who were on duty during the emergency period and assisted in the prevention of serious losses to the school system. He gave a progress report on the plans for the opening of schools which had been closed for four days, due to the snowstorm. He said he met with the administration and principals and reviewed plans for buses, extra transportation, safety preparations and plans for staff. He ex- tended his compliments to the Town for its cooperation and preparation for the opening of the schools. The Superintendent noted the system was still within the guidelines of the minimum number of school hours as set by the State Board of Educa- tion. He also noted that it was possible that the Commissioner would waive the four day period. The School Committee expressed its apprecia- tion to the Superintendent and the staff for the preparations and hand- ling of the emergency situation. A review of the budget by program began with Physical Education PHYSICAL Program Code 1161. The increase in this account were due to trans- EDUCATION portation, attendance at State meetings, expenditure experience, and PROGRAM #1161 additional needs at the junior high level. Decreases were attributed to less use of films at the junior high school level. The Reading Program was reviewed. It was noted that an increase READING PROGRAM of 12.6% or $2151 in teaching supplies was the main reason for the in- #1170 crease in the program. Mrs. Swanson said there had been some concern expressed in the last few years that the use of multi-reading basal series had led to a fragmentation of approaches in the reading program. She felt more standardization within the system probably could lead to improved instruction. Dr. Pierson responded saying that the LIRSP (Lex- ington Individual Reading Skills Program) provided a basic program, and the increase in the budget was mainly for supportive material for LIRSP. He said efforts were being made for more standardization and articula- tion within the schools. Mr. Michelman asked if purchases filled the needs of teachers who understood the goals of the program, and also pro- vided funds for other materials to improve student achievement. Dr. Lawson responded that the budget was responsive to these needs, and fo- cused upon improvement of the basic program as well as provided mater- ials for individual needs. He noted the results of the Reading Test Scores which seemed to indicate "pay-off" was occuring. He added that he supported a strong reading program and felt it was the one area of the budget that should receive maximum support. Mr. Michelman asked about the reason for the decrease in the Account SCIENCE PROGRAM 331, Outlay of Equipment. He wondered if it were a result of one school #1175 Page 3z February 13, 1978 catching up to another school in material acquisition, etc. Dr. Pierson said as the Science Specialists standardize curriculum in all schools this budget would reflect their action. Some schools were prepared for certain topics whereas other schools were not, therefore, purchases in- creased and decreased accordingly. Dr. Monderer noted the reasons for the changes in this account were PROGRAM 1215 due to the placement of supplies in the proper accounts. SPECIAL NEEDS (REGULAR LESS 60%) Dr. Monderer said the reasons for increases in this account were SPECIAL NEEDS DA due to expenditure experience and anticipated placement in Special Needs SCHOOL PROGRAM programs-Residential and Innovative. He noted the increase from 1977-78 #1225 to 1978-79 was $29,030. Mr. Michelman asked Dr. Monderer to list the number of students associated with each Object Code or sub-program. Dr. Monderer noted that in 1977-78, the number of students assigned to the following programs, Tuition Day School, 13; Tuition Pre-School, 4; Tuition Lab, 15; Tuition Out-of-District, 8; Tuition Day School- Residential, 19. Program 1250 Tuition Day School-Innovative was reviewed. Dr. Mon- derer noted that tuition costs and enrollment of special needs students compared to 18 other communities indicated that Lexington was not at the top or bottom in any of the two areas. Dr. Monderer noted that up to now the schools had assumed all costs but this year the schools were able to negotiate with some agencies (Welfare) to fund some comp-..nents or residential placement. Dr. Pierson noted that the increase of $2250 was mainly due to the PROGRAM 2105 increase in needed funds for initiating Program Evaluation. He reviewed INSTRUCTIONAL the services provided by the Educational Testing Service. The Program SUPERVISION Evaluation in-service was for teachers and administrators which was COORDINATION coordinated by Dr. DiGiammarino, Mr. Barnes and himself in preparation for a systematic evaluation of programs in the future. Dr. Pierson reviewed the Curriculum Resource Center Program which PROGRAM 2111 had been designed to support the work of classroom teachers by providing CURRICULUM materials, consultation and opportunities for professional growth and CENTER development. He noted that the opening date of the Curriculum Resource Center would be in March, and invitations would be sent to School Com- mittee, staff and other interested parties. Mrs. Gaudet noted she had heard a lot of parental criticism of PROGRAM 2112 the services of the Professional Library. She felt that some of the PROFESSIONAL goals of the Professional Library duplicated the Resource Center goals. LIBRARY The Superintendent said that the duplication of some services was ac- curate, yet the Professional Library performed some unique services. He added that two objectives were to make the Professional Library more central to the system, and to coordinate the services. He noted that Dr. Pierson was working on the review of the Professional Library ser- vices and staff. Page 33 February 13, 1978 Mr. Barnes reviewed the Screening Committee for Research and De- SCRAD PROGRAM velopment, Program (SCRAP) . He noted that the $3500 allocated was used #2500 to provide small grants to professional staff for projects of a research, curriculum or demonstration nature. He reviewed some of the typical grant awards for the School Committee. Dr. Pierson reviewed the professional development account and noted PROFESSIONAL that the decreases and increases were mainly due to the transfer of funds DEVELOPMENT to other accounts. PROGRAM #2130 Mr. Barnes reviewed the EDCO Program, the goal of which is to pro- EDCO PROGRAM vide services to Lexington staff and students in the form of teacher #2140 training, special urban and suburban programs, special needs programs and other teacher and/or pupil related services. He noted that the membership charge each year was based upon the October 1, enrollment X 75c per person. He noted that approximately $80,000 worth of services had been received for this year. The Regular Transportation account was reviewed by Mr. Barnes. Dr. REGULAR TRANS- Monderer reviewed the Special Education Transportation account and noted PORTATION that the large increase of $40,000 was due to the increase in the number ACCOUNT #3300 of students that needed transportation outside Lexington. It was noted that the increases were due to transfers from accounts SCREENING and the decreases were due to declining enrollments. Dr. Monderer said ACCOUNT #2120 the account had an item deleted in the amount of $15,000 for physical therapy services which needed to be added. It was noted that the $5000 fee was for legal fees recommended by SERVICE DIRECTIO. the selectmen for the use of the services of Town Counsel for arbitra- PROGRAM #2205 tion, etc. , arising from the implementation of Chapter 766. It was noted that the increase of $1600 was an item for the Debate STUDENT ACTIVI- Club. The reason for the increase was due to transportation cost. At TIES this point, it was agreed that the name of the program be changed from PROGRAM #2235 Max-Ed to Student Activities. Dr. Lawson noted that he was waiting for a report regarding the Max-Ed Program at the high school. The school committee expressed an interest in the report at a later date. Dr. Lawson said Program 3410, Operation of Plant, had several un- OPERATION OF PLAT controllable items, electricity and negotiated salaries, etc. He added PROGRAM # 3410 that due to increases in this budget there was a need to review rentals for buildings, etc. , each year. He expressed his concern for the rising costs of telephone service which was projected as $15,000 next year. The school committee agreed that it was also concerned about the tele- phone account. It was suggested and agreed that the goals of the school committee SCHOOL COMMITTEE be reviewed by the members and changes be incorporated in the final draft PROGRAM 3105 of the budget document. It was VOTED: to adjourn at 10:30 p.m. (Michelman, Brown, Unanimous) Respectfully submitted, i Richard H. Barnes /k Recording Secretary