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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-08-15-SC-min Page 104 August 15, 1978 A regular meeting of the Lexington School Committee was held at the School Administration Building, Tuesday, August 15, 1978, at 8:00 p.m. Those in attendance were: Brown, Swanson, Michelman, Hoffman, Gaudet. Also present were Lawson, Spiris, Maclnnes, Monderer and Barnes. It was MINUTES OF 7/18/7 VOTED: to accept the minutes of July 18, 1978 as amended. (Swanson, Michelman, Unanimous) SCHOOL DEPARTMENT BUDGETS Personal Services June 23, 1978 Classified Payroll #1C $ 2,737.00 July 7, 1978 Classified Payroll #2C 26,212.97 July 21, 1978 Classified Payroll #3C 52,732.42 July 14, 1978 Professional Payroll #1 46,327.83 July 28, 1978 Professional Payroll #2 38,437.66 Expenses July 21, 1978 Bill Schedules #1 9,411.30 July 21, 1978 #2 2,000.00 July 21, 1978 #3 10,330.19 July 28, 1978 #4 6,317.45 August 4, 1978 #5 1,213.11 August 11, 1978 #6 3,915.61 August 11, 1978 #7 12,710.69 August 11, 1978 #8 10,554.73 August 11, 1978 #9 167.44 August 11, 1978 #10 8,607.18 Expenses (Carryover) July 21, 1978 Bill Schedules #217 1,939.44 July 21, 1978 #218 105.00 July 31, 1978 #219 11,552.90 August 4, 1978 #220 1,057.52 August 11, 1978 #221 274.22 Out-of-State Travel July 21, 1978 #1 OS 125.00 August 11, 1978 #2 OS 142.80 Out-of-State Travel (Carryover) July 14, 1978 Bill Schedule #25 OS 200.00 SPECIAL PROGRAMS Non-Lexington Funds Driver Education-Adult Education July 14, 1978 Professional Payroll $ 1,957.42 July 28, 1978 Professional Payroll 1,927.14 August 11, 1978 Bill Schedule #1 456.20 METCO Program July 21, 1978 Classified Payroll 227.76 July 14, 1978 Professional Payroll 3,706.65 July 28, 1978 Professional Payroll 3,346.65 Page 105 August 15, 1978 Title I Low Income (Summer Reading Program) July 7, 1978 Classified Payroll $ 281.20 July 21, 1978 Classified Payroll 824.80 July 14, 1978 Professional Payroll 7,708.80 July 28, 1978 Professional Payroll 7,708.80 Transition Program August 4, 1978 Bill Schedule #17 1,681.14 Insurance Claim August 11, 1978 Bill Schedule 751.98 Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools it was SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS VOTED: to accept the above schedule of payments. (Michelman, Swanson, Unanimous) The financial statement was discussed. Dr. Lawson noted that each FINANCIAL category of the final financial statement would be reviewed in order to STATEMENT understand the specific reasons for a surplus or deficiency. Mr. Brown expressed the School Committee's appreciation to the Administration for the return of approximately $290,000 to the Town and noted the action had no detrimental effect on the quality of Lex- ington' s program. The School Committee received a letter from the Board of Selectmen PADDOCK LANE which noted that at their meeting of 7/31/78 they discussed the Traffic REPORT Safety Report of the Follen Road/Paddock Lane areas and voted to accept the recommendation that the area did not have a traffic safety problem. Mr. Hoffman asked if the Traffic Safety Committee actually analyzed the area or had presented a general determination of Lexington conditions. Messrs. Brown and Michelman noted that the Traffic Safety Commission had actually reviewed statistics of the area but only after a formal re- quest to respond following their statement of November 2, 1977. Mr. Michelman added that he also was concerned with the response but felt the School Committee, if needed, should continue to seek their expert advice to settle future disputes. It was VOTED: that on the basis of the comments from the Traffic Safety Com- mittee Report of July 12,1978, stating that in their review of the area, they did not find it to have a traffic safety problem, the School Committee adheres to its general policy of the transportation of pupils. (Michelman, Gaudet, Unanimous) . Prior to the vote on new personnel, Dr. Lawson reviewed the process NEW PERSONNEL for the selection and the reasons for his recommendation of Mrs. Eileen (CERTIFIED) Smith as the new principal for Fiske School. He noted that advertise- ments for the opening of the principalship at Fiske School were made through the normal channels of newspapers, college placement offices, minority agencies, Lexington staff, etc. Thirty-six applications were received by July 14, 1978. Of this number, seven were selected to ap- pear before the Interview Committee which consisted of parents, teachers Page 106 August 15, 1978 and Central Office Staff. The seven interviewees consisted of two can- didates from within the system, both experienced principals; two local residents; and three candidates from outside the system who were selected by individual screening of applications and papers by Drs. Lawson and Pierson, Mr. Spiris and Mr. Barnes. The Interview Committee consisted of three parents recommended by the Fiske School P.T.A. ; three teachers from the Fiske staff; one elementary principal; Assistant Superintendents for Personnel and Instruction; and chaired by the superintendent. Dr. Lawson noted that Mrs. Eileen Smith was the majority choice of the Inter- view Committee, and after additional review of her work in Wayland was his recommendation for the position. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools it was VOTED: . Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools it was NEW PERSONNEL CLASSIFIED VOTED: to accept the following classified staff. (Michelman, Swanson, Unanimous) (For 1978-79 school year) Name Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools it was PERSONNEL CHANGE; PROFESSIONAL VOTED: to accept the following personnel changes (professional) . (Michelman, Swanson, Unanimous) (See Attached) Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools it was RE-ELECTION OF STAFF VOTED: to elect the following certified staff for the step and level indicated for the year 1978-79. (Swanson, Gaudet, Unanimous) (See attached) Mr. Spiris summarized the personnel situation as follows: Eight positions were open due to late resignations; Twenty-four of forty-one staff on leave of absence had returned and were placed; twelve replace- ment staff of last year were assigned; seventeen new staff had been hired; and all Parker staff were placed. PERSONNEL CHANGES - PROFESSIONAL RETURN FROM MATERNITY LEAVE * ADDITION TO SUMMER WORKSHOP ACTING DEPARTMENT HEAD - INDUSTRIAL ARTS (1978-79 school year) ACTING DEPARTMENT HEAD - HOME ECONOMICS (1978-79 school year) CORRECTIONS RE-ELECTZON OF STAFF *Subject to change upon completion of negotiations. YOUR SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDS ACCEPTANCE OF THE ABOVE. b • MATERNITY LEAVES YRS. IN LEXINGTON EFFECITVE RES GNATIONS CHANGE IN PER CENT OF TIME )* • CHANGE IN ASSIGNMENT DEGREE CHANGE • RE-ELECTION OF STAFF SECOND ELECTION These people have previously received a contract and are being recommended for their second election. STEP/ GRADE/ SCHOOL NAME LEVEL SUBJECT SALARY* • APPOINTMENT - JUNIOR VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY COACH *Subject to change upon completion of negotiations. YOUR SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDS THE RE-ELECTION OF THE ABOVE STAFF FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1978-1979 AT THE STEP AND LEVEL INDICATED. b Page 107 August 15, 1978 Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools it was JUNIOR VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY VOTED: Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools it was PERSONNEL CHANGES (CLASSIFIED) VOTED: to accept the following classified personnel changes. (Swanson, Michelman, Unanimous) (See attached) Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools it was BIDS - INDUSTRIAL ARTS VOTED:, to place orders with the following companies based on their low unit prices meeting specifications. (Swanson, Michelman, Unani- mous) Alvin & Co., Inc. $ 275.35 Baylis Curry 126.90 Brodhead-Garretts Col. 653.57 Dawn & Reader Hardwood Co. 513.00 Edgecomb Steel of N.E. , Inc. 800.55 Gould Industrial Supplies Co. , Inc. 950.75 The Gramercy Corp. 141.44 Holt & Bugbee Co. 270.25 Kiever-Willard Lumber Corp. 972.00 Lynn Hardware Co. 649.16 McKilligan Industrial Supply Corp. 1,408.03 Northstar Steel & Aluminum, Inc. 801.21 Palmer & Parker Co. , Inc. 1,777.00 Paxton Patterson 950.33 Plasticoid Products, Inc. 59.05 Reklaw Hardware 332.26 George Smith, Inc. 57.50 Teledyne Post 52.23 United Tool, Inc. 231.00 11,021.58 Prior to the vote on the bid for the printing of teachers' math PRINTING-TEACHER: guides, Dr. Lawson said that Lexington had been struggling to complete MATH GUIDES the elementary mathematics program for several years. This summer the project was completed. He noted that in the attempt to re-produce the materials Lexington was unable to efficiently produce quality guides. He said funds would be used from the production account as well as work- shop funds. He added that it would be the last major revision. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools it was VOTED: that the bid for teachers' math guides be awarded to Evans and Faulkner, Inc. (Swanson, Michelman, Unanimous) Mr. Maclnnes said a clerical error had occurred in the painting PAINTING bids voted. The names of the companies were placed in incorrect col- umns although the amounts of the bids were correct. It was agreed that the matter receive immediate rectification. PERSONNEL CHANGES ( Classified ) FOOD SERVICES Consultant In order In addition to providing orientation to Mrs. Grimmer, who will not be available until August 21, 1978, Mrs. Griffin will he working on the setting up of September menus, placing orders, recruiting for vacancies that have taken place over the summer, and completing the requirements of compliance reports required by the Department of Education. We have placed a limit of 5 days for this service. New Personnel • Transfer * Retirement YOUR SUPERINTEflDENT RECOMMENDS ACCEPTANCE OF THE ABOVE. * SUBJECT TO CHANGE UPON COMPLETION OF NEGOTIATIONS. PERSONNEL CHANGES (Classified) Transfer New Personnel BeSifnation YOUR SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDS ACCEPTANCE-Or THE ABOVE. * SUBJECT TO CHANGE UPON COMPLETION OF NEGOTIATIONS. Page 108 August 15, 1978 It was VOTED: that the School Committee vote of 7/18/78 on the bid recommended be rescinded. (Michelman, Swanson, Unanimous) It was VOTED: to accept the superintendent's recommendation for acceptance of the painting bids. (Michelman, Swanson, Unanimous) It was VOTED: that any contracts entered into pursuant to the vote of July 18, and the vote of August 15, 1978 are hereby ratified by the School Committee. (Michelman, Swanson, Unanimous) Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools it was SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION VOTED: that special transportation as follows be awarded to Transporta- tion Management Corporation as being in the best interest of the Lexington Public Schools. (Michelman, Swanson, Unanimous) The superintendent noted that the Performance Assessment Committee CONTINUING had met to make a determination on the performance of the Leadership LEADERSHIP candidates for the school year 1977-78. He said that there were four- teen candidates who had continuing leadership proposals as voted by the School Committee for the school year 1977-78. These proposals had been reviewed by Central Office supervisors. He also noted that three can- didates were not being recommended this year because their programs were for one year duration only. They had successfully completed their pro- grams. Upon, the recommendation of the superintendent of schools it was VOTED: that continuing leadership be awarded to the following staff in the following amounts listed. (Michelman, Gaudet, Unanimous) Mr. Spiris said he had met with the principals regarding the SUBSTITUTES AND substitute situation. Problem areas focused on not enough substitutes, TUTORS centralized calling system and rate of pay to attract substitutes. He said he felt confident that with an increase in the rate of pay and the present budget, the situations would be greatly alleviated, with the exception of the centralized calling system which would be addressed in the future. He noted that principals would be more accountable for substitutes since they would receive an allocation of funds. A central account Page 109 August 15, 1978 would be kept for long term illness. Mr. Hoffman expressed his concern that the salary for a long term substitute was so much less than that of a teacher when they were doing the same job. Mr. Spiris then added that the tutor rate would be reviewed in the future and felt the rate was comparable with other towns. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools it was VOTED: that the tutor rate for 1978-79 be set at $6.00 per hour and that the substitute rate for 1978-79 be set at $25 and $27 per day. (Swanson, Michelman, Unanimous) Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools it was PROPOSED POLICY ON ACCEPTANCE OF VOTED: to accept the following policy on acceptance of tuition students. TUITION STUDENTS (Swanson, Hoffman, Unanimous) "The superintendent of schools is authorized to accept tuition stu- dents when it is in the best interest of the Lexington Public Schools. The following circumstances are examples of students that may be accept- ed. 1. When families of students enrolled in the Lexington Schools move to other communities. 2. When families of students living outside of Lexington plan to move into Lexington. 3. When families of students living outside of Lexington petition to have their children attend the Lexington Schools because the Lexington Schools offer unusual programs or special opportuni- ties which are not available in their own public schools. 4. When families of students living in Arlington, Bedford, Burling- ton have students who need to participate in the LABB program located in Lexington. All requests to attend the Lexington Schools as tuition students, except those for participation in LABB programs, will be reviewed by the Superintendent of Schools upon recommendation of the principal of the school the students are attending or plan to attend. Approval of students desiring to participate in LABB programs located in Lexington will be given by the Director of Pupil Services on the recommendation of the Administrator of Special Education. All ratios used by the ad- ministration in planning class sizes throughout the system will be ad- hered to when decisions are made to accept or reject tuition students. Tuition rates will be established annually by the School Committee upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools. In computing tuition rates the Administrative Assistant for Business will include all costs usually approved by the State Board of Education in setting tuition rates for local school districts." Page 110 August 15, 1978 Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools it was VOTED: to accept the following exception for psychotherapy. (Swanson, Hoffman, Unanimous) It was LONG SERVICE EMPLOYEE POLICY VOTED: to accept the following long service employees policy. (Michelman, Swanson, Unanimous) "The Lexington Public Schools, through the School Committee, recog- nizes with gratitude lengthy service of employees. Suitable recognition will be given to an employee who has served the Lexington Public Schools for a period of twenty or more years upon retirement." Mr. DeForest Mathews presented the School Committee with a report ADMINISTRATIVE of the Adult Education Program for 1977-78. Mr. Michelman said he was REPORTS - ANNUAL intrigued by the possibility that Lesley College might offer courses on REPORT OF EVENINC site, and asked if they would be full tuition or reduced tuition. Mr. SCHOOL Mathews projected that courses would be full tuition. Mr. Michelman asked if Lesley College would survey the community. Mr. Mathews re- sponded that Lesley College felt they had experience enough to specu- late as to the types of courses communities would like, and therefore, no survey was planned. Mr. George Coules presented the committee with a report of the 1977-78 DRIVER EDUCATION Driver Education Program. He said the program ended with a balance. Mr. Coules expressed his gratitude on behalf of the schools to George Rowe of Rowe Chevrolet for his contribution of three cars to the pro- gram. He indicated that an additional car was needed to keep the pro- gram up to maximum efficiency and would probably be donated by Rowe Chevrolet. In summary, he noted that the program fee would remain at $65 for the next year, and the program again would be self-sufficient. He recommended the coordinator's stipend and instructors' rates be in- creased. It was agreed that these would be affected by negotiations which were not concluded. The School Committee extended its compliments to Mr. Coules and Mr. Mathews for their efficient management of the Driver Education Program and Adult Education Program, respectively. Dr. Lawson said the Transition Program had been refunded for an ad- PROJECT APPROVAL ditional school year for the sum of $44,088. Dr. Monderer noted that TRANSITION PROGRE last year the program served fifteen students, and the projection for the year was thirty students. These were special needs students who had mild to moderate special needs. The committee expressed its plea- sure that the Transition Program had been refunded. Due to the lateness of the hour, School Committee Priorities were SCHOOL COMMITTEE not discussed. The superintendent said he had received some suggestions PRIORITIES FOR from members, and agreed that as soon as all members had sent in their 1978-79 priorities for 1978-79, he would cluster them and list them for the first September agenda. Page 111 August 15, 1978 A discussion of the membership of the Energy Task Force Committee ENERGY TASK FORCE was held. Each School Committee member suggested names for considera- NOMINATIONS FOR tion. After review of the listing of names, it was voted that the MEMBERSHIP School Committee request the following to serve, in addition to Patri- cia Swanson, Chairman; and James Maclnnes, representative from the ad- ministration; on an advisory committee on Energy Conservation and that the advisory committee be authorized to add members and/or form sub- committees with additional members: David Eagle, Charles Code, James Scanlon, Emanuele Coscia. (Michelman, Hoffman, Unanimous) The Superintendent of Schools presented the committee with the Mass- STATE BASIC achusetts Department of Education's proposed policy on basic skills im- SKILLS POLICY provement. He noted that the State Board would make its final policy on August 29, and requested that comments of members be directed to Dr. Les May, Massachusetts Department of Education. Each member expressed his or her feelings as to the impact of the proposed policy. Mr. Hoffman said that he supported the idea that local school systems would create assessments to judge basic skills in their schools but added his concerns that the Massachusetts Department of Education was the qualified or appropriate agent to oversee such a program. He reviewed some of the examples included in the State proposal and noted they were either poor or unrealistic. He concluded that the endeavor could lead next to a State mandated curriculum which he felt would be disastrous. Mrs. Gaudet asked the superintendent if he felt the State would mandate remedial programs. He said he doubted the State would finance any programs, but could decide to require systems to provide some ser- vices. Mr. Brown said the State Legislature had not approved any funds for implementation of the policy. Mrs.Swanson added that the proposal stressed remediation via the regular curriculum rather than separate pro- grams. Mr. Michelman noted that the policy would be to publish statis- tical results linked with a set of standards which would motivate cor- rective action. Mrs. Swanson noted that the policy had good intentions and re- viewed several incidents of High School students who were incapable of completing job applications upon graduation. She said the practice of awarding diplomas to those not qualified even though not applicable to Lexington was deplorable. Mr. Michelman suggested that the superintendent prepare recom- mendations for the School Committee in order to fulfill the require- ment that they submit a secondary testing plan and affirm the exist- ence of testing programs at the lower and upper elementary levels which would be implemented in the 1980 school year. Page 112 August 15, 1978 The superintendent said he would be thinking about such a plan, as well as other curriculum management areas. He agreed with Mr. Michelman that the reactions of parents, citizens, teachers, admini- strators and secondary students were not only required but were essen- tial for Lexington' s program. The superintendent said he would prepare recommendations in the near future. It was VOTED: to adjourn at 10:24 p.m. (Swanson, Michelman, Unanimous) Respectfully submitted, � L-C-s-[��C.i Richard H. Barnes /k ' Recording Secretary