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
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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.
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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