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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-09-12-SC-min Page 113 September 12, 1978 A meeting of the Lexington School Committee was held on September 12, 1978, at 8:00 p.m. in the school administration building. Those in attendance were: Swanson, Gaudet, Brown, Michelman, Hoffman and student representative Mende. Also present were: Lawson, Spiris, Pierson, Mac Innes, Monderer and Barnes. It was MINUTES 6/26/78 VOTED: to accept the minutes of June 26, 1978, as amended. (Michelman, Swanson, Unanimous) It was MINUTES 8/15/78 VOTED: to accept the minutes of August 15, 1978, as amended. (Michelman, Hoffman, Unanimous) Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools it was SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS VOTED: to accept the following schedule of payments. (Michelman, Gaudet, Unanimous) SCHOOL DEPARTMENT BUDGETS Personal Services August 4, 1978 Classified Payroll #4C $52,489.59 August 18, 1978 Classified Payroll #5C 47,926.16 September 1, 1978 Classified Payroll #6C 49,021.88 August 11, 1978 Professional Payroll #3 32,493.84 August 25, 1978 Professional Payroll #4 30,276.32 Expenses August 18, 1978 Bill Schedules #11 7,419.68 August 18, 1978 #12 6,902.99 August 18, 1978 #13 500.00 August 18, 1978 #14 8,404.07 August 25, 1978 #15 6,861.52 August 25, 1978 #16 11,815.29 August 25, 1978 #17 8,507.38 August 25, 1978 #18 15,131.85 September 1, 1978 #19 12,944.40 September 1, 1978 #20 32,744.08 September 1, 1978 #21 15,020.10 September 1, 1978 #22 1,126.46 September 8, 1978 #23 57,701.29 September 8, 1978 #24 17,114.52 September 8, 1978 #25 13,181.00 Expenses (Carryover) August 18, 1978 Bill Schedules #222 1,413.26 August 18, 1978 #223 26.44 September 1, 1978 #224 275.00 September 8, 1978 #225 1,639.26 September 8, 1978 #226 1,826.04 Page 114 September 12, 1978 Out-of-State Travel September 1, 1978 Bill Schedule #3 OS $ 202.00 SPECIAL PROGRAMS Non-Lexington Funds Driver Education-Adult Education August 11, 1978 Professional Payrolls 1,049.80 METCO August 11, 1978 Professional Payrolls 826.65 August 25, 1978 Professional Payrolls 826.65 August 4, 1978 Classified Payrolls 199.29 Title I Low Income (Summer Reading Program) August 11, 1978 Professional Payroll 3,854.40 August 4, 1978 Classified Payroll 824.80 The superintendent of schools presented a compilation of suggested PROPOSED 1978-79 items for consideration as priorities for 1978-79 as submitted by School SCHOOL COMMITTEE Committee members. Dr. Lawson noted the list of nine items were arranged PRIORITIES in order of frequency. He added that some of the suggested items would be addressed in the current year. He also suggested the School Committee might wish to add, delete, rearrange or focus on fewer items. The items were then reviewed individually with comments by members and the superintendent. 1. Review of the School Closing Schedule The superintendent said this would be done as planned and according to present School Committee Policy. 2. Completion of the Guidance and Phasing Studies with Accompanying Recom- mendations Dr. Lawson said the Phasing Study was completed and follow- up procedures were being instituted. The Guidance Study will be fin- ished this year. 3. A Review of the Evaluation System for Teachers The superintendent noted that the study was completed by the committee appointed last year which consisted of six LEA appointees and four superintendent appointees. Teacher reactions were being sought and any differences could be a matter of negotiations. Mr. Michelman said the topic was of great interest to him due in part to the discussion which had occurred when lists had been presented last Spring which nominated personnel for contracts. He felt the evalu- ation system was linked with the question of order of review and presen- tation of staff for School Committee election. He added he had no pre- conceived new system but felt a discussion and a focus on this item as a priority could lead to a commonly recognized stance or policy by the committee which he felt was needed in light of past discussions. Mr. Brown said he appreciated the past discussions also, but felt satisfied. He added that he was not sure that a policy was needed. Mr. Hoffman stated the need for a method that would present names "closer together" regardless of years of experience in Lexington. He agreed that the item needed review and discussion by School Committee members. Mrs. Swanson said that close decisions had been made prior to presentation, and felt satisfied with the present system. Mr. Michelman suggested Page 115 September 12, 1978 that if the administration presented its operating proceudres again he and others should submit questions prior to the discussion. Mr. Spiris reviewed present personnel statistics and noted that forty-one new staff were hired in 1978 (approximately 107 new staff)-- twelve were replacements during the year and twenty-nine were completely new to Lexington. He said five positions were open due to late resig- nations. He also stated that of the sixty-two staff on hold last year, forty-three were placed; thirteen not recommended due to performance; three resigned; and three were not placed due to lack of certification or no vacancy. The superintendent said he addressed the issue at the opening ses- sion when he said: . . ."At no time has the School Committee as a body nor I as superintendent ever stated or determined to hire or keep more or less experienced teachers in Lexington. We want the best qualified teachers in all grades and in all departments from K-12 regardless of years of experience, race, sex, age or any other difference. ." The committee agreed this was its stance and suggested further dis- cussion when priorities were discussed. 4. A Study of the High School The NEASC report has been completed and after faculty responds a report will be forwarded to the superinten- dent. He said he would then report to the School Committee. The School Committee would schedule a discussion. 5. A Study of Energy Conservation in the Schools A Citizens Advisory Committee has been appointed and will report in the future. 6. A Progress Report on the Development and Management of the Curriculum Dr. Lawson said staff reactions were being sought and a report would be made mid-year. 7. Adoption of a Basic Skills Program The superintendent said he would work with Dr. Monderer on this item, and would make recommendations to committee shortly. 8. Reorganization of the Central Office Administrators The superinten- dent said he would have some suggestions prior to the end of the year. 9. Reorganization of the Pupil Services Division Dr. Lawson said he felt the item needed clarification since some reorganization had occurred. Mrs. Swanson suggested the Arthur D. Little report be used as a source. The third reading of the policy was deferred to the next meeting. POLICY ON ACCEPT- ANCE OF TUITION STUDENTS It was D.E.S. CONTRACT VOTED: to accept the Department of Employment Security contract as recom- mended by the superintendent of schools and upon advice of Town Counsel. (Michelman, Hoffman, Unanimous) Page 116 September 12, 1978 Prior to the vote on personnel, Mrs. Swanson suggested the referral NEW PERSONNEL of a name for executive session due to a concern with references. Mr. Brown asked if such discussions were appropriate for executive session. Mr. Michelman suggested that such an area, as specified by Massachusetts law, could only be held in open session. He added that the School Com- mittee should not feel apologetic about dealing with personnel matters in public. He said it was awkward but mandated by the Commonwealth. Mrs. Swanson said she found the references lacked quality and the ex- perience noted seemed questionable. The superintendent said the candi- date went through normal procedures and even though she had limited ex- perience was the best qualified. Mr. Spiris supported the superinten- dent's remarks and noted tLat all interviewers selected her as the best for the position. She was the preferred candidate of the interviewers even though others had more experience and/or degrees. Mrs. Swanson said she did not question the process or the persons who administered the process. She said she had a concern and felt it was appropriate to raise it. Mrs. Gaudet also voiced her concern for the quality of content in the recommendations. Mr. Hoffman said when he reviewed the material, he felt the remarks seemed tepid. Mr. Brown stated he shared the con- cern. Mr. Spiris then reviewed the process of appointment and reiterated that in the judgment of all interviewers the candidate was the best qualified for the available position. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools it was VOTED: to appoint the following new personnel as listed. (Michelman, Hoffman, Unanimous) (For the 1978-79 school year) Name Page 117 September 12, 1978 Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools it was PERSONNEL CHANGE (PROFESSIONAL) VOTED: to accept the following personnel changes as listed. (Michelman, Hoffman, Unanimous) (See attached) Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools it was PERSONNEL CHANGE: (CLASSIFIED) VOTED: to accept the following personnel changes. (Gaudet, Michelman, Unanimous) (See attached) Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools it was SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS VOTED: to elect the following school crossing guards for the school year 1978-79. (Michelman, Swanson, Unanimous) Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools it was FREE AND REDUCED PRICE - SCHOOL VOTED: to accept the following state regulations regarding free and re- LUNCHES duced prices on milk and meals. (Swanson, Michelman, Unanimous) (See Attached) Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools it was VOTED: not to participate in the free breakfast program. (Swanson, Michelman, Unanimous) The superintendent presented the 1979-80 proposed budget guide- 1979-80 BUDGET lines. He reviewed the process of development as follows: GUIDELINES - each program director worked with staff and generated a list of 1979-80 priorities by building - the Lexington Management Team reviewed the building priorities and recommended systemwide priorities - the recommendations were reviewed by the Superintendent' s Cabi- net - all administrators discussed the recommendations during the June Management Series - recommendations were completed and submitted to the School Com- mittee for review Mr. Michelman suggested writing skills needed continued focus even though they did not appear on list. Mr. Pierson agreed and noted that the focus last year (Grades 7-12) needed evaluation prior to new re- considerations. He added that suggested priorities being discussed were only those that might require funds. Other priorities (such as writing skills) would receive attention, and could be implemented without addi- tional funds. Mr. Hoffman asked if principals assumed they would have the same number of staff next year, or did they expect less staff? He noted that with approximately 85% of the budget allocated to personnel, the only way to achieve substantial savings was through a decrease in en- rollment or to increase ratios in some personnel categories. Both Messrs. Michelman and Hoffman asked if the guidelines precluded real- location decisions by staff, and/or other changes made by the School Committee? PERSONNEL CHANGES - PROFESSIONAL RESIGNATIONS YRS. IN LEXINGTON EFFECTIVE REASON MATERNITY LEAVE CHANGE IN PER CENT OF TIME )* RETURN FROM MATERNITY LEAVE )* TRANSFER WITH EDCO APPOINTMENT - ATHLETIC TRAINER COACHING RESIGNATION *Subject to change upon completion of negotiations. • PERSONNEL CHANGES - PROFESSIONAL (Continued) DEGREE CHANGE *Subject to change upon completion of negotiations. YOUR SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDS ACCEPTANCE OF THE ABOVE. b Lexington School Committee Meeting September 12, 1978 Page 16D New Business SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS As you know, an amount of $40,000.00 was added to the school budget to cover the cost of crossing guards. Since this action makes them employees of the School Department, it is necessary to have them formally voted by the School Committee. Other than their election and signing of payrolls, they will continue to be supervised and processed by the Police Department. The attached is a copy of the Town Manager's memo to me. The list of crossing guards and rate are listed on the reverse side of this page. YOUR SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDS THE ELECTION OF CROSSING GUARDS AS INDICATED ON THE REVERSE SIDE FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1978-1979. Coit c of i.exingtnn, V assae iusetts SEP t MEMORANDUM TO: Robert M. Hutchinson, Jr. , Town M9nd `er' DATE: 9-01-78 PAGE: SUBJECT: CROSSING GUARD PERSONNEL As per our meeting of August 31 , 1978, I have listed ba low the names and addresses of our School Crossing Guards. [fey are paid for ten / 10/ months of the year - September thru June, at $260.00 per month. \ FROM: • James F. Corr Chief of Police 1x .r.t car Sailool Coommittee Yesting Sas:.-ember 2, 1973 _ . Pa;c 17 N ...' .. New Business OTE ON STATE REGUL-TIei a ON ELIGIBILITY 70R YEEE AND REDUCED PRICE ci_3E: r LUNCii i8 .,edcr ? . e. „tate Regulations require that sohool districts provide fres milk k and free lunches to nea y _'tu eats.. It also recoaruarde s"TT '°w provisign be tads for reduaed prices for others. CU deliaee concerning ;dross family income are e3tablishe6 as a Frmjor z_ t.t-oia We e equ i:;`G-d to do the fo lir,.r?ago_ A.: '9':afA E net,-;Ce and r 9.T. .."F.c W:taY, to the Y':ia.: e of every child enso1led 3J7 ; is °__'a" be Q13nr ur?a 3_zning week ga 2. l`:l :1 ,.k._icarits of declaicn3 ochosaniag aoplioations .�. 10 -oorLihg days. S. S . ria a t 3 eet .4�+ .i,.ed'...r 4 cc W._[3 e v_.L have 'teeaeezie Sa': (Top! '•-, Notify public anti D' iv e welfare sgeacles of the program i`p-.,e.:ivata : ;,s the at'+"...q 197S issee of tae Lexington. Minuteman) This yea:♦ she giliZetines else provide than: Serqol Committees may provide free .3 eakfasts as part of thio program. although the program is permiasive, .°.: is required that School Committees vote not to offer free breakfasts if they do not Tr._rx to do so. Since we do not have enough students to make them program ompdatory, nor are ye presently equipped to provide this program, it `:could net: be feasible to participaate? In the breakfast program. The School Committee must formally vote to accept the policy and orcoh, lives each year. 5'c haa complied with the other.'r r"eauireffi its and request that the school S.4 sco7Emitt`.' . confirm the free milk and reduced price f>S'+aoc.S. lunches program R"ry at official vote. YOUR SUPERINTENDENT RECUNMEEDS TELT TP.' R r. LA l:.:tJ ?.T.,2 RDING FREE AND REDUCED PRICES per (.Y�_:; tt. ayJ l,LS AS DESCRIBED !at. B APPROVED AID TETT WE D61 Pts'C?'iCTF:1,TR LTS AS L LESR.e aJ 9J JULY 1, 1978- JUNE 30, 1979 LETTER TO PARENTS Dear Parent or Guardian: The LEXINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS serves nutritious meals every school day. Students may buy lunch for 45 cents and extra milk for S cents. Children from families whose income is at or below those shown on the listed scales are eligible for free milk and free meals or at the reduced prices of 70 cents for lunch If your income is greater than those shown but you have special hardship conditions,i.e., unusually high medical bills,shelter costs in excess of 30 percent of your income, special education expenses due to the mental or physical condition of a child,or disaster or casualty losses,your children may still be eligible. Parents should clearly understand that every meal served in schools is subsidized to a greater or lesser degree by State-Federal re- imbursements. Those lunches served at full price are subsidized as well as those served free or reduced. Therefore,there should be no reluctance to apply for either a free or reduced price meal. If your family size,and gross income is within the "Income Eligibility Criteria"for free or reduced price meals,we urge you and all eligible parents to fill out the application. The intent of these pro- grams is to improve the nutrition of all children. INCOME ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FAMILY SIZE AND GROSS INCOME SCALES Family Size Maximum Gross Income Maximum Gross Income (All members of household) For Free Milk and Free Meals For Reduced Price Meals One $0 to $ 4 ,190 $ 4 ,191 to $ 6,530 Two 0 to 5,500 5,501 to 8 ,580 Three 0 to 6,810 6,811 to 10,630 Four 0 to 8,110 8 , 111 to 12 ,660 Five 0 to 9,310 9 ,311 to 14 ,530 Six 0 to 10,510 10,511 to 16,400 Seven 0 to 11 ,600 11 ,601 to 18, 100 Eight 0 to 12,690 12,691 to 19 ,790 Nine 0 to 13,680 13 ,681 to 21 ,330 Ten 0 to 14 ,660 14 ,661 to 22,870 Eleven 0 to 15,640 15,641 to 24 ,390 Twelve 0 to 16,610 16,611 to 25 ,910 Each Additional Family Member 970 1 ,520 In certain cases foster children are eligible for free milk and free meals or reduced price meals regardless of your family income. If you have such children living with you and wish to apply for such meals for them,please file a separate application for each child, and indicate amount of state support only as income. Applications may be submitted anytime during the school year. Should your income or family size change,contact the approving official. Children having parents of guardians who become unemployed are eligible for free or reduced price meals or for free milk during the period of unemployment, provided that the loss of income causes the family income during the period of unemployment to be within the eligibility criteria. School officials may for cause verify the information on the application,and that deliberate misrepresentation of the information may subject the applicant to prosecution under applicable State and Federal criminal statutes. Children receiving free milk and free meals or reduced price meals will be treated in the same manner as paying students. Every effort will be made to insure that the children do not know who is paying and who is receiving afree milk and free meal or reduced price meal. Parents who feel that their children may be eligible are urged to apply. Please complete the form and return by mail,in person or through your child to his or her school. You will be notified in writing of the school's decision on your application. If you do not agree with the school's decision,you may wish to discuss it with the approving official on an informal basis. You may wish to review the decision further. You have a right to a fair hearing and this can be done by calling or writing to: James R. Maclnnes Administrator for Business 1557 Mass Ave, Lex. , Mass 862-7500 Ext. 113 Name Address Telcpn one No. The school district's policy concerning free milk and free meals and reduced price meals is available for review in the office of the Superintendent. We urge you to have your child participate in the meal program since it is to his benefit to eat well-balanced meals each day. No child will be discriminated against because of race, sex,color,or national origin in the operation of child feeding programs. THE APPLICATION FOR FREE MILK AND FREE MEALS AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS IS ON REVERSE SIDE. JULY 1, 1978- JUNE 30, 1978 APPLICATION FOR FREE MILK AND FREE MEALS AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS The information you give on the application is confidential and will be used only for the purpose of determining eligibility for free steals:nd milk (Jr reduced price meals. Name of School Date I hereby make application for free milk and free meal, •:.r reduced price meals for student(s)below who are my children or my wards: Last Name First Name Age Grade Room • • Size of Family (All members of household) IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR PRINCIPALS — Retain for a period of three years following the year to which they pertain all approved and disapproved applications. Weekly Gross Family Income S X 52(weeks) = Annual Gross Income $ Gross Income as the term is used in this notice means total family income before deductions,including wages of all working members, welfare payments,pensions.social security and any other income. If your gross family income exceeds the amount indicated in the family income scale as shown,and you wish to apply for free milk and free meals or reduced price meals for your children under any of the special hardship conditions cited in the letter, please com- plete this application form and also describe the nature of your hardship. If yes,explain If special hardship conditions are reported, an Shelter Cost (excess of 30%of income) $ estimated annual dollar amount must be indicated: High Medical Cost $ • Special Education expenses $ Disaster or Casualty losses $ Total Special Hardship Conditions $ In certain cases foster children are eligible for free milk and free meals or reduced price meals regardless of your family income. If you have such children living with you and wish to apply for such milk and meals for them,please file a separate application for each child. and indicate amount of state support only as income. I certify that the above information I have given is true and correct, that the application is being made in connection with the receipt of State and Federal Funds,that School Officials may for cause: (1)request an informal conference with the parents to substantiate the information on the application(or if requested by either party, the Fair Hearing Procedure may be used):(2) verify the informa- tion on the application,and that deliberate misrepresentation of the information may subject me as applicant to prosecution under applicable State and Federal criminal statutes. Parent or Guardian's Signature Address Zip 3 Telephone No. Please return this application to the schoot where your child attends. FOR OFFICE USE ONLY • Approved by Name Principal Date 0 Approved for free milk and free lunch 0 Approved for a reduced price lunch 0 Denied 0 Approved for free breakfast 0 Approved for a reduced price breakfast Reason • DETACH AND RETURN TO APPLICANT WITHIN 10 DA VS OF RECEIPT Parent's Name Address Zip = Your application for free milk and free meals or reduced price meals for your child or children has been: (Check below) Approved for: 0 Free milk and free lunch 0 Reduced Price Lunch at . 0 Reduced Price Breakfast at L Free breakfast Price Price Denied Reason for denial: APPEAL OF THIS DECISION MAY BE MADE TO: James R. MacInnes _ Administrator for Business 1557 Mass Ave, Lex. , Mass 862-7500 Ext. 113 Name Address Telephone No. NOTE: If application is denied.a statement of the hearing procedure will he forwarded to you with denial notice. Page 118 September 12, 1978 The superintendent stated the administration was in the planning stage and needed guidelines based on present information which would be used in the early stages of budget planning. He responded that it did not preclude major or minor changes by staff or School Committee. The superintendent noted that some of the guidelines would be rephrased prior to dissemination with budget planning materials. A copy of the Professional Development Program was presented to the ADMINISTRATIVE School Committee. Mr. Pierson said the Professional Development Commit- REPORTS: tee attempted to reflect the needs of staff as identified in an assess- PROFESSIONAL ment conducted last Spring. The committee expressed its compliments to DEVELOPMENT Mr. Pierson and the Professional Development Committee. The final report of the 1978 Summer Reading Program was presented SUMMER READING to the School Committee for its information. The superintendent announced that Lexington High School had placed 1979 NATIONAL twenty-two students as semi-finalists in the 1979 competition. He stated MERIT SEMI- there was one more finalist than last year. He said a press release con- FINALISTS cerning the results would be made through the high school principal short- ly. The School Committee complimented the students and staff for their accomplishments. The superintendent announced approval of the Lexington METCO Budget METCO BUDGET by the Massachusetts State Board of Education. The 1978-79 budget was 1978-79 approved for $531,659 which reflected an increase of $60,940 over last year. Mr. Barnes reviewed the enrollment statistics of the first four ENROLLMENTS days of school. He said enrollment as of Monday, September 11, 1978 was 6781. The projected enrollment for October 1, 1978 as projected last year was 6748. He noted that the October 1 enrollment would prob- ably be within 2% of the forecast. Mr. Lombard reported that the surplus furniture sale was most suc- SURPLUS SALES cessful with a profit of $698.90. He said a surplus book sale would be conducted mid-October. Details would be released shortly. The superintendent announced receipt of $19,950 in federal vocation- FEDERAL FUNDS al funds for four Lexington projects. This was the first time this money was made available to Lexington. He added that there would be a small amount of additional funds made available in September for which Lexing- ton would apply. Dr. Lawson announced receipt of $4,047.74 from the Agency for In- ROYALTY CHECK structional Television as a result of royalties from the Lexington Teach- er Training Films Series. He said the check would be presented to the Town upon receipt. Page 119 September 12, 1978 The superintendent said the Town Manager, Robert M. Hutchinson, Jr. , FOOTBALL STANDS informed him that the bleachers would not be available for the home game on Saturday due to time problems that arose in the process of seeking bids. The superintendent said he recommended accepting the invitation made by Minuteman Vocational Technical Regional School to the Lexington High School principal which was an invitation to use MMVTRS field. The School Committee agreed to the superintendent's recommendation and re- quested a letter of appreciation be sent to MMVTRS. It was VOTED: to go into executive session at 10:28 p.m. to discuss collective bargaining matters. The chairman announced that the School Com- mittee would not return to open session. (Michelman, yes;Brown, :yes; Swanson, yes; Gaudet, yes; Hoffman, yes) Respectfully submitted, Richard H. Barnes - L /k Recording Secretary