HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-12-19-SC-min Page 170
December 19, 1978
The Lexington School Committee meeting was held on Tuesday, Decem-
ber 19, 1978, at 8:00 p.m. at House J, Lexington High School. Those in
attendance were: Brown, Swanson, Hoffman, Michelman, Gaudet, and student
representative Mende. Also present were: Lawson, Maclnnes, Monderer and
Barnes.
Mrs. Swanson expressed concern that the Lexington Minute-Man pub- PUBLIC
lished comments attributed to her which stated that some counselors had PARTICIPATION
less training and knowledge about anti-discrimination laws and tech-
niques used to reduce stereotyping than some counselees. She said her
remarks did not intend to impune the ability of counselors but felt that
unless counselors were specifically trained in anti-discrimination laws,
they could not do the extensive job required. She suggested that the
School Committee consider meeting with the counselors at its next LEA/SC
professional consultation. She felt that counselors would be able to
communicate with the School Committee, and, therefore, all parties would
be able to understand the range and expectations of the counseling pro-
gram.
It was MINUTES 12/5/78
VOTED: to accept the minutes of December 5, 1978 as amended.
(Michelman, Swanson, Unanimous)
It was
VOTED: to release to the public the executive session minutes of Decem-
ber 5, 1978 as amended. (Michelman, Gaudet, Unanimous)
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the SCHEDULE OF
following schedule of payments were accepted: (Swanson, Gaudet, Unani- PAYMENTS
mous) (See attached sheet.)
The financial statement was discussed. FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Dr. Lawson introduced the School Closing Report. He noted that SCHOOL CLOSING
following the public hearing on the closing of Munroe School, a parent REPORT - 1978
had challenged the kindergarten statistics of Munroe School. She sub-
mitted a list of ten names of children who would attend kindergarten
at Munroe during the 1979-80 year. The Superintendent stated that of
the ten names listed, Lexington had eight names on the computer list as
of November 1. One of the other two names was a new Lexington resident
as of September 1. The tenth child should have been included in the
list. During the review, it was also discovered that one family includ-
ed in the study had moved out of Lexington. The parent query had raised
an issue of inconsistency in the distribution of the 1979 kindergarten
students from Munroe. Dr. DiGiammarino replied that while the original
study had indicated two kindergarteners would go to Franklin and eight
to Fiske, this was in error. The figures should have been reversed---
eight kindergarten students to Franklin and two to Fiske. The School
Closing Report was corrected to indicate the new statistics which now
showed the projected enrollment for Fiske at 386, and Franklin, 366 re-
spectively for 1979-80.
Dr. Monderer reviewed the special needs students within prototypes,
0
SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS
The following schedules of payments were available for scrutiny and
approval prior to this meeting:
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT BUDGETS
Personal Services
December 8, 1978 Classified Payroll #13C $74,003.65
December 1, 1978 Professional Payroll #11 614,651.11
Personal Services Carryover 77-78 F/Y
December 1, 1978 Professional Payroll 79.64
Expenses
December 8, 1978 Bill Schedules #91 4,584.57
December 8, 1978 #92 3, 129.93
December 8, 1978 #93 2,903.77
December 8, 1978 #94 6,249.49
December 8, 1978 #95 2,267.00
December 8, 1978 #96 7,310.14
December 8, 1978 #97 33,768.22
December 8, 1978 #98 2,779:77
December 8, 1978 #99 1,171.59
December 8, 1978 #100 5,920. 17
December 8,1978 #101 64.67
December 15, 1978 #102 5,304.42
December 15, 1978 #103 691.73
December 15, 1978 #104 1,346.39
December 15, 1978 #105 5,094.71
December 15, 1978 #106 1,503.47
December 15, 1978 #107 22,796.16
December 15, 1978 #108 821.24
December 15, 1978 #109 12,022.38
December 15, 1978 #110 5,368.55
Out-of-State Travel
December 8, 1978 B111 Schedule #7 273.37
SPECIAL PROGRAMS Non-Lexington Funds
Adult Education
December 1, 1978 Professional Payroll 1,271.10
Driver Education
December 1 , 1978 Professional Payroll 1,008.24
Metco Program
December 8, 1978 Classified Payroll #7C 1,764,63
'December 1, 1978 Professional Payroll 6,536.47
(over)
Transition to Employment
December 8, 1978 Classified Payroll 4r7C $89.28
December 1, 1978 Professional Payroll 1,954.37
T:t1e I - Special Education PL 89-313
December 1, 1978 Professional Payroll 769.36
Bus Tickets
December 8, 1978 Bill Schedule #3 1,526.80
Federal Grant - Foods f Nutrition
December 8,1978 Bill Schedule =#1 736.00
Page 171
December 19, 1978
502.1, 502.2, and 502.3, as of October 1, 1978; and special needs stu-
dents projected for 1979 and 1980. He noted the impact on Fiske and
Franklin and indicated that projections for February, 1980, indicated
there would be forty special needs students in the prototypes at Fiske
and thirty-two at Franklin. He said he would probably recommend addi-
tional staff for Fiske School because of transfer of Munroe students.
Mrs. Smith spoke to the issue of additional class space, if needed.
Even though an overload of students was not projected for Fiske School,
she reviewed possible placements of classrooms. One illustration pre-
sented the art classroom which could be located in the cafeteria.
The final question addressed the issue of future housing construc-
tion. It was noted that there was no certainty of any large construc-
tion. Since construction was a matter between the Town and the develop-
er, it was impossible to comment on any definitive plans. However, from
all available information, housing developments were not projected to
be a problem.
Mr. Michelman noted that the impact of the special needs students
at Fiske would reduce the savings contemplated in closing Munroe School,
if additional staff were needed. He also inquired about where addition-
al SPED staff might be located at Fiske. Mrs. Gaudet questioned the place-
ment of the art room. Mrs. Smith responded that there would be no parti-
tioning. The art class would occupy only a section of the cafeteria dur-
ing the unused times. Mr. Brown said he felt comfortable with the responses
from Mrs. Smith, and if additional students did enroll at Fiske, there would
be sufficient room. He felt one should not lose sight of the responsibility
to all taxpayers of the community due to rising costs of salaries, fuel, etc.
Mrs. Gaudet added she felt that the numbers at Fiske at one time might
have been of some concern but felt comfortable now. She noted in 1969, Lex-
ington enjoyed a fine reputation for education when populations in the schools
were significantly higher.
Mr. Michelman stated some of his concerns and noted that he did so in
the spirit of soliciting responses to his concerns from Committee members.
He noted the issue of closing Munroe was not whether, but when. He said the
question of a one year delay was the only issue. He then reviewed education-
al advantages and disadvantages to closing the school in 1979 vs. 1980. He
explained why he thought the administration's financial savings were on the
optimistic side and had been so in the past two school closings. He said it
was important for the School Committee to adhere strictly to the school clos-
ing policy or guidelines. He said the policy allowed the Superintendent to
suggest a departure from the guidelines in an exceptional case. Mr. Michelman
said a decision to close Munroe would seem to him such a clear case of a de-
parture from the guidelines.
He stated that even though "prudent margin" was slightly vague, zero
margin was not "prudent." He added that the situation was very tight.
He then noted in the past three years, on over thirty occasions in the
planning of class sizes for elementary schools, only on four occasions were
classes planned for more than a twenty-four to one ratio. Three of them in-
volving receiving schools following a school closing. He felt that the pur-
Page 172
December 19, 1978
pose of the guidelines was to protect departure from the standard prac-
tice and that if the guidelines were followed, there should be a vote to
have Munroe remain open in 1979.
Mr. Brown said he had reviewed the figures and differences in pro-
jections vs. actual enrollments. He stated there were other factors to
be considered such as transfers which had been freely allowed with the
system. (There were eight or nine at Fiske School this year.) He said
he was comfortable with the projections and felt Fiske could live within
the range.
Mrs. Swanson stated the guidelines were not violated in the place-
ment of art education in the cafeteria which was only used a few hours
of the day. She, said the School Committee could control transfers stop-
page, but felt that his was not advisable. Mrs. Swanson added that the
savings for Hancock and Parker were underestimated in the school closing
reports, not over-estimated. She said that a recent survey demonstrated
one more time that the quality of education would not suffer and Lexing-
ton would have proper funds to support the necessities for the schools.
She stated that the surplus facilities could not be afforded by the gen-
eral public; and felt a responsibility to address that question. In con-
clusion, she said there were many options available to change the space
configuration of the interior of Fiske School, if needed.
Mr. Michelman responded he agreed that the public schools would ex-
perience difficulties in financing their educational programs, but also
suggested that elected individuals should always do their best to deter-
mine the differences between luxuries and necessities. He said be could
not agree that the re-location of art from a stable classroom to the cafe-
teria as a desirable action. He stated that the guidelines did not sup-
port sharing space and enclosures, and that interior space improvements
should not be considered unless the Committee was prepared to budget for
them which would reduce the cost savings. He said he agreed with Fiske
P.T.A. President, Mr. Paul Marshall, that there be definite plans made
to moderate or cushion the impact of the closing. He suggested addition-
al staff be available if the situation needed it. Mr. Brown said the
School Committee was aware of the request made by the P.T.A. , and in the
past, it has always been School Committee procedure to resolve staff prob-
lems at any school due to any change in enrollment, and had been accom-
plished within the existing budget. He said it was the consensus of the
Committee to provide the same service as in the past.
Dr. Lawson noted that early in each school year, he reviewed all
schools to see whether they had special staffing concerns. He felt it
had been legitimate and necessary to place teachers as he did the past
year, two in non-receiving schools, and one in a receiving school, even
though the guidelines of the School Committee had not been violated.
The Superintendent added that capacities and adequate space were recog-
nized in the policy. He said the phrase, "prudent margin," which he had
requested be defined prior to any additional school closing, was not,
but based upon the confidence level of the past, made the recommendation
to close Munroe in 1979.
Mr. Hoffman then asked the Superintendent if he would recommend
closure if the projected enrollment for Fiske had been 393. The Super-
Page 173
December 19, 1978
intendent responded he would not have, due to the fact that he only had
projections on which to base his recommendation, and "prudent margin"
had never been defined. Mr. Hoffman added that when the school closing
policy was voted unanimously by the Committee, the conversation at that
time stressed that if any situation were tight, it was to be tipped in
favor of a decision not to close. He said he felt similarly last year,
and didn't feel that the recommendation was in conformity with the poli-
cy. He added that the magnitude of one typing error could have reversed
the recommendation. He said Committee members should make decisions on
the basis of the policy, and the policy should be strictly interpreted
by all. On that basis, he felt the Munroe School should not close this
particular year. Mrs. Gaudet added that she felt she was adhering to
the guidelines and guidelines were a matter of interpretation at any
time.
Mr. Hoffman said he disagreed that the School Committee had a com-
mon set of rules since there were changes and interpretations. At this
juncture, Mr. Hoffman requested he be permitted more time to think about
the way he would vote.
Mrs. Swanson said there was another critical question that the pub-
lic should be aware of in the process. What would happen at Munroe if
the school didn't close, due to the low class numbers, was something that
had to be addressed. She said the result would include transporting some
students, combining classes, etc.
Mr. Michelman said that the evening's discussion had been the first
occasion the School Committee, as a body, had to share insights on the
issue, and felt additional time was needed to reflect, and if only to the
next meeting. He suggested that Mr. Hoffman' s request be approved.
Mr. Brown and Mrs. Swanson said they felt they had sufficient infor-
mation to vote on the issue.
Mr. Hoffman said the reason was not to gather new information but a
chance to reflect on past information. Mrs. Gaudet noted that at the an-
nual meeting of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees in Hy-
annis, Lexington had been specified as a model of cooperation among parents,
School Committee, administration, and staff. She extended her compliments
to the administration for the fine work that they had done on the School
Closing Report. She then moved: that the Superintendent' s recommendation
to close Munroe School in September, 1979, be accepted. A vote was called.
Gaudet, Swanson, Brown, yes; Michelman, Hoffman, no.
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was NEW PERSONNEL
VOTED: to accept the following new personnel: (Michelman, Swanson,
Unanimous)
NAME SCHOOL/SUBJECT EDUCATION EXPERIENCE
PERSONNEL CHANCES - PROFESSIONAL
RESIGNATION
YRS. IN LEXINGTON EFFECTIVE REASON
RETIREMENT
COACHING RECOMMENDATIONS
CORRECTIONS IN LONGEVITY PAYMENTS
)
a
•
PERSONNEL CHANGES (Classified)
Resignations Effective
Change of Hours Effective
New Personnel Effective
Substitute Rates
Minimum wage rate is going from $2.65 per hour to $2 .90 per hour effective January 1, 1;
Secretaries and Clerks
Present rate for substitute secretaries and aides is $2.80 per hour - raise
to $3.00 per hour effective January 1, 1979
Food Service
Present rate for substitutes working in the Food Services Program are in three
steps as follows: Step 1, $2.56 p/hr, Step 2, $2.70 p/hr and Step 3, $2.86 p/hr.
Establishing one rate only at $2.90 per hour effective January 1, 1979.
0
CUSTODIAL AND MAINTENANCE SALARIES
•
Attached is a listing of salaries for the custodial and maintenance staff who
have previously been elected for the fiscal year 1978-79. These salaries have been
set in accordance with the National Association of Government Employees and the
Lexington School Committee contract recently negotiated.
CLASS NO. NO.OF HOURLY
NAME POSITION AND STEP HOURS RATE
CLASS NO. NO.0F HOURLY
NAME POSITION AND STEP HOURS RATE
C.LARKE:
DIAMOND:
MUZZEY:
ADAMS:
BOWMAN:
BRIDGE:
CLASS NO• 00.01 HOURLY
NAME POSITION AID STEP HOURS RATE
ESTABROOK:
T'I:Jca;
FRANKLIN:
IHARRINGTON:
HASTINGS:
MUNROE:
HEAD OF MAINTENANCE AND CUSTODIANS :
**
Page 174
December 19, 1978
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was PERSONNEL CHANGES-
PROFESSIONAL
VOTED: to accept the following personnel changes (professional) :
(Michelman, Gaudet, Unanimous) (See attached sheet.)
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was PERSONNEL CHANGES-
CLASSIFIED
VOTED: to accept the following personnel changes (classified) :
(Swanson, Michelman, Unanimous) (See attached sheet.)
It was SETTING OF
SALARIES
VOTED: to set salaries for custodians, maintenance men as follows:
(See attached sheets.)
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was TUITION RATES
1978-79
VOTED: to accept the following tuition rates for the 1978-79 school
year: (Michelman, Swan, Unanimous)
TUITION RATES FOR 1978-79
1977-78 Support-Total Day Senior High Junior High Elementary
School exclusive of Com-
munity Services, Mixed
Assets, Debt. Service,
and Tuition $3,958,612 $3,794,459 $5,693,749
Inclusions (Expenditures
by Town)-Health, Main. of
Grounds, Retirement 52,921 52,921 90,162
$4,011,533 $3,847,380 $5,783,911
Tuition Rate for Year 2,101.38 2,050.08 1,780.87
Rate for Week (divided by 39) 53.88 52.57 45.66
Rate to be established by
School Committee for indi-
viduals for School Year 78-79 2,101.00 2,050.00 1,781.00
Rates for School Date Voted
Years
1977-78 Dec. 20, 1977 1,753.00 1,911.00 1,718.00
1976-77 Nov. 8, 1976 1,478.00 1,444.00 1,391.00
1975-76 Nov. 3, 1975 1,540.00 1,476.00 1,259.00
1974-75 Nov. 4, 1974 1,677.00 1,394.00 1,127.00
1973-74 Oct. 23, 1973 1,421.00 1,218.00 938.00
1972-73 Oct. 24, 1972 1,240.00 1,187.00 886.00
1971-72 Oct. 26, 1971 1,222.00 1,099.00 837.00
1970-71 Nov. 16, 1970 1,076.00 1,001.00 726.00
1969-70 Jan. 5, 1970 1,019.00 974.00 682.00
1968-69 Oct. 21, 1968 955.00 946.00 606.00
1967-68 Dec. 4, 1967 873.00 829.00 637.00
1966-67 Nov. 7, 1966 816.00 814.00 615.00
1965-66 Nov. 1, 1965 730.00 740.00 565.00
Page 175
December 19, 1978
Rates for School Date Voted Senior High Junior High Elementary
Years
(Continued)
1964-65 Nov. 2, 1964 $705.00 $650.00 $500.00
1963-64 Oct. 28, 1963 700.00 650.00 500.00
1962-63 Nov. 5, 1962 635.00 595.00 425.00
1961-62 Nov. 20, 1961 590.00 500.00 370.00
1960-61 Nov. 7, 1960 560.00 410.00 350.00
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was SPECIAL NEEDS
TUITION RATE
VOTED: to accept the following tuition rate for special needs stu- 1978-79
dents as $3,224 for the 1978-79 school year. (Swanson, Michel-
man, Unanimous)
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was BIDS
VOTED: to recommend that we purchase electric car components from
Electrical Engineering in the amount of $2,410. (Swanson,
Gaudet, Unanimous)
The proposal being submitted to the State Department of Education SUMMER READING
for the Title I Summer Reading Program was presented to the School Com- PROPOSAL
mittee.
It was
VOTED: to accept and submit the proposal for E.S.E.A. , Title I fund-
ing to the State Department (Michelman, Swanson, Unanimous)
Discussion of the topic was deferred to the January 2 meeting. ADMINISTRATIVE
REPORTS -
BASIC SKILLS
IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM
A communication was read from Mr. John W. Chandler, President NEASC APPROVAL
of New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. , which noted TEN-YEAR ACCRE-
that Lexington High School had been given a ten-year accreditation DITATION
rating through 1988.
The Superintendent and the School Committee extended their com-
pliments to Dr. Clune and staff for the achievement, noting that the
ten-year accreditation was the highest that could be awarded.
It was agreed to set a meeting schedule for budget at the next SCHOOL COMMITTEI
School Committee meeting. REPORTS
It was
VOTED: to convene in executive session at 10:21 p.m. to discuss
two matters of litigation strategy. (Michelman, yes;
Swanson, yes; Hoffman, yes; Gaudet, yes; Brown, yes)
The Chairman noted that the School Committee would not be com-
ing out of executive session.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard` H. Barnes
/c Recording Secretary -