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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 -