Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-05-22-SC-min Page 51 May 22, 1979 A meeting of the Lexington School Committee was held on May 22, 1979, at 8:00 p.m. , at the School Administration Building. Those in attendance were: Swanson, Brown, Michelman, Gaudet, and alternate student representative Wood. Also present were: Lawson, Maclnnes, Monderer, Pierson, DiGiammarino, and Barnes. Mr. Edward C. Bacherman, Eastern Representative of the Massach- M.A.S.C. usetts Association of School Committees, made a presentation to the REPRESENTA- Lexington School Committee outlining the services available to local TIVE school committees. Among the items reviewed were: - Arbitration services - Federal relations - Network service - Budget analysis - Unemployment management system - Policy service - Staff evaluation - Programs for administrators The School Committee thanked Mr. Bache/man for his comprehensive report of the services of Massachusetts Association of School Com- mittees. It was MINUTES 4/24/79 VOTED: to accept the minutes of April 24, 1979, as corrected. (Swanson, Michelman, Unanimous) It was MINUTES 5/8/79 VOTED: to accept the minutes of May 8, 1979, as corrected. (Michelman, Gaudet, Unanimous) Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS VOTED: to accept the following schedule of payments: (Michelman, Swanson, Unanimous) (See attached sheet.) FINANCIAL The financial statement was discussed. STATEMENT Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was NEW PERSONNEL VOTED: to accept the following new—personnel: (Swanson, Michelman, Unanimous) (See attached sheet.) Upon the recoumiendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was PERSONNEL CHANGES - VOTED: to accept the following certified personnel changes: (Gaudet, CERTIFIED Swanson, Unanimous) (See attached sheet. ) Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was PERSONNEL CHANGES - VOTED: to accept the following classified personnel changes: (Swan- CLASSIFIED son, Gaudet, Unanimous) (See attached sheet.) Page 52 May 22, 1979 Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was WAGE GUIDE OF SPECIAL CLASS VOTED: to accept the following wage guide of special class assistants: ASSISTANTS (Swanson, Gaudet, Unanimous) WAGE GUIDE SPECIAL CLASS ASSISTANTS As a result of the recently negotiated settlement with the LESA, the salary schedules of the special class assistant teachers for the years 1978-79 and 1979-80 should be approved as follows: All steps have been increased 5% for 1978-79 and 5.5% for 1979-80. Step 1 2 3 4 5 6 Hourly Rate 1978-79 $5.17 $5.44 $5.71 $6.02 $6.31 $6.70 1979-80 $5.45 $5.74 $6.02 $6.35 $6.66 $7.07 Since this group of employees is not officially covered by the LESA contract, it necessitates separate action by the School ComuLittee. We have used the provisions of the LESA contract to determine their benefits. Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was RE-ELECTION OF STAFF VOTED: to accept the following staff for the school year, 1979-80, at the step and level indicated: (Swanson, Michelman, Un- animous) (See attached sheet.) The Superintendent and Frank DiGiammarino reviewed the Program 1980-81 BUD- Planning and Budgeting calendar for 1979-80 and 1980-81. They noted GET DEVELOP- that the budget development which was a "grass roots" approach re- MENT GUIDE- quired that building priorities be set early in the Spring of each LINES year. Dr. DiGiammarino noted that the new calendar would provide an early presentation of the budget to the School Committee and more extensive and complete review procedures. He reviewed the Program Planning and Budgeting calendar as follows: (See attached sheets.) The Superintendent reviewed the assumptions and constraints as well as priorities suggested for the 1980-81 school year. (See at- tached sheets.) Mr. Michelman suggested that the staffing level statement be revised. He suggested that the word, "generally", be inserted so as to read: "will generally be reduced in direct relationship to the enrollment decline." Mrs. Swanson and Mrs. Gaudet felt that it was unnecessary to include such a revision. After a brief discussion, it was agreed to request the Superintendent add terminology to the guideline which would provide for staffing exceptions, if needed. Mr. Michelman suggested that under "Priorities - Instruction Programs," that the second priority be listed first. This sugges- tion was accepted. He then asked for further clarification of the Page 53 May 22, 1979 Instructional Support priority which noted the analysis of the process by which principals and staff established and evaluated expectations set for student academic and social behavior. The Superintendent responded that schools would search for ways to analyze date in such a way to see if the schools could translate experiences to determine the extent to which schools were meeting expectations. Mrs. Gaudet and Mr. Michelman also asked for further clari- fication of the setting of expectations for social behavior of students. Dr. DiGiammarino responded the schools would take a collective look at the process for acceptable behavior. The Su- perintendent noted the variety of expectations being set by other agencies (example, community) , and he said the schools would fo- cus on that which would be appropriate in the school setting so students could understand what is acceptable and non-acceptable. Mr. Michelman suggested that the schools take a comprehensive look to decide ways in which involvement of students and parents could be expanded. The School Committee complimented the Administration for the long-range Program Planning and Budgeting calendar, and also in- dicated pleasure that the staff had significant input into the development of each school year budget. Due to questions regarding the recommended increases in rates ADJUSTMENTS for psychotherapy services for Lexington Counseling Service and TO Mystic Valley Mental Health Center and funding sources for the PSYCHOTHERAPY agencies, it was agreed to defer the discussion and vote on this item until the next meeting. Geoff Pierson introduced the elementary mathematics curricu- ELEMENTARY lum report. He said the presentation concluded an ambitious de- MATHEMATICS velopment effort initiated in 1974. He noted that the current CURRICULUM curriculum was divided into eighteen levels which expressed ob- REPORT jectives through suggested teacher behaviors and anticipated star-;, dent responses. He said the most positive features of the pro- gram were the provisions for: - instructional experiences which Lexington staff have felt students require for effective math learning - a balanced sequence which is followed in all elemen- tary schools - a structure which can be adapted to different learn- ing styles and rates - a procedure for recording and reporting growth to parents He introduced Program Manager, Paul Foley; Mathematics Spe- cialists, Catherine Tobin and Wilma Fitzgerald. Each gave a review of a segment of the new mathematics curriculum materials, Scope and Sequence Chart and the handbooks, as well as several other activities. Page 54 May 22, 1979 Dr. Pierson concluded the presentation and noted that the next step was to design an evaluation for the mathematics curriculum which he noted was underway. The School Committee thanked the presenters, and complimented them for the fine curriculum provided to the students in Lexington. The Committee received an information pack containing the details HOUSE BILL of House Bill #5959 (Tax Cap Bill) , and noted the limits and require- #5959 ments set forth for school committees and towns. TAX CAP BILL The audit report from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department PROJECT LEADS of Education, Bureau of External Audit, was presented to the School Com- AUDIT REPORT mittee. (RETURN CF FUNDS) After a brief review and discussion, it was VOTED: to return to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, $6,840.07. (Swanson, Michelman, Unanimous) Mr. Brown said that due to bleak forecasts regarding energy, he ENERGY would suggest the School Committee address the issue at a future School Committee meeting. It was agreed to place this item on the agenda after receipt of the Tenneco Energy Audit. It was VOTED: to adjourn at 10:10 p.m. (Michelman, Swanson, Unanimous) Respectfully submit Ric and H. Barne Recording, Secretary /c SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS The following schedules of payments were available for scrutiny and approval prior to this meeting: SCHOOL DEPARMENT BUDGETS Personal Services May 11, 1979 Classified Payrolls #24-C $ 72,161.34 May 4, 1979 Professional Payrolls #22 439,393.45 Expenses May 11, 1979 Bill Schedules #240 2,339.02 May 11, 1979 #241 55,335.06 May 11, 1979 #242 278.57 May 11, 1979 #243 8,635.27 May 11, 1979 #244 3,928.24 May 11, 1979 #245 903.60 May 11, 1979 #246 27,524.72 May 11, 1979 #247 162.31 May 18, 1979 ?248 3,965 .42 May 18, 1979 #249 2.0,083.21 May 18, 1979 #250 1,836.92 May 18, 1979 #251 2,710.79 May 18, 1979 #252 119 .76 May 18, 1979 11253 2,596. 69 May 13, 1979 U-254 6,998.17 May 18, 1979 #255 1,914 .24 Out-of State Travel May 11, 1979 Bill Schedules # 17 346.98 May 18, 1979 4 18 25.00 SPECIAL PROGRAMS - Non-Lexington Funds . Adult Education May 4, 1979 Professional Payrolls 25.26 Driver Education May 4, 1979 Professional Payrolls 846.24 May 11, 1979 Bill Schedule #11 264.72 Metro May 4, 1979 Professional Payroll 4,887.95 May 11, 1979 Classified Payroll #18-C 1,586.04 May 11, 1979 Bill Schedules #15 25.50 May 18, 1979 #16 102.36 PL 94-142 Crant - Transition To Employment May 4, 1979 Professional Payroll 1,078.65 May 11, 1979 Classified Payroll 415-C 89 .28 (Over) PL 94-142 - Transtion to Employment (con t) May 11, 1979 . Bill Schedule 1113 $ 98.00 PL 94-142 Project Discover May 4, 1979 Professional Payroll 456.92 May 11, 1979 Bill Schedule ii 5 48.00 May 18, 1979 # 6 10.00 PL 89 - 313 Special Education May 4, 1979 Professional Payroll 439.88 Observing Pre Schooler May 18, 1979 Bill Schedule # 2 266.67 Bus Tickets May 11, 1979 Bill Schedule # 8 1, 190.20 Miscellaneous May 18, 1979 Grace Chapel Refund 14.,00 NEW PERSONNEL. SECONDAR;'i NAME SCAOOLiSUBJECT F.DIICA TEON EXPERIENCE PERSONNEL CHANGES - FROiESSTONAL RESIGNATIONS YRS. IN LYXINC Lb EFFECTIVE REASON RETIREMENT ) LEAVES OF ABSENCE PAYMENT FOR ADDITIONAL ;,: RK A^ DAYS ,$) CORRECTION OF SALARY ) (Over) PERSONNEL CHANGES - CLASSIFIED TRANS FER - EFFECTIVE NE'.1 PERSONNEL RESIGNATIONS YRS. IN LEXI.N1:(.4 EFFECTIVE REASON TITLE I - SU'IIIER READING PROGRAM RESIGNATION NEW PERSONNEL ) PERSONNEL CHANGES - Flu:) SI:J&VICIS RETURN FROM LEAVE OF ABSENCE SECOND ELECTION These people have pi'aviCuc: l_y ric; ivcl a crus . ng recommended for their second ..lection. SCHOOL NAME Sry TELT SALARY CO1ThENTS (Over) -ISI ECTIOH (Cantiv u.-i. THIRD ELECTION These people have previousiv rtoccivoe two c.•nt.r rut and arc being recommfl_nded for their third election. STEP/ CRAHE/ SCHOOL NAME LEVEL SUBJECT SALARY COMMENTS *Subject to Funding RE-ELECTLc (-'- STAI F (Cont i need) FOURTH ELECTION (TENURE) (See back-np sheets In Lan ig) These people have previously received three contracts and are recommended for • tenure election at the 'level and step indicated. STEP/ GRADE/ SCHOOL NAME LEVEL SGdJECT SALARY COMMENTS *Early Tenure (First. year iu Lexington t)5 w t a Dill year.) May 14, 1979 1979/80 and 1980/81 Program Planning and Budgeting Calendar Date Date 4/20 Principals submit 80/81 building priorities 1/11 School Committee completes final review of 30/81 budget request and approves 5/1 Management Team recommends 80/81 priorities document for printing to Superintendent 2/ To inform the Town Meeting Members of the 5/22 School Committee adopts 80/81 budget 80/81 budget request guidelines 3/ Town Meeting approves 80/81, budget request 6 '15 Principals and Program Managers meet to discuss 80/81 budget request 4/ Principals and Program Managers review of, 80/81 budget completed 6. ;'a Principals and Program Managers complete 00, !71 budget request 4:'1:A Prirniipais submit 81/82 building priorities Principals and next level review of 80/81 5/2 Management Team recommends 81/82 priorities budget request packages completed. to Superintendent 9/21 Principals and Program Managers update 5/29 School Committee adopts 81/82 budget 79/80 program objectives guidelines 1 10/5 Principals and Program Managers update 6/ Principals, Program Managers and Central 80/81 budget request Office Staff 79/80 year end report completed 10/26 Superintendent completes final review of 6/ Evaluation of Principals, Program Managers • 80/81 budget request and Central Office Staff relating to 79/80 priorities completed 11/9 Management Team review of 80/81 budget completed 12/ Superintendent and School Committee inform Town Appropriations Committee of 80/81 budgetary needs May 16, 1979 1980/81 Budget Development Guidelines ASSUMPTIONS Systemwide and Building Priorities - will serve as guid -s in the allocation of financial resources to the various sub- divisions of the Lexinb- si: Public Schools. Enrollments - will continue to decline and necessitate a review of the five year projections I . determine the feasibility of closing another school . Staffing Levels - will be reduced in direct relationship to the enrollment decline. Staffing levels will be implemented according to the established ratios for all categories of staff. Negotiated Contracts - will be kept within the wage guidelines established by the president . Resources - will be allocated according to a basic level of support for each building. The allocation of building resources to programs within buildings rest with the principal. State Aid - will not significantly alter the current financial pattern of financing education in Lexington. Per Pupil Cost - wi.11increase by approximately 10% if all current programs are maintained. CONSTRAINTS Financial Climate - will significantly limit budget increases.. State mandated capping could possibly mean a zero budget- arc increase in the 80/81 budget if Governor King' s recommendation prevails. Mandated State Programs - will limit the availability of new monies in the Regular Instructional I'negram. Declining Enrollments - will produce the unrealistic expectation of an automatic budget decrease. inflation - will continue to exert heavy upward pressures on . Personnel Costs (Negotiated 5.51 increases) • Operating Costs . Transportation Costs . Instructional Materials Costs (Over) PRIORITIES Instruction Programs To plan 8th and 9th grade rovH Hos compatible with program developed for grade , . To implement Part 3 Policy on in srn, tional Grouping at the Junior High grade 7. To implement basic skills iim-em mens program (minimal competency testing progrurA . Instructional Support To analyze the process by which principals and staff establish and evaluate expectations set for student academic and social behavior. To establish a base of information to be used in the making of decisions on program needs , priorities and direction. (Each program manager is responsible for the preparation of a written report which includes: 1) Definition of program, 2) Assessment of degree of implementation, 3) Levels of success. General Support To respond to energy audit recommendations.