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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-10-16-SC-min Page 87 October 16, 1979 A meeting of the Lexington School Committee was held on October 16, 1979, at 8:00 p.m. , at the Diamond Junior High School Cafeteria. Those in attendance were: Brown, Swanson, Shaw, Michelman, Gaudet, and student rep- resentative Dohan. Also present were: Lawson, Pierson, Monderer, Macinnes, DiGiammarino, Barnes. Mr. Louis Issacson, 9 Birch Hill Lane, Lexington, read a statement PUBLIC concerning the recent resignation of band director, Don Gillespie, and PARTICIPATION expressed his concern for the comments and actions of some community mem- bers in the matter. He concluded by commending Don Gillespie for his fine work over the many years. Mr. Brown responded that the situation with the help of the Superintendent of Schools had been resolved. He expressed his appreciation to Mr. Issacson for sharing his thoughts and added the School Committee's support and respect for the dedication of Don Gillespie as the band director. Mr. Brown also commended the Superintendent for refusing to accept the resignation of Mr. Gillespie. He said now that the situation had been resolved, he looked forward to a most positive season. The minutes of September 4, 1979 were accepted as corrected. (Gaudet, MINUTES Swanson, Unanimous) 9/4/79 Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS VOTED: to accept the following schedule of payments as listed on the attached sheet: (Gaudet, Shaw, Unanimous) The financial statement was discussed. FINANCIAL STATEMENT The Superintendent presented suggested temperature settings for the Lexington Public Schools during the coming season. He noted that inasmuch TEMPERATURE as the President had mandated all public and private buildings maintain a SETTINGS temperature setting -of 65 degrees for heating, and 78 degrees for cooling, he would recommend the following policy regarding temperature settings : OCCUPIED (School Hours) Heating, 650 All offices, classrooms, gymnasiums, and auditoriums during hours when school is in session including • elementary schools . (During school hours, when the gymnasiums are not in use for extended periods, ther- mostat settings are to be lowered to 600. ) 60° All corridors and lavatories at all times Cooling 780 All offices, classrooms, gymnasiums and auditoriums during hours when school is in session UNOCCUPIED ( Hours when school is not in session) Heating 60° All areas during hours when school is not in session, including building rentals (Exception - specific rooms utilized for Adult Education classes) Page 88 October 16, 1979 Cooling Turn off completely Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was V011.D: to accept the temperature settings policy for the 1979-80 school year, and granted to the Superintendent authority to make changes where identified problems existed. (Michelman, Swanson, Unanimous) (See attached sheet.) Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was PERSONNEL CHANGES - VOThD: to accept the following personnel changes (certified) as listed CERTIFIED on the attached sheet: (Michelman, Swanson, Unanimous) Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was PERSONNEL CHANGES - VOTED: to accept the following personnel changes (classified) as listed CLASSIFIED on the attached sheet: (Michelman, Swanson, Unanimous) Extra duty stipends were deferred to a future meeting. EXTRA DUTY STIPENDS A parents' committee for an Extended Day Program at the Bridge School presented a proposal to the School Committee that would provide for after- EXTENDED DAY school child care at the Bridge School on school days. Representatives of PROGRAMS the Extended Day Program and the principal of the building, Dr. Lester Goodridge, reviewed the purpose of the program, program objectives, chil- dren to be served, staffing and supervision procedures, use of facilities, and organization and structure. He noted that children from the first to the sixth grade in the Bridge School with a daily enrollment limited to twenty-four would participate in activities under the teacher director after school hours until 6:00 p.m. , on each day, Monday through Friday. The Bridge School Association would sup- port the establishment of the Extended Day Program, and would be organized by an independent non-profit corporation, known as the Bridge School Ex- tended Day Program Inc. The Superintendent noted that he had met on several occasions with the committee and reviewed concerns. He said that most of them had been resolved except that 1. Any add-on program to the schools must be completely self-supporting. 2. He preferred a one-year period of a pilot program with a full evalu- ation taking place in June, which would provide the School Committee opportunity to review the evaluation. Mr. Maclnnes noted that he had some concerns at first. However, he felt that there would be no problem with custodial coverage, and could be worked out in this matter. However, the program would be subject to the temperature policy settings, like other schools. Mr. Michelman said he felt the program was a genuine substantial need, Page 89 October 16, 1979 and the program was a commitment that perhaps would be a function of the school. Since it would not interfere with other school functions or be a measurable increase for taxpayers, he felt it had merit. He said he felt that the pilot program as presented by the Superintendent seemed most appropriate. Mrs. Swanson said that she had some concern regarding the cost to the schools, how they would be determined, and who should pay for it. She felt there were cost differences that needed to be arrived at. Mr. Maclnnes said that he felt the group should be subject to pay service costs, such as soap, tissue, towels, and electricity. Mrs. Swanson said that she agreed that the program should not ask the taxpayer to underwrite any segment of the program, and since there was a possibility of it spreading to other schools, it was very critical that this be agreed upon. She felt there was a need to have equality of treatment and the service to people through the policies be ap- plied equitably rather than to extend free services to one group. Mr. Michelman agreed there was a need for a review of the fee schedule but also said he felt confident that the cost services could be arrived at by Mr. Maclnnes. Mrs. Gaudet said she agreed with the Superintendent that a full evalu- ation was needed and the pilot program to take place for approximately a six-month period. At this time, the School Committee could review the im- plications and the program. Mrs. Swanson then asked Mr. Maclnnes if a fee could be worked out that would be fair. Mr. Maclnnes and the Superintendent responded, yes, and they would include a policy statement also. Mrs. TenPas then asked the Superintendent and School Co.umittee what kind of evaluation would be required. The Superintendent responded, "There should be a financial report, an operational report, a principal's report, and a re- port from the business office. These four segments could combine to give a good overview of the program." At this point, it was VOTED: that the School Committee approve on a pilot basis the operation dur- ing the current school year of an extended day program at Bridge School as outlined in the proposal of the Parents' Committee for an Extended Day Program at Bridge School, and that a fee be charged for the use of Bridge School for this program in the amount determined by the Administration to cover the actual additional operating cost occasioned by the program. (Michelman, Gaudet, Unanimous) It was VOTED: that the Administration be requested to review the schedule of rental charges for the school building use insofar as it relates to use on a daily use rather than an occasional basis. Z;ichelman, Swanson, Unanimous) Mr. Barnes presented the annual report of class sizes by schools. Ad- GLASS SIZES ditional supplemental material was provided the School Committee to explain AND CLASSES UNDER 15 Page 90 October 16, 1979 the class sizes under 15 and over 15. The School Committee briefly reviewed the classes. Secondary principals responded to questions. Mr. Barnes presented the teachers' load and class sizes from the secon- TEACHERS' dary schools. The School Committee reviewed the loads and sizes and prin- LOAD AND cipals responded to questions as needed. CLASS SIZES Mr. Modest, Minority Recruitment Specialist and METCO Coordinator, pre- MINORITY sented a minority recruitment report. He noted that his goal was to develop RECRUITMENT a viable network that would increase a number of minority applicants for po- REPORT sitions in the Lexington schools. He specified the following as his goals: 1. To continue working closely with the Lexington Public Schools, Personnel Office 2. To add the names of community organizations and METCO coordi- nators to the Personnel Office mailing list 3. By establishing the contacts with appropriate media sources, e.g. , radio stations, etc. 4. Host a coffee hour for minority employees to discuss and ex- plore ways to attract minority staff 5. Attend PAC meetings 6. Discuss minority recruitment at administrative meetings 7. Attend relevant college recruitment days and make a visit to universities where appropriate 8. Update Black School Educators Directory Mr. Barnes noted that he had been working closely with Mr. Modest and that several of these goals were in the process of implementation. The School Committee thanked Mr. Modest for his report, and emphasized its support for the program. Dr. Pierson presented copies of elementary program descriptions to ELE4ENTARY the School Committee for their information. PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS The Superintendent presented forty-nine names of students who received letters of co.mnendation in the National Merit Scholarship Program. The School NATIONAL Committee complimented the staff and students for their achievements. MERIT COM- MENDATION It was AWARDS VOTED: to adjourn at 11:02 p.m. (Michelman, Swanson, Unanimous) Resp { uily submit _I sac Y and H Ba es 7 Recording cretary /c SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS The following schedules of payments were available for scrutiny and approval prior to this meeting: SCHOOL DEPARTMENT BUDGETS Personal Services September 28, 1979 Classified Payroll 08C $74,486.31 October 5, 1979 Professional Payroll #7 449,115.58 Expenses October 5, 1979 Bill Schedules #50 37,588.43 October 5, 1979 #51 13,567.49 October 5, 1979 052 1,434,93 October 5, 1979 053 20,453.19 October 5, 1979 #54 1, 122.89 October 5, 1979 055 214.56 October 5, 1979 #56 1,348,96 October 5, 1979 #57 16,613.44 October 12, 1979 #58 3,582.73 October 12, 1979 #59 10,057.13 Expenses (Carryover) October 5, 1979 Bill Schedule 0327 905.82 October 12, 1979 #328 4,887.13 SPECIAL PROGRAMS (Non-Lexington Funds) Adult Education October 5, 1979 Professional Payroll $ 2,311.27 Bus Tickets October 5, 1979 Bill Schedule #1 1,237.50 Metco September 28, 1979 Classified Payroll #2 2,334.75 October 5, 1979 Professional Payroll 4,620.72 Transition to Employment September 28, 1979 Classified Payroll #2 104,40 October 5, 1979 Professional Payroll 1,281.23 October 5, 1979 Bill Schedule #1 22. 13 Project Discover October 5, 1979 Professional Payroll 501.15 PL 89-313 - Special Education October 5, 1979 Professional Payroll 382,59 Sumner Reading (Low Income) October 5, 1979 Bill Schedule #5 676,15 (Over) Math Computer October 5, 1979 Bill Schedule V8 49.50 "— Project Assist October 5, 1979 Professional Payroll 195,00 TEMPERATURE SETTINGS Inasmuch as President Carter has mandated that all public and private buildings maintain a temperature setting of 65° for heating and 780 for cooling, we recommend the following policy regarding temperature settings: OCCUPIED (School hours) Heating 65° all offices, classrooms , gymnasiums and auditoriums during hours when school is in session including elementary schools (Duxing school hours, when the gymnasiums are not in use for extended perio0ds, thermostat settings are to be lowered to 60 a) 600 all corridors and lavatories at all times Cooling 78° all offices, classrooms, gymnasiums and auditoriums during hours when school is in session UNOCCUPIED (Hourswhen school is not in session) Heating 60° all areas during hours when school is not in session, including building rentals (Exception - specific rooms utilized for Adult Education classes) Cooling. Turn off completely ItI • r Rs3 TNEL CIi1NGLi - OLA. .,7Fll'.11 PERSONNEL Effective (FOR YOUR INFORMATION) Death Years of Service FOOD SERVICES Effective _. PERSO.NNiLL ANF'ii INTN.ENT EF-E1..E(:TION _ (Over)