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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-12-18-SC-min Page 103 December 18, 1979 A meeting of the Lexington School Committee was held on December 18, 1979, at 8:00 p.m. , at the Clarke Junior High School. Those in attendance were: Brown, Michelman, Swanson, Gaudet, Shaw, and student representative Dohan. Also present were: Lawson, Maclnnes, Monderer, Pierson, DiGiammari- no, and Barnes. It was MINUTES 12/4/79 VOTED: to accept the minutes of December 4, 1979, as amended. (Shaw, Michelman, Unanimous) It was EXECUTIVE MINUTES VOTED: to accept the executive session minutes of November 20, 1979, 11/20/79 as presented. (Michelman, Gaudet, Unanimous) Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS VOTED: to accept the following schedule of payments: (Swanson, Gaudet, Unanimous) (See attached sheet.) FINANCIAL The financial statement was discussed. STATEMENT Mr. Stanley Belostock, speaking as President of the Adams School SCHOOL CLOS- P.T.A. , introduced Mr. Jerry Welch who read a prepared statement from ING REPORT - the Adams School P.T.A. , which stated that if the School Committee voted ADAMS AND to close Adams School, the P.T.A. requested that it be done in two phases. MUZZEY JUNIOR The petition recommended that the Administration provide ample over-flow HIGH SCHOOL classroom space and reserve teachers. It also said that the savings es- timated at $166,000 would be realized over a period of two years rather than one, and if two additional teachers were retained the first year, the net savings for the first year would be about eighty per cent of the original estimate. He also noted that parents feared that the transfer policy would create large classes. This was one of the main reasons that the petition had been initiated. He said that the School Committee policy allowed students to transfer to a school outside their assigned district on a space available basis . Parents felt that history indicated it was critical that the issue be brought to the attention of the School Committee; that each time a school had closed, the class sizes at receiving schools turned out to be larger than they should have been under the circumstances. He added that the school closing recommendation, therefore, which would per- mit students transferring from both Adams and Bowman,could mean unprecedented uncertainties. The petition further recommended that the School Committee impose class size limits rather than adhere to the ceiling of 30. The school petition requested that class sizes be limited to 20 in kindergarten ; 24 in grades 1, 2; and 26 in grades 3 through 6, that students from Bowman 2 and Adams North districts who wanted to transfer to Bowman be treated equally and priority transfers be given to sixth grade students. Mr. Welch concluded the reading of the petition and noted that the Adams School P.T.A. did not ask for very much. He said actually it was no more than what the School Committee said it would give. The difference was that the Adams School P.T.A. was asking the School Committee to make a policy decision to as- sure the class sizes will not be excessive rather than rely on the procedures of the past. Page 104 December 18, 1979 Mrs. Karen Brown of the BOwman School Parent/Teachers Organization stated that the Bowman School P.T.O. supported the class size concept as well as the provision for additional classes, and requested that the students in the Bowman 2 district who requested and received approved transfers continue to have transportation provided for them. Mr. Brown noted that there were economic constraints, rising energy costs, and a significant decline in enrollment that was projected to con- tinue into at least 1984. He noted that with Adams closed, that by 1984 there still would be one thousand vacant seats in the Lexington Public Schools at the elementary level. He said he was hesitant to guarantee class sizes as guarantees were very difficult. He stated it was neces- sary for the School Committee to be aware of contractual arrangements and to treat other schools with equity; and that no other schools which were closed were given such guarantees. Mrs. Swanson felt the policy of open enrollment needed clarification, and that transfers were not guar- anteed to anyone who requested them but they were granted after principal evaluation and on a space available basis. At this point, the Superintendent explained the transfer policy. The Superintendent noted that the School Committee policy was to grant transfers on a space available basis based upon principal' s judgment and with approval of the Superintendent. He said he would be very con- cerned if the School Committee implemented any policy that would limit a principal' s judgment. He added that sometimes for educational reasons it was better to have a class of twenty-seven students and a class of twenty-two in another. The Superintendent then pointed out the average class size in 1979 was twenty-two compared to twenty-four in 1974. He then reviewed. classes under thirty for the past several years. The comment that class sizes in recommended schools was much larger than projected was not accurate. He noted that the class this year at Fiske School was larger than projected because of an internal decision made by the principal for the placement of students. Mn Michelman felt that the question was not whether Adams closed but how the closing would be handled, and that he said he had several items he felt should be considered: 1. The interest of the parents of Bowman 2 at the upper grades 2. The interest of parents of Adams North Section 3. The interest of everybody at Bowman regarding class sizes He noted that he agreed that Bowman 2 and Adams North 6th graders should stay with students if they wished; that the Bowman School could be run on seventeen classrooms, and that there was ample space if needed; that perhaps the fifth graders could be handled but one could not make a con- fident statement at the moment; and lastly, that preference be given to Adams North and Bowman 2 youngsters, and make every effort at the fifth and sixth grade levels to accommodate them. The Superintendent said he felt that students from Adams North and Bowman 2 should be treated equally, and priority be given to sixth graders; then fifth graders; and then to other grades in that order. He added that he felt the school system could provide transportation to 6th grade transfer students within the regular allocation for transportation. Page 105 December 18, 1979 Mr. Michelman stated that even though the proposed limits on class size had some merit, he felt that ironclad guarantees could not be given to parents regarding class size without regard to unexpected events. He felt that a clear policy on class size was needed in part to enable the administration to deal with transfer requests in an orderly way and re- flect the policy of the School Committee. He felt the School Committee could not guarantee numbers of classrooms but that it could support the equality of treatment for the individual students. Mrs. Shaw said she felt that the purpose of the meeting was to hear reasons for closing Adams, and she had not heard any. She requested that someone respond to her comment. The Superintendent said, based on the School Committee policy, the Administration had prepared a report, and had made a recommendation consistent with the policy and felt the School Committee should review the evidence and vote to accept or reject the recommendation. Mr. Michelman added that he felt that there had been some reasons given such as decline in enrollment and financial savings (even though modest) considered in light of the "capping" placed upon School Committees by the State, and rising energy costs, all of which influence school closing issues. The Superintendent added that he felt that the Lexington Public Schools did not need twelve schools with the enrollment decline that it had experienced. He added that the decline in enrollment which had been projected to level off, looked like it will continue. The tax "caps" placed in effect by the Legislature were of grave concern to the taxpayer, as well as the School Committees, and that the budget figures due to the negotiations already indicated a million dollar increase (6`7,,) if the school system did nothing next year. The 6% being well over the 4% tax "cap" meant the schools had to think of ways to respond to the financial crisis . He added that the rising energy costs would influence the think- ing of everyone. Mrs. Swanson stated that she felt there were valid educational rea- sons for consolidation of the schools within the system. Mrs. Shaw re- sponded and noted that she was not for keeping Adams School open. She was for consolidation and felt now she had heard good responses to her questions. She said she had valid reasons for making a decision. Mr. Michelman then said he would prefer to think about a motion rather than vote on the issue this evening, and thought the vote was to be taken at the January 8 meeting. After a discussion, it was the consensus of the Coum.ittee that the next meeting, January 8, would include a vote on the Adams School plus a discussion of the Muzzey Junior High School potential closing. The School Committee thanked the School Administration and parents for their input into the evening' s discussion on school closing. Page 106 December 18, 1979 Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was NEW PERSONNEL VOTED: to elect the following new personnel as listed on the attached sheet: (Swanson, Shaw, Unanimous) Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was PERSONNEL CHANGES VOTED: to accept the following personnel changes as listed on the at- tached sheet: (Michelman, Swanson, Unanimous) Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, it was PUBLIC LAW 874 & OTHER VOTED: that the available and anticipated federal and state funds, FEDERAL & totaling $328,225, be used to reduce the 1980-81 budget re- STATE FUNDS quest. (Michelman; Gaudet, Unanimous) Paul Lombard presented a copy of the proposed Summer Reading SUMMER READ- proposal (E.S.E.A. , Title I) for the summer of 1980. INC PROPOSAL 1980 It was VOrtD: by the School Committee to submit the proposed Summer Reading Program to the State for approval. (Gaudet, Michelman, Unani- mous) • Copies of memorandum reports from the junior high school princi- JR. HIGH SCi pals were presented by the Superintendent regarding parent conferences PARENT-TEACHER at the junior high school level. The Superintendent noted that they CONFERENCES were most successful this year, and complimented the staff and admin- istration of the junior high schools. • The School Committee requested a similar report of the High School conferences. The Superintendent agreed that this information would be presented at a future meeting. Dr. Monderer presented a review of the tuition students in private TUITION STU- day and residential schools. Information had been requested by the DENTS FOLLOW- School Committee at a previous meeting. The School Committee reviewed UP INFORMATION the information and thanked Dr. Monderer for the report. Dr. Clune, Laura Krich, and Martha Angevine reviewed the proposed LIBRARY library expansion and remodeling of the science/library-Media Center EXPANSION facilities. Dr. Clune noted that two NEASC evaluations had noted the REMODELING inadequacy of student library space at Lexington high School and wished to address this issue. Mr. Michelman suggested that the School Committee visit the areas noted in the proposal so that they would better understand the recom- mendations. The School Committee agreed to visit with Dr. Clune soon to review the facilities. A copy of the Student Rights and Regulations pamphlet was presented STUDENT RIGHTS to the School Committee. The Superintendent noted that it had been de- & REGULATIONS veloped over a period of two years. Marc Dohan said that he had expected PAMPHLET a comment regarding grading and the influence of attendance on grading Page 107 December 18, 1979 included. Mr. Barnes noted that there had been no written agreement to that effect. However, it was appropriate to include such a statement as an addendum or revision. The Superintendent added that he felt a state- ment should have been included but it could now be developed. It was VOTED: to go into executive session at 10:30 p.m. to discuss a matter • of potential litigation. G14ichelman, yes; Shaw, yes; Swanson, yes; Gaudet, yes; Brown, yes) Respectfully submitted, < .<tl/ � Thhar6 H. Barnes Recording ,ecretary /c SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS The following schedules of payments were available for scrutiny and approval prior to this meeting: SCHOOL DEPARTMENT BUDGETS Personal Services December 7, 1979 Classified Payroll #13-C 676,244.38 November 30, 1979 Professional Payroll #11 492,897.87 Expenses December 7, 1979 Bill Schedules #109 5,553.17 December 7, 1979 #110 1,744.44 December 7, 1979 #111 1,384.23 December 7, 1979 #112 8,289.09 December 7, 1979 #113 2,925.74 December 7, 1979 #114 96,88 December 7, 1979 #115 1,737,53 December 7, 1979 #116 74.30 December 14, 1979 #117 1,365,80 December 14, 1979 #118 3,729,38 December 14, 1979 #119 1,610,48 December 14, 1979 #120 6,446.79 December 14, 1979 #121 6,533.63 December 14, 1979 #122 31,411,37 December 14, 1979 #123 7,223.24 Expenses (Carryover Account) December 7, 1979 Bill Schedule #333 86.56 Out--of-State Travel December 7, 1979 Bill Schedules #8 666.25 December 14, 1979 #9 464.75 SPECIAL PROGRAMS - NON-LEXINGTON FUNDS Adult Education December 7, 1979 Classified Payroll #2-C 54,96 November 30, 1979 Professional Payroll 1,341.61 Driver Education December 14, 1979 Bill Schedule #4 273,69 Transition to Employment December 7, 1979 Classified Payroll #8-C 104.40 November 30, 1979 Professional Payroll 1,281.23 Project Discover November 30, 1979 Professional Payroll 501.15 ,:ember 14, 1979 Bill Schedule #3 782.10 (Over) Project Mainstream November 30, 1979 - Professional Payroll $691.97 Project Enhance November 30, 1979 Professional Payroll 765.77 December 7, 1979 Classified Payroll #2-C 421.40 December 7, 1979 Bill Schedules #4 14.37 December 14, 1979 #5 176.12 Metco Program November 30, 1979 Professional Payroll 5,420.70 December 7, 1979 Classified Payroll #7-0 1,784.73 December 14, 1979 Bill Schedule 418 124.78 Bus Tickets December 14, 1979 Bill Schedule 3 1,452.35 • a NEW PERSONNEL NAME SCHOOL/SUBJECT EDUCATION EXPERIENCE • PERSONNEL CHANGES - CLASSIFIED NEW PERSONNEL EFFECTIVE • TRANSFERS Interviewed by: Messrs. Horton,Barnes RESCIND RESIGNATION VOTE OF 11/20/79 YRS. IN LEXINGTON EFFECTIVE REASON (Over) 4. CHANGE IN HOURS EFFECTIVE •