Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-01-08-SC-min Page 1 January 8, 1980 A meeting of the Lexington School Committee was held on January 8, 1980, at 8:00 p.m. , at the Clarke Jr. High School. Those in at- tendance were: Brown, Swanson, Shaw, Michelman . Daudet , and student representative, Dohan. Also present were: Lawson, Maclnnes , Monderer, Pierson, DiGiammarino, and Barnes, Mrs. Anne White read a statement concerned. with Le::ington Hous- PUBLIC ing policies and the problem with census figures. She felt that the PARTICIPATION schools and town should be aware of the optional use for Land. If the census figures were in error, she projected that there would be a need for another school. She suggested that the School Committee hold on to the land rather than to sell it to developers . She also suggested that the Town Meeting review this concept . Mrs. June Kaye, of the Bowman School P.T.A. , requested that the School Committee resolve the school closing issue and provide two estra classrooms for Bowman School and accoumiodate transfers of fifth and sixth graders so that they may stay with their friends . It was MINUTES 12/18/79 VOTED: to accept the minutes of December 18, 1979 as corrected. (Gaudet , Michelman, Unanimous) It was EXECUTIVE MINUTE 12/18/79 DOTED: to accept the executive sessions minutes of December 18, 1979 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, Shaw, Unanimous) (See attached sheet .) Mrs. Swanson began the discussion of the school closing by noting SCHOOL CLOSING- that she had heard people say that there insignificant , un-important , ADAMS or modest savings associated with closing the schools . She felt that record should state that there are significant and important savings of more than a million dollars (accumulated savings) , and that a saving of $250,000 in one year was not insignificant . At this point , Mr. Michelman moved: 1. That Adams School be closed at the end of the current academic year. 2. That all students currently attending fifth grade at Bowman and Adams Schools be permitted at attendsixth grade at Bowman School during 1980-81. 3. That the administration be requested to make every effort to accomodate in the fifth grade at Bowman School during 1980-81 all children currently attending fourth grade at Bowman and Adams Schools, but only if in their judgement such accoumoda- tion is possible without making class sizes a typically large or otherwise impairing educational equity or effectiveness. 4. That transportation to Bowman Schoolbe provided for all stu- dents attending Bowman. School pursuant to paragraphs 2 and 3 of this vote, who are otherwise eligible for such transporta- tion under the Transportation Policy. Page 2 January 8, 1980 5. That in all other respects students be assigned to Bowman and Harrington Schools for 1980-81 as recommended in the Report of the Committee to Study the Reassignment of Pupils, subject to the Transfer Policy. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Shaw. After a brief discussion, Mrs. Swanson moved to amend the motion as follows : 1. That Adams School be closed at the end of the current academic year. 2. That all students currently attending fifth grade at Bowman and Adams Schools be permitted to attend sixth grade at Bowman School during 1980-81, and that transportation to Bowman School be provided for these students attending Bowman School who are eligible for such transportation under the Transportation Policy. 3. That in all other respects students be assigned to Bowman and Harrington Schools for 1980-81 as recommended in the Report of the Committee to Study the Reassignment of Pupils , subject as usual to any transfers which may be allowed pursuant to the • Transfer Policy. _ The motion was seconded by Mrs. Gaudet. The superintendent said that there would be approximately twenty- seven students eligible for transfer at the fourth grade level, and that if there was no risk ov over-crowding at the fifth grade level it would be alright. However, one could not tell until the end of August if there were tc be no changes. He also said there were concerns, such as, should it be by lottery or by siblings , half and half, depending upon the space available. Mr. Horton said he felt transfer acceptances should be conserva- tive. He said principals should protect class sizes. He noted trans- fer students did adjust very well but the school closing of Adams had created two viable schools and felt that classrooms should not be too large at any level in any school. He said that by accepting all of the transfers it would mean special education students would have to move to another school. He felt that that was most inappropriate. The superintendent agreed, also. Dr. Lawson said there would be some disappointed parents , and that is why he mentioned transfer problems. He said it was obvious that all students could not be accommodated, and felt that parents should know that now based upon past experience. Mrs. Gaudet said it was good to clarify the issues, and felt the transfer issues should be left up to the Administration t , decide. A vote was called on the amendment . (Yes , Swanson, Gaudet , Brown; No, Shaw, Michelman. A vote was called on the motion as amended. (Yes, Swanson, Gaudet , Shaw, Michelman, Brown) Page 3 January 8, 1980 Mr. Brown said he felt that the status of the Muzzey Jr. High SCHOOL CLOSING- School needed further discussion due to the concern of the increased MUZZEY JR. HIGH cost in energy, the seven percent projected increase in budget , and the fact that seventh grade students might request to go to other schools. It was agreed to delay the discussion of Muzzey Jr. High School until after budget discussions. Mr. Michelman added at this point that the Administration did offer some reasons for not clos- ing Muzzey this year, and felt they were significant reasons. Mrs. Gaudet said if a good size number of transfer requests were made to go to Clarke and Diamond it would have a bearing on Muzzey Jr. High School to provide a viable program. The superintendent said such transfers could certainly have implications regarding program, and we would need to know no later than April 1. Student representative Dohan expressed concern if Muzzey closed that classes in the other junior high schools would be crowded. Also, the possible implementation of new phasing recommendation group- ing policies was of concern. He added that the junior high school years were very difficult years for students, and felt as much person- alization as possible should he provided. He concluded that he felt Muzzey should remain open for one more year. Mrs, Shaw said she felt parents, teachers , and students were looking forward to a logical progression of the proposal regarding re-grouping policies. She stated she would dislike the fact that tightness in the junior high schools would impede this progression. She felt it was necessary to make an early decision, provide a def- inite deadline for a judgement , and the School Committee should de- cide based upon the projections and recoumnendations presented. Mrs. Swanson said she had the opposite concern. She felt that students may not be getting enough options at the Muzzey Jr. High School. She said it was of great importance to review the Muzzey program; and to hear the pros and cons of Muzzey closing. Mr. Brown announced that the status of Muzzey Jr. High School would he discussed at a future meeting. The class size proposal was presented by Mr., ,ichelman. (See FIRST READING attached sheet .) OF CLASS SIZE PROPOSAL Mrs. Shaw said that the discussion of such a proposal certain- ly would be good for the School Committee. It would review what has happened with class sizes and all would know of the School Com- • mittee's concern. Mrs . Swanson said she did not want to gee_ involved in class sizes which was at the principal's level of decision. She felt that the policy could be misleading to parents , and that once a figure was stated it could be a problem. It was agreed to discuss the class size proposal at a second reading. Page 4 January 8, 1980 Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, it was NEW PERSONNEL VOTED: to accept the following new personnel as listed on the attached sheet: (Swanson, Michelman, Unanimous) Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, it was PERSONNEL CHANGES CERTTFTED VOTED: to accept the personnel changes (certified) as listed on the attached sheet: (Michelman, Gaudet , Unanimous) Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, it was PERSONNEL CHANGES CLASSIFIED VOTED: to accept the personnel changes (classified) as listed on the attached sheet: (Michelman, Gaudet , Unanimous) It was STATEMENT OF ASSURANCES VOTED: to accept the Statement of Assurances, (Swanson, Michelman, Unanimous) The superintendent presented the proposed 1980-81 budget to the 1980-21 BUDGET School Cunm,ittee which contained a 7.3% increase over 1979-80 ($17,710,442) . He stated that the problem of managing schools in a period of declining enrollments and escalating costs requires ap- proaches different from those used in periods of growth and pros- perity, although the goal of educating each student to his capacity is unchanged in 1980. The Lexington Public Schools had established a management system which incorporates information from needs as- sessments, evaluations, and established priorities into decisions made by teachers, principals, coordinators and system-wide adminis- trators regarding the allocation of resources. The superintendent further stated that without this current emphasis upon planning, the percent of increase requested in the 1980-81 budget would have been much larger. Budget discussion meetings were set for January 19, 22, 24 and February 5. The superintendent read a letter from Commissioner Anrig noting STATE DEPARTMENT approval of three proposals for fiscal year `80 of Chapter 636 for OF EDUCATION the Lexington Public Schools as follows: APPROVAL OF TITLE Cultural Understanding Through the Performing Arts - $12,521 CHAPTER 636 Theatre From Around the Corner And Around The World - 9,451 PROPOSALS American Roots - 11,849 It was VOTED: to adjourn at 10:45 p.m. into executive session to discuss the character and reputation of an individual and matters pertaining to litigation and negotiations, (Swanson, yes ; Gaudet, yes; Brown, yes ; Michelman, yes; Shaw, yes) Respectfully submitted ,Richard H. Barnes /mc Recording Secretary • :o 'oh.?7.-, • . ; Ser:vic 21, 1979 • 3, 1979 ;•97-1: , ; 77, roc:2.2..9:r 28, 1919 -9. 214.-22 21, 1979 : :sr 21, 1919 1,CI! , Is 1 :tar 21, 1.1 : 3• 2; 21, 3929 21, 19'77 11", 21, 11711 _Thcc. 173:9, 3 Z29 ix.3 .3E; -L1 ; 31 7 3r) • • . _ - ca 2o .3„ .C7 S, 9 2LcflCCty. ' t . 21, 7 971- y-- D2ccc:13_2r 11 . c"3' -3:: : oc--2,1;ar 21, 7 )7 2 17.-2 Cr.r 1 „ 19;'1 :2c(-Lie 32 2 . 1-1T • (. FIM Draft 1/2/80 MOTION IN ?BGABD TO A GENERAL ELEMENTARY CLASS SIZE POLICY That the following Policy on Elementary School Class Sizes be adopted - 1. The following classroom teacher/pupil ratios shall be maintained - a. For all the elementary schools taken together, the ratio of classroom teachers to pupils shall at all times be at least for kindergarten 1: 15 for grades 1-6 1:24 b. The following ratios of classroom teachers to pupils shall be maintained for each. elementary school, except when (1) the Super- intendent has advised the School Committee that in his judgment an exception is warranted by special circumstances and can be implemented with no significant impairment of educational equity or effectiveness, and (2) the School Committee has voted to approve the exception - for kindergarten, at least 1:20 for grades 1-6, at least 1:24 2. Staffing for the elementary grades shall be planned and conducted with the aim that individual class sizes will not normally exceed the following target levels. for kindergarten, 26 for grades 1-2 2L. for grades 3-6 26 These aims shall be kept in view at all stages of the staffing process and related decisions, such as preliminary pro;ect:ions and planning, budget preparation, and transfer requests. 3. Class sizes in excess of the taget levels in par. 2 may be established in the following circumstances: a. In the judgment of the school principal, in consultation with teaching staff and with the approval of the Superintendent, it will be educationally preferable in the particular case to establish a larger class, and the average class size for the school and grade in question, or for ,that grade and either adjacent grade taken together, does not exceed the larget level in par. 2. b. The number of students registering exceeds the number ex- pected and planned for, and the administration determines that a resulting class size in excess of the target level will not, in the particular case (with such additional teaching assistance as may be recommended pursuant to par. 4 below) , significantly impair educational equity or effectiveness. 4, Whenever it appears to the principal of any elementary school that the size of any class in the school does or likely will exceed the target level, the principal will promptly so advise the Superintendent and School Couauittee. The Superintendent , after appropriate consultations, will then advise the School Committee as to whether, in his judgment , additional teaching assistance is required for such larger class in the interest of educational equity and effectiveness. NEW PERSONNCL NAME SCHOOL/SUBJECT EDUCATION EXPERIENCE PERSONNEL CHANGES tNGE,S *._ ., COACHU C APPOINTMENTS : ADDITIONAL A.SSIGNMEN_ �_. ,) TE?,MINATION OF EMPLOYMENT YRS, IN LEXIN0_Jty EFIDDITI7E. REASON over PERSONNEL C s r, >e:» NEW ER:O sL e2e�s END OF TERM RETIREMENT YEARS IN laiYINR22N