Lincoln School Committee
Minutes of December 19, 2002
Hartwell Building, Lincoln MA

  1. Greetings and Call to Order
    The meeting was called to order by Sue Hollingsworth, Chair, at 7:05 p.m.
    Members present included: Sue Hollingsworth, Chair, Ashton Peery,Vice Chair, Jan Nyquist, Anne Doyle, Mark Masterson, Michelle Gardner Ince, Hanscom Representative, and Sherice Horton, METCO Representative.
    Also present were Michael Brandmeyer, Superintendent, Jeanne Whitten, Assistant Superintendent, and Dave Jack, School Business Administrator.
    Members absent: Mark Smith, Hanscom Representative.

  2. Public Comments
    Kathy Maloblocki, Sixth grade teacher at the Lincoln School, read a letter of concern to the School Committee from grades 6, 7 and 8 teachers. Sue Hollingsworth thanked Mrs. Maloblocki for the thoughtful presentation.

  3. Chairpersons and Members report
    No discussion.

  4. Superintendent�s Report
    Mr. Brandmeyer commented on his visit to the Hanscom Primary School for the K-3 Community Meeting. The students watched a video sponsored by the Heifer Project about sending animals to underdeveloped countries to help needy families support themselves. The primary school is considering this as a community service project. The Superintendent complimented the students for the wonderful job they did singing their school song.

    The Superintendent also attended Hanscom Middle School�s winter concert where 80% of the students participated in the performance. Compliments also went out to these students and Mr. Brandmeyer reported that it was a fun evening for all in attendance.

  5. Time Scheduled Appointments
    1. Proposal for Leslie Vagliano Memorial
      Christine Rago Brown proposed to the members of the School Committee the idea to place a plaque and a piece of art in the Lincoln School library to memorialize Leslie Vagliano, a Lincoln resident and former School Committee member who recently passed away.

      Mark Masterson suggested the Superintendent could appoint a teacher or library staff person to work with the Friends of Leslie Vagliano group. Mr. Brandmeyer agreed.

      Ashton Peery motioned to accept the proposal as stated and Anne Doyle seconded. Approved 5-0 Sherice Horton, METCO representative, concurred and Michelle Gardner Ince, Hanscom Representative, concurred.

    2. VOTE to Ratify Agreement with Lincoln Teachers Association
      The LTA voted on December 4, 2002 to ratify the proposed 3-year agreement beginning September 1, 2002 through August 31, 2005. The Superintendent reviewed the details of the proposed agreement settlement. Ashton Peery motioned that the School Committee VOTE to ratify the proposed successor agreement with the Lincoln Teachers Association. Sue Hollingsworth seconded. Approved 5-0. Sherice Horton, METCO Representative, concurred and Michelle Gardner Ince, Hanscom Representative, concurred.

    3. Discussion of FY2004 Hanscom Budget
      Randy Davis and Steve Kaplan presented the proposed reductions for Phase 3 and the finalized FY04 Hanscom Schools Budget to the School Committee. The phase 3 reductions were made in the following areas:

      Computer hardware, reduced aide time, reduced consumables, reduced custodial overtime and reduced special education tutors that were held in reserve.

      Sue Hollingsworth motioned that the School Committee vote to approve the Hanscom Schools proposed FY04 Budget. Mark Masterson seconded. Approved 5-0. Hanscom and METCO representatives concurred.

    4. Discussion of FY2004 Lincoln Budget
      • Kindergarten
        Mr. Brandmeyer reviewed the five options for the Kindergarten Models for 2003-2004.

        Becky Eston , kindergarten teacher at the Lincoln School, and the kindergarten team made a presentation to the School Committee regarding their concerns over the proposed Kindergarten Models for 2003-2004 school year. The team would like to see the current Full Day program evaluated since it has just been in place for the current year, before any other changes are considered.

        After some discussion a decision was made to provide a letter to the parents of kindergarten students who will be enrolling in the Lincoln School in the next few years outlining the options under consideration and inviting them to a forum for further discussion.

      • Update on METCO Program
        Mr. Brandmeyer reported that he is a participating member of a subcommittee of Superintendents of school districts with the METCO program. At a recent meeting where 26 of the 36 METCO communities were represented, they discussed issues such as understanding the achievement gap and the future of state funding. Statewide there are 3,300 METCO students.

      • Use of Classroom Assistants
        Jerry Schultz presented a graph showing the breakdown of how time is spent utilizing teacher assistants in the school.

      • Development of Recommended Budget (Override)
        The Superintendent gave an overview of the base budget for the Lincoln School and explained the memo outlining the recommended budget from the administration�s point of view of the items to be included in the revised budget proposal.

  6. Curriculum
    No discussion.

  7. Policy
    1. Transportation Fee Policy: First Reading
      Dave Jack presented the proposed revisions to Transportation Fee Policy File:EEAA

      The issue of available space and allocation of seats was discussed. A second reading of the revised policy will be on the School Committee agenda January 8th.

  8. Budget and Financial
    1. Warrant Approval
      Ashton Peery moved to approve the warrants totaling 625,382.53.
      Jan Nyquist Seconded.
      Approved 5-0. Hanscom Representative concurred.

  9. Old Business
    No discussion.

  10. New Business
    1. Set School Committee Meeting Dates for January.
      The School Committee approved the meeting dates January 8th and January 30th

  11. Approval of Minutes
    Anne Doyle motioned to approve the amended minutes of the School Committee meeting on December 5th. Ashton Peery seconded. Approved 5-0. Hanscom Representative concurred.

  12. Information Enclosures
    No discussion.

  13. Adjournment
    Mark Masterson moved to adjourn the meeting.
    Seconded by Jan Nyquist.
    Approved 5-0. Hanscom Representative concurred.
    The meeting adjourned at 10:38 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by
Stephanie Brown