The meeting was called to order by Sue Hollingsworth, Chair, at 7:05 p.m.
Members present included Ashton Peery, Vice Chair; Jan Nyquist; Julie Dobrow; Dennis Picker; Laura Koning, Hanscom Representative, and Sherice Horton, METCO Representative.
Also present were Michael Brandmeyer, Superintendent; Paul Naso, Assistant Superintendent; and Dave Jack, Business Administrator.
Members absent: Ron Deak, Hanscom Representative
Dennis Picker reported that he attended the Assistive Technology workshop sponsored by the Parent Advisory Council on December 2nd. He was impressed with the presentation of the high level use of assistive technology and suggested that this software/hardware could be incorporated in a future technology plan for the district.
Mr. Brandmeyer thanked the PTA and the PAC for sponsoring the Assistive Technology workshop on December 2nd.
A parent in the audience asked members of the School Committee to explain the letter submitted by the Committee that was printed in the Lincoln Journal last week regarding the non-renewal of Mr. Schultz’s contract. Several members of the Committee responded directly to the parent’s question about what was meant in the School Committee letter by use of the phrase ‘a significant number of teachers,’ explaining that they had been in receipt of a letter signed by 20 teachers and that more teachers had signed the letter since it was received by the School Committee. Terry Green, LTA Co-President, added that the LTA had advised teachers who did not yet have professional status but who wanted to sign the letter not to do so due to their status.
Scott Burke, Director of Athletics for the Lincoln School, presented a brief report of the fall athletic programs along with the projections for next spring.
Several members of the Committee were concerned about the fee structure and if there were adequate student scholarships. Mr. Burke responded that no child has been denied playing a sport because scholarships cover the fee if necessary.
Mr. Picker mentioned that the fees charged in Lincoln are higher than other towns charge and that the School Committee should re-visit this again and look at Financial Aide guidelines before the fees are set for the school year 04-05 athletics.
Julie Dobrow complimented Karina Hansen for the fabulous job she did coaching the girls Field Hockey team this year.
Dave Jack complimented Scott Burke on his ability to keep the revolving account for athletics in the black.
Because Mr. Schultz was not in attendance, Jan Nyquist said that Mr. Schultz reported at the PTA meeting that the 8:00 a.m. opening is going well. The instructional assistants are supervising the children in the mornings, working on a two month rotation.
Julie Dobrow said that Mrs. Glassman reports the morning opening was going exceedingly well.
Ms. Nyquist mentioned that she did not see a place in the FY05 budget for the salaries of assistants providing the before school coverage. Mr. Brandmeyer stated that the funds are in a revolving account and there is money in this account to cover this expense.
Dennis Picker asked Christina Horner about the METCO children utilizing the 8:00 a.m. opening time. Ms. Horner prefers that the children have as much consistency as possible in their transition to school so she has asked the transportation company to slow down the ride so the children are arriving at school close to 8:12. Ms. Horner feels this is preferable to the children arriving at 8:00 a.m. and having to settle in somewhere for 12 minutes before they go to their classrooms.
At this eighth budget discussion the School Committee voted to approve a base budget for Lincoln in the amount of $7,764,047. At the December 1, 2003 meeting, Committee members had asked for more cuts from the Phase 2 reductions proposal from the Administration.
Mr. Brandmeyer felt that the original Phase 2 reductions list had the least negative impact for children. The Superintendent presented a list of alternative reductions for the Committee to consider. This list removes $23, 000 from the District Budget, $7,094 from the School Budget and with a transportation fee increase of $25 per seat, possible additional revenue of $4,000.
After a brief discussion Sue Hollingsworth moved to accept the list of reductions as originally presented by the Superintendent. Dennis Picker seconded, but stated he would be voting against this motion. The motion was defeated 4-1. Hanscom and METCO Representatives concurred.
Julie Dobrow and Jan Nyquist stated they felt it important that any budget cuts be made across the board, including having some cuts made from the administrative budget
After further discussion Dennis Picker moved to accept a modified version of the Superintendent’s list of reductions with the exception of the $6,000 reduction to EMI membership and to restore $18,000 to Instructional Assistant’s hours to bring the base budget for Lincoln to $7,764.047. Sue Hollingsworth seconded.
Mr. Picker explained his interest in maintaining the EMI membership because it addressed two important initiatives for the School Department: Professional Development and Diversity. Following additional discussion the motion was approved 5-0. Hanscom and METCO representatives concurred.
Mr. Brandmeyer briefed the Committee on the work Mr. Jack is doing in the area of energy efficiency and the possible funding available for using energy efficient programs. Mr. Jack reviewed the documents provided to him by NSTAR and outlined the evaluation process that has begun on the study of our consumption of power.
Dennis Picker presented a draft of eight proposed goals for the Lincoln School Committee for the 2003-04 school year. This first draft was presented to initiate a discussion among School Committee members.
Members discussed and re-worked the draft highlighting items that the School Committee is responsible for carrying out and others that it is responsible to watch over.
Sherice Horton left the meeting at 9:40 p.m.
Paul Naso reported his findings from the entry meetings he has conducted with teachers and parents at both campuses. Mr. Naso’s goal was to listen and record the responses to his questions, then to interpret the data. From these meetings Mr. Naso has condensed the themes of the conversations into three broad categories
Mr. Naso will report to the School Committee again on January 15, 2004 when he will outline his priorities for curriculum work, the activities related to curriculum planning and professional development, and the evidence that each priority is related to one or more of the above mentioned categories.
Ashton Peery thanked Mr. Naso for all the work he has done to date and said he is looking forward to hearing the report on January 15th.
No discussion
Jan Nyquist moved to accept the warrants in the amount of $1,334,130.07
This warrant consisted of two payroll and four accounts payable.
Ashton Peery seconded. Approved 5-0. Hanscom Representative concurred.
Julie Dobrow suggested that the School Committee communicate to the community at large the work that has been done to date regarding METCO. She offered to draft a letter explaining the efforts on advocacy and lobbying, and the possibility of targeted gifts to subsidize the cost of the program. Dennis Picker offered to assist Ms. Dobrow with the draft that they hope to have in the newspaper by December 18th.
A Lincoln family donated an Apple Laser Writer Select printer.
Jan Nyquist moved to accept the donation of the printer valued at $600.
Dennis Picker seconded. Approved 5-0. Hanscom Representative concurred.
Dennis Picker moved to approve the amended minutes of November 6.
Julie Dobrow seconded. Approved 5-0. Hanscom Representative concurred.
Sue Hollingsworth moved to approve the amended minutes of November 20, 2003. Dennis Picker seconded. Approved 5-0. Hanscom Representative concurred.
Sue Hollingsworth moved to adjourn the meeting. Ashton Peery seconded.
Approved 5-0. Hanscom Representative concurred.
The meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Stephanie Brown