Monday, March 28, 2011

"Franklin has historically been very proactive"

Franklin, Wrentham, Norfolk and Plainville received a $44,000 grant to study regionalizing dispatching. Franklin has applied with Millis, Walpole and Foxborough for a $40,000 grant to evaluate regionalizing some health services, town leaders said. 
Regionalization "is where it needs to go at least for certain services," Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said, noting efforts to form multi-town partnerships have been slow throughout the state. "There's a lot more ownership at the town level than other parts of the country and there's a fear of loss of control. There's just a litany of barriers that have to be overcome to make this a success." 
Fire officials met Thursday in Wrentham to kick off the study, which will be performed by Pennsylvania consulting firm L.R. Kimball. While the other three towns are examining regionalizing fire and police dispatch, Franklin is only looking at fire dispatching, Fire Chief Gary McCarraher said. 
"There is a lot of commonality and the fact of the matter is we're all in the same scenario in that we need to be doing more services for less money," McCarraher said. "Is there any potential savings in joining together in dispatch? I think we'll explore all those options in an attempt to provide faster, better services."
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1840140403/Franklin-considers-regionalizing-some-services#ixzz1Hsz2sVvB



Franklin, MA

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Mar 29, 2011

Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

Mission Statement
The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.


"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."


1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the March 15, 2011 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Boys Hockey
b. ASMS – Make a Difference
c. Best Buddies – ASMS/FHS
d. Student Success Team (presentation available here)

3. Discussion Only Items

Policy - Discussion (policy text available here)
KCDB – School-Based Advertising Content Policy – First Reading
KBE – School/Parent Organizations Relationships
KBE-E – School Committee / Administration Participation in PCC Meetings Guidelines
KDD – News Media Relations/News Releases

Policy – Second Reading - JICFB Bullying

2011-2012 School Calendar – January 1, 2012

4. Action Items
a. I recommend adoption of the School Committee Policy JICFB – Bullying as discussed.
b. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
c. I recommend approval of the FHS request for a recurring field trip to the MA Junior Classical League State Convention from 4/29 to 5/1/11 in Hyannis, MA as detailed.
d. I recommend approval of the 2011-2012 FHS Program of Study including change in graduation requirements as presented at the last meeting.
e. I recommend approval of the FHS field trip to Providence Place Mall on May 4, 2011 as detailed.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3000.00 from the Keller PCC for field trips.
g. I recommend amending the 2011-2012 School Calendar as discussed.
h. I recommend acceptance of the donation of 3-ring binders from Fidelity Investments for the FHS (approximate value: $50.00).

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations


Franklin, MA

School Committee - Policies for discussion

File: KCDB - SCHOOL-BASED ADVERTISING CONTENT
The purpose of allowing school-based advising is to generate additional revenue for Franklin High School extra-curricula programs by giving community, regional businesses and organizations the opportunity to respectfully and tastefully promote themselves and the Franklin Public Schools. Revenue generated from advertising will not supplant the operational budget of the school district. Any advertising content that is interpreted as being contrary to the stated purpose and guidelines of the Superintendent of Schools shall
be prohibited.
 
The content of any advertising that may be displayed at the Franklin High Field House or Pisini Field must be approved, in advance, by the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee and the Chairman of the School Committee or his/her designee. The promotion of any product related to alcohol, tobacco, illegal substances or advocates any political or religious position is strictly prohibited. Advertising that is determined to be vulgar, profane, or sexually explicit is not allowed. Advertising content with language or graphics that are interpreted as being of a harassing nature to any individual will not be allowed.
------------

File: KBE - SCHOOL/PARENT ORGANIZATIONS RELATIONSHIPS
To enhance communications between parents and school officials, the School Committee encourages the maintenance of formal parent organizations at each school building. For this purpose the Committee will officially recognize parent organizations upon request. 
To foster relationships with parent organizations that encourage the home and school to work together to establish and achieve the educational goals for students, the administration and staff will: 
1. Encourage parents to share in school planning through the school improvement council in setting objectives and evaluating programs.
2. Help parents understand the educational process and their role in promoting it.
3. Provide for parent understanding of school operations.
4. Provide opportunities for parents to be informed of their child's development and the criteria for its measurement.

--------------

File: KBE-E - SCHOOL COMMITTEE / ADMINISTRATION PARTICIPATION IN PCC MEETINGS GUIDELINES
The School Committee and the Administration of the Franklin Public Schools recognize the autonomy of Parent Communication Councils (PCC) at each of our schools. The School Committee and Administration endeavor to support the role of the PCC and welcome opportunities to present information, provide updates on school/community business and initiatives, to engage in meaningful conversation and to solicit feedback about our schools. 
In an effort to respect the authority and mission of the PCC and to recognize that each organization has established meeting agendas, bylaws and procedures. Below is the protocol to include School Committee and/or Administration at PCC meetings.
Invitation Protocol
  • Parent Communication Council President/designee, at their discretion, will invite a member(s) of the School Committee and/or Administration to present or be available at a meeting.
  • Invitation will be extended through the designated School Committee Liaison or the Office of the Superintendent of Schools
------------

File: KDD - NEWS MEDIA RELATIONS/NEWS RELEASES
Every effort will be made to assist the press and other communications media to obtain coverage of the programs, planning, and activities of the school system.
Representatives of the media will be provided equal access to information about the schools. General releases of interest to the entire community will be made available to all the media simultaneously. There will be no exclusive releases except as media representatives request information on particular programs, plans or problems.
In order that school system publicity is given wide coverage and is coordinated into a common effort and purpose, the following procedures will be followed in giving official information to the news media:
  1. The School Committee chairman will be the official spokesman for the Committee, except as this duty is delegated by the Chairman to another School Committee member.
  2. Any news releases and statements made to the press by any staff member or administrators must be cleared by the Superintendent.
  3. News releases that are of concern to only one school, or to an organization of one school, are the responsibility of the Principal in conjunction with the Superintendent. All statements made to the press by other staff members of the particular school must be cleared with the Principal and Superintendent.
Every possible effort should be made to obtain coverage of school activities that will create and maintain a dignified and professionally responsible image for the school system.

--------------------

File: JICFB - BULLYING
It is the goal of the Franklin School Committee to promote a learning atmosphere for students free from all forms of bullying. Because bullying affects not only students who are targets but also those who participate and witness such behavior, it is detrimental to student learning and achievement and will not be tolerated by Franklin Public Schools. 

Franklin Public Schools prohibits all forms of harassment, discrimination and hate crimes based on race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability. The civil rights of all school community members are guaranteed by law. The protection of those rights is of utmost importance and priority to our school district. Franklin Public Schools also prohibits bullying of school community members for reasons unrelated to their race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability. Further, Franklin Public Schools will also not tolerate retaliation against persons who report an incident(s) of bullying and/or harassment. 
Bullying is the repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a target that: (a) causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target’s property; (b) places the target in reasonable fear of harm to himself or of damage to his property; (c) creates a hostile environment at school for the target; (d) infringes on the rights of the target at school; or (e) materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school. For the purposes of this policy and related procedures, bullying shall include cyber-bullying.
Cyber-bullying is bullying through the use of technology or any electronic devices such as telephones, cell phones, computers and the Internet. It includes, but is not limited to, email, instant messages, text messages, and Internet postings. 
As is required by Massachusetts General Law, curriculum concerning the prevention of bullying and the fostering of a safe and nurturing school climate at each school shall be implemented in the Franklin Public Schools. 
All reports of bullying will be promptly investigated and will subject the perpetrator(s) to disciplinary action. Bullying actions will include, when appropriate, referral to law enforcement agencies or other state agencies. Franklin Public Schools will support this policy in all aspects of its activities, including its curricula, instructional programs, staff development, extracurricular activities and parental involvement. 
This policy applies to all sites and activities under the supervision and control of the district, or where it has jurisdiction under the law, including school grounds, property immediately adjacent to school grounds, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, function or program whether on or off school grounds, at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased, or used by a school district or school, or through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased, or used by a school district or school. 
Bullying is also prohibited at a location, activity, function or program that is not school-related or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased or used by the district, if the act or acts in question create a hostile environment at school for the target, infringe on the rights of the target at school or materially and substantially disrupt the education process or the orderly operation of the school.


The School Committee expects administrators and staff to make clear to students that bullying will not be tolerated and will be grounds for disciplinary action. 
All staff members are required to report any bullying or harassment they see or learn about. The district will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of harassment, including bullying. The Principal or his/her designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by students alleging harassment or bullying. Retaliation against a person who reports bullying, who provides information during an investigation of bullying, or who is a witness to or has reliable information about bullying, is prohibited. 
Nothing in this policy is designed or intended to limit the District’s authority to discipline or take remedial action under General Laws Chapter 71, §37H or other statutes or regulations, or in response to violent, harmful, or disruptive behavior, regardless of whether this policy covers the conduct. Reports of cyberbullying by electronic or other means, occurring in or out of school will be reviewed and, when a connection to school exists, will prompt investigation and disciplinary action. 
The Superintendent will develop administrative guidelines and procedures for implementation of this policy, consistent with the requirements of M.G.L. Chapter 71 §37O and related guidelines issued by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Superintendent in conjunction with principals will publish disciplinary polices in Student Handbooks, which shall prohibit bullying and shall include the bullying prevention and intervention plan required by Chapter 71, §37O of the Laws of the Commonwealth. Student handbooks shall include age-appropriate summaries of the student-related sections of the district’s bullying prevention and intervention plan. 
LEGAL REFERENCE: MGL General Laws Chapter 71, §37 O
LEGAL REFERENCE: Massachusetts Equal Educational Opportunities Regulations, 603 CMR 26.00.
CROSS REFERENCE: Student Handbooks
School Committee Policy JICFA, JICFA-E, JICFA-E1, JICFA-E2 Hazing
FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan
FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS Bullying Flowchart

Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: Student Success Team

The Student Success Team presentation is scheduled for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 29, 2011.

SchCom: Student Success Team Presentation 3-29-11



Related posts:





Franklin, MA

"All this is doing is advancing how plates are read"

The camera, mounted to the cruiser's light bar, can read more than 1,000 license plates an hour on cars traveling at speeds of up to 70 mph, Lt. Thomas Lynch said.
Police hope to have the new camera installed and officers trained on how to use it within 30 to 60 days, Lynch said.
 
Franklin got the camera with a $18,945 grant, one of 26 handed out totaling $500,000 that were recently awarded to local police departments by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to purchase the automated license plate readers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provided the funding. 
"The price has come down a little bit, but it's still way out of our league," Lynch said, noting Franklin will pay $1,515 per year from its police budget for technical support and software updates beginning next year. "The grant looked like a great opportunity for us to get something we otherwise wouldn't have funds for." 
The reader can compare license plates to databases such as the Criminal Justice Information System and detect cars with drivers who have expired insurance, revoked licenses, felonies and many other violations, Lynch said.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x617855388/Big-Brother-drives-into-Franklin-with-high-tech-license-plate-reader#ixzz1HnILJchY



Franklin, MA

Saturday, March 26, 2011

"something to help relieve their stress"

"I thought it was going to be really boring," said Fortey, a 12-year-old sixth-grader. "But, it turns out it was really fun." 
Now, Fortey plans to use some of the breathing techniques and stretches she learned during yesterday's workshop when she takes the math portion of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System exam in May. 
"It lets you relax and relieves all the stress," she said. 
Fortey and 21 other members of the fitness club gathered in the school's gym to learn yoga for an hour after school. The program was funded by a $1,500 grant from the Hockomock Area YMCA and Stop & Shop. 
Students sat on mats arranged in a circle in the middle of the gym while yoga instructor Meagan Krasner taught them to take long, slow breaths that use all parts of their lungs. 
"This has a real scientific reason behind it," said Krasner. "It helps to slow your nervous system down."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1664571752/Stress-test-Franklin-students-learn-to-relax-with-yoga-before-MCAS#ixzz1HhUtMu5D

Mrs Williams, a 4th grade teacher at the Kennedy School also has a yoga program.
http://kidskeepingup.blogspot.com/2011/03/rise-and-shine-yoga_21.html




Franklin, MA

Math standards approved for state college admissions

This announcement adds a new factor to the recent discussion on reducing the math requirement to graduate from Franklin High. An action item for the School Committee meeting on March 29th is scheduled to vote on reducing the requirement to three years of math and science.


Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 3/25/11

The state's Board of Higher Education on Thursday adopted a new standard that students applying to public colleges and universities in the state must complete four years of high school mathematics.

Things you can do from here:

Bay State Bike Week 2011

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 3/25/11

Bay State Bike Week 2011

Bike The 2nd annual Bay State Bike Week is set for May 14-20, a week of celebrating bicycle transportation across the Commonwealth. 

Last year was the first year that MassDOT and the State Bicycle Advocacy group MassBike partnered to make Bay State Bike Week a truly statewide celebration and as we learned unique in the country.

This year Bay State Bike Week will build on the successful 2010 effort and a long history of Bike Week celebrations across the Commonwealth, as MassDOT, MassBike, and MassRIDES, the statewide travel options program collaborate again on Bike Week rides and other events throughout Massachusetts.  This collaboration enables these organizations to work together to get the word out as widely as possible, and to broaden the scope of Bike Week events.

Biking as a mode of transportation is safe, economical, healthy, environmentally friendly, fast, and fun! Check out the Bike Week website at baystatebikeweek.org to find information for event organizers and participants. 

Event organizers are asked to submit your event for the website's statewide calendar!  In addition, watch for information on how to receive cool stuff for your event, including t-shirts, reflectors and posters while supplies last.  Organizers will also provide ideas and advice on organizing new events. 

May is fast approaching, so start planning now!  Mark May 14th to May 20th on your calendar for Bay State Bike Week and check the website for more information.

Things you can do from here:

Friday, March 25, 2011

Downtown Commercial Zoning Workshop - presentation documents

These two presentations were used during the workshop held on Monday, March 21, 2011.

The first presentation outlines the discussion format for the workshop and then steps through the components of the proposed changes to the zoning (minimum lot dimensions, setbacks, coverage, etc.)

The summary of items agreed to during the discussion can be found in the notes of the meeting

Downtown Proposed DC Zoning 3/21/11


The second presentation document was referenced to show design features from other community's downtown area.


DC Presentation Examples 3/21/11

Thanks to Beth Dahlstrom for providing the documents. These can also be found on the Planning and Community Development web page here and here.



Franklin, MA


"It's a huge issue for municipalities"

"It's so much cheaper if we can get rid of the sources by picking up maintenance practices" and reducing the use of fertilizer with phosphorus, Franklin's Public Works Director Robert Cantoreggi said at a workshop yesterday. 
About 35 municipal officials and representatives of engineering firms, environmental companies and other agencies met at the Franklin Municipal Building for the workshop, which was organized by the Charles River Watershed Association and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. 
The workshop came as Franklin, Bellingham and Milford town leaders worry about a federal Environmental Protection Agency pilot program that seeks to tighten stormwater regulations. The EPA has told those three towns that businesses with 2 or more acres of impervious surfaces could have to pay $6,000 to $120,000 per acre to purchase new systems to control runoff.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x617855290/Milford-Franklin-and-Bellingham-told-to-target-phosphorous-at-source-to-protect-Charles-River#ixzz1HbNfVydR


Prior posts on the proposed EPA Stormwater regulation:

From August 2010
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/epa-storm-water-proposal-information.html

From June 2010 (includes links to the May 12 meeting in Franklin)
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/06/epa-storm-water-proposal-information.html


Franklin, MA

Extension of the School Year Beyond June 30

For those inquiring minds - what if we did have to go beyond June 30th to complete the school year? The State has an answer.


Extension of the School Year Beyond June 30

DESE, in consultation with the Division of Local Services (DLS), issued the following guidance
regarding possible extension of the school year beyond June 30.


Q: If the school year is extended beyond June 30 in order to comply with the 180-day equirement, may the district pay salaries and costs incurred from the current year's budget?
A: The Department of Revenue's Division of Local Services has advised that the answer is yes. If the school year must be extended beyond June 30 to comply with state law on student learning time, that would extend the scope of the municipality's appropriation for the schools beyond June 30. See Mass. General Laws Chapter 71, Section 40, which provides that the compensation paid teachers is deemed "fully earned at the end of the school year, and proportionately earned during the school year" (emphasis added). Teachers, therefore, could teach school in early July to comply with the 180-day requirement, and any salaries paid would appear on warrants payable for the fiscal year that ended on June 30.

In short, state law permits the school year (and salary payments) to extend beyond June 30 in these circumstances. School officials still should consult with their own legal counsel to determine whether any provisions in collective bargaining agreements or local ordinances would affect the decision to schedule school days after June 30.

This information can be found on Page 2 of the bulletin located here

Franklin, MA

Bay State Greenway Northern Trail Advances

For those following the efforts of the Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee, there is news on a similar rail trail development effort through Saugus, Lynn, and Methuen.

Bay State Greenway Northern Trail Advances

by 


Prior posts on the Franklin Rail Trail
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/franklin-rail-trail-committee-meeting.html

http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/franklin-citizens-rail-trail-committee.html


Franklin, MA

In the News - electronics recycling, YMCA registration


Electronics, appliances recycle day planned in Wrentham on March 26





Hockomock YMCA registration starts next week





Franklin, MA

Preparing for I-495’s next boom

I am just catching up to this article from the Boston Globe West edition from Thursday. The article doesn't specifically mention Franklin but I would assume we are indeed one of the communities involved in the planning effort.
Planners in 37 communities along I-495 recently embarked on a $300,000 state-funded study organized by the quasi-public Metropolitan Area Planning Council to map out where residents might best channel new development, preserve open space, and build more on infrastructure. The study is due to be completed by the end of this year. 
The regional planning council is also working with the 495/MetroWest Partnership, a nonprofit public-private collaboration based in Westborough, and other local organizations on the effort. 
“This region is the state’s economic engine,’’ said Paul Matthews, the partnership’s executive director. “Because there is no central city, it tends to be overlooked a bit. Let’s make sure we have our ducks in a row as the economy picks up again in terms of development. What development do we want accomplished? Those are major questions for us to sort out."



via Boston Globe -- Globe West by John Dyer, Globe Correspondent on 3/24/11


Franklin, MA


Thursday, March 24, 2011

Citizens Against Waste: Substitute pay questions

How much total pay is made to substitute teachers?
$485,509 in FY10

Our teachers are invested in being in school to work with students. They are committed to providing an exceptional educational program and they understand that includes attendance. As per the contractual bargaining agreement, a teacher may be absent from work due to illness, family illness, or for a personal day. Also a teacher may be requested to participate in a professional development program as a requirement by the district administration which necessitates absence from the classroom. When teachers are not in the classroom, substitutes are required to provide instruction to students.
 
This budget provide compensation for substitutes who cover day to day absences and for teachers who are on long term leaves of absence ( e.g. medical leave, maternity leave)


I was surprised to see the number of substitute people and some of the amounts are pretty high. Are teachers paid straight salary?
Substitute teachers are not paid a salary and they do not accrue benefits.

Daily rates for sub teachers are: $60/day, college students; $80/day, non-certified; $100/day, certified; $125/day for long-term sub.


How is leave handled?
When a staff member is unable to work due to a medical condition, a paid leave of absence may be requested. The request is made to the superintendent and is accompanied by the appropriate medical documentation. If all documentation is in order a leave is granted in accordance with requirements outlined in the contractual bargaining agreement.


Is excessive teachers absence accounted for?
Absences for all school personnel are recorded and accounted for by Human Resources and the Payroll Office. Attendance data is recorded and updated on the pay stub for all employees.

My thanks to Maureen Sabolinski, Superintendent of Schools, for providing the answers to these questions.

If you have a question about Franklin's budget, please use the form to ask it. I'll get you a response.



The collection of Citizens Against Waste questions can be found here


Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: Express Line v2 #3-1

Franklin's Express Line newsletter has just been published.

Express Line Volume 2 - Issue 3-1

Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to read the document.

You can subscribe to your own copy of the newsletter by signing up on the Franklin website here. You will have four choices:

  • News and Announcements
  • Police News and Announcements
  • Recycling News
  • The Franklin Connection

This newsletter is the first option "News and Announcements"



Franklin, MA

"You can't stop people from shopping on Memorial Day"

"The attendance is very sparse, and it's sad," Vallee, a former JAG officer who serves in the National Guard, said yesterday at a hearing on legislation that would ban retailers in Massachusetts from opening on Memorial Day. "It saddens me because it is a very important day in our history and our culture." 
The 44-year-old Franklin Democrat said after the hearing that he supports the bill, sponsored by Sen. Michael Knapik, R-Westfield, but is unsure about its prospects on the Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee, of which he is co-chairman. 
He's expecting resistance from retailers, who see the ban as likely to boost tax-free holiday sales on the Internet.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1840140189/Veterans-legislators-back-ban-on-Memorial-Day-store-sales#ixzz1HVe5bm2o



Franklin, MA

In the News - all night party, Opera for kids


Franklin High All Night Party Committee fundraiser





Franklin Performing Arts Company Presents Opera for Kids


Franklin, MA

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Live reporting - Long Range Financial Planning Committee

Present: Doug Hardesty, Deb Bartlett, Graydon Smith, Sue Rohrbach, Orrin Bean, John Hogan,  Ken Harvey, Tina Powderly, Jeff Nutting (late)
Absent: Craig DiMarzio

Motion to approve minutes of Mar 9 meeting, second, passed 6-0

Discussion on the questions which were drafted offline since last meeting and compiled in one listing.

Town Council priority, we do it
if the committee needs to answer it to do the forecast, we do it
if the citizens feel they need this answered, we do it

discussion on how the questions are answered
the purpose of the Q&A is not just to provide the sentence or two, but to position the issue, break it down to the central issue for the forecast for the Town Council and peoples need

notion of deliverables - tossing out for discussion
trying to get to a point where we know what are focused on, what the output is, when it is expected.
instead of a massive deliverable, updated once a year or periodically
maybe put the questions on a website, clickable so they can see the answer and drill down as necessary on the issue
more able to 'live' publish as they are developed

forum last year was terrible, questions were not good, dialog was terrible
why was last year different from the prior year when more came out, more discussion was real
should consider separating the forum/discussion from the override

consideration on first time versus repeating, 'old news'
hold in a smaller venue, need to defend against 'old news'

perception created by the nature of the questions, getting the word out in a face-to-face way should be in a way that can engage in a meaningful dialog; not to be associated directly with an override to avoid that set of political overtones

clarification on the listing of questions, Town Council separated only in that if we do nothing else need to address those two. they are likely to be answered in the light of the larger issues

committee taking time to read through the compilation of questions
small print (8 pt font) and about 45 in total

anything striking or appealing?
any questions to add?

comment - we have answers to most of the questions, although maybe not in the best format
to add, pros and cons of split vs single tax rate
separating pension from OPEB, focus on the health care side of that from the Council perspective, the pension is already set at the State level; should be on our legislative wish list.

need to layout and understand the difference between the pensions and OPEB

SUTA = state unemployment tax

The committee could model into the forecast, if this were to happen, then what would happen, what effects would there be? That might be better in the context of projections but not addressed in a Q&A format

it is fair that we are getting a break, but how much would we raise if we were at the median rather than so low in relative tax burden? Could be a valid question to answer, if risky

in the prior committee we did look at the Arlington work, the five year plan that they did. Not really comparable to Franklin in terms of the growth flux that we can face. some folks fear the series of overrides could be perpetual. This could be a loaded question for a Q&A section and not likely in the best way to be presented. Need to consider the planning aspects of this and use it in the modeling

by starting to address the focal points (i.e. Town Council and citizens) this is getting to the point of addressing the questions in a manner relevant to the audience. You can answer a question in a factual way and satisfy one
group, answer the same question with a story and satisfy another segment of the audience.

need to layout the one time events where the money was 'found' to address 'always' finding the money
isolate and hone in on the increasing costs as the costs are rising faster than the revenue
the impact of the schools and their programs with the rising deficits

the correlation between home values and local real estate taxes
what is the percentage basis comparison to say Wellesley, Newton vs Franklin? does it help our story?
where could we get the data? Realtors. we could also Google to see if some white papers have already answered the question

what kinds of leading indicators are available are telling the story
what are the lottery numbers for the charter school year over year?
what are the number of students going to private schools?

----

clarification on updating Steve Whalen's numbers, still to be done and used as needed

for things we need changed at the State level, we need Jeff or the Council to address what is the plan, what is the process for recommending change, how does that happen? if it is not realistic, I will be reluctant to put in the time and effort

we did discuss this last time, we need the top 2-3 things, one to let people know how the hands are tied currently but that if this happens, etc.  then we can do more. But we need to explain what that is, and ensure that there is some action on it

the question for Vallee - what is it you need to get something done? is it citizen actions, is it a group of communities?

how are we going to get the information, the answers to these question, the reality is not enough people care to get out and vote? that is the problem

if we identify the right questions, maybe they are the ones you don't know the answers to. As much and as long as many people have been doing this, they have not been doing this with a long range view. There hasn't been a level of rigor focused on this.

Most of the questions have been answered, the flyer from last time has the answers. If you haven't seen this flyer, then there is an issue.

discussion around pay to ride numbers in the current budget and lack of information in the budget document  to explain the difference, individual working with School Committee to discuss the question and follow on questions

any new revenue sources? what are the sources? how are they used?
under cost containment, what regionalization efforts have been taken?

what do unfunded mandates do as percent for the budget, that increase is taking away from services to be provided.

the answer may not be highly controllable but at least get an understanding on what the reality is

we can investigate, advise but not plan. I tend to use the long range finance committee when I say what we are. A planning group would select and execute the decisions on which way to go. That is up to Jeff and the Town Council.

next meeting in 3 weeks.





Franklin, MA

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Franklin High School's spring musical, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying, is a satire of big business with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser. It centers on a young window-cleaner, J. Pierrepont Finch, who begins a meteoric rise from the mail room to Vice President of Advertising at the World-Wide Wicket Company. Finch's unorthodox and morally questionable business practices jeopardize not only his career but also his romance with Secretary Rosemary Pilkington.



The show will be performed Friday and Saturday April 1st and 2nd at the Horace Mann Middle School Auditorium, 224 Oak Street, at 7:30. 


Tickets are $10 available at the door, or can be purchased from the FHS Music Department (508-541-2100 x3098) or at the front desk at Franklin High School by cash or check made out to ‘Franklin Music Boosters’.




Franklin, MA