Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - Dec 10, 2019

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 6:15 PM

Franklin Town Hall, 3rd Floor Training Room 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

AGENDA

1. Call to Order
2. Departmental Capital Budget Presentation:

• a. Schools

3. Public Comments
4. Approval of Minutes
5. FY20 Town Administrator Capital Plan and Free Cash Overview
6. Departmental Capital Budget Presentations:

• a. Facilities
• b. Recreation
• c. Technology
• d. Administration
• e. Fire
• f. Police

7. Adjournment (Next meeting December 17, 2019 6:30@ Senior Center) 


Balance Update
• General Stabilization $6,137,866
• Recreation Fields $304,951
• Open Space Acquisition $1,121,867
• Budget Stabilization $396,332
• Free Cash $3,482,875
• OPEB $5,852,978
• Property Acquisition $269,781
• Fire Truck Stabilization $209,595

OPEB Obligation as of 6/30/18 (PAYGO): $68,554,870


The full agenda doc including supporting capital budget materials
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-12-10_finance_committee_agenda_fy20_capital_plan_1.pdf

King St and Washington Sts intersection before the snows covered the ground

Tri-County RVTHS Open House for Grade 7-8 students Nov 5

When Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School host its annual Open House for grade 7 and 8 students on Tuesday, November 5, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., attendees will be among the first to explore several new technologies available to students.

During the Open House, Tri-County’s new state-of-the-art Medical Assisting facility, which opened to students in September, will be open to the public for the first time.

“As a school that aligns its curricula to future workforce needs, Tri-County is fully committed to preparing students for the careers that will be available over the next decade. We’ve expanded our healthcare offerings as we work collaboratively with our industry partners to tackle workforce shortages, particularly a shortage of nurses,” explained Tri-County Superintendent-Director Stephen Dockray, “We strongly encourage middle school families to visit Tri-County to not only determine if our high school is the right fit for their child, but also to explore and consider the careers that will be available to their child upon graduation from high school and college.”

Tri-County’s new state-of-the-art Medical Assisting facility

In addition to the new Medical Assisting facility, Tri-County unveiled a new Engineering wing in the spring that includes new advanced manufacturing and robotics equipment.
“Our goal is to ensure our vocational shops emulate the workplace,” said Principal Michael Procaccini. “In Carpentry, that often means working with clients on construction projects. In Early Education, that means running a child care center and building a curriculum geared toward young children. Our students develop the soft skills and employability skills that are critical to career success. Many choose to continue their studies in college with the strong foundation they built here at Tri-County.”

In addition to touring the school’s 16 Career Programs, families will have the opportunity to learn about Tri-County’s rigorous academic courses that include Advanced Placement offerings and a for-credit college-level Spanish Program operated in partnership with Bristol Community College.

Student-athletes will be available to discuss the high school’s sports teams which compete in the Mayflower Athletic Conference. Student ambassadors and current Tri-Count parents will be on site to discuss extracurricular programs, cooperative education and school culture.

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School serves students in Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Sherborn, Seekonk, Walpole, Wrentham.

School Committee Recap - March 26, 2019

The School Committee meeting had a visit from Ben Franklin and then got to business with the School Start Times Advisory Committee presentation and recommendation. 

An update by Technology Director, Tim Raposa provided insights on the growth and importance of technology to all aspects of Franklin operations on the municipal side as well as through out the schools.

Ben Franklin briefly visits with the School Committee

School Start Times report and audio recording
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/fm-161-school-start-times-report-32619.html

School Start Times Summary Report
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/school-start-times-advisory-committee.html


Technology presentation

Technology Presentation - March 26, 2019 from Franklin Matters

• Live reporting: Consent agenda- Closing (Executive...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-consent-agenda-closing.html
• Live reporting: Discussion Items - Information Mat...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-discussion-items.html
• Live reporting: Technology Presentation
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-technology-presentation.html
• Live Reporting: School Start Times
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-school-start-times.html
• Live Reporting: School Committee - Meeting - Mar 2...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-school-committee-meeting.html

Live reporting: Technology Presentation

2. Guests / Presentations

d. Technology Presentation
Tim Raposa

(presentation to be added when published)

Technology Presentation - March 26, 2019 from Franklin Matters

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - March 26, 2019

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.

A G E N D A

“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
a. Review of Agenda
b. Citizen’s Comments
i. In the spirit of open communication, “the School Committee will hear public comment not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee Meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment” – from Policy BEDH
c. FHS Student Representative Comments
d. Superintendent’s Report

2. Guests / Presentations
a. Special Guest – Ben Franklin
b. Robert Seide – Art Scholarship
c. School Start Times Advisory Committee Presentation
d. Technology Presentation

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. Policy – 2nd Reading/Adoption
I recommend adoption of Policy IJOAB – Extended Field Trips as discussed.

4. Discussion Only Items

5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Budget; Community Relations; Policy;
Transportation; Public Schools Advocacy; Ad Hoc Superintendent’s Evaluation)

b. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC; Substance Abuse Task Force;
School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]; School Start Times Advisory Committee
[SSTAC], MASC)

6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your March 12, 2019 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
b. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
c. FHS Scholarship
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from Robert Seide for a FHS Scholarship as detailed.
d. FHS Donation
I recommend acceptance of the donation of a Nikon D60 Camera and 55-250mm zoom lens valued at approximately $300.00 from Ivy Patten for FHS as detailed.
e. JFK Gifts
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,075.00 for JF Kennedy Elementary School as follows:

• $350.00 American Heart Association for Supplemental Supplies
• $750.00 JFK PCC for Field Trips

f. Davis Thayer Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,700.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for field trips as detailed.
g. Music Dept. Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $323.00 from various music parents for in-house enrichment for the Music Department.
h. Keller Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,098.50 from the Keller PCC for field trips as detailed.
i. HMMS Recurring Trip to Save the Bay
I recommend approval of the recurring request of Rebecca Motte to take 6th Graders to Providence, RI for Save the Bay program on June 5, 6, & 7, 2019 as detailed.

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence

11. Executive Session
a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA/RN unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

12. Adjournment

The meeting packet and documents released for this meeting can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/march-26-2019-school-committee-packet

Not some of the documents will only be posted AFTER the meeting (usually during the day Wednesday)

new scoreboard at FHS donated by Middlesex Savings Bank

Franklin Ford Donates Car to Tri-County’s Auto Technology Career Program

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School is pleased to announce that Franklin Ford has generously donated a Ford Edge SUV to the Tri-County Automotive Technology program to assist with advanced curriculum.

With a shortage in qualified technicians, service departments around the country have been scrambling to find new talent. Ford Motor Company recognized the labor shortage in the industry and decided to do something about it. Last September, Ford started the TechDrive Program throughout the United States. Each Ford Regional Talent Placement Specialist was challenged with building partnerships with their region’s Ford Dealerships that have an automotive technician shortage and connecting them with local technical high schools.

Tri-County has been chosen as one of the Technical High Schools to take part in the TechDrive Program. Franklin Ford has agreed to sponsor Tri-County, with the expectation that the partnership will fulfill their technician hiring needs. As part of the TechDrive Program, Ford has furnished Training Modules to Tri-County students.

“With the automotive technician shortage, we’ve had to create innovative ways to find, hire, train and keep service techs,” said Frank LaMonica, Fixed Operations Manager at Franklin Ford. “We are pleased to have partnered with Tri-County in the TechDrive Program. We hope the Tri-County students will enjoy working on the car in order to prepare them for future career opportunities. Here at Franklin Ford, many of our automotive technicians are graduates of Tri-County. We look forward to hiring more in the future.”

“Our goal is to build the relationship between Education & Industry, and for Ford Dealers to have a pipeline of quality automotive technicians,” said Michael Nixon, Regional Technical Talent Placement Specialist at Ford Motor Company. “With 15 dealerships within my region, finding new ways to hire qualified service technicians has been a challenge. Hopefully, the TechDrive Program will help our dealerships to fill that shortage in technicians.”

“Our students in the Auto Technology program can’t wait to reverse engineer this vehicle,” said Superintendent Stephen Dockray. “We are thankful and honored to have been given the Ford Edge and are looking forward to our students gaining the knowledge and critical thinking skills required to meet the growing demands in the automotive industry.”

Franklin Ford Donates Car to Tri-County’s Auto Technology Career Program

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

FM #158 - Finance Committee sends Capital Budget recommendations to Town Council

FM #158

This internet radio show or podcast is number 158 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Finance Committee meeting held at the Municipal Building, Third Floor Training Room on Tuesday, January 15, 2019.

The meeting is the second of two to review the Capital Budget by the Finance Committee. Today’s meeting will review the following agenda:

• Schools
• Facilities
• Technology
• Recreation

After hearing all the presentations, the Finance Committee will vote to recommend some or all of these (with or without modifications) to be brought to the Town Council for their review and vote.

The complete agenda documents for Jan 15 meeting can be found on the Town of Franklin pages

Jan 15
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-01-15_finance_committee_agenda.pdf

The documents for the Capital Budget discussions can be found
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xu_1JUPgKXNH8i9DhDZH7ZkfFk6tyFQp/view?usp=sharing

Note: the document is a single PDF file with 166 pages, so it will take some time to download/open.

The total meeting recording runs just about 48 minutes. Without further ado, here is the audio recording:





My notes recorded via Twitter during the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/01/finance-committee-jan-15-2019.html

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This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning or construction, I would like someone to help us by following the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and or the Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive, open mind and willingness to learn and share.

Overall:
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Finance Committee - Capital Budget Hearing #2 - Jan 15, 2019

The next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan 15 at 7:00 PM in the Training Room on the 3rd Floor of the Municipal Building.

This will be second of two meetings to review the Capital budget. You may recall that these capital budget hearings are usually held in November/December. The hearings are late this year as the State was late to certify the free cash total for Franklin.

Free cash is neither free nor cash. It is the accounting result of under spending what was authorized for the prior year's budget expenses, and receiving more revenue than had been forecast in the FY 2018 budget. 

Franklin has historically used the free cash amount to build the individual stabilization funds (general, recreation, fire truck, etc.) and to fund the capital needs for the Town departments.

Capital budget presentations are scheduled from

• Schools
• Facilities
• Technology
• Recreation

After hearing all the presentations, the Finance Committee will vote to recommend some or all of these (with or without modifications) to be brought to the Town Council for their review and vote.

The agenda document for the Jan 15 meeting can be found on the Town of Franklin pages

Jan 15
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-01-15_finance_committee_agenda.pdf


My meeting notes from the Jan 8 meeting can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/01/finance-committee-capital-budget-part-1.html

The audio recording for the Jan 8 meeting can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/01/fm-156-finance-committee-capital-budget.html

The Finance Committee as it begins the Jan 8 meeting at the Senior Center

Town Council summary - Dec 19, 2018

The recap of the Town Council meeting held Wednesday, Dec 19, 2018.

Liquor license renewals
The annual liquor license renewals came up for approval. Those businesses with outstanding bills will have their license held until the outstanding items are completed. 
The listing of the current liquor licenses can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/2019_alcohol_renewals.pdf

Technology Update
Tim Raposa, Technology Director, provided an update on the work of the department. "There isn’t a department in here that doesn’t need technology" was aptly quoted in the MDN article on his presentation. I took several photos of his presentation and will share the deck when it is available (not yet posted to Town page).

Photos captured of the presentation can be found online
https://photos.app.goo.gl/z9aGETegsyeeCEZJ8


Mixed Business Innovation
The package of 6 zoning bylaw amendments came before the Town Council for potential referral to the Planning Board. They had been reviewed at the Economic Development Committee and came forward with a 3-1 vote (Kelly the lone 'no' vote).

Kelly clearly wants something in the bylaw to allow for residential use but exactly what would meet that requirement was not discussed explicitly or agreed to during the meeting. While some other councilors agree that residential use would make sense, it doesn't for the building that is currently on site. The bylaw amendments did get referred to the Planning Board. Kelly voted against one of the amendments but voted for all the others.

The Planning Board will hold two public hearings and make a recommendation on the measures to send back to the Council. The Council will also hold two public hearings and either make adjustments to the language or leave it as is. The timing on all of this would bring a 'final' decision sometime as early as mid-February or March 2019.

The formal "Actions Taken" document was not yet published. When it is, it will be linked to here.

one of the Technology slides depicts the town school split for the technology personnel

My detailed notes taken during the meeting can be found in the links below:

• Live reporting: from Town Administrators Report to...

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-from-town-administrators.html

• Live reporting: Legislation for Action

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

• Live Reporting: Technology Dept

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-technology-dept.html

• Live Reporting: Town Council - Dec 19, 2019

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-town-council-dec-19-2019.html

"There isn’t a department in here that doesn’t need technology"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Timothy Rapoza says that all those suspicious emails that town employees have been receiving are safe -- at least for now. 

Rapoza, director of technology services, told town councilors on Wednesday that he is behind numerous fake emails -- replicas of popular phishing emails that appear as if they contain viruses -- sent to town employees, and for good reason: He and his team want to see who is clicking on them. 

The goal, Rapoza added, is to train employees to recognize potential threats when they see them in their inboxes. It’s one of the many tasks of the town Technology Department, which has been in place for about 20 years. 

And Rapoza, who has been with Franklin for 13 years, said he has seen technology change dramatically in that time."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181222/franklin-councilors-get-tech-lesson-on-phishing-virus-threats

From more about the Town of Franklin Technology Department
https://www.franklinps.net/district/educational-technology

one page from the slideshow presented at the Town Council meeting on Weds, Dec 19

Live Reporting: Technology Dept

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	a. Technology Department Tim Raposa
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	a. Capital Budget Subcommittee  meeting scheduled for Jan 9, 16 b. Budget Subcommittee  dates coming for next meeting c. Economic Development Subcommittee nothing at this time

Live Reporting: Technology Dept

Additional photos of the presentation deck can be found online
https://photos.app.goo.gl/z9aGETegsyeeCEZJ8

approx 3,000 Chromebooks for 5,300 students

High school and middle school primary users 1:1

network built for redundancy, three providers can roll over from one to another

network is important and growing more so

lights are coming to the work, some day

servers provide authentication for access, and control software deployments

most organizations have a mix of cloud and local services, a cost factor

no administrative rights for software installs, need to open a ticket to do so

when using a school account still protected no matter where they are, home or school

offsite locations replicate between FHS and Municipal building

internal testing (phishing simulations) via KnowBe4

Chromebook repair big item

all printers are outsourced, a big savings

involved in meetings with every department as technology is everywhere

clickers do get extra training for having 'clicked'

follow up questions 

on the risk assessment from last meeting, and steps being taken to address

on the phish training being done

have we been hacked, no

isolated units have been targeted and the antivirus software stopped the instance from spreading

insurance coverage in pilot this year, may be a cost for it next year, should be a relatively small amount in the grand scheme of things

are we protected? we are as well as can be

students have Chromebooks, internal security, and are enabled only for email within the system (exception set up for outside contacts)

moving servers to virtual servers

Chromebooks 1:1 ate middle school and high school

middle school student systems remain in the school (saves on repairs)

ongoing challenges

• top concern - security
• balancing act of security and providing functionality
• staff retention of tech staff
• sustainability of technology infrastructure (need to plan for replacement of devices) (currently not funded and needs to be)

is there a new model for the Chromebook replacements?

only since 2014 (when high school opened)

BYOD could be used but for state testing requires Chromebooks so total BYOD is not practical

comparison of Chromebook vs. the old printed book versions is also compelling

FTC Scam Alert: Avoiding tech support scams

Avoiding tech support scams by Carol Kando-Pineda Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education You're working on your computer when, suddenly, a message pops up on the screen: "Virus detected! Call now for a free security scan and to repair your device."  That's a tech support scam. Don't call, text, or email. Legit tech support companies don't operate that way Read more => https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/07/avoiding-tech-support-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

Finance Committee Recap - FY 2019 Budget voted on to move to Town Council

Live reporting from #FinComm0424 meeting: Conley, Dowd, Heumpher, Dugout, Weich, Fleming present. Schools budget up first

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) April 24, 2018

Questions on use of revolving funds for school budget, enrollment down K-8 up at HS, school choice funds continue to decline as that is not open. #fincomm0424

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) April 24, 2018

Several questions were asked on the use of the revolving funds by the schools to balance the school budget. As you listen to the questions and answers, sometimes it appears that the answer was to another point or to one of the points in the question not to another.

The revolving funds used by the school budget are similar in that to the enterprise funds used by the Town. Fees are collected for a specific purpose (busing, or lunch, on the school side vs. water and sewer on the Town side). Expenses are paid out of the fees to enable the service to be self sustaining.

The questions get at how the revolving funds had accumulated such a balance as to be used last year, and this year for the budget. If the questions were not completely answered to your satisfaction, you may have another chance during the Town Council budget hearings on May 16 and May 17.

The School Committee budget page provides a summary of the various revolving funds.

"The following pages provide an explanation and financial status of the revolving funds
maintained by the District. All balances are as of June 30th in each fiscal year with a year-to-date amount for the current year."

http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_budget/23.%20Revolving%20Accounts.pdf

Details on the school budget can be found on their budget page
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_budget/index

Technology next up, simpler as it covers licenses and maintenance for the hardware and software used, consolidation of printing within one budget rather than an increase for this Dept. #fincomm0424

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) April 24, 2018

Police Dept up next, most congested traffic is Saturday is when everyone is here, approx 45/folks daily come to station, 25 on weekends. #fincomm0424

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) April 24, 2018

The discussion on the walk in traffic to the Police Station comes in the context of the new regional dispatch center coming online later this year. The dispatchers would move from the station to the regional center. However, someone will still need to remain staffing the Police station to monitor the folks held in custody as well as this walk in traffic. Discussion is still underway on how to resolve this issue. It will be simpler at the Fire Station as visitors will interact with a kiosk and talk with someone at the regional dispatch center.

Vote on budget leaves $1.4m short of balance with revenue for the TC to take from the budget stabilization fund. #fincomm0424 budget passes 6-0, 3 members absent tonight. Budget hearing at TC scheduled 5/16-17

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) April 24, 2018

The full FY 2019 budget document including the summary letter and several great supporting pieces can be found here
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/fy19_complete_budget_fincom_with_page_numbers_0.pdf

or here:

Finance Committee Recap - FY 2019 Budget voted on to move to Town Council

In the News: Roy seeks 4th term; school technology uses

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin.

"Now serving his sixth year on Beacon Hill, state Rep. Jeffrey Roy will seek a fourth term this fall. 

There’s more work ahead, without question, the Franklin Democrat, of the 10th Norfolk District, said in an interview Friday. 

“When I started in 2012, I was dedicated to education. I think that’s the most important thing that we do as a government and there is still a lot of work to be done in that area.” 

Roy currently serves on a national commission on student-centered learning, an initiative that brings lawmakers from across the country together to find ways to bring project-based and competency-based education into local classrooms."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180211/political-notebook-roy-seeks-fourth-term

"Students in Lorraine Magee’s third-grade class are pros at using technology. 

The class at Natick’s Johnson Elementary School has Skyped with students in other states and countries, tweeted favorite authors, shared pen pal letters with students in Uganda through Google Drive, sent cloud observations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and an average Thursday morning had them solving a math challenge from students in Georgia. 

That’s the short list. 

“It’s cool because when we were in third grade, we could say, ‘Yeah, I do science experiments in class,’” Magee said. “But now (students can say), ‘Yeah, I do science experiments and send them to NASA."'

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180211/raising-good-digital-citizens

YMCA: Get Ahead With Our New Technology Lab And Technology Club

Thanks to a generous donation from a good friend, a technology lab has been created at our Franklin Y.

The goal of this space is to teach middle school and high school students about careers in technology.

Join us for our next Technology Club Meeting on Tuesday, January 9 from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM at our Franklin Y.

This is a free member opportunity.

Guest speakers will be Jeff Boudreau, President of Dell EMC Storage Division as well as Gartner Research executives.

This club introduces students to the benefits of a career in the technology field and provides a safe place to learn and prepare for a job in technology.

Upcoming meeting dates are February 6, March 6, April 3, May 1, June 5 and July 10.

For more information about the Technology Club or Technology Lab, contact Kim Jennings at kjennings@hockymca.org.

The link to the website article is: https://www.hockymca.org/new-technology-club
Facebook Event is https://www.facebook.com/events/2008087732791525/

Community Forum on Sexting - Twitter Summary

A collection via Storify of the Twitter posts during the Community Forum on Sexting held at Franklin High School, Franklin, MA on Oct 16, 2017.

Be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to view all the posts.

Community Forum on Sexting - Twitter Summary

Tri-County Regional to host Manufacturing and Robotics Open House to celebrate Manufacturing Month

On Tuesday, October 25, Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School will celebrate October as "Manufacturing Month" by hosting an Open House for its Manufacturing and Engineering Technology programs.

Tri-County plans to showcase its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and equipment. The event is expected to draw legislators, business owners, parents, and any others who may be interested in seeing new education, career, and business opportunities.

The Open House will include presentations by Tri-County students, as well as administrators from the Wentworth Institute of Technology. Wentworth has offered evening courses inside Tri-County's Manufacturing Center of Excellence since 2014.

"Tri-County students construct and create new products every year by utilizing a state-of-the-art manufacturing lab that provides the tools they need to make their ideas real. Thanks to their dedicated teachers and administration officials, those students will be uniquely prepared to contribute to our manufacturing sector on the day they graduate." said Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III

"We are trying to change the perception of today's modern manufacturing," said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). "Today's manufacturing is clean, technology driven, innovative, and most importantly well-paying and accessible. Today's manufacturing is often dominated by the Biotech, Medical, and Robotic industries, and Tri-County High School is doing a great job at meeting the need for skilled workers head-on."

"Tri-County has created an Advanced Manufacturing Program that will not only train high school students during the day, but through a partnership with Wentworth Institute of Technology, will also train unemployed or underemployed adults at night," Said Tri-County Superintendent Stephen Dockray. "Tri County is providing the skilled labor desperately needed in the manufacturing industry."

"The manufacturing and robotics programs at Tri-County are shining examples of modern manufacturing education in our community," said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Manufacturing is a significant driver of the Massachusetts economy, and these students are learning necessary skills to create, innovate and thrive in the workforce."

Many Massachusetts residents are unaware that manufacturing is alive and well across the Commonwealth. Massachusetts is home to more than 7,000 manufacturers, providing over 250,000 jobs to its citizens. These innovative manufacturers make groundbreaking products for global consumption.

Jobs in the Manufacturing Industry offer flexibility, excitement, and good pay. While companies seek smart, dedicated workers to fill job openings, Tri-County seeks out new ways to provide students with the training and employability skills necessary for success in this evolving industry.

Tri-County's Open House will expand awareness of the school's Career Programs. Several of these programs address the growing need for manufacturing workers in Massachusetts by offering students hands-on training that addresses the technological advances of the industry.

The School encourages all interested parties to visit.

Event details:

Manufacturing and Robotics Open House

9AM-11AM Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School

147 Pond Street

Franklin, MA 02038

image from Tri-County webpage