Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Live reporting - legislation for action

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 08-59: Dissolution of Fire Station Building Committee (Tabled on 10/1/08) moved to a future meeting

2. Resolution 08-60: Designation of Municipal Officer to Issue Trench Excavation Permits
McGann - will there be a fee required?
Nutting - yes, but that remains to be determined

Bartlett - what is this for?
Cerel - we need to do this to enforce the current law

Bartlett - should they complain where do they go to?
Nutting - state legislature

Approved 7-0

3. Resolution 08-61: Red Brick School: Declaration as Surplus and Available/Authorization to Lease

Vallee - what is the amount of the lease? people have a right to know, it is not ours it is theirs.
Nutting - we have not sat down yet to discuss. I am asking for 10 years. They have indicated one year to trial.

Vallee - let's put everything on the table before we vote on it.

Whalen - are they any other instances that the Town has currently?
Nutting - not right now.

Whalen - my inclination is that this is something that should be handed over to Jeff to handle

Doak - I am not in favor of the Town acting as a landlord but under the circumstances, this is a good thing to do

Feeley - does this need a 2/3 vote?
Cerel - yes, it is a change of status on the assets

Vallee - the Town is leasing for no profit?
Nutting - there is no market value for this building, it will cost us more while it is vacant.

Doak - can we get a report back on what the deal was?
Nutting - yes

Pfeffer - we are not doing this to make money, the Charter School is not a profit making operation

Herb Hunter, Paula Sandman - Brick School Association
We are committed to fund utilities and associated repairs for the next three years and solicit grants for continuation, if it requires after that.

Whalen - Brick has been an emotional issue for the Town, this make absolute perfect sense to me

Roll call vote passed 7-0

Live reporting - Town Council 10/15/08

Councilors attending: Whalen (late), Vallee, Bartlett, Feeley, Pfeffer, Doak, McGann,
Not present: Mason, Zollo


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 1, 2008-Executive Session - approved 6-0

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS - Library book fair, Saturday, 10/18 at Public Works Dept, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

Library Board of Directors
  • Susan Rittenhouse
  • Cynthia Dobroynski
  • Andrea Burke
  • these were approved 6-0

Finance Committee
  • Robert Teixeira
  • Juan Riveria
  • Tina Powderly
  • these were approved 6-0

Disability Commission
  • Dennis Groleau
  • This was approved 6-0

"strong public schools are a cornerstone of a democratic society"

GHS
Posted Oct 15, 2008 @ 12:03 AM

FRANKLIN —

Assistant Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski, the only candidate for the district's superintendent job, told the School Committee last night she is ready to take the reins from Wayne Ogden.

The School Committee will vote whether to appoint Sabolinski at its next meeting Oct. 28, said Vice Chairwoman Paula Mullen, who acted as chairwoman in Jeffrey Roy's absence last night.

"We know a lot about her," Mullen said, calling her work ethic and talent "amazing" just before inviting Sabolinski to speak to the committee about her background and vision for the district.

Sabolinski described an extensive background in special education that began in her home state of New York, where she worked with inner-city children.

When she and her husband decided to come to Massachusetts in 1992, they focused on Sharon, Mansfield and Franklin, she said, and it was immediately clear that Franklin was the right community.

"One draw to Franklin was, when we came here, we were able to walk into the schools and were welcomed. We had never gotten that reception in any of the other towns. Franklin was really welcoming, and that spoke highly of the teachers," she said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

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FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL - Agenda - 10/15/08

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
October 15, 2008
7:00 PM

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 1, 2008-Executive Session

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
  • Library Board of Directors
  • Finance Committee
  • Disability Commission

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 08-59: Dissolution of Fire Station Building Committee (Tabled on 10/1/08)
2. Resolution 08-60: Designation of Municipal Officer to Issue Trench Excavation Permits
3. Resolution 08-61: Red Brick School: Declaration as Surplus and Available/Authorization to Lease
4. Resolution 08-62: Acceptance of Deed of Open Space- Franklin Chase
5. Resolution 08-63:Acceptance of Deed of Open Space- Franklin Oaks
6. Resolution 08-64: Order of Acceptance and Taking – Easements – Franklin Farms
7. Resolution 08-65:Acceptance of Open Space and Access Strip- Franklin Farms
8. Resolution 08-66: Acceptance of Deed of Detention Basin Parcels-Franklin Farms
9. Resolution 08-67: Acceptance of Sewer Pump Station- Franklin Farms
10. Resolution 08-68: Appropriation – Emergency Repairs-Lincoln St. Culvert
11. Resolution 08-69: Appropriation – DPW – Trench Repairs
12. Resolution 08-70: Acceptance of Gift – Council on Aging
13. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 08-625: Chapter 185-5, Town Code: Zoning Map – Business to Commercial II – 2nd Reading (Tabled on 10/1/08)
14. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 08-628: Chapter 185-18. Nonconforming Uses and Structures – Referral to Planning Board

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN

"this is a solution that puts it back in use"

GHS
Posted Oct 14, 2008 @ 10:14 PM

FRANKLIN —

Town Council tonight will vote on leasing the historic Red Brick School to the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School.

Earlier this month, the charter school's board of trustees agreed to rent the Red Brick School from the town for one year, according to its board president, John Neas, a Franklin resident.

Trustees primarily want to use the Brick School, Neas said, because there is a "critical need of space" at the charter school, which is an estimated 35,000 square feet.

The charter school's student population is 416, Neas said, and there is a waiting list of 200 students the school cannot accommodate.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

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Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Live reporting - new business

Rohrbach - put together a summary of the status of our schools to use as a point of discussion with our legislators when they come to visit


motion go to executive session

Live reporting - subcommittee/liaison reports

• School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

space needs report to be prepared to go to the school committee for further action
walk through of modulars scheduled for Friday morning

Building Committee, couple of meetings, impressive credentials
organizational meetings, what data is needed
re-applying to state to get on list in Mid-November
touring FHS and Davis Thayer to determine space needs
scheduled to review all building capital needs
(1) FHS, (2) modular, (3) need and funding improvements at Parmenter, Thayer, Kennedy

Advertising subcommittee with a proposal for advertising inside the field house within a meeting or two


• School Committee Liaison Reports

Live reporting - Superintendents report

5. Information Matters
• Superintendent’s Report
  1. Enrollment Comparison (9-28-07 to 9-26-08)
  2. MCAS- Davis Thayer 4th grade in Top 5 in state
  3. Art Gallery - teacher art show received attention from Rep McGovern
  4. Special Ed. Tuition Increases - example of increases received during the year
  5. Revolving Account - question legality of returning money from a gift account, what I recommended and you approved was to turn it over to the Town as they are now managing the building

Live reporting - action items

4. Action Items
  1. Moved that the Franklin School Committee opposes Question 1, a ballot initiative that would eliminate the state income tax. Passage of Question 1 would cut the state budget by 40%, cause massive reductions in local aid to cities and towns, and result in drastic reductions in school programs. approved 6-0
  2. I recommend acceptance of a check for $400.00 from money left over from a community service grant awarded to 2 Remington Teachers to be used for supplies for RMS. approved 6-0
  3. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a “Fun Hoop” for the Keller Elementary School in memory of Noreen Coffey from FPS Staff (Cost: $800.00) approved 6-0
  4. I recommend acceptance of a check for $800.00 from the Horace Mann PCC to fund Middle School Magic at HMMS. postponed to another meeting
  5. I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000 from the Jefferson PCC for admission, buses and nurse for a field trip to Plimoth Plantation and a Grade 4 trip which has not yet been finalized. approved 6-0
  6. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,420.00 from the ECDC PCC to purchase a laminator for the ECDC. approved 6-0
  7. I recommend approval of the recurring trip to Mt. Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH on October 25, 2008 for 30 students in the Remington Adventure Club. approved 6-0
  8. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a ½ size string bass, (said value: $1,200.00), from Ms. Colleen Pierson for the Davis Thayer Elementary School Music Program. approved 6-0
  9. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3880.50 from the Keller PCC for a 1st grade field trip to Jane & Paul’s Farm and a 3rd grade field trip to Plimoth Plantation as described on the attached form KCD-E. approved 6-0
  10. I recommend acceptance of a check for $180.39 from Target’s Take Charge of Education Program for In-house enrichment for the Horace Mann Middle School. approved 6-0
  11. I recommend transferring $1,268.17 closing the Brick School Revolving account to the Town of Franklin. approved 6-0

Live reporting - discussion only items

3. Discussion Only Items
  • Ballot Question #1
open to comments
Rohrbach - question referenced well in editorial at Metrowest Daily News, poorly timed, Governor is announcing cuts at the state level just from shortfall in this years budget

Cafasso - kind of a silly proposition, relieves people of the concept of commonwealth and community, we all share in the benefits from these payments, no one likes taxes but everyone wants police and fire protection and services for seniors, you can't get one without the other
  • FY10 Budget Timeline
Rohrbach - preliminary budget timeline included in the package, goal to be done and have the budget adopted by February 24, 2009

Goodman - process starting and scheduled to complete by Feb

Cafasso - anything from the Town Administrator on revenue projections
Ogden - nothing yet, we might get a hint with the Governor's announcements tomorrow

  • Superintendent Search
Asst Supt Maureen Sabolinski to review her background and vision of the district
Wayne has started from the first time they met to prepare her for this

Moved her from NJ in 1992
son middle school, daughter elementary
first impression was on their first visit, teacher welcomed them and provided a tour of the school

class sizes then are somewhat reminicent of where we are today
hang in there, the community has always stepped up

involved in soccer and basketball boosters

loves coming to work in Franklin everyday
this has been a difficult decision to leave her current role for this new step

"tell me how this is about kids"
strong public schools are the cornerstone of a democratic society
need to prepare students to be lifelong learners
collaborative style, accessible, responsive
communications need to be returned

demonstrated history for systemic fixes, not quick fixes
will take difficult decisions

grew up in NY, started to be a science major, switched to psychology mainly behaviorial, needed teach the rats but couldn't leave them hungry, needless to say, clinical psychology was not going to be her direction.

found teaching and found her love
started in NYC public schools, special ed in Queens, 90% of students were from S America

a teacher left, she ended up a first grade teacher
whole extended family would come to the parent teacher conferences

Taught high school outside of Buffalo, Grand Isle
special education, when inclusion was just beginning
petitioned for use of spell check on the state test, had already been used in the classroom

Randolph, NJ - Rockaway public schools
varied student population, 3rd to 6th grade
multiple reading and math groups

Came to MA and had trouble getting licensed
was asking for the wrong license and got that straightened out fairly quickly

Came into Franklin as an Asst Spec Ed Coordinator
first day here, the high school principal resigned
had multiple roles, did the state reporting online
learned about data and data collection

initiated team chairs, hired a behaviorist
highlighted in 1999 for having the most cost-effective special education program in the area
letter of congratulations from Jeff Nutting whom she had not met at that time

peanut allergy policy developed, still get requests for policy from outsiders
salmanella policy, drop-out rate addressed, focused attention at the needs of the at-risk students at the high school

has done the range of duties of the superintendent
budget, transportation, curriculum, end of year reports
comfortable in working with Miriam on the budget reports

vision to move the school district forward
need to keep the initiatives going (literacy, gifted and talented, opening up AP courses)
district improvement plan, in smaller ways to move from good to great
with small money opening new initiatives
look at students assessment

MCAS is a test for knowledge, we need to test how they are going to use it to be successful in the coming years

student lead conferencing at Remington, need to expand that

senior project, a really good start for school to career transition
how do we expand that to integrate

math and science growth has been good need to keep that growth systemic and district wide

need to get the labs at the high school renovated to be useful

laptops are just one tool, how is technology going to support our program
foreign language, technology is one easy way to expand that program

community relations are an important role
schools need to be represented at the Harvest Festival

expand relationship with Dean College
work with the PCC and Joint PCC, talent there that needs to get tapped

need to do more work with our alumni
important to the history to celebrate the contributions

------
Mr Slight - she puts students needs first and I think that says a lot

Rohrbach - I did not know all the stuff you have done although I have known you for some time. What will be your biggest obsticle?

Sabolinksi - the most obvious one is the budget, the reality is we are not going to get an major influx of cash, we are going to need to look at some serious discussions, how can we continue to do what we need to do, get seed money to prepare for larger grants down the road to augment the instructional program, don;t see a quick fix over the next several years

Rohrbach - any cost savings you can see
Sabolinksi - there are not a lot of areas left to cut, despite some of the community perceptions, we are already looking for the parents and PCCs to pick up more and more. Can explore further avenues with the Town on consolidation, may save the Town some money that would look favorably for us

Rohrbach - what do you see for the high school
Sabolinski - looking at the high school and getting atitudes changed, then it makes it easier for other changes, how to assess, using a more common assessment, looking to more partnership with Dean, renovated libary, are they willing to share and open it up for us. Reading, writing and other core academics, would love to see public speaking back in, not just about content, working on teams will be needed

Kelly - greatist strength that you'd bring to Franklin
Sabolinski - sometimes I over think decisions, when you worry about your job you are always thinking of alternatives

Cafasso - appreciate the blue collar background, like the ideas of partnerships and sharing resources, looking at the professionals who live in the community, these are good. What is your least favorite thing about the school committee?
Sabolinksi - the ley to being successful in this role is developing a relationship with this committee, mutual respect, feedback loop needed

Cafasso - enrollment on elementary level is down about 60, it seems like we will need re-districting to meet our space needs?
Sabolinski - once the market turns around, we will see an influx of kids K-12, Keller Sullivan will be a problem spot due to the growth in that area, they are at capacity. You will need to swing growth from that end of town to this end of town.

Cafasso - when 2010?
Sabolinski - will really depend on the Building Committee and where they plan, you don't want to re-district multiple times in a short period

Cafasso - teacher evaluations, how has that changed and what would you change?
Sabolinski - it is an evolving process, our primary role is to put the best teachers in the classroom and for those teachers who are struggling to help them. Supervision and evaluation, we meet with the principals regularly, would like to make the tool and process a little less combersome, would require negotiation with FEA. relationships with parents, relationships with students, and with other teachers, need to do some tweaking on our current tool

Armenio - could you talk about retaining teachers and administrators
Sabolinski - one of the key things to retain is to ensure them of some stability in programs and initiatives, a consistency in leadership and agenda, our professional development is very favorable for the teachers. Not all districts have funds alloted this way. Work on meeting schedules to lessen their load. More cycles with letting people go, makes it harder to recruit and retain teachers here.

Trahan - where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Sabolinski - I would hope I would still be here, the life expectancy of a superintendent is shrinking, I would like to make a long term committement, it requires time to put changes in place

Trahan - you have your eyes wide open, sounds like you are equiped for the challenge
Sabolinski - it would be an honor to work here, there are great staff here, the downside is the cash. Last spring this Blackboard was not a project, things like this are happening all through the district. It would be an honor to work with you all.

Mullen - time table, we will be taking action at our next meeting

Live reporting - transportation update

Asst Supt. Maureen Sabolinski, Miriam Goodman

(chart to be made available later)
The chart is an update from one posted in August

Cafasso - If pay-to-ride were to be fee funded it would be approx $670/student

Live reporting - Summer Blackboard

Pandora Carlucci introduces this joint venture between the Life Long Learning and the High School

Supt Ogden with his leadership and collaborative encouragement, this was finally possible

Peter Light's tenacity lead to the success of the program

50 students participated, 3 obtained scholarships to participate

-----------

Peter Light claims it really was a team effort

looking for this to be a self-sustaining program, could extend the program to

a key goal:
create new opportunities for students, limited offerings due to curriculum requirements

Blackboard, an online platform to facilitate learning
this platform is used at some colleges
students completed coursework from around the world
credits for courses offered an completed successfully

mailed to other schools around the state
reaching out to other districts and other students (will help fund the program)

Mr Sutherland - create and set up course, allows for adjustments along the way
allows for secure dialog between students and teacher
there was a learning curve with the program particularly with setting up the test and enabling it to be available online
allowed flexibility to turn in assignments early
11 students took his class in forensics, a lot of reading, a lot of outside research required
his class is archived and available for re-use, embellishment, etc.

Mrs Belastock

Mr Lima provided a demo of the Blackboard

could key the astronomy program to the specific longitude/latitude so that the view of the sky would be as close to actual as possible, assuming no clouds, you could turn around and see the sky

paper copies made available if computer was not available

each Tuesday night, there was a live session, Mr Lima was online, the students had tasks to observe and report back via the online, they could also ask other questions

over 4 weeks, on Tuesday nights averaged about 75 messages each night

Q&A
Armenio - what were the challenges? You're at home, relaxed.
I was at band camp at UNH and taking the course online
Needed self discipline and motivation to do the assignments and complete them on time

Armenio - would you do it again?
yes

Armenio - are you using Accuplacer?
Pam Gould, FHS Principal - yes a possibility, we are looking at it for the future

Trahan - I am blown away, I would love to take the astronomy class myself
I was in Europe and came back, introduced myself and caught up fairly quickly

Trahan - would you be using this info now or later
Doing this music course has helped me with music this year

Rohrbach - anything you experienced that you would like to see done differently or improved?
happy with everything, nothing really to change

Mullen - you took pre-calc and you are a sophomore, what are you going to do with the rest of the high school?
I can take two full years

Mullen - did you find yourself at the same level with others who took the full year course?
Yes, I did not see a difference

Ogden - As juniors, those taking this pre-calc offering will exhaust the curriculum when they are seniors. Exploring options with Dean, Framkingham St and other places to see what can be done

This was done without cost to the community and a small cost to the families. The courses can be taken anywhere on the planet that there is access to the internet. A number of folks have made this a hugh success. A number of faculty did not get the option to participate and will be able to next summer

Cafasso - what is the capacity of a course?
Light - from his pilot experience about 25-30 students to provide good feedback

? - what about the variety of student pacing and ability, how was it for the teaching?
Light - Not a completely different environment from the classroom.
Belastock - need to be aware of time differences when the testing is open and due.
Lima - ability for students to learn from other students

2 minute recess to allow for breakdown of demo

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Live reporting - School Committee meeting

Committee Present: Armenio, Cafasso, Kelly, Mullen, Rohrbach, Trahan
Absent: Roy


Call to order Mrs. Mullen

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence


1. Routine Business

  • Citizen’s Comments- none
  • Review of Agenda- action item D to be removed from agenda this evening
  • Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the September 23, 2008 School Committee Meeting. Moved to accept - approved 6-0
  • Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly Moved to accept - approved 6-0
  • Payroll Ms. Armenio
  • FHS Student Representatives
  • Correspondence: 1. Budget to Actual

Franklin School Committee Meeting - Agenda - 10/14/08

Franklin School Committee Meeting
October 14, 2008
Municipal Building – Council Chambers
7:00 P.M.

AGENDA

Call to order Mr. Roy
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence

1. Routine Business
  • Citizen’s Comments
  • Review of Agenda
  • Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the September 23, 2008 School Committee Meeting.
  • Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
  • Payroll Ms. Armenio
  • FHS Student Representatives
  • Correspondence: 1. Budget to Actual


2. Guests/Presentations
  • Summer Blackboard
  • Transportation Update

3. Discussion Only Items
  • Ballot Question #1
  • FY10 Budget Timeline
  • Superintendent Search

4. Action Items
  1. Moved that the Franklin School Committee opposes Question 1, a ballot initiative that would eliminate the state income tax. Passage of Question 1 would cut the state budget by 40%, cause massive reductions in local aid to cities and towns, and result in drastic reductions in school programs.
  2. I recommend acceptance of a check for $400.00 from money left over from a community service grant awarded to 2 Remington Teachers to be used for supplies for RMS.
  3. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a “Fun Hoop” for the Keller Elementary School in memory of Noreen Coffey from FPS Staff (Cost: $800.00)
  4. I recommend acceptance of a check for $800.00 from the Horace Mann PCC to fund Middle School Magic at HMMS.
  5. I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000 from the Jefferson PCC for admission, buses and nurse for a field trip to Plimoth Plantation and a Grade 4 trip which has not yet been finalized.
  6. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,420.00 from the ECDC PCC to purchase a laminator for the ECDC.
  7. I recommend approval of the recurring trip to Mt. Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH on October 25, 2008 for 30 students in the Remington Adventure Club.
  8. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a ½ size string bass, (said value: $1,200.00), from Ms. Colleen Pierson for the Davis Thayer Elementary School Music Program.
  9. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3880.50 from the Keller PCC for a 1st grade field trip to Jane & Paul’s Farm and a 3rd grade field trip to Plimoth Plantation as described on the attached form KCD-E.
  10. I recommend acceptance of a check for $180.39 from Target’s Take Charge of Education Program for In-house enrichment for the Horace Mann Middle School.
  11. I recommend transferring $1,268.17 from the Brick School Revolving account to the Town of Franklin.


5. Information Matters
• Superintendent’s Report
  1. Enrollment Comparison (9-28-07 to 9-26-08)
  2. MCAS
  3. Art Gallery
  4. Special Ed. Tuition Increases
  5. Revolving Account
• 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

8. Adjourn

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candidate orientation/parent meeting on Oct. 23

GHS
Posted Oct 13, 2008 @ 10:52 PM

FRANKLIN —

After learning that organizers were canceling the Junior Miss program due to a lack of money, a local woman decided to rescue this year's competition.

"I have a 14-year-old daughter (Jordan) who can't wait to do Junior Miss ... in the year 2013," said Jill M. Bedoya, who took part in a competition here in 1988 and served on Junior Miss committees at both the town and state levels.

"I stepped forward to offer my services to run this year's program so there were no girls left without the opportunity to participate in and experience a Junior Miss program. Junior Miss has been a part of my family for many, many years. My father, Tom Mercer and my aunt, Raye Lynn Mercer, ran the Franklin program for about 10 years, prior to taking over the Massachusetts state program, which they both ran for years. I grew up with Junior Miss," Bedoya said.

She refused to let the 40-year-old program, open strictly to Franklin High School senior girls, cease.

Many people put the program together, she said, and they just needed a little support.

"I have lots of contacts and I'm trying to use my coordination abilities to give the Franklin committee some support," she said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

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