School Commitee Meeting - 10/28/08

• Live reporting - meeting wraps up
• Live reporting - Superintendent
• Live reporting - Action Items
• Live reporting - modular status
• Live reporting - Strategic Planning Steering Commi...
• possible field house advertising banner
• Live reporting - field house advertising approved
• Live reporting - discussion only items
• Live reporting - Horace Mann binder program
• Live reporting - School Committee 10/28/08
• School Committee Agenda - 10/28/08

Live reporting - meeting wraps up

Subcommittee reports - building use

Liaison reports - FEF casino night on 11/21/08


Motion to enter executive session and not to return - Approved 6 - 0

Live reporting - Superintendent

Wayne has a survey being sent out to the parents, eight questions about how it would be organized (start before or after Labor Day, starting time, etc.)

Survey is live today and will be closed November 24th

A separate survey will be conducted to gain input from the teachers.

Discussion on state survey for transportation out of district, i.e. someone going from Franklin to Perkins School maybe going by some students in another school district, could there be some collaboration amongst the districts. This was a pilot program and the reimbursements were just cut by the state.

Live reporting - Action Items

Action Items

• Take action on Superintendent Candidacy. Handled earlier in the meeting

• I recommend budget transfers as detailed in the attached documentation. Approved 6 - 0
  

• I recommend approval of the request of the BICO Board of Directors to amend the preamble of the existing agreement of the BICO Collaborative to include the School Committee of the Town of Norton, MA. Approved 6 - 0

• I recommend acceptance of the annual donation of dictionaries for all third grade students from the Franklin Lodge of Elks No. 2136 in partnership with the MA Elks Association, Inc. Approved 6 - 0

• I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Oak Street PCC for a 3rd grade field trip to Plimoth Plantation. Approved 6 - 0

• I recommend acceptance of a check for $258.76 from the Target Take Charge of Education Program to defer the costs of a 7th grade field trip to the Krista McAuliffe Space Exploration Center for Annie Sullivan Middle School students. Approved 6 - 0

• I recommend approval of the sale of banner advertising space in the FHS Field House with all proceeds to be used in support of the FHS Athletic Program. handled earlier in the meeting

• I recommend entering into contract negotiations with the Cafeteria Workers Association. Approved 6 - 0

• I recommend entering into contract negotiations with the Van Drivers Association. Approved 6 - 0

• I recommend appointment of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee as noted during the Discussion portion of this meeting. Approved 6 - 0

Live reporting - modular status

Modulars were put into place in 1998 and are coming up on 10 years service, some of them have been used all through the year.

The high school modulars get more of an impact than those in the elementary schools

Leakage in the roofs has required replacement of full walls. A bug infestation was found and corrected. Some doors can't be opened in the winter at Parmenter (due to the temperature change).

If we removed the modulars, where would the students go?
With the reduction in staff last year, the rooms were used by art and special subjects where they were roving within the buildings before.

The high school has room to move what they have housed currently within the full building. Davis Thayer could take down the modulars and utilize two classrooms within the building.
Parmenter would have an issue if they were to loose their modulars. An OT/PT room is currently housed there. Even if the function were moved to another school, the population at Parmenter needs those services.

Replacing the roof is not an economic choice, the roof would outlast the modular.
Looking for direction from the committe before going further with the building committee.

Cafasso - there was a lot of shock and awe amongst the professionals at the FHS tour tonight. The subcommittee's report helps to fill in the needs of the district.

Armenio - This speaks to the current school population and staffing levels, with any increases,there will be additional problems in the next couple of years. It would be worthwhile to take them down. Some of the modulars are the largest classrooms in the building.

Live reporting - Strategic Planning Steering Committee

• Strategic Planning Steering Committee

R A Gosh
R Danough
S Rohrbach
A Crean
J Bassignati
S Sherlock
P Sweeney

total of 15 with 9 committed thus far, others in process of confirming

to start in November

(will check spelling of names later)

sample field house advertising banner size

sample banner size for advertising in the Franklin High School field house

this banner is 3' x 5', the proposed size would be 4' x 6'

Mobile post sent by shersteve using Utterli. Replies.

Live reporting - field house advertising approved

• Advertising in the Field House

Brad Sidwell, Athletic Director

The 3 x 5 in the committee meeting is smaller than the 4 x 6 that would be used.
Hung from the ceiling in the field house

Approx 40,000 as a rough estimate would view the banners amongst the visitors for basketball, volleyball, indoor track and the multiple other events that are held there.

Discussion on inclusion the phone number on the banner, would you loose opportunity if you exclude it?

Banner approval including the School Committee chair, to view how it works during the early days, should have a good view on it before it goes up, likely not necessarily to be done long term

Want to be flexible with minimum three months with the year a preferred period. Rates adjust downward to cover the three months.

We can reach out to the Downtown Partnership, the Chamber of Commerce, etc.

During the subcommittee meetings, we discussed that we would use the revenue to offset the costs of athletics. Should we consider putting this into a general revenue account or just for sports?

Policy KCD does not apply here as this is selling a service. The use of the revenues to supplant the budget could come under KCD if the advertiser would like to designate how the funds were to be used. By having the school committee dictate the fund allocation, we avoid the issue of the conflict with policy KCD.

The 6 month pilot would expire in early April just about budget time. The pilot would provide input to the policy and budget committee for how we would do the future.

Motion to accept recommendation of subcommittee, removing the phone number prohibition, and restricting a single advertiser to 2 banners.

Approved 6 - 0

Live reporting - discussion only items

3. Discussion Only Items

• Budget to Actual - no questions

• Discussion of Superintendent Candidacy

Roy - I will wholeheartedly endorse your candidacy. I am glad we can say that we helped to grow from within the district. Why take taxpayer dollars and go out with a nationwide search and possibly end up with as fine a candidate that we have.

Armenio - You have been here many years and over your multiple roles have grown with the district. Why not earlier? Wayne has been your mentor and groomed you for this. The times have changed. This is not the district that it was a few years ago.

Cafasso - While there has been scholastic progress, there are other problems to be faced, re-districting amongst them. Need to have someone who understands the community and the staff to help us tackle these challenges.

Mullen - I also endorse Maureen for this role. Her sense of Franklin and how much she enjoyed having her kids go through the system. Her work ethic is tremendous.

Rohrbach - not to be repetitive but I will endorse your candidacy. You have a broad knowledge of the district, the students, the community. We may not be able to get "good to great" right now but there are pockets where we can still make progress.

Trahan - Being the last in the line, not a whole lot more to add.

Motion - to enter into negotiations with Maureen Sabolinski to be the next Superintedent of the Franklin Public School District

Aproved 6 - 0

Live reporting - Horace Mann binder program

Dr Anne Bergen, Horace Mann Principal; Chandler Creedon, Guidence Counselor; Jess (student)

The binder program is being piloted. It developed from an observed problem with time management, task management, approached targeting the special ed students first, then determined that this could go across all the students, presented to the PCC to gain their input. Color coded for similar subject matter across the grades. Consistency strived for. They trained a core group of students over the summer in the use to help share the training with the other students as they came in September.

Jess - a place for everything, easy to find for each class, comes with a homework pad, do the homework and then put it into the folder. Con - breaks really easily. Rings would brake open. Top and bottom would wear. Some of the folders would tear (need reinforcements for the holes). Focus group held to get feedback on the overall concept and actual experience. Durability needs to be worked on.

Dr Anne Bergen - a team of 8th graders putting together a binder workgroup

Chandler Creedon - the team will use duct tape in colors to match the folders to reinforce the edges and then hole punch to make the folders more sturdy

Live reporting - School Committee 10/28/08

Attending: Armenio, Cafasso, Mullen, Roy, Rohrbach, Trahan
Not attending: Kelly


1. Routine Business

• Citizen’s Comments - none
  

• Review of Agenda - add discussion of space needs for modular units
  

• Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 14, 2008 School Committee Meeting. Approved 6 - 0
  

• Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
• Payroll Ms. Armenio
• FHS Student Representatives

Sat 11/29/08 - Jr Miss Performance at Horace Mann

School Committee Agenda - 10/28/08

1. Routine Business

• Citizen’s Comments
• Review of Agenda
• Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 14, 2008 School Committee Meeting.
• Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
• Payroll Ms. Armenio
• FHS Student Representatives

Correspondence

• Letter from Chandler Creedon, Jr. to open negotiations with the Cafeteria Association.
• Letter from Chandler Creedon, Jr. to open negotiations with the Van Drivers Association.
• Memo from Linda Waters regarding Transportation Pilot Program.
• Letter from NEASC to Pam Gould regarding FHS.

2. Guests/Presentations

• Horace Mann Binder Program

3. Discussion Only Items

• Budget to Actual
• Discussion of Superintendent Candidacy
• Advertising in the Field House
• Strategic Planning Steering Committee

4. Action Items

• Take action on Superintendent Candidacy.
• I recommend budget transfers as detailed in the attached documentation.
• I recommend approval of the request of the BICO Board of Directors to amend the preamble of the existing agreement of the BICO Collaborative to include the School Committee of the Town of Norton, MA.
• I recommend acceptance of the annual donation of dictionaries for all third grade students from the Franklin Lodge of Elks No. 2136 in partnership with the MA Elks Association, Inc.
• I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Oak Street PCC for a 3rd grade field trip to Plimoth Plantation.
• I recommend acceptance of a check for $258.76 from the Target Take Charge of Education Program to defer the costs of a 7th grade field trip to the Krista McAuliffe Space Exploration Center for Annie Sullivan Middle School students.
• I recommend approval of the sale of banner advertising space in the FHS Field House with all proceeds to be used in support of the FHS Athletic Program.
• I recommend entering into contract negotiations with the Cafeteria Workers Association.
• I recommend entering into contract negotiations with the Van Drivers Association.
• I recommend appointment of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee as noted during the Discussion portion of this meeting.

5. Information Matters

• Superintendent’s Report

a. NEASC Update
b. Field House Advertising
c. Poland Springs Water

• 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

feral cat video

Shelter Me has posted a video created by Ricky Ferreira who interviewed Dottie Luff to get the latest on the "famous" feral cats of Highwood Condo here in Franklin.

View the video here

In the News: Special Ed, more feral cats

By Aaron Wasserman/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 26, 2008 @ 10:54 PM

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The number of schools not meeting the state's achievement standards under federal No Child Left Behind regulations is quickly mounting.

Forty-seven schools across MetroWest and the Milford area were designated as at least needing improvement as a result of 2008 test scores, including ones in districts often considered to be of high quality, such as Natick, Westborough and Franklin. Half of all schools statewide received such a label.

State education officials say they are not surprised the number of schools needing improvement is swelling - up by 156 to 828 total this year - because of the ambitious goals set under No Child Left Behind. The law requires all students reach at least proficiency by 2014 on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

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By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 26, 2008 @ 10:44 PM

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FRANKLIN —

Animal rights group intervening with feral cats

By Joyce Kelly

DAILY NEWS STAFF

FRANKLIN - Franklin's Animal Control will start a trap, neuter/spay, release program for feral cats at Highwood Condominiums today, according to the head of an animal rescue society intervening with the situation.

The trapped kitten and cats will go to the Purr-fect Cat Shelter in Medway for evaluation, said Stacy LeBaron, president of the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society of Salisbury.

The board of trustees for Highwood I, the section of Highwood where the cats live and roam, had voted to trap and kill the cats, but agreed to halt the plan and discuss an alternative when a resident and LeBaron intervened earlier this month.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

indoor barn sale 10/26/08

the sign says it all

Mobile post sent by shersteve using Utterli. Replies.

Now open for business - Andro's Pizza

Yes, Andro's Pizza is now open for business.

Well, not at this very moment when I am taking this photo. It is too early this Sunday morning for pizza.

Mobile post sent by shersteve using Utterli. Replies.

In the news - Brick, ghosts, and cats

Franklin nears deal for use of closed Red Brick building

By Rachel Lebeaux Correspondent / October 26, 2008

The town of Franklin is negotiating with Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School on a lease of the historic Red Brick School building to run through next June, and possibly beyond.

Read the full article in the Boston Globe here

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Area has ghost stories aplenty dating back hundreds of years

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 26, 2008 @ 12:06 AM

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Forget Salem or New Orleans. If you live in MetroWest, you probably don't have to go any further than your local library, town hall, or neighborhood for a good old-fashioned haunting.

Tales of the spirits of innkeepers, Native Americans, accused witches, librarians and servants, even a monster - the Dover Demon - abound right in your backyard.

The area's rich history, particularly its entrenchment in King Philip's War, makes old homes, buildings and entire sections of towns - such as South Natick - ripe for ghostly activity, some say.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

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Communities face tough choice on feral cats

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 25, 2008 @ 11:39 PM

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Animal control officers in the area seem to agree the solution to feral cats - common in most communities - is the trap, neuter/spay and release program advocated by animal rights groups.

Dealing with the situation properly is more important now than ever, as the economic crisis has left many more cats and dogs abandoned and facing a cold winter, say area animal control officers.

An animal rescue organization from Salisbury is trying to save a colony of feral cats living in the woods near Franklin's Highwood Condominiums, the management of which plans to trap and kill them. The Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society, a nonprofit volunteer organization, promotes no-kill programs for feral cats.

Stacy LeBaron, president of the group, has said she believes it's possible to have a successful feral cat colony by using the trap, neuter/spay and release process.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Open House Saturdays and Sundays, 11AM – 3PM

For the Franklin Center Commons:

This condominium building consists of 27 single-level-living condominiums with wonderful amenities. Newly revitalized location offers walk to train, banks, post office, restaurants, shops, and only 45 minutes to Boston. Perfect for commuter, first time home buyers or downsizers. Franklin has just recently added the New GATRA bus service for easy access to shopping, senior center, etc.

If you can't make it to the open house, click through to the web site to take a virtual tour of their model.