6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
Cafasso - compliments to the Teachers union for accepting the sacrifice, to the negotiating committees for working out the deal. Now that that has been completed there are somethings that have been on my mind. The School District is under intense stress about time, no less responsibilities. Tried to avoid reductions in staff but haven't been able to. It is all about time, the teachers are seeking what they need, the principals are seeking to fulfill their needs. I urge the Administration and the Committee to make an interested based, collaborative discussion to discuss budget savings, to see what can be done. Pursue an interest based problems to resolve rather than looking to strike certain language. There has been a lot of rhetoric. We need to change our mindset to come around to the new reality.
One thing I found upsetting were the personal attacks on the Committee Chair. I will not put up with these. Jeff ROy has done more for this committee, this district than anyone. For people to hide behind their anonymous comments in chat rooms and blogs, I do not approve it.
Roy - a note of thanks from Patrick Slight
Trahan - we got personal notes from Brittany McLeod
Sabolinski - thank you, this is our last meeting for the school year, thankyou for all you do for the kids and the community.
7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations - motion to enter, not to return to public session
approved 6-0
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Live reporting - Superintendent update
Superintendent’s Report
- MSBA - letters provided to Town Administrator, Building Committee has been established, feasibility study to be funded by Town Council, project manager to be on the approved listing from the State, if we go a different way it would need to be justified
- Stimulus Money - were counting on $448,000 now down to 218,000; may not comeback as the foundation money total had been reduced and the stimulus money was to help bring us to the foundation level
- Special Education - Supreme court case on Special Ed funding is interesting and troubling
Live reporting - action items
4. Action Items
- I recommend acceptance of three checks from the Remington PCC totaling $376.76 for field trips as detailed. motion to accept, approved 6-0
- I recommend acceptance of the donation of the installation of a flagpole from the 5th grade students for the Parmenter Elementary School. motion to accept, approved 6-0
- I recommend acceptance of a check for $800.00 from the ASMS PCC for buses for an 8th grade field trip. motion to accept, approved 5-0, 1 abstention (Rhorbach)
- I recommend adoption of the Town-School Agreement as detailed. motion to accept, approved 6-0
- I recommend acceptance of a Japanese Maple Tree from the FHS Young Democrats Club. motion to accept, approved 6-0
- I recommend approval of Budget Transfers as detailed. motion to accept, approved 6-0
Live reporting - Audit actions, budget, FY 10
3. Discussion Only Items
Goodman - review of the agreement between the Town and School to formalize and eliminate the forensic audit recommendation.
For example; custodial expenses by the Town for the schools behalf have been formalized to be charged appropriately. The Technology staff is paid initially by the Schools and charged across to the Town. Both sides should be reviewing this agreement on an annual basis.
The end of year report will be used to calculate the "net school spending" amount that the State uses to track how well we are doing. As referenced during the budget discussions, this amount is getting close to the State minimum required level.
Rohrbach - where does the Charter School fit in?
Goodman - it is a factor on the Town side for the "net school spending" calculation. Let me get a better analysis of how it fits. It is a pass through charge that we don't control.
Sabolinski - we think this is a fair representation of the operations and shared expenses between the Town and Schools.
Cafasso - You're coming up on a year?
Goodman - just over a year, we have a good healthy working relationship and I look to see it maintained.
Cafasso - Thank you, I feel more comfortable with the finances you have presented this past year.
Rohrbach - it is great to have this down and documented, it will be a good reference for future.
#3 - State level updates
Chapter 70 cut 2%
Stimulus funds were also cut
Town needs to determine how to split/absorb the cuts between the Town and Schools
Circuit breaker reduced from 60% to around 38-42% that's another $274,000 cut
Since these numbers are still fluid, the budget sub-committee needs to continue to review and await some unanswered questions before making final decisions
Cafasso - we need to see a kind of menu of items and associated dollars that could be considered.
Roy - with the Teachers agreement we were getting down to about 500,000
Sabolinski - it looks like we can add back about 23 positions based upon money that is confirmed and not changing.
Sherlock - I am a little confused. Is the 800,000 shortage Jeff Nutting had referenced now closer to the 1.1 million just discussed, or if this was in addition to the 800,000. If I understand it correctly, it is now closer to a 1.1 million short fall to the total Franklin budget. It remains to be see how it gets split between the Town and Schools.
Roy - good point, there were 60 notified, based on the numbers this far, approx 23 may be able to be returned leaving still 40-plus would be lost positions
My explanation added after the meeting: The School Committee and Administration were talking of adding teachers back based upon the consideration that 60 had been notified and were being cut. I had been working from a difference reference point. So if the School Committee had gotten their piece of the budget shortfall reduced to about 500,000 and the Town now needs to split the 1.1 million (up from the 800,000 previously discussed), then the School side could end up with another 550,000 to look to adjust the budget to cover. Coincidentally, that works out to be about 1 million to cover which could mean those teachers (that Sabolinski mentioned) aren't coming back. With such a fluid situation, all I can say is stay tuned in.
Armenio - parents should plan on program fees could still be increased and additional programs could still be cut until we have that final number.
Trahan - I agree we should keep things open until we have a final number, they should stay tuned.
- Town – School Agreement
- Budget to Actual
- FY10 Budget
Goodman - review of the agreement between the Town and School to formalize and eliminate the forensic audit recommendation.
For example; custodial expenses by the Town for the schools behalf have been formalized to be charged appropriately. The Technology staff is paid initially by the Schools and charged across to the Town. Both sides should be reviewing this agreement on an annual basis.
The end of year report will be used to calculate the "net school spending" amount that the State uses to track how well we are doing. As referenced during the budget discussions, this amount is getting close to the State minimum required level.
Rohrbach - where does the Charter School fit in?
Goodman - it is a factor on the Town side for the "net school spending" calculation. Let me get a better analysis of how it fits. It is a pass through charge that we don't control.
Sabolinski - we think this is a fair representation of the operations and shared expenses between the Town and Schools.
Cafasso - You're coming up on a year?
Goodman - just over a year, we have a good healthy working relationship and I look to see it maintained.
Cafasso - Thank you, I feel more comfortable with the finances you have presented this past year.
Rohrbach - it is great to have this down and documented, it will be a good reference for future.
#3 - State level updates
Chapter 70 cut 2%
Stimulus funds were also cut
Town needs to determine how to split/absorb the cuts between the Town and Schools
Circuit breaker reduced from 60% to around 38-42% that's another $274,000 cut
Since these numbers are still fluid, the budget sub-committee needs to continue to review and await some unanswered questions before making final decisions
Cafasso - we need to see a kind of menu of items and associated dollars that could be considered.
Roy - with the Teachers agreement we were getting down to about 500,000
Sabolinski - it looks like we can add back about 23 positions based upon money that is confirmed and not changing.
Sherlock - I am a little confused. Is the 800,000 shortage Jeff Nutting had referenced now closer to the 1.1 million just discussed, or if this was in addition to the 800,000. If I understand it correctly, it is now closer to a 1.1 million short fall to the total Franklin budget. It remains to be see how it gets split between the Town and Schools.
Roy - good point, there were 60 notified, based on the numbers this far, approx 23 may be able to be returned leaving still 40-plus would be lost positions
My explanation added after the meeting: The School Committee and Administration were talking of adding teachers back based upon the consideration that 60 had been notified and were being cut. I had been working from a difference reference point. So if the School Committee had gotten their piece of the budget shortfall reduced to about 500,000 and the Town now needs to split the 1.1 million (up from the 800,000 previously discussed), then the School side could end up with another 550,000 to look to adjust the budget to cover. Coincidentally, that works out to be about 1 million to cover which could mean those teachers (that Sabolinski mentioned) aren't coming back. With such a fluid situation, all I can say is stay tuned in.
Armenio - parents should plan on program fees could still be increased and additional programs could still be cut until we have that final number.
Trahan - I agree we should keep things open until we have a final number, they should stay tuned.
Live reporting - Community Health Council update
Community Health Council Update – Michele Kingsland-Smith
Here is the summary report that Michele referenced as providing to the School Committee:
Community Health Council: Year In Review 2009
View more OpenOffice presentations from Steve Sherlock.
Here is the summary report that Michele referenced as providing to the School Committee:
Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io
#Live reporting - Presentations
2. Guests/Presentations
- Sam Scoba – Chosen All-American by the USLA (United States Lacrosse Association) and Hockomock League MVP
- Plaque for Senior Project – Sascha B. Werner
Live reporting - School Committee Meeting
Attending: Armenio, Cafasso, Kelly, Roy, Rohrbach, Trahan
Missing: Mullen
1. Routine Business
Missing: Mullen
1. Routine Business
- Citizen’s Comments - none
- Review of Agenda
- Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 9, 2009 School Committee Meeting. approved 6-0
- Payment of Bills - Mr. Kelly
- Payroll - Ms. Armenio
- FHS Student Representatives - none
- Correspondence: Letter from FSC to Mr. Peter Light
Initial survey responses to share
Here are two of the survey comments thus far that I'd like to share in answer to the question "What about Franklin matters to you?"
Please consider adding your own comments on the survey. I'll keep the survey open through Sunday, June 28th.
Thank you for taking the time to help!
It's alive. It's current. You do a great job with pictures and updates. Better than the local paper.
....
Everything you have been providing ... local politics, schools, local business events ... it's been wonderful having you as a resource. Thank you!
Please consider adding your own comments on the survey. I'll keep the survey open through Sunday, June 28th.
Thank you for taking the time to help!
In the News - Food Pantry, car break-ins
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
The Franklin Food Pantry, which was almost homeless this summer before being saved by Rockland Trust Bank, has opened the doors to its new building, said pantry Director Linda Pouliot.
"We are open for business. The freezers were delivered this morning, and we're still waiting for more, but we couldn't wait any longer," as the pantry has been closed for more than a month, Pouliot said.
"At least we're not in limbo anymore - there is a home, there is a place to stay," said Pouliot.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
----------------
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
Police are urging residents to lock their cars, as the rash of break-ins that began in March hasn't stopped despite several arrests, said Deputy Chief Stephan H. Semerjian.
For the past three weekends, police have received many reports of car breaks in the Kennedy School area, including Pond Street, Charles River Drive, Maple Street, Baron Road and the surrounding neighborhoods, Semerjian said.
In some cases, the thieves have gone onto people's property and into garages to access cars, he said.
Some residents have reported seeing and hearing young people on their property and near their cars, who run off through yards and the roadway when seen, Semerjian said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Twitter search
The folks at Common Craft have released another great explanation video. This time they explain how searching Twitter makes the information more valuable.
This is another in the continuing series on Web 2.0 tools.
Thanks to the folks at Common Craft for helping to make this possible.
This is another in the continuing series on Web 2.0 tools.
Thanks to the folks at Common Craft for helping to make this possible.
MADD Legislative Update
|
Monday, June 22, 2009
FM #42 - This week in Franklin
FM #42 - Give me ten minutes and I'll let you know what matters in Franklin, MA for the week ending June 21, 2009.
Time: 6 minutes, 46 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
Music intro
My intro
FM #42
This Internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 42 in the series.
You give me ten minutes and I'll let you know what matters this week in Franklin, MA.
We'll start with a quick review of what happened this past week
1 - Third Thursday had another good turnout
“girl's night out”
July will likely be around a beach party theme
2 - The Strawberry Festival was a success despite the weather
good strawberry shortcake
Franklin Area Bus available
have you ridden the bus yet?
3 - Rep Vallee and Sen Spilka's offices had presence at the Festival
This was good to see that our local officials had a presence
I talked with Michele Goldberg from Sen Spilka's office
4 - United Regional Chamber of Commerce
Jack Lank, Jen Osojnicki, Claire Latino, Irene Polley
doing good things for business in the area
And the outlook for the week ahead:
---- ---- ----
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music
Time: 6 minutes, 46 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
Music intro
My intro
FM #42
This Internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 42 in the series.
You give me ten minutes and I'll let you know what matters this week in Franklin, MA.
We'll start with a quick review of what happened this past week
1 - Third Thursday had another good turnout
“girl's night out”
July will likely be around a beach party theme
2 - The Strawberry Festival was a success despite the weather
good strawberry shortcake
Franklin Area Bus available
have you ridden the bus yet?
3 - Rep Vallee and Sen Spilka's offices had presence at the Festival
This was good to see that our local officials had a presence
I talked with Michele Goldberg from Sen Spilka's office
4 - United Regional Chamber of Commerce
Jack Lank, Jen Osojnicki, Claire Latino, Irene Polley
doing good things for business in the area
And the outlook for the week ahead:
- school year comes to a close
- School Committee meets 6/23
- Farmers Market operates Friday's from 1:00 to 6:00 PM on the Town Common
---- ---- ----
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music
School Committee - Agenda - 6/23/09
1. Routine Business
2. Guests/Presentations
3. Discussion Only Items
4. Action Items
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
8. Adjourn
- Citizen’s Comments
- Review of Agenda
- Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 9, 2009 School Committee Meeting.
- Payment of Bills - Mr. Kelly
- Payroll - Ms. Armenio
- FHS Student Representatives
- Correspondence: Letter from FSC to Mr. Peter Light
2. Guests/Presentations
- Sam Scoba – Chosen All-American by the USLA (United States Lacrosse Association) and Hockomock League MVP
- Plaque for Senior Project – Sascha B. Werner
- Community Health Council Update – Michele Kingsland-Smith
3. Discussion Only Items
- Town – School Agreement
- Budget to Actual
- FY10 Budget
4. Action Items
- I recommend acceptance of three checks from the Remington PCC totaling $376.76 for field trips as detailed.
- I recommend acceptance of the donation of the installation of a flagpole from the 5th grade students for the Parmenter Elementary School.
- I recommend acceptance of a check for $800.00 from the ASMS PCC for buses for an 8th grade field trip.
- I recommend adoption of the Town-School Agreement as detailed.
- I recommend acceptance of a Japanese Maple Tree from the FHS Young Democrats Club.
- I recommend approval of Budget Transfers as detailed.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
- MSBA
- Stimulus Money
- Special Education
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
"be careful about how much you delay"
Milford Daily News
Last year's losses in the state's pension funds raise the possibility towns might have to contribute more to their retirement systems in the coming years to compensate.
There isn't necessarily a direct correlation, as many factors influence how much money a town spends annually to fund its pension obligations, and funds have more than 20 years to make up for their losses.
However, while pension systems' lifetime returns are still around where their officials expect them to be, losses from 2008 have left returns in the past 10 years well below projections.
"The more the pension system earns less than we expected, the more taxpayers have to top it off," said Steve Poftak, research director at the Pioneer Institute, a Boston think tank. "It gives one pause to see 10-year returns so far below the expected rate of return because the unfunded liability would be very large if you were assuming a 4 percent rate of return instead of an 8 percent rate of return. It's a big difference."
Read the full article on funding pension obligations in the Milford Daily News here
I disagree with "may". It is only a question of "when" that the pension obligations need to be funded. Franklin has not done much in this area of funding. The Town Council just authorized to spend $14,000 for a current actuarial analysis at the June 3rd meeting. The analysis is required every two years. Knowing what the analysis is is important, actually budgeting for it will be required some day soon.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
News roundup: elderly transportation
Alternate forms of transportation for the elderly
When it comes to the debate on elderly drivers and safety on the roads, Franklin senior center Director Karen Alves wants to ensure one point is not lost in the shuffle: adequate public transportation alternatives.
"Otherwise, you're condemning them to life in their apartment or house," she said, given an embarrassing loss of independence and a desire to avoid becoming a burden. "These folks do not want to ask people to help them, and who can blame them?"
----------------
Seniors weigh in on driving restrictions
With Massachusetts lawmakers considering more stringent regulations on drivers over the age of 85, area residents who would be affected had mixed feelings about how additional tests should be implemented.
Richard King, 87, did not give a second thought when he drove to the Fairbank Senior Center in Sudbury on Wednesday.
"I'm almost 90 and still driving, and you better believe it," he said while stuffing envelopes for the Center's weekly senior bulletin.
---------------
What age is too old to drive?
With recent accidents by elderly Bay State drivers a hot topic of conversation among her senior center clientele this week, Director Joanne Duffy sat in her Ashland office this week and contemplated new licensing proposals.
"I don't know the answer," she said. "I'm torn. A lot of people are OK with it. They're confident in their driving abilities and feel they'll pass. At the other end, they feel they're being singled out."
Concern over physically or mentally impaired older drivers has resurfaced this month after a trio of serious accidents.
------------
My two cents: There should not be a specific age test requirement, age is only one factor. The ability to drive safely is really the concern.
"The reluctance to admit it's time, that is an issue,"
What do you think about elderly drivers?
Saturday, June 20, 2009
"It's well attended and promotes downtown business"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
Seven-year-old Rebecca Natale nicely summed up the main feature of yesterday's Strawberry Festival: strawberry shortcake.
"It's really, really, really, really, really yummy! I love it," she said, kicking her legs up in excitement.
Her 5-year-old sister, Megan Natale, agreed: "I love it," she said, taking another heaping bite.
It was the family's first time at the town's annual Strawberry Festival, said their mother, Tracy Natale, and the girls couldn't wait for their next bit of festival fun.
"Face painting," they exclaimed.
The sidewalks were full of kids with freshly painted faces, holding balloons in one hand and a parent's hand in the other, happily heading to their next activity.
Read more about the Strawberry Festival in the Milford Daily News here
For my Strawberry Festival photos check here and here
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