• Second Reading:
Policy ADA – School District Goals & Objectivesno further discussions needed, moving to action items
Policy ACE – Non-Discrimination on the basis of Disability
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Live reporting - Discussion only items
3. Discussion Only Items
• Second Reading:
• Second Reading:
Live reporting - Q&A - Preliminary budget discussion
Glynn - what are ramifications of not going for the NEASC accreditation?
Sabolinski - we will no longer have an external evaluation of our standard educational processes
Glynn - The technologists that we cut hurt our development as a 21st Century
Sabolinski - yes, those folks would help the teachers learn and implement technology into their classrooms
Cafasso - Q on tying the numbers back to the last year budget documents
Goodman - carefully explained the difference in the numbers to tie them together
Trahan - is the wage deferment in these?
Sabolinski - no, that was last year, nothing for this year at this point.
Decision making tree
Rohrbach - I put some thoughts down (handout to be added later)
1 - District wide impact on staff/program reduction
accreditation
community priorities
Communities needs to provide some guidelines on how much we can cut and how low we can go
Roy - FY 2006 we spent more in 2 catagories, FY 2007, we only did one category, in FY 2008 we are under in all eleven categories, we expect to be under in FY 2009 numbers. The amazing thing is that we are still a high performing district despite that.
What is a broad definition for core academic areas? Should music and art get equal treatment with the other core subject matters.
It is a balance between the core and the extra-curriculars as we are trying to educate the whole child.
Starting the discussion now gets a better chance to keep to it.
Are these ranked in order of priorities? or are these just a general listing
It would be interesting to see where the principals and administration would come up with their listing and how close it would be to this
I am not a fan of going through a death by 1,000 cuts
If I can live with a program going away, if it is gone it is gone. You need to be able to live with it going away and not coming back.
You can start talking about reductions until you know what the magnitude is?
Possible Saturday working session with Principals to get to hear from them directly
Sabolinski - we will no longer have an external evaluation of our standard educational processes
Glynn - The technologists that we cut hurt our development as a 21st Century
Sabolinski - yes, those folks would help the teachers learn and implement technology into their classrooms
Cafasso - Q on tying the numbers back to the last year budget documents
Goodman - carefully explained the difference in the numbers to tie them together
Trahan - is the wage deferment in these?
Sabolinski - no, that was last year, nothing for this year at this point.
Decision making tree
Rohrbach - I put some thoughts down (handout to be added later)
1 - District wide impact on staff/program reduction
- number of students affected
- K-12 continuum - feeder program considerations
- FPS educational philosophy
- Educational policy i.e. DESE
- Financial savings
- Financial costs i.e. unemployment
- Grant funding
- School Committee guidelines i.e class size
- Space needs
- Collective bargaining
accreditation
community priorities
Communities needs to provide some guidelines on how much we can cut and how low we can go
Roy - FY 2006 we spent more in 2 catagories, FY 2007, we only did one category, in FY 2008 we are under in all eleven categories, we expect to be under in FY 2009 numbers. The amazing thing is that we are still a high performing district despite that.
What is a broad definition for core academic areas? Should music and art get equal treatment with the other core subject matters.
It is a balance between the core and the extra-curriculars as we are trying to educate the whole child.
Starting the discussion now gets a better chance to keep to it.
Are these ranked in order of priorities? or are these just a general listing
It would be interesting to see where the principals and administration would come up with their listing and how close it would be to this
I am not a fan of going through a death by 1,000 cuts
If I can live with a program going away, if it is gone it is gone. You need to be able to live with it going away and not coming back.
You can start talking about reductions until you know what the magnitude is?
Possible Saturday working session with Principals to get to hear from them directly
Live reporting - FY 2011 Preliminary Budget Discussion
Maureen Sabolinski, Sally Winslow, Miriam Goodman
The State numbers are not yet available, these factors will change over time
The goal for tonight is to provide a historical overview, where we are, and where we would like to be
teachers peaked at 517 - 2006, now down to 399 for 2010
110 FTE since FY 06
administrative 3 asst principals, 4 central office administrators
K-5 Spanish reduced to 1x a week
Elimination of French at the Middle School
K-5 health eliminated
K-5 PE reduced
Grade 4-5 instrumental eliminated
Curriculum and instructional services
Textbook line item elminiated, rely on capital to obtain books
Eliminated 10 custodial positions cut (separately from the Facilities transfer to DPW)
Pay to ride fees ass and increased
Sports fees added and increased
Per pupil expenditures $9,751 State avg $12,449
good chart comparing us to 20 other districts of similar enrollment (i.e. 5,000 to 7,000 students)
we are in the middle of the districts on school size, we are on the bottom of this set on per student spending
Special Education costs have increased from 16% in 1998 to 21% in 2010
FY 2000 to FY 2003 health increased at 13.86%, however we have done better in avoiding rising costs as much as possible. The increase was only 3.91% FY 2004 to FY 2010
saved tens of thousands of dollars in printing and ink costs by going electronic where ever possible
FHS Wireless Technology helps to allow students to bring their own systems into the school environment
Edline K-5 report cards being piloted
ConnectEd software enhanced communications to parents, reduced flyers
Food service point of sale program now more accurate and accountable
In house special education programing, slows the rate at which the budget needs to grow by servicing the students in house where possible
Chapter 70 funding - 56% in 2010, in 1998 only 28%
Potential, level service needs $53,500,000
The value of all of our homes is directly related to the school performance
The State numbers are not yet available, these factors will change over time
The goal for tonight is to provide a historical overview, where we are, and where we would like to be
teachers peaked at 517 - 2006, now down to 399 for 2010
110 FTE since FY 06
administrative 3 asst principals, 4 central office administrators
K-5 Spanish reduced to 1x a week
Elimination of French at the Middle School
K-5 health eliminated
K-5 PE reduced
Grade 4-5 instrumental eliminated
Curriculum and instructional services
Textbook line item elminiated, rely on capital to obtain books
Eliminated 10 custodial positions cut (separately from the Facilities transfer to DPW)
Pay to ride fees ass and increased
Sports fees added and increased
Per pupil expenditures $9,751 State avg $12,449
good chart comparing us to 20 other districts of similar enrollment (i.e. 5,000 to 7,000 students)
we are in the middle of the districts on school size, we are on the bottom of this set on per student spending
Special Education costs have increased from 16% in 1998 to 21% in 2010
FY 2000 to FY 2003 health increased at 13.86%, however we have done better in avoiding rising costs as much as possible. The increase was only 3.91% FY 2004 to FY 2010
saved tens of thousands of dollars in printing and ink costs by going electronic where ever possible
FHS Wireless Technology helps to allow students to bring their own systems into the school environment
Edline K-5 report cards being piloted
ConnectEd software enhanced communications to parents, reduced flyers
Food service point of sale program now more accurate and accountable
In house special education programing, slows the rate at which the budget needs to grow by servicing the students in house where possible
Chapter 70 funding - 56% in 2010, in 1998 only 28%
Potential, level service needs $53,500,000
The value of all of our homes is directly related to the school performance
Live reporting - FHS London Trip
Peter Light, Principal Franklin High School
Tina Leardi, Marushka Waters
A week in London , time at the West End theaters, chaperoned with ratio of 1-8
If 35 students from Franklin go, it will be "our" trip.
75 brochures were handed out so far.
this is on the action items later this evening.
Tina Leardi, Marushka Waters
A week in London , time at the West End theaters, chaperoned with ratio of 1-8
If 35 students from Franklin go, it will be "our" trip.
75 brochures were handed out so far.
this is on the action items later this evening.
Live reporting - Sidewalk Snow Removal Presentation
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Snow Removal / Sidewalks – Robert A (Brutus) Cantoreggi
The presentation is similar to what was shown to the Town Council reviewed earlier this month. You can view that presentation here
Roy - How are the decisions reached on school cancellations?
Sabolinski - Process starts in October, meeting with DPW to plan for the process, notifications, etc. Decisions on school closings rely on the safety officials (Police, Fire). Timeline is an issue. High school and middle school staff report at 6:45, need to make decision before 5:30 AM to alleviate unnecessary travel. Responsibilities further refined between Facilities and custodians based upon experience. In a town this size, we heard from about 10 people, considering our size, that is good.
Cantoreggi - The Facilities transfer was a good thing, we have learned along the way. The Police call us when the road conditions turn bad. We are prepared and on standby until we get the call. At night we can be ore efficient as no one is on the road, once the day starts, it gets more difficult as our trucks are in with the traffic.
Sabolinski - inclement weather notice sent out, posted on Schools website (PDF) There is a regular practice for the buses to pick up students walking along the road.
Glynn - How do you determne when to stop?
Cantoreggi - After the snow has stopped and after we have cleared the roads, we'll also do the push back to clear the road to the gutters. If another storm came along, the gutters would be blocked, we could get drainage problems. Can't have that so we clear it to the gutter.
Rohrbach - could you go into the process on the sidewalk routes?
Cantoreggi - I did not bring the map, it is on the DPW website, as is this presentation. (Note: The presentations can also be found here)
Rohrbach - You mentioned that you have vacancies, does that mean you use more contractors?
Cantoreggi - We have folks out that we have not backfilled. We do have some Franklin equipment that sits idle during a storm as we don't have manpower to run it. We do use contractors more, it is a more expensive option.
a. Snow Removal / Sidewalks – Robert A (Brutus) Cantoreggi
The presentation is similar to what was shown to the Town Council reviewed earlier this month. You can view that presentation here
Roy - How are the decisions reached on school cancellations?
Sabolinski - Process starts in October, meeting with DPW to plan for the process, notifications, etc. Decisions on school closings rely on the safety officials (Police, Fire). Timeline is an issue. High school and middle school staff report at 6:45, need to make decision before 5:30 AM to alleviate unnecessary travel. Responsibilities further refined between Facilities and custodians based upon experience. In a town this size, we heard from about 10 people, considering our size, that is good.
Cantoreggi - The Facilities transfer was a good thing, we have learned along the way. The Police call us when the road conditions turn bad. We are prepared and on standby until we get the call. At night we can be ore efficient as no one is on the road, once the day starts, it gets more difficult as our trucks are in with the traffic.
Sabolinski - inclement weather notice sent out, posted on Schools website (PDF) There is a regular practice for the buses to pick up students walking along the road.
Glynn - How do you determne when to stop?
Cantoreggi - After the snow has stopped and after we have cleared the roads, we'll also do the push back to clear the road to the gutters. If another storm came along, the gutters would be blocked, we could get drainage problems. Can't have that so we clear it to the gutter.
Rohrbach - could you go into the process on the sidewalk routes?
Cantoreggi - I did not bring the map, it is on the DPW website, as is this presentation. (Note: The presentations can also be found here)
Rohrbach - You mentioned that you have vacancies, does that mean you use more contractors?
Cantoreggi - We have folks out that we have not backfilled. We do have some Franklin equipment that sits idle during a storm as we don't have manpower to run it. We do use contractors more, it is a more expensive option.
Live reporting - School Committee
Attending: Douglas, Cafasso, Rohrbach, Mullen, Roy, Trahan, Glynn
1. Routine Business
• Citizen’s Comments - none
• Review of Agenda - add FHS London Trip to agenda
• Minutes: I recommend approval of the Open Session and Executive Session minutes from the January 12, 2010 School Committee Meeting.
correction on meeting date should be Feb 5th not 4th
page 4 - FY 2011 budget, add a sentence referencing a one page summary
page 6 - should say "fiscal review" instead of "financial audit"
motion to approve, excluding the minutes from the Executive Session, passed 7-0
• Payment of Bills - Mr. Glynn motion to approve, passed 7-0
• Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
• FHS Student Representatives
• Correspondence: none
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.
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.
Mission Statement
The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.
The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.
1. Routine Business
• Citizen’s Comments - none
• Review of Agenda - add FHS London Trip to agenda
• Minutes: I recommend approval of the Open Session and Executive Session minutes from the January 12, 2010 School Committee Meeting.
correction on meeting date should be Feb 5th not 4th
page 4 - FY 2011 budget, add a sentence referencing a one page summary
page 6 - should say "fiscal review" instead of "financial audit"
motion to approve, excluding the minutes from the Executive Session, passed 7-0
• Payment of Bills - Mr. Glynn motion to approve, passed 7-0
• Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
• FHS Student Representatives
• Correspondence: none
Franklin, MA: Kindergarten registration
For students entering Kindergarten in September 2010, registration will occur on
http://www.franklin.ma.us/auto/schools/FPS/KInfo/default.htm
- February 2
- February 4
- February 8
http://www.franklin.ma.us/auto/schools/FPS/KInfo/default.htm
In the News - financial discussion
A brief write-up for the budget workshop held on Monday for Town Council, Finance and School Committee members appears in the Milford Daily News
Franklin finances look grim
Additional info from the workshop can be found here and here
The workshop provided extensive details on the finances and budget process. The information gathered will be shared overtime to help us all prepare for Fiscal Year 2011. We are currently operating within Fiscal Year 2010 which ends June 30th.
Franklin finances look grim
Additional info from the workshop can be found here and here
The workshop provided extensive details on the finances and budget process. The information gathered will be shared overtime to help us all prepare for Fiscal Year 2011. We are currently operating within Fiscal Year 2010 which ends June 30th.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Live reporting - budget workshop continued
Part 1 for this meeting can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/live-reporting-special-meeting-budget.html
Jim Dacey covered the debt and interest explanations. Susan and Jeff combined to discuss the stabilization fund, the calculation of "free cash" and its use for capital expenses (one time, not recurring).
The group took a break and then resumed to pick up with the School budget.
Maureen Sabolinski and Miriam Goodman presented the initial overview on the budget and Federal/State mandates.
Sally Winslow and Beth Fitzmaurice are now covering Special Education and its requirements.
I am taking good notes but will spend some time to write them up before sharing them here.
Franklin belongs to two collaboratives to provide enhanced purchasing options to provide special education requirements at a reasonable expense.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/live-reporting-special-meeting-budget.html
Jim Dacey covered the debt and interest explanations. Susan and Jeff combined to discuss the stabilization fund, the calculation of "free cash" and its use for capital expenses (one time, not recurring).
The group took a break and then resumed to pick up with the School budget.
Maureen Sabolinski and Miriam Goodman presented the initial overview on the budget and Federal/State mandates.
Sally Winslow and Beth Fitzmaurice are now covering Special Education and its requirements.
I am taking good notes but will spend some time to write them up before sharing them here.
Franklin belongs to two collaboratives to provide enhanced purchasing options to provide special education requirements at a reasonable expense.
Live reporting: Special Meeting - budget workshop
Town Council:
Scott Mason, Tina Powderly, Glenn Jones
School Committee:
Bill Glynn, Cindy Douglas, Sue Rohrbach
Finance Committee:
Jim Roche, Linda Huempfner, Pat Goldsmith, Phyllis Meserve, Jaun Rivera, Mark Cataldo, Rebecca Cameron, Craig Maire, Robert Texiera
Town administration
Jeff Nutting, Susan Gagner, Jim Dacey
School Administration
Maureen Sabolinski, Miriam Goodman, Sally Winslow, Beth Fitzmaurice
There is good information in this session. We are hearing from Susan Gagner, Town Comptroller. She is covering the town financial history from 2005 through FY 2010.
Part 2 for this meeting continues here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/live-reporting-budget-workshop.html
Scott Mason, Tina Powderly, Glenn Jones
School Committee:
Bill Glynn, Cindy Douglas, Sue Rohrbach
Finance Committee:
Jim Roche, Linda Huempfner, Pat Goldsmith, Phyllis Meserve, Jaun Rivera, Mark Cataldo, Rebecca Cameron, Craig Maire, Robert Texiera
Town administration
Jeff Nutting, Susan Gagner, Jim Dacey
School Administration
Maureen Sabolinski, Miriam Goodman, Sally Winslow, Beth Fitzmaurice
There is good information in this session. We are hearing from Susan Gagner, Town Comptroller. She is covering the town financial history from 2005 through FY 2010.
- revenue components
- property tax
- state aid
- local estimated receipts
- other available funds
Part 2 for this meeting continues here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/live-reporting-budget-workshop.html
FM #55 - Week ending 1/24/10
This is #55 in the series on what matters in Frankin, MA. In this session, I cover the Town Council meeting of 1/20/10 and take a look ahead at the FY 2011 budget preparations.
Time: 8 minutes, 20 seconds
MP3 File
Session notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 55 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Take about ten minutes to keep current with what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends January 24, 2010
In this session I’ll cover the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, January 20, 2010
1 – The proposed charter revisions were brought back before this Council by Councilors Whalen and Zollo, no additional changes were made to the discussions held last Sep.
There will be open forum and public hearings to solicit input from the citizens before the final package is assembled for Legislative review. Assuming the changes proposed are accepted, then they would still come back to be voted on by the Franklin voters before being effective.
2 – The latest update on the Downtown Improvement project was presented to the Town Council on Weds and to the Downtown Partnership on Thursday morning. Additional sessions will be scheduled to allow for input from Franklin residents.
A copy of the presentation is available on Franklin MAtters
3 – The DPW presented a proposed rate change, actually a reduction from 244 per year to 220 per year. The change is dependent upon approval of a new contract to implement a “single stream” collection system. Single stream is still a misnomer in that there would be separate trash and recycle bins. The recycled items can all be mingled in the one barrel. We'd no longer need to separate the cardboard from the cans, bottles, etc.
A picture of the new bins is available on Franklin MAtters
Looking ahead to this week, there are two meetings of note:
1 - This Monday evening is a special meeting of the Town Council. The purpose of the meeting will be a budget workshop to review terminology and process steps for the 2011 budget. The workshop is intended to bring the new members of the Town Council, Finance Committee, and School Committee up to speed. It is also open to the public and this will be a great time to get in on the ground floor of the budget discussion.
Note the actual 2011 budget is not scheduled for discussion. Gov Patrick is scheduled to release his budget later this week. The House and Senate will release theirs some time and then all three will be reconciled or negotiated to produce one budget sometime before June 30th. That budget is key to what Franklin does. Currently 30% of our revenue comes from State Aid. Separately the Franklin departments will be coming up with their budget, review it with Jeff Nutting who makes his recommendation and brings both to the Finance Committee for review and approval be for the Town Council gets their final review and approval.
2 - The School committee starts their budget process on Tuesday the 26th. We'll get the first look at what a level service and level funded budget for 2011 could look like with options on what programs would be on the table for discussion. The teacher contract is up for renewal this year (as are all the other Franklin municipal employee contracts) what those will look like when an agreement is reached is open for speculation at this time.
In summary, the next several months can be very interactive. Franklin citizens can provide their input to the charter, the downtown project, and ultimately the Franklin budget. If you were waiting for a good time to get involved, the time is now.
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
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 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!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the website to listen to the audio version.
Time: 8 minutes, 20 seconds
MP3 File
Session notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 55 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Take about ten minutes to keep current with what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends January 24, 2010
In this session I’ll cover the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, January 20, 2010
- proposed Charter revision
- Downtown improvement project
- New trash/recycle bins to lower cost of solid waste by $24
1 – The proposed charter revisions were brought back before this Council by Councilors Whalen and Zollo, no additional changes were made to the discussions held last Sep.
There will be open forum and public hearings to solicit input from the citizens before the final package is assembled for Legislative review. Assuming the changes proposed are accepted, then they would still come back to be voted on by the Franklin voters before being effective.
2 – The latest update on the Downtown Improvement project was presented to the Town Council on Weds and to the Downtown Partnership on Thursday morning. Additional sessions will be scheduled to allow for input from Franklin residents.
A copy of the presentation is available on Franklin MAtters
3 – The DPW presented a proposed rate change, actually a reduction from 244 per year to 220 per year. The change is dependent upon approval of a new contract to implement a “single stream” collection system. Single stream is still a misnomer in that there would be separate trash and recycle bins. The recycled items can all be mingled in the one barrel. We'd no longer need to separate the cardboard from the cans, bottles, etc.
A picture of the new bins is available on Franklin MAtters
Looking ahead to this week, there are two meetings of note:
1 - This Monday evening is a special meeting of the Town Council. The purpose of the meeting will be a budget workshop to review terminology and process steps for the 2011 budget. The workshop is intended to bring the new members of the Town Council, Finance Committee, and School Committee up to speed. It is also open to the public and this will be a great time to get in on the ground floor of the budget discussion.
Note the actual 2011 budget is not scheduled for discussion. Gov Patrick is scheduled to release his budget later this week. The House and Senate will release theirs some time and then all three will be reconciled or negotiated to produce one budget sometime before June 30th. That budget is key to what Franklin does. Currently 30% of our revenue comes from State Aid. Separately the Franklin departments will be coming up with their budget, review it with Jeff Nutting who makes his recommendation and brings both to the Finance Committee for review and approval be for the Town Council gets their final review and approval.
2 - The School committee starts their budget process on Tuesday the 26th. We'll get the first look at what a level service and level funded budget for 2011 could look like with options on what programs would be on the table for discussion. The teacher contract is up for renewal this year (as are all the other Franklin municipal employee contracts) what those will look like when an agreement is reached is open for speculation at this time.
In summary, the next several months can be very interactive. Franklin citizens can provide their input to the charter, the downtown project, and ultimately the Franklin budget. If you were waiting for a good time to get involved, the time is now.
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
- If you like what I am doing, please tell your neighbors
- If you don’t like something, please tell me
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 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!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the website to listen to the audio version.
School Committee - Agenda - 1/26/10
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.
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.
Mission Statement
The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.
The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.
1. Routine Business
• Citizen’s Comments
• Review of Agenda
• Minutes: I recommend approval of the Open Session and Executive Session minutes from the January 12, 2010 School Committee Meeting.
• Payment of Bills - Mr. Glynn
• Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
• FHS Student Representatives
• Correspondence: none
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Snow Removal / Sidewalks – Brutus Cantoreggi / Jeff Nutting
b. Preliminary Budget Discussion
3. Discussion Only Items
• Budget to Actual
• Second Reading:
Policy ADA – School District Goals & Objectives
Policy ACE – Non-Discrimination on the basis of Disability
4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of the donation of 5 digital cameras and one camcorder from Mr. Robert Salzberg of Resh, Inc. for the Davis Thayer Elementary School.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1148.00 from the Oak St. PCC for a Gr. 2 field trip to Stony Brook in May as detailed.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1000.00 from the Panther Lacrosse Association to be used towards the fitness center at FHS.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from the Singleton Family Foundation for the FHS Special Education Department.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3000.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for field trips as detailed.
f. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a Visual Presenter from Mr. Robert Salzberg of Resh, Inc. for the Davis Thayer Elementary School.
g. I recommend approval of the request of Ms. Leardi & Mrs. Waters of the FHS for a trip to London, England on June 25, 2010 as detailed.
h. I recommend adoption of Policy ADA – School District Goals & Objectives.
i. I recommend approval of the request of Peter Light for an additional Assistant Track coach at a cost of $1,467.00 to be funded from the Athletic Revolving Account to assist with increased student participation.
j. I recommend adoption of Policy ACE – Non-Discrimination on the basis of Disability.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
a. Finance Workshop TrainingSchool Committee Sub-Committee Reports
b. MSBA/FHS Project
c. Kindergarten Registration
d. MASBO Compensation Study
e. Data Team
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
Franklin, MA: At a glance
In advance of the special budget workshop Monday evening, here is a report from the MA Department of Revenue, Division of Local Services:
You can view the same report on the MA DOR website here.
The workshop this evening is open to the public and intended to bring the new members of the Town Council, Finance and School Committees up to speed on the budget terminology and process.
The fiscal policies that previous Town Councils have used for guidance, this Council also accepted and it posted on the Town Council section of their webpage:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/fiscal.pdf
Note: The 2011 budget is NOT scheduled for discussion. The Governor is scheduled to announce his view of the budget this week. Both bodies of the State legislature will announce their own versions of the State budget and then all three will be negotiated to produce one budget sometime before June 30th.
Last year was an exception in that Franklin did not find out their final numbers until July. The Town Council voted on the final 2010 budget on Sep 16th with some adjustments to the one passed in June.
You can view the same report on the MA DOR website here.
The workshop this evening is open to the public and intended to bring the new members of the Town Council, Finance and School Committees up to speed on the budget terminology and process.
The fiscal policies that previous Town Councils have used for guidance, this Council also accepted and it posted on the Town Council section of their webpage:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/fiscal.pdf
Note: The 2011 budget is NOT scheduled for discussion. The Governor is scheduled to announce his view of the budget this week. Both bodies of the State legislature will announce their own versions of the State budget and then all three will be negotiated to produce one budget sometime before June 30th.
Last year was an exception in that Franklin did not find out their final numbers until July. The Town Council voted on the final 2010 budget on Sep 16th with some adjustments to the one passed in June.
Franklin, MA: budget workshop
Whalen said the budget workshop will delve into the town's state and local revenue sources and unfunded mandates like special education funding.
School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy urges the public to attend.
"People are typically surprised when they learn about the scope and number of state and federal mandates applicable to school budgets," he said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News by clicking on the link below:
Franklin officials to strategize on town budgets
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Pulaski Blvd project update
Yes, Pulaski Blvd is in Bellingham but it changes name to Washington and then to King St for those traveling north to come to the i495 intersection. The i495 intersection is under construction to improve, widen and add traffic lights.
Pulaski Blvd starts construction this spring. For folks in Franklin heading south to Bellingham, Woonsocket and points beyond, you might want to consider exploring an alternate route.
This article in the Milford Daily News provides an update on the bids just received to begin work this spring.
Pulaski Blvd starts construction this spring. For folks in Franklin heading south to Bellingham, Woonsocket and points beyond, you might want to consider exploring an alternate route.
This article in the Milford Daily News provides an update on the bids just received to begin work this spring.
Pulaski project on target in Bellingham
In the News - downtown project
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here"We want to continue to get public input and allow that input to direct the design," he said.
A major proposed improvement is to create two-way traffic on Emmons, Main and West Central streets.
View the presentation on this project that was made to the Town Council on Wednesday Jan 20th
Diversity in the state legislature?
------Despite an executive branch headed by the state's first black governor, no one keeps track of the racial makeup of the Legislature's work force - not the state Human Resources Division nor any central office in the House or Senate.
Lawmakers can hire whomever they want, however they want, and since they exempted themselves from the public record law years ago, they don't have to tell anyone.
Only 18 of 200 elected officials agreed to provide information on their staffers' race, age and gender to The Patriot Ledger.
Reached last week, no MetroWest legislator, with the exception of state Sen. Jamie Eldridge, responded to the Daily News' request for information regarding staff demographics. Some offices did not return calls. Other offices referred the News directly to the House Speaker's office. Other offices referred the News to the Legislature's human resources department, which then referred a reporter to the House Speaker's office.
Affirmative action - a hiring policy that encourages minorities to apply for jobs where they are underrepresented - was a phrase first used by President John F. Kennedy nearly 50 years ago. In the years that followed, it was the basis for federal equal opportunity hiring regulations that states, cities and towns had to follow, or risk losing federal aid.
But the same rules affecting all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts and more than 50,000 state employees don't apply to lawmakers, their employees or committee staffs.
Read the full and rather interesting report on this disconnect created by the legislature in the Milford Daily News here
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Express Line
The new Express Line was just sent out via email.
If you are not receiving you own copy, you can sign up on the Franklin website here: http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/subscriber-news
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to read the document.
If you are not receiving you own copy, you can sign up on the Franklin website here: http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/subscriber-news
Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io
Save File: converted-FranklinMA_ExpressLine_100122-converted.pdf Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to read the document.
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