You can do something about the Technology Tax!

"Tech Tax" Hits Massachusetts AND WILL IMPACT YOUR BUSINESS, TAKE ACTION NOW! Massachusetts now has the highest and most aggressive technology tax in the nation at 6.25%. This is one time that being ranked #1 is not a good thing for anyone.This tax impacts many areas of information technology, including website development, software use and development just to mention a few. It also applies to installing virus scanning software, Microsoft office software and much more where you will be taxed for software and labor.    Effective July 31, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue is applying sales and use tax (6.25%) to previously untaxed computer/software services. Known colloquially as the "tech tax," these new taxable services include: the installation of computer systems (including servers, PCs, switches, firewalls, routers, etc), the planning, consulting, or designing of computer systems, and the installation, modification, or adaptation of most software. This new tax on technological services was written into the legislature "An Act Relative to Transportation Finance," sections 48 and 49.  Unfairly targeting the information technology industry, and completely unrelated to transportation finance, this new "tech tax" legislature is poorly written, poorly timed, and, as many argue, too reminiscent of previously failed attempts in this state to impose sales tax on services. Not to mention it has a potentially crippling effect on small businesses in Massachusetts. We are working with our state representatives and local groups to petition the State to repeal, revise, or postpone this tax. The Mass High Tech Council has teamed up with The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation to further push for a repeal. There are also several blogs devoted to cataloging the repeal progress, including No Tech Tax and Repeal The IT Service Tax. We recommend visiting both of those pages to join the repeal movement. How the New "Tech Tax" Affects You    The DOR has issued guidelines and a FAQ explaining the new taxable services vs. nontaxable services. Please look at this to determine how you will be impacted. This means that any computer/software services performed after July 31, 2013 and falling under the new taxable definitions set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue will carry sales tax. What You Can Do???    We understand the impact that this service tax will have on your business as well as many of our Chamber members. If you wish to join us in a repeal effort, we recommend any of the following: Contact your local state representative: Senate President Therese Murray, State House Suite 332 Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-1500 Fax: 617-248-3840 Email: Therese.Murray@masenate.gov Senator James Timilty, State House Room 507 Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617 722-1222 Fax: 617-722-1056 Email: James.Timilty@masenate.gov  Senator Richard Ross, State House  Room 520 Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email: Richard.Ross@masenate.gov  Senator Karen Spilka, State House Room 320   Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-1640 Fax: 617-722-1077 Email: Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov  Senator Kevin Kuros, State House  Room 443  Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2460 Fax: 617-722-2353 Email: Kevin.Kuros@mahouse.gov  Senator Richard Moore, State House   Room 111  Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-1420 Fax: 617-722-1944 Email: Richard.Moore@masenate.gov  Representative Elizabeth Poirier, State House  State House  Room 124  Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2100 Fax: 617-626-0108 Email: Elizabeth.Poirier@mahouse.gov  Representative Paul Heroux Room 236  Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2430 Fax: 617-626-0335 Email: Paul.Heroux@mahouse.gov  Representative Jeffrey Roy  Room 134  Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2400 Fax: 617-626-0279 Email: Jeffrey.Roy@mahouse.gov  Representative Steven Howitt Room 237   Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2305 Fax: 617-626-0211 Email: steven.howitt@mahouse.gov  Representative F. Jay Barrows Room 542  Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2488 Fax: 617-722-2390 Email: F.JayBarrows@mahouse.gov  Representative Daniel Winslow Room 33 Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2060 Fax: 617-626-0296 Email: Daniel.Winslow@mahouse.gov  Sign the online petition at http://www.change.org/petitions/massachusetts-state-legislature-repeal-the-tax-on-it-services Send your comments and concerns directly to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue at: rulesandregs@dor.state.ma.us Thank You for your support. Jack Lank President The United Regional Chamber of Commerce

Forward email The United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703

High school traffic pattern

With the ongoing (on schedule and on budget) construction of the new high school building, the work on the parking lots reported earlier this week has resulted in a revised traffic flow. The revised flow is shown in the PDF below. For those dropping off students, there are two loops available. One from Oak St and one via Panther Way.




Parking lot photos
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/new-franklin-high-school-parking.html

All other high school building related posts are collected in one place
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/collection-high-school-building-project.html

50 year Anniversary

50 years have passed since the day on the Mall when Martin Luther King shared his "I have a dream"





The wikipedia entry for the speech
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Have_a_Dream

"make sure due process occurs"

The Milford DailyNews provides an update on the open allegation investigation:

In an interview Tuesday in her office, Sabolinski shed some light on how school officials learned of the allegation and described their thinking leading up to Monday’s public announcement that the educator in question had been placed on paid administrative leave pending the results of police and internal investigations. 

"We are really sick over this," she said. "It has been devastating to the high school administration and the district administration." 

Sabolinski would not specify the nature of the allegation or identify the teacher, only saying that, at some point, "lines were crossed."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1868831797/Franklin-superintendent-sick-over-allegation-of-teacher#ixzz2dFva5O9R


WBZ Boston's news piece from Tuesday:




Related posts:
School Opening Update
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-public-schools-school-opening.html

Monday's announcement
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-public-schools.html

It all about an allegation
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/lets-note-that-this-is-all-about.html

Franklin Public Schools: School Opening Update

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Good Afternoon- I wanted to take a moment to let you know that our first day of school was exceptional. We had minimal bus concerns and school started on time in all buildings despite the rainy weather. As our district administrators visited all of our schools, students were engaged in learning and happy to be back in school. I am sorry the opening was marred by the need to send out the copy of the press release but we were contacted by the press and I felt parents needed to have the information before it went public. We strive to be transparent and honest in our communication as we partner with you in the education of your children. Also we wanted to assure parents that we are committed to a safe educational environment for all students. Our investigation continues and we are planning to hold a  meeting on Thursday for FHS  parents/guardians (details will be sent out on Wednesday). Our Crisis Counselor Maria Trozzi will facilitate this meeting to help FHS parents address many  issues this situation has put in the forefront. Ms. Trozzi spent two days working with the faculty at FHS and gave them the tools to address classroom issues and concerns. The staff  were give the tools to keep students focused the process of education. I can report that today, education at FHS was orderly and students were engaged and excited to be back in school. We were able to celebrate the "Last First Day" at the old FHS. We want to thank the many parents who have sent messages of support as we continue this investigation. If any parent  or student has information to share please contact my office or Principal Light as we  are committed to a resolution of this situation. Thank you for your continued support, Maureen This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.

Future Sculpture Park (video)

Saturday afternoon was such a gorgeous day, I had to be out and about to capture some photos and in this case a brief 5 minute video. I took a walk to highlight the development efforts for the sculpture park to be opened this fall on Panther Way. The park will be located on the ground of the old town pool next to the Police Station.

If you haven't been out there yet, do plan on going when the sculptures are in place. In the meantime, join me for this walk.




Additional information on the Sculpture Park can be found on the Franklin Art Center webpage.
http://franklinartcenter.com/park.html

In the News: Garden Club, schools open, youth leagues

Franklin Garden Club to meet

The Franklin Garden Club will resume their monthly meetings on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Pleasant St. Franklin, at 7 p.m.

Franklin schools open Aug. 27, welcome back message from superintendent

Bells will be ringing in Franklin's public schools tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 27. Here is a link to the 2013-2014 bus routes.

Hockomock YMCA youth leagues enrolling

The Hockomock Area YMCA is accepting registrations for fall sports leagues that support healthy lifestyles and instill a positive self-image in kids. Through programs including Friday night flag football and cheerleading, Saturday soccer and t-ball, and Sunday soccer, the Hockomock Y fields and gyms will be active with families that connect over a shared interest in athletics.

let's note that this is all about an 'allegation'

 What is an allegation?

An allegation (also called adduction) is a claim of a fact by a party in a pleading, which the party claims to be able to prove. Allegations remain assertions without proof, until they can be proved.^[1]

The text on allegation is from wikipedia.


In the Milford Daily News:

Police are investigating a serious allegation of misconduct against a Franklin High School teacher, who has been placed on paid administrative leave, the school district announced Monday. 

In a statement posted to the district’s website, the school department said it immediately reported the allegation to the police and sent a report to the state Department of Children and Families. The announcement came a day before students were set to start the new school year.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1655330060/Disturbing-allegation-brought-against-Franklin-High-teacher#ixzz2dA0ZfZV3



The link to the News at 6:00 segement as broadcast on Monday
Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston


The School Dept statement from Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-public-schools.html

Franklin Public Schools: important message 8/26/13

If anyone happened to see the News at 6:00 PM today, this is the official schools statement from Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Franklin Public Schools Office of the Superintendent PRESS RELEASE August 26, 2013 A serious allegation of misconduct by a Franklin High School teacher was brought to the attention of the administration within the Franklin Public Schools.  The administration was devastated by hearing of this allegation and we acted immediately. Upon learning of this allegation, a report was made to the Franklin Police Department and the Franklin Public Schools is cooperating with the Police in this regard.  Also a report was made to the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF).  Additionally, the Franklin Public Schools administration immediately initiated its own comprehensive internal investigation.  Our School Counsel initiated the investigation last week. We are committing our full resources to investigating and responding to these allegations.  The alleged incident is disturbing and does not reflect the expectations we espouse as a school district or as a community. We are committed to ensuring all of our students are safe, both physically and emotionally.  These allegations demean the professionalism of all educators and are inconsistent with School Committee policies and community norms.  Franklin Public Schools is fully committed to supporting students and families who have been impacted by this incident. Due to the confidentiality rights of all involved, we are unable to comment further on the particulars of the alleged incident or our resulting investigation. The individual involved in this allegation is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.  Be assured that the safety and security of all students in the Franklin Public Schools always remains our highest priority.  We will continue to work closely with relevant agencies and to take any appropriate actions in response.  We will ensure that this investigation is conducted thoroughly and with complete understanding of our obligation to uphold our public duty to our students. Our focus and mission at this time is to protect the confidentiality of our students as we open school for the 2013-2014 school year. This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.

Offer to candidates for election - November 5, 2013

To the citizens and potential candidates for Franklin's election this November 5

I extend an offer to conduct and post an interview with you here. The interview can be either text or audio.

You are running to conduct business on behalf of Franklin. Together, we can share your views, your objectives, and help to spread the word to create an informed voter.

Send me an email (shersteve at gmail dot com) and we can arrange a mutually convenient time.

Be aware that this is my public service effort conducted solely to create an informed electorate here in Franklin.

I do this for fun and education. If it stops being that way, I will stop.
This is not an advertising site. This is an information sharing site.

My disclosure statement can be found here.
My comment/editorial policy can be found here.

A similar offer was made for the Franklin, MA elections in 2011, 2009 and 2007.



The interviews for the candidates in the prior elections can be found in the archives

2011 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/08/election-2011-summary.html

2009 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2009/10/2009-election-collection.html

2007 - http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2007/11/franklin-election-2007.html

Getting ready to slow down on King St

The meetings around the safety of the school crossing on King St at Wachusett St for the students going to the Parmenter Elementary School made promises that are about to be delivered.

Construction on the past couple of days have resulted in some tree branches trimmed back

note: tree branches trimmed

one tree removed

note: stump and sawdust remains where tree was

poles installed for better marking of the crossing

new sign pole on corner

speed warning signs have been installed. This one shown is on King St heading to i495. There is a similar one on King St heading towards Wachusett St.

new speed sign

With school opening on Tuesday, the work to finish the installation seems like it can be completed on Monday.


From the archives
the meeting at Parmenter with Franklin officials was mentioned during the January Town Council meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/live-reporting-closing.html

the plan to prepare for this installation was voted on and approved by the Finance Committee in March and then by the Town Council
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/delcarte-recreation-proposal.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-mar-27.html

new Franklin High School parking arrangements

With construction of the new building underway, part of the main parking lot has been returned to Franklin for use when school opens on Tuesday.

The fences previously restricting the parking lot to the construction work zone have been relocated.

the fences have been removed

Access to the high school parking lot from the Horace Mann bus loop entrance has been restored.

the access road from Horace Mann/Oak St is re-opened

There are eleven parking spots marked for energy efficient vehicles

priority spots for energy efficient vehicles

There are eleven parking spots for car pools

priority spots for car pools

A view of the new lot as you come in from the Horace Mann/Oak st access

a view of the lot

"the field remains wide open"

A recap of the folks who have taken out election papers is available in this article from the Milford Daily News. The election will be held on Tuesday, November 5th. The election timeline was posted here earlier in case you want a refresher.

Councilors Tom Mercer, Andrew Bissanti, Judith Pond Pfeffer and Glenn Jones will run for re-election in November. The only newcomer to the council running thus far, Brett Feldman, a member of the Finance Committee, took out papers earlier this month. 

Chairman Robert Vallee, Vice Chairwoman Tina Powderly and councilor Matt Kelly are still mulling whether to run. But State Rep. Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) has announced an end to his local political career, as he forges ahead in his freshman year at the State House. 

Council candidates will need to round up 100 signatures to run, while others need 50. Sept. 18 is the final day to return the documents.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1868831264/Candidates-for-Franklins-Nov-6-election-trickling-in#ixzz2d48Onn00

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 27, 2013

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.

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the July 16, 2013 and August 13, 2013 School Committee Meetings.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations

a. Elementary - School Improvement Plans

1. ECDC
2. Davis Thayer
3. Jefferson
4. Keller
5. Kennedy
6. Oak Street
7. Parmenter

b. Middle - School Improvement Plans

1. Horace Mann
2. Remington
3. Annie Sullivan

c. High School – School Improvement Plan

3. Discussion Only Items

4. Action Items
a. I recommend budget transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend approval of the ECDC School Improvement Plan as detailed.
c. I recommend approval of the Davis Thayer School Improvement Plan as detailed.
d. I recommend approval of the Jefferson School Improvement Plan as detailed.
e. I recommend approval of the Keller School Improvement Plan as detailed.
f. I recommend approval of the Kennedy School Improvement Plan as detailed.
g. I recommend approval of the Oak Street School Improvement Plan as detailed.
h. I recommend approval of the Parmenter School Improvement Plan as detailed.
i. I recommend approval of the Horace Mann School Improvement Plan as detailed.
j. I recommend approval of the Remington School Improvement Plan as detailed.
k. I recommend approval of the Annie Sullivan School Improvement Plan as detailed.
l. I recommend approval of the FHS School Improvement Plan as detailed.
m. I recommend approval of the request of Peter Light to declare Science books as detailed as surplus.
n. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from BJ’s Wholesale for Keller Elementary School.

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

The 'phantom ecologist' can do better

A loyal reader found this note posted on one of the information kiosks at the DelCarte property last weekend and shared the photo with me. A series of emails with Michele Grenier, the Franklin Conservation Agent, and Jeff Nutting, the Town Administrator,  confirmed the following.

• Trapa natans is an invasive species, it is not legally sold in MA.
• Franklin will put a plan together to remove the plant from the pond
• The 'phantom ecologist' should come forward with anything else they find and reach out to the Conservation Agent.

The contact information for Michele (email and phone) can be found on the official Franklin webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Conservation/index

Additional info on the trapa natans can be found on the National Park Service page here
http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/trna.htm 

or wikipedia here  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_caltrop

What does the trapa natans look like?

From Evernote:

Water Chestnut (Trapa natans) Clipped from: http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/trna.htm

trapa natnas

Photo of 'phantom ecologist' note

In case the text is hard to read, it has been recopied here:

Water chestnut (Trapa natans) has been observed in DelCarte Pond #4, the pond immediately behind this kiosk. The plant has not previously been observed in Franklin. 

This is a highly invasive non-native plant most probably introduced by geese and/or swans. If not controlled the pond is expected to be completely controlled by the plants' floating mats in just a couple of years, reducing sunlight and dissolved oxygen to the extent that fish kills can be expected, severely limiting the potential for fishing and bating at DelCarte. 

Currently there are dozens of colonies, composed of a few hundred individuals. This population has grown in just a single season (it was not observed in 2012) giving an idea of how it quickly it multiple geometrically.  

It is still feasible to control this plant by manually pulling the plants, although it may take several years to completely eradicate it. The plants have dropped their seeds in July, so no control measures are planned until next spring and summer.  

If allowed to grow for another year or two, removing the plants manually will be impractical. There are mechanical and chemical controls that can be applied for established infestations, but are prohibitively expensive. next summer is our best chance to control this plant and maintain the ability to fish and boat at DelCarte. 

Information will be posted here next spring regarding an attempt in May/June 2014 to manually pull the plant using canoes and kayaks. 

- the phantom ecologist - 8/16/2013

How much do you want to play football?

Nine year old Kyle Florio has been deaf since birth. He was born with the love of football. Kyle's parents are also deaf and they wanted their son to be able to play sports just like all the other kids. So they supported his decision when he wanted to join the Pop Warner league. 

"I feel like it's a little different. Most of the time, feels just normal," says Kyle through an interpreter. 

This year mark the third year Kyle has been drafted by the Charger's as a defensive back. And thanks to his team's generosity, they have raised thousands of dollars every year to make sure Kyle has an interpreter right there on the field with him, putting Kyle on a level playing field with everyone else. 

"It's really nice to have an interpreter there. Have full communication access, full enjoyment. It's almost like a sense of equity among the players, says Steve Florio, Kyle's father, through an interpreter.

Read more: http://www.myfoxny.com/story/23233829/team-raises-funds-for-child#ixzz2cqHBKTky

The fund raiser was held this past Friday night at Cole's. If anyone knows if the team is still accepting donations and where to send them, please let me know. We can update this posting to share the info.

The team needed to raise $3,600 to pay for an interpreter this season. If you'd still like to help the team, visit: http://www.gofundme.com/Communication-Access-Fund 

Read more: http://www.myfoxboston.com/story/23247306/2013/08/24/franklin-football-players-raise-10k-to-help-deaf-teammate#ixzz2d0ya5QA3

New York News

Franklin Public Schools: School Improvement Plans (SIP)

On the agenda for the School Committee meeting on Tuesday Aug 27 is the presentation, discussion and acceptance of the school improvement plans.

The district improvement plan is set and then each individual school works out how they can meet the overall objectives based upon their student population and individual requirements.

The School Administration earlier this year introduced a checklist to enable better tracking of the improvement plans and detailed action items. The checklist can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/02/fps-district-improvement-plan-checklist.html


The individual school improvement plans can be found on the link to each school name.

Elementary - School Improvement Plans

1. ECDC
2. Davis Thayer
3. Jefferson
4. Keller
5. Kennedy
6. Oak Street
7. Parmenter

Middle - School Improvement Plans

1. Horace Mann
2. Remington
3. Annie Sullivan

High School – School Improvement Plan

1. Franklin High School

Bottle and Can Drive - FHS Boy's Hockey - Sep 7

The FHS Boy's Hockey Bottle and Can drive 

Saturday, Sep 7th

Pirelli Veterans Arena

8:30 AM to 2:00 PM