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Thursday, November 20, 2014
MassBudget: Understanding the Actual Cost of MassHealth to the State
Blackstone River Theatre - Veterans issues event 11-20/Chanterelle Saturday!
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Franklin Library: LEGO Club - today at 4:00 PM
Lego Club today at the Franklin Library at 4:00 PM. This activity is good for children with ages from 3 - 12 years old.
This was re-shared from the Franklin Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/11/lego-club.html
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| LEGO Club |
This was re-shared from the Franklin Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/11/lego-club.html
In the News; commuter rail performance, change from grass to turf field
For those riding the Franklin commuter rail line:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141119/NEWS/141116006/1994/NEWS
From the Town Council meeting Wednesday, part of the discussion was with the School Building Committee getting a 'sense of the Council" in regards to a slight change in the FHS plans for fields. I say 'slight' and that is an interpretation of what I heard.
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141120/NEWS/141129667/1994/NEWS
The field had be slated for use as a practice field and due to the angle of planned grading could not be used as a 'game' field. By changing the field from grass to artificial turf, the field can be used year round, and will be regulation sized for competition.
Fifty new double decker coaches are in service, and 25 coaches are in the testing and inspection phase, according to the MBTA.Continue reading the full article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
By early next year, all 75 new coaches, which were built by Hyundai Rotem, will be in service. State transportation officials have previously criticized Hyundai Rotem, accusing the company of falling behind schedule in delivering trains, which also required fixing once they reached Massachusetts.
Year-to-date, on-time performance on the commuter rail is at 89 percent, according to the presentation. July's on-time performance rate stood at 87 percent, August 90 percent, and September 92 percent, which dropped to 85 percent in October.
"There's a lot of room for improvement but at the same time . . . we are four months into this," MBTA general manager Beverly Scott told reporters.
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141119/NEWS/141116006/1994/NEWS
From the Town Council meeting Wednesday, part of the discussion was with the School Building Committee getting a 'sense of the Council" in regards to a slight change in the FHS plans for fields. I say 'slight' and that is an interpretation of what I heard.
The chairman of the committee, Tom Mercer, informed the town council of the decision on Wednesday and sought their approval to move ahead with the multi-use field in the form of an informal vote.Continue reading the full article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
During a straw poll, each councilor voiced support of a turf field.
Mercer, himself a councilor, noted that the building committee did not require the council’s OK to build the field, but agreed “that it’s an important enough decision” to bring before the governing body.
Installation of the turf is to begin in the spring.
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141120/NEWS/141129667/1994/NEWS
The field had be slated for use as a practice field and due to the angle of planned grading could not be used as a 'game' field. By changing the field from grass to artificial turf, the field can be used year round, and will be regulation sized for competition.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Live reporting: Closing
L. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
local aid proposed to be cut at State level
restoration company worked quickly, will be working off hours and weekend
to continue repairs
thanks to the Fire and Police for their response
happy thanksgiving
Bissanti - one particular name (Mike Ellsworth) was johnny on the spot, an unsung hero of the system; everybody works together in those situations and that is good to see
M. OLD BUSINESS
none
N. NEW BUSINESS
When Powderly was here, she was working on a booklet on the services available
might also be good to have on the website, where is it?
Bissanti - is there an update on the RFP's
one came in at 10:40 (after the deadline, 10:30) and is disqualified
O. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Padula - we working on a house over on Howard St, really appreciate the folks there, great people
Pfeffer - open house of affordable housing on Saturday, lottery in Dec, applications do soon
Q. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, passed 8-0
Live reporting: Legislation for action
K. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 14-77: Classification Tax Allocation – Residential Factor
set residential factor at 1
motion, seconded, approved 8-0
Resolution 14-78: Classification Tax Allocation – Open Space Exemption
set no open space exemption
motion, seconded, approved 8-0
Resolution 14-79: Classification Tax Allocation – Small Business Exemption
set no small business exemption
motion, seconded, approved 8-0
Resolution 14-80: Classification Tax Allocation – Residential Property Exemption
set no residential property exemption
motion, seconded, approved 8-0
Resolution 14-76: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant With Developer of Unnamed Street Off
Upper Union Street (Mount View Farms Subdivision)
motion to waive the reading, seconded, passed 8-0
standard agreement to keep way private
motion, seconded, approved 8-0
Resolution 14-81: Refunding Bond Order
as mentioned a review of the bonds found some to be refinanced and save some money
motion, seconded, approved 8-0
Resolution 14-82: Appropriation – Sewer Retained Earnings
Beaver St interceptor, carries 70% of our sewer to the old sewer beds
over 100 years old, built in 1914
identified a long time ago as a liability
$14M to be moved to 140, have been reducing the flow through it
there is a culvert underneath it, if it breaks, it would drop 2M gallons a day into Mine Brook
the trains will be re-routed on Dec 6th to work with us to bring equipment in to do so
approve emergency through the State
working with Conservation Commission
they basically laid pipe and put stone on it
pipe are cast iron and it has lasted this long
the flow of sewer keeps the iron clean because it is so acidic
starting to well from the inside out
motion, seconded, approved 8-0
Resolution 14-83: Acceptance of Gift – Council on Aging
motion, seconded, approved 8-0
Resolution 14-66: Authorization to Grant Utility (Sewer) Easement
Bissanti and Mercer recused themselves
motion to take Resolution 14-66 off the table
seconded, passed 6-0
motion to waive reading, seconded, passed 6-0
(copies were missing from the Council package, hence the skip over this and returning to it)
This allows the maintenance of the sewer
unanimous (required 6 votes) had only five previously, Padula available tonight (as opposed to last time)
Live reporting: Tax Classification Hearing
G. HEARINGS
Tax Classification Hearing – 7:10 PM
Neas, Feeley, Doyle, Norman
tax rate would increase $.39 with the single rate
values are beginning to trend upwards
if the bonding had not kicked in, the tax rate would actually have decreased
Nutting - the valuations are always a lag
we have traditionally had a single rate, I see no reason to change that
Bissanti - we have a delicate balancing act between assessments and values
motion to close the hearing, seconded, passed 8-0
The full set of documents as released for this meeting agenda can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/111914.pdf
(Note - be patient when opening this file, some of the pages at the end at both larger and landscape mode rather than portrait so you may need to scroll to the middle when opening the file to see the beginning pages. The tax classification hearing pages are pages 9-32)
Live reporting; Town Council - Nov 19, 2014
Present: Feldman, Padula, Mercer, Kelly, Valle, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Williams
Absent: none (one open seat)
A. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
nomination by Pfeffer of Vallee for Chair
nomination by Padula of Pfeffer for Clerk, put aside not time for this
voted to close nominations, seconded, voted unanimously
nomination by Bissanti of Kelly for Vice-Chair
voted to close nominations, seconded, passed unanimously
voted on nomination, seconded, passed unanimously
nomination by Padula of Pfeffer for Clerk
voted to close nominations, seconded, passed unanimously
voted on nomination, seconded, passed unanimously
NOTE - there was no actual vote on the nomination of Vallee for Council Chair
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
July 30, 2014
motion to approve the minutes, seconded, passed 8-0
C. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting is also being recorded by Franklin Matters.
D. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
E. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Frank Tedesco, King St
issue with public safety
tree was taken down privately, will be submitting the bill
I did get it down, everything is safe now
thank you
F. APPOINTMENTS
none
H. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Let’s Eat (Franklin), LLC d/b/a Three: Change of Manager
manager of the liquor license, ensure regulation
onsite approx 70 hours a week
motion to approve transfer, seconded, passed 8-0
I. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Chairman of HS Building Committee
Tom Mercer
1 - FHS project status
2 - expectation of what will be seen over next period
building complete, punch list items still being worked around the school schedule
working well during the off hours
most of the hours will be complete by the Thanksgiving holiday
other items may still come up
Contractor has turned over the second parking lot six months early
the old high school had 620, the new has 617
(handout to be added later)
the Panther Way cut through may be opened next week
hoping to get the sidewalks in before opening
pouring the concrete in the recent weather hasn't been good
will close off the current way around the fields
site and fields will be worked to a sub-grade condition before the deep frost hits
to be easier to work once spring comes and the fields get planted
That is basically the update on where the project started
Nutting - we also had 200 fewer students with the old school
2 - Franklin High School building committee proposal to make the fields turf at cost not to exceed the budget, it is with in the budget and building committee rights
want to bring it to the Council before going out for bid
better utilization for year round use rather than seasonal use
The Building Committee has worked hard to keep the budget on or near budget and they have
look to the Council and to the community for their thoughts and input
it is a change from the original scope, about $7 per household
the original plans called for a practice field it was going to be grass, we are proposing to make it turf and a regulation field, hence coming forward for advice
Mike - one of the reasons we are here is taking some of the contingency and put it to the turf field, it doesn't require a formal vote
Cerel - it was a very clean project, as long as they are within the budget, it would be a discussion on the substitution
Nutting - the committee's objective is to get a sense of what the citizens and community feel on this
Pfeffer - what was budgeted for the original grass field? It would be less total as we already have some for the grass field
Williams - if the bid comes in over, what happens?
Mercer - we'll go back to the table
The turf fields have made our programs so much better, having them on site makes it easier to have them on campus, it is a no brainer to have them on campus
Ryan - recreation in full support of this, if the grass field does go forward, we could not use it for games as it has a pitch
Feldman - thanks for being under budget, not looking to spend the full amount of the under budget amount
unanimous favor for the turf field
Absent: none (one open seat)
A. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
nomination by Pfeffer of Vallee for Chair
nomination by Padula of Pfeffer for Clerk, put aside not time for this
voted to close nominations, seconded, voted unanimously
nomination by Bissanti of Kelly for Vice-Chair
voted to close nominations, seconded, passed unanimously
voted on nomination, seconded, passed unanimously
nomination by Padula of Pfeffer for Clerk
voted to close nominations, seconded, passed unanimously
voted on nomination, seconded, passed unanimously
NOTE - there was no actual vote on the nomination of Vallee for Council Chair
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
July 30, 2014
motion to approve the minutes, seconded, passed 8-0
C. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting is also being recorded by Franklin Matters.
D. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
E. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Frank Tedesco, King St
issue with public safety
tree was taken down privately, will be submitting the bill
I did get it down, everything is safe now
thank you
F. APPOINTMENTS
none
H. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Let’s Eat (Franklin), LLC d/b/a Three: Change of Manager
manager of the liquor license, ensure regulation
onsite approx 70 hours a week
motion to approve transfer, seconded, passed 8-0
I. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Chairman of HS Building Committee
Tom Mercer
1 - FHS project status
2 - expectation of what will be seen over next period
building complete, punch list items still being worked around the school schedule
working well during the off hours
most of the hours will be complete by the Thanksgiving holiday
other items may still come up
Contractor has turned over the second parking lot six months early
the old high school had 620, the new has 617
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| New FHS layout, green section in front left position along Oak St is where the practice fields would be that are now going to be a turf field that will be regulation sized and available for games |
the Panther Way cut through may be opened next week
hoping to get the sidewalks in before opening
pouring the concrete in the recent weather hasn't been good
will close off the current way around the fields
site and fields will be worked to a sub-grade condition before the deep frost hits
to be easier to work once spring comes and the fields get planted
That is basically the update on where the project started
Nutting - we also had 200 fewer students with the old school
2 - Franklin High School building committee proposal to make the fields turf at cost not to exceed the budget, it is with in the budget and building committee rights
want to bring it to the Council before going out for bid
better utilization for year round use rather than seasonal use
The Building Committee has worked hard to keep the budget on or near budget and they have
look to the Council and to the community for their thoughts and input
it is a change from the original scope, about $7 per household
the original plans called for a practice field it was going to be grass, we are proposing to make it turf and a regulation field, hence coming forward for advice
Mike - one of the reasons we are here is taking some of the contingency and put it to the turf field, it doesn't require a formal vote
Cerel - it was a very clean project, as long as they are within the budget, it would be a discussion on the substitution
Nutting - the committee's objective is to get a sense of what the citizens and community feel on this
Pfeffer - what was budgeted for the original grass field? It would be less total as we already have some for the grass field
Williams - if the bid comes in over, what happens?
Mercer - we'll go back to the table
The turf fields have made our programs so much better, having them on site makes it easier to have them on campus, it is a no brainer to have them on campus
Ryan - recreation in full support of this, if the grass field does go forward, we could not use it for games as it has a pitch
Feldman - thanks for being under budget, not looking to spend the full amount of the under budget amount
unanimous favor for the turf field
Governor Patrick visits the Franklin Food Pantry (photo recap)
Before taking the trip to the White House, Erin Lynch welcomed Governor Patrick and others to the Food Pantry when they visited Franklin in an event coordinated by Representative Jeffrey Roy.
The opportunities to share the work the Food Pantry does with local and national government officials is priceless.
Additional photos from the visit to Franklin can be found on Representative Roy's Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.333448080113071.1073741928.197484223709458&type=1
#gbfb #healthyfutures #letsmove
This was originally posted to the Franklin Food Pantry page here:
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| Erin explaining the Healthy Futures room at the Franklin Food Pantry |
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| Board of Directors Chairman, Chris Feeley makes a point for Governor Patrick and GBFB Executive Director Catherine D'Amato |
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| Dan Robert, FHS Youth Community Involvement Club with the Governor and Erin |
The opportunities to share the work the Food Pantry does with local and national government officials is priceless.
Additional photos from the visit to Franklin can be found on Representative Roy's Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.333448080113071.1073741928.197484223709458&type=1
#gbfb #healthyfutures #letsmove
This was originally posted to the Franklin Food Pantry page here:
From Pantherbook: doors with no handles, food choices, social media tools
From Pantherbook, I find a couple of good articles to bring to your attention.
1 - The new FHS was built security in mind and has no handles on many of the exteriors doors, making entry from the outside more difficult.
Continue reading the article here: http://pantherbook.org/news/school-news/2014/11/18/a-new-school-brings-a-new-problem/#sthash.RFSida6w.dpuf
2 - Students love the food choices at the new Media center cafe and the opportunities to get food after school will soon be here.
Continue reading the article here: http://pantherbook.org/news/school-news/2014/11/18/fhs-feeding-frenzy/#sthash.APO1zFgX.dpuf
3 - The last article to share today has an intelligent recap of the use and abuse of social media tools. While the 'standard' media outlets (newspapers and network TV) tend to go for the extreme angles, this article takes a more balanced approach. As a social media practitioner, the tools are not the issue how people use them can be an issue.
Continue reading the Pantherbook article at: http://pantherbook.org/oped/2014/11/18/side-effects-of-social-media/#sthash.bmphiSbB.dpuf
1 - The new FHS was built security in mind and has no handles on many of the exteriors doors, making entry from the outside more difficult.
Though this situation seems like an oversight, there is a reason why there are no door handles. Safety and security has become a modern issue within schools and the new school was designed and built with security as a top priority.
“It’s an inconvenience at the moment but for security purposes, it’s one that we need to have,” commented Mr. Schmidt. At the moment there are higher priority issues that need to be handled, but Schmidt expressed that it’s not that the issue isn’t being heard or addressed. He also said that it is a goal of the administration to fix the problem
Continue reading the article here: http://pantherbook.org/news/school-news/2014/11/18/a-new-school-brings-a-new-problem/#sthash.RFSida6w.dpuf
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| screen capture of Pantherbook's front page |
2 - Students love the food choices at the new Media center cafe and the opportunities to get food after school will soon be here.
The new café has high hopes for its future at FHS. Along with the new school, came a new option available for students to purchase food.
As opposed to the typical cafeteria lunch, students are now able to purchase food before school and during lunch period elsewhere.
Located in the media center of FHS is a café that serves food and drinks such as, smoothies, salads, sandwiches, soup, snacks, fruit cups, seltzer, and pudding parfait.
Continue reading the article here: http://pantherbook.org/news/school-news/2014/11/18/fhs-feeding-frenzy/#sthash.APO1zFgX.dpuf
3 - The last article to share today has an intelligent recap of the use and abuse of social media tools. While the 'standard' media outlets (newspapers and network TV) tend to go for the extreme angles, this article takes a more balanced approach. As a social media practitioner, the tools are not the issue how people use them can be an issue.
Is society benefiting from popular social sites like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook? Or are these sites just distractions from everyday life?
Franklin High School’s (FHS) Digital Journalism teacher, Ms. Moreau, believes the effects of social media are more positive than negative because it allows people to connect with the world and share information.
However, Ms. Moreau says: “It is important to limit the use of social media because there are other important things going on in your life.” When asked how social media impacts teens, Moreau answered, “It distracts them from being present in the moment.”
Continue reading the Pantherbook article at: http://pantherbook.org/oped/2014/11/18/side-effects-of-social-media/#sthash.bmphiSbB.dpuf
Global Competence Certificate Program
The presentation document on the "Global Competence Certificate Program" being proposed for Franklin High School as reviewed by the School Committee on Tuesday, Nov 18, 2014
The complete agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-nov_18.html
The complete agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-nov_18.html
FPAC Announces Open Auditions For "Arsenic And Old Lace"
The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for the madcap comedy Arsenic and Old Lace on Tuesday, November 25 at 7 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s new home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. Casting opportunities are for adults and older teens (ages 16+). Those seeking roles should come prepared for cold readings from the script, but no other preparation is required. A monologue is optional.
The zany theatrical treasure by American playwright Joseph Kisselring has delighted audiences for over 75 years. Spinster sisters Abby and Martha Brewster are devoted to good deeds, taking into their boarding home lonely old men. Only this homicidal twosome literally kill with kindness, treating their guests to a special recipe of charity, humor – and homemade elderberry wine laced with arsenic, strychnine and “just a pinch” of cyanide. FPAC will present the hilarious, off-kilter classic on January 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. and February 1 at 2 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX.
Founded in 1991, the nonprofit FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment and outstanding performance opportunities for professional artists, community performers and students of the arts. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, productions draw performers and audiences from more than 100 communities throughout the region. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit online at www.fpaconline.com.
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| THE BLACK BOX Theater - 15 West Central St, Franklin, MA |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenic_and_Old_Lace_(play)
News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Real Estate Activity Report for October
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| www.norfolkdeeds.org |
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planned power outage for Bancroft Commons, Clarendon Commons, and Danforth Way
nationalGrid notified some Franklin area residents of a "planned power outage" to last approximately 14 hours on Thursday, Nov 20, 2014. If necessary, the outage may continue into Friday.
The notice was sent via mail to the residents of Bancroft Commons, Clarendon Commons, and Danforth Way.
A copy of the notice was posted to the official Franklin webpage here
The notice was sent via mail to the residents of Bancroft Commons, Clarendon Commons, and Danforth Way.
A copy of the notice was posted to the official Franklin webpage here
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| screen capture of nationalGrid website |
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Nov 18, 2014
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."
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| Franklin Public Schools - the key to learning |
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the November 4, 2014 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none
2. Guests/Presentations:
a. MCAS – Joyce Edwards
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/franklin-public-schools-mcas.html
b. Global Competency Program – Joyce Edwards, Dawn-Marie Crowley and Judy O’Neill
3. Discussion Only Items
Policy – First Reading
JJFG – Disposition of Student Activity AccountPolicy – Second Reading
GBEBC – Gifts to Staff
GBI – Political Activities of Staff
4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend moving Policy JJFG – Disposition of Student Activity Account to a second reading.
c. I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:
1. GBEBC – Gifts to Staffd. I recommend acceptance of the following district wide donations as follows:
2. GBI – Political Activities of Staff
1. Hockomock Area YMCA $4,700.00e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $25.00 from Robert & Jennifer Mancini for FHS.
2. BJ’s Wholesale Club $ 210.00
3. Spirit Shop, Inc. (Athletics) $ 2.75
4. Various Parents (Music) $1,125.00
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $945.00 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips.
g. I recommend approval of the request to establish Science National Honor Society Club at FHS as detailed.
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
Personnel Update
8. Adjourn
Senior Center: A new edition of The Franklin Connection is available
A new edition of The Franklin Connection has been published on the Town of Franklin web site.
Click the link below to read the latest edition
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/Dec14connection.pdf
You are subscribed to the The Franklin Connection - Senior Newsletter mailing list.
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| Franklin Senior Center |
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index
Franklin Public Schools: MCAS Presentation
Joyce Edwards, Director of Instructional Services, Franklin Public Schools is scheduled to use this document to provide an update to the School Committee on Tuesday, November 18, 2014.
The presentation provides an update on the MCAS results from last year, Franklin;s comparison overall to MA and selected school districts, and a discussion on how the results will drive education in the classroom.
The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-nov_18.html
The presentation provides an update on the MCAS results from last year, Franklin;s comparison overall to MA and selected school districts, and a discussion on how the results will drive education in the classroom.
The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-nov_18.html
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