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My wife and I rode on the Blackstone River Park recently. It is a good ride. Nicely flat (along a rail bed) and scenic (along the river and canal)
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| on the Blackstone River Bike Path near mile 10.5 |
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Blackstone River Theatre - Bike & Blues and Gypsy Star!
My wife and I rode on the Blackstone River Park recently. It is a good ride. Nicely flat (along a rail bed) and scenic (along the river and canal)
Busy day for spring sports at FHS
Another busy spring sports day for FHS teams. The results are shared from Hockomock Sports.
baseball
softball
boys lacrosse
girls tennis
Franklin, 5 @ Milford, 0 - Final
Track
Boys
Taunton, 62 @ Franklin, 74 - Final
Girls
Taunton, 50 @ Franklin, 86 - Final
For all the results around the Hockomock League
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-042915
baseball
Milford, 8 @ Franklin, 6 - Final - Milford scored four innings in the first inning, took the lead again at 5-4 and then finally broke open a 5-5 game for the win. Drew Wilde was 2-4 with a double and two runs, Aidan Wilde was 1-3 with a walk and a run scored, Blake Hill went 1-2 with two runs scored and an RBI and Griffin Lynch was 2-4 with an RBI and a stolen base. Brian Ireland picked up the win in relief, tossing three innings and allowing just one run with a strikeout. For Franklin, Ben Chaffee went 2-2 with a pair of walks and a run scored and Kyle Skidmore was 2-4 with an RBI and a run scored.
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| FHS Panthers |
softball
Franklin, 5 @ Milford, 6 - Final (10 innings) - Allie Piergustavo (2-4) hit her second solo home run in the game to lead the Scarlet Hawks to a walk off win over Franklin. The Panthers went up 5-2 in the ninth inning but Milford rallied to tie the game. Maddy Bonvino (2-4, home run, three RBI) knocked in two runs with a double in the ninth and the Scarlet Hawks tied the game with on a walk. Taylor LeBrun finished 3-5 with two singles and a double.
boys lacrosse
Franklin, 11 @ North Attleboro, 3 - Final - The Panthers used a balanced offense to get by the Rocketeers. Justin Miller scored two goals and had two assists, Jack Vail and Austin Kent each had two goals and one assist and Trevor Drake scored his first varsity goal. DJ Shea made 11 saves in net for the Panthers.
girls tennis
Franklin, 5 @ Milford, 0 - Final
Track
Boys
Taunton, 62 @ Franklin, 74 - Final
Girls
Taunton, 50 @ Franklin, 86 - Final
For all the results around the Hockomock League
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-042915
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
School Committee reviews FY 2016 budget
The Franklin (MA) School Committee reviewed the budget for next year at its meeting on Tuesday, Apr 28. The Fiscal Year 2016 (FY 2016) budget covers expenses from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.
Increasing class size at the middle and high school is driving the request for additional teachers at those levels. Declining enrollment in the elementary levels is allowing for a reduction in teachers there so there is a net increase of four positions being asked when all is said and done.
While it was not mentioned during the meeting, given the churn in the school personnel on a year to year basis, I expect that the number of positions being reduced can be handled in a 'normal' manner; that is through retirements, attrition, or transfers rather than layoffs.
The budget hearing was conducted and no line items were put 'on hold' for further question and discussion. This speaks to the level of detail in the presentation of information by the School Administration to the School Committee as well as the level of understanding of the school operations by the Committee.
The budget is scheduled for a vote at the May 12th School Committee meeting. Franklin's budget hearings begin with the Finance Committee on Thursday, Apr 30th at 7:00 PM. Additional budget hearing meetings are scheduled for May 4, May 7 and May 11. The Town Council will also hold their budget hearings on two nights in June before voting on the budget. By law, the budget for FY 2016 needs to be in place before June 30th 2015.
The budget is 2.43% increase over the last budget. The budget does use funds from some of the revolving accounts the School Dept has. There are no fee increases called for by the budget.
The budget presentation is supposed to be posted to the Schools website on Wednesday. As soon as it is available it will be shared. In the mean time, you can follow my notes taken during the meeting here
To review the 'Budget Book' (Note - to open this requires a current version of Adobe Reader)
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_budget/FY16%20Budget%20Book.pdf
Live reporting: resuming with Discussion only item...
Live reporting: School Committee - Apr 28, 2015
Increasing class size at the middle and high school is driving the request for additional teachers at those levels. Declining enrollment in the elementary levels is allowing for a reduction in teachers there so there is a net increase of four positions being asked when all is said and done.
While it was not mentioned during the meeting, given the churn in the school personnel on a year to year basis, I expect that the number of positions being reduced can be handled in a 'normal' manner; that is through retirements, attrition, or transfers rather than layoffs.
The budget hearing was conducted and no line items were put 'on hold' for further question and discussion. This speaks to the level of detail in the presentation of information by the School Administration to the School Committee as well as the level of understanding of the school operations by the Committee.
The budget is scheduled for a vote at the May 12th School Committee meeting. Franklin's budget hearings begin with the Finance Committee on Thursday, Apr 30th at 7:00 PM. Additional budget hearing meetings are scheduled for May 4, May 7 and May 11. The Town Council will also hold their budget hearings on two nights in June before voting on the budget. By law, the budget for FY 2016 needs to be in place before June 30th 2015.
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| the total amount spent on Franklin education is $113 million |
The budget is 2.43% increase over the last budget. The budget does use funds from some of the revolving accounts the School Dept has. There are no fee increases called for by the budget.
The budget presentation is supposed to be posted to the Schools website on Wednesday. As soon as it is available it will be shared. In the mean time, you can follow my notes taken during the meeting here
To review the 'Budget Book' (Note - to open this requires a current version of Adobe Reader)
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_budget/FY16%20Budget%20Book.pdf
Live reporting: resuming with Discussion only item...
Live reporting: School Committee - Apr 28, 2015
Reminder: 3rd Annual Best Buddies Dodgeball Tournament - May 3
"Best Buddies is all about friendships and bringing people together," said Sue Streeter, a long-time advocate for Best Buddies in the Franklin school system. "Through Best Buddies kids and adults, on both sides of the friendship equation learn how much they have in common and their friendships grow beyond Best Buddies. My daughter Katie, who has Down syndrome, gets together with friends she met through Best Buddies every week to hang out, go for breakfast dates, trips to the movies or just about anything friends do."
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| Best Buddies |
"We are grateful to our sponsors and all our participants over the last three years who have all helped us to raise money for this wonderful cause," said Mike Berthiaume, the chair of the tournament's host committee. "More importantly, through their support for Best Buddies we have raised awareness regarding those in our community who live with developmental disabilities."
This year's tournament is sponsored by more than 10 local businesses and will include both a raffle and silent auction. Silent auction items include a Tom Brady autographed football, Dustin Pedroia autographed Red Sox game jersey, Red Sox tickets, Patriots tickets, spa baskets and more!
Teams will compete within 6 different divisions – the elementary school division, the middle school division, the high school division, the 18+ division, the old man river division, and the Best Buddies division. Both Senator Spilka and Representative Roy have fielded teams for Sunday's event.
"It's a great event, a great organization and I am happy to be a part of it," said Representative Roy (D-Franklin). "The Best Buddies organization has made a difference in the lives of many people and provided many opportunities to the residents of Franklin. It is always great to see people get involved in their community especially when it's for such a good case and I would like to thank the organizers of this event for their hard work and dedication."
"The Best Buddies program is a terrific way to bring kids of all abilities together," said Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). "It's my honor to support this valuable inclusion programming in the MetroWest community, and I look forward to a day of friendly competition for a good cause."
It's not too late to participate in the fun! Teams of 6 players are $120 and Best Buddies teams are $60! To sign-up email Mike Berthiaume at mberthia09@gmail.com
What: Third Annual Best Buddies Dodgeball Tournament with Raffle, Silent Auction, Bake Sale, and more!
When: Sunday, May 3rd, 2PM-5PM
Where: Horace Mann Middle School, 224 Oak Street, Franklin
Franklin Library: Genealogy Club - 4/30/15 - 6:30 PM
The next Genealogy Club meeting is Thursday evening April 30 at 6:30 PM at the Franklin Library.
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| genealogy club - Apr 30 |
This was shared from the Franklin Library web page here
280 unit apartment building at 1330-1342 West Central Street
At 7PM Thursday evening (April 30th) the Franklin Zoning Board of Appeals will be deciding on whether or not to issue a building permit for a monstrosity of an apartment complex in Franklin. The proposed complex will be located close to the intersection of rt140 and South Maple Street in Bellingham (see photo), an area that has significant traffic issues as is.
The meeting is at the Franklin Municipal Building. Both Franklin and Bellingham residents are welcome, and a strong presence is crucial to having our voices heard.
Since the land is privately owned, development is inevitable. However, the complex needs to be scaled down to a more reasonable size so as to minimize the impact to that all ready traffic-congested area.
Please try to attend the meeting, and please share the info.
(the photo depicts the total area of the proposed proposed project - the photo was edited to add an orange arrow/text to point out Garelick Farms.)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150323/NEWS/150328942
Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)
Agenda item
1312 and 1330-1342 W. Central St – Acme Jazz, LLC Applicant is seeking a building permit to construct a 280 unit multi – family development. The building permit is denied without a comprehensive permit from the ZBA.The full agenda for the ZBA meeting can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_ZBAAgendas/Agendas%202015/04-30-15%20ZBA%20Agenda.pdf
3 ways to celebrate Mother's Day at 3
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In the News: pipeline feedback, school budget
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) this week began accepting input from the public as it compiles an environmental review of Spectra Energy’s natural gas pipeline in Massachusetts.
The Texas-based company has sought approval from the FERC to start work on a project to extend existing pipeline in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts phase of the project includes installing more than 10 miles of new natural gas pipeline through Norfolk, Walpole, Millis, Franklin and Medway. Spectra is also planning to build a compressor station, used in the transferring of the gas, in Weymouth.
It is all part of the company’s ambitious Atlantic Bridge Project, which when completed would connect natural gas infrastructure in Massachusetts to the 1,127-mile-long Algonquin Gas Transmission pipeline that stretches from New Jersey into Maine and Canada.Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150429/NEWS/150426396/1994/NEWS
In putting together next fiscal year's $56.95 million budget, school officials said Tuesday they needed to balance larger class sizes at the high school and middle schools with declining enrollment at the elementary schools.
The School Committee will vote on the budget, up 2.43 percent over last year, during its May 12 meeting after reviewing the numbers for the first time Tuesday with the district schools chief.
The budget includes the hiring of five classroom teachers - four at two middle schools and one at the high school - in an effort to curb class sizes.
“This is part of our continuing progress toward reinstating budget cuts that went into effect in 2007, 2008 and 2009,” Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski told the committee. “We know what the data is on larger class sizes.”Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150429/NEWS/150426366/1994/NEWS
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Live reporting: resuming with Discussion only items to closing
3. Discussion Only Items
Accept Collaborative Agreement
Needham and Wellseley have petitioned to join the agreement
one of the action items is to add representatives to the Board for the Accept Collaborative
joined in 1999 and have been proud to be part of this expansion
annual fee is only $4,000
does require real collaboration
Bi-County Collaborative Activities & Information
the quarterly report for your review
4. Action Items:
a. I recommend approval of the revised Accept Collaborative Agreement as discussed.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,700 from Davis Thayer PCC for Field Trips.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0
c. Recommend recurring field trip for music students to Canobie Lake Park
motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
3 coaches were named Coach of the Year
Splillane, Geysen, (to be added)
school safety as the newest training area, environmental security and safety
with security firms to develop some courses for teachers to take part in
Horace Mann Day - at the Museum, May 3rd at 1:30PM
Best Buddies Dodgeball also on Sunday
Keller team will participate
nice fund raiser and a gentle game
K registration, initial 275, now up to 282
Sclipke (fix spelling) one of 55 educators to attend a 'boot camp' for STEM middle school program
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports - none
School Committee Liaison Reports - none
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
thanks for the support for the Trivia Bee
Harlem Wizards coming Nov 13th
looking for volunteers for the night
8. Adjourn
motion to adjourn, second, passed 6-0
Accept Collaborative Agreement
Needham and Wellseley have petitioned to join the agreement
one of the action items is to add representatives to the Board for the Accept Collaborative
joined in 1999 and have been proud to be part of this expansion
annual fee is only $4,000
does require real collaboration
Bi-County Collaborative Activities & Information
the quarterly report for your review
4. Action Items:
a. I recommend approval of the revised Accept Collaborative Agreement as discussed.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,700 from Davis Thayer PCC for Field Trips.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0
c. Recommend recurring field trip for music students to Canobie Lake Park
motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
3 coaches were named Coach of the Year
Splillane, Geysen, (to be added)
school safety as the newest training area, environmental security and safety
with security firms to develop some courses for teachers to take part in
Horace Mann Day - at the Museum, May 3rd at 1:30PM
Best Buddies Dodgeball also on Sunday
Keller team will participate
nice fund raiser and a gentle game
K registration, initial 275, now up to 282
Sclipke (fix spelling) one of 55 educators to attend a 'boot camp' for STEM middle school program
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports - none
School Committee Liaison Reports - none
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
thanks for the support for the Trivia Bee
Harlem Wizards coming Nov 13th
looking for volunteers for the night
8. Adjourn
motion to adjourn, second, passed 6-0
Live reporting: School Committee - Apr 28, 2015
Present: Douglas, O'Malley, Clement, Mullen, Trahan, Jewell
Absent: Rohrbach
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments - none
Review of Agenda
an addition of an action item
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the April 7, 2015 School
Committee Meeting.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives no representatives for this evening
Correspondence:
none
2. Guests/Presentations
a. FY 16 Budget Hearing
Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski, Business Administrator Miriam Goodman
thanks to all the school administrators for their input and to Miriam and her staff for putting this together
Foundation budget
number changes based upon enrollment and other factors
DESE determines the required municipal contribution
then add the Chapter 70 funds
required Net School Spending
total FY 14 = $113M
slide to be added later with breakout on the totals
28.5% of the town population is under 18
well above the state average of 21.7% and Norfolk Cnty avg of 23.3%
Chapter 70 $27M plus = 48.4% of the budget
down about 6 percentage points from prior years
Federal revenue of about $1.4M for Title I, Title II, IDEA/IDEA preschool and SPED program Improvements
Word from the State House is the kindergarten funds have been kept in the budget despite what the Governor has asked for. It has fluctuated from week to week.
Other sources of revenue from the revolving accounts
Circuit breaker, Lifelong Learning, Food Service, Transportation, etc.
no fee increases across the board: transportation or athletics
2.43% over the current year budget
contractual obligations of $1.0M and $213,000 for health care
5 new teachers being proposed for adding at the following schools
new teachers being brought in to reduce class size
reduction of 5 teachers across elementary due to declining enrollment
adding 3 math FTE specialists to help with the math program
overall the personnel changes would be a 4.0 FTE
looking at kindergarten enrollment, had 275 at end of registration, had 5 enroll today
$14,547 vs. $11,890 is the per pupil spending on state average DESE calculations
this is again below the state average in 10 of the 11 areas, only professional development (due to the new programs which is driving it) exceeds the state average
seeing increases in ELL requirements which is also driving the hiring process
O'Malley - how can we be so far below the state average? substantially, not just by a little. This is the town that started it all (Horace Mann). I want to be vigilant and increase it however we can.
Trahan - thanks for an excellent presentation. One of the reasons we can be under the state average is because we have phenomenal people teaching and supporting the schools.
reading the budget lines for holds on specific items (per budget hearing process)
no holds on budget
motion to close the budget hearing
Absent: Rohrbach
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments - none
Review of Agenda
an addition of an action item
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the April 7, 2015 School
Committee Meeting.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives no representatives for this evening
Correspondence:
none
2. Guests/Presentations
a. FY 16 Budget Hearing
Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski, Business Administrator Miriam Goodman
thanks to all the school administrators for their input and to Miriam and her staff for putting this together
Foundation budget
number changes based upon enrollment and other factors
DESE determines the required municipal contribution
then add the Chapter 70 funds
required Net School Spending
total FY 14 = $113M
 |
| photo capture of slide during School Committee meeting presentation on school budget |
28.5% of the town population is under 18
well above the state average of 21.7% and Norfolk Cnty avg of 23.3%
Chapter 70 $27M plus = 48.4% of the budget
down about 6 percentage points from prior years
 |
| slide showing Chapter 70 funds as a percent of school budget and in relation to net school spending |
Federal revenue of about $1.4M for Title I, Title II, IDEA/IDEA preschool and SPED program Improvements
Word from the State House is the kindergarten funds have been kept in the budget despite what the Governor has asked for. It has fluctuated from week to week.
Other sources of revenue from the revolving accounts
Circuit breaker, Lifelong Learning, Food Service, Transportation, etc.
no fee increases across the board: transportation or athletics
2.43% over the current year budget
contractual obligations of $1.0M and $213,000 for health care
5 new teachers being proposed for adding at the following schools
- 1 - FHS
- 2 - ASMS
- 2 - RMS
new teachers being brought in to reduce class size
reduction of 5 teachers across elementary due to declining enrollment
adding 3 math FTE specialists to help with the math program
overall the personnel changes would be a 4.0 FTE
looking at kindergarten enrollment, had 275 at end of registration, had 5 enroll today
$14,547 vs. $11,890 is the per pupil spending on state average DESE calculations
this is again below the state average in 10 of the 11 areas, only professional development (due to the new programs which is driving it) exceeds the state average
seeing increases in ELL requirements which is also driving the hiring process
O'Malley - how can we be so far below the state average? substantially, not just by a little. This is the town that started it all (Horace Mann). I want to be vigilant and increase it however we can.
Trahan - thanks for an excellent presentation. One of the reasons we can be under the state average is because we have phenomenal people teaching and supporting the schools.
reading the budget lines for holds on specific items (per budget hearing process)
no holds on budget
motion to close the budget hearing
MassBudget: New Report: The Right Size for Learning
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