The Franklin Education Association (commonly called the "teachers union") did vote today to accept the negotiated agreement to accept the wage deferral for FY 2010. Many hours were spent working on the agreement between the teachers and the School Committee bargaining units.
Many thanks to both organizations for working this out!
Additional details to follow.
Monday, June 15, 2009
FM #41 - This week in Franklin, MA
This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 41 in the series. You give me about ten minutes and I'll let you know what matters in Franklin, MA.
Time: 9 minutes, 21 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
Music intro My intro FM #41
This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 41 in the series.
You give me about ten minutes and I'll let you know what matters in Franklin, MA.
We'll start with what happened this past week
Ho-hum, ten positions on the Town side went out the door and approx. 40 on the School side. No cries for appeal, no crowds appeared at any hearing.
The final number won't be known until the teachers determine if they accept the wage deferment or not. The teachers are scheduled to vote June 15th
Nothing new here in Franklin. Budget cuts and services cuts are expected now. Over 130 folks, 120 school personnel, 10 town, lost positions in the last three years. Ho-hum. I get the distinct feeling that there doesn't seem to be much of anything that will create enough attention for folks to do something about this. Ho-hum.
*** The Relay for Life opened on Friday night as the skies cleared and a rainbow appeared. Over $73,000 was reported to have been raised by this effort for the American Cancer Society. It was an impressive evening as the Survivor Walk took place in the hazy darkness on the lumineria light high school track.
*** Congressman Jim McGovern held local office hours at several locations through out his district on Saturday. He arrived late at the Franklin Public Library, coming from Medway and was going to be late leaving Franklin heading for Wrentham.
About 20 people had signed up on the listing to talk with the Congressman here in Franklin. In my few minutes with him, I offered my services to help spread the word on his efforts for any matters that would be of interest to Franklin. I also took time to discuss the status of No Child Left Behind and other unfunded Federal mandates. I was pressing for funding, or for removal of the mandates if they are not going to be funded.
I joined with Ted McIntyre and Steve Deredarian to represent the Franklin Area Climate Team. Ted invited the Congressman to the 350 event being planned for Franklin on October 24th.http://www.350.org/oct24
Ted also asked the Congressman about the Waxman-Markey American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. Additional info on the visit can be found on Franklin Matters
*** MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey released, copies available for download via links posted on Sunday and also included in the notes accompanying this podcast.
While the numbers are down for alcohol, they are up for marijuana. Given the recent tragedies involving local youth and drinking, clearly much work remains.
For my two cents; how much have parents/guardians changed their own behavior? They are the ones who are setting the example for the children to grow up with.
One quote I like makes this point:
*** As matter of interest, you should be aware that I have recently joined the United Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Franklin Downtown Partnership. By joining these two groups, I hope to learn more about the businesses of Franklin. Franklin clearly needs to increase the number and scale of businesses operating here if we have any hope of derailing the current pattern of budget cuts and layoffs.
I already have a series of postings on business operating in Franklin. I hope to expand on this series with membership in this two groups.
Why? I do believe Franklin matters. I believe the heart beat of Franklin is provided by the businesses amongst us.
---- ---- ----
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music
Time: 9 minutes, 21 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
Music intro My intro FM #41
This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 41 in the series.
You give me about ten minutes and I'll let you know what matters in Franklin, MA.
We'll start with what happened this past week
- The FY 2010 budget passed, barely
- Relay for Life opened on Friday evening and closed Saturday noon
- Congressman Jim McGovern appeared at the Library on Saturday
- MetroWest Adolescent Health survey resulted were released
Ho-hum, ten positions on the Town side went out the door and approx. 40 on the School side. No cries for appeal, no crowds appeared at any hearing.
The final number won't be known until the teachers determine if they accept the wage deferment or not. The teachers are scheduled to vote June 15th
Nothing new here in Franklin. Budget cuts and services cuts are expected now. Over 130 folks, 120 school personnel, 10 town, lost positions in the last three years. Ho-hum. I get the distinct feeling that there doesn't seem to be much of anything that will create enough attention for folks to do something about this. Ho-hum.
*** The Relay for Life opened on Friday night as the skies cleared and a rainbow appeared. Over $73,000 was reported to have been raised by this effort for the American Cancer Society. It was an impressive evening as the Survivor Walk took place in the hazy darkness on the lumineria light high school track.
*** Congressman Jim McGovern held local office hours at several locations through out his district on Saturday. He arrived late at the Franklin Public Library, coming from Medway and was going to be late leaving Franklin heading for Wrentham.
About 20 people had signed up on the listing to talk with the Congressman here in Franklin. In my few minutes with him, I offered my services to help spread the word on his efforts for any matters that would be of interest to Franklin. I also took time to discuss the status of No Child Left Behind and other unfunded Federal mandates. I was pressing for funding, or for removal of the mandates if they are not going to be funded.
I joined with Ted McIntyre and Steve Deredarian to represent the Franklin Area Climate Team. Ted invited the Congressman to the 350 event being planned for Franklin on October 24th.http://www.350.org/oct24
Ted also asked the Congressman about the Waxman-Markey American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. Additional info on the visit can be found on Franklin Matters
*** MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey released, copies available for download via links posted on Sunday and also included in the notes accompanying this podcast.
While the numbers are down for alcohol, they are up for marijuana. Given the recent tragedies involving local youth and drinking, clearly much work remains.
For my two cents; how much have parents/guardians changed their own behavior? They are the ones who are setting the example for the children to grow up with.
One quote I like makes this point:
"Our example to our children, to our families, and to the world around us isAnd the outlook for the week ahead:
constant. The question is not whether or not anyone is watching, the question is
what are they learning as they watch." Kirk Weisler
- destruction of the Four Corners building continues as Walgreens prepares to put their building in place
- Third Thursday, June 18th
- Strawberry Festival, June 19th
- Farmers Market starts operating on Friday's from 1:00 to 6:00 PM on the Town Common
Franklin, MA-The Franklin Downtown Partnership announces the special activities planned for the next “Third Thursday”. Join downtown businesses for a “Girls Night Out” and discover how easy it is to get in touch with your creative side in this round robin of fun, relaxing activities for busy adults. Grab a friend and head to Franklin’s downtown for this special event.
- Artbeat Your Creativity Store, at Summer Street-Visitors are invited to take a beaded candle votive in only 15 minutes! Kids can get free milk and cookies from 4:30 – 6:00 pm.
- Jane’s Frames, on East Central Street-Bring a 4”x6” photo to frame in only 15 minutes!
- Sarapaan, on East Central Street-Design your own earrings in only 15 minutes!
- Salon Sorella, at Summer Street-Have a quick massage in only 15 minutes!
- Pretty is Pink, at Summer Street-Relax with bubbly and treats!
*** As matter of interest, you should be aware that I have recently joined the United Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Franklin Downtown Partnership. By joining these two groups, I hope to learn more about the businesses of Franklin. Franklin clearly needs to increase the number and scale of businesses operating here if we have any hope of derailing the current pattern of budget cuts and layoffs.
I already have a series of postings on business operating in Franklin. I hope to expand on this series with membership in this two groups.
Why? I do believe Franklin matters. I believe the heart beat of Franklin is provided by the businesses amongst us.
---- ---- ----
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music
Attention Veterans and Families
Webcast Discussion for Veterans and Families
Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2009, 7:00-8:30 PM
Location: http://vbxevents.powerstream.net/003/02408/weoweyou
The Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services invites you to join us for an important online discussion about the programs and services available to Massachusetts veterans and their families.
Hosted by Mike Nikitas of New England Cable News (NECN). Veterans’ services experts will explain the benefits available and will take questions LIVE via instant messaging throughout the program.
Military veterans, especially those who have recently returned to the Commonwealth, family members and friends of veterans, are encouraged to participate in this important live discussion.
For more information and to register, http://www.weoweu.org/.
Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2009, 7:00-8:30 PM
Location: http://vbxevents.powerstream.net/003/02408/weoweyou
The Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services invites you to join us for an important online discussion about the programs and services available to Massachusetts veterans and their families.
Hosted by Mike Nikitas of New England Cable News (NECN). Veterans’ services experts will explain the benefits available and will take questions LIVE via instant messaging throughout the program.
Military veterans, especially those who have recently returned to the Commonwealth, family members and friends of veterans, are encouraged to participate in this important live discussion.
For more information and to register, http://www.weoweu.org/.
Events in the schools this week
Parmenter - Gr. 5 Celebration 6/15/09 9:00 AM
Jefferson - 5th Grade Celebration 6/16/09 6-8 PM
Davis Thayer - 5th Grade Musical Production (Gym) 6/17/09 10:30 AM
ASMS - 7th Gr. Evening of Excellence 6/17/09 5:00 PM
Oak - 5th Gr. Walk to the Town Common 6/18/09 8:45 AM
JFK - 5th Gr. Proud To Be An American Performance 6/18/09 9:00 AM
ASMS - 8th Gr. Step Up Ceremony 6/18/09 6:30 PM
Oak - 5th Gr. Walk to the Town Common - Rain Date 6/19/09 8:45 AM
Davis Thayer - 5th Gr. Moving Up Program (Gym) 6/19/09 9:00 AM
Oak - 5th Gr. Breakfast & Celebration 6/19/09 9:15 AM
Keller - 5th Gr. Promotion Ceremony (Café) 6/19/09 8:45-10 AM
ASMS - 6th & 7th Gr. Field Day (ASMS Fields) 6/19/09 All Day
ASMS - 8th Gr. Field Day (Hopkinton YMCA) 6/19/09 All Day
Check each school website for additional details on each event
Jefferson - 5th Grade Celebration 6/16/09 6-8 PM
Davis Thayer - 5th Grade Musical Production (Gym) 6/17/09 10:30 AM
ASMS - 7th Gr. Evening of Excellence 6/17/09 5:00 PM
Oak - 5th Gr. Walk to the Town Common 6/18/09 8:45 AM
JFK - 5th Gr. Proud To Be An American Performance 6/18/09 9:00 AM
ASMS - 8th Gr. Step Up Ceremony 6/18/09 6:30 PM
Oak - 5th Gr. Walk to the Town Common - Rain Date 6/19/09 8:45 AM
Davis Thayer - 5th Gr. Moving Up Program (Gym) 6/19/09 9:00 AM
Oak - 5th Gr. Breakfast & Celebration 6/19/09 9:15 AM
Keller - 5th Gr. Promotion Ceremony (Café) 6/19/09 8:45-10 AM
ASMS - 6th & 7th Gr. Field Day (ASMS Fields) 6/19/09 All Day
ASMS - 8th Gr. Field Day (Hopkinton YMCA) 6/19/09 All Day
Check each school website for additional details on each event
"It's not set in stone yet"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
There's a decent chance parents will not have to pay the sizable increases in fees for busing, athletics and extracurricular activities that was under consideration to help offset the budget deficit, said Superintendent Wayne Ogden.
The School Committee still must vote whether to bump up athletic fees to $200 per sport (now $150), extracurricular fees to $50 per activity (now $25), and $350 for busing (now $325).
Administrators calculated the cost for a family with three children, who each participated in one sport per season ($1,800 total), one extracurricular activity each, for the year ($150), and each taking the bus ($1,050), to total $3,000 annually, or 60 percent of the average Franklin tax bill.
"We deliberated a great deal about the need to increase fees to cover our rising costs at a time when the budget was being level-funded, versus the financial stress on families during our economic crisis," Ogden said.
"Plus, there was a very real possibility that increased fees might result in reduced participation in these programs," said Ogden.
Read the full article on activity fees in the Milford Daily News here
With the final budget still unsettled, if the fees are not raised, how will the budget end up balanced?
You can either increase revenue (increase fees in this case) or cut expenses (additional programs or personnel) to balance a budget. Stay in touch to find out what schools could look like when September 2009 rolls around.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Franklin woes
“We’re cutting down to bare bones,” ... “We are cutting some services. We are taking no increase in pay on the town side. On the school side, teachers are giving up some pay days. We still don’t have a state budget. We are using estimated figures. If we’re wrong, we’re looking at additional cuts. People are unhappy.”Gee, this sounds familiar! We are not the only Franklin with budget troubles. Franklin, CT has similar woes. Read the full article in the Norwich Bulletin here
For the listing of other Franklin's across the US, check out this listing
"students who reported recently smoking marijuana rose"
GHS
Amid the backdrop of the deaths this week of two teens linked to drinking, a report released today by a regional health foundation shows a drop in alcohol use among area high school students.
The biennial report, the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey, uses responses from questionaires sent to middle and high schools in MetroWest and Greater Milford by the MetroWest Community Health Care Foundation. Introduced in 2006, the report now includes data from 2008, allowing the first look at possible trends.
Between the two surveys, the proportion of high school students who reported drinking within a month of the questionnaire dropped from 42 percent to 39 percent.
Those using alcohol at some point in their lives, meanwhile, fell from 67 percent to 63 percent. And those recently consuming five or more drinks in a row binge drinking fell from 25 percent to 23 percent.
Click through to the Milford Daily News web site to down load the full report.
While the numbers are down for alcohol, they are up for marijuana. Given the recent tragedies involving local youth and drinking, clearly much work remains.
For my two cents; how much have parents/guardians changed their own behavior? They are the ones who are setting the example for the children to grow up with.
One quote I like makes this point:
"Our example to our children, to our families, and to the world around us is constant. The question is not whether or not anyone is watching, the question is what are they learning as they watch." Kirk Weisler
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