Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Live reporting - Town Council

Present: Kelly, Jones, Vallee, Mason, Pfeffer
Absent: Whalen, Zollo, McGann, Powderly

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - none to approve

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
The meeting is recorded by Verizon, Comcast and Franklin Matters

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none

E. APPOINTMENTS - none

F. HEARINGS - none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - none

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS - none

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS - none


Franklin, MA

School Committee 02/15/11

The collection of reporting from the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 can be found here


Finance Committee Chairperson Jim Roche takes notes during the school budget hearing






Franklin, MA

"This is not a Cadillac school system"

"We think this is not an unreasonable expectation for a budget," Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski said, noting some figures such as local aid and health insurance could change. "It helps us to keep and maintain programs. Would we like to have all 14.3 positions back? Absolutely. But, we think this is a reasonable budget proposal in these economic times." 
The positions to be cut include five elementary school teachers, six middle school teachers and the high school's alternative programs coordinator. 
Remington Middle School Principal Paul Peri said fewer teachers could boost class sizes to more than 27 students while Sabolinski noted it would be harder for teachers to focus on helping individual students who may be struggling. 
School Committee member Ed Cafasso said while many people may have individual complaints about a bad teacher, overall the district has performed well while spending about $2,800 less per pupil than the state average.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.

Review all the notes reported live during the School Committee meeting here


Franklin, MA

In the News - energy code workshop, Odd Couple, reward, Circle of Friends


Franklin to hold energy code workshop




Dean College presents 'The Odd Couple'




Reward offered for stolen Franklin bell




Circle of Friends presents Celtic Band RUNA



Franklin, MA

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Live reporting - Closing

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
Kindergarten registration is in, there is already an increase of 14 students and we are expecting more, we tend to get registrations through the beginning of the school year

Recognition of the two retiring principals

Introduction of Mr Fortin - new Horace Mann principal, he will return for a more formal intro and discussion

School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.


March 10th - Trivia Bee

Motion to enter executive session not to return to open meeting



Franklin, MA

Live reporting - action items

4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $921.60 from the Remington PCC for in-house enrichment.  motion to approve, passed 6-0

b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $125.00 from the Kennedy PCC for field trips. motion to approve, passed 6-0


c. I recommend the naming of the FHS away-side press box in memory of FHS football coach, Gerry Leone.
motion to approve, passed 6-0


d. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip to Hartford, CT for the FHS Cheerleaders for a competition as detailed.  motion to approve, passed 6-0


e. I recommend adoption of the School Committee Schedule for 2011-2012 as discussed.  motion to approve, passed 6-0


f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1655.00 from the Horace Mann PCC for in-house enrichment at HMMS.  motion to approve, passed 6-0
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g. I recommend acceptance of $308.00 from Roberta Trahan for supplemental curriculum materials for the Franklin Public Schools.  motion to approve, passed 6-0


h. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
motion to approve, passed 6-0


i. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a bass, bag and bow from Mr. & Mrs. Richards for the FHS Music Department.  motion to approve, passed 6-0

j. I recommend adoption of the FY 2012 budget as detailed
Cafasso - this is not a Cadillac service, this is providing a high quality education, more than others, at a cost less than others. There is no one who can show us that these school are not worth every penny.


motion to approve, passed 6-0






Franklin, MA

Live reporting - Discussion only items

3. Discussion Only Items
2011-2012 School Committee Meeting Schedule
organizational meeting needs to be earlier, the day after the election, which is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, hence Nov 9th for organizational

Update on snow challenges
We were on the roofs before some of our surrounding communities
We are working on roof leak issues

Jun 22, projected to be last school day
received a note from a 3rd grader on how to handle snow days




Franklin, MA