Action Items:
1. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000 from Sheri Brodeur for the Will Briggs Memorial Scholarship for FHS. ---- approved
2. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000 from the Franklin Country Club for their FCC Hall of Fame Award at FHS. ---- approved
3. I recommend adoption of the 2009-2010 School Calendar. ---- holding for two weeks
4. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from the Remington PCC for a nurse for the 7th grade field trip to the Museum of Science. ---- approved
5. I recommend reject approval of the Memo of Understanding, recommend sending it back to be worked on the by the attorneys. ---- approved
6. I recommend tabling the approval of the Consolidation of Facilities ---- approved
7. I recommend one FHS athlete to go to the NE Track Meet with appropriate supervision ----- approved
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
live reporting - Memo of Understanding
Wayne Ogden negotiated with Jeff Nutting
is the result of comprises, it is not a perfect document
Cora - what happens for the money after two years if the plan doesn't work out. There is an arrangement for the vehicles but there is nothing for the money.
Concern about the gasoline charge, open to interpretation as to continued price increases occur, we need some protection.
Need a provision for the principals to run their building
What about the bio-hazard response? The make up of the Town and School Committee may be different two years from now, there needs to be something clarified to protect the town as it goes forward.
Roberta - The initial MOU was longer, so I wonder what was taking out. How do you handle a custodial staff issue? Delivery of services should be equal to current services. I want this to go forward but there are things that have not been sufficiently explained or clarified.
Susan - what happens to the money of the school committee votes against it, also wants better language for the principal to run their building and having appropriate control.
Jeff - letter to accrediting body delivered upon visit for accreditation; overall responsibility for custodians resides with Town Administrator; this conflicts with Ed Reform. Both Town and School need to vote this in effect. There is nothing to prevent the Town Council to vote to give it back also. Hence, there needs to be a plan for that to protect the schools and the town folks.
is the result of comprises, it is not a perfect document
Cora - what happens for the money after two years if the plan doesn't work out. There is an arrangement for the vehicles but there is nothing for the money.
Concern about the gasoline charge, open to interpretation as to continued price increases occur, we need some protection.
Need a provision for the principals to run their building
What about the bio-hazard response? The make up of the Town and School Committee may be different two years from now, there needs to be something clarified to protect the town as it goes forward.
Roberta - The initial MOU was longer, so I wonder what was taking out. How do you handle a custodial staff issue? Delivery of services should be equal to current services. I want this to go forward but there are things that have not been sufficiently explained or clarified.
Susan - what happens to the money of the school committee votes against it, also wants better language for the principal to run their building and having appropriate control.
Jeff - letter to accrediting body delivered upon visit for accreditation; overall responsibility for custodians resides with Town Administrator; this conflicts with Ed Reform. Both Town and School need to vote this in effect. There is nothing to prevent the Town Council to vote to give it back also. Hence, there needs to be a plan for that to protect the schools and the town folks.
Live reporting - School Committee
A somber mood in the Council chambers as the meeting continues with the knowledge of the vote results.
------------
Discussion Only Items
· Capitol Needs Update – Mike D’Angelo
discussing the capital requirements for the school facilities
don't put huge amounts of money into the high school
even the generator, if we do something different with the building, the generator will still have useful life
carpeting pricing rising dramatically, primary raw material is oil and we know what is happening in the market with that
there is no funded capital budget either at the town or school level
paraphrasing Mike:
these projects are realistic but not funded
the school items at least can be bonded under state rules and regulations
the portables have 6-7 years life left in them, we own the large and 16 others are leased.
rubber roof guaranteed for 10 years, things will start going on them
we will need space in 6-7 years, the enrollment is not going down
the issue will be similar to a high school, this will be equivalent to a whole school to be replaced.
"you could spend money on the high school, but you don;t know how long the improvement will stay in place (given the decision on the replacement/rebuild pending)."
"the problem with the high school is that we don't have a real plan."
It will be very hard to renovate FHS with students in it.
Horace Mann as well as it was prepared before hand, it was amazing what we found once we opened up the walls. The same thing will happen with the high school.
· Memorandum of Understanding
------------
Discussion Only Items
· Capitol Needs Update – Mike D’Angelo
discussing the capital requirements for the school facilities
don't put huge amounts of money into the high school
even the generator, if we do something different with the building, the generator will still have useful life
carpeting pricing rising dramatically, primary raw material is oil and we know what is happening in the market with that
there is no funded capital budget either at the town or school level
paraphrasing Mike:
these projects are realistic but not funded
the school items at least can be bonded under state rules and regulations
the portables have 6-7 years life left in them, we own the large and 16 others are leased.
rubber roof guaranteed for 10 years, things will start going on them
we will need space in 6-7 years, the enrollment is not going down
the issue will be similar to a high school, this will be equivalent to a whole school to be replaced.
"you could spend money on the high school, but you don;t know how long the improvement will stay in place (given the decision on the replacement/rebuild pending)."
"the problem with the high school is that we don't have a real plan."
It will be very hard to renovate FHS with students in it.
Horace Mann as well as it was prepared before hand, it was amazing what we found once we opened up the walls. The same thing will happen with the high school.
· Memorandum of Understanding
Franklin Override Tally - June 10, 2008
| Franklin Override June 10, 2008 | ||||
| Precinct | Blanks | Yes | No | Totals |
| 1 | 0 | 388 | 538 | 926 |
| 2 | 1 | 380 | 532 | 913 |
| 3 | 0 | 226 | 653 | 879 |
| 4 | 0 | 568 | 561 | 1129 |
| 5 | 0 | 355 | 471 | 826 |
| 6 | 0 | 343 | 553 | 896 |
| 7 | 0 | 637 | 460 | 1097 |
| 8 | 0 | 505 | 522 | 1027 |
| Totals | 1 | 3,402 | 4,290 | 7,693 |
| 0.01% | 44.2% | 55.8% | ||
The override failed
The vote for - 3402
The vote against - 4290
The total vote - 7693 (last year 8759)
precinct totals to follow
A sad day for Franklin but the vote is what it is.
The vote against - 4290
The total vote - 7693 (last year 8759)
precinct totals to follow
A sad day for Franklin but the vote is what it is.
Science Safety Initiative Presentation
Maureen Sabolinski introducing the science safety presentation. This comes out of the salmonella incident that occurred almost 2 years ago. They have done the study and work to make this happen.
Currently focused on science but will expand to other study areas, like art (due to the ipigment materials) over time.
Laboratory Safety Institute provided training (based in Natick).
Looked for "best practices" to ensure safe learning in the classroom environment. Can't learn if students or teachers are at risk. Need to avoid liability.
Web based document, with hotlinks, can be expanded as necessary to get to the details required. Includes links out to the relevant government regulations and guidelines.
Has an elementary section to cover the aspect of the elementary school curriculum as well.
Document organized by curriculum area as well as by the safety procedures.
The live version will be on the web. Each classroom will have a printed copy for reference.
Butterfly certification from gov't for 3 years to obtain, grow and release according to current procedures.
Obtained two mentors from MA-DEP to help provide advice on operations.
Partnership with US-EPA to obtain a free survey on science and laboratory operations.
Issue with fire blankets, regulations and safety advice have changed. No longer stop, drop, roll and cover with a blanket. With the newer material, the blanket may worsen the fire condition and help to adhere the material to the body. So the procedures have been changed.
"We're trying to leverage what we have for what we don't have."
Currently focused on science but will expand to other study areas, like art (due to the ipigment materials) over time.
Laboratory Safety Institute provided training (based in Natick).
Looked for "best practices" to ensure safe learning in the classroom environment. Can't learn if students or teachers are at risk. Need to avoid liability.
Web based document, with hotlinks, can be expanded as necessary to get to the details required. Includes links out to the relevant government regulations and guidelines.
Has an elementary section to cover the aspect of the elementary school curriculum as well.
Document organized by curriculum area as well as by the safety procedures.
The live version will be on the web. Each classroom will have a printed copy for reference.
Butterfly certification from gov't for 3 years to obtain, grow and release according to current procedures.
Obtained two mentors from MA-DEP to help provide advice on operations.
Partnership with US-EPA to obtain a free survey on science and laboratory operations.
Issue with fire blankets, regulations and safety advice have changed. No longer stop, drop, roll and cover with a blanket. With the newer material, the blanket may worsen the fire condition and help to adhere the material to the body. So the procedures have been changed.
"We're trying to leverage what we have for what we don't have."
FEF
Tim Hurdlebrink presenting a check for $25,313 from Franklin Education Foundation fund raising efforts for teacher grants. Their efforts are raising in excess of $150,000 over the years. There are 15 grant winners this year; the most ever.
30 applications resulted in 15 funded grants.
----------------
FEF has a coffee at the senior center Wednesday evening for meet and greet.
30 applications resulted in 15 funded grants.
----------------
FEF has a coffee at the senior center Wednesday evening for meet and greet.
Teacher Retirements - live reporting
Franklin Public Schools Retirements:
1. Joanne Bould
2. Susan Brewster
3. Cindy Douglas
4. Michael Gilmore
5. Nancy Gilmore
6. Jeanne McKenna
7. Diane Newcomb
8. Dennis Pelletier
9. Jean Ristaino
10. Elaine Sumner
11. Sena Anania
12. Suzanne Stilgoe
live reporting from the School Committee meeting
Minutes:
I recommend approval of the minutes from the May 27, 2008 School Committee Meeting.
approved with 1 abstention
Payment of Bills - Mr. Kelly; approved
Payroll - Ms. Armenio; approved
Remington Middle School National Latin Exam Achievement Awards
1. Rachel Ceskavich
2. Gregory Mouradian
b. Remington Middle School National Latin Exam Outstanding Achievement Awards
1. Naman Agarwal
2. Cynthia Swanson
3. Mimi Gualtieri
4. Stefan Herlitz
5. Emily Stickles
6. Jillian Ferrari
-------------Remington Middle School Foreign Language Exam
1. Sarah MacClellan – Silver Medal Winner
2. Amy Stevens – Bronze Medal Winner
3. Lindsay Gualtieri – Bronze Medal Winner
4. Sara Rodgers – Bronze Medal Winner
5. Ethan Blank – Honorable Mention
6. Michelle Shafferman – Honorable Mention
------------------Remington Middle School NELMS Scholar Leaders
1. Sara MacClellan
2. Drew Shaughnessy
---------------Jefferson Elementary Stock Market Game Awards:
1. Michael Bullen – Second Place – Elementary Division
2. Dominic Pizzelli – First Place – Elementary Division
3. Chloe Ross – InvestWrite Award – Elementary Division
They turned $100,000 to over $144,000------------------
James Barrett – 2008 MAEC Award for the Distinguished Music Educator
Mass Arts Educator Council
------------------------
Reporting Live from the School Committee meeting
The group is still gathering. There is a good audience tonight with student and teacher recognitions scheduled.
I will break from the meeting to head to the High School fieldhouse about 8:00 PM to catch the results of the election today. I will likely have time to return to catch the remainder of the meeting.
-----------
I will break from the meeting to head to the High School fieldhouse about 8:00 PM to catch the results of the election today. I will likely have time to return to catch the remainder of the meeting.
-----------
Please vote today
Only one question on this ballot:
Cast your vote today.
Every vote counts!
Question #1:
Shall the Town of Franklin be allowed to assess an additional $2,800,000.00 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purpose of the operating budget for which monies from this assessment will be used for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008?
Yes or No
Cast your vote today.
Every vote counts!
"committed to the quality of life in our town"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Voters today will decide the fate of a $2.8 million Proposition 2 1/2 tax override, put on the ballot to keep the status quo in schools and prevent numerous layoffs.
With the blessing of the Finance Committee, Town Council put the question on today's ballot in hopes of preventing anticipated reductions at schools that include 47 teacher layoffs, elimination of many courses and the late bus, a $100 increase in the busing fee (from $225 to $325), as well as increased class sizes.
Opponents say a tax increase during a trying economy will further strain residents, striking another financial blow to struggling seniors and others.
Those stumping for the tax hike, which is permanent, note that Franklin's tax burden is lower than many comparable towns. They are pushing for it to maintain quality education.
Janice Foley, one of three founders of the pro-override political action group Invest in Franklin, said override advocates are optimistic about the outcome of the vote, because she has seen many Franklin residents take the time to learn about the issues.
"(They) are committed to the quality of life in our town. Our biggest hope is for the people of Franklin to get out and vote so their voices can be heard," Foley said.
Read the remainder of the story here in the Milford Daily News
Franklin School Committee Meeting - Agenda - 6/10/08
Municipal Building – Council Chambers
Executive Session 1: 6:00 P.M.
Regular Meeting 7:00 P.M.
AGENDA
Call to order Mr. Roy
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence
1. Routine Business
· Citizen’s Comments
· Review of Agenda
· Minutes:
I recommend approval of the minutes from the May 27, 2008 School Committee Meeting.
· Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
· Payroll Ms. Armenio
· FHS Student Representatives
· Correspondence:
1. Budget to Actual
2. Memo from Jeff Nutting regarding Capital Requests
2. Guests/Presentations:
a. Remington Middle School National Latin Exam Achievement Awards
1. Rachel Ceskavich
2. Gregory Mouradian
b. Remington Middle School National Latin Exam Outstanding Achievement Awards
1. Naman Agarwal
2. Cynthia Swanson
3. Mimi Gualtieri
4. Stefan Herlitz
5. Emily Stickles
6. Jillian Ferrari
c. Remington Middle School Foreign Language Exam
1. Sarah MacClellan – Silver Medal Winner
2. Amy Stevens – Bronze Medal Winner
3. Lindsay Gualtieri – Bronze Medal Winner
4. Sara Rodgers – Bronze Medal Winner
5. Ethan Blank – Honorable Mention
6. Michelle Shafferman – Honorable Mention
d. Remington Middle School NELMS Scholar Leaders
1. Sara MacClellan
2. Drew Shaughnessy
e. Jefferson Elementary Stock Market Game Awards:
1. Michael Bullen – Second Place – Elementary Division
2. Dominic Pizzelli – First Place – Elementary Division
3. Chloe Ross – InvestWrite Award – Elementary Division
f. James Barrett – 2008 MAEC Award for the Distinguished Music Educator
g. Franklin Public Schools Retirements:
1. Joanne Bould
2. Susan Brewster
3. Cindy Douglas
4. Michael Gilmore
5. Nancy Gilmore
6. Jeanne McKenna
7. Diane Newcomb
8. Dennis Pelletier
9. Jean Ristaino
10. Elaine Sumner
11. Sena Anania
12. Suzanne Stilgoe
h. Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) Grant Award Presentation
i. Science Safety Initiative Presentation
j. Dropout Intervention Update
3. Discussion Only Items
· Capitol Needs Update – Mike D’Angelo
· Memorandum of Understanding
4. Action Items:
1. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000 from Sheri Brodeur for the Will Briggs Memorial Scholarship for FHS.
2. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000 from the Franklin Country Club for their FCC Hall of Fame Award at FHS.
3. I recommend adoption of the 2009-2010 School Calendar.
4. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from the Remington PCC for a nurse for the 7th grade field trip to the Museum of Science.
5. I recommend approval of the Memo of Understanding.
6. I recommend approval of the Consolidation of Facilities
5. Information Matters:
· Superintendent’s Report
a. Enrollment Comparisons May 2007 & May 2008
· 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 2
· Contractual Negotiations
a. Non-Union & Administration
8. Adjourn
Monday, June 9, 2008
Letter from Ed Cafasso
People support overrides for many different reasons.
I heard from one School Committee member about a friend whose kids are grown and out on their own; she struggled to raise them by herself despite a great many personal and financial obstacles, including serious illness. She said she would be voting yes because “the community” helped educate her children and she feels it’s now her duty to support the community in educating others.
I heard a Town Councilor describe “the bargain” he feels the Franklin schools are. He looks at his tax bill; he looks at the services he gets – the low crime rate, the convenient businesses; the clean streets, the award-winning schools – and he realizes that his family is getting an exceptional value for the money.
I heard a School Principal talk about how a child only goes through each grade once. You’re only in 5th grade once. You only get one crack at high school. And how important it is that each step along the way be the best it can be; because this is the part of life that’s the most fun. You’re only a kid once.
And, over the years, I have heard dozens more great reasons to support overrides. All of them deeply personal; each of them fueled by an individual’s own upbringing, experiences and values.
For me, it’s really about wanting the best for my kids and for the rest of the young people in town. In my job, I get the chance to meet a great many new college grads – either as employees or as job candidates. I look hard at their resumes and cover letters. I interview them. I review their writing tests.
I can tell you firsthand that we truly do live in a very competitive, global economy. There are many more resumes than there are open positions. And, unfortunately, there are a number of countries that invest much more in education than the United States. I worry about what my kids will face when they try to make it on their own; just as I’m sure that my parents worried about me; and their parents worried about them.
The only things that we can leave our children that truly matter are a loving upbringing, strong values and the absolute best education we can possibly deliver. That’s why I am voting Yes on Tuesday.
I completely understand that some people feel they cannot afford a Yes vote. I would argue that they can’t afford not to, but these are very personal issues. Who am I to tell them what they can and can’t afford?
And there are others, too many others I’m afraid, who are concerned about where Franklin is headed and how financial decisions are made. I share that concern. We need to work harder to make sure citizens trust us with their hard-earned tax dollars; that we listen to their views; and that we do a better job explaining what we are doing and why.
People support overrides for many different reasons. On Tuesday, I hope you will look into your heart and find your reason to vote “Yes.” Thank you for your support!
Ed Cafasso, Member
Franklin School Committee
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