Saturday and Sunday June 14th and 15th
All Providence commuter rail trains will operate on Track 2 between Canton Junction and Mansfield.
Ruggles commuter rail station will be closed, to all commuter rail traffic; customers are advised to use the Orange line from Back Bay to Ruggles throughout this weekend with service returning to normal Monday, June 15th Saturday, June 14th and continuing through Tuesday, June 17th
Hyde Park Station will be closed to all commuter rail traffic. During this time all trains scheduled to stop at Hyde Park will make a special stop at Readville.
Saturday and Sunday - The trains will depart Readville at the scheduled Hyde Park departure time.
Monday and Tuesday - The trains will depart Readville two (2) minutes earlier that the scheduled Hyde Park departure time.
Customers should travel on the #32 MBTA bus from Hyde Park Avenue to Readville or to Forest Hills station where they can also pick up the Orange Line, to and from Boston.
Trains will depart South Station and the normal schedule departure time throughout this disruption.
Expected Delays
Saturday, June 14th passengers for all Needham, Franklin and Providence Line trains should expect delays of 10 to 15 minutes due to the various track work projects.
Sunday, June 15th Franklin and Providence Line passengers can expect delays of 10 to 15 minutes.
For the week of Monday, June 16th through Friday, June 20th
Passengers traveling on the Franklin, Stoughton and Providence Lines should expect residual delays of up to 15 minutes due to this project.
We apologize to the regular riders of these trains for any inconvenience this may cause.
Commuter rail service information is available on the MBTA website at www.mbta.com, or by calling the MBTA Customer Support Services Center at 617-222-3200.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
In the News - Douglas retires, Consolidation goes to the lawyers
GHS
FRANKLIN —
After 33 years teaching at the historic Red Brick School, Cindy Douglas had her last milk and cookies with her beloved students - those still digging tunnels in the sandbox, and the gray-haired ones alike.
"This is great - absolutely wonderful," Douglas said, between hugging a seemingly endless stream of alumni and parents of students at the school who celebrated her retirement at the school yesterday.
"These children are second and third children - I had some of their parents. I loved getting up every the morning to here. It's really not a job - it's fun and I like being here," Douglas said.
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Unhappy with a memorandum of understanding on the town's takeover of the School Department's $5.5 million maintenance account, the School Committee has decided to send the document to lawyers representing the town and schools.
The committee tabled a vote this week to consolidate facilities with the town, which has been a controversial issue since first broached last year, though several members said they would agree to a modified version.
On June 4, Town Council approved the consolidation. Councilors and Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting have advocated for the merger because they believe it will create greater efficiencies and "make a good thing better."
Custodians and groundskeepers, including schools Facilities Director Mike D'Angelo, have objected to the move, saying they do not understand how it benefits anyone.
Both the School Committee and Town Council must approve the consolidation according to Massachusetts law, officials have said.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Override failure reasons - my 2 cents
Why did the override fail?
By the numbers, 1600 yes votes from last year did not vote yes this year:
I think there are a number of reasons.
Apathy is always a factor - "My vote won't make a difference." On a national scale, the individual vote does not count for a whole lot. On the local scale, one vote is ONE vote.
Town priorities - The school budget is always a town matter. The School Department and Superintendent are properly advocates for what they need. The Finance Committee provides some oversight and validation but the ultimate responsibility lies with the Town Council. So while this year (and last) the School Committee brought forth what they needed to maintain the level of education that they were providing, the Town Council chose to follow the beat of their own drummer. Last year the Town planned for the override in advance and included town operations in the override amount. This year, the Town set the schools up on their own and only allowed an override when forced by the School Committee and the presence of growing support within the community. Alas, the support was not enough to carry all the way through.
Mis-information - The hearsay, mis-information and inaccuracies were prevalent in the community discussions. Trying to get the proper information out to the folks was like swimming against the riptide. The Milford Daily News closed out anonymous comments the day after the vote but the damage was done. The constant naysayers were abusive and out in force. Heaven forbid, you try to get a word in edgewise. The key point on this is the difference between a capital expense and an operational expense. Clearly, the majority of Franklin voters don't understand or appreciate the difference.
The 5 Year Plan - This is another aspect of the Town priorities but an important one. This item was brought up several times during the healthy discussion during the Override of 2007. Everyone agreed it was a good thing to do. During the ensuing year, the Town Council did nothing. They instead chose to sit on the school budget problem and hid it from the voters during the November election. That was more important. Some of the councilors chose to break their own by-laws and put up their election signs for the November election in advance of when they were supposed to. That was more important. Some of those councilors chose to make take pot shots at the School Administration and School Superintendent. Sound bites travel well especially when they are unfounded. Finally, the Town Council appointed a committee to develop a long range plan the week before this years override. Too little too late.
State money - The Town has gotten too used to the largess of the commonwealth and the ability of our local representatives to tap the coffers to fill the Franklin revenue needs. The decade plus time of increasing state aid is likely behind us. Other towns are recognizing what we have benefited from and getting jealous. We could make a case for the increases with a growing enrollment. The enrollment growth is tapering off and so will the state funds. The unwillingness of the Franklin tax payer to dip into their own pocket got proved again. Only one operational override has successfully passed. Don't ask a Franklinite to take money out of their pocket for something they should pay for. If the state won't pay for it, Franklin certainly won't.
I believe the Franklin voters who did not cast their ballots will come to regret their decision. The days of Franklin being selected in Top 10 or Top 100 are over. Digging out of this hole will be the hardest thing to do.
The task of the Five Year Plan Committee will be immense. We, the voters, will have a chance of getting a decent plan. There are two "normal, everyday citizens" on the committee along with the elected and appointed officials. We will have to monitor the committee to ensure that they are open and doing something productive. We can not let the Town Council let this opportunity sit idle.
What can we learn from the failure?
Personally, letting others direct the conversation, reporting the facts, hoping for the best doesn't work.
Action will be required. The level of engagement in the town meetings (especially the Town Council) needs to increase.
You, yes you! Don't sit at home and let the talking heads babble on. Make the effort. Go to the Council Chambers. Show them that there are real live people for whom they should care about what they do. Hold them accountable.
Conversation about what is happening needs to maintain some focus on the real issues. Don't let the agenda hide some items. Ask where is it? Ask what is happening? Ask why?
Together we can come out of the hole. Or separately, we can see our home values decline, or students fall behind, our future dim.
This is our choice.
What choice will you make?
How much does Franklin matter to you?
By the numbers, 1600 yes votes from last year did not vote yes this year:
- 500 of them chose to vote no.
- Just over 1000 stayed home and chose not to vote at all.
I think there are a number of reasons.
Apathy is always a factor - "My vote won't make a difference." On a national scale, the individual vote does not count for a whole lot. On the local scale, one vote is ONE vote.
Town priorities - The school budget is always a town matter. The School Department and Superintendent are properly advocates for what they need. The Finance Committee provides some oversight and validation but the ultimate responsibility lies with the Town Council. So while this year (and last) the School Committee brought forth what they needed to maintain the level of education that they were providing, the Town Council chose to follow the beat of their own drummer. Last year the Town planned for the override in advance and included town operations in the override amount. This year, the Town set the schools up on their own and only allowed an override when forced by the School Committee and the presence of growing support within the community. Alas, the support was not enough to carry all the way through.
Mis-information - The hearsay, mis-information and inaccuracies were prevalent in the community discussions. Trying to get the proper information out to the folks was like swimming against the riptide. The Milford Daily News closed out anonymous comments the day after the vote but the damage was done. The constant naysayers were abusive and out in force. Heaven forbid, you try to get a word in edgewise. The key point on this is the difference between a capital expense and an operational expense. Clearly, the majority of Franklin voters don't understand or appreciate the difference.
The 5 Year Plan - This is another aspect of the Town priorities but an important one. This item was brought up several times during the healthy discussion during the Override of 2007. Everyone agreed it was a good thing to do. During the ensuing year, the Town Council did nothing. They instead chose to sit on the school budget problem and hid it from the voters during the November election. That was more important. Some of the councilors chose to break their own by-laws and put up their election signs for the November election in advance of when they were supposed to. That was more important. Some of those councilors chose to make take pot shots at the School Administration and School Superintendent. Sound bites travel well especially when they are unfounded. Finally, the Town Council appointed a committee to develop a long range plan the week before this years override. Too little too late.
State money - The Town has gotten too used to the largess of the commonwealth and the ability of our local representatives to tap the coffers to fill the Franklin revenue needs. The decade plus time of increasing state aid is likely behind us. Other towns are recognizing what we have benefited from and getting jealous. We could make a case for the increases with a growing enrollment. The enrollment growth is tapering off and so will the state funds. The unwillingness of the Franklin tax payer to dip into their own pocket got proved again. Only one operational override has successfully passed. Don't ask a Franklinite to take money out of their pocket for something they should pay for. If the state won't pay for it, Franklin certainly won't.
I believe the Franklin voters who did not cast their ballots will come to regret their decision. The days of Franklin being selected in Top 10 or Top 100 are over. Digging out of this hole will be the hardest thing to do.
The task of the Five Year Plan Committee will be immense. We, the voters, will have a chance of getting a decent plan. There are two "normal, everyday citizens" on the committee along with the elected and appointed officials. We will have to monitor the committee to ensure that they are open and doing something productive. We can not let the Town Council let this opportunity sit idle.
What can we learn from the failure?
Personally, letting others direct the conversation, reporting the facts, hoping for the best doesn't work.
Action will be required. The level of engagement in the town meetings (especially the Town Council) needs to increase.
You, yes you! Don't sit at home and let the talking heads babble on. Make the effort. Go to the Council Chambers. Show them that there are real live people for whom they should care about what they do. Hold them accountable.
Conversation about what is happening needs to maintain some focus on the real issues. Don't let the agenda hide some items. Ask where is it? Ask what is happening? Ask why?
Together we can come out of the hole. Or separately, we can see our home values decline, or students fall behind, our future dim.
This is our choice.
What choice will you make?
How much does Franklin matter to you?
"we're going in the wrong direction"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Now that the $2.8 million Proposition 2 1/2 tax override has failed, school administrators are bracing for the aftermath: mediating larger enrollment with fewer teachers, the loss of valued teachers, and a blow to morale.
"It was a tough night, and a very tough morning (Wednesday). I have some very emotional staff members. They love this place," said Franklin High School Principal Pamela Gould.
"The top concern I have is kids, the education they get. I worry about the repercussions this will have on them down the road. I worry about my staff finding jobs. As a new principal in town, I worry about the statement the town just made about the value of education. But, they made their statement," Gould said.
Layoffs are now official for the 47 teachers whom administrators notified would not have a contract in May, said Assistant Superintendent of Schools Maureen Sabolinkski.
"Those cuts we'd been discussing will all be implemented, sad to say. The ultimate impact is larger class sizes across the district and reductions in programs," she said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
About time....
Milford Daily News
You must now register to comment on our stories.Readers have been able to comment on stories on our site since October of last year. That feature has sparked some lively debate and allowed greater interaction with our readers – and they with each other – that we welcomed. The feature has also generated some irrational and ugly nastiness. We let the conversations flow pretty freely for the most part – we allowed folks to post anonymously, we moderated with a light hand and left shutting off comments completely as a last resort.
As time has gone on, however, the need to more closely manage comments and commenters has grown. The new registration requirement is simple for users, but will give us more ability to manage comments and keep the conversation civil.
Read the full story here
Note: this applies to both the Franklin Gazette and Milford Daily News.
I took this step some time ago and have not regretted it. My email (shersteve at gmail dot com) is available for anyone who wants to have a civil conversation and does not have either a Blogger or OpenID.In the News - "you do make a difference in people's lives"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Just as Franklin High School Principal Pamela Gould finished praising Assistant Principal Tamatha Bibbo for her work in preventing students from dropping out - at times by literally going to their homes and returning them to school, or taking them to a store to buy them clothes - School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy looked down at his cell phone and went a little pale.
He got the news via text message: The override failed by 888 votes, he announced.
After Gould and Bibbo wrapped up their presentation on preventing dropouts at the high school, Roy told them some townspeople may have been critical of school employees leading up to the override, but their dedication and successes with students are noticed by the School Committee.
read the full story in the Milford Daily News here
--------------
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Townspeople yesterday rejected a $2.8 million Proposition 2 1/2 tax override by 888 votes with many saying they just could not afford the tax hike.
The vote was 4,294 to 3,402, with 55.8 percent voting against it, said Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri.
The failure of the override is expected to lead to laying off 47 teachers, as well as administrators, elimination of the late bus, an increase in the pay-to-ride bus fee by $100, and the elimination of 24 classes at the high school, among other changes, according to a plan presented by Superintendent Wayne Ogden.
Last year, the town approved a $2.7 million override, also mainly to offset school costs.
Joyce Nash, a senior citizen, said she voted no, even though she is a retired teacher and still substitutes.
She voted for it last year, but simply cannot afford another one, she said.
Read the full story in the Milford Daily News here
"diminished levels of student performance"
I want to thank the voters of Franklin who supported the $2.8 million override for our school system. Your positive vote during difficult times is a true affirmation of the work we do. I also want to recognize Councilors Shannon Zollo and Steve Whalen, Finance Committee member Jim Roche and the School Committee members who spent untold hours educating the community on the need for the override.
Unfortunately, I have failed the students and teachers of the Franklin Public Schools by not securing sufficient support for the override. I am very sorry not to be able to deliver to you the financial support that you rightly deserve. I take full responsibility for this failure.
Despite this regrettable defeat, we will enthusiastically reopen doors next fall. We will welcome the children of Franklin back to school and our teachers and administrators will work tirelessly to make the 2008-2009 school year a success for every one of our 6,254 students. However, the voters of Franklin should be aware that the potential consequences of continuing below average spending on our schools children will include diminished levels of student performance and increased rates of students leaving our schools without graduating. When this occurs, it will have a negative impact on home values and the quality of life in Franklin.
Superintendent Wayne Ogden
Unfortunately, I have failed the students and teachers of the Franklin Public Schools by not securing sufficient support for the override. I am very sorry not to be able to deliver to you the financial support that you rightly deserve. I take full responsibility for this failure.
Despite this regrettable defeat, we will enthusiastically reopen doors next fall. We will welcome the children of Franklin back to school and our teachers and administrators will work tirelessly to make the 2008-2009 school year a success for every one of our 6,254 students. However, the voters of Franklin should be aware that the potential consequences of continuing below average spending on our schools children will include diminished levels of student performance and increased rates of students leaving our schools without graduating. When this occurs, it will have a negative impact on home values and the quality of life in Franklin.
Superintendent Wayne Ogden
"Either we heal as a town or we’re going to crumble"
From Al Pacino's character in Any Given Sunday:
As seen in this YouTube clip (caution language)
Thanks to Bruce at Customer Experience Matters for the link.
* yes, I changed one word, from team to town for emphasis.
Either we heal as a town or we’re going to crumble;
inch by inch, play by play, until we’re finished. *
As seen in this YouTube clip (caution language)
Thanks to Bruce at Customer Experience Matters for the link.
* yes, I changed one word, from team to town for emphasis.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Franklin Override Vote - Difference this year vs. last
| Franklin Override June 10, 2008 | Difference this year versus last | |||||||
| Precinct | Blanks | Yes | No | Totals | Total | No | Yes | |
| 1 | 0 | 388 | 538 | 926 | -104 | 84 | -187 | |
| 2 | 1 | 380 | 532 | 913 | -155 | 57 | -212 | |
| 3 | 0 | 226 | 653 | 879 | -87 | 78 | -162 | |
| 4 | 0 | 568 | 561 | 1129 | -102 | 109 | -210 | |
| 5 | 0 | 355 | 471 | 826 | -141 | 56 | -196 | |
| 6 | 0 | 343 | 553 | 896 | -99 | 81 | -179 | |
| 7 | 0 | 637 | 460 | 1097 | -234 | 65 | -299 | |
| 8 | 0 | 505 | 522 | 1027 | -144 | 38 | -181 | |
| Totals | 1 | 3,402 | 4,290 | 7,693 | -1066 | 568 | -1626 | |
| 0.01% | 44.2% | 55.8% | ||||||
live reporting -
Kudos to the Oak Street 4th graders who helped filled luminaries for the walk last weekend
Ogden won't get real accurate numbers on enrollment until September
Sue - will make most efficient use of our dollars as we can, don't walk away thinking that the problem is solved until next year when they ask for more. There is a whole lot of work to be done by multiple parties.
Matt - Brick celebrated the 175th anniversary, approximately 1000 folks showed up.
Brick School Open House Friday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Ogden reads his statement (full text to follow)
Ogden won't get real accurate numbers on enrollment until September
Sue - will make most efficient use of our dollars as we can, don't walk away thinking that the problem is solved until next year when they ask for more. There is a whole lot of work to be done by multiple parties.
Matt - Brick celebrated the 175th anniversary, approximately 1000 folks showed up.
Brick School Open House Friday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Ogden reads his statement (full text to follow)
live reporting - budget questions
Miriam Goodman responding
deficit in transportation has gone done due to recent transfer, will ask for an additional transfer at the end of the year
FHS sports teams have been winning and due to that success have run a deficit in transportation, we will be able to cover that with transfers from other areas
all deficits will be covered with additional transfers, given only 3 weeks left in the fiscal year, we are in good shape.
deficit in transportation has gone done due to recent transfer, will ask for an additional transfer at the end of the year
FHS sports teams have been winning and due to that success have run a deficit in transportation, we will be able to cover that with transfers from other areas
all deficits will be covered with additional transfers, given only 3 weeks left in the fiscal year, we are in good shape.
Live reporting - superintendent's report
Health group formed, initial meeting held last week
short and long term goals set, meeting schedule established
Sep 4th, a Thursday, is the next meeting
every two months on the first Thursday
short and long term goals set, meeting schedule established
Sep 4th, a Thursday, is the next meeting
every two months on the first Thursday
Action items
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
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)