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Thursday, October 16, 2008
Live reporting - Financial Planning Committee 10/16/08
Not Attending: Shannon Zollo, Steve Whalen,
Roche - What do you think of the announcement yesterday?
Nutting - I think we dodge a bullet with the Governor's moves yesterday. If they need to go deeper, I am not sure how we are going to avoid it. In comparison, health insurance was a non-issue years ago. It is not a rosy picture. Not new news but that's what it is.
Roche - we won't know revenue numbers for some time, but we will need to work up the expense side.
School Budget will be presented at the second meeting in November (11/20/08)
Roche - start with Jeff's model and tweak it with what we have heard?
Nutting - won't know what our debt will be until later as it is based upon 5% but if that changes, there'll be some adjustments. Some time late in March we go for the bonds to wrap up the Senior Center, Fire Station, etc. Approx. 18 million.
Roche - looking at the model where do we need to go?
Nutting - in FY 2010, the salary is in at 4% and that can come down. There will be pressure on the School Committee as they have been falling behind.
In 2002, the health insurance went into the School Budget moved from the Town budget.
Hardesty - take the assumptions that we have been hearing, explain with notations, low end, high end. Here is the diligence that we did around it. Some assumptions won't make a material difference, others will. To simplify, we can separate those out for the presentation. A hugh portion of the budget is salary, benefits, the people portion. From the Fire/Police we have some operational numbers, how many cars, vehicles you have help to determine how many people you need.
Nutting - Fixed costs increase, you heard Brutus and Mike. We'll need to explain where those are and why.
Bartlett - In the end, are we going to come with what the Town desires? and in that, what is it that the Town will bear?
Hardesty - We need to come up with the three options, say. Level service, high end and cutting. The numbers need to be factual with integrity.
Trahan - I am concerned that we may be coming up with numbers that may not be doing as much as we thought it would due to circumstances that have changed.
Nuting - how far back do we go? If we pick for example, FY 05 we know what salt was, we know what fuel was, so it can be simply explained. Everybody should be able to recognize those and see what the increases are.
"It seems like a win-win for everyone"
Town Council voted unanimously last night to lease the historic Red Brick School to the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School for one year.
The town will most likely rent the school for $1 and the cost of running the 11,650-square-foot, 175-year-old building, said Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting, but the town and school have not yet negotiated.
"I've asked for a 10-year authorization, but they (the charter school's board of trustees) want to try it out for a year" and determine whether it fits them, Nutting said.
Charter school trustees worry about the safety of students and staff crossing through traffic at the intersection of Lincoln and Maple streets to get to the building, trustee President John Neas has said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
School Committee Meeting 10/14/08
- Transportation Update - 10/14/08
- Live reporting - new business
- Live reporting - subcommittee/liaison reports
- Live reporting - Superintendents report
- Live reporting - action items
- Live reporting - discussion only items
- Live reporting - transportation update
- Live reporting - Summer Blackboard
- Live reporting - School Committee meeting
- Franklin School Committee Meeting - Agenda - 10/14...
Transportation Update - 10/14/08
town council - closing items
Nutting's statement on Question 1 - numbers for the actual impact vary
Bartlett - when are the road projects done for the winter?
Temporary patch before the winter
L. OLD BUSINESS
Pfeffer - what up with Walgreen's?
Nutting - Walgreen's P&S was signed in August
Whalen - we should check in with them?
Nutting - we met with them today, they asked for a 2 week extension to prepare to file for the next steps
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Pfeffer - thanks to the Animal Control for finding one dumb dog
live reporting - zoning bylaw
moved to Nov 5th
14. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 08-628: Chapter 185-18. Nonconforming Uses and Structures – Referral to Planning Board
approved referral to Planning Board, unanimous
live reporting - action items (continued)
roll call; approved 7-0
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Senior Center study revealed 780 seniors with homes that are eligible for tax benefits
10. Resolution 08-68: Appropriation – Emergency Repairs - Lincoln St. Culvert
Robert Cantoreggio, Dir of Public Works
Limited Lincoln Street closure required to do the work, coordinated with Town CTS system for notifications,School Dept notified for bus routing, most of the time, there will be one lane open
roll call; approved 7-0
11. Resolution 08-69: Appropriation – DPW – Trench Repairs
extended discussion on the cost per square yard vs. the amount charged/held from the contractor
approved 7-0
12. Resolution 08-70: Acceptance of Gift – Council on Aging
approved 7-0
live reporting - action items
roll call; approved -> 7-0
5. Resolution 08-63: Acceptance of Deed of Open Space- Franklin Oaks
roll call; approved -> 7-0
6. Resolution 08-64: Order of Acceptance and Taking – Easements – Franklin Farms
roll call; approved -> 7-0
7. Resolution 08-65: Acceptance of Open Space and Access Strip- Franklin Farms
roll call; approved -> 7-0
8. Resolution 08-66: Acceptance of Deed of Detention Basin Parcels-Franklin Farms
roll call; approved -> 7-0
Live reporting - legislation for action
1. Resolution 08-59: Dissolution of Fire Station Building Committee (Tabled on 10/1/08) moved to a future meeting
2. Resolution 08-60: Designation of Municipal Officer to Issue Trench Excavation Permits
McGann - will there be a fee required?
Nutting - yes, but that remains to be determined
Bartlett - what is this for?
Cerel - we need to do this to enforce the current law
Bartlett - should they complain where do they go to?
Nutting - state legislature
Approved 7-0
3. Resolution 08-61: Red Brick School: Declaration as Surplus and Available/Authorization to Lease
Vallee - what is the amount of the lease? people have a right to know, it is not ours it is theirs.
Nutting - we have not sat down yet to discuss. I am asking for 10 years. They have indicated one year to trial.
Vallee - let's put everything on the table before we vote on it.
Whalen - are they any other instances that the Town has currently?
Nutting - not right now.
Whalen - my inclination is that this is something that should be handed over to Jeff to handle
Doak - I am not in favor of the Town acting as a landlord but under the circumstances, this is a good thing to do
Feeley - does this need a 2/3 vote?
Cerel - yes, it is a change of status on the assets
Vallee - the Town is leasing for no profit?
Nutting - there is no market value for this building, it will cost us more while it is vacant.
Doak - can we get a report back on what the deal was?
Nutting - yes
Pfeffer - we are not doing this to make money, the Charter School is not a profit making operation
Herb Hunter, Paula Sandman - Brick School Association
We are committed to fund utilities and associated repairs for the next three years and solicit grants for continuation, if it requires after that.
Whalen - Brick has been an emotional issue for the Town, this make absolute perfect sense to me
Roll call vote passed 7-0
Live reporting - Town Council 10/15/08
Not present: Mason, Zollo
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 1, 2008-Executive Session - approved 6-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS - Library book fair, Saturday, 10/18 at Public Works Dept, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
Library Board of Directors
- Susan Rittenhouse
- Cynthia Dobroynski
- Andrea Burke
- these were approved 6-0
Finance Committee
- Robert Teixeira
- Juan Riveria
- Tina Powderly
- these were approved 6-0
Disability Commission
- Dennis Groleau
- This was approved 6-0
"strong public schools are a cornerstone of a democratic society"
Assistant Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski, the only candidate for the district's superintendent job, told the School Committee last night she is ready to take the reins from Wayne Ogden.
The School Committee will vote whether to appoint Sabolinski at its next meeting Oct. 28, said Vice Chairwoman Paula Mullen, who acted as chairwoman in Jeffrey Roy's absence last night.
"We know a lot about her," Mullen said, calling her work ethic and talent "amazing" just before inviting Sabolinski to speak to the committee about her background and vision for the district.
Sabolinski described an extensive background in special education that began in her home state of New York, where she worked with inner-city children.
When she and her husband decided to come to Massachusetts in 1992, they focused on Sharon, Mansfield and Franklin, she said, and it was immediately clear that Franklin was the right community.
"One draw to Franklin was, when we came here, we were able to walk into the schools and were welcomed. We had never gotten that reception in any of the other towns. Franklin was really welcoming, and that spoke highly of the teachers," she said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL - Agenda - 10/15/08
October 15, 2008
7:00 PM
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 1, 2008-Executive Session
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
- Library Board of Directors
- Finance Committee
- Disability Commission
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 08-59: Dissolution of Fire Station Building Committee (Tabled on 10/1/08)
2. Resolution 08-60: Designation of Municipal Officer to Issue Trench Excavation Permits
3. Resolution 08-61: Red Brick School: Declaration as Surplus and Available/Authorization to Lease
4. Resolution 08-62: Acceptance of Deed of Open Space- Franklin Chase
5. Resolution 08-63:Acceptance of Deed of Open Space- Franklin Oaks
6. Resolution 08-64: Order of Acceptance and Taking – Easements – Franklin Farms
7. Resolution 08-65:Acceptance of Open Space and Access Strip- Franklin Farms
8. Resolution 08-66: Acceptance of Deed of Detention Basin Parcels-Franklin Farms
9. Resolution 08-67: Acceptance of Sewer Pump Station- Franklin Farms
10. Resolution 08-68: Appropriation – Emergency Repairs-Lincoln St. Culvert
11. Resolution 08-69: Appropriation – DPW – Trench Repairs
12. Resolution 08-70: Acceptance of Gift – Council on Aging
13. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 08-625: Chapter 185-5, Town Code: Zoning Map – Business to Commercial II – 2nd Reading (Tabled on 10/1/08)
14. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 08-628: Chapter 185-18. Nonconforming Uses and Structures – Referral to Planning Board
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
"this is a solution that puts it back in use"
Town Council tonight will vote on leasing the historic Red Brick School to the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School.
Earlier this month, the charter school's board of trustees agreed to rent the Red Brick School from the town for one year, according to its board president, John Neas, a Franklin resident.
Trustees primarily want to use the Brick School, Neas said, because there is a "critical need of space" at the charter school, which is an estimated 35,000 square feet.
The charter school's student population is 416, Neas said, and there is a waiting list of 200 students the school cannot accommodate.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Live reporting - new business
motion go to executive session
Live reporting - subcommittee/liaison reports
space needs report to be prepared to go to the school committee for further action
walk through of modulars scheduled for Friday morning
Building Committee, couple of meetings, impressive credentials
organizational meetings, what data is needed
re-applying to state to get on list in Mid-November
touring FHS and Davis Thayer to determine space needs
scheduled to review all building capital needs
(1) FHS, (2) modular, (3) need and funding improvements at Parmenter, Thayer, Kennedy
Advertising subcommittee with a proposal for advertising inside the field house within a meeting or two
• School Committee Liaison Reports
Live reporting - Superintendents report
• Superintendent’s Report
- Enrollment Comparison (9-28-07 to 9-26-08)
- MCAS- Davis Thayer 4th grade in Top 5 in state
- Art Gallery - teacher art show received attention from Rep McGovern
- Special Ed. Tuition Increases - example of increases received during the year
- Revolving Account - question legality of returning money from a gift account, what I recommended and you approved was to turn it over to the Town as they are now managing the building
Live reporting - action items
- Moved that the Franklin School Committee opposes Question 1, a ballot initiative that would eliminate the state income tax. Passage of Question 1 would cut the state budget by 40%, cause massive reductions in local aid to cities and towns, and result in drastic reductions in school programs. approved 6-0
- I recommend acceptance of a check for $400.00 from money left over from a community service grant awarded to 2 Remington Teachers to be used for supplies for RMS. approved 6-0
- I recommend acceptance of the donation of a “Fun Hoop” for the Keller Elementary School in memory of Noreen Coffey from FPS Staff (Cost: $800.00) approved 6-0
- I recommend acceptance of a check for $800.00 from the Horace Mann PCC to fund Middle School Magic at HMMS. postponed to another meeting
- I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000 from the Jefferson PCC for admission, buses and nurse for a field trip to Plimoth Plantation and a Grade 4 trip which has not yet been finalized. approved 6-0
- I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,420.00 from the ECDC PCC to purchase a laminator for the ECDC. approved 6-0
- I recommend approval of the recurring trip to Mt. Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH on October 25, 2008 for 30 students in the Remington Adventure Club. approved 6-0
- I recommend acceptance of the donation of a ½ size string bass, (said value: $1,200.00), from Ms. Colleen Pierson for the Davis Thayer Elementary School Music Program. approved 6-0
- I recommend acceptance of a check for $3880.50 from the Keller PCC for a 1st grade field trip to Jane & Paul’s Farm and a 3rd grade field trip to Plimoth Plantation as described on the attached form KCD-E. approved 6-0
- I recommend acceptance of a check for $180.39 from Target’s Take Charge of Education Program for In-house enrichment for the Horace Mann Middle School. approved 6-0
- I recommend transferring $1,268.17 closing the Brick School Revolving account to the Town of Franklin. approved 6-0
Live reporting - discussion only items
- Ballot Question #1
Rohrbach - question referenced well in editorial at Metrowest Daily News, poorly timed, Governor is announcing cuts at the state level just from shortfall in this years budget
Cafasso - kind of a silly proposition, relieves people of the concept of commonwealth and community, we all share in the benefits from these payments, no one likes taxes but everyone wants police and fire protection and services for seniors, you can't get one without the other
- FY10 Budget Timeline
Goodman - process starting and scheduled to complete by Feb
Cafasso - anything from the Town Administrator on revenue projections
Ogden - nothing yet, we might get a hint with the Governor's announcements tomorrow
- Superintendent Search
Wayne has started from the first time they met to prepare her for this
Moved her from NJ in 1992
son middle school, daughter elementary
first impression was on their first visit, teacher welcomed them and provided a tour of the school
class sizes then are somewhat reminicent of where we are today
hang in there, the community has always stepped up
involved in soccer and basketball boosters
loves coming to work in Franklin everyday
this has been a difficult decision to leave her current role for this new step
"tell me how this is about kids"
strong public schools are the cornerstone of a democratic society
need to prepare students to be lifelong learners
collaborative style, accessible, responsive
communications need to be returned
demonstrated history for systemic fixes, not quick fixes
will take difficult decisions
grew up in NY, started to be a science major, switched to psychology mainly behaviorial, needed teach the rats but couldn't leave them hungry, needless to say, clinical psychology was not going to be her direction.
found teaching and found her love
started in NYC public schools, special ed in Queens, 90% of students were from S America
a teacher left, she ended up a first grade teacher
whole extended family would come to the parent teacher conferences
Taught high school outside of Buffalo, Grand Isle
special education, when inclusion was just beginning
petitioned for use of spell check on the state test, had already been used in the classroom
Randolph, NJ - Rockaway public schools
varied student population, 3rd to 6th grade
multiple reading and math groups
Came to MA and had trouble getting licensed
was asking for the wrong license and got that straightened out fairly quickly
Came into Franklin as an Asst Spec Ed Coordinator
first day here, the high school principal resigned
had multiple roles, did the state reporting online
learned about data and data collection
initiated team chairs, hired a behaviorist
highlighted in 1999 for having the most cost-effective special education program in the area
letter of congratulations from Jeff Nutting whom she had not met at that time
peanut allergy policy developed, still get requests for policy from outsiders
salmanella policy, drop-out rate addressed, focused attention at the needs of the at-risk students at the high school
has done the range of duties of the superintendent
budget, transportation, curriculum, end of year reports
comfortable in working with Miriam on the budget reports
vision to move the school district forward
need to keep the initiatives going (literacy, gifted and talented, opening up AP courses)
district improvement plan, in smaller ways to move from good to great
with small money opening new initiatives
look at students assessment
MCAS is a test for knowledge, we need to test how they are going to use it to be successful in the coming years
student lead conferencing at Remington, need to expand that
senior project, a really good start for school to career transition
how do we expand that to integrate
math and science growth has been good need to keep that growth systemic and district wide
need to get the labs at the high school renovated to be useful
laptops are just one tool, how is technology going to support our program
foreign language, technology is one easy way to expand that program
community relations are an important role
schools need to be represented at the Harvest Festival
expand relationship with Dean College
work with the PCC and Joint PCC, talent there that needs to get tapped
need to do more work with our alumni
important to the history to celebrate the contributions
------
Mr Slight - she puts students needs first and I think that says a lot
Rohrbach - I did not know all the stuff you have done although I have known you for some time. What will be your biggest obsticle?
Sabolinksi - the most obvious one is the budget, the reality is we are not going to get an major influx of cash, we are going to need to look at some serious discussions, how can we continue to do what we need to do, get seed money to prepare for larger grants down the road to augment the instructional program, don;t see a quick fix over the next several years
Rohrbach - any cost savings you can see
Sabolinksi - there are not a lot of areas left to cut, despite some of the community perceptions, we are already looking for the parents and PCCs to pick up more and more. Can explore further avenues with the Town on consolidation, may save the Town some money that would look favorably for us
Rohrbach - what do you see for the high school
Sabolinski - looking at the high school and getting atitudes changed, then it makes it easier for other changes, how to assess, using a more common assessment, looking to more partnership with Dean, renovated libary, are they willing to share and open it up for us. Reading, writing and other core academics, would love to see public speaking back in, not just about content, working on teams will be needed
Kelly - greatist strength that you'd bring to Franklin
Sabolinski - sometimes I over think decisions, when you worry about your job you are always thinking of alternatives
Cafasso - appreciate the blue collar background, like the ideas of partnerships and sharing resources, looking at the professionals who live in the community, these are good. What is your least favorite thing about the school committee?
Sabolinksi - the ley to being successful in this role is developing a relationship with this committee, mutual respect, feedback loop needed
Cafasso - enrollment on elementary level is down about 60, it seems like we will need re-districting to meet our space needs?
Sabolinski - once the market turns around, we will see an influx of kids K-12, Keller Sullivan will be a problem spot due to the growth in that area, they are at capacity. You will need to swing growth from that end of town to this end of town.
Cafasso - when 2010?
Sabolinski - will really depend on the Building Committee and where they plan, you don't want to re-district multiple times in a short period
Cafasso - teacher evaluations, how has that changed and what would you change?
Sabolinski - it is an evolving process, our primary role is to put the best teachers in the classroom and for those teachers who are struggling to help them. Supervision and evaluation, we meet with the principals regularly, would like to make the tool and process a little less combersome, would require negotiation with FEA. relationships with parents, relationships with students, and with other teachers, need to do some tweaking on our current tool
Armenio - could you talk about retaining teachers and administrators
Sabolinski - one of the key things to retain is to ensure them of some stability in programs and initiatives, a consistency in leadership and agenda, our professional development is very favorable for the teachers. Not all districts have funds alloted this way. Work on meeting schedules to lessen their load. More cycles with letting people go, makes it harder to recruit and retain teachers here.
Trahan - where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Sabolinski - I would hope I would still be here, the life expectancy of a superintendent is shrinking, I would like to make a long term committement, it requires time to put changes in place
Trahan - you have your eyes wide open, sounds like you are equiped for the challenge
Sabolinski - it would be an honor to work here, there are great staff here, the downside is the cash. Last spring this Blackboard was not a project, things like this are happening all through the district. It would be an honor to work with you all.
Mullen - time table, we will be taking action at our next meeting
Live reporting - transportation update
(chart to be made available later)
The chart is an update from one posted in August
Cafasso - If pay-to-ride were to be fee funded it would be approx $670/student