School Committee Meeting 10/14/08

This is the collection of live reporting and other posts related to the 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

Here is the promised slide that was shared during the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, 10/14/08.

town council - closing items

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
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

13. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 08-625: Chapter 185-5, Town Code: Zoning Map – Business to Commercial II – 2nd Reading (Tabled on 10/1/08)

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)

9. Resolution 08-67: Acceptance of Sewer Pump Station- Franklin Farms
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

4. Resolution 08-62: Acceptance of Deed of Open Space- Franklin Chase
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

J. 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

Councilors attending: Whalen (late), Vallee, Bartlett, Feeley, Pfeffer, Doak, McGann,
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"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 15, 2008 @ 12:03 AM

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FRANKLIN —

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

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
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"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 14, 2008 @ 10:14 PM

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FRANKLIN —

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

Live reporting - new business

Rohrbach - put together a summary of the status of our schools to use as a point of discussion with our legislators when they come to visit


motion go to executive session

Live reporting - subcommittee/liaison reports

• School Committee Sub-Committee 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

5. Information Matters
• Superintendent’s Report

1. Enrollment Comparison (9-28-07 to 9-26-08)
2. MCAS- Davis Thayer 4th grade in Top 5 in state
   
3. Art Gallery - teacher art show received attention from Rep McGovern
   
4. Special Ed. Tuition Increases - example of increases received during the year
   
5. 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

4. Action Items

1. 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
   
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
   
5. 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
6. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,420.00 from the ECDC PCC to purchase a laminator for the ECDC. approved 6-0
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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
11. 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

3. Discussion Only Items

• Ballot Question #1

open to comments
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

Rohrbach - preliminary budget timeline included in the package, goal to be done and have the budget adopted by February 24, 2009

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

Asst Supt Maureen Sabolinski to review her background and vision of the district
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

Asst Supt. Maureen Sabolinski, Miriam Goodman

(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

Live reporting - Summer Blackboard

Pandora Carlucci introduces this joint venture between the Life Long Learning and the High School

Supt Ogden with his leadership and collaborative encouragement, this was finally possible

Peter Light's tenacity lead to the success of the program

50 students participated, 3 obtained scholarships to participate

-----------

Peter Light claims it really was a team effort

looking for this to be a self-sustaining program, could extend the program to

a key goal:
create new opportunities for students, limited offerings due to curriculum requirements

Blackboard, an online platform to facilitate learning
this platform is used at some colleges
students completed coursework from around the world
credits for courses offered an completed successfully

mailed to other schools around the state
reaching out to other districts and other students (will help fund the program)

Mr Sutherland - create and set up course, allows for adjustments along the way
allows for secure dialog between students and teacher
there was a learning curve with the program particularly with setting up the test and enabling it to be available online
allowed flexibility to turn in assignments early
11 students took his class in forensics, a lot of reading, a lot of outside research required
his class is archived and available for re-use, embellishment, etc.

Mrs Belastock

Mr Lima provided a demo of the Blackboard

could key the astronomy program to the specific longitude/latitude so that the view of the sky would be as close to actual as possible, assuming no clouds, you could turn around and see the sky

paper copies made available if computer was not available

each Tuesday night, there was a live session, Mr Lima was online, the students had tasks to observe and report back via the online, they could also ask other questions

over 4 weeks, on Tuesday nights averaged about 75 messages each night

Q&A
Armenio - what were the challenges? You're at home, relaxed.
I was at band camp at UNH and taking the course online
Needed self discipline and motivation to do the assignments and complete them on time

Armenio - would you do it again?
yes

Armenio - are you using Accuplacer?
Pam Gould, FHS Principal - yes a possibility, we are looking at it for the future

Trahan - I am blown away, I would love to take the astronomy class myself
I was in Europe and came back, introduced myself and caught up fairly quickly

Trahan - would you be using this info now or later
Doing this music course has helped me with music this year

Rohrbach - anything you experienced that you would like to see done differently or improved?
happy with everything, nothing really to change

Mullen - you took pre-calc and you are a sophomore, what are you going to do with the rest of the high school?
I can take two full years

Mullen - did you find yourself at the same level with others who took the full year course?
Yes, I did not see a difference

Ogden - As juniors, those taking this pre-calc offering will exhaust the curriculum when they are seniors. Exploring options with Dean, Framkingham St and other places to see what can be done

This was done without cost to the community and a small cost to the families. The courses can be taken anywhere on the planet that there is access to the internet. A number of folks have made this a hugh success. A number of faculty did not get the option to participate and will be able to next summer

Cafasso - what is the capacity of a course?
Light - from his pilot experience about 25-30 students to provide good feedback

? - what about the variety of student pacing and ability, how was it for the teaching?
Light - Not a completely different environment from the classroom.
Belastock - need to be aware of time differences when the testing is open and due.
Lima - ability for students to learn from other students

2 minute recess to allow for breakdown of demo

Live reporting - School Committee meeting

Committee Present: Armenio, Cafasso, Kelly, Mullen, Rohrbach, Trahan
Absent: Roy


Call to order Mrs. Mullen

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence


1. Routine Business

• Citizen’s Comments- none
  
• Review of Agenda- action item D to be removed from agenda this evening
  
• Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the September 23, 2008 School Committee Meeting. Moved to accept - approved 6-0
  
• Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly Moved to accept - approved 6-0
  
• Payroll Ms. Armenio
• FHS Student Representatives
• Correspondence: 1. Budget to Actual

Franklin School Committee Meeting - Agenda - 10/14/08

Franklin School Committee Meeting
October 14, 2008
Municipal Building – Council Chambers
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 September 23, 2008 School Committee Meeting.
• Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
• Payroll Ms. Armenio
• FHS Student Representatives
• Correspondence: 1. Budget to Actual

2. Guests/Presentations

• Summer Blackboard
• Transportation Update

3. Discussion Only Items

• Ballot Question #1
• FY10 Budget Timeline
• Superintendent Search

4. Action Items

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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)
4. I recommend acceptance of a check for $800.00 from the Horace Mann PCC to fund Middle School Magic at HMMS.
5. 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.
6. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,420.00 from the ECDC PCC to purchase a laminator for the ECDC.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. I recommend transferring $1,268.17 from the Brick School Revolving account to the Town of Franklin.

5. Information Matters
• Superintendent’s Report

1. Enrollment Comparison (9-28-07 to 9-26-08)
2. MCAS
3. Art Gallery
4. Special Ed. Tuition Increases
5. Revolving Account

• 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

• Contractual Negotiations

8. Adjourn

candidate orientation/parent meeting on Oct. 23

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 13, 2008 @ 10:52 PM

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FRANKLIN —

After learning that organizers were canceling the Junior Miss program due to a lack of money, a local woman decided to rescue this year's competition.

"I have a 14-year-old daughter (Jordan) who can't wait to do Junior Miss ... in the year 2013," said Jill M. Bedoya, who took part in a competition here in 1988 and served on Junior Miss committees at both the town and state levels.

"I stepped forward to offer my services to run this year's program so there were no girls left without the opportunity to participate in and experience a Junior Miss program. Junior Miss has been a part of my family for many, many years. My father, Tom Mercer and my aunt, Raye Lynn Mercer, ran the Franklin program for about 10 years, prior to taking over the Massachusetts state program, which they both ran for years. I grew up with Junior Miss," Bedoya said.

She refused to let the 40-year-old program, open strictly to Franklin High School senior girls, cease.

Many people put the program together, she said, and they just needed a little support.

"I have lots of contacts and I'm trying to use my coordination abilities to give the Franklin committee some support," she said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

WHY VOTE NO TO THE INCOME TAX PROPOSAL?

WHY VOTE NO TO THE INCOME TAX PROPOSAL?

The income tax question on the ballot this fall is a reckless proposal that will have severe and immediate consequences for all of us. This binding referendum will take more than $12 billion—nearly 40 percent—out of the state budget, driving up local property taxes and leading to drastic cuts in services. Our communities will suffer sweeping education cuts, steep reductions in public safety personnel and further deterioration of roads and bridges. Times are hard enough. Let’s not make them worse.

Here is what we know

• The income tax proposal will cost the Commonwealth more than $12 billion in revenues
• That’s 40 percent of the state budget
• This is a binding proposal that will become law effective January 1, 2009

This reckless proposal will:

• Drive up local property taxes
• Have dire consequences for our communities, putting:
  • Education at risk with:
    • Larger class sizes
    • Fewer afterschool programs
    • More school closings
  • Health care at risk for:
    • Seniors
    • Working families
    • People with disabilities
  • Public safety at risk with:
    • Fewer emergency response personnel
    • Longer 911 wait times
    • Fewer police officers and firefighters
  • Our infrastructure at risk with:
    • Unsafe bridges
    • Broken roads and more potholes
    • Cuts in service to public transportation
• Put our fragile economy and job market at even greater risk

What to do about it

1. Pledge to VOTE NO
2. Sign up for email from VoteNoMA.com to stay informed. You can do that here. As volunteer opportunities arise we will contact you.
3. Tell your friends and family to VOTE NO. Let them know that you think this is a reckless and bad idea. Send them to VoteNoMa.com and ask them to learn more and sign up to help as well.

Times are hard enough. Let’s not make them worse.

This info came from the folks at Vote NO on Question 1

"The mirror simply slid down the wall"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Oct 13, 2008 @ 12:32 AM

Last update Oct 13, 2008 @ 12:33 AM

---

FRANKLIN —

Even after a century, members of the philanthropic Ray family may still be hanging around their old haunts, according to staff at Dean College.

Workers at Ray House, which serves as the school's admissions office, and several staff members, including Vice President of Enrollment Jay Leiendecker, have reported encounters with spirits they believe are Ray family members. The house was their former home, built in the 1800s.

Sensing a spirit, or seeing a shadow flash by is not rare at Ray House, Leiendecker said.

"It's not once every so many years - there's definitely a spirit living in the house," he said, adding, "Nothing bad has happened."

In fact, if the otherworldly inhabitants are members of the Ray family, he said they're probably quite friendly ghosts, because they were incredibly charitable people in life.

Although encounters are common, they can still be startling.

"We had window-washing crews come here on weekends, and a man was washing the window inside and out one Saturday," Leiendecker said, pointing to his tall office window overlooking the campus, "and he apparently went screaming for the hills after he saw ... something."

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

More home heating saving tips

Today's Sunday Globe covers a number of the same home energy saving tips covered in the presentation at the Franklin Public Library this past Monday evening. The graphical depiction of the savings in the online edition is not the same as the graphic that appears in the print version. It leaves off the dollar savings and payback periods. You'll need to read the full article to find that info.

Read the full article in the Boston Globe here

The presentation from the Library session earlier this week can be found here.

"We ask them virtually to perform miracles"

The Framingham and Franklin school systems face a common problem - the need to hire a new superintendent - but they're looking to solve it in different ways.

They're among at least 11 school systems in the region that have either hired new district leaders in the past year or are in the process of doing so. Some, like Franklin, have sought to nurture internal talent and hire from within the school district. Others, like Framingham, have put out a nationwide call for applications.

Both approaches reflect a desire to hire the best leaders from what area school officials say is a shrinking pool of candidates for a growing number of openings.

Just last week, Shrewsbury's longtime superintendent, Anthony Bent, announced he will be retiring at the end of the academic year.

Bent, who has headed Shrewsbury's system for 15 years, said the School Committee will search for his successor both inside and outside the district, casting a broad net in order to "have the best potential pool to choose from."

Thomas Scott, executive director of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, said there have been between 50 and 60 superintendent vacancies in each of the last five years, up from fewer than 10 annual openings a decade ago. Each open slot used to draw 75 or more applications, whereas school districts are now lucky to get 20 applications, he said.

Read the full article in the Boston Sunday Globe West section here

Parking fees increase at MBTA

The MBTA's oversight board voted yesterday to raise parking rates by $2 at all of its lots and garages beginning Nov. 15 as part of a plan to pay back wages owed to union employees.

For many daily riders, the increase will have the same effect as a $10-per-week fare increase, or about $500 per year. Rates currently vary, from $1 per day at ferry yards, to $2 at commuter rail station lots, up to as much as $5 at the four most expensive garages.

"That's doubling it," said Margie Katz, a record supervisor at the University of Massachusetts at Boston who takes the commuter rail to work from the Campello station in Brockton, where daily rates had been $2. "It will be an extreme hardship."

Read the full article here in the Boston Globe

"It's really depressing"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 10, 2008 @ 10:10 PM

Last update Oct 10, 2008 @ 10:53 PM

---

MILFORD —

Calling the global economic crisis and financial pressure "the perfect storm" for taxpayers to pass Question 1, which repeals the state income tax on Nov. 4, legislators implored local politicians to rally against it.

"If it passes, we can pretty much shut our doors and go home," said Rep. John V. Fernandes, D-Milford, during a legislative breakfast with the Massachusetts Municipal Association at the Milford Senior Center yesterday.

"We can't sit back on such an important question. The cynicism that drives this means we have to explain to people the seriousness of the consequences. I know people who tend to vote for this who work for local government," Fernandes said.

Fernandes, state Sen. Richard Moore, D-Uxbridge, Ashland Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Mark Purple, and Douglas Executive Director Michael Guzinski, along with others at the forum, believe the question has a very good chance of passing, and it scares them.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

"some people are just self-centered and narrow-minded"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 10, 2008 @ 10:34 PM

Last update Oct 10, 2008 @ 10:41 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

Neighbors are rallying to save a nearby colony of feral cats, contacting national animal rights organizations after learning Highwood Condominiums' board of trustees plans to trap and euthanize them.

Animal Control officers Cindy Souza and Tracey Holmes say the feral cats' feeding station, which they set up with Purr-fect Cat Shelter of Medway in nearby woods is on state land where trapping is prohibited.

"We've kind of stepped back ... It's really up to the people to stand up to the association at this point," Holmes said.

And they are.

Resident Leslie McShane contacted Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah, to bring attention to the situation.

"I thought they should know what goes on in small towns that want to euthanize their problems ... instead of reaching out to the community to try and find homes for the feral cats or try to relocate the colony to a friendlier area that they can all survive in," McShane said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Question 1 effect on Franklin

Check out these editorials from around the state.

• Tax repeal would result in chaos The Springfield Republican
• Income tax repeal would create chaos Worcester Telegram and Gazette
• For fiscal sanity, no on Question 1 The Boston Herald
• This question is not the answer The Boston Globe
• Reality of Question 1 The Berkshire Eagle
• A ridiculous idea The Cape Cod Times
• Taxes and tactics South Coast Today
• Eliminating income tax is madness The Patriot Ledger

Check out the facts provided here for the effects on Franklin

Or click here to make your own navigation amongst the communities in our Commonwealth of Massachusetts to see the effect if Question 1 passes.

Please don't be swayed by something that sounds too good to be true. You know what happens then, something bad!

"We plan for the worst, hoping it never happens"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 08, 2008 @ 11:38 PM

---

MILFORD —

Just outside Milford Regional Medical Center, men covered from head to toe in protective suits, gloves, rubber boots and breathing apparatus had already decontaminated several victims of a mock terrorist attack when Fire. Lt. Patrick Salmon got a message over his walkie-talkie.

A voice on the other end said the state was reporting: "It may be a terror attack with sarin gas," a nerve agent used in chemical warfare.

Around 7:35 p.m., 55 minutes into a drill mimicking a terrorist incident on a commuter train arriving in Franklin, emergency workers were prepping the third and final victim to bring to the hospital.

"So far, it's good. It's dark out, so we had some issues until we got the lights set up, but now we can keep taking patients" if necessary, Salmon said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

"members worried about the safety of students, faculty and staff "

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Oct 09, 2008 @ 12:54 AM

---

FRANKLIN —

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School's board of trustees last week voted to rent the historic Red Brick School from the town for one year.

"I'm feeling very good about it. I've been a strong proponent on using the building," said John Neas, president of the charter school's board.

Neas said the school faces a critical need for space in its building, which he estimated to be about 35,000 square feet.

"We use every inch of space available to us. We have 416 students and a waiting list of 200 students we can't accommodate," Neas said, noting that the board is looking for another school site. (In the best scenario, he said, they might have a new building in five years.)

And every weekday afternoon, charter school students and staff must vacate the building so that St. Mary's Church, which owns the building, can hold religious ed classes there, Neas said.

"That means our school dismisses at 3:10, and we have from 3:10 to 3:45 for after-school activities. That creates some issues for us," he said.

"This is a possibility for us in terms of having space to do those types of things," Neas said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Fiscal 2010 will be "a very challenging year"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 07, 2008 @ 10:44 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

In keeping with the same financial forecasts given over the last year, Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting last night told the Finance Committee he anticipates fiscal 2010 will be "a very challenging year."

"Local receipts aren't going to bounce back quickly. Everything is tightening and tightening and tightening," Nutting said in the first Finance Committee meeting of the new fiscal year.

His biggest concern for the fiscal '10 budget is whether there will be a reduction in state aid, he said.

Nutting does not believe Franklin will be "as revenue-rich" as last year, he said, noting that the town's fuel, pensions and insurance costs will continue to escalate, outpacing revenue.

The town will bid for a new electric energy contract this spring, "another big exposure," Nutting said.

Read the full story in the Milford Daily News here

Energy $ense - presentation

With many thanks to Fred Schlicher for sharing the PowerPoint presentation he used Monday night (10/6/08) at the Library for his talk on Energy $ense.

Energy $ense Saving on Home Energy Bills - Oct 2008

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: energy savings)

Thank you Fred!

Many thanks to the Friends of Franklin Library and the Franklin Area Climate Team for sponsoring this event!


You can review my notes taken during the presentation here

Andro's Pizza - preparing to open

Some progress was observed on our walk about town this weekend. A new sign for Andro's Pizza is up. There are indications of getting ready but the ladder observed in the window says there is still work being done to prepare for the opening.





Enjoy!

Franklin School Personnel Reductions 2003-2009: updated

In the preparations for the Override Vote in June, I had prepared this slideshow with the help of information from the School Department and careful review by some School Committee members. With the Override finalized, the adjustments to staffing levels complete, I thought it would be good to go back and update the numbers to ensure that this record will be available.

The override in June was probably not the last one Franklin will vote on. Hence the need for keeping the numbers current and accurate.

Franklin MA School budget reductions - Updated

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: school dept)

The earlier version of this can be found here

"Yeah, there are things you can do"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 07, 2008 @ 12:02 AM

---

FRANKLIN —

Saving cash on energy can be as simple as choosing a conventional television over its plasma counterpart, which is three to four times pricier, said Fred Schlicher.

Residential energy use, which accounts for about 20 percent of all energy consumption in the United States, is "a near and dear subject to us, " Schlicher said, particularly this winter, when "we may be facing energy prices twice as high as last year."

Schlicher, a program manager for Massachusetts Climate Action Network, offered tips on cutting home energy bills and suggested resources for improving energy efficiency in the first of a four-part climate series at the public library, attended by about 40 people last night.

Some of the top energy-suckers at home: appliances and lighting (20 percent), water heating (16 percent), space heating (60 percent), and refrigerators, particularly those more than 10 years old (no statistic given), Schlicher said.

He recommended using a "Kill-A-Watt" meter, which costs about $30, to identify "very quickly" which appliances use the most electricity at home.

"You plug it into the wall and see what the big users of electricity are; it's a great monitor," Schlicher said.

read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

read my live reporting summaries here

Museum construction progress

Since the last picture: the columns have been replaced, a fresh coat of paint applied, new entrance steps/landing almost complete.







Have you been observing the changes? Did I miss something?

Energy $ense - meeting summary

• Live reporting - Energy $ense - clean power
• Live reporting - Energy $ense - NationalGrid
• Live reporting - Energy $ense - heating, cooling t...
• Live reporting - Energy $ense - behavioral, hot wa...
• Live reporting - Energy $ense - intro/overview
• Live reporting - Energy $ense - before meeting

Live reporting - Energy $ense - clean power

buy clean power

• support renewable energy in MA
• sign up for NationalGrid's GreenUp Program

cleanernergychoice.org

Look for the post card in your next bill! Should be in the October bill.

Live reporting - Energy $ense - NationalGrid

Windows

• longer payback
• standard double-glaze only R-3
• triple glaze R-5

consider using window quilts


Gerry Hanna, from NationalGrid

Masssave, a collaboration funded with the conservation charge on each of our utility bills

You can call for an energy audit. The auditor will take about 2 hours to go through the house with you. The printout will prioritize the opportunities according to the energy savings projected by the audit.

Will do less audits but more implementation work. Will pay 75% up to $2000 if qualified for thermal work

"You need to want to do something but now is the time to do so."

"Audits are already scheduled through January, call now and they will honor the request after March 2009 when the offer expires."

The education is available on the Massave website. They'll need your zipcode and primary heating method (oil, gas).

Live reporting - Energy $ense - heating, cooling tips

Electric reductions

• phantom load reduction with power strips
• determine power eaters with "Kill a watt" meter and economize use
• energy appliance purchases

buy Energy Star appliances (www.energystar.gov)

Appliance tips

• don't buy a plasma TV (uses 3-4 times as much than conventional)
• gas-fired clothes dryer
• front loading washing

heating & cooling purchases

• programmable thermostat (rebate available from local utility)
  
• new furnace or heat pump

heating & cooling tips

• boiler, efficient, tuned and cleaned
• insulation, windows, don't let heat escape

Weatherization

• sealing of air leaks (attic, basements)
• insulation installation

air leakage paths

• air comes into the basement through the windows, cracks in the walls
• warm air rises and will go out where it can

homeowners who have insulated and did not see an improvement in energy usage, usually had air leaks that were not properly addressed

Blower door Air Leakage analysis
helps to find big leaks, assess ventilation, requires training, measure leakage before and after work, can cost $4-600 for a single household

get the neighborhood together to have the contractor come in to do several at the same time and reduce the cost

Infra-red Camera
assess current level of insulation in walls and spot gaps
check results of contractor work

windows are very expensive to replace but the energy saving payback is hard to get; about 8-13% on savings

Live reporting - Energy $ense - behavioral, hot water, etc.

Behavioral

• hot water use
• heating & cooling
• lighting
• electric use reductions

kilowatt meter, approx $30 to measure usage by device within the home

Hot water use

• adjusting hot water heater (recommended setting the temp at no higher than 120 degrees F)
• insulate heater (if an older heater, consider a blanket wrap)
  
• shorter showers (try)
  
• hand dish washing (do a full load whenever using the dishwasher)
  
• wear clothes longer (a personal decision)
  
• washing with cold water
  

Fred followed a low carbon diet and was able to reduce his carbon footprint by 22% by following some of these tips

Hot water tips
buy the most efficient, don't buy more capacity than you need

put a cut off switch on your shower head, and reduce flow when water is not needed

Heating & cooling

• turn down the thermostat
• change the A/C filter frequently
• regular tune up of furnace or heat pump
• seal doors and windows

decide for yourself what temperature you can live with, Fred used to use 74 as the standard setting during the day, he has now dropped it to 68,

Air sealing

• rope caulk
• clear plastic on windows
• weather stripping along door edges
• plug holes in ceilings, floors, walls, etc.

lighting

• use CFL bulbs, last longer, uses less electricity
• turn off lights when not in room

Live reporting - Energy $ense - intro/overview

Franklin Area Climate Team sponsored this series. On October 19th, the Global Warming Cafe will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at the First Universalist Society, 262 Chestnut Street.

-----------


Fred Schlicher, Program Manager of the Mass Climate Action Network.
email address -> Fred. Schlicher @ MassClimateAction.net

representative of NationalGrid here as well

over 20% of the US energy use is from residential (vs. commercial, industrial or transportation).

60% of the individual residential BTU usage from from space heating.

Four basic approaches:

• behavioral (lie style changes you can make)
  
• appliances (items you can buy)
  
• weatherization investments (home improvements)
  
• education (reliable sources of information to help you become an educated consumer)
  

MassSave website, collaborative effort to provide information on energy efficiency

Behavior

• massclimateaction.net
• empowermentinstitute.net

Appliance

• energystar.gov
• masssave.com
• consumerreports.org

Weatherization

• energyratings.org
• masssave.com

Live reporting - Energy $ense - before meeting

Here at the Library tonight to report on the following presentation:

“How to Cut Home Energy Bills: a home energy efficiency workshop”

Fred Schlicher, Program Manager, Massachusetts Climate Action Network
Heating your home this winter is going to cost you far more than it did last year. This program will show you a variety of things you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your house and lower your energy costs. Most of the things covered will cost little or nothing and you can go home with a helpful resource handout and how-to guidance.

There will be a good number of folks here, more than are usually at a regular Town Council or School Committee meeting.


head count at the end of the presentation showed almost 50 people

Ed Cafasso - Letter October 5th

Hello everyone!

I hope you enjoyed the weekend. Here’s a brief update on recent school issues in Franklin…

The Late Bus is back! Late bus service for middle and high school students resumes this week after the Town Council approved a $10,000 appropriation. The money came from funds set aside for the town many years ago by a local developer. The four buses carried hundreds of riders each week during the 2007-08 academic year, helping students who stayed after school for extra help, detention, clubs or extra-curricular activities. Kudos to the Town Council for a decision that means a great deal to students and working parents throughout the community!

The School Building Committee held its inaugural meeting last week. This volunteer group includes town and school officials as well as private citizens who are experts in architecture, finance, design and engineering. Chaired by Tom Mercer, the committee’s mission is to oversee either the replacement or renovation of Franklin High School; decide the fate of the numerous modular classrooms that have surpassed their life expectancy; and, to map out renovations needed at the Davis Thayer, Parmenter and Kennedy schools, our oldest elementary facilities.

Several Franklin programs have earned accreditation from the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The latest to win this recognition for educational quality are the ECDC and the Kennedy School kindergarten. The kindergarten at Oak Street earned NAEYC accreditation last year. The kindergartens at Davis Thayer and Parmenter earned the distinction in 2005 and are currently working towards re-accreditation, which occurs every five years. Jefferson and Keller are hoping to become accredited in 2011.

Franklin High School Principal Pamela Gould has notified the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., of the impact of recent budget decisions. The Association is the accrediting body for high schools in this region. The loss of 16 high school positions, including an instructional technology slot, forced the elimination of Woodshop, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) I and II, Public Speaking, Journalism, French V, and French AP courses. Meanwhile average class sizes increased to two to nine students, depending on the subject.

The notification to the NASC came just a few weeks after Franklin High fared relatively well in a study commissioned by Boston Magazine. Based on a complex and somewhat controversial analysis conducted by Elaine Allen, research director of the Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship at Babson College, FHS ranked right in the middle of the pack in terms of cost efficiency (72nd out of 143 schools) and in the top half of the group in academic performance (62nd). You can view the rankings online at http://www.bostonmagazine.com/best_high_school_chart/index.html. The feature articles can be found at http://www.bostonmagazine.com/articles/the_best_schools_2008/.


Many parents have begun a letter-writing and e-mail campaign in an effort to have a school schedule adopted that allows classes to begin after Labor Day. Proponents of the change cite school calendars in other districts, such as Medway, in which several professional development days are scheduled in late August so that students do not start the academic year until after the holiday. Parents’ views on this topic are welcome. The School Committee typically discusses and votes on the school calendar in the spring. Stay tuned.

And finally, the School Committee hopes to name a new superintendent this month. It is likely we will discuss internal candidates for the post at our upcoming meeting on October 14. If all goes well, a final discussion and vote could occur as soon as the Committee meeting on October 28.

These e-mails are provided as a constituent service. I try to distribute at least one e-mail update each month during the school year, as issues warrant. As always, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions. If you are receiving duplicate e-mails or if you no longer wish to receive these e-mails, please let me know and I will remove you from the distribution list. If you know of someone you would like to add to the list, please send along their e-mail address.

Thanks!


Ed Cafasso, Member

Franklin School Committee

edcafasso@comcast.net

“ENERGY" SERIES KICK OFF

The Friends of the Franklin Public Library are pleased to sponsor The Franklin Area Climate Team’s “Energy $ense” Series for residents starting on October 6, at 7:00 p.m. The Franklin Area Climate Team has developed a four part speaker series titled “Energy $ense for Franklin Residents” that will feature energy professionals from around the state who will provide practical solutions on how to reduce your energy costs and improve the environment at the same time. The four program series schedule is:


Monday, October 6
“How to Cut Home Energy Bills: a home energy efficiency workshop”

Fred Schlicher, Program Manager, Massachusetts Climate Action Network
Heating your home this winter is going to cost you far more than it did last year. This program will show you a variety of things you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your house and lower your energy costs. Most of the things covered will cost little or nothing and you can go home with a helpful resource handout and how-to guidance.


Thursday, November 13
“How Businesses Get Help Going Green”

Jen Boudrie, Sustainable Business Leader Program Director
The Sustainable Business Leader Program offers assistance to small to medium sized businesses in Franklin to improve their current practices in energy and water conservation, pollution prevention, waste reduction, transportation efficiency and sustainability management. The program provides: guidance in assessing your company’s current sustainability condition, help in developing an Action Plan to improve it and on-going assistance and monitoring.


Wednesday, December 10
“Incentives for Residential and Commercial Solar and Wind Instillations”

Tyler Leeds, Project Manager, Green Building & Infrastructure of the Mass. Technology Collaborative
If you’ve ever thought about installing a wind turbine or solar array at your home or business to cut energy costs this speaker will answer your questions and help you better understand the basic investment economics involved. The State of Massachusetts has recently developed a variety of incentives to spur the development of renewable energy in the state such as: Commonwealth Solar Rebates, Small Renewables Initiative and Business Expansion Incentives. Find out all of the details.


Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Showing of the Award Winning film “Kilowatt Ours” by Jeff Barrie

Ted McIntyre, Ph.D., Board Member, Massachusetts Climate Action Network - moderator
This film traces the path of the electricity you use in your home from the light switch, through the wires to its source. Along the way you’ll meet power companies, schools, businesses and everyday Americans finding ways to meet our energy needs using conservation and green power. “Kilowatt Ours” will teach you how to dramatically reduce your electric bill and improve the environment at the same time.

This informative energy series is free and open to the public. All presentations will be in the community room, lower level of the Franklin Public Library located at 118 Main Street at 7 p.m.

My analysis of the Audit Report - updated

I went back to the Audit Report from earlier this year and updated my summary and analysis of the report.

My Analysis of the Forensic Report

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: school dept)

This was originally published in February and can be found here

FM #16 - 5 Things you should know

#16 in the series of podcasts on what matters in Franklin, MA. This one focuses on the 5 things you should know about Franklin this week: (1) the late bus decision, (2) zoning bylaw rescheduled yet again, (3) Financial Planning Committee, (4) Energy $ense Series at the Library begins and (5) Question 1 on the ballot in November.

Time: 20 minutes, 59 seconds



MP3 File

Session notes:

Music intro

FM #16

This podcast for Franklin Matters will focus on the 5 things you need to know about what happened this week.

First, the Town Council approved funding for the Late bus. Yes, this is the Late bus that due to the override was out of service. In late July, it seemed like the bus could be provided. By the end of August, the bus was back out. As noted in the School Committee meeting of 9/23/08, the Holmes bus company had reduced the cost of the late bus for this year from 40,000 to 10,000. The middle school PCC’s got together and pledged to pay for it. The School Committee worked with the Town Council and Town Administrator and it became know that the Town Council would consider it at their meeting 10/1/08.

In this clip from the Town Council meeting on 10//1/08, we hear the full discussion and vote
- insert clip on Late bus -

I think the Late bus is a good thing but I don’t like how it is being paid for. Money was “found” in an account that could be used for public transportation. This does nothing to restore confidence in Town government. The townies who are keeping track just put another notch in their belt, ha more found money, they did it again.

Second, the bylaw to rezone some parcels along RT 140 near the Knights of Columbus and Dunkin Donuts ended up being rescheduled for yet another meeting as it was evident that the matter was not going to gain enough votes. Two councilors were absent (Bartlett, McGann) with a two thirds majority required to pass. Due to the reschedule we don’t not know of the outstanding information was provided.

Third, the working sessions for the Finance Planning Committee (FPC) continued earnest this week. The Dept of Public Works (Brutus Cantoreggio) and Facilities (Mike D’Angelo) came in to review their departmental operations, their forecast for the next several years, cost drivers for their areas and answer a number of clarifying questions from the committee. There will not be any presentations at the next FPC meeting as they begin to digest what they have learned from the first four departments. The School budget is scheduled for review at a meeting in November.
You should recall that the FPC is charted with developing a long term plan for the Town, assuming there is an override next year (very likely) what is the long term outlook, how many will there need to be, or is something like the Arlington plan going to work in Franklin. This is important work. I encourage you to keep track of what is going on here. There is a whole lot of great data and information being presented. I am doing my best to report it live but if you have a chance to attend, please do so. It will be worth your while.

Fourth,

The Friends of the Franklin Public Library are pleased to sponsor The Franklin Area Climate Team’s “Energy $ense” Series for residents starting on October 6, at 7:00 p.m. The Franklin Area Climate Team has developed a four part speaker series titled “Energy $ense for Franklin Residents” that will feature energy professionals from around the state who will provide practical solutions on how to reduce your energy costs and improve the environment at the same time.

The schedule is available on the Town website, as well as on Franklin Matters.

Fifth, I still believe Question One is the most imminent danger that Franklin faces. Question One is on the ballot in November.

The State Income Tax Repeal is also known as Massachusetts
Question 1. It is an initiated state statute that will appear on the November 4,
2008 ballot in Massachusetts.[1] If the measure passes, it will end the state's
current 5.3% income tax on wages, interest, dividends and capital gains.

You can find objective information at this link:
http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Massachusetts_State_Income_Tax_Repeal_%282008%29

You can find the Yes position here:
http://www.smallgovernmentact.org/

You can find the No position here:
http://votenoquestion1.com/?adtrack=education&gclid=CO2I-trz65UCFQpwGgodmkJeew

Where would you cut $11 million from the Town Budget?

Public safety is about 9 M, Central Gov’t Services is about 9 M. Public Works is about 6 M. If 2.8 million cost the town 44 teachers, what would loosing $11 million dollars cost the town?

The idea of the commonwealth is for all of us together to work and pay for the community services we need. If you think taking $11 million dollars out of the Franklin budget would bring you the community you want, I’d like to know what it would look like.

These are the five things that matter to Franklin this week:

1. Late bus back in
2. zoning postponed again
3. FPC meeting
4. energy $ense for Franklin residents
5. the imminent danger of Question 1

---- ---- ----

This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow Franklin citizens and voters by Steve Sherlock

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

Short school week this week

Short school week this week, originally uploaded by shersteve.

With a combination of events coming together on the calendar this week: Rosh Hashanah arrives on Thursday and Columbus Day on Monday. Figuring that it didn't make sense to have the students come in for one day, with parents able to take advantage of the long weekend, Friday slips in as a no-school day.

Don't worry, they still get 180 days in, just distributed a little differently this year.

To all our Jewish residents, Happy New Year!

First floor

The new foundation for the house to be numbered either 190 or 192 King Street is getting the first floor laid down.







Enjoy!

In the News - Dean; School Building Committee

By Danielle Ameden/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Oct 04, 2008 @ 11:00 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

The entire Dean College community yesterday celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the new Library Learning Commons, a new hub for student activity that made visiting alumni jealous.

"We didn't have anything like this,'' said Jane Dorr, a Class of '58 alumna at Dean for her 50th anniversary this Homecoming Weekend.

Following a ceremony and remarks by President Dr. Paula M. Rooney, Dorr and two girlfriends from '58 toured the officially opened, brand-new building to see a Jazzman's Cafe & Bakery, new library, learning spaces, faculty offices and central home for the college's academic support services.

"Now I know what I'm sending money for,'' Dorr said. "In fact, I'm encouraged to keep giving.''

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

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By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Oct 04, 2008 @ 10:39 PM

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FRANKLIN —

The Town Council-appointed, newly formed School Building Committee has elected its leaders and will meet a second time Wednesday to begin talks on renovating or rebuilding Franklin High School and prioritizing its other projects.

"It's really a great group in terms of professionals,'' said committee member Ed Cafasso, who is on the School Committee as well.

"We had more volunteers than spots, so many people in the community were willing to serve,'' he added. "It just shows how important the high school and other school buildings are to the community.''

In addition to working on the high school project, the committee will create a plan for the modular classrooms, which have gone past their life expectancy, said Cafasso. The group will also address any other school enrollment issues.

read the full article in the Milford Daily News here