Town Council Agenda - 11/5/08

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 1, 2008, October 15, 2008

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS - Design Review Commission
Council on Aging

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS – Teppanyaki Restaurant – Change of Manager

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Recycling Committee Presentation
DPW Presentation – Rubbish/Recycling
DPW Reorganization

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 08-59: Dissolution of Fire Station Building Committee (Tabled on 10/15/08)
2. Resolution 08-71: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement – Town of Blackstone
3. Resolution 08-72: Acceptance of Gifts for the Red Brick School
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 08-625: Chapter 185-5, Town Code: Zoning Map – Business to Commercial II – 2nd Reading (Tabled on 10/15/08)

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

"Doc, can you help me study?"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Sun Nov 02, 2008, 06:39 PM EST

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FRANKLIN -

Don Roemer, affectionately known as "Doc" to his students and colleagues, spent 37 years in a job he loved.

"I loved it. I loved teaching," said Roemer, a Franklin resident who worked for 27 years as an English teacher at Wayland High School, and 10 years prior as an English professor at Northwestern University and Northeastern University.

Life felt a bit empty when he retired three years ago, so he decided to fill that hole by returning to his passion, he said.

For the past year, he has volunteered as a part-time teacher working alongside a few full-timers at Franklin High School, in a pilot program he proposed last October to Franklin Superintendent of Schools Wayne Ogden. Ogden is the former assistant superintendent of Wayland Public Schools.

"I really wanted very much to have something to do with education. I missed being with the kids. I may be old, but I have a lot of experience, a lot to offer," Roemer said.

"I never got tired of the teaching, I never got tired of the kids, but I did get tired of correcting papers," Roemer said.

As a volunteer, he gets the best of both worlds: giving students one-on-one academic attention, without having to pour through essays and tests, as well as a flexible, albeit, confusing rotating schedule, he said.

Read the full article in the Franklin Gazette here

A video clip by Joyce Kelly interviewing Doc can be seen here:

T-Alerts were active on the Franklin Line Monday morning

Franklin/Forge Park Nov 3, 5:41 a.m. (Inactive)

Franklin/FrgPrk #790 (5:05am ib) will not service Forge Park. #702 (5:45am ib) will run on time from Forge Park. 11/3/2008 5:31 AM This alert is no longer active at mbta.com. Likely the issue has been resolved.

Franklin/Forge Park Nov 3, 6:31 a.m. (Inactive)

Franklin/FrgPrk #790 (5:05am ib) will not service Forge Park. #702 (5:45am ib) will run 20 minutes late. 11/3/2008 5:31 AM This alert is no longer active at mbta.com. Likely the issue has been resolved.

Franklin/Forge Park Nov 3, 6:41 a.m. (Inactive) Franklin/FrgPrk #704 (6:15am ib) experiencing 20-25 min delay 11/3/2008 6:34 AM This alert is no longer active at mbta.com. Likely the issue has been resolved.

Franklin/Forge Park Nov 3, 7:21 a.m. (Inactive)

Franklin/FrgPrk #706 (6:35am ib) experiencing 15-20 min delay 11/3/2008 7:14 AM This alert is no longer active at mbta.com. Likely the issue has been resolved.

Franklin/Forge Park Nov 3, 8:21 a.m. (Inactive)

Franklin/FrgPrk #732 (7:54am ib) experiencing 20-25 min delay 11/3/2008 8:20 AM This alert is no longer active at mbta.com. Likely the issue has been resolved.

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If you haven't signed up for a T-Alert, you can do so here.

You can also join Clever Commute where the riders share the updates.

FM #19 - 4 things to know

FM #19 podcast provides the 4 things you should know about Franklin, MA this week.

Time: 8 minutes, 18 seconds



MP3 File

Session Notes:

This podcast for Franklin Matters will focus on the 4 things you should know about what happened this week.

In the prior two sessions, we spent time listening to Assistant Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski as she was interviewed by the School Committee during their meeting Tuesday Oct 14th. In podcast 17 Maureen told her life story. How she started teaching in NY City, moved to the Buffalo NY area, to Rockaway, NJ and then to Franklin. She reviews her resume detailing how she has prepared to cover all aspects of the superintendent’s role in her own development.

In podcast 18, we’ll listened to the School Committee as they asked Maureen follow-up questions and get into a discussion to clarify her goals, objectives, and vision for Franklin’s school. If you have not listened to these yet, I strongly encourage you to go back and do so at some point in time. All the podcasts can be found within the Important links section on the right hand column.

The first thing you should know about from this week’s events was that the school committee did vote unanimously 6-0 (Matt Kelley was absent) to enter into contract negotiations with Maureen. We should hear in a future meeting about the contract terms and transition with Wayne as he is scheduled to step aside on June 30th 2009.

The second thing you should know about this week is that the pilot to sell advertising banners in the field house was proposed and accepted. During the pilot period, the banner content will need to be reviewed by the Superintendent of Schools, High School Principal and the chair of the School Committee. The cost for the banner would be $480 year and available for a minimum period of three months (at a prorated cost).

The third thing you should know about this week is that if you area parent of school age children there is a survey on the Franklin Schools homepage looking for your input on how to create the calendar for the school year; for example, should the school year begin before Labor Day or after? Your input is welcomed until November 24th. The link to the survey will be available on Franklin Matters here. Jeff Roy has also created a posting at the School Committee blog with a link to the survey. Let your voice be heard.

The fourth thing you should know this week, on the contract front, the Police Department settled their contract with the Town. They had been working under an expired contract since June 2007. This one will cover through June 2010.

The new contract, which expires in June 2010, gives officers a 2 percent raise retroactive to October 2007, a 2.5 percent raise as of October 2008 and a 3 percent raise in October 2009, Nutting said.

Sergeants' pay will increase to 17 percent above the top patrol officer salary step in the first year of the contract, to 18 percent in the second year, and to 19 percent above in the third year.

This was reported in the Milford Daily News and Franklin Gazette this week.

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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

Where have all the flowers gone?

It is that time of year!




To read more about "Where have all the flowers gone?" click here

In the news - redistricting, online video lectures

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 31, 2008 @ 11:49 PM

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FRANKLIN —

In recent meetings, the School Committee has broached the possibility of redistricting local schools, but officials say it is a long way off, and any changes will be minor.

"The most important thing for parents to know is, neither the School Committee nor I anticipate any redistricting this year or next year," said Superintendent Wayne Ogden.

Leaders are considering redistricting because some schools, such as Sullivan Middle, are overcrowded, while others like Jefferson Elementary, have available space. The imbalance has resulted in the need to ship some kids around, said School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy.

"It's just trying to balance out the schools and make sure we're maximizing space in every building," said Roy.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

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Want a free education? A brief guide to the burgeoning world of online video lectures.

By Jeffrey MacIntyre November 2, 2008

RESERVE ANOTHER LAUREL for Edward O. Wilson, the Pellegrino University Professor emeritus at Harvard, serial Pulitzer winner, and prominent intellectual: online celebrity.

Forget Charlie Rose - Wilson has Google for a soapbox. Amid the amateur-hour piffle of YouTube "talent" and skateboarding dogs, the famed botanist stands in bold relief, with more than 500 Google video search results to his credit: Interviews ranging far afield of TV shows to a spate of appearances on several Web-only video platforms such as Meaningoflife.tv, Bigthink.com, Fora.tv, and the online home of the Technology Entertainment Design (TED) conference.

Read the full article in the Boston Globe here

Museum entrance taking shape

The entrance to the new museum is really taking shape. The brickwork appears complete. The pedestal is in place and ready for the sculpture.






This will be a nice entrance to Franklin's historical treasures.

In the news - field lights campaign, Police union contract

GateHouse News Service

Posted Oct 31, 2008 @ 04:21 PM

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FRANKLIN —

To help raise money for field lights for youth football, Franklin Chargers Football Organization has announced NorthEast-Eagle Electrical Distributors, in conjunction with WEEI, has begun "New Friday Night Lights 2008 Sweepstakes.''

Cities and towns all over New England have the chance to enter into the sweepstakes with hopes to win a brand new installed sports lighting system for their youth football league field.

For over 5 years, Franklin's Recreation Department and the Franklin Chargers Football Organization have used the Remington Jefferson School fields to house their football programs. The facility is used six days a week by more than 400 football players. The facility does not currently have lights, so the use of portable lights has been very costly for both organizations. Between rental, gas to run the lights and set up break down, it is estimated that this expense around $3,000 per month.

You can help the kids of Franklin obtain lights for their football teams, by voting today.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

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After sometimes "frustrating" negotiations, the town and its police union signed a three-year contract this week, said Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting and Police Association President John Maloney.

"Overall, once we worked certain issues out - we definitely weren't happy with the process or sequence of events - but at the end, it's a pretty fair contract," said Maloney.

Nutting also called the contract (currently in memorandum of understanding form only) "fair" and in line with agreements other unions have with the town.

"I think it was a fair deal for everybody involved," said Nutting, adding that part of his aim was to ensure equality among public employees.

The deal is retroactive to June 2007, when the last one expired.

The new contract, which expires in June 2010, gives officers a 2 percent raise retroactive to October 2007, a 2.5 percent raise as of October 2008 and a 3 percent raise in October 2009, Nutting said.

Read the full article in the Franklin Gazette here

"cost for displaying one banner was set at $480 per year"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 29, 2008 @ 11:52 PM

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FRANKLIN —

Franklin High School has begun a six-month pilot program allowing advertising on 4- by 6-foot banners in its field house.

"Despite a tight economy, you do have a captive audience," and the district should benefit from it, said School Committee member Ed Cafasso, a member of the advertising subcommittee.

The money made during the pilot program will go to Franklin High's revolving athletic account, but the School Committee may direct the money elsewhere if and when the program continues.

"We've been talking about this for quite some time," said Franklin High School Athletic Director Brad Sidwell.

"Hopefully, we'll get it done in the next month, during the busy winter season," Sidwell said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.

This was part of the live reporting here on Tuesday night during the school committee meeting.

"There's a lot to do"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 29, 2008 @ 12:37 AM

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FRANKLIN —

The dented, rusty lockers with missing handles, doors that don't shut and the rest of the boys' locker room was the low point on a tour for local officials of Franklin High School last night.

Some of the showers do work, said Mike D'Angelo, facilities director for the town and schools, adding, with a laugh, "though nobody uses them."

The boys' locker room is one of several places at the high school, built in 1971, that is not handicapped-accessible, said D'Angelo, who led the tour.

The girls' locker room "is just like times gone by, the '70s," D'Angelo said.

As D'Angelo showed the group an outdated general science classroom in the B wing, Town Council Chairman Christopher Feeley asked, "What's the worst thing to the eyes in this building?"

D'Angelo and Principal Pamela Gould answered unequivocally: the boys' locker room and chemistry labs.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

"Now I'm nervous"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 29, 2008 @ 12:00 AM

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FRANKLIN —

Citing an amazing work ethic and knowledge of Franklin schools and the community, the School Committee last night unanimously voted to appoint Assistant Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski as the new superintendent, with the whole room clapping.

Sabolinski will take the reins from her mentor, Superintendent Wayne Ogden, when he resigns June 30.

"I wholeheartedly support and endorse your candidacy for this position," School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy said, addressing Sabolinski. "I've seen your level of dedication, I've seen the skill set you bring to the job and the wonderful working relationship between you and Wayne Ogden."

Roy also said he was "delighted" to be able to say there was a great candidate in the Franklin school system.

"I thought long and hard about whether we should go to a broad, nationwide search. Having participated in two searches, and ... judging what we've seen in the past ... Why would I spend taxpayers' money when I know in my heart, the top candidate is sitting here in our lap?" Roy said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

School Commitee Meeting - 10/28/08

• Live reporting - meeting wraps up
• Live reporting - Superintendent
• Live reporting - Action Items
• Live reporting - modular status
• Live reporting - Strategic Planning Steering Commi...
• possible field house advertising banner
• Live reporting - field house advertising approved
• Live reporting - discussion only items
• Live reporting - Horace Mann binder program
• Live reporting - School Committee 10/28/08
• School Committee Agenda - 10/28/08

Live reporting - meeting wraps up

Subcommittee reports - building use

Liaison reports - FEF casino night on 11/21/08


Motion to enter executive session and not to return - Approved 6 - 0

Live reporting - Superintendent

Wayne has a survey being sent out to the parents, eight questions about how it would be organized (start before or after Labor Day, starting time, etc.)

Survey is live today and will be closed November 24th

A separate survey will be conducted to gain input from the teachers.

Discussion on state survey for transportation out of district, i.e. someone going from Franklin to Perkins School maybe going by some students in another school district, could there be some collaboration amongst the districts. This was a pilot program and the reimbursements were just cut by the state.

Live reporting - Action Items

Action Items

• Take action on Superintendent Candidacy. Handled earlier in the meeting

• I recommend budget transfers as detailed in the attached documentation. Approved 6 - 0
  

• I recommend approval of the request of the BICO Board of Directors to amend the preamble of the existing agreement of the BICO Collaborative to include the School Committee of the Town of Norton, MA. Approved 6 - 0

• I recommend acceptance of the annual donation of dictionaries for all third grade students from the Franklin Lodge of Elks No. 2136 in partnership with the MA Elks Association, Inc. Approved 6 - 0

• I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Oak Street PCC for a 3rd grade field trip to Plimoth Plantation. Approved 6 - 0

• I recommend acceptance of a check for $258.76 from the Target Take Charge of Education Program to defer the costs of a 7th grade field trip to the Krista McAuliffe Space Exploration Center for Annie Sullivan Middle School students. Approved 6 - 0

• I recommend approval of the sale of banner advertising space in the FHS Field House with all proceeds to be used in support of the FHS Athletic Program. handled earlier in the meeting

• I recommend entering into contract negotiations with the Cafeteria Workers Association. Approved 6 - 0

• I recommend entering into contract negotiations with the Van Drivers Association. Approved 6 - 0

• I recommend appointment of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee as noted during the Discussion portion of this meeting. Approved 6 - 0

Live reporting - modular status

Modulars were put into place in 1998 and are coming up on 10 years service, some of them have been used all through the year.

The high school modulars get more of an impact than those in the elementary schools

Leakage in the roofs has required replacement of full walls. A bug infestation was found and corrected. Some doors can't be opened in the winter at Parmenter (due to the temperature change).

If we removed the modulars, where would the students go?
With the reduction in staff last year, the rooms were used by art and special subjects where they were roving within the buildings before.

The high school has room to move what they have housed currently within the full building. Davis Thayer could take down the modulars and utilize two classrooms within the building.
Parmenter would have an issue if they were to loose their modulars. An OT/PT room is currently housed there. Even if the function were moved to another school, the population at Parmenter needs those services.

Replacing the roof is not an economic choice, the roof would outlast the modular.
Looking for direction from the committe before going further with the building committee.

Cafasso - there was a lot of shock and awe amongst the professionals at the FHS tour tonight. The subcommittee's report helps to fill in the needs of the district.

Armenio - This speaks to the current school population and staffing levels, with any increases,there will be additional problems in the next couple of years. It would be worthwhile to take them down. Some of the modulars are the largest classrooms in the building.

Live reporting - Strategic Planning Steering Committee

• Strategic Planning Steering Committee

R A Gosh
R Danough
S Rohrbach
A Crean
J Bassignati
S Sherlock
P Sweeney

total of 15 with 9 committed thus far, others in process of confirming

to start in November

(will check spelling of names later)

sample field house advertising banner size

sample banner size for advertising in the Franklin High School field house

this banner is 3' x 5', the proposed size would be 4' x 6'

Mobile post sent by shersteve using Utterli. Replies.

Live reporting - field house advertising approved

• Advertising in the Field House

Brad Sidwell, Athletic Director

The 3 x 5 in the committee meeting is smaller than the 4 x 6 that would be used.
Hung from the ceiling in the field house

Approx 40,000 as a rough estimate would view the banners amongst the visitors for basketball, volleyball, indoor track and the multiple other events that are held there.

Discussion on inclusion the phone number on the banner, would you loose opportunity if you exclude it?

Banner approval including the School Committee chair, to view how it works during the early days, should have a good view on it before it goes up, likely not necessarily to be done long term

Want to be flexible with minimum three months with the year a preferred period. Rates adjust downward to cover the three months.

We can reach out to the Downtown Partnership, the Chamber of Commerce, etc.

During the subcommittee meetings, we discussed that we would use the revenue to offset the costs of athletics. Should we consider putting this into a general revenue account or just for sports?

Policy KCD does not apply here as this is selling a service. The use of the revenues to supplant the budget could come under KCD if the advertiser would like to designate how the funds were to be used. By having the school committee dictate the fund allocation, we avoid the issue of the conflict with policy KCD.

The 6 month pilot would expire in early April just about budget time. The pilot would provide input to the policy and budget committee for how we would do the future.

Motion to accept recommendation of subcommittee, removing the phone number prohibition, and restricting a single advertiser to 2 banners.

Approved 6 - 0

Live reporting - discussion only items

3. Discussion Only Items

• Budget to Actual - no questions

• Discussion of Superintendent Candidacy

Roy - I will wholeheartedly endorse your candidacy. I am glad we can say that we helped to grow from within the district. Why take taxpayer dollars and go out with a nationwide search and possibly end up with as fine a candidate that we have.

Armenio - You have been here many years and over your multiple roles have grown with the district. Why not earlier? Wayne has been your mentor and groomed you for this. The times have changed. This is not the district that it was a few years ago.

Cafasso - While there has been scholastic progress, there are other problems to be faced, re-districting amongst them. Need to have someone who understands the community and the staff to help us tackle these challenges.

Mullen - I also endorse Maureen for this role. Her sense of Franklin and how much she enjoyed having her kids go through the system. Her work ethic is tremendous.

Rohrbach - not to be repetitive but I will endorse your candidacy. You have a broad knowledge of the district, the students, the community. We may not be able to get "good to great" right now but there are pockets where we can still make progress.

Trahan - Being the last in the line, not a whole lot more to add.

Motion - to enter into negotiations with Maureen Sabolinski to be the next Superintedent of the Franklin Public School District

Aproved 6 - 0

Live reporting - Horace Mann binder program

Dr Anne Bergen, Horace Mann Principal; Chandler Creedon, Guidence Counselor; Jess (student)

The binder program is being piloted. It developed from an observed problem with time management, task management, approached targeting the special ed students first, then determined that this could go across all the students, presented to the PCC to gain their input. Color coded for similar subject matter across the grades. Consistency strived for. They trained a core group of students over the summer in the use to help share the training with the other students as they came in September.

Jess - a place for everything, easy to find for each class, comes with a homework pad, do the homework and then put it into the folder. Con - breaks really easily. Rings would brake open. Top and bottom would wear. Some of the folders would tear (need reinforcements for the holes). Focus group held to get feedback on the overall concept and actual experience. Durability needs to be worked on.

Dr Anne Bergen - a team of 8th graders putting together a binder workgroup

Chandler Creedon - the team will use duct tape in colors to match the folders to reinforce the edges and then hole punch to make the folders more sturdy

Live reporting - School Committee 10/28/08

Attending: Armenio, Cafasso, Mullen, Roy, Rohrbach, Trahan
Not attending: Kelly


1. Routine Business

• Citizen’s Comments - none
  

• Review of Agenda - add discussion of space needs for modular units
  

• Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 14, 2008 School Committee Meeting. Approved 6 - 0
  

• Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
• Payroll Ms. Armenio
• FHS Student Representatives

Sat 11/29/08 - Jr Miss Performance at Horace Mann

School Committee Agenda - 10/28/08

1. Routine Business

• Citizen’s Comments
• Review of Agenda
• Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 14, 2008 School Committee Meeting.
• Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
• Payroll Ms. Armenio
• FHS Student Representatives

Correspondence

• Letter from Chandler Creedon, Jr. to open negotiations with the Cafeteria Association.
• Letter from Chandler Creedon, Jr. to open negotiations with the Van Drivers Association.
• Memo from Linda Waters regarding Transportation Pilot Program.
• Letter from NEASC to Pam Gould regarding FHS.

2. Guests/Presentations

• Horace Mann Binder Program

3. Discussion Only Items

• Budget to Actual
• Discussion of Superintendent Candidacy
• Advertising in the Field House
• Strategic Planning Steering Committee

4. Action Items

• Take action on Superintendent Candidacy.
• I recommend budget transfers as detailed in the attached documentation.
• I recommend approval of the request of the BICO Board of Directors to amend the preamble of the existing agreement of the BICO Collaborative to include the School Committee of the Town of Norton, MA.
• I recommend acceptance of the annual donation of dictionaries for all third grade students from the Franklin Lodge of Elks No. 2136 in partnership with the MA Elks Association, Inc.
• I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Oak Street PCC for a 3rd grade field trip to Plimoth Plantation.
• I recommend acceptance of a check for $258.76 from the Target Take Charge of Education Program to defer the costs of a 7th grade field trip to the Krista McAuliffe Space Exploration Center for Annie Sullivan Middle School students.
• I recommend approval of the sale of banner advertising space in the FHS Field House with all proceeds to be used in support of the FHS Athletic Program.
• I recommend entering into contract negotiations with the Cafeteria Workers Association.
• I recommend entering into contract negotiations with the Van Drivers Association.
• I recommend appointment of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee as noted during the Discussion portion of this meeting.

5. Information Matters

• Superintendent’s Report

a. NEASC Update
b. Field House Advertising
c. Poland Springs Water

• 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

feral cat video

Shelter Me has posted a video created by Ricky Ferreira who interviewed Dottie Luff to get the latest on the "famous" feral cats of Highwood Condo here in Franklin.

View the video here

In the News: Special Ed, more feral cats

By Aaron Wasserman/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 26, 2008 @ 10:54 PM

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The number of schools not meeting the state's achievement standards under federal No Child Left Behind regulations is quickly mounting.

Forty-seven schools across MetroWest and the Milford area were designated as at least needing improvement as a result of 2008 test scores, including ones in districts often considered to be of high quality, such as Natick, Westborough and Franklin. Half of all schools statewide received such a label.

State education officials say they are not surprised the number of schools needing improvement is swelling - up by 156 to 828 total this year - because of the ambitious goals set under No Child Left Behind. The law requires all students reach at least proficiency by 2014 on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

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By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 26, 2008 @ 10:44 PM

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FRANKLIN —

Animal rights group intervening with feral cats

By Joyce Kelly

DAILY NEWS STAFF

FRANKLIN - Franklin's Animal Control will start a trap, neuter/spay, release program for feral cats at Highwood Condominiums today, according to the head of an animal rescue society intervening with the situation.

The trapped kitten and cats will go to the Purr-fect Cat Shelter in Medway for evaluation, said Stacy LeBaron, president of the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society of Salisbury.

The board of trustees for Highwood I, the section of Highwood where the cats live and roam, had voted to trap and kill the cats, but agreed to halt the plan and discuss an alternative when a resident and LeBaron intervened earlier this month.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

indoor barn sale 10/26/08

the sign says it all

Mobile post sent by shersteve using Utterli. Replies.

Now open for business - Andro's Pizza

Yes, Andro's Pizza is now open for business.

Well, not at this very moment when I am taking this photo. It is too early this Sunday morning for pizza.

Mobile post sent by shersteve using Utterli. Replies.

In the news - Brick, ghosts, and cats

Franklin nears deal for use of closed Red Brick building

By Rachel Lebeaux Correspondent / October 26, 2008

The town of Franklin is negotiating with Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School on a lease of the historic Red Brick School building to run through next June, and possibly beyond.

Read the full article in the Boston Globe here

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Area has ghost stories aplenty dating back hundreds of years

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 26, 2008 @ 12:06 AM

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Forget Salem or New Orleans. If you live in MetroWest, you probably don't have to go any further than your local library, town hall, or neighborhood for a good old-fashioned haunting.

Tales of the spirits of innkeepers, Native Americans, accused witches, librarians and servants, even a monster - the Dover Demon - abound right in your backyard.

The area's rich history, particularly its entrenchment in King Philip's War, makes old homes, buildings and entire sections of towns - such as South Natick - ripe for ghostly activity, some say.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

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Communities face tough choice on feral cats

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 25, 2008 @ 11:39 PM

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Animal control officers in the area seem to agree the solution to feral cats - common in most communities - is the trap, neuter/spay and release program advocated by animal rights groups.

Dealing with the situation properly is more important now than ever, as the economic crisis has left many more cats and dogs abandoned and facing a cold winter, say area animal control officers.

An animal rescue organization from Salisbury is trying to save a colony of feral cats living in the woods near Franklin's Highwood Condominiums, the management of which plans to trap and kill them. The Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society, a nonprofit volunteer organization, promotes no-kill programs for feral cats.

Stacy LeBaron, president of the group, has said she believes it's possible to have a successful feral cat colony by using the trap, neuter/spay and release process.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Open House Saturdays and Sundays, 11AM – 3PM

For the Franklin Center Commons:

This condominium building consists of 27 single-level-living condominiums with wonderful amenities. Newly revitalized location offers walk to train, banks, post office, restaurants, shops, and only 45 minutes to Boston. Perfect for commuter, first time home buyers or downsizers. Franklin has just recently added the New GATRA bus service for easy access to shopping, senior center, etc.

If you can't make it to the open house, click through to the web site to take a virtual tour of their model.

Autumn color

the waves of color are flowing through this tree.

Mobile post sent by shersteve using Utterli. Replies.

Police, Fire department contracts close?

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 24, 2008 @ 11:32 PM

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FRANKLIN —

The town is still hammering out a police contract with its police union hoping to nail it down in coming weeks.

The Franklin Police Association's contract expired more than a year ago, on June 30, 2007, according to Stephanie McNeil, human resources director for the town.

She expects the police union to sign a contract next week, she said, noting it is not the town delaying the process.

"The pen is in their hands," she said, refusing to comment further.

John Maloney, president of the police union, said he hopes everything will be resolved by next Friday.

"We had hoped to be done sooner," he said, preferring to keep quiet about what has stalled negotiations.

"A few things came up and helped move things along. It definitely has not gone smoothly, that's for sure," Maloney said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

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By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 24, 2008 @ 11:29 PM

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FRANKLIN —

Firefighters have been working without a contract since it expired more that a year ago, but unlike the police union, which is aiming to sign a contract by the end of next week, firefighters may have a long way to go.

Stephanie McNeil, human resources director for the town, declined to comment about the situation, as negotiations are ongoing but said that the town has been waiting to hear from union representatives.

McNeil and Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting plan to continue contract negotiations with the firefighters' union next week, she said.

Fire Chief Gary McCarraher said he cannot comment on the ongoing talks.

Nutting could not be reached for comment.

Multiple calls to union representatives were not returned this week.

The contract for Franklin Permanent Firefighters Association, Local 2637, which expired on June 30, 2007, gives firefighters retention of their Civil Service rights, and requires all promotions within the department be made as a result of competitive examination and granted by the Division of Civil Service.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

"How Can I Become Part of this ReadWriteWeb Revolution?"

In our continuing series on Web 2.0, the K12 Online Conference is underway. The video clip here is one of the two keynote addresses that opened the conference. It is being conducted virtually, that is, totally online.

The keynote presenters in this clip are all from Maine. They creatively used Flip cameras to video their conversation to share with the world.

Note: this presentation is geared for teachers and urges them to get involved in the ReadWriteWeb Revolution, but you can put yourself in this position too! How are you going to continue learning to keep up with the changes in this world?

The steps they outline are easy enough to pick up and use. The online tools are mostly free. Digital cameras or camera phones are reasonably priced. The bar for entry is set low. All you need is desire.




Click through to the web site for the conference to find additional information (i.e links) for the tools and articles they referenced.

Enjoy!

------

Why put this here?

There is great potential in expanding learning at a very reasonable cost (small dollars if not free) with the Web 2.0 tools. With an economic future like schools in MA in particular have facing them, this is an avenue to consider.

Franklin Line Schedule Changes 10/27/08

They are adjusting the schedule to "ease congestion" and to "accommodate the recent Amtrak schedule changes".

The MBTA apologizes for the "late notification".

The changes go into effect on Monday 10/27/08. The changes will be available on the MBTA schedule page on Monday. In the meantime, you should know that:

1 - what was known as the 4:10 PM train (#715) will leave South Station at 3:55 PM (15 minutes early)
2 - what was known as the 4:30 PM train (#799) will leave South Station at 4:30 but terminate at Readville running via the Dorchester Branch.
3 - a new train (#717) will leave South Station at 4:20 PM and make stops at Back Bay, Ruggles, Hyde Park, Readville, Dedham Corp, Norwood Depot, Norwood Central, Windsor Gardens, Walpole, Norfolk, Franklin/Dean and Forge Park/495.

A PDF of the changes is available on the MBTA website here

Really?

I have heard of stone soup but this takes the stone to a new level. Or has McDonald's bailed out Prudential and is now looking to expand their market as "The Rock"?


Note: Actually the sign is needed to tell those coming off I495 to turn on to RT 140 and find McDonald's about a half mile down the road. It is about time the sign came up. There must have been a few motorists complaining about having to travel at least 1.5 miles off the road to get to McDonald's. The distance would feel much longer without some confirmation as to where you really should be going.

"the right and humane thing to do"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 20, 2008 @ 11:35 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

An animal rescue organization from Salisbury is trying to save a colony of feral cats living in the woods near Highwood Condominiums whose management plans to trap and kill them.

Stacy LeBaron, president of the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society, said she and a Highwood resident met with management last week and are negotiating an alternative to the board of trustees' plan.

"It's a work in progress. They haven't agreed to back down, but they aren't doing anything as we gather more information (from Purr-fect Cat Shelter). We're hoping to try to get people talking and brainstorming and get solutions," LeBaron said.

The society, a statewide, nonprofit volunteer organization that provides free services and promotes no-kill programs for feral cats (www.mrfrs.org), will offer Purr-fect Cat Shelter help and resources, she said.

"I do believe it's possible to have a successful feral cat colony" by using the trap, neuter/spay, release process, said LeBaron.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Autumn color

This neighborhood tree shows it range of color.



Enjoy!

"many hopeful aspects in the fight against global warming"

By Michelle Laczkoski/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 19, 2008 @ 10:30 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

A discussion about climate change gleaned "surprisingly pleasant" results yesterday, one participant noted during an afternoon Global Warming Cafe.

About 20 people took part in the Franklin Area Climate Team's roundtable discussion to trade ideas on fears and hopes for the planet's future.

"We want to work together to reduce our personal and collective carbon footprint," said Ted McIntyre, co-captain of Franklin Area Climate Team.

Members of the Massachusetts Climate Action Network (MCAN) joined the local "climate team" yesterday at the First Universalist Society of Franklin to talk to residents from Franklin, Bellingham, Millis, Wrentham, Foxborough and more.

"Be inspired, and take action in the future," Susan Altman of MCAN told the audience as they broke into small groups.

The groups compiled lists of concerns about and solutions to climate change.

Read the remainder of the article in the Milford Daily News here

"not 'welfare' - it is an entitlement"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 20, 2008 @ 12:41 AM

Last update Oct 20, 2008 @ 12:44 AM

---

Worried about seniors living paycheck to paycheck this winter, area senior center directors say they are making an all-out effort to help them.

Now, more than ever, it is crucial that struggling seniors take advantage of programs they are entitled to, said Bellingham Outreach Coordinator Sheila Ronkin: tax abatements, fuel and food assistance, and circuit breakers.

"It was very important before the economy fell apart, but now, some of these folks live really threadbare lives. Without some help, they're not going to have enough heat or food. Even folks more well-heeled may not be able to buy Christmas presents or birthday presents for their loved ones," said Franklin Senior Center Director Karen Alves.

Many seniors don't realize they qualify for tax credits or other assistance, so they don't even bother to apply, Alves said. But that is a mistake.

Through the state's circuit breaker program, seniors can get up to $900 a year in real estate tax abatements if they pay more than 10 percent of their gross income in taxes, and that includes water and sewer fees, Alves said.

So if a senior makes $30,000 a year, pays $3,000 in real estate tax, plus $500 for water and sewer ($3,500 in taxes), they can get $500 back from the state, she said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

King St - construction progress

Time is flying. Haven't taken a snapshot in awhile and the construction has moved quickly along in the meantime.





This would be numbered 190 or 192 King St.

FM #18 - Asst Supt M Sabolinski Interviewed - Part 2

This is the 18th podcast for what matters in Franklin, MA and the second part to the interview of Asst Supt Maureen Sabolinski for the Superintendent of Franklin Public Schools.

Part 1 - Maureen reviewed her resume and how she has developed and is prepared to cover all aspects of the role of the Superintendent.

Part 2 - This is the Q&A session with Maureen and members of the School Committee starting with the FHS Student Representative Pat Slight.

Time: 28 minutes, 36 seconds



MP3 File

The notes that I took as I was "live reporting" this meeting can be found here

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

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

FM #17 - Asst Supt M Sabolinski Interviewed - Part 1

The 17th podcast on what matters in Franklin, MA. This week we focus a two part series on the interview of Asst Supt Maureen Sabolinski by the School Committee for the open superintendent position.

This is Part 1: The School Committee listens as Maureen reviews her resume and educational development.

Part 2 will cover the Q&A session that follows.

Time: 33 minutes, 36 seconds



MP3 File

The notes that I took as I was "live reporting" this meeting can be found here

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

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

"sometimes kids come to school in the dead of winter with no coats"

By Heather McCarron, Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 18, 2008 @ 11:50 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

Lindy Conroe always knew Jen Ballarino was amazing and special, but when the much-loved Franklin resident died in May following a long battle with brain cancer, Conroe was still deeply moved by the stories she heard.

"I've since heard such amazing stories she never told people," Conroe reflected recently.

For example, when Ballarino was working as a substitute teacher, she would often bring in coats and other necessary items for children she'd noticed were going without.

So it seems only fitting there is now an effort to collect coats and other outerwear for donation to homeless children and their families, all in Ballarino's memory.

It's part of the ongoing mission behind the newly formed Jen's Jackets, organized by Conroe and other friends and family of Ballarino. It's also the charity that has been adopted by Postal Center U.S.A. in Franklin, as well as its other area locations, in recognition of and leading up to Make A Difference Day on Oct. 25.

read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

fiction and non-fiction

the books are plentiful, varied and reasonably priced at this year's Library Book Sale.



head on over to the DPW garage on Heyward St, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Mobile post sent by shersteve using Utterli. Replies.

Franklin: follow the boxes

Franklin: follow the boxes, originally uploaded by shersteve.

Yes, follow the boxes to the Library Book Sale being held this year at the DPW garage on Heyward St.

Saturday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Vote NO on Question 1

Financial Planning Committee 10/16/08

the collection of posts for the Financial Planning Committee meeting on Thursday 10/16/08

• Live reporting - continued
• Live reporting - Financial Planning Committee 10/1...

The "official" town minutes for this meeting can be found here

Live reporting - continued

Bartlett - we'll also need to show what the cuts were over the same time period to show what was done in order to make due.

Kelly - need to be consistent on the dates.

Bartlett - need to include the increases in road miles, students, teachers, buildings, etc.

Trahan - there should be substance to the information.

Ogden - growth and change in fees and other revenues that have come in to supplement the tax revenues

Kelly - the average tax bill needs to be looked at to put it into perspective.

Nutting - on the other hand, for all we have cut, people can still go to the library, get the streets plowed. Hard to say what the real impact is.

Bartlett - but we know now we can do this much longer, even to just stay the same. There isn't room to cut without significant changes.

Nutting - I'll come up with a list of things and you can add to it, or change it. I'll focus on the big picture.

Roche - I'd like to start digging into these numbers, like low medium and high for Fire/Police, etc.

Nutting - the salary is already set based upon the bargaining agreements.

Ogden - need to be caution about salary expectations and forecasts in that arena.

Hardesty - has a spreadsheet that shows the Town budgets in a declining order. Realistically this will help us focus as once you go lower than 6 budget lines, you are talking about 2% of the budget. Those as interesting as they are become not really material to the discussion.

Nutting - there is no game plan if Question 1 passes. If that passes, it will be chaos until the Legislature does something. It was on 8 years ago and got 45% of the vote.

Roche - Doug's building the model.
Nutting- I'll get the statistics.

Cameron - if our population has been flat for five years, we also need to remind them of that.

Nutting - you can give historical background, in 1993 there were 3200 students and now there are 6200 students.

Trahan - when do we get to the timeline?
Nutting - Budget to the Council probably in March.

Nutting - 80% of the HR rules are in the State, we don't get to control our destiny.

Roche - we are trying to show what the problem is, it is systemic.

Ogden - part of the problem is perceptual, the average citizen doesn't understand that we brought two buildings online and are going to need additional money to operate. The difference between capital and operational expenses.

Bartlett - I'll take a crack at the calendar.

Hardesty - the idea of level services needs to be defined to be consistent and easy to understand.

Bartlett - I have trouble with "level services" when used with education. You may say the same with the dollars but the education in the room is not the same "level".

Live reporting - Financial Planning Committee 10/16/08

Attending: Jim Roche, Roberta Trahan, Doug Hardesty, Jeff Nutting, Wayne Ogden, Miriam Goodman, Matt Kelly, Tina Powderly, Gwynne Wilschek, Deb Bartlett

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"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 16, 2008 @ 12:48 AM

---

FRANKLIN —

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

Town Council Mtg Summary 10/15/08

• town council - closing items
• live reporting - zoning bylaw
• live reporting - action items (continued)
• live reporting - action items
• Live reporting - legislation for action
• Live reporting - Town Council 10/15/08
• FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL - Agenda - 10/15/08

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

---

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