This is Franklin Matters podcast #25. The sixth and final one of the series to replay the information session on underage drinking. The session was organized by the group W.A.S.T."E".D and held at Franklin High School Tuesday December 2, 2008.
This segment covers the Q&A session (with Bill, Nick, Josh, and Nick's parents) and the closing comments (by FHS Principal Pam Gould).
Time: 25 minutes, 47 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes
This podcast for Franklin Matters continues the special production capturing the information session on underage drinking sponsored by WASTED and held at Franklin High School Tuesday evening, Dec 2.
This series of podcasts will enable you to listen to the presentations and discussion that took place that evening.
In the first part, we listened as FHS Principal Pam Gould provided the introduction. We listened to the presentation by the FHS students from Marushka Waters’ class.
In the second part, we listened to William (Bill) Phillips, Director of New Beginnings. New Beginnings is a comprehensive wellness education program.
In the third part, we listened to Nick’s story. That could have been the story of your son or daughter.
In the fourth segment, we listened to Josh’s story. He is eighteen, a senior at North Attleboro High.
In the fifth segment, we listened to the parent’s point of view as Nick’s parents shared their experience.
In this sixth and final segment, we’ll listen to the Question and Answer period. Some of the questions might be hard to hear but you should be able to make out the question from the answer.
FHS Principal Pam Gould returns to wrap up the evening with announcements on next steps. This is just the beginning.
Listen carefully!
----- -----
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
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
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
FM #24 - WASTED - Part 5
This is Franklin Matters podcast #24. The fifth of six podcasts to replay the information session on underage drinking. The session was organized by the group W.A.S.T."E".D and held at Franklin High School Tuesday December 2, 2008.
Nick's parents tell their side of the story in this segment.
Time: 10 minutes, 10 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes
This podcast for Franklin Matters continues the special production capturing the information session on underage drinking sponsored by WASTED and held at Franklin High School Tuesday evening, Dec 2.
This series of podcasts will enable you to listen to the presentations and discussion that took place that evening.
In the first part, we listened as FHS Principal Pam Gould provided the introduction. We listened to the presentation by the FHS students from Marushka Waters’ class.
In the second part, we listened to William (Bill) Phillips, Director of New Beginnings. New Beginnings is a comprehensive wellness education program.
In the third part, we listened to Nick’s story. That could have been the story of your son or daughter.
In the fourth segment, we listened to Josh’s story. He is eighteen, a senior at North Attleboro High.
In this fifth segment, we’ll listen to the parent’s point of view. Nick’s parents have their say.
Listen carefully!
Come back to hear the Q&A session as the evening wraps up.
----- -----
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
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
Nick's parents tell their side of the story in this segment.
Time: 10 minutes, 10 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes
This podcast for Franklin Matters continues the special production capturing the information session on underage drinking sponsored by WASTED and held at Franklin High School Tuesday evening, Dec 2.
This series of podcasts will enable you to listen to the presentations and discussion that took place that evening.
In the first part, we listened as FHS Principal Pam Gould provided the introduction. We listened to the presentation by the FHS students from Marushka Waters’ class.
In the second part, we listened to William (Bill) Phillips, Director of New Beginnings. New Beginnings is a comprehensive wellness education program.
In the third part, we listened to Nick’s story. That could have been the story of your son or daughter.
In the fourth segment, we listened to Josh’s story. He is eighteen, a senior at North Attleboro High.
In this fifth segment, we’ll listen to the parent’s point of view. Nick’s parents have their say.
Listen carefully!
Come back to hear the Q&A session as the evening wraps up.
----- -----
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
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 #23 - WASTED - Part 4
This is Franklin Matters podcast #23. The fourth of several podcasts to replay the information session on underage drinking. The session was organized by the group W.A.S.T."E".D and held at Franklin High School Tuesday December 2, 2008.
This segment covers Josh's Story. Josh is 18 years old and a senior at North Attleboro High.
Time: 17 minutes, 1 second
MP3 File
Session Notes
This podcast for Franklin Matters continues the special production capturing the information session on underage drinking sponsored by WASTED and held at Franklin High School Tuesday evening, Dec 2.
This series of podcasts will enable you to listen to the presentations and discussion that took place that evening.
In the first part, we listened as FHS Principal Pam Gould provided the introduction. We listened to the presentation by the FHS students from Marushka Waters’ class.
In the second part, we listened to William (Bill) Phillips, Director of New Beginnings. New Beginnings is a comprehensive wellness education program.
In the third part, we listened to Nick’s story. That could have been the story of your son or daughter.
In this fourth segment, we’ll listen to Josh’s story. He is eighteen, a senior at North Attleboro High.
Listen carefully!
Come back to hear the parents point of view. Nick’s parents have their say and the Q&A session as the evening wraps up.
----- -----
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
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
This segment covers Josh's Story. Josh is 18 years old and a senior at North Attleboro High.
Time: 17 minutes, 1 second
MP3 File
Session Notes
This podcast for Franklin Matters continues the special production capturing the information session on underage drinking sponsored by WASTED and held at Franklin High School Tuesday evening, Dec 2.
This series of podcasts will enable you to listen to the presentations and discussion that took place that evening.
In the first part, we listened as FHS Principal Pam Gould provided the introduction. We listened to the presentation by the FHS students from Marushka Waters’ class.
In the second part, we listened to William (Bill) Phillips, Director of New Beginnings. New Beginnings is a comprehensive wellness education program.
In the third part, we listened to Nick’s story. That could have been the story of your son or daughter.
In this fourth segment, we’ll listen to Josh’s story. He is eighteen, a senior at North Attleboro High.
Listen carefully!
Come back to hear the parents point of view. Nick’s parents have their say and the Q&A session as the evening wraps up.
----- -----
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
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 #22 - WASTED - Part 3
This is Franklin Matters podcast #22. The third of six podcasts to replay the information session on underage drinking. The session was organized by the group W.A.S.T."E".D and held at Franklin High School Tuesday December 2, 2008.
In this segment, Nick tells his story.
Time: 24 minutes, 12 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes
This podcast for Franklin Matters continues the special production capturing the information session on underage drinking sponsored by W.A.S.T."E".D and held at Franklin High School Tuesday evening, Dec 2, 2008.
This series of podcasts will enable you to listen to the presentations and discussion that took place that evening.
In the first part, we listened as FHS Principal Pam Gould provided the introduction. We then listened to the presentation by the FHS students from Marushka Waters’ class.
In the second part, we listened to William (Bill) Phillips, Director of New Beginnings. New Beginnings is a comprehensive wellness education program.
In this third segment, we’ll listen to Nick’s story. This could be the story of your son or daughter.
Listen carefully!
Come back to hear Josh’s story and then to hear the parents point of view when Nick’s parents have their say.
----- -----
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
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
In this segment, Nick tells his story.
Time: 24 minutes, 12 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes
This podcast for Franklin Matters continues the special production capturing the information session on underage drinking sponsored by W.A.S.T."E".D and held at Franklin High School Tuesday evening, Dec 2, 2008.
This series of podcasts will enable you to listen to the presentations and discussion that took place that evening.
In the first part, we listened as FHS Principal Pam Gould provided the introduction. We then listened to the presentation by the FHS students from Marushka Waters’ class.
In the second part, we listened to William (Bill) Phillips, Director of New Beginnings. New Beginnings is a comprehensive wellness education program.
In this third segment, we’ll listen to Nick’s story. This could be the story of your son or daughter.
Listen carefully!
Come back to hear Josh’s story and then to hear the parents point of view when Nick’s parents have their say.
----- -----
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
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
WASTED - Info Session - 12/02/08
This is the collection of audio files replaying the information session presented by W.A.S.T."E".D at Franklin High School on Tuesday, December 2, 2008.
FM #20 - WASTED 12/2/08 - Part 1 - Intro and FHS Student presentation
The slide show that served as the backdrop for the student presentation can be found here
FM #21 - WASTED - Part 2 - Bill Phillips tells his part of the story
FM #22 - WASTED - Part 3 - Nick tells his story
FM #23 - WASTED - Part 4 - Josh tells his story
FM #24 - WASTED - Part 5 - Nick's parents provide their point of view
FM #25 - WASTED - Part 6 - Q&A session and closing
A slideshow of photos from this evening can be found here
FM #20 - WASTED 12/2/08 - Part 1 - Intro and FHS Student presentation
The slide show that served as the backdrop for the student presentation can be found here
FM #21 - WASTED - Part 2 - Bill Phillips tells his part of the story
FM #22 - WASTED - Part 3 - Nick tells his story
FM #23 - WASTED - Part 4 - Josh tells his story
FM #24 - WASTED - Part 5 - Nick's parents provide their point of view
FM #25 - WASTED - Part 6 - Q&A session and closing
A slideshow of photos from this evening can be found here
FM #21 - WASTED - Part 2
This is Franklin Matters podcast #21. The second of six podcasts to replay the information session on underage drinking. The session was organized by the group W.A.S.T."E".D and held at Franklin High School Tuesday December 2, 2008.
Bill Phillips, Director of New Beginnings tells his part of the story in this segment.
Time: 24 minutes, 46 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes
This podcast for Franklin Matters continues the special production capturing the information session on underage drinking sponsored by WASTED and held at Franklin High School Tuesday evening, Dec 2.
If you were unable to attend, this series of podcasts will enable you to listen to the presentations and discussion that took place.
In the first part, we listened as FHS Principal Pam Gould introduces the problem, the formation of the WASTED group and outlined the presentations for the evening including the presentation by students from Marushka Waters’ class.
In this second part, we’ll listen to Principal Gould as she introduces William (Bill) Phillips, Director of New Beginnings. A comprehensive wellness education program.
Bill talks about his background and experience as a counselor for underage drinking and substance abuse.
Listen carefully!
----- -----
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
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
Bill Phillips, Director of New Beginnings tells his part of the story in this segment.
Time: 24 minutes, 46 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes
This podcast for Franklin Matters continues the special production capturing the information session on underage drinking sponsored by WASTED and held at Franklin High School Tuesday evening, Dec 2.
If you were unable to attend, this series of podcasts will enable you to listen to the presentations and discussion that took place.
In the first part, we listened as FHS Principal Pam Gould introduces the problem, the formation of the WASTED group and outlined the presentations for the evening including the presentation by students from Marushka Waters’ class.
In this second part, we’ll listen to Principal Gould as she introduces William (Bill) Phillips, Director of New Beginnings. A comprehensive wellness education program.
Bill talks about his background and experience as a counselor for underage drinking and substance abuse.
Listen carefully!
----- -----
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
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 #20 - WASTED 12/2/08 - Part 1
This is Franklin Matters podcast #20. The first of several podcasts to replay the information session on underage drinking. The session was organized by the group W.A.S.T."E".D and held at Franklin High School Tuesday December 2, 2008.
Time: 23 minutes, 10 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes
This podcast for Franklin Matters will a special production capturing the information session on underage drinking sponsored by W.A.S.T."E".D and held at Franklin High School Tuesday evening, Dec 2, 2008.
If you were unable to attend, this series of podcasts will enable you to listen to the presentations and discussion that took place.
In this first part, we listen as FHS Principal Pam Gould introduces the problem, the formation of the WASTED group and outlines the presentations for the evening.
We’ll then listen to the presentation by students from Marushka Waters’ class.
The slide show that served as the backdrop for the presentation can be found here.
For me, there are two key quotes to remember. Both come from student voices at the end of this presentation. One is hard to hear as the student did not have the microphone to talk into, the second is more clearly heard. Both of which I have transcribed as follows:
1 – How come in Health class they teach us not to drink but they don’t teach us what to do in situations where people are drinking?
2 – Everyone of these stories you heard were written by someone on the stage. No one read their own monologue to protect their identities but we all wanted to share our stories because they’re real.
Listen carefully!
-------------
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
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
Time: 23 minutes, 10 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes
This podcast for Franklin Matters will a special production capturing the information session on underage drinking sponsored by W.A.S.T."E".D and held at Franklin High School Tuesday evening, Dec 2, 2008.
If you were unable to attend, this series of podcasts will enable you to listen to the presentations and discussion that took place.
In this first part, we listen as FHS Principal Pam Gould introduces the problem, the formation of the WASTED group and outlines the presentations for the evening.
We’ll then listen to the presentation by students from Marushka Waters’ class.
The slide show that served as the backdrop for the presentation can be found here.
For me, there are two key quotes to remember. Both come from student voices at the end of this presentation. One is hard to hear as the student did not have the microphone to talk into, the second is more clearly heard. Both of which I have transcribed as follows:
1 – How come in Health class they teach us not to drink but they don’t teach us what to do in situations where people are drinking?
2 – Everyone of these stories you heard were written by someone on the stage. No one read their own monologue to protect their identities but we all wanted to share our stories because they’re real.
Listen carefully!
-------------
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
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
"saved the town about $25,000"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Emergency repairs to a partially collapsed culvert on Lincoln Street are slated for completion by Dec. 12, said Brutus Cantoreggi, director of the town's Department of Public Works.
The culvert was severely compromised after heavy rains in early August, Cantoreggi said.
The damaged culvert posed a potentially major hazard to cars and pedestrians on Lincoln Street, which is a main road connecting Franklin and Medway, Cantoreggi said.
"Everybody today must get a prize"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
What are we teaching kids about life?
There are a few things that must be clearly understood today. The rise and fall of our economic system depends on what we teach our children.
If we do not assume our roles as adults, teachers and mentors and teach a few absolutes, we are setting ourselves up for generations of failure on the world stage. First, greed is bad. Second, the inability to defer gratification is bad. Third, in life, somebody wins and somebody loses at different times. Fourth, to win with grace is good. Fifth, to lose with grace may be better. Sixth, laziness is bad. Seventh, there is a social contract to care for all members of society and to respect their equality as members of the human race.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
In the News - stabilization fund, bridge closure
Town Council may set up infrastructure stabilization fund
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Bridge in troubled water
Town Council - Agenda - 12/3/08
December 3, 2008
7:00 PM
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS -
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 08-628: Chapter 185-Nonconforming Uses and Structures – Public Hearing 7:10
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS – Annual Alcohol License Renewals
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
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
7:00 PM
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS -
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 08-628: Chapter 185-Nonconforming Uses and Structures – Public Hearing 7:10
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS – Annual Alcohol License Renewals
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
- Resolution 08-81: 2009 Town Council Meeting Schedule
- Resolution 08-82: Legal Notices
- Resolution 08-83: Establishment of Municipal Infrastructure/Facilities Improvement Stabilization Fund
- Resolution 08-84: Appropriation: Municipal Infrastructure/Facilities Improvement Stabilization Fund
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
Please don't litter - Franklin matters!
I have written previously of the bottles and cans I pick up on my weekend walks around Franklin here.
One possible explanation for such alcohol related litter could be the teenage drinking that appears to be prevalent in the area.
If you are concerned about the teenage alcohol problem, then come to the WASTED meeting tonight at Franklin High School, 7:00 PM.
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Monday, December 1, 2008
MBTA-Forge Pkwy Bridge Closure
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
Message sent - 12/1/2008
MBTA-Forge Pkwy Bridge Closure
Hello. This is the Franklin Police Department calling with an important message from Deputy Chief Semerjian. We want to advise the citizens and businesses in town of a significant traffic pattern change. Effective tomorrow, December 2 2008, the old wooden bridge on W Central Street, near the MBTA station, will close permanently.
Traffic to the MBTA lower lot and residences up to the bridge will flow as usual.
Traffic northbound of the bridge, including Garelick Farms and the MBTA upper lot, will be accessed using the Route 140 Bypass Bridge.
Message sent - 12/1/2008
MBTA-Forge Pkwy Bridge Closure
Hello. This is the Franklin Police Department calling with an important message from Deputy Chief Semerjian. We want to advise the citizens and businesses in town of a significant traffic pattern change. Effective tomorrow, December 2 2008, the old wooden bridge on W Central Street, near the MBTA station, will close permanently.
Traffic to the MBTA lower lot and residences up to the bridge will flow as usual.
Traffic northbound of the bridge, including Garelick Farms and the MBTA upper lot, will be accessed using the Route 140 Bypass Bridge.
FINANCIAL PLANNING COMMITTEE September 4, 2008
FINANCIAL PLANNING COMMITTEE
September 4, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm
Members present: Finance Committee Chair James Roche,
Councilors Deborah Bartlett, Steve Whalen and Shannon Zollo (arrived at 8:09pm)
Finance Committee member Rebecca Cameron,
Residents, Doug Hardesty and Gwynne Wilschek.
Members not in attendance: School Committee Members, Roberta Trahan and Matt
Kelley.
Also present were Town Administrator Jeff Nutting, and School Superintendent Wayne
Ogden and residents Jim Gianotti, Stacey Bower and Steve Sherlock.
Minutes reviewed by Committee for June 11, 2008, July 10, 2008 and August 7, 2008
Motion by Councilor Bartlett to Approve
Vote: Yes 9
No 0
Goal Discussion:
The Committee discussed:
The group discussed the budget and decided to look at large expense drivers such as
Jeff Nutting will meet with Department Heads to discuss budget and arrange for them to
meet with the Committee. (two per meeting)
The Committee also discussed cost of living percentage, inflation, health insurance. They
agreed that local government not sustainable in current mode.
Schools discussion:
Other Departments that need funding discussed:
Next meeting will have budget spreadsheets and two Department heads will attend.
Comments from visitors:
Next Meeting scheduled for September 18, 2008
Next Agenda – (tentatively)
Meeting adjourned
Respectfully,
Jeff Nutting
September 4, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm
Members present: Finance Committee Chair James Roche,
Councilors Deborah Bartlett, Steve Whalen and Shannon Zollo (arrived at 8:09pm)
Finance Committee member Rebecca Cameron,
Residents, Doug Hardesty and Gwynne Wilschek.
Members not in attendance: School Committee Members, Roberta Trahan and Matt
Kelley.
Also present were Town Administrator Jeff Nutting, and School Superintendent Wayne
Ogden and residents Jim Gianotti, Stacey Bower and Steve Sherlock.
Minutes reviewed by Committee for June 11, 2008, July 10, 2008 and August 7, 2008
Motion by Councilor Bartlett to Approve
Vote: Yes 9
No 0
Goal Discussion:
The Committee discussed:
- Maintaining same level of service may require an override
- Override – What it is going to cost
The group discussed the budget and decided to look at large expense drivers such as
- General Government
- Education
- DPW
- Questionnaire from Jeff Nutting to Departments
Jeff Nutting will meet with Department Heads to discuss budget and arrange for them to
meet with the Committee. (two per meeting)
The Committee also discussed cost of living percentage, inflation, health insurance. They
agreed that local government not sustainable in current mode.
Schools discussion:
- School had more layoffs than other departments
- School Choice Funds
- High School Renovations
- Enrollment
- SPED
- 2-3 yr Commitment other spending
- Are fixed costs coming up
- High School trajectory is toward probation (NEASC)
- Resources into High School
Other Departments that need funding discussed:
- Police
- Fire
- Library
- DPW
Next meeting will have budget spreadsheets and two Department heads will attend.
Comments from visitors:
- Good ideas to review Department Heads budget (metric w?
- Stick with main points
- Like to see more residents involved and at meetings
- Commends Committee for efforts
Next Meeting scheduled for September 18, 2008
Next Agenda – (tentatively)
- Public Safety
- DPW and Facilities
- Fixed Costs
- Library
Meeting adjourned
Respectfully,
Jeff Nutting
FINANCIAL PLANNING COMMITTEE September 18, 2008
FINANCIAL PLANNING COMMITTEE
September 18, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm by Vice Chair Doug Hardesty.
Members present:
Councilors Deborah Bartlett and Steve Whalen, Finance Committee member Rebecca
Cameron, School Committee Members, Roberta Trahan and Matt Kelley. Residents,
Doug Hardesty and Gwynne Wilschek.
Members not in attendance: Finance Chair Jim Roche and Councilor Shannon Zollo.
Town Administrator Jeff Nutting handed out a spreadsheet of the fiscal model and
reviewed the initial assumptions.
Fire Chief McCarraher presented his model for the department. He explained that his
model is based on response time and trends in the number of times the department
responds to emergencies in a given year. The model is based on a 4% growth rate, but
currently, the trends are flat so that his proposal could be moved out a few years.
He explained the attempted regionalization of dispatch and the barriers that prevented a
successful implementation. He also discussed staffing the department both in terms of
firefighting and ambulance calls. The ambulance produces about $700,000 a year in
revenue. $125,000 is set aside for ambulance replacement and the rest is turned over to
the general fund.
Police Chief Williams discussed his request for additional staffing that would return the
department to 2000 levels. The department has been able to “hold their own” with the use
of technology and the hard work of the staff. However, demand is increasing on all
fronts. Franklin’s staffing is well below comparative communities, as well as our per
capita spending on police. On any given shift, they can be shorthanded when an
emergency arises. They do belong to a regional police group for large-scale issues but
have insufficient staff for the daily demands on the department.
He requested two additional officers in FY 10 and on additional officer the following two
years.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm
September 18, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm by Vice Chair Doug Hardesty.
Members present:
Councilors Deborah Bartlett and Steve Whalen, Finance Committee member Rebecca
Cameron, School Committee Members, Roberta Trahan and Matt Kelley. Residents,
Doug Hardesty and Gwynne Wilschek.
Members not in attendance: Finance Chair Jim Roche and Councilor Shannon Zollo.
Town Administrator Jeff Nutting handed out a spreadsheet of the fiscal model and
reviewed the initial assumptions.
Fire Chief McCarraher presented his model for the department. He explained that his
model is based on response time and trends in the number of times the department
responds to emergencies in a given year. The model is based on a 4% growth rate, but
currently, the trends are flat so that his proposal could be moved out a few years.
He explained the attempted regionalization of dispatch and the barriers that prevented a
successful implementation. He also discussed staffing the department both in terms of
firefighting and ambulance calls. The ambulance produces about $700,000 a year in
revenue. $125,000 is set aside for ambulance replacement and the rest is turned over to
the general fund.
Police Chief Williams discussed his request for additional staffing that would return the
department to 2000 levels. The department has been able to “hold their own” with the use
of technology and the hard work of the staff. However, demand is increasing on all
fronts. Franklin’s staffing is well below comparative communities, as well as our per
capita spending on police. On any given shift, they can be shorthanded when an
emergency arises. They do belong to a regional police group for large-scale issues but
have insufficient staff for the daily demands on the department.
He requested two additional officers in FY 10 and on additional officer the following two
years.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm
Take the civics quiz
Are you more knowledgeable than the average citizen? The average score for all 2,508 Americans taking the following test was 49%; college educators scored 55%. Can you do better? Questions were drawn from past ISI surveys, as well as other nationally recognized exams.
The 35 question quiz can be found here
Let me know how you did and we can compare scores.
Send an email to me (shersteve at gmail dot com) or leave a comment.
Do your teens drink?
Would you know if your teens drink?
That the local police are on the alert to watch for teen drinking given the Taylor Meyer tragedy is quite appropriate.
A traffic stop on King St Saturday evening resulted in five arrests for drinking and possession of liquor by 17 and 18 year-olds. The MetroWest Health Survey was good in detailing how pervasive drinking is amongst the teenagers.
What we as a community will do about this problem to prevent additional tragedies remains to be seen.
One effort underway is WASTED, When Alcohol Starts To Effect Decisions, is being held Tuesday evening, December 2, 7:00 PM at Franklin High School.
Be there.
The teens in Franklin matter!
That the local police are on the alert to watch for teen drinking given the Taylor Meyer tragedy is quite appropriate.
A traffic stop on King St Saturday evening resulted in five arrests for drinking and possession of liquor by 17 and 18 year-olds. The MetroWest Health Survey was good in detailing how pervasive drinking is amongst the teenagers.
What we as a community will do about this problem to prevent additional tragedies remains to be seen.
One effort underway is WASTED, When Alcohol Starts To Effect Decisions, is being held Tuesday evening, December 2, 7:00 PM at Franklin High School.
Be there.
The teens in Franklin matter!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
"This is really the kickoff with Franklin"
Town officials are forging ahead with plans to renovate Franklin's aging high school building, while realizing that the economy's downturn could affect their ability to pay for the project.
The town submitted a refreshed proposal to the Massachusetts School Building Authority this month, specifying problems with the 37-year-old building and providing additional details on enrollment projections, the educational goals of a potential renovation, and past examples of the town's commitment to building maintenance.
In addition, several Franklin officials, including Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting and Town Council chairman Chris Feeley, met with the building authority's executive director, Katherine Craven, to identify Franklin's most pressing needs. Craven called the encounter "very positive."
Read the full article in the Boston Sunday Globe West section here
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"We have to be faithful to our basics"
An earsplitting clanging echoed from the stone bell tower of Mount St. Mary's Abbey in Wrentham, calling to prayer about a dozen nuns ending their morning shift in the convent's Candy House.
The sisters, wrapped in work clothes and aprons, walked down a wooded path and through a clearing as they made their silent way home. By noon, they were wearing the crisp, white robes of their contemplative Cistercian order, and had joined 40 others to chant and pray inside the abbey's airy church.
Up at 3, pray and work all day, retire at 8.
So it goes for these nuns and others in the order that for 900 years has emulated St. Benedict in relying on one's hands for daily sustenance.
Here in Wrentham, off a country lane not far from Interstate 495, that means tending a flock of sheep for wool to make blankets and growing a bounty of fresh vegetables in the summer, and, for these sisters who are rarely seen in public, making Trappistine Quality Candy - and lots of it.
Read the full article in the Boston Sunday Globe West section here
The Abbey web site can be found here
You can order candy via their online web store or make a donation via PayPal.
Postings about the Abbey's wind turbine can be found here
Whoosh Whoosh
Image via WikipediaWhat if some nuns in Wrentham decided to put up a wind turbine? And then high school officials in Worcester? And a Canton bank chairman? And pretty soon, the question wasn't where do wind farms belong, but how many windmills can we squeeze in to every last available space? That day is coming......
"Wind power is part of that," Schulte says. "It seems to be peppered all over society right now: green, green, green. Well, this is green. This is clean energy. This is 20 years of energy with no emissions. Twenty years of energy with no pollution you have to bury in the ground. I think that's all right."
.....
Remember the nuns? Their turbine -- another SED project -- is scheduled to be built this winter. And Sister Mariann Garrity, for one, can't wait for the moment she sees those pearly white blades spinning. "The wind is just something that we've let caress our faces," she says. "It was not something, up until now, that we had learned how to harness. And when we see that turbine go up, we'll know that we are using a gift of creation in a much more effective way."
It's just like the nuns pray on Sundays. Gathered together, all 50 of them, they thank the Lord for the rain and the dew, for the heat of summer and the cold of winter. They give thanks for the seas and the rivers and the beasts, wild and tame. And they give thanks, of course, for the wind blowing outside the abbey, just waiting for a turbine to spin. "All you winds," they say together, quoting from the book of Daniel, "bless the Lord."
Read the full article in the Boston Globe Magazine here
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Saturday, November 29, 2008
Junior Miss Program
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29
41st Franklin Junior Miss Scholarship Program.
7 p.m.
Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium, Horace Mann Middle School, Oak Street, Franklin.
Tickets available at the door: $15
This year’s theme is "Friends."
41st Franklin Junior Miss Scholarship Program.
7 p.m.
Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium, Horace Mann Middle School, Oak Street, Franklin.
Tickets available at the door: $15
This year’s theme is "Friends."
Friday, November 28, 2008
"he knows of parents who allow underage drinking"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Outraged that some parents think it's OK for their children and friends to drink alcohol at home, a coalition of concerned residents is shedding light on the problem of underage drinking.
Franklin High School Principal Pamela Gould has helped form a group called WASTED, or When Alcohol Starts To Effect Decisions. The group will host a meeting for parents on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. at the high school, to share ideas to keep kids from drinking.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.Many parents don't believe their children drink, but the problem is pervasive, Gould said.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Defaced already
Yes, Dolores and I found a sticker placed on the base of the "Hat's Off to Franklin" sculpture on our walk this morning.
It didn't take long for some inconsiderate soul to deface this brand new Franklin gem.
Fortunately, it removed fairly easily.
Hat's Off to Franklin - slideshow
Franklin has much to be thankful for this year. I think the "Hat's Off to Franklin" sculpture helps to summarize all the goodness that the people, businesses, organizations and local government that make up this town is capable of.
Happy thanksgiving!
Happy thanksgiving!
"you want to help him out"
FRANKLIN - When Gabriel Dut Bethou fled his remote village in southern Sudan 14 years ago, after a raid by soldiers of the faction that controlled the country at the time, it was with fear for his own life and grief for a family he thought had been killed.
Fourteen years later, the 24-year-old is preparing to return to his homeland — this time, with unimaginable joy.
Bethou, a student and employee at Dean College in Franklin, will be reunited with his mother, Ayen Aleer, and 20-year-old sister Akuot Bethou, both of whom he spent more than a decade believing to have been killed in the attack.
He will also meet for the first time two younger sisters born after Akuot and his parents — his father was later killed in other strife — relocated to the Sudanese city of Juba: Aluong, 10, and Nyakong, 14.
Read the full article in the Gazette here
Earlier this year, Franklin Matters had posted on the story as reported in the Boston Globe
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Franklin: frosty morning
How cold was it this morning?
Cold enough that the frost
protected by the shade
sugar coated the green grass
The collections of posts covering the School Committee meeting of 11/25/08
School Committee - AGENDA - 11/25/08
- live reporting - remaining items
- live reporting - action items
- live reporting - modulars
- live reporting - school calendar survey
- live reporting - technology capital
- live reporting - MCAS Q&A
- Live reporting - MCAS
- live reporting - middle school improvement plans
- live reporting - Miriam Goodman
- Live reporting - School Committee meeting 11/25/08...
School Committee - AGENDA - 11/25/08
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
live reporting - remaining items
Reminder that the ConnectED is to be used for more than just emergencies
The reminder on the completing the survey yielded 800 additional responses, it is a powerful tool.
Subcommittee reports
building use met earlier
communications need to met to review some advertising and to prepare the enxt steps on the EdNets
Liaison reports
A small group from the DOE will visit the high school on Dec 18th to visit and assess the needs as submitted in the recent statement of interest
Wasted - lecture on Dec 7th, impact of alcohol on students at Franklin High School
The reminder on the completing the survey yielded 800 additional responses, it is a powerful tool.
Subcommittee reports
building use met earlier
communications need to met to review some advertising and to prepare the enxt steps on the EdNets
Liaison reports
A small group from the DOE will visit the high school on Dec 18th to visit and assess the needs as submitted in the recent statement of interest
Wasted - lecture on Dec 7th, impact of alcohol on students at Franklin High School
live reporting - action items
4. Action Items
- I recommend approval of the budget transfers as listed on the attached. - covered earlier
- I recommend approval of the Horace Mann Middle School’s School Improvement Plan - approved 6-0
- I recommend approval of the Remington Middle School’s School Improvement Plan - approved 6-0
- I recommend approval of the Annie Sullivan Middle School’s School Improvement Plan- approved 6-0
- I recommend approval of the request of the FHS Music Dept. for the April 18-20, 2009 field trip to New York City as detailed.- approved 6-0
- I recommend acceptance of the donation of science equipment valued at $8,000 from Vacumet Corp. for the FHS Science Department. - approved 6-0
- I recommend approval of the authorization of the Superintendent to create and administer the FPS 403B Plan document in accordance with the IRS Regulations as detailed in the attached memo. covered earlier
- I recommend acceptance of the annual donation of $50.00 from Leuder’s Environmental, Inc to be used for library books for Davis Thayer Elementary School. - approved 6-0
- I recommend approval of the MS Trip to NY City on May 9, 2009 as detailed on the attached. approved 5-0, 1 abstain
live reporting - modulars
Are you going to vote to give any direction to Paula and Ed to take to the Building Committee?
Take modular down because
The action item should be an all inclusive package (removal of modular, restoration of grounds, re-wiring, etc. within the facilities).
Take modular down because
- of the condition of the modular
- you have space within the building to absorb the students
- you want to restore the building to a good condition
The action item should be an all inclusive package (removal of modular, restoration of grounds, re-wiring, etc. within the facilities).
live reporting - school calendar survey
The top part of the table reflects the survey responses by percent, the bottom part by number of responses. The highlights in green show agreement between the staff and the parents/guardians. The highlights in yellow show the disagreements between the staff and the parents/guardians.The summary will go out with the school newsletters after the Thanksgiving break.
There are three points of disagreement between staff and parents.
- Teachers want start before Labor Day, parents want to start post Labor Day
- Teachers support the current calendar scheduling of professional day, parents do not
- Teachers want professional development days during school year, parents want professional development days scheduled during the summer
There was agreement on the other five questions on the survey.
The administrator team will incorporate these findings into the next calendar when they bring that before you next Feb/Mar.
live reporting - technology capital
Tim Raposa presenting the technology capital for the Town and the Public Schools
Looking at a sharing laptop project for the high school
The document for the Technology Update can be found here.
The Technology department now covers all Town functions except for the Police Department.
Food service revenues would cover cafeteria automation software.
Nursing software avoids paper copies, integrates into student record keeping system.
Halleluiah! The Cable Commission is bringing streaming video within 3-4 months for all meetings, indexed and archived.
Hopefully close to resolving the legal issue with EdNets and should be able to bring that in within a couple of months.
approx 18-20 smart boards district wide about to be purchased with money already approved.
Armenio - can we get software where a parent can check their students homework or grades from yesterday's test?
Raposa - that software would be about $15,000 per year. I can consider moving it up in the priority listing.
Cafasso - I would echo Sharon Jackson's memo, I hear no complaints from the consumers.
Raposa - Thank you!
Rohrbach -What about the number of smart boards? Is there really a need in the elementary levels?
Raposa - If I could bring in more of them, I would.
Rohrbach - I have been to other high schools where they have multiple smart boards, why do they only have one?
Raposa - It is not a technical limitation at the high school. I was spreading the money around to be fair.
Ogden - You answered it but may not have made the point fully, the survey of the faculty of the high school for what they needed did not reveal smart boards. They do want the wireless and the networking. We may need to do some familiarization amongst the high school faculty to bring their familiarity with smart board technology.
Roy - with regards to the laptops at the high school, about 200 for loan, would also be able to get a deal for parents?
Raposa - It is an option, I can do that, need to work out how to buy them and then in turn sell them within the School Department finances.
Roy - is a laptop in the hands of every student on the radar?
Raposa - the amount of money is the problem, even at the high school with 400 incoming students and a $400 system that adds up. I have focused less on providing the laptop and more on focusing to provide the network to let them access the systems.
Looking at a sharing laptop project for the high school
The document for the Technology Update can be found here.
The Technology department now covers all Town functions except for the Police Department.
Food service revenues would cover cafeteria automation software.
Nursing software avoids paper copies, integrates into student record keeping system.
Halleluiah! The Cable Commission is bringing streaming video within 3-4 months for all meetings, indexed and archived.
Hopefully close to resolving the legal issue with EdNets and should be able to bring that in within a couple of months.
approx 18-20 smart boards district wide about to be purchased with money already approved.
Armenio - can we get software where a parent can check their students homework or grades from yesterday's test?
Raposa - that software would be about $15,000 per year. I can consider moving it up in the priority listing.
Cafasso - I would echo Sharon Jackson's memo, I hear no complaints from the consumers.
Raposa - Thank you!
Rohrbach -What about the number of smart boards? Is there really a need in the elementary levels?
Raposa - If I could bring in more of them, I would.
Rohrbach - I have been to other high schools where they have multiple smart boards, why do they only have one?
Raposa - It is not a technical limitation at the high school. I was spreading the money around to be fair.
Ogden - You answered it but may not have made the point fully, the survey of the faculty of the high school for what they needed did not reveal smart boards. They do want the wireless and the networking. We may need to do some familiarization amongst the high school faculty to bring their familiarity with smart board technology.
Roy - with regards to the laptops at the high school, about 200 for loan, would also be able to get a deal for parents?
Raposa - It is an option, I can do that, need to work out how to buy them and then in turn sell them within the School Department finances.
Roy - is a laptop in the hands of every student on the radar?
Raposa - the amount of money is the problem, even at the high school with 400 incoming students and a $400 system that adds up. I have focused less on providing the laptop and more on focusing to provide the network to let them access the systems.
live reporting - MCAS Q&A
Cafasso - what about the difference in the longitudinal studies?
Kingsland-Smith - remember that longitudinal looks at different populations of students, so as long as we stay within a small range of variance we are okay.
Cafasso - the cohort numbers are increasing
Kingsland-Smith - the population is also a factor here with significant students moving into ot out of the district, the numbers in the aggregate can change reflecting that. To really be sure of cohort progrsss, you need to look at an individual level and see how they have progressed within the district.
Gerlits - The DOE database next year will provide the analysis for a true cohort study, focusing on students who have been in Franklin for all their education
Kingsland-Smith - an 8th grade ISSP will follow the student through to the High school. The transfer of information occurs between the teachers at the transition time.
EPP educational proficiency plan is specific to the 10th grade test results
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Live reporting - MCAS
Michelle Kingsland-Smith
Bobbi Gerlits
AYP - adequate yearly progress is a state measurement towards the overall target; four status category; no status, improvement (no improvement for 2 years running), corrective action (state interaction to provide assistance), state restructuring
performance highlights
Davis Thayer, top five performance in Grade 4 mathematics
Helen Keller, grade 5 mathematics, 94% of the students scored high
Grade 3, 4, 5 received very high scores in mathematics
Elementary made AYP in all groups and rankings
Middle School did not make AYP in subgroups
Middle schools
1 - idea of developmental learning process, state identifies a constant rate of change, we know from research and experience that students do not learn at a constant rate of change, compound that with the social and emotional challenges of the middle school age group
2 - when we talk about subgroups we usually talk about students with learning disabilities, progress usually is one year of growth per year, students with disabilities however need more time to make the development step; by the time they finish high school they meet the standards, having taken the time necessary to develop
3 - the test materials, learning standards increase exponentially in the middle school over the levels in the elementary schools. There is a ceiling in the 10th grade testing material, at an adult reading level.
High School
RTI - response to intervention, a framework to identify readers and reading levels
ISSP - individual student success plans, any student with a score between 220 and 238 has a plan to focus on their instruction and progress
Graduation requirements are changing for the students graduating in 2010, the passing score increases from 220 to 240 for both Math and English
Class of 2012 in addition to the Math, English and Science, they will also be required to pass a US History test
Bobbi Gerlits
AYP - adequate yearly progress is a state measurement towards the overall target; four status category; no status, improvement (no improvement for 2 years running), corrective action (state interaction to provide assistance), state restructuring
performance highlights
- district vs. State
- 98 Adams scholarship recipients
- school recognitions
- grade level recognitions
Davis Thayer, top five performance in Grade 4 mathematics
Helen Keller, grade 5 mathematics, 94% of the students scored high
Grade 3, 4, 5 received very high scores in mathematics
Elementary made AYP in all groups and rankings
Middle School did not make AYP in subgroups
- Horace Mann made AYP
- Remington ELA improvement year 1 - subgroups
- Annie Sullivan ELA improvement year 1 - subgroups
Middle schools
- Math, Science - Low Income in subgroup
- Math -Very Low in special education subgroup
1 - idea of developmental learning process, state identifies a constant rate of change, we know from research and experience that students do not learn at a constant rate of change, compound that with the social and emotional challenges of the middle school age group
2 - when we talk about subgroups we usually talk about students with learning disabilities, progress usually is one year of growth per year, students with disabilities however need more time to make the development step; by the time they finish high school they meet the standards, having taken the time necessary to develop
3 - the test materials, learning standards increase exponentially in the middle school over the levels in the elementary schools. There is a ceiling in the 10th grade testing material, at an adult reading level.
High School
- Math - low income made moderate improvement
- Biology for both Low income and Special Education subgroups, they were in the Low performance rating category
RTI - response to intervention, a framework to identify readers and reading levels
ISSP - individual student success plans, any student with a score between 220 and 238 has a plan to focus on their instruction and progress
Graduation requirements are changing for the students graduating in 2010, the passing score increases from 220 to 240 for both Math and English
Class of 2012 in addition to the Math, English and Science, they will also be required to pass a US History test
live reporting - middle school improvement plans
1 - Ms. Beth Wittcoff, Principal of Annie Sullivan Middle School
developed mission statement, culture and other foundation items when the school opened
need to tackle annual yearly progress especially within the special education students
their document has already served the building very well this year as the school year started
2 - Mr. Paul Peri, Principal of Remington Middle School
Goal 1 - reading, writing, literacy
Goal 2 - targeting skills of two sub-group populations, all three middle schools rank in the Very High or High categories, except for the low-income or special needs students
Goal 3 - connecting to the Franklin community
3 - Dr. Anne Bergen, Principal, Horace Mann Middle School
Goal 1 - writing, literacy
Goal 2 - focus on the highest performing students, wrote a grant application to submit to the state (which unfortunately the state is unable to fund). Surveyed the students to determine their interests, so they could at least get planning for some of the materials, putting together a personal finance course; mosaic tile project with Worcester Art Museum; etc.
analysis of reading rate, analysis on note taking (some kids are faking it)
Armenio - what are the implications of AYP?
Armenio - touch base with Kathleen Woods they took part at the High School in a Credit for Life fair and have some good information
developed mission statement, culture and other foundation items when the school opened
need to tackle annual yearly progress especially within the special education students
their document has already served the building very well this year as the school year started
2 - Mr. Paul Peri, Principal of Remington Middle School
Goal 1 - reading, writing, literacy
Goal 2 - targeting skills of two sub-group populations, all three middle schools rank in the Very High or High categories, except for the low-income or special needs students
Goal 3 - connecting to the Franklin community
3 - Dr. Anne Bergen, Principal, Horace Mann Middle School
Goal 1 - writing, literacy
Goal 2 - focus on the highest performing students, wrote a grant application to submit to the state (which unfortunately the state is unable to fund). Surveyed the students to determine their interests, so they could at least get planning for some of the materials, putting together a personal finance course; mosaic tile project with Worcester Art Museum; etc.
analysis of reading rate, analysis on note taking (some kids are faking it)
Armenio - what are the implications of AYP?
Armenio - touch base with Kathleen Woods they took part at the High School in a Credit for Life fair and have some good information
live reporting - Miriam Goodman
Miriam provided an update on the following items.
1 - I recommend approval of the budget transfers as listed on the attached.
Approved 6-0
7 - I recommend approval of the authorization of the Superintendent to create and administer the FPS 403B Plan document in accordance with the IRS Regulations as detailed in the attached memo.
Approved 6-0
(will copy the details of the memo referenced later)
1 - I recommend approval of the budget transfers as listed on the attached.
Approved 6-0
7 - I recommend approval of the authorization of the Superintendent to create and administer the FPS 403B Plan document in accordance with the IRS Regulations as detailed in the attached memo.
Approved 6-0
(will copy the details of the memo referenced later)
Live reporting - School Committee meeting 11/25/08
Present: Armenio, Cafasso, Mullen, Roy, Rohrbach, Trahan
Absent: Kelly
1. Routine Business
Absent: Kelly
1. Routine Business
- Citizen’s Comments - none
- Review of Agenda - move action items #1 and 7 up to Guests & Presentations section
- Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the November 18, 2008 School Committee Meeting - approved 6-0
- Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
- Payroll Ms. Armenio
- FHS Student Representatives
- Correspondence:
"who might have provided the alcohol"
Milford Daily News
WRENTHAM —
Police busted another underage drinking party Friday, arresting 20 youths at a gathering where many wore keepsakes honoring a teen who died following another beer bash, police said.
"We just arraigned all 20 (yesterday)," said Wrentham Police Sgt. William McGrath.
He said at the party Friday, many of the teens were wearing pink bracelets in memory of Taylor Meyer, the 17-year-old Plainville girl who drowned in a Norfolk swamp last month following an underage drinking party in the woods.
"Additionally, in the driveway was at least one car with a memorial painted in the back window," he said.
The rear window message read: "R.I.P. Tay. Best Friends Always. I love you angel."
McGrath said Kathi Meyer, the mother of the deceased King Philip High School senior, showed up at the arraignment and asked the teens to return the pink bracelets. Some of them were at the Oct. 17 party where Taylor Meyer was last seen alive, as well as at her funeral.
"I don't speak for the mother, but I did sense her disappointment," McGrath said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
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Looking for FHS Alumni artists
FRANKLIN - The Franklin Art Department is hoping to highlight the work of Franklin High School alumni who continued making art after high school graduation.
Anyone who participated in the art department and is still involved with art or design is welcome to exhibit examples of their work for the students and community of Franklin to appreciate.
The department is seeking architects, industrial designers, graphic artists, photographers, illustrators, apparel designers, fine artists in any medium, as well as college students currently studying in any art related field to participate in this first-ever alumni show.
To exhibit your work in the new Gallery 218, or to volunteer to help, send an email by Jan. 5 to: Rosanne Walsh ("Mrs. Gosch"), class of 1982 at rgosch@franklin.k12.ma.us or Mike Caple, art director at caplem@franklin.k12.ma.us.
Originally posted on the Gazette web site
Monday, November 24, 2008
School Committee - AGENDA - 11/25/08
Franklin School Committee Meeting
November 25, 2008
Municipal Building – Council Chambers
7:00 P.M.
AGENDA
Call to order Mr. Roy
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence
1. Routine Business
2. Guests/Presentations:
3. Discussion Only Items
4. Action Items
5. Information Matters
• Superintendent’s Report
• 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
November 25, 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 November 18, 2008 School Committee Meeting.
- Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
- Payroll Ms. Armenio
- FHS Student Representatives
- Correspondence:
2. Guests/Presentations:
- Horace Mann, Remington & Annie Sullivan Middle School’s School Improvement Plans
- MCAS
- Technology Report and Capital Needs
3. Discussion Only Items
- Budget to Actual
- School Calendar Survey Results
- Modular Classrooms
4. Action Items
- I recommend approval of the budget transfers as listed on the attached.
- I recommend approval of the Horace Mann Middle School’s School Improvement Plan
- I recommend approval of the Remington Middle School’s School Improvement Plan
- I recommend approval of the Annie Sullivan Middle School’s School Improvement Plan
- I recommend approval of the request of the FHS Music Dept. for the April 18-20, 2009 field trip to New York City as detailed.
- I recommend acceptance of the donation of science equipment valued at $8,000 from Vacumet Corp. for the FHS Science Department.
- I recommend approval of the authorization of the Superintendent to create and administer the FPS 403B Plan document in accordance with the IRS Regulations as detailed in the attached memo.
- I recommend acceptance of the annual donation of $50.00 from Leuder’s Environmental, Inc to be used for library books for Davis Thayer Elementary School.
- I recommend approval of the MS Trip to NY City on May 9, 2009 as detailed on the attached.
5. Information Matters
• Superintendent’s Report
- Calendar Survey
- Teacher Award
- Connect Ed Update
• 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
"This further opens the door"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
Agreeing to establish an area in town for industrial development was called a "no-brainer" for Town Council when the decision came before them last Wednesday.
The council unanimously voted to opt into Chapter 43D and establish a priority development site on two parcels of town-owned land adjacent to Pond Street, in the office zoning district.
Chapter 43D, signed into Massachusetts law in 2006, guarantees local permitting decisions on priority development sites within 180 days, and increases the visibility of a community and the target development site.
There are a lot of vacancies in Franklin's two industrial parks, said Bryan Taberner, Franklin's director of planning and development. He said Town Council could designate each, or portions of them, as priority development sites.
"The key benefit to having priority development sites is, the state will help you market that site. They will actually put us on the map, even internationally. That's a huge benefit," Taberner said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.
This was part of the live reporting of the Town Council meeting November 19, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Sign spinners for Jenny Craig
Have you sign those crazy guys spinning signs at the 140/I495 exits or near the entrance to the Franklin Village Shopping Center?
I caught up with Justin Brown today to find out a little more about them and to record this brief video in case you missed their performance. Saturday is their last day advertising for the Jenny Craig opening at Franklin Village.
Justin was at the entrance and is pictured in the video here. He was joined by Charles "Chaz" Bryant, Ray Rivera, and Michael "Rex" Rexrode.
If you would like to enlist the sign spinners to help advertise your company, the contact information is available on the AArrow Advertising web site.
Enjoy!
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I caught up with Justin Brown today to find out a little more about them and to record this brief video in case you missed their performance. Saturday is their last day advertising for the Jenny Craig opening at Franklin Village.
Justin was at the entrance and is pictured in the video here. He was joined by Charles "Chaz" Bryant, Ray Rivera, and Michael "Rex" Rexrode.
If you would like to enlist the sign spinners to help advertise your company, the contact information is available on the AArrow Advertising web site.
Enjoy!
Friends of Mel
Eileen Mellor, Chris Sullivan and Sharon Whalen at Stop & Shop fund raising for Friends of Mel.
They will be at Stop & Shop this afternoon, if you have a chance, stop by and help them.
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Happy Birthday To Franklin Matters
A belated birthday wish to Franklin Matters!
How quickly a year passes! I created this site to separate the Franklin posts from the rest at Steve's 2 Cents. The first post on this site was November 9, 2007. Over 1200 posts later, it is still going.
Where?
That question you can help me answer.
What should there be more of?
What should there be less of?
Public hearing notice
The details on the tagged and green ribbon trees indicate that there is a public hearing scheduled for 11/24/08 to review the plans for removing these trees as part of the construction/upgrade of Pulaski Blvd in Bellingham.
"The Bellingham Tree Warden will conduct a public hearing on November 24, 2008 at 7:00 PM in the Cafeteria of the Paul J. Primavera Education Center, 80 Hairpin St, to review proposed tree removal and plantings along the Pulaski Blvd right of way related to the Pulaski Blvd Improvement Project, Chapter 87, section 3 for cutting of public shade trees."
Mobile post sent by shersteve using Utterli.
Replies.Tie a green ribbon?
I recall the lyrics being something like "tie a yellow ribbon".
What does it mean when all these trees get green ribbons?
If you have had the opportunity to drive down Washington St into Bellingham, where the road changes name to Pulaski Blvd, there are dozens of trees tagged with green ribbons and these plastic cards.
Mobile post sent by shersteve using Utterli.
Replies."It's what the town needed"
Seniors party for center's one-year anniversary
Yesterday, seniors - and public officials - proved they know how to have some fun. |
Open for business: PetShop.biz
As part of our continuing series on businesses located here in Franklin, I find out that PetShop.biz is now open for business via this notice.
Founded by Paula And William Ross, Petshop.biz has about 1,000 products to help pet owners enhance the health and relationship with their pets.
PetShop.biz offers a business opportunity in the $40 Billion Pet Industry and an on-line Pet Store for each Petshop.biz affiliate. Petshop.biz affiliates have a fully equipped customer service center at their disposal, ready to take customer orders.
For more info, you can buzz them at 888-303-7775, visit their website (http://www.petshop.biz), or stop in at their Franklin, MA headquarters.
For information on other businesses in Franklin check out the prior postings here
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Friday, November 21, 2008
In the news - Financial Planning, Downtown Partnership, chambers unite, schools reduce paper
GHS
FRANKLIN —
In its ongoing efforts to create a three-year financial forecast for the town, the Fiscal Planning Committee last night considered the School Department's future.
The committee kicked around the possibility of regionalizing services with nearby towns, and member Stephen Whalen asked whether anyone has thought of asking the teachers union to agree to a moratorium on step increases (but keeping cost-of-living increases) now that "times are really tough."
"If we're asking taxpayers to make sacrifices, maybe we could ask our employees to make sacrifices" to reduce the chances of their colleagues getting laid off, he said.
Committee member and Town Council Vice Chairwoman Deborah Bartlett argued that teachers would just leave Franklin for other districts.
Matt Kelly, another member from the School Committee, whose wife is a teacher, said the big question teachers always ask during budget season and when layoffs loom, is whether they have the seniority to keep their job.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
For my live reporting from this meeting check the notes here
------------------
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Now that the town-commissioned statue has been unveiled at Franklin's relocated historical museum, the Downtown Partnership is preparing to beautify downtown on Sunday and start a merchants subcommittee to help breathe life into the center of town.
The new merchants committee, spearheaded by three businesses, Jane's Frames on East Central Street, ArtBeat on Summer Street, and Fitness Together on Main Street, will have a special event every third Thursday of each month, likely starting in January, said Jane Curran, a partnership member and owner of Jane's Frames.
"We want to have the 'third Thursdays' to encourage the public to come and see what's going on in downtown," which may include discounts and special promotions, Curran said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Help decorate downtown Franklin Sunday, 11/23/08 from noon to 4:00 PM
------------------
GHS
Franklin's United Chamber of Commerce is merging with the Attleboro Area Chamber of Commerce, which members of both organizations hope will expand their clout and marketing reach.
The two had been discussing a merger for the past few months, as the United Chamber found itself in a tight financial situation and searched for a partner.
Attleboro's president, Jack Lank, will become president of the newly formed and re-named United Regional Chamber of Commerce, which will span more than 800 businesses in 14 towns along Interstate 495.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
------------------
The refrigerator doors at students’ homes may appear more barren these days as school administrators try to distribute fewer hand-outs and disseminate more information through the Web.
Several school officials who send newsletters via e-mail and post grades online said recently they are looking to be both environmentally friendly and cost conscious.
Margaret Cole, a mother of three students in Bellingham schools, says less paper has come home this school year so far, although she still sees her "fair share."
With two children attending South Elementary School last year, she said she received duplicates of every hand-out.
"I would love to see more notices and homework assignments put online," Cole said. "It helps me monitor (their work) and makes it so much easier."
Read the full article in the Gazette here
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Energy $ense: Sustainable Business Leader Program
The Friends of the Franklin Public Library sponsored the 2nd installment of The Franklin Area Climate Team’s “Energy $ense” Series on Thursday, November 13th. The seminar: “How Businesses Get Help Going Green” with Alex Chamberlain, Director of the Sustainable Business Leader Program.
The Sustainable Business Leader Program (SBLP) offers assistance to small to medium sized businesses in Boston and the surrounding areas 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.
A diverse group of businesses is participating currently in Boston; Boston Duck Tours through to Mom/Pop type shops. A listing of the 27 businesses in the program can be found on the SBLP website here. (http://www.sustainablebusinessleader.org/SBLP%20%20Participants.htm)
What is the Sustainable Process? The process starts with the sustainability assessment form (PDF). It is rather extensive and detailed with 94 questions. Completion of the form is followed by a site evaluation. The evaluation confirms answers to the survey questions and results in research that produces an assessment. The assessment provides recommendations for an action plan. The business creates the plan. SBLP personnel are available to work with the business to help develop the plan. Ultimately the SBLP reviews plan and approves.
How else can SBLP help your business? The SBLP held a gathering for restaurants and cafes to review sustainable practices. Sustainable practices are hard to do effectively as the business are small operations and are heavily driven by the immediate needs of their customers. The roundtable conversation was successful. The ripple effect of the discussion around locally sourced food was impressive and unexpected. Not only were the restaurants and cafes interested, but other companies were looking for local food for their cafeterias and break rooms.
They are exploring similar events for other groupings of companies to better meet their needs. SBLP has scheduled a “greentech” event for Dec 10th
How much of an opportunity is there? In 2006, it was estimated that there were 650,000 small businesses in Massachusetts alone. It is likely there are more today than then, therefore the work opportunity is great.
What does the program cost? The SBLP program costs $500. The individual company would pay $250 and the local chamber or other sponsor group would contribute $250.
What is the key to success? Whether the program starts at the top leadership of the company, or starts at the bottom, or anywhere in between, having a champion to keep the initiative going usually ensures a successful program.
Somerville has a similar program for the Davis Square area. The local businesses got together and determined to create a sustainable environment as a way of differentiating themselves from Harvard Square. For more information on the green effort you can visit their web site here. (http://groups.google.com/group/gogreendavis)
For more information on a sustainable process for your Franklin area business, please email Ted McIntyre of the Franklin Area Climate Team at emcintyre1@comcast.net or call 508-528-7765
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The Sustainable Business Leader Program (SBLP) offers assistance to small to medium sized businesses in Boston and the surrounding areas 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.
A diverse group of businesses is participating currently in Boston; Boston Duck Tours through to Mom/Pop type shops. A listing of the 27 businesses in the program can be found on the SBLP website here. (http://www.sustainablebusinessleader.org/SBLP%20%20Participants.htm)
What is the Sustainable Process? The process starts with the sustainability assessment form (PDF). It is rather extensive and detailed with 94 questions. Completion of the form is followed by a site evaluation. The evaluation confirms answers to the survey questions and results in research that produces an assessment. The assessment provides recommendations for an action plan. The business creates the plan. SBLP personnel are available to work with the business to help develop the plan. Ultimately the SBLP reviews plan and approves.
How else can SBLP help your business? The SBLP held a gathering for restaurants and cafes to review sustainable practices. Sustainable practices are hard to do effectively as the business are small operations and are heavily driven by the immediate needs of their customers. The roundtable conversation was successful. The ripple effect of the discussion around locally sourced food was impressive and unexpected. Not only were the restaurants and cafes interested, but other companies were looking for local food for their cafeterias and break rooms.
They are exploring similar events for other groupings of companies to better meet their needs. SBLP has scheduled a “greentech” event for Dec 10th
How much of an opportunity is there? In 2006, it was estimated that there were 650,000 small businesses in Massachusetts alone. It is likely there are more today than then, therefore the work opportunity is great.
What does the program cost? The SBLP program costs $500. The individual company would pay $250 and the local chamber or other sponsor group would contribute $250.
What is the key to success? Whether the program starts at the top leadership of the company, or starts at the bottom, or anywhere in between, having a champion to keep the initiative going usually ensures a successful program.
Somerville has a similar program for the Davis Square area. The local businesses got together and determined to create a sustainable environment as a way of differentiating themselves from Harvard Square. For more information on the green effort you can visit their web site here. (http://groups.google.com/group/gogreendavis)
For more information on a sustainable process for your Franklin area business, please email Ted McIntyre of the Franklin Area Climate Team at emcintyre1@comcast.net or call 508-528-7765
FINANCIAL PLANNING COMMITTEE MINUTES 10/16/08
FINANCIAL PLANNING COMMITTEE MINUTES OF MEETING OCTOBER 16, 2008
A meeting of the Financial Planning Committee was held on October 16,2008 at the Franklin Municipal Building. Members present were James Roche, Deborah Bartlett, Roberta Trahan, Matt Kelly, Rebecca Cameron, Doug Hardesty and Gwynne Wilschek..
Absent were Steve Whelan and Shannon Zollo. Also present were Wayne Odgen, Jeffrey Nutting and Tina Powderly.
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m.
Discussion Items:
1. A general discussion was held on how to proceed.
2. The schools will present their model on November 20th.
3. Since the revenue picture will be unclear until February, it is the hope of the Committee to make a report by March, 2009.
4. Discussion on how to reach out to the citizens for input.
Doug Hardesty agreed to begin work on formatting the model; Jeff Nutting agreed to obtain comparison information about past versus current expenses; and Deb Bartlett agreed to work on a timeline. It is hoped that the report could have a range of financial options ranging from low to high.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeffrey D. Nutting
A meeting of the Financial Planning Committee was held on October 16,2008 at the Franklin Municipal Building. Members present were James Roche, Deborah Bartlett, Roberta Trahan, Matt Kelly, Rebecca Cameron, Doug Hardesty and Gwynne Wilschek..
Absent were Steve Whelan and Shannon Zollo. Also present were Wayne Odgen, Jeffrey Nutting and Tina Powderly.
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m.
Discussion Items:
1. A general discussion was held on how to proceed.
2. The schools will present their model on November 20th.
3. Since the revenue picture will be unclear until February, it is the hope of the Committee to make a report by March, 2009.
4. Discussion on how to reach out to the citizens for input.
Doug Hardesty agreed to begin work on formatting the model; Jeff Nutting agreed to obtain comparison information about past versus current expenses; and Deb Bartlett agreed to work on a timeline. It is hoped that the report could have a range of financial options ranging from low to high.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeffrey D. Nutting
Financial Planning Committee 11/20/08
The collection of posts from the Financial Planning Committee meeting on 11/20/08
Thursday, November 20, 2008
live reporting - school budget continued
Discussion on step/level changes versus the across the board rate increase.
The union both teachers and others in town would really fight hard on changing the step/level changes.
The Franklin teachers were cooperative in the most recent deal in accepting the 6.5% over three year increase.
Police, fire do this step/level thing too, the teachers are not alone. After 13 years, when you are theoretically at the top of your game, you only get an annual cost of living increase (i.e. the 2/2/2.5%). In other industries, you get opportunities for bonuses, etc.
What percent of the SPED budget is transportation?
At least 25-35%.
For the total SPED population we are about 70 students. That fluctuates from year to year depending upon the overall student population.
School employment equals 471 professional teaching staff, plus administrators, secretarial, to total approx 620.
Supplies were frozen overall. We equalized the amount at each level elementary, middle and high school levels to work out to be $210, $225, $355 respectively.
There are a 159 at the masters level, 75 will be at the top of the guide next year.
Typically English, Social Studies, Music we could get at an entry level. For Science, most likely would need to get at something higher than the entry level.
Class size charts reviewed to depict where the district is today.
Science class sizes were kept at around 24 due to the physical space, the labs were set for 2 students per station and 12 stations per room. To do more than that runs risk of additional dangers in handling the scientific materials.
Elementary sizes suffer from a distribution problem unless we re-district every year to make the adjustments.
Can we compare how successful we were at higher class sizes versus lower class sizes?
Yes, and no, not easily. There is a lot of national research on class size. New England Association of Schools and Colleges has asked the high school what impact the increase in class size will have. The comparative is a trailing indicator. You find out when it is too late.
We have a one shot deal here.
The past committees have really tried to preserve class size as the one major educational item of significance.
Could you experiment with different models of the mix of younger vs. older teachers?
Tenure vs. professional teaching status. The first three years the school district has a whole lot of flexibility. For the fourth year, there is now a right for that position.
With the three year starting process and then the flatness over 13 years, you really don't have any flexibility with teachers salary.
Not sure that you can track AP classes from year to year like we can with MCAS scores.
What else can we look at, turn over some rocks to find?
Probably don't have time tonight to look at that.
Next meeting: Dec 4th, Dec 18th, Jan 15th, Feb 5th
Discussion on "free cash", get started on the financial model
Think about all that we have heard and start to synthesize.
FY 10 salary numbers will be available in January, the out years should be discussed. Collective bargaining will be coming, Jan 2010 on the town side. Teachers will start negotiation in Sep 2009. We did secure some energy contracts so we can update those numbers in January. The pension numbers fluctuate and we need a better number. We'll still have a hugh budget gap.
The union both teachers and others in town would really fight hard on changing the step/level changes.
The Franklin teachers were cooperative in the most recent deal in accepting the 6.5% over three year increase.
Police, fire do this step/level thing too, the teachers are not alone. After 13 years, when you are theoretically at the top of your game, you only get an annual cost of living increase (i.e. the 2/2/2.5%). In other industries, you get opportunities for bonuses, etc.
What percent of the SPED budget is transportation?
At least 25-35%.
For the total SPED population we are about 70 students. That fluctuates from year to year depending upon the overall student population.
School employment equals 471 professional teaching staff, plus administrators, secretarial, to total approx 620.
Supplies were frozen overall. We equalized the amount at each level elementary, middle and high school levels to work out to be $210, $225, $355 respectively.
There are a 159 at the masters level, 75 will be at the top of the guide next year.
Typically English, Social Studies, Music we could get at an entry level. For Science, most likely would need to get at something higher than the entry level.
Class size charts reviewed to depict where the district is today.
Science class sizes were kept at around 24 due to the physical space, the labs were set for 2 students per station and 12 stations per room. To do more than that runs risk of additional dangers in handling the scientific materials.
Elementary sizes suffer from a distribution problem unless we re-district every year to make the adjustments.
Can we compare how successful we were at higher class sizes versus lower class sizes?
Yes, and no, not easily. There is a lot of national research on class size. New England Association of Schools and Colleges has asked the high school what impact the increase in class size will have. The comparative is a trailing indicator. You find out when it is too late.
We have a one shot deal here.
The past committees have really tried to preserve class size as the one major educational item of significance.
Could you experiment with different models of the mix of younger vs. older teachers?
Tenure vs. professional teaching status. The first three years the school district has a whole lot of flexibility. For the fourth year, there is now a right for that position.
With the three year starting process and then the flatness over 13 years, you really don't have any flexibility with teachers salary.
Not sure that you can track AP classes from year to year like we can with MCAS scores.
What else can we look at, turn over some rocks to find?
Probably don't have time tonight to look at that.
Next meeting: Dec 4th, Dec 18th, Jan 15th, Feb 5th
Discussion on "free cash", get started on the financial model
Think about all that we have heard and start to synthesize.
FY 10 salary numbers will be available in January, the out years should be discussed. Collective bargaining will be coming, Jan 2010 on the town side. Teachers will start negotiation in Sep 2009. We did secure some energy contracts so we can update those numbers in January. The pension numbers fluctuate and we need a better number. We'll still have a hugh budget gap.
live reporting - School Budget continued
The summer program where the students took classes on line away from the facilities. These things need to be listed out.
Has anyone dropped athletics? No, others have higher fees.
Has anyone dropped co-curricular? No, others have higher fees.
Theoretically, our teachers could teach course on line and students from around the nation could be paying us for that. During the summer, this was piloted. It would dramatically change the nature of what a teacher would do and what a student would experience. We're looking at what kinds of revenue could be generated. This would also have union contract ramifications. There is a thing called Virtual High School but that is a non-profit. We are probably the only public high school looking at this.
Would this be for home schoolers or for those looking for a specific course?
There already are home school packages out there, it would more likely be the specific courses. There could be advanced classes to accelerate graduation. So if a student goes through in three years instead of four, that in itself would be a cost savings.
There is a certain kind of kid that would thrive in that kind of environment.
Part of our drive is to get our kids exposed to this before they go to college.
French 5 as an example would be a way to provide courses that we couldn't provide but could still offer as part of the curriculum.
Virtual High School works in two ways. You could pay a per student charge and therefore offer a class for less than providing a part teacher to provide. You could also provide a teacher to support a course and as compensation for that the district would gain some number of seats so students would take whatever courses would be available.
Review of PowerPoint charts depicting the forecasted drivers for the 6.4% increase noted before.
Health percentage that they employee pays and co-pays are negotiated. They employees have been working with us on this. The change in these numbers usually affects the premium so there are savings available. We have an older population so that drives so of our flexibility.
to be continued...
Has anyone dropped athletics? No, others have higher fees.
Has anyone dropped co-curricular? No, others have higher fees.
Theoretically, our teachers could teach course on line and students from around the nation could be paying us for that. During the summer, this was piloted. It would dramatically change the nature of what a teacher would do and what a student would experience. We're looking at what kinds of revenue could be generated. This would also have union contract ramifications. There is a thing called Virtual High School but that is a non-profit. We are probably the only public high school looking at this.
Would this be for home schoolers or for those looking for a specific course?
There already are home school packages out there, it would more likely be the specific courses. There could be advanced classes to accelerate graduation. So if a student goes through in three years instead of four, that in itself would be a cost savings.
There is a certain kind of kid that would thrive in that kind of environment.
Part of our drive is to get our kids exposed to this before they go to college.
French 5 as an example would be a way to provide courses that we couldn't provide but could still offer as part of the curriculum.
Virtual High School works in two ways. You could pay a per student charge and therefore offer a class for less than providing a part teacher to provide. You could also provide a teacher to support a course and as compensation for that the district would gain some number of seats so students would take whatever courses would be available.
Review of PowerPoint charts depicting the forecasted drivers for the 6.4% increase noted before.
Health percentage that they employee pays and co-pays are negotiated. They employees have been working with us on this. The change in these numbers usually affects the premium so there are savings available. We have an older population so that drives so of our flexibility.
to be continued...
live reporting - Financial Planning Committee 11/20/08
Attending: Jim Roche, Roberta Trahan, Doug Hardesty, Rebecca Cameron, Jeff Nutting, Wayne Ogden, Miriam Goodman, Matt Kelly, Steve Whalen, Deb Bartlett, Gwynne Wilschek, Joyce Kelly
Not Attending: Shannon Zollo
Minutes for meeting of 10/16/08 - approved
3.2 Million or 6.4% would be required to provide the "level service" equivalent to this years services (which is down from prior years).
154 8th graders more than graduating seniors. likely to keep some number of them. Some will be "lost" to Tri-County or to private high schools.
What we charge for pay to ride is not sufficient to fully fund the operation.
Governor looking to provide incentives to regionalize. Push is aimed at communities west of Worcester. Depending upon what kinds of carrots they dangle for regionalization, that may be something we would look at.
Q - If we found a community to join with, what timeframe would we look at?
A - If we found someone willing to dance, it could be done as early as 18 months, or it could go 3 years or longer (if politically a tough road).
Our size may be a consideration against doing it. Outside of New England, size is less an issue. Think of school districts in FL and CA.
You need to advance the discussion to provide an alternative to an override.
to be continued...
Not Attending: Shannon Zollo
Minutes for meeting of 10/16/08 - approved
3.2 Million or 6.4% would be required to provide the "level service" equivalent to this years services (which is down from prior years).
154 8th graders more than graduating seniors. likely to keep some number of them. Some will be "lost" to Tri-County or to private high schools.
What we charge for pay to ride is not sufficient to fully fund the operation.
Governor looking to provide incentives to regionalize. Push is aimed at communities west of Worcester. Depending upon what kinds of carrots they dangle for regionalization, that may be something we would look at.
Q - If we found a community to join with, what timeframe would we look at?
A - If we found someone willing to dance, it could be done as early as 18 months, or it could go 3 years or longer (if politically a tough road).
Our size may be a consideration against doing it. Outside of New England, size is less an issue. Think of school districts in FL and CA.
You need to advance the discussion to provide an alternative to an override.
to be continued...
Hat's Off to Franklin
The complete video of the ceremony unveiling the "Hat's off to Franklin" sculpture is now available here.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
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