Franklin, MA: Franklin Public Library

Committed to Excellence in Customer Service

Community Vision Statement

Franklin strives to create a welcoming community:
Alive with a sense of neighborhood
Committed to the delivery of the highest quality education and lifelong learning opportunities
With a desire to maintain the welcoming character of a New England town and a vibrant downtown center
Where all residents can find convenient access to strong municipal services and enjoy a sense of security and physical safety
Where the professional and business community can find support and growth
Where residents accept and value their diversity and work collectively to enhance the well being of the community and
The library is regarded as the place for innovation, entertainment and information.

We value:
Customer service excellence
The people we serve, their opinions, capabilities, needs and interests
Freedom of expression and the free flow of ideas
Equitable access to library resources and services
Creative solutions and innovation
Our proud history and rich heritage
Our skilled and knowledgeable staff

Building on Solid Accomplishments
Through strategic planning, targeted service delivery, enhanced technology, productive staff and collaborations with other Town departments, the Franklin Public Library has accomplished large and small improvements in both external and internal operations in the past and current fiscal years. This report is sprinkled with a few of the countless positive comments we receive from a very grateful public. Our customers are many and varied in their needs. They comprise the very young, seniors and many in-betweens. Some come in daily to read the newspapers and magazines, while others come for computing, access to the Internet and electronic databases, quiet study, participate in book discussions, instruction, attend programs, place requests or check items from a vast collection of over 99,000 books, audio books, books on CDs, music CDs, DVDs, games and etc. They also appreciate the fact that they can obtain items from other libraries in a timely manner. In FY09 Franklin residents borrowed 4000 items from other libraries. The positive effect on the many that use library resources and services can better be summed in the words of one satisfied customer “I would be orphaned without this Library.”

Work on securing the building envelope is almost complete. The Town’s Facilities Department was very instrumental in this regard. The installation of security cameras and security access points now provides patrons with a greater sense of security. Entrances are welcoming. Interior spaces are warm, inviting and comfortable with many designated quiet spaces and collaboration areas for groups that are not necessary quiet. Many of our customers are very pleased and have enormous praise for the two contrasting yet complementary environments. An environment with accommodation for all: quiet havens and learning spaces for people who just sit and think or do computing, read a book, or magazine, or newspaper, or write. There are areas for active engagement with others such as studying in groups, conversation groups, instruction sessions and much more.

The Friends of the Franklin Library has been instrumental in updating and upgrading the appearance of the Library with classic furnishings and ergonomic workstations. While we wait for phase two of the renovation project, small steps to restore the original splendor of 1904 are underway.

We have replaced the oblong tables in the reference room with round mahogany ones and the tall shelving blocking the view of the murals with much lower shelves. This has changed the feel of the reference room, created more space for the entire magazine/ newspaper section and added to the grandeur of the lobby. Additionally, round tables are more conducive to group study. The Library patrons are genuinely thankful for our vast collections, responsive services and the comfortable surroundings. This description by a patron of the new magazine area by the fireplace reflects the general mood. “I have always appreciated your collection of magazines but this new setting is so relaxed. It makes you want to kick your shoes off and just stay in the library forever”.

Usage
13,416 reference questions were answered by librarians at the Reference and circulation desks. Customers made 213,781 visits to the Library. The Library filled 43,314 Interlibrary Loan request.

Circulation Statistics
The Library continued to experience extraordinary increases in use. Library stats, usually considered a key indicator of success are a fitting tribute to an exceptional and hardworking staff. They paint a glowing picture of our overall performance and point to a thriving, vibrant and relevant public institution. Big jumps in circulation, 12%, were the norm in the last fiscal year. From July – November of 2008, circulation rose again another 21% putting the Library on the top 10 increases in circulation in the State, on the front page of the Boston Globe (January 4th) and also on the front page of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners newsletter.

Note: This was written in mid-year 2009. The work on the exterior of the library building was completed. Work on the interior will be on the capital funds listing awaiting priority.

The Future
Once again, the Library faces an uncertain future. The library staff is committed to maintaining fundamental library services. However, significant cuts of the Library’s budget unravel much of what has been accomplished in the last five years. America’s Star Libraries have one common denominator – secured funding. Dedicated library funding translates into a better collection, more computers, more public programs, and more hours open, all of which contribute to outstanding public library service.

From the 2009 Town of Franklin Annual Report. This is available in a printed version at the Municipal Building or online at the Town website here.

The Library website can be found within the Town website here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/index

Survey says "Keep plowing"

The recent poll question closed Friday night with the following results:

Should the Town consider saving money by plowing the streets less well than they currently do?

Yes - 5

No - 14

-----

These results will be added to the results of the prior polls conducted here.
If you have a suggestion for a poll, please let me know.

School Dept fiscal review comes out clean and with praise (updated)

Based upon feedback from School Committee Chair Jeff Roy, the following, originally published on Thursday Jan 14th, has been updated.

It was not too long ago, it seemed like every time you turned around, something or someone was chipping away at the block of trust that citizens had in Franklin's government. The low point probably occurred just before Thanksgiving 2007. The School Committee released information that irregularities in the School budget had been discovered by the Town Comptroller. This appeared to be a "classic release bad news before the holiday move". However, this was not a story to be buried. This was the most serious of several incidents that had residents of Franklin questioning who they could trust. The January 9 2008 Town Council meeting was actually a joint one as the Town Council sat along with the School Committee to hear the auditors present the details of their findings.

Sorry to have brought the bad news back up but I want to put this real good news in the proper perspective. The Town (including the Schools) budget has been audited since then by the Town's regular auditors and the results have come up clean. Policy and procedures have been revised and implemented to improve the financial operations with appropriate checks and balances. The "trust" issue from a budget perspective should have been put to rest.

If someone was still looking for another source to confirm the Town auditor's findings, I think we have one. The School Department was recently the subject of a "fiscal review" by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and received praise for their operations.

The Franklin Public School has done well in maintaining a comprehensive system of written internal policies and procedures relative to its operations of the School Business office. Implementation of a comprehensive system of internal controls ensures that funds are expended in compliance with state and federal regulations and are used for the intended purposes of the grant.

Franklin Public Schools has a number of best practices being performed. Management and other department personnel should be commended for not holding credit cards in the name of Franklin Public Schools.

Additionally, the school district does not have an administrative petty cash fund, while most districts find this a necessity; Franklin Public Schools has done well in eliminating this potentially risky practice.

The credit for this commendation goes to the work of Miriam Goodman who came into this role specifically to address the problems and create good practices. Kudos to the School Committee for the hiring process that resulted in approval of Miriam for Business Administrator.

Miriam has done great work, she shows integrity in her work and the Town is better off for it.

Thank you Miriam!

The full text of the letter is shown below:

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the web site to read the document.

Watertown Multi-Use Path Construction Set

This should be of interest to Franklin area walking enthusiasts, in particular the Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee:

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Watertown Multi-Use Path Construction Set

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 1/15/10

Governor Deval Patrick today announced construction of a multi-use path and intersection improvements in Watertown will move forward this spring.
The Charles River/Alewife Connector project in Watertown will construct a multi-use path along an abandoned rail corridor, left, from School Street to the Arlington Street intersection at Nichols Avenue, Coolidge Hill Road and Crawford Street, with a spur connecting the new path to Arsenal Street across from the Watertown Mall parking lot.
The $847,000 project will include removal of existing railroad rails and ties followed by construction of a ten-foot wide asphalt path with grass shoulders over a distance of approximately two-thirds of a mile. 
In addition, a $1.4 million project approved in late December will resurface the intersections of Spring and Summer, Mount Auburn and Summer, and Arlington and Nichols at the eastern limit of the new multi-use path, including new traffic sensing devices and more accessible sidewalks with wheelchair ramps.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

In the News - two connections with Haiti

Recent candidate for Board of Health, Koren Kanadanian, is on his way to Haiti

Franklin man rushes to the rescue

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

------


Communications with four members New England Chapel which operates in Franklin have been confirmed. 

Hearing from loved ones in Haiti

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

------
 

Audit comes out clean and with praise

The text of this posted was updated and replaced by the text here:


http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/school-dept-fiscal-review-comes-out.html

School Committee Mtg 01/12/10

The collection of live reporting from the School Committee meeting of Jan 12, 2010 can be found here. The order is in reverse order of the meeting, earliest points of the meeting on the bottom of this listing, ending points of the meeting on the top.

• Live reporting - Information matters
• Live reporting - Action items
• Live reporting - Budget desires
• Live reporting - Race To The Top Program
• Live reporting - Discussion only items
• Live reporting - World Challenge
• Live reporting - Teen Angels
• Live reporting - Best Buddies
• Live reporting - Recognitions
• Live reporting - School Committee Mtg

Teen Angels pledge can be found here http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/teen-angels-pledge-text-think-send.html

Teenangels - Pledge "Text ... Think ... Send"

The pledge as presented at the School Committee meeting Jan 12, 2010 along with some background information on the local chapter of Teenangels can be found in this document.

TeenAngel Notes Pledge


The remainder of the Teenangels presentation was covered in this
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/live-reporting-teen-angels.html


Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the Franklin Matters website to view the document.

In the News - crash on Pond St, Grant program, absentee ballots

Driver hurt in Franklin crash

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

 ------

Franklin schools to skip grant program

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

------

Friday deadline for Franklin absentee voters

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Live reporting - Information matters/Closing

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
a. Race To The Top  (covered already)

b. H1N1 approx 1200 residents attended the recent clinic

c. DESE Financial Review
When the DESE visited they also did a financial audit. Miriam had only a few hours of notice. They liked the policies and procedures put into place. Thanks to Miriam for the credibility and integrity for the procedures you have put into place to make the Business office a success.

d. Snow Fallout / Sidewalks

School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
Cafasso - T Raposa gathering options on a web site solution, would be good to have as part of the budget discussions

School Committee Liaison Reports
Trahan on Community Health Council - this committee has been taking on important topics and would encourage parents to come forward and take part. Thanks to Lisa Keohane for her work with the Teen Angels.

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

Trahan - April 29th - FEF Trivia Bee - themed for a focus on history

motion to move to executive session, not to return to open meeting
passed 7-0 by roll call

Live reporting - Action items

4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $300.85 from Barnes & Noble for the Horace Mann for In-house enrichment.  motion to approve, passed 7-0

b. I recommend acceptance of the donation of 3 cameras & a Recorder/VCR valued at $2496.48 from Mr. Robert Salzberg of Resh, Inc. for the Davis Thayer Elementary School.  motion to approve, passed 7-0

c. I recommend approval of the proposed trip to Peru in June/July 2011 as detailed.  motion to approve, passed 6-0  (Mullen abstained)

d. I recommend adoption of Policy BIBA – School Committee Conferences, Conventions & Workshops.  motion to approve, passed 7-0

e. I recommend adoption of Policy BID – School Committee Member Compensation & Expenses  motion to approve, passed 7-0

f. I recommend adoption of Policy BGF –Suspension of Policies.  motion to approve, passed 7-0

g. I recommend adoption of Policy DJA – Purchasing Authority.  motion to approve, passed 7-0

h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1877.32 from Lifetouch for the Remington Gift Account for supplies.  motion to approve, passed 7-0

i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.00 from Maura Schaeffer-Tobin for the Jacqueline A Schaeffer Memorial Theatre Arts Scholarship Fund at the FHS.  motion to approve, passed 7-0

j. I recommend approval of the request of Brad Sidwell for the recurring field trip for the FHS Wrestling Team Competition in Eason, PA from 1/22-23/2010 as detailed.  motion to approve, passed 7-0

k. I recommend acceptance of two checks for $414.29 and $70.96 (totaling $485.25) from Follett for Library & Supplemental Curriculum Materials for the JF Kennedy Elementary School.  motion to approve, passed 7-0

l. I recommend acceptance of the Best Buddies Grants as detailed.  motion to approve, passed 7-0

m. I recommend acceptance of a check for $200.00 from the Franklin Democratic Town Committee for the FHS Young Democrats’ Club.  motion to approve, passed 7-0

n. I recommend that Franklin not participate in the Race To The Top Program.  motion to approve, passed 7-0

o. I recommend approval of the request of the HMMS Ski Club for their recurring trip to Mt. Sunapee, NH on January 23, 2010 as detailed.  motion to approve, passed 7-0

p. I recommend approval of the request of Ms. Neal for 5 ALP students to travel to the RI Rock Wall in Lincoln, RI to participate in a leadership program with the YMCA.  motion to approve, passed 7-0

Live reporting - Budget desires

Mullen - would like to see a listing of the cuts made in the last ten years
one page summary that gets repeated at each budget discussion (my idea, yea!)

Trahan - there are so many changes and be clear about what is coming forward

Cafasso - the decade of cuts list would be good. Miriam had put together a great apples to apples comparison to provide some context to the budget. Enrollment corresponding to the budget years. Some historical data on the cost drivers, i.e insurance, special ed, transportation, etc. Recap on how this current years budget was funded?

Rohrbach - the process will discuss a level service vs. a level funded budget. In the past we have also discussed philosophies that should be discussed. We should have a general discussion on what our approach should be. The decisions will be virtiually impossible as we have already cut so much.

Roy - district statistics, # of teachers, # of students, # of schools, decrease in staff vs. increase in students, information on when the schools came on line, per pupil expenditures per the State numbers. Need to begin putting on the table what options are available to bridge budget gaps. Need to share that early on, it is not just cutting bodies. Reviewing the cost saving measures already implemented. Helpful to highlight some of the great things that are happening at the schools, programs, strengths, what makes Franklin a high performing district?

Cafasso - show MCAS or SAT or graduation rates to show barometers of student achievement, the staff have been good about that performance without much resources

Live reporting - Race To The Top Program

The Race To The Top Program

if school districts in MA would like to apply, the application would need to be submitted by midnight Wednesday 1/13/10.

approx. $19,000 possible available
MTA has signed off on the Memorandum of Understanding
36 districts have committed thus far to proceed
there was an indication of significant funding early on, but realistically $19,000 won't go very far.

The investment of accountability may not cover the amount


recommendation to not pursue at this time

the money would be for new initiatives
the bulk of the money would be targeted to under-performing districts (which we are not)
According to the latest ranking we are rated 1, the districts rated 4 or 5 would get the bulk of the money

vocational, charter and 36 public school districts have committed thus far

The funding and administrative support are unrealistic given our challenges with a level funded budgeted.

Live reporting - Discussion only items

3. Discussion Only Items

Policy - Regulation of Motor Vehicle Idling on School Grounds
Sally information came from MA Assoc of Superintendents
attempting to improve school campus air quality, i.e. buses and autos
signage to be posted once approved
The transportation companies were trained and implemented in 2008

Cars in a queue are exempt from the policy
Another unfunded mandate
How many and how much for the signs? Would have to study to see the placement across the District.
Would make sense to have a discussion with Chief Williams to if it would make sense to enforce?




Policy - First Readings
* ACE – Non-Discrimination on the basis of Disability
motion to move policy to second reading, passed 7-0

* ADA – School District Goals and Objectives
motion to move policy to second reading, passed 7-0

 
Policy – Second Readings

BIBA – School Committee Conferences, Conventions & Workshops
BID – School Committee Member Compensation & Expenses
BGF – Suspension of Policies
DJA – Purchasing Authority
to be addressed in action items later on the agenda

Live reporting - World Challenge

d. FHS World Challenge – Trip to Peru
1. Peter Light, Chelsea Barnard, Dana Harts - Advisor from World Challenge

introduction to program, a high value program
4 week overseas expedition
1 week climatization
1 week service
1 week trek
1 week reflection

extensive safety measures for the students when they travel

The World Challenge website can be found here http://www.wcexpeditions.com/

7 minute video from World Challenge highlighting features of the teacher/student prepared trip, safety measures, etc.

Video from teachers point of view:



Video from students point of view:



Safety starts with the students first.
Offered to freshman and sophomores so they would travel as rising juniors or seniors
Takes seventeen months to prepare; used for planning, fund raising, etc.
Experienced guide accompanies each teacher and student group

Safety and support centralized in Operations Centre in UK

Story of insurance coverage for medical emergencies; one student five years ago had a case of appendicitis on the approach to Mt Kilimanjaro. He was flown to medical help in Nairobi, his mother was flown to join him before flying both back to the states after three days of medical treatment there.

Trip planning is fully risk assessed before leaving.

Money management: trip is an all inclusive package. 3 day training expedition along the Appalachian Trail training in preparation for the expedition to Peru.

Teamwork and cooperation enhanced during the trek.

Living in a village and seeing what life is like in a different world.

Trip cost would be approximately $6,000 per students.
World Challenge will provide some fund raising ideas and a framework to work to and manage a budget.

Live reporting - Teen Angels

c. Community Health Council / Middle School Teen Angels
1. Lisa Keohane, Sharon Jackson / Students

official chapter of wiredsafety.org/

chapter to address cyberbullying
students were recommended by their principals across the middle schools

17 students, some seventh and eight grade
eight graders will take their training and create a chapter at the high school

Franklin Teen Angels Cyberbullying

View more documents from Steve Sherlock.

The PBS show referenced by Jeff Roy can be found here:
http://www.pbs.org/parents/raisinggirls/girlslife/

The pledge text can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/teen-angels-pledge-text-think-send.html

Live reporting - Best Buddies

b. Best Buddies Grant Awards
1. Sue Streeter, Mark Berthiaume

Franklin High School

1) Awarded to Applicants: Erin Miller and Miriam Connolly, in the amount of $295 for: Field Trip to Pump It Up
The Best Buddies (BB) FHS Chapter will take a trip to Pump It Up, Franklin, MA for 3 staff and up to 25 Buddies and Peer Buddies.

2) Awarded to Applicant: Erin Miller, in the amount of $1,050 for: The 2nd Annual Best Buddies Prom
The BB FHS Chapter will host its second annual Prom at the Adirondack Club in Franklin in March, 2010. The chapter will invite students from the BB high school chapters at Easton, Norton, Milford and Foxboro. The Franklin chapter will charge visiting students for tickets; grant funds are to cover all other associated costs. Estimated attendance is 80 people.

3) Awarded to Applicant: Erin Miller, in the amount of: $1,000 for: Presentation by Team Hoyt
The BB FHS Chapter will invite Rick and Dick Hoyt, of “Team Hoyt”, to speak to FHS population.

4) Awarded to Applicants: Erin Miller and Miriam Connolly, in the amount of $1,275 for: Field Trip to Special Olympics Track Meet
The BB FHS Chapter will participate in the Special Olympics track meet at North Attleboro High School in May, 2010. The trip would involve students from BB at FHS and Annie Sullivan Middle School as well as the students enrolled in the “Introduction to Developmental Disabilities” class at FHS. Grant to cover all associated costs.

5) Awarded to Applicant: Erin Miller, in the amount of $400 for: BB Year-End Dinner
The FHS BB student officers and their 1:1 buddies will celebrate their developing friendships at a year-end dinner in June, 2010.


6) Awarded to Applicant: Erin Miller, in the amount of $400 for: Breakfast/Lunch Gift Cards
The FHS BB student officers and their 1:1 buddies will receive gift cards to afford them an opportunity to get together for breakfast or lunch to help further their friendships beyond the classroom.


7) Awarded to Applicants: Erin Miller and Miriam Connolly, in the amount of $500 for: Cinema Tickets
The FHS BB student officers and their 1:1 buddies will receive cinema tickets to provide them with an opportunity to get together for a movie to help further their friendships beyond the classroom.

Annie Sullivan Middle School

1) Awarded to Applicants: Marilee Gleason, Jonathan Mello and Elizabeth Hawk, in the amount of $400 for: Field Trip to Pump It Up
The Best Buddies (BB) ASMS Chapter will take a trip to Pump It Up, Franklin, MA for 6 staff and up to 70 Buddies and Peer Buddies.

2) Awarded to Applicants: Marilee Gleason, Jonathan Mello and Elizabeth Hawk, in the amount of $130 for: Field Trip – Bowling
The ASMS BB officers and their 1:1 buddies will go bowling after school.

3) Awarded to Applicants: Marilee Gleason, Jonathan Mello and Elizabeth Hawk, in the amount of $482.50 for: BB Club PE Equipment
The ASMS BB Chapter will purchase PE equipment to be used for its weekly club activities.

4) Awarded to Applicants: Marilee Gleason, Jonathan Mello and Elizabeth Hawk, in the amount of $250 for: Social/Language Field Trips
The ASMS BB Chapter will make several outings to local community business for the purpose of increasing social/language opportunities.


total over $6,000

Live reporting - Recognitions

2. Guests/Presentations
a. War Memorial Recognition
1. DT – Anna Kelley/Gr. 5
2. Jefferson – Judi Johnson/Teacher, Beth Raffin/ PCC Pres., Mikayla/Gr. 2 & Trevor/Gr. 4
3. Keller – Ruthann McHugh/Teacher, Collin Kane/ Student Council & Andrew Purdy/ Student Council
4. Oak St – Katelyn Pokorny/Gr. 5
5. Parmenter – Aprile Albertelli Teacher/Judi Bassignani Principal, Dominic Giardini/Gr.6, Nicholas Gnaman/Gr.5, & Alexa Cornetta/Gr. 4
6. HMMS – Rob Vacca/Teacher
7. ASMS – Ashley Gatchell/Gr. 8
8. RMS – Kathy Goodwin/Teacher
9. FHS – Vince Pellegri & Andrew Travers - graduates

Live reporting - School Committee Mtg

Attending: Douglas, Cafasso, Rohrbach, Mullen, Roy, Trahan, Glynn

Missing:

Vision Statement 

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

Mission Statement 

The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda - add a general discussion on budget objectives for SchCom members to provide direction to Administration

Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the December 8, 2009 School Committee Meeting.  motion to pass; passed 7-0
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn   motion to approve; passed 7-0
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

There is a full house in the Council Chambers this evening.

School Committee - Agenda - 1/12/10

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the December 8, 2009 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations
a. War Memorial Recognition
1. DT – Anna Kelley/Gr. 5
2. Jefferson – Judi Johnson/Teacher, Beth Raffin/ PCC Pres., Mikayla/Gr. 2 & Trevor/Gr. 4
3. Keller – Ruthann McHugh/Teacher, Collin Kane/ Student Council & Andrew Purdy/ Student Council
4. Oak St – Katelyn Pokorny/Gr. 5
5. Parmenter – Aprile Albertelli Teacher/Judi Bassignani Principal, Dominic Giardini/Gr.6, Nicholas Gnaman/Gr.5, & Alexa Cornetta/Gr. 4
6. HMMS – Rob Vacca/Teacher
7. ASMS – Ashley Gatchell/Gr. 8
8. RMS – Kathy Goodwin/Teacher
9. FHS – Vince Pellegri & Andrew Travers - graduates

b. Best Buddies Grant Awards
1. Sue Streeter

c. Community Health Council / Middle School Teen Angels
1. Lisa Keohane / Students

d. FHS World Challenge – Trip to Peru
1. Peter Light, Chelsea Barnard, Advisors from World Challenge

3. Discussion Only Items

Policy - Regulation of Motor Vehicle Idling on School Grounds

Policy - First Readings:

ACE – Non-Discrimination on the basis of Disability
ADA – School District Goals and Objectives

Policy – Second Readings:

BIBA – School Committee Conferences, Conventions & Workshops
BID – School Committee Member Compensation & Expenses
BGF –Suspension of Policies
DJA – Purchasing Authority

The Race To The Top Program

4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $300.85 from Barnes & Noble for the Horace Mann for In-house enrichment.
b. I recommend acceptance of the donation of 3 cameras & a Recorder/VCR valued at $2496.48 from Mr. Robert Salzberg of Resh, Inc. for the Davis Thayer Elementary School.
c. I recommend approval of the proposed trip to Peru in June/July 2011 as detailed.
d. I recommend adoption of Policy BIBA – School Committee Conferences, Conventions & Workshops.
e. I recommend adoption of Policy BID – School Committee Member Compensation & Expenses
f. I recommend adoption of Policy BGF –Suspension of Policies.
g. I recommend adoption of Policy DJA – Purchasing Authority.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1877.32 from Lifetouch for the Remington Gift Account for supplies.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.00 from Maura Schaeffer-Tobin for the Jacqueline A Schaeffer Memorial Theatre Arts Scholarship Fund at the FHS.
j. I recommend approval of the request of Brad Sidwell for the recurring field trip for the FHS Wrestling Team Competition in Eason, PA from 1/22-23/2010 as detailed.
k. I recommend acceptance of two checks for $414.29 and $70.96 (totaling $485.25) from Follett for Library & Supplemental Curriculum Materials for the JF Kennedy Elementary School.
l. I recommend acceptance of the Best Buddies Grants as detailed.
m. I recommend acceptance of a check for $200.00 from the Franklin Democratic Town Committee for the FHS Young Democrats’ Club.
n. I recommend that Franklin not participate in the Race To The Top Program.
o. I recommend approval of the request of the HMMS Ski Club for their recurring trip to Mt. Sunapee, NH on January 23, 2010 as detailed.
p. I recommend approval of the request of Ms. Neal for 5 ALP students to travel to the RI Rock Wall in Lincoln, RI to participate in a leadership program with the YMCA.

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
a. Race To The Top
b. H1N1
c. DESE Financial Review
d. Snow Fallout / Sidewalks

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

Let's be honest!

The first of three seminars for parents of 5th through 8th grade students will be held Tuesday evening, 7:00 PM Horace Mann Middle School Auditorium.

This is probably one of the few times, I'll say this but if you do have a 5th through 8th grader, instead of coming to or tuning into the School Committee meeting tonight, go to Horace Mann instead.

The School Committee meeting has a full agenda but the first peek at the 2011 School Budget is scheduled for Jan 26th. You can always catch the School Committee meeting via the video on demand from the Town website!

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

Mindy Craven is the scheduled speaker for Tuesday's Let's be honest seminar:

Mindy Craver is a Senior Community Health and Sexuality Educator for Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts.  She has been facilitating sexual health presentations for 14 years and is part of our Professional Training team.   Mindy has held teaching positions at several area agencies including Health Awareness, Pro Health and ResourceFul, Inc. and has consulted with many other Central Massachusetts agencies, fostering a solid reputation for providing fact-based, fun and experiential sexual health programs.  Mindy has successfully reached a variety of audiences with her participatory teaching style, including public middle school students, high risk youth, social service professionals, and parents.  Mindy’s workshops are age-appropriate, thought provoking, and engaging.  Currently, Mindy is focusing her efforts on the launch of Planned Parenthood’s parent education program Let’s Be Honest in Worcester.  She is a graduate of Bridgewater State College with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the attached document.

"that's one bit of data that hasn't shown any indication of slowing down yet"

"The best that we can try to do in the schools is endeavor to teach students to properly use resources, including online tools," said Roy.

That's exactly what the Franklin Teenangels chapter, a division of a nationwide group of teen cyber-safety experts, is trying to do.

Worried about online social networking safety, concerned mother and Dean College technology instructor Lisa Keohane stumbled across wiredsafety.org, a Web site dedicated to Internet safety, and learned about the teen initiative which was featured on the Web site.

The presentation by the Teen Angels group is one of several at the School Committee meeting this evening. Read more in the Milford Daily News here.

FM #53 Week Ending 1/10/2010

This is what matters as the week ends Jan 10, 2010 in Franklin, MA. The session covers the Town Council and two items of importance from it's meeting on January 6th.

 

Time: 7 minutes, 56 seconds



MP3 File

Session notes:

This internet radio show or podcast is number 53 in the series for Franklin Matters.

Take about ten minutes to keep current with what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends January 10, 2010

In this session I’ll cover the Town Council meeting of January 6, 2010

Two items of importance occurred during the meeting.

First, Brian Taberner, Director, Planning and Community Development, came before the Council to preview some bylaw changes that will be coming up at the next meeting. The bylaw changes have to do with the welcome mat that Franklin is creating for biotechnology firms to consider relocating here to conduct their business. There were bylaw changes made last year that have helped put Franklin near the top of the pile of MA communities. In an analysis of what it would take to move up the listing, one item sticks out. Franklin currently requires a potential biotech company to obtain a special permit from the Town Council. This is over and over all the normal planing board, health dept, fire dept, etc reviews required. He is proposing that this requirement be removed. He is also making some minor modifications to the zoning map itself. The changes would add about 11 parcels in the industrial park and remove one parcel that recently was obtained by State to add to the Town Forest. The formal discussion to approve these changes will come before the council in future meetings. As these are bylaw changes, they require two readings before final approval.

Second, the big snow storm that hit Franklin the weekend of Dec 19/20 dropping 14-18 inches created problems for students walking to school as the sidewalks were not cleared. Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi reviewed the snow storm planning details and what the Town is currently capable of providing. With the current priority listing as follows:

1. the roads
2. town buildings and schools
3. sidewalks and downtown

With storms delivering under six inches of snow, the DPW can clear the sidewalks within a day after the plowing stops.

With storms delivery more than six inches of snow, the DPW will take two-three days after the plowing stops to clear the sidewalks.

This is due to resource constraints. One, equipment to clear the sidewalk. Even if we had money to purchase additional (approx. 120,000 per unit) would that be an effective use of our funds since we would only use them once or twice a year? Consider that this amount would effectively fund two teachers and some supplies or books.

Two, even with the equipment and additional manpower available, you can't start the sidewalks until the roads are complete. Otherwise, you'd end up messing up the sidewalk when the plows went by on the road. Don't believe this? What happens at the end of your driveway? How do you keep that clear with the plows going by multiple times on the roads?

Finally, Franklin has this issue due to the overall budget problems we face. Should we plow the roads less well? Should we accept the way it is? All good questions that should lead to a good discussion.

There is a quick poll set up on this question this week. You can see and respond to the poll on the front page of Franklin Matters.

Looking ahead this week, the School Committee meets on Tuesday, Jan 12th.

As I close this session this week, let me remind you that

• If you like what I am doing, please tell your neighbors
• If you don’t like something, please tell me

Thank you for listening.

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 music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

I hope you enjoy!

Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the website to listen to the audio version.

Maguro House

Utilization of the retail store front in the new building is coming to completion. East Coast Driving School opened next to Sarapaan. Now a new Japanese restaurant, Maguro House, will be opening on the corner. When running Sunday, I catch sight of the door sign and stopped for a photo.

Construction on the interior is still in progress.
When I find out the tentative opening date, I'll share that here.

Updated - 2/25/10
The Grand Opening Party is scheduled for Sunday, February 28th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

The restaurant website can be found here: http://www.magurohouse.com/

Franklin, MA: Police Dept

It has been a very difficult year for us all. The economic times have left no one unscathed including your Police Department. We have had a reduction in personnel. Currently we are down to 45 sworn officers. Our business, with all its expectations, is still there and we are doing our best to keep Franklin a great place to live.

We continue to seek out grant monies to offset some of our important projects dealing with alcohol, traffic, the elderly and our youth. Franklin has been fortunate in that we have received some grant monies to help us to continue what we have started in these areas.

Our main concerns are that we continue to be an active partner in our youth and elderly programs. Our Community Service Division has been very busy in our schools and offering summer camp programs. We will hopefully be able to provide another great Halloween event at the High School Field House as we did this past year by providing a safe and fun day for the entire family.

The High School Hockey team, the Varsity Basketball team and the Tri-County Football teams all have enjoyed great seasons ending in playoff finals or in the Super Bowl. We would like to think this was in no small part due to several of our police officers in coaching positions. I believe this interaction between our officers as coaches and the student athletes builds bridges of friendships, trust and understanding. Ben Franklin’s adage of “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” certainly appears to be true in this case.

The Alcohol Grant Awards have been very helpful in offsetting costs associated in our attempts to curb underage drinking. The success of our program has been evident with the number of license suspensions, and arrests made of those procuring for minors. Please accept my sincere thanks for being a great community in which to work. I’d like to take this opportunity to also thank the officers of our Police Department for their dedication and hard work over this past year. I boast of being blessed with great people to work with not only within the department but with all the other departments and boards.

Sincerely,
S.T. Williams
Stephen T. Williams
Chief of Police

From the 2009 Town of Franklin Annual Report. This is available in a printed version at the Municipal Building or online at the Town website here.

For additional information, be sure to  visit the Police Dept website here

• The Daily Police logs are available here
• You can follow them on Twitter here
• There are a number of safety tips available here

DPW Sidewalk Snow Removal Presentation - 01/06/10

The presentation text for the DPW discussion on sidewalk snow removal from Wednesday night's Town Council meeting.

Sidewalk Snow Removal 20100106 from Franklin Matters

The sidewalk map that shows the three routes can be viewed on the DPW website here.

PLEASE NOTE:
These maps are in provided in Adobe Portable Document Format and Architecture D Size (24" x 36"). Because of their size and level of detail they are large files and take additional time to download. Please be patient.

Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the Franklin Matters website to view the presentation.

"a teacher-driven initiative"

The Franklin Arts Academy is a "school within a school" designed to create smaller learning communities where students can engage in academics through music and video production, visual art, theater and architecture.

"Each of the arts classes is creating a lesson through academics," Waters said. "Everything is interrelated."

The Franklin Arts Academy program was proposed for Franklin High School. Hopefully it will be implemented for the next school year (Fall 2010) with no impact to the budget. Read more about the program in the Milford Daily News here.

The live reporting and presentation from the Dec 8th School Committee meeting can be found here. The video and Q&A discussion can be found here.

Food, Inc. Sunday Jan 10th - 7:00 PM

A series of films on sustainable living called "The Green Reel" will be held Sunday evenings in North Attleboro. The films are presented free of charge. Some refreshments are available. Discussion about the film is encouraged.

Food, Inc. will be shown Jan 10th at 7:00 PM

The flyer for the full series can be seen here:

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee Meeting

FRANKLIN CITIZENS RAIL TRAIL COMMITTEE MEETING

Agenda for January 14, 2010

       
I. Call to Order / Introductions of New Attendees
A. Introduction of new attendees
B. Volunteer to write minutes of the meeting
C. Motion to accept previous meeting minutes


II. Report from our representative from DCR
A. Gates at Spring St
B. Leveling of the Trail
C. Walking Trails


III. Membership Committee Report (Denison, McKeown, Sawyer)
A. Committee to report on membership activity


IV. Report from Finance Committee (Rossetti)
A. Report from Treasurer


VII. Report of Fund Raising Committee (Sawyer)
A. Report on fund raising activities
B. Bike Donation from Southbridge Bicycle. Need Volunteer to print raffle tickets & need sub committee
C. Spring fundraiser road race. Do we have a hosting facility? Can we pull a sub-committee together?  Can we set the date?


VII. Unfinished Business:
A. Questions from members / attendees

VIII. New Business:
A.

Set Date for Next Meeting and Adjourn



The next meeting of the FCRTC will be held at the Franklin YMCA, Forge Hill Rd. Franklin. The meeting on January 14th will commence at 7:30 PM and conclude NLT 9:30 PM

Town Council Mtg Smry 01/06/10

The collection of live reported posts from the Town Council meeting of Jan 6, 2010 can be found here:

• Live reporting - Administrators report
• Live reporting - snow removal
• Live reporting - Biotech zoning changes proposed
• Live reporting - license transactions
• Live reporting - Town Council - 1/6/09

Franklin, MA: Public School Inclement Weather Notice

The standard policy for the Franklin Public Schools during inclement weather (i.e. snow storms at this time of year).

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

Note: subscribers via email will need to click through to the Franklin Matters website to review the document.

Franklin Downtown Partnership looking for help

The text of an email from Lisa Piana is found here:

Happy New Year!

We are currently planning our events for 2010. In order to continue with our full schedule of festivals and special events this year we need to fill some key volunteer positions.

Please take a look at the following list and e-mail me by January 12th if you are interested in taking a more active roll in the Franklin Downtown Partnership.  Thank you to all of you who have volunteered in past years!

• Harvest Festival Co-Chair -> Responsible for helping plan and run the event
• Strawberry Festival-Co-Chair -> Responsible for planning event
• Third Thursday-Co-Chair -> Responsible for planning events
• Holiday Stroll-Co-Chairs -> Responsible for planning event
• Website Coordinator -> Responsible for keeping website up to date

We really need some new members to step forward and take a more active role this year. Some of our current members have been running the events for over 5 years and need a break.

Please call or e-mail me with any questions you might have.
Lisa Piana
Franklin Downtown Partnership
(774)571-3109

MBTA going 'real-time"?

Yes, hard to believe but it just might work.

Apparently, the trains will be equipped with GPS devices and the status will be provided via a 'count-down' timer as the train approaches the station. Coming to the Franklin line sometime in February according to the write up here:

MBTA: Commuter Rail "Real-Time Arrival" Countdown

from Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen

Will this replace the Clever Commute service that can be the T's own alerts?

Stay tuned!


Note: This was also posted to Steve's 2 Cents.

In the News - snow removal from sidewalks

The snow discussion from Wednesday's Town Council meeting as captured by the Milford Daily News

Franklin sidewalk plowing debated

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

MBCR: For the safety and convenience of our employees

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

MBCR: For the safety and convenience of our employees

via Universal Hub by roadman on 1/6/10

Got this e-mail from MBCR regarding a change in policy about exiting trains.
Customer Service Notice
Control Coach Changes
Monday, January 11, 2010!
Effective January 11, 2010, except in the case of emergency, customers will no longer be allowed to enter or exit from the "operating end" of the control coach. The engineer operates the train from this location on inbound trips. Upon arrival into Boston, there are mandatory safety duties for engineers to perform which do not allow for foot traffic through the operating end of these coaches.
Signs will be placed on the coach door on that end of all control cars to remind customers of this rule.
read more

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Universal Hub using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Live reporting - Administrators report

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
none

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
As you know, I am working on a committee to look at regionalization, which is one thing we need to continue to explore. A great statistic from the meeting today was that all the growth in MA is projected to be amongst those over 60. Currently we have 4500 seniors in Franklin, we are projected to get to 7700 seniors. This has implications for the kinds of services we will offer as well as for how we will be able to pay for them.

L. OLD BUSINESS
Trash -single stream coming on the Jan 20th meeting

M. NEW BUSINESS
none

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Powderly - reminder to vote on 1/19 from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Flu clinic was packed today. Well run. Revisit the snow/ice - I am amazed by the job that the DPW does. Can we have DPW do more? Unfortunately, we have limited resources to work within that equation. It is valid to say we need to put more on the Schools and more on the parents.

Zollo - I agree with Tina.

Pfeffer - thanks to all the volunteers for packing the museum for the move.

Jones - Get out and vote Jan 19th. For the citizens that are capable, when they have the time, try an put a little back effort into trying to keep the sidewalks clear.

Whalen - I think this was a perfect example of balancing our resources and needs.

Mason - I had the opportunity to drive around several areas on Sunday and was very impressed that Franklin's roads were amongst the best of all that I saw.

motion to adjourn. motion passed 8-0