Unlike school districts in many other states, which are often separate government entities with independent taxing authority, school districts in Massachusetts are very much dependent on the cities and towns that they serve. In colonial times, districts were established by any group of families willing to support a school, and at one point there were 2,250 districts in the state. In 1882, the state passed a law that consolidated districts by giving authority only to municipalities to fund and manage school districts. With 351 towns and cities in the state, however, local control has meant that there remain a large number of districts relative to the state's student population, including many very small districts in relatively less populated areas.
Beginning with the post-war period, the 1949 Regional Schools Act authorized the regional district as an independent legal entity to encourage small towns to form consolidated school districts with a single school committee and specified rights and obligations for member towns. Though the state envisioned consolidation, the number of districts actually increased over the next 20 years, from 355 to over 390, as small towns preserved independent elementary districts while creating regional secondary schools. Special commission reports and Board of Education guidelines in the 1960’s promoted the formation of more K–12 districts on the grounds that they would improve educational programs and streamline governance, with little avail.
Real progress toward consolidation did not begin until Chapter 71, the state’s regional school law, was amended in 1974 to expand financial incentives for districts to regionalize. The aid formula was based on enrollment, which provided some incentive for districts to fully regionalize grades K–12. After these reforms the number of school districts declined to the current level of 329, not including charter schools. However, regional school aid was phased out in the early 1990s with the passage of the Massachusetts Education Reform Act, and the amount that existing districts had been receiving up that point was included in the district’s Chapter 70 aid. Since the 1990s only 13 new K–12 districts have been formed, mostly the result of consolidation of regional secondary districts and their members into one K–12 regional district.
from the Education Research Brief - School District Consolidation in Massachusetts: Opportunities and Obstacles
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Phil's Phriends - 8th Annual Live Music Silent Auction - April 9th
Join us for our 8th Annual Live Music Silent Auction, April 9th, at Showcase Live at Patriot Place in Foxborough, featuring live music from THE Average White Band and Sugarfoot and the Brass Kicking Horns. Help Phil’s Phriends raise funds to fight cancer through the Pan Mass Challenge and the Jimmy Fund.
Tickets are only $25 per person and must be purchased in advance. Limited tickets are available, so please reserve your spot as soon as possible. To reserve tickets, click here.
We look forward to you joining us for a great event. The doors to Showcase Live will open at 6:00pm. At that time you will be able to order food and beverages, preview auction items and make initial bids. The Average White Band will take the stage at 8:00pm and play until 9:30pm. At that time, we will open the silent auction bidding for 1 hour. At 10:00pm Sugarfoot and the Brass Kicking Horns will take the stage and complete the evening.
All ticket sale proceeds bought from Phil’s Phriends will be donated to the PMC and Cancer Research. All tickets bought through the Showcase Live Box office will be for the Average White Band Show and will not be considered a donation. Auction item bidding will be open to the entire crowd at Show Case Live. Please help Phil’s Phriends support our young PMC pedal partner – Emily Taylor – by raising money for cancer research. We look forward to seeing you at the event and thank you for your support!
The Average White Band are widely regarded as one of the best soul and funk bands in the history of music. Though perhaps best known for their timeless instrumental mega-hit ‘Pick Up the Pieces’ the band’s strength actually lay in their consistently accomplished song-writing, stretching across several gold selling albums and multi-grammy nominations for the legendary Atlantic Records. Sugarfoot & The Brass Kickin’ Horns is a 7 piece band with male & female vocalists and one of the finest horns sections around. The band plays the absolute best funk and dance hits from all eras including Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, Madonna, Journey and many more.
The Silent Auction brochure can be viewed here:
Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io
You can subscribe to the Phil's Phriends blog to get regular updates as they prepare for this year's Pan Mass Challenge http://philsphriends.wordpress.com/
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the file.
Franklin, MA
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
FM #63 Week Ending 4/4/10
This is #63 in the series. Let's take less than 10 minutes to find out what matters in Franklin, MA as the week comes to a close on April 4th, 2010.
Time: 4 minutes, 53 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 63 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Let's take about 10 minutes to review what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends Sunday April 4th.
In this session I cover the Financial Planning Committee meeting that occurred March 31 and look ahead to the Town Council meeting on April 7th.
You should recall that the Financial Planning Committee is the one chartered as a subcommittee of the Town Council to put together the long term or five year financial plan for Franklin. The committee prepared their first report last year.
You can view that here.
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/financial%20planning%20committee%20report/
The group is focused on updating the report with current numbers. They are concerned about showing where the numbers have changed, and why, against the baseline forecast. The forecast for this year is remarkably close to where we were predicted to be overall.
They also need to review the proposed action items and show what progress has been made on them. While much progress has been made (I'll leave it to the report to provide the details), the financial situation still requires action. The choice is to continue to cut services or raise taxes to maintain the level of service we have reached.
I know the “o” word is very sensitive but there should be a discussion about our priorities. There should also be a choice provided to the voters.
The Town Council meeting on April 7th will be a good one on a number of fronts.
1 – Rep Vallee and Sen Spilka are scheduled to provide a legislative update on the Chapter 70 and other state aid coming to Franklin.
2 – Jeff Nutting should have the opportunity to provide an update on what this means for the overall Town Budget. As you may recall, the School budget proposed to increase 2.2 M. Technically, they can't call it a “level service” budget as they are adding back the late bus. Word has it that they should be looking more at a level funded budget at best.
3 – Wording on the Charter changes has been finalized so now the Council will get to discuss it again before deciding to send it forward or not. If it does go to the legislature, the charter changes still will come back to Franklin for the registered voters to have a vote and accept or reject.
For the full schedule of Franklin Meetings, check out the town website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_MeetingsCal/?formid=158
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
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!
Time: 4 minutes, 53 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 63 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Let's take about 10 minutes to review what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends Sunday April 4th.
In this session I cover the Financial Planning Committee meeting that occurred March 31 and look ahead to the Town Council meeting on April 7th.
You should recall that the Financial Planning Committee is the one chartered as a subcommittee of the Town Council to put together the long term or five year financial plan for Franklin. The committee prepared their first report last year.
You can view that here.
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/financial%20planning%20committee%20report/
The group is focused on updating the report with current numbers. They are concerned about showing where the numbers have changed, and why, against the baseline forecast. The forecast for this year is remarkably close to where we were predicted to be overall.
They also need to review the proposed action items and show what progress has been made on them. While much progress has been made (I'll leave it to the report to provide the details), the financial situation still requires action. The choice is to continue to cut services or raise taxes to maintain the level of service we have reached.
I know the “o” word is very sensitive but there should be a discussion about our priorities. There should also be a choice provided to the voters.
The Town Council meeting on April 7th will be a good one on a number of fronts.
1 – Rep Vallee and Sen Spilka are scheduled to provide a legislative update on the Chapter 70 and other state aid coming to Franklin.
2 – Jeff Nutting should have the opportunity to provide an update on what this means for the overall Town Budget. As you may recall, the School budget proposed to increase 2.2 M. Technically, they can't call it a “level service” budget as they are adding back the late bus. Word has it that they should be looking more at a level funded budget at best.
3 – Wording on the Charter changes has been finalized so now the Council will get to discuss it again before deciding to send it forward or not. If it does go to the legislature, the charter changes still will come back to Franklin for the registered voters to have a vote and accept or reject.
For the full schedule of Franklin Meetings, check out the town website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_MeetingsCal/?formid=158
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
- If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and 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!
Job Search Jam Sessions - May 14
“This is an ‘unconference’ for the unemployed and underemployed,” says Steve Sherlock, lead organizer. “The event’s organizers and session facilitators all have experience dealing with the challenges of layoffs and unemployment, and they are enthusiastic about sharing what they’ve learned in a peer-to-peer setting.”
“Job Search Jam Sessions participants will share experiences and ideas with their peers, make potentially valuable new contacts and refine their job search skills. And at the end of the day they’ll return home more confident and motivated to pursue new opportunities.”
The Job Search Jam Sessions will feature both seminar-like sessions and informal opportunities to network in small groups. There will be sessions devoted to job interviews and the use of social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. The agenda will be adapted to reflect the needs and interests of participants.
“Job Search Jam Sessions participants will share experiences and ideas with their peers, make potentially valuable new contacts and refine their job search skills. And at the end of the day they’ll return home more confident and motivated to pursue new opportunities.”
The Job Search Jam Sessions will feature both seminar-like sessions and informal opportunities to network in small groups. There will be sessions devoted to job interviews and the use of social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. The agenda will be adapted to reflect the needs and interests of participants.
"schools will be eligible for about 50 percent reimbursement"
The School Building Authority will also visit Franklin's Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School today to look at problems with their hot water and air conditioning systems.
Superintendent-Director Barbara Renzoni said upgrades to those systems could cost a minimum of $350,000.
"I was just (on the roof) looking at the (water storage tanks) and they are all corroded and rusted and leaking," she said.
Both systems are at the end of their life cycles at 33 years old, said Renzoni. The systems are original to the building, she said, and the school has been "nursing them along" for the past few years.
The school's two 250-ton air conditioner "chillers" are so old that they are difficult to fix because their parts are rare, said Renzoni. The refrigerant the chillers use has recently become regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, Renzoni said.
"Contractors are now obligated to disclose how and why they're using it, and the quantity (we use) would not be acceptable," she said.
Renzoni is hoping the School Building Authority can help offset the cost of these capital projects.
"And because Tri-County is sensitive to the 11 member towns' fiscal constraints, the school is only asking the towns for their minimum contribution to the school, which is a number the state determines," said Renzoni, "it further enhances our need for assistance."Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Franklin, MA
"This is where we want to end up"
At a forum hosted by Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, and the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, executives filled a training room at Franklin's EMC office yesterday morning to discuss the highlights and needs of the IT field.
"An educated work force is the lifeblood of these companies," said Joyce Plotkin, president emerita of the Mass Technology Leadership Council.Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Franklin, MA
ELECTION NOTICE
TOWN OF FRANKLIN – ONLY PRECINCTS 2, 3 & 4 MAY VOTE
SPECIAL PRIMARY ELECTION
DATE: TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2010
TIME: 6:00a.m. – 8:00p.m.
PLACE:
FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL
OAK STREET
IF YOU RECENTLY REGISTERED AT THE REGISTRY…BRING IN YOUR RECEIPT!
Attest: Deborah L. Pellegri, CMC, Town Clerk
Questions should be directed to the Town Clerk, 1-508-520-4900
Franklin, MA
Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project - spraying starts
The Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project will be conducting helicopter applications of the biological larvicide Bti to control mosquito larvae. The application will be conducted over specific large wetlands in the towns of:
Avon/Bellingham/Braintree/Canton/Dedham/Dover/Foxboro/Franklin/
Holbrook/Medfield/Medway/Millis/Milton/Needham/Norfolk/Norwood/
Plainville/Quincy/Randolph/Sharon/Stoughton/Walpole/Westwood/
Weymouth/Wrentham
The application may be conducted at any time between April 5, 2010 and September 30, 2010 as conditions warrant
http://www.massnrc.org/ncmcp/ControlStPr/LarvicideNotice.htm
Franklin, MA
Avon/Bellingham/Braintree/Canton/Dedham/Dover/Foxboro/Franklin/
Holbrook/Medfield/Medway/Millis/Milton/Needham/Norfolk/Norwood/
Plainville/Quincy/Randolph/Sharon/Stoughton/Walpole/Westwood/
Weymouth/Wrentham
The application may be conducted at any time between April 5, 2010 and September 30, 2010 as conditions warrant
http://www.massnrc.org/ncmcp/ControlStPr/LarvicideNotice.htm
Franklin, MA
Monday, April 5, 2010
Town Council - Agenda - 4/7/10
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 10, Special Meeting & March 17, 2010, Regular & Executive Session
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS – New Officer & Director Change for Longhorn Steakhouse
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
Franklin, MA
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
Long Range Financial Planning Committee - Brendan Morrison
Cultural Council - Helen Reebenacker
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS – New Officer & Director Change for Longhorn Steakhouse
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS –
1. Legislative Update by Representative James E. Vallee & State Senator Karen Spilka
2. FY 2011 Budget Discussion
3. Presentation by The Community Health Council
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION –
1. Resolution 10-12: Request for Special Legislation, RE: Amendment of Town of Franklin Home Rule Charter
2. Resolution 10-13: Appropriation: FY 10 Capital Plan
3. Resolution 10-14: Appropriation: Capital FY 10 – Fire Truck
4. Resolution 10-15: Appropriation: Parmenter School Solar Panels
5. Resolution 10-16: Appropriation: Triennial Property Revaluation
6. Resolution 10-17: Appropriation: Personal Property Revaluation
7. Bylaw Amendment 10-642: Amendment to Chapter 181-6:Wetlands Protection; Notice and Hearings – 2nd Reading
8. Bylaw Amendment 10-644: Amendment to the Code, Sewer Map Extension- 1st Reading
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
Franklin, MA
Shades IN Place
Please NOTE: as April 5th, 2010
New Office Number (508) 520 - 6700
Send all mailing/ billing/ deliveries to:
Shades IN Place
76 Grove Street
Franklin MA 02038
Roger's website does not change: http://shadesinplace.com/
New Office Number (508) 520 - 6700
Send all mailing/ billing/ deliveries to:
Shades IN Place
76 Grove Street
Franklin MA 02038
Roger's website does not change: http://shadesinplace.com/
Sunday, April 4, 2010
When was the last time you were called 'childish'?
In this delightful eight minute talk, Adora Svitak raises some good questions. Now, I have Peter Pan as one of my heroes (yes, I don't want to grow up) so this admittedly does appeal to me.
The reciprocal relationship I think is key. Dealing in an environment of mutual trust and understanding can generate wonderfulness. It starts with respect for the other. It deepens by listening to the other. Within the conversation, understanding can develop and enrich both sides. The 'power of we' can grow far greater than either one alone could have achieved.
What do you think?
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video
Franklin, MA
The reciprocal relationship I think is key. Dealing in an environment of mutual trust and understanding can generate wonderfulness. It starts with respect for the other. It deepens by listening to the other. Within the conversation, understanding can develop and enrich both sides. The 'power of we' can grow far greater than either one alone could have achieved.
What do you think?
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video
Franklin, MA
Getting the adult's attention on education
Two opinion columns this weekend in the Boston Globe are providing some insight into why the "Race to the Top" application for MA was not chosen.
On Saturday, Derrick Jackson wrote:
On Sunday, Andy Smarick wrote:
Read the full article here
These two groups of folks need to be active in the educational discussion.
On Saturday, Derrick Jackson wrote:
At best, parents are lumped together among the many “stakeholders" who provide “letters of support" in the Race to the Top applications. Here at home, the 180-page Massachusetts application rarely mentions parents, even as it concedes that “strong parent and community engagement is a critical lever of school turnaround."
The near-omission is shortsighted, especially because you know who will get the blame — from teachers, principals, and politicians — if the achievement gap fails to narrow. Those ignorant, uninvolved parents! Underscoring this mindset is President Obama himself, who in February boasted that he had not missed a parent-teacher conference and says, “I don’t care how poor you are, you can turn off the television set during the week."Read the full article here
On Sunday, Andy Smarick wrote:
So how did the state still manage to place a discouraging 13th overall out of 16 finalists?
By coming in very last place in the application’s most important section: improving the teaching profession.
Read the full article here
These two groups of folks need to be active in the educational discussion.
Franklin, MA: Town Council - inside the agenda
If you have sometime today in and around your family activities, you should check out the full agenda document for this Wednesday's Town Council meeting. You can find the PDF for the document on the Town website here.
Items of interest
1 - the changes to the Charter (pages 25 - 29)
2 - Capital budget ($2,019,000) (page 30 - 40)
Items of interest
1 - the changes to the Charter (pages 25 - 29)
2 - Capital budget ($2,019,000) (page 30 - 40)
Happy Easter!
Two photos to share today. This one I snapped while on my long run for this week.
Where was this? It looks like a golf course. Actually it is on the former Putnam Investments property along Washington St.
I snapped this one in the backyard.
Most everything outside is still brown. The trees are beginning to bud some more advanced than the others. The daffodils provide a welcome sight. Spring is coming!
Enjoy the day folks!
Where was this? It looks like a golf course. Actually it is on the former Putnam Investments property along Washington St.
I snapped this one in the backyard.
Most everything outside is still brown. The trees are beginning to bud some more advanced than the others. The daffodils provide a welcome sight. Spring is coming!
Enjoy the day folks!
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