For something inspiring, view the following video clip:
If you missed the original TED Talk from Ken Robinson, you can find it here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/01/creativity-should-be-priority.html
Franklin, MA
Thursday, May 27, 2010
In the News - birthdays
FRANKLIN —
Horace Mann Middle School students know a good party when they see it.
From Barbie Jeeps to Hannah Montana concerts, one group of students looked back on their special birthdays fondly yesterday afternoon, and remembered that not everyone is as fortunate.
That's why they raised about $500 for the Birthday Wishes charity to provide homeless children with birthday parties.
"You just threw an entire party," shelter coordinator Rachel Freeman said yesterday. "You just made a lot of kids really happy."
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Bear seen in Hopedale today
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Krista Perry/Daily News staff on 5/26/10
A black bear was spotted around 12:30 p.m. today near the intersection of Hopedale and Dutcher Streets, police said.
Police said someone was running in the parklands section of town and spotted the bear near a bath house on the trail near those streets. The runner and the bear startled each other, police said. Police said the bear showed no signs of aggression.
Police are hanging signs in the area and urging residents to take down their bird feeders and cover their trash cans.
Last Friday, a large, adult male bear was spotted on Lynn Court in Bellingham going through backyards, said Franklin and Bellingham Animal Control Officer Tracey Taddeo.
Taddeo thinks there is more than one bear roaming around the area because last Thursday, another bear was spotted in Bellingham, but it only looked to be about a year old. Taddeo said a few Franklin residents called officials about bear sightings Sunday and Monday, and there is no way a bear could get from Franklin to Hopedale in only a few days.
People should keep an eye on their dogs, Taddeo said, because if they approach a bear, the bear will defend itself. Otherwise, the bears are not meat eaters, said Taddeo.
"They aren't interested in eating cats or humans,'' said Taddeo. "They're interested in sweets, bird seed, berries. They'll go through your trash looking for jelly or twinkies or HoHos."
Anyone who sees a bear should contact Hopedale Police at 508-634-2227 or the state Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at 508-389-6300.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Frequently asked questions: "Why should I give the town more of my hard-earned money?"
I have heard people criticize the way the town is run. If that’s true, why should I give the town more of my hard-earned money?
Not everyone agrees with every decision made by town and school officials. The facts show Franklin is relatively well run. Our students have excellent test scores and graduation rates, yet we spend below-average per pupil compared to similar-sized communities. Our crime rate and rate of fires are among the lowest in the state. Our recreation programs are hugely popular. Independent rating agencies give the town’s financial management high marks. Our tax rate is the lowest in the area. Our median home price is among the highest. Thanks to great representation on Beacon Hill, we receive well more than our share of state aid. Hundreds of volunteer citizens help keep Franklin a great place to live.
Since 1989, more than 3,500 Proposition 2 1/2 override votes have occurred in communities across Massachusetts. About 40 percent of the time citizens have agreed to raise their own property taxes for the good of their community.
No one likes to pay more taxes, especially in tough economic times, and people can debate any number of town and school decisions and policies. But the urgent issue Franklin faces is whether its voters want to pay about $1 more a day to retain our dispatchers and 2nd ambulance, keep staffing and book budget in place at the library, AND stabilize our educational programs and access to sports and extra curriculars.
Here is what is at stake:
One of a series to address frequently asked questions
http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/faq-part-1.html
------------
The special election on June 8th gives Franklin voters the choice:
Increase taxes to continue to provide the services we have this year (and that does not restore any of the services already cut)
Or
Continue to cut municipal services for all and cut educational opportunities for our children
I'll help to provide the information. You need to do two things:
You get bonus points if you talk with your neighbors about this and get them to vote!
Additional information on the override can be found here:
Franklin, MA
Not everyone agrees with every decision made by town and school officials. The facts show Franklin is relatively well run. Our students have excellent test scores and graduation rates, yet we spend below-average per pupil compared to similar-sized communities. Our crime rate and rate of fires are among the lowest in the state. Our recreation programs are hugely popular. Independent rating agencies give the town’s financial management high marks. Our tax rate is the lowest in the area. Our median home price is among the highest. Thanks to great representation on Beacon Hill, we receive well more than our share of state aid. Hundreds of volunteer citizens help keep Franklin a great place to live.
Since 1989, more than 3,500 Proposition 2 1/2 override votes have occurred in communities across Massachusetts. About 40 percent of the time citizens have agreed to raise their own property taxes for the good of their community.
No one likes to pay more taxes, especially in tough economic times, and people can debate any number of town and school decisions and policies. But the urgent issue Franklin faces is whether its voters want to pay about $1 more a day to retain our dispatchers and 2nd ambulance, keep staffing and book budget in place at the library, AND stabilize our educational programs and access to sports and extra curriculars.
Here is what is at stake:
Item | Override Fails | Override Passes |
Personnel | Loss of: 7 elementary teachers 8 middle school teachers | Staffing remains at FY10 levels |
Fees | Club and activity fees at middle and high school will double to $50. Athletic fees will increase and move to a tiered system, resulting in fees ranging from $175 to $450 (up from current $125 fee) | No fee increases |
Class sizes | Increases in class sizes in grades K-8, up to 30 students in a classroom, and a shortened school day at elementary schools | No changes |
Transportation | Elimination of 3 buses | No change in service |
Police | Loss of three police dispatchers; potential implementation of recorded service for emergency call system; less coverage of parking meters and parking enforcement downtown. | No change in service |
Fire | Loss of one firefighter; uncertainty on availability of 2nd ambulance; revenue loss from ambulance fees | No change in service |
DPW | Needed roadway repairs delayed indefinitely; 3 less employees; slower response times | Road repairs begin |
Library | Loss of one employee; reduction in book budget of over $60,000. | No changes |
One of a series to address frequently asked questions
http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/faq-part-1.html
------------
The special election on June 8th gives Franklin voters the choice:
Increase taxes to continue to provide the services we have this year (and that does not restore any of the services already cut)
Or
Continue to cut municipal services for all and cut educational opportunities for our children
I'll help to provide the information. You need to do two things:
- Make your choice
- Vote on June 8th
You get bonus points if you talk with your neighbors about this and get them to vote!
Additional information on the override can be found here:
- http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/index.html
- http://franklinschoolcommittee.wordpress.com/override-page/
- http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/budget-override-collection-fy-2011.html
Franklin, MA
School Committee - 05/25/10
The collection of posts from the School Committee meeting on Tuesday May 25, 2010 can be found here:
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA
Business After Hours - June 8th
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce will have a Business After Hours at Hampton Inn, 735 Union St., Franklin, on Tues., June 8 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
In addition to the Hampton Inn, this event is hosted by Boston Sports Club, Country Gardens Bed and Breakfast, FASTSIGNS, Harry & David, j. durand Business Solutions, MetLife (Camille DelPadre) and Young’s Caterers, Inc.
The cost for this networking event is $5 for members or $10 for non-members. Register for the Business After Hours by calling 508-222-0801, 508-695-6011 or 508-528-2800.
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, business support organization serving the communities of Attleboro, Bellingham, Blackstone, Foxborough, Franklin, Mansfield, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Norton, Plainville, Rehoboth, Seekonk, and Wrentham.
Franklin, MA
In addition to the Hampton Inn, this event is hosted by Boston Sports Club, Country Gardens Bed and Breakfast, FASTSIGNS, Harry & David, j. durand Business Solutions, MetLife (Camille DelPadre) and Young’s Caterers, Inc.
The cost for this networking event is $5 for members or $10 for non-members. Register for the Business After Hours by calling 508-222-0801, 508-695-6011 or 508-528-2800.
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, business support organization serving the communities of Attleboro, Bellingham, Blackstone, Foxborough, Franklin, Mansfield, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Norton, Plainville, Rehoboth, Seekonk, and Wrentham.
Franklin, MA
"It's not an automatic, quick decline"
At the middle school, Peri said course offerings have drastically changed in recent years.
"People may not understand when I started in this district, kids were taking (over 500) sessions of a foreign language over three years," Peri said. "Now, it's (just over 100). Things like that are happening all over the place."
Committee member Sue Rohrbach said a frequently asked question is why the shared elementary and middle school buildings don't have a shared principal.
"The differences between kindergarten and fifth grade and sixth through eighth grades are drastic," Peri said, explaining that students are facing different challenges at different ages.Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x88775036/Franklin-principals-say-cuts-have-been-harmful
The full set of reporting from the School Committee meeting Tuesday May 25 can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/school-committee-052510.html
Franklin, MA
Franklin's choice
In response to a comment on a recent Milford Daily News article, I said:
In response to a comment on a recent Milford Daily News article, I said:
Franklin, MA
Prop 2 1/2 provides for the voters of Franklin to make a choice. We either are satisfied with the services we receive and vote to maintain these services (police, fire, DPW, Library, etc.), or we are not and as a result we decide to do with less services.
No matter which you choose, make sure you do vote on June 8th.
Comments don't count on June 8th, only votes do.
In response to a comment on a recent Milford Daily News article, I said:
The money on the museum comes from the 'capital' fund which cant be used for 'operations'. The capital money for the museum was small change made mighty big by contributions from volunteers and other organizations. Tri-County students built the shelves and displays. The move from Washington St to downtown was done by volunteers on a Saturday. The hours the museum is being kept open is staffed by volunteers, no expense to the Town.
The museum is actually a very good case for the creative 'thinking out of the box' approach that the Town has being doing to save us money and provide something to be proud of.
Franklin, MA
MA State Budget Browser
What does the budget look like at the State level? This email from MassBudget helps to dig into the details:
Franklin, MA
See MassBudget's Budget Browser to explore Massachusetts state budgets from Fiscal Year 2001 to the present, as well as current budget proposals offered by the Governor and the Legislature.
Franklin, MA
Chamber to recognize Teacher of Year, Top Local Students
TEACHER OF THE YEAR &
LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO BE HONORED
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Spotlight on Education breakfast on Thurs., May 27 at Lake Pearl Luciano's, 299 Creek St., Wrentham at 7:30 a.m. At the breakfast, the Chamber will honor Seekonk High School teacher Linda K. Limperis with its 2010 Teacher of the Year Award.
Many students from the region also will be honored during the event. Eight students will be presented with scholarships distributed through The United Regional Chamber of Commerce. Students receiving the Jacqueline C. Stack Scholarship award will be William Brown of Attleboro High School, Liam Doherty of Bishop Feehan High School and Gabrielle Griot of Barrington High School. Students being presented with Metalor Technologies Scholarships are Jillian Miller of Medway High School and Taylor Briggs of Bishop Feehan High School. Recipients of the Attleboro Area Foremen’s Club Scholarship will be Brianna Medeiros of Coyle Cassidy High School and Tyler Cannon of North Attleboro High School. Accepting the NCAS Learning Center Scholarship will be April Pascucci of Foxborough High School.
Additionally, the top 10 seniors from the schools in The United Regional Chamber of Commerce service area are being honored for their years of hard work and achievement during their high school careers. Those students are:
Attleboro High School - Melanie Thibeault, Tiffany Berard, David Stevens, Marie Larouche, William Brown, Samantha Wood, Alexandra Vitiello, Thomas Cao, Meagan Fuller, Hannah Entwistle
Bishop Feehan High School - William Clerx, Kaila Dion, James McAllister, Anthony Lombardi, Samuel Dodge, Kendra Cheng, Bianca Peixoto, Christina Roberti, Elaine Martin, Anisa Arsenault
Blackstone Millville Regional High School - Ethan Hardy, Melissa Copeland, Julie Signa, Paige Yager, Devyn Oliver, Aline Fleuette, Brigid Thompson, Tiffany Armas, Cailin Boelke, Patrick Murphy
Foxborough High School - Taryn Laubenstein, Laura Herlihy, Jennifer Chalmers, Gina Kackloudis, John Slaby, Katelyn Olsson, Dominique Cammarata, Meghan Lowey, Christopher Kelm, Nidhi Vora
Franklin High School - Kimberly Takahata, Nicholas Melfi, Christopher Anderson, Rebecca Galasso, Kayleigh McGlynn, Sara LaFlamme, Kelly Vail, Susan Jacob, William Ceskavich, Alexandra Lonati
King Phillip Regional High School - Sarah Shipley, Michael Zagieboylo, Joanna Czyzewski, Elizabeth Williams, Elizabeth Allen, Marie Willman, Christopher Woodward, Nathan Kim, Kelsey Rieger, Dahnyoung McGarry
Mansfield High School - Rachel Johnston, Jennifer Giffels, Robert Snyder, Gianina Monestime, Christopher Frederickson, Andrew Calvario, Sangeetha Kavety, Brendan Boyle, Jeffrey Boyle, Kristen Spillane
Norton High School - Julia Marie Ariola, Kaitlyn Baird, Cassidy Gilmore, Alyssa Graham, Carolyn Le, Chad McAuliffe, Bradford McKeen, Priya Patel, Samuel Phillips, Erica Pundt
North Attleboro High School - Robin Armstrong, Ginny Tang, Neha Patel, Barrett Holden, Shweta Kitchloo, Nicole Hurd, MaryLucia Hedberg, Katherine Murphy, Kevin Fernandes, Kelli Brodbeck
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School - Jeremy Harmon, Nicholas Cokonis, Chou Yang, Kyle Kebler, Elizabeth Braeley, Gregory Mitrano, Ashley Goode, Kristen Scoville, Amanda Furrh, Kimberly Sullivan
The Spotlight on Education breakfast is sponsored by Bristol County Savings Bank, Dean Bank, National College Assistance Services, Middlesex Savings Bank, Fisher College and HarborOne Credit Union.
Franklin, MA
LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO BE HONORED
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Spotlight on Education breakfast on Thurs., May 27 at Lake Pearl Luciano's, 299 Creek St., Wrentham at 7:30 a.m. At the breakfast, the Chamber will honor Seekonk High School teacher Linda K. Limperis with its 2010 Teacher of the Year Award.
Many students from the region also will be honored during the event. Eight students will be presented with scholarships distributed through The United Regional Chamber of Commerce. Students receiving the Jacqueline C. Stack Scholarship award will be William Brown of Attleboro High School, Liam Doherty of Bishop Feehan High School and Gabrielle Griot of Barrington High School. Students being presented with Metalor Technologies Scholarships are Jillian Miller of Medway High School and Taylor Briggs of Bishop Feehan High School. Recipients of the Attleboro Area Foremen’s Club Scholarship will be Brianna Medeiros of Coyle Cassidy High School and Tyler Cannon of North Attleboro High School. Accepting the NCAS Learning Center Scholarship will be April Pascucci of Foxborough High School.
Additionally, the top 10 seniors from the schools in The United Regional Chamber of Commerce service area are being honored for their years of hard work and achievement during their high school careers. Those students are:
Attleboro High School - Melanie Thibeault, Tiffany Berard, David Stevens, Marie Larouche, William Brown, Samantha Wood, Alexandra Vitiello, Thomas Cao, Meagan Fuller, Hannah Entwistle
Bishop Feehan High School - William Clerx, Kaila Dion, James McAllister, Anthony Lombardi, Samuel Dodge, Kendra Cheng, Bianca Peixoto, Christina Roberti, Elaine Martin, Anisa Arsenault
Blackstone Millville Regional High School - Ethan Hardy, Melissa Copeland, Julie Signa, Paige Yager, Devyn Oliver, Aline Fleuette, Brigid Thompson, Tiffany Armas, Cailin Boelke, Patrick Murphy
Foxborough High School - Taryn Laubenstein, Laura Herlihy, Jennifer Chalmers, Gina Kackloudis, John Slaby, Katelyn Olsson, Dominique Cammarata, Meghan Lowey, Christopher Kelm, Nidhi Vora
Franklin High School - Kimberly Takahata, Nicholas Melfi, Christopher Anderson, Rebecca Galasso, Kayleigh McGlynn, Sara LaFlamme, Kelly Vail, Susan Jacob, William Ceskavich, Alexandra Lonati
King Phillip Regional High School - Sarah Shipley, Michael Zagieboylo, Joanna Czyzewski, Elizabeth Williams, Elizabeth Allen, Marie Willman, Christopher Woodward, Nathan Kim, Kelsey Rieger, Dahnyoung McGarry
Mansfield High School - Rachel Johnston, Jennifer Giffels, Robert Snyder, Gianina Monestime, Christopher Frederickson, Andrew Calvario, Sangeetha Kavety, Brendan Boyle, Jeffrey Boyle, Kristen Spillane
Norton High School - Julia Marie Ariola, Kaitlyn Baird, Cassidy Gilmore, Alyssa Graham, Carolyn Le, Chad McAuliffe, Bradford McKeen, Priya Patel, Samuel Phillips, Erica Pundt
North Attleboro High School - Robin Armstrong, Ginny Tang, Neha Patel, Barrett Holden, Shweta Kitchloo, Nicole Hurd, MaryLucia Hedberg, Katherine Murphy, Kevin Fernandes, Kelli Brodbeck
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School - Jeremy Harmon, Nicholas Cokonis, Chou Yang, Kyle Kebler, Elizabeth Braeley, Gregory Mitrano, Ashley Goode, Kristen Scoville, Amanda Furrh, Kimberly Sullivan
The Spotlight on Education breakfast is sponsored by Bristol County Savings Bank, Dean Bank, National College Assistance Services, Middlesex Savings Bank, Fisher College and HarborOne Credit Union.
Franklin, MA
In the News - Memorial Day, golf, museum, Tri-County
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Live reporting - Closing
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
a. Backpack Bulletin
b. Principal’s Searches
c. National Honor Society
25% of the junior class qualified for inclusion into this
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports
none
New business
thanks to all the vets for this memorial day
FHS Award night ceremony
Senior Class celebration June 3rd
Senior Class graduation June 4th
Annie Sullivan step up ceremony, June 17th
Proud to be An American at JF Kennedy, June 10th, 9:00 AM
No executive session
motion to adjourn, passed 6-0
Franklin, MA
Superintendent’s Report
a. Backpack Bulletin
b. Principal’s Searches
Tom Morris - Newton Public Schools will take over at Parmenter, will visit School Committee sometime in June
Horace Mann - no decision at this point, started to late in the search process, will get an interim and start again in early October
c. National Honor Society
25% of the junior class qualified for inclusion into this
Mailing Pay-to-ride paperwork, July 9th will be the deadline
Interesting DESE meeting, a preview of a new data tool that they are rolling out
their tool has identified comparable districts, data we did manually will be made easier with this
comparison to ten other districts
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
Advertising meeting with more information forthcoming
School Committee Liaison Reports
none
New business
thanks to all the vets for this memorial day
FHS Award night ceremony
Senior Class celebration June 3rd
Senior Class graduation June 4th
Annie Sullivan step up ceremony, June 17th
Proud to be An American at JF Kennedy, June 10th, 9:00 AM
No executive session
motion to adjourn, passed 6-0
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Action items
4. Action Items
a. I recommend adoption of Policy JJFG Disposition of Student Activity Account. motion to approve, passed 6-0
a. I recommend adoption of Policy JJFG Disposition of Student Activity Account. motion to approve, passed 6-0
b. I recommend budget transfers as detailed. motion to approve, passed 6-0
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $125.00 from the Kennedy PCC for a nurse for the field trip to Southwick Zoo on May 27, 2010. motion to approve, passed 6-0
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from the Kennedy PCC for buses for the field trip to Southwick Zoo on May 27, 2010. motion to approve, passed 6-0
e. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a set of basketball hoops from the Recreation Department. motion to approve, passed 6-0
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from Patricia M. Bishop (Class of 1960) for a FHS Scholarship. motion to approve, passed 6-0
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1000.00 from James M. Betts for a FHS Scholarship. motion to approve, passed 6-0
h. I recommend acceptance of four checks ($2500.00) from the Guidrey Family for FHS Scholarships
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1250.00 from the FHS PCC for large screen projectors for Class Day and Graduation. motion to approve, passed 6-0
1. Philip & Jennifer Guidrey $500.00
2. Alan Guidrey $500.00
3. Janet Guidrey $500.00
4. Nancy Lovely $1000.00
motion to approve, passed 6-0
j. I recommend approval of the FHS trip for four students to compete in the National Jr. Classical League State Convention at the University of North Dakota from July 26, 2010 to August 1, 2010 as detailed.
motion to approve, passed 6-0
motion to approve, passed 6-0
k. I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.00 from Let Us Never Forget for a FHS Scholarship in memory of Shane Cabino. motion to approve, passed 6-0
l. I recommend acceptance of a check for $543.98 from Lifetouch Pictures for ECDC in-house enrichment.
motion to approve, passed 6-0
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Discussion only items
3. Discussion Only Items
Second Reading – Policy JJFG Disposition of Student Activity Account
Budget to Actual / Transfersreclassification of amounts for health costs to the grants that the employee is associated with
on for an action item later this evening
MASC Regional Meeting
Bill - met with school committees from other towns
basically a discussion/brain storming of common challenges
what can we do about it?
put together a resolution for one of the top points of pain; SPED funding model (purely financial on how they are funded)
recommendation to put together a resolution, to lobby to the state to have the SPED funding directly out of the State funding rather than at the Town's level
would allow the Towns to still provide the services without the fluctuation of funding locally
If the SchCom were to endorse this, MASC would lobby this on our behalf and for other districts on this issue
A great idea, it should go forward
motion to endorse the SPED resolution as drafted, passed 6-0
Proposed Reductions to full day Kindergarten Grant
Proposal in Senate budget to significantly reduce the kindergarten grant
We currently get approx $300,000 from the grant, how much it would be reduced is not known at this time
Good suggestions come right back, Sue to draft letter for committee to send as a group
Franklin, MA
Second Reading – Policy JJFG Disposition of Student Activity Account
no additional input, on for an action item later in the agenda
Budget to Actual / Transfersreclassification of amounts for health costs to the grants that the employee is associated with
on for an action item later this evening
MASC Regional Meeting
Bill - met with school committees from other towns
basically a discussion/brain storming of common challenges
what can we do about it?
put together a resolution for one of the top points of pain; SPED funding model (purely financial on how they are funded)
recommendation to put together a resolution, to lobby to the state to have the SPED funding directly out of the State funding rather than at the Town's level
would allow the Towns to still provide the services without the fluctuation of funding locally
If the SchCom were to endorse this, MASC would lobby this on our behalf and for other districts on this issue
A great idea, it should go forward
motion to endorse the SPED resolution as drafted, passed 6-0
Proposed Reductions to full day Kindergarten Grant
Proposal in Senate budget to significantly reduce the kindergarten grant
We currently get approx $300,000 from the grant, how much it would be reduced is not known at this time
Good suggestions come right back, Sue to draft letter for committee to send as a group
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - School Committee Budget Hearing
Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski, Business Manager Miriam Goodman, Asst Supt. Sally Winslow
Initial budget presented in Jan, updated in Mar, this will be a brief update
Projected revenue from State stabilization funds and from Life Long Learning = ~ $900,000
Increased revenue from tiered sports fees ($150 - $450)
Reductions in personnel (15 teachers) and services (3 less buses, shortened day for elementary)
Shortened day in elementary schools by one day
Activities monitors currently provide coverage so that teachers can have their contractually obligated preparation time, this is a reduction in cost as well as saving 3 teacher positions at the elementary
If this can not be negotiated with the teachers, then these three positions would also be cut for a total of 10 from the elementary schools
Class size would be about 30 students in the 6th grade with the split team model as proposed.
Students would not get recess on the one elementary shortened day but all other normal activities would be covered
Elementary principals
Lost 27 classroom teachers since 2008 school year, enrollment dropped 150 students still resulting in higher class sizes
Librarians were cut but curriculum on resource skills are not taught, teachers lost access to the librarians for assistance with with classroom requirements
Technology CETs were cut, so computer training and assistance is totally upon the teachers
Shortened day is only one day a week, approximately 60-75 minutes
Won't be recess on that day, (20 minutes gained) losing 50 minutes of academic time but the district is still above the 900 hours that the State requires
Class size has a direct impact on student learning, increases in class size make it more difficult with the standards maintained or increases, teachers are doing a fantastic job, teachers are working harder and harder
You see it in assessments and special education referrals
You see it directly in performance
Elementary teachers are generalists and required for preparation in 5 different subject areas
Losing the support of the CETs and Librarians has an impact on the teacher prep and hence delivery in the classroom
No Child Left Behind makes requirements by law on delivery of services where there are students struggling
What do you think of the argument that the Town doesn't see the effects of the budget cuts?
This won't last, it is not an automatic and quick decline, it is harder to see but we are living it everyday
I think the dedicated people in this room feel it is all about the child, it is in our position to do everything we can with it to help the students.
When I started we had 547 session of three years, we are down to 140 sessions over three years, so we still have foreign language but not as much as we did. You don't want to show pain at the expense of the child.
The child is a first grader only once. Will the pain hit? Who will it hurt?
Four years ago, our K-2 were within guidelines, we are hearing from parents, there will not be an anomaly across the district, we are not hiding teachers. That is the decision for the override, it is all about class size
The decision to shorten the day is odious but between keeping three teachers and shortening the day, we'll keep the teachers.
The decisions we have made haven't made it up to the high school yet to show the impact on SATs and college placements.
Middle School
4 - 7th and 8th positions were cut
4 - 6th grade
3 - music positions
general music class was entirely eliminated, no general music instruction
no librarians for 10,000 volumes
health PE position reduced by 3
1 guidance position
3 foreign language positions
A lot of these reductions were done trying to provide the least impact on students
One teacher traveling around the district for choral
class size will increase, how quickly will you see the impact, the principals will be dealing with issues that perhaps would have been dealt with in the classroom with a smaller class
The results of the MetroWest Health services are showing issues
We don't off French in the middle schools, students need to choose between Latin or Spanish
How important is the middle school model?
Major movement away from the Jr High model, what students are facing with the social media effects outside the schools, during the time in the middle schools, we get to know our students, the soft skills are incorporated into the curriculum, when you think of the zero m-2 (walking and talking) but when you think of the 11-13 (this is even more important)
This carries over to the high school and helps to determine the success there
We also look at middle school to explore all aspect of the curriculum, we have run out of places to cut at the elementary, we are getting there at the middle school, what will the program look like? These will be challenging and difficult discussions if we don't have sufficient funding.
High School
I look back at what public schools were supposed to be, it has gotten to the point where the test scores, recalling a series of facts in three curriculum content areas is misleading. These three things are not the only ones that count. The things that don't get measured, especially loving to learn goes by the wayside. Narrowing the curriculum is really dangerous.
One of the barometers I use is do the 8th grade parents feel confident sending their kids here. I'll sepaparet
9% chose private (Xaverian, Bsish Feehan) two years ago
13% chose private last year
this year 8.5%
This is good
6% chose Tri-County two years ago
13% more than doubled last year (68 students)
13% is the same this year (68 students)
they provide a much broader frame of services for the hands on education, Tri-County continues to provide that compared to what we have cut and no longer offer.
there is an increase in special ed referrals, especially for the first time in the 9th grade
We went through a major schedule change as a result of increasing class sizes over the years
It had gotten to an unacceptable level
We did significantly change the schedule to bring the class sizes in the core areas down
What happened to the students, they lost opportunities to take electives
Instead of 150 papers, they are correcting 120-125
From the students, there is a narrower curriculum
special education student are forced to chose between an elective and a language
From a teachers stand point, a concept that would be hard to understand for the Town, common planning time was eliminated, try doing that in any business, they would not be able to function long term
Common assessment no matter what teacher has each student, the issue is that there is nothing done with that evaluation to meet the changing needs of the students
The curriculum needs to change, no amount of good instruction replaces the time and changes in the curriculum to meet the needs required
Lost 2 asst principals
recommendations are for 10-12 per evaluator, we are currently at 40 per evaluator
the transmission isn't firing, we can't be as quick to react
Founded on the concept of free public education, yet the district is requiring the students and families to pay for things that otherwise they shouldn't be
What are we and where are we going?
Guidance services are barely meeting the NEASC requirements
approx 300 students per counselor
sets up a two-tier system, families with means can go outside to find a "college coach"
There is an interest but we can not pursue improving technology due to lack of resources
Tri-County per pupil is 17,000 versus the 10,000 in Franklin
we lose the Chap 70 revenue and get hit with the higher cost for the students going to Tri-County
We had a model with four asst principals, each took a grade and a set of teachers for evaluations, plus other responsibilities for overall education within the building
We needed someone to look at the overall educational requirements regarding data to support the educational requirements, we dedicated one asst principal to do so, leaving the other two asst principals to split the four classes amongst themselves
Anybody can do disciple or the pain and punishment, what should be done is what can be done to improve the students ability to access the curriculum
When you cut out the R&D, you can go too long without having isues
Supervision and evaluation is the most important thing we can do, the other role is plant management, either is a full time job
Research says 10-12 teachers per evaluator, we range 40-60 currently, we are using some of the core teachers to handle some of the plant management (i.e running fire drills, etc.).
Shared facilities, the issues differ significantly in elementary from the middle school
We are chartered with providing a safe learning environment
We are in contact with the parents on a daily basis
We are being pulled in many directions
One of the poorest school district rallies behind their schools
Then I come back to a gem and we are tearing it bits and pieces away
It really is criminal with what we are doing
The teachers and administration are preparing the students to live in the new world
We are beyond efficiency
Natalie Roy
ten years ago, I had much different resources than they do now
our high schoolers are performing well going on to good schools, they are not getting what I got.
there is a rather severe gap
(reading line items of the budget, if a hold is requested, additional time will be spent on that item)
librarians - hold (Sue)
professional development - hold (Sue)
text books, media materials - hold (Bill)
instructional software - hold (Sue)
increase due to library assistances, likely a recoding of a position to more correctly reflect the proper reporting (other line item is going down)
professional development - a reclassification of education previously allocated to special ed teachers but is really for all teachers who need crisis training
text books, media materials - totally up to the principals, this is replacement of existing text books (lost worn out), or to accommodate increased enrollment
instructional software - annual maintenance cost for licensing, ed line, electronic report cards for elementary
Closing the budget hearing
motion to approve the budget, passed 7-0
Franklin, MA
Initial budget presented in Jan, updated in Mar, this will be a brief update
Projected revenue from State stabilization funds and from Life Long Learning = ~ $900,000
Increased revenue from tiered sports fees ($150 - $450)
Reductions in personnel (15 teachers) and services (3 less buses, shortened day for elementary)
Shortened day in elementary schools by one day
Activities monitors currently provide coverage so that teachers can have their contractually obligated preparation time, this is a reduction in cost as well as saving 3 teacher positions at the elementary
If this can not be negotiated with the teachers, then these three positions would also be cut for a total of 10 from the elementary schools
Class size would be about 30 students in the 6th grade with the split team model as proposed.
Students would not get recess on the one elementary shortened day but all other normal activities would be covered
Elementary principals
Lost 27 classroom teachers since 2008 school year, enrollment dropped 150 students still resulting in higher class sizes
Librarians were cut but curriculum on resource skills are not taught, teachers lost access to the librarians for assistance with with classroom requirements
Technology CETs were cut, so computer training and assistance is totally upon the teachers
Shortened day is only one day a week, approximately 60-75 minutes
Won't be recess on that day, (20 minutes gained) losing 50 minutes of academic time but the district is still above the 900 hours that the State requires
Class size has a direct impact on student learning, increases in class size make it more difficult with the standards maintained or increases, teachers are doing a fantastic job, teachers are working harder and harder
You see it in assessments and special education referrals
You see it directly in performance
Elementary teachers are generalists and required for preparation in 5 different subject areas
Losing the support of the CETs and Librarians has an impact on the teacher prep and hence delivery in the classroom
No Child Left Behind makes requirements by law on delivery of services where there are students struggling
What do you think of the argument that the Town doesn't see the effects of the budget cuts?
This won't last, it is not an automatic and quick decline, it is harder to see but we are living it everyday
I think the dedicated people in this room feel it is all about the child, it is in our position to do everything we can with it to help the students.
When I started we had 547 session of three years, we are down to 140 sessions over three years, so we still have foreign language but not as much as we did. You don't want to show pain at the expense of the child.
The child is a first grader only once. Will the pain hit? Who will it hurt?
Four years ago, our K-2 were within guidelines, we are hearing from parents, there will not be an anomaly across the district, we are not hiding teachers. That is the decision for the override, it is all about class size
The decision to shorten the day is odious but between keeping three teachers and shortening the day, we'll keep the teachers.
The decisions we have made haven't made it up to the high school yet to show the impact on SATs and college placements.
Middle School
4 - 7th and 8th positions were cut
4 - 6th grade
3 - music positions
general music class was entirely eliminated, no general music instruction
no librarians for 10,000 volumes
health PE position reduced by 3
1 guidance position
3 foreign language positions
A lot of these reductions were done trying to provide the least impact on students
One teacher traveling around the district for choral
class size will increase, how quickly will you see the impact, the principals will be dealing with issues that perhaps would have been dealt with in the classroom with a smaller class
The results of the MetroWest Health services are showing issues
We don't off French in the middle schools, students need to choose between Latin or Spanish
How important is the middle school model?
Major movement away from the Jr High model, what students are facing with the social media effects outside the schools, during the time in the middle schools, we get to know our students, the soft skills are incorporated into the curriculum, when you think of the zero m-2 (walking and talking) but when you think of the 11-13 (this is even more important)
This carries over to the high school and helps to determine the success there
We also look at middle school to explore all aspect of the curriculum, we have run out of places to cut at the elementary, we are getting there at the middle school, what will the program look like? These will be challenging and difficult discussions if we don't have sufficient funding.
High School
I look back at what public schools were supposed to be, it has gotten to the point where the test scores, recalling a series of facts in three curriculum content areas is misleading. These three things are not the only ones that count. The things that don't get measured, especially loving to learn goes by the wayside. Narrowing the curriculum is really dangerous.
One of the barometers I use is do the 8th grade parents feel confident sending their kids here. I'll sepaparet
9% chose private (Xaverian, Bsish Feehan) two years ago
13% chose private last year
this year 8.5%
This is good
6% chose Tri-County two years ago
13% more than doubled last year (68 students)
13% is the same this year (68 students)
they provide a much broader frame of services for the hands on education, Tri-County continues to provide that compared to what we have cut and no longer offer.
there is an increase in special ed referrals, especially for the first time in the 9th grade
We went through a major schedule change as a result of increasing class sizes over the years
It had gotten to an unacceptable level
We did significantly change the schedule to bring the class sizes in the core areas down
What happened to the students, they lost opportunities to take electives
Instead of 150 papers, they are correcting 120-125
From the students, there is a narrower curriculum
special education student are forced to chose between an elective and a language
From a teachers stand point, a concept that would be hard to understand for the Town, common planning time was eliminated, try doing that in any business, they would not be able to function long term
Common assessment no matter what teacher has each student, the issue is that there is nothing done with that evaluation to meet the changing needs of the students
The curriculum needs to change, no amount of good instruction replaces the time and changes in the curriculum to meet the needs required
Lost 2 asst principals
recommendations are for 10-12 per evaluator, we are currently at 40 per evaluator
the transmission isn't firing, we can't be as quick to react
Founded on the concept of free public education, yet the district is requiring the students and families to pay for things that otherwise they shouldn't be
What are we and where are we going?
Guidance services are barely meeting the NEASC requirements
approx 300 students per counselor
sets up a two-tier system, families with means can go outside to find a "college coach"
There is an interest but we can not pursue improving technology due to lack of resources
Tri-County per pupil is 17,000 versus the 10,000 in Franklin
we lose the Chap 70 revenue and get hit with the higher cost for the students going to Tri-County
We had a model with four asst principals, each took a grade and a set of teachers for evaluations, plus other responsibilities for overall education within the building
We needed someone to look at the overall educational requirements regarding data to support the educational requirements, we dedicated one asst principal to do so, leaving the other two asst principals to split the four classes amongst themselves
Anybody can do disciple or the pain and punishment, what should be done is what can be done to improve the students ability to access the curriculum
When you cut out the R&D, you can go too long without having isues
Supervision and evaluation is the most important thing we can do, the other role is plant management, either is a full time job
Research says 10-12 teachers per evaluator, we range 40-60 currently, we are using some of the core teachers to handle some of the plant management (i.e running fire drills, etc.).
Shared facilities, the issues differ significantly in elementary from the middle school
We are chartered with providing a safe learning environment
We are in contact with the parents on a daily basis
We are being pulled in many directions
One of the poorest school district rallies behind their schools
Then I come back to a gem and we are tearing it bits and pieces away
It really is criminal with what we are doing
The teachers and administration are preparing the students to live in the new world
We are beyond efficiency
Natalie Roy
ten years ago, I had much different resources than they do now
our high schoolers are performing well going on to good schools, they are not getting what I got.
there is a rather severe gap
(reading line items of the budget, if a hold is requested, additional time will be spent on that item)
librarians - hold (Sue)
professional development - hold (Sue)
text books, media materials - hold (Bill)
instructional software - hold (Sue)
increase due to library assistances, likely a recoding of a position to more correctly reflect the proper reporting (other line item is going down)
professional development - a reclassification of education previously allocated to special ed teachers but is really for all teachers who need crisis training
text books, media materials - totally up to the principals, this is replacement of existing text books (lost worn out), or to accommodate increased enrollment
instructional software - annual maintenance cost for licensing, ed line, electronic report cards for elementary
Closing the budget hearing
motion to approve the budget, passed 7-0
Franklin, MA
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