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If so, guess what, you share your birthday with the Town of Franklin!
Although the Town of Franklin is much older (March 2, 1778), we thought it would be fun to invite everyone that shares March 2nd as their birthday to a “Birthday Bash” at the museum. From the looks of things, we will have over 70 people that share that date from children to adults.
We are planning to have a cake, beverages and certainly balloons. Who knows, we may also have some special birthday presents for everyone.
Please RSVP as soon as possible to Deborah L. Pellegri, Town Clerk and Chairman of the Historical Commission at 508-520-4900 or email me at dpellegri@franklin.ma.us
Remember, family and friends are all invited and certainly welcomed.
While running last weekend, I stopped by the Senior Center for some photos. (Yes, stopping for photos are a good excuse to catch one's breath while running.)
The figures in the snow reminded me of the real folks in the trenches in the snow; from Valley Forge, Battle of the Bulge, Inchon Peninsula, Afghanistan, to other cold and not likely to be forgotten places where the veterans served.
When you see a veteran, remember to thank them for their service. When folks come up to my father (an veteran of Iwo Jima) to thank him. It really makes his day.
"We learned we can make a difference," said Waite, who plans to participate in an internship with the Franklin Police Department later this school year. "We can help."
Former Patriots players Gino Cappelletti, Larry Garron and Roland James spoke to Waite and about 50 of his classmates at The Hall at Patriot Place. The students are participating in a leadership development class designed to prepare them for internships during the last quarter of the school year.
In addition to hearing from Patriots alumni, the students were asked to think critically about what qualities make a good leader and how to combat prejudice. They also toured the exhibits in The Hall, a museum located next to Gillette Stadium that chronicles the football team's history.
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 11-06: Acceptance of Gift – Council on Aging motion to accept - passed 5-0
2. Resolution 11-07: Amendment to the Final Cable Television License Granted to Verizon New England, Inc.
The cable providers don't like to give real numbers but there are 10,500 subscribers about 5500 for Comcast and 5000 for Verizon. The motion brings equity to both vendors in terms of expense to them.
motion to accept - passed 6-0
Updated after the meeting - (Powderly arrived in time for this vote)
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Thanks to all the town employees on the roof clearing, real team effort, Fire, DPW and Schools to remove snow. No reason for concern, everything under control. There are roof leaks in several buildings
Snow removal has exceeded $1 M. We have some stabilization money to handle more if necessary
Budget still a work in progress, numbers being developed. Hopefully, in March should have some.better numbers to work with.
The process at the State level in prior years has changed, we are still anticipating getting a good number to work with for local aid. The remainder of the budget at the State level may not be finalized until July. I am not ready to come out and give you a state aid number until the Senate and the House provide some indication
L. OLD BUSINESS - none
M. NEW BUSINESS - none
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Jones - the contractors had a very good turnout for the Stretch Code workshop held today at the Municipal Bldg. Could the councilors get a copy of what was handed out today?
Pfeffer - have we received a report from the 4th of July Committee?
Nutting - not yet, it is requested but not yet received.
Pfeffer - maybe someone with a cell phone could take a photo of the cars using the handicap parking spot to send to the police
February is Heart Month - Friends of Franklin, St Mary's Food Pantry or St Vincent dePaul.
Congratulations to Glen Jones and family on their new addition.
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
Motion to go into executive session, not to return to open meeting Passed 6-0 (via roll call)
"We think this is not an unreasonable expectation for a budget," Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski said, noting some figures such as local aid and health insurance could change. "It helps us to keep and maintain programs. Would we like to have all 14.3 positions back? Absolutely. But, we think this is a reasonable budget proposal in these economic times."
The positions to be cut include five elementary school teachers, six middle school teachers and the high school's alternative programs coordinator.
Remington Middle School Principal Paul Peri said fewer teachers could boost class sizes to more than 27 students while Sabolinski noted it would be harder for teachers to focus on helping individual students who may be struggling.
School Committee member Ed Cafasso said while many people may have individual complaints about a bad teacher, overall the district has performed well while spending about $2,800 less per pupil than the state average.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
Kindergarten registration is in, there is already an increase of 14 students and we are expecting more, we tend to get registrations through the beginning of the school year
Recognition of the two retiring principals
Introduction of Mr Fortin - new Horace Mann principal, he will return for a more formal intro and discussion
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports
6. New Business To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
March 10th - Trivia Bee
Motion to enter executive session not to return to open meeting
4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $921.60 from the Remington PCC for in-house enrichment. motion to approve, passed 6-0
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $125.00 from the Kennedy PCC for field trips. motion to approve, passed 6-0
c. I recommend the naming of the FHS away-side press box in memory of FHS football coach, Gerry Leone. motion to approve, passed 6-0
d. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip to Hartford, CT for the FHS Cheerleaders for a competition as detailed. motion to approve, passed 6-0
e. I recommend adoption of the School Committee Schedule for 2011-2012 as discussed. motion to approve, passed 6-0
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1655.00 from the Horace Mann PCC for in-house enrichment at HMMS. motion to approve, passed 6-0 \
g. I recommend acceptance of $308.00 from Roberta Trahan for supplemental curriculum materials for the Franklin Public Schools. motion to approve, passed 6-0
h. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed. motion to approve, passed 6-0
i. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a bass, bag and bow from Mr. & Mrs. Richards for the FHS Music Department. motion to approve, passed 6-0
j. I recommend adoption of the FY 2012 budget as detailed
Cafasso - this is not a Cadillac service, this is providing a high quality education, more than others, at a cost less than others. There is no one who can show us that these school are not worth every penny.
3. Discussion Only Items
2011-2012 School Committee Meeting Schedule
organizational meeting needs to be earlier, the day after the election, which is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, hence Nov 9th for organizational
Update on snow challenges
We were on the roofs before some of our surrounding communities
We are working on roof leak issues
Jun 22, projected to be last school day
received a note from a 3rd grader on how to handle snow days
Miriam Goodman -
Clarification on the offset of one time funds ($2M) no longer available, but the positions are still required, so that $1.1M is noted in the presentation.
14.3 positions previously funded are not covered in this 'almost level' funded budget
12% health care increase forecasted for now, looking at plan design changes so there may be some movement in this number but it remains a big driver of increased costs
per pupil FY 2010 - about $3,000 less than State average
Sabolinski - This number reflects our best estimates at this time. Health care not definite yet. Grants have been declining each year so we will be watching those.
Rohrbach - What will the 14.3 mean to changes in programs?
Sabolinski - The loss of the Math CETs will be major for the assistance that they have provided
Mrs Minkle - the range of 18-27, across the elementary schools
Mr Peri - 27-28
Mr Light - around 25-26 but up to 28-29 in upper grades, an increase of 1-2 per section
Rohrbach - we spend 55% less than the State average for Administration, we don't have fat at the top
Sabolinksi- the least percentage difference is classroom teachers, and that is by design as we have protected the teacher positions as much as possible
Cafasso - The budget book is online, the achievement section is fantastic summary of a high performing district.
Sabolinski - the budget book is a collaborative effort of the entire district, the facts and stories that make each school unique
Glynn - AYP?
Sabolinski - the mandates continue to grow, with less teachers, more students per teacher, students will have less time with their teachers
Roy - I will read the line items don't be too alarmed if members of the committee do not place many holds on these items, we have already spent time with these numbers including the 4 hour budget workshop on Saturday, Jan 29th
Holds requested
Educational assistance - $100,000 increase is an actual spending adjusted in this year's budget for next year
Transportation services - $193,000 increase, an additional $200,000 were applied this year with one time funds not available this year, so it is not an increase in expense but a loss of funding
Athletic - $321,000, a $100,000 increase, similar to above - not an increase in expense, but a loss in revenue
This year has been a challenge and an opportunity due to the economy.
They have forged numerous partnerships over the past several months.
Working with Dean College, YMCA "Mass in Motion"
Piloting a toddler program at Davis Thayer
Piloting a program at ECDC for 24-36 month old children
Cheese cave at Formaggio Kitchen in Cambridge
Franklin Liquor with wine tasting and wine trials for evening students
Partnering with American Red Cross for a 'pet first aid class'
Solutions - before and after school extended care program at all six elementary schools
No catalog for the Summer 2011 program, too expensive to print
Star Plus - 4 weeks of choices for middle school students
High School Experience - Aug 15 - 19 (later this summer than usual)
had 50% of the incoming class, shooting for 2/3 of the incoming class this year
Math is Fun - Math Academy
"Let your life speak" - for incoming senior High School students
3 day workshop practice interviewing and essay writing
Summer Art - 2 week program in arts
Summer music program - 2 weeks at beginning of summer (band, string, chorus)
Class of 1961 for June at Graduation, located 44 members, looking for another 44 members
Rohrbach - thank you, every year there is something new and different.
We talk about thinking outside the box, you are creative and sustaining
Carlucci - There are over 200 faculty in all the variety of programs
