Franklin to hold energy code workshop
Dean College presents 'The Odd Couple'
Reward offered for stolen Franklin bell
Circle of Friends presents Celtic Band RUNA
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Live reporting - Closing
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
Franklin, MA
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
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - action items
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.
motion to approve, passed 6-0
Franklin, MA
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.
motion to approve, passed 6-0
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Discussion only items
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
Franklin, MA
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
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - School Budget
d. FY2012 Budget Hearing
The budget document
Franklin Public Schools FY2012 Budget Hearing
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
Franklin, MA
The budget document
Franklin Public Schools FY2012 Budget Hearing
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
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Life Long Learning
b. Lifelong Learning Update – Pandora Carlucci
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
Franklin, MA
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
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Rep Vallee, Sen Spilka
a. State Representative Jim Vallee, Senator Karen Spilka
Rep Vallee - The budget is just starting, the presentation was impressive
Sen Spilka - Schools can be very responsive and creative
1st hearing Weds, Senate will work on its in May, House working now
Rep Vallee - the strides made in this community have been tremendous, these have brought so many new folks to the community as well. It is distressing to dismantle something that is doing so well, a portion of your budget is based upon State aid - you are so reliant State aid. School construction is now budgeted with a definite revenue stream after having gone wild several years ago. A challenge for us to continue to contribute to a quality education. The formula is so complicated, only one or two people perhaps know all the ins/outs.
Roy - I am so excited that you had a chance to see that presentation. We are down about 100 teachers but the spirit of the program remains in the system. No matter what adversities arise, they step up to them. I don't know if you can shed some light on what is coming down, we were delighted to see that the Governor's number didn't cut so much.
Sen Spilka - where as the school budget saw an increase in aid, other services (Dept of Mental Health, etc.) are stepping forward to ask for their cause. There may be some shifting around. Local aid and Chap 70 has been a priority for me. This budget will be the toughest budget yet, things will get better after this. We are on the rebound getting out of the recession. We are moving out of the recession faster than other states, rated 5th best state to do business in the nation. For those not employed or under-employed, this means nothing. Creating jobs is our number one priority. What ever we can do, the more jobs we can create, the healthier the revenue will be.
Roy - We are thankful that the two of you have returned to Beacon Hill. We appreciate the fact that you are helping us.
Rep Vallee - certainty is something to have, not something elusive, in our community we have been doing this for a while. State aid can't continue to rise every year, having some certainty we can at least make some plans. I get the calls too! It is hard. It is something I would like to see achieved.
Cafasso - We talk about local aid, it is 54% of our budget, we should be thankful, and we are. Both of you have done well by this district. It is time for the citizens to bear more of the burden for this district. We are very appreciative of your continued support.
Sen Spilka - I have been filing legislation in an attempt to find an alternative source to the property taxes.
Rohrbach - It is a scary position, when state aid goes down, it is a problem for us. How long will it take to adjust the huge cruise ship to a different model/ The circuit breaker is one item if we could close to the Gov's number. We pay about a million dollars for out of district transportation.
Sen Spilka- I did file legislation to help communities like this. All of them geared to reducing the cost of special education.
Glynn - thank you for your efforts. I attended a suburban coalition meeting last week. It is very disheartening to know, what we have been doing via cuts with what we have had and comparison to other towns where they get less state aid. For something that is a national priority, you can’t expect to finance it via homeowners, that’s a broken financial model. We are talking about hundreds of kids here in Franklin, this effects thousands of kids nationwide.
Updated 2/16/11 via email from Bill Glynn
Rep Vallee - the model that we have, we were sued and lost. So the State passed Ed Reform to address that. The model is not sustainable. We patched the tire instead of fixing the model. There are a lot of people who agree with us. No one has come up with an acceptable solution. When you start contracting budgets, it forces you to look at things. To think outside the box to come up with a solution. We know the formula, we stabilize a country and educate the kids overseas. We need to change it here.
Sen Spilka - I was on the School Committee previously, my first intro to Beacon Hill was lobbying it. We need to get to critical mass. We did make a change five years ago. It was supposed to be on a five year plan. I am not sure aggregate income is the way to go. We did get some predictability from the Dept of Rev. We did make it simpler. It sill is not fully simple. The piece that eluded us is adequacy. The constitution mandates it but the definition of adequacy has changed. There are so many factors. The Dept of Ed is undertaking an adequacy study now. Hopefully by this summer, we'll have some results. What should be built into the funding formula. That I am hoping will be a springboard for the next round of ed reform.
Glynn - adequacy can not lie in the eyes of the beholder
Franklin, MA
Rep Vallee - The budget is just starting, the presentation was impressive
Sen Spilka - Schools can be very responsive and creative
1st hearing Weds, Senate will work on its in May, House working now
Rep Vallee - the strides made in this community have been tremendous, these have brought so many new folks to the community as well. It is distressing to dismantle something that is doing so well, a portion of your budget is based upon State aid - you are so reliant State aid. School construction is now budgeted with a definite revenue stream after having gone wild several years ago. A challenge for us to continue to contribute to a quality education. The formula is so complicated, only one or two people perhaps know all the ins/outs.
Roy - I am so excited that you had a chance to see that presentation. We are down about 100 teachers but the spirit of the program remains in the system. No matter what adversities arise, they step up to them. I don't know if you can shed some light on what is coming down, we were delighted to see that the Governor's number didn't cut so much.
Sen Spilka - where as the school budget saw an increase in aid, other services (Dept of Mental Health, etc.) are stepping forward to ask for their cause. There may be some shifting around. Local aid and Chap 70 has been a priority for me. This budget will be the toughest budget yet, things will get better after this. We are on the rebound getting out of the recession. We are moving out of the recession faster than other states, rated 5th best state to do business in the nation. For those not employed or under-employed, this means nothing. Creating jobs is our number one priority. What ever we can do, the more jobs we can create, the healthier the revenue will be.
Roy - We are thankful that the two of you have returned to Beacon Hill. We appreciate the fact that you are helping us.
Rep Vallee - certainty is something to have, not something elusive, in our community we have been doing this for a while. State aid can't continue to rise every year, having some certainty we can at least make some plans. I get the calls too! It is hard. It is something I would like to see achieved.
Cafasso - We talk about local aid, it is 54% of our budget, we should be thankful, and we are. Both of you have done well by this district. It is time for the citizens to bear more of the burden for this district. We are very appreciative of your continued support.
Sen Spilka - I have been filing legislation in an attempt to find an alternative source to the property taxes.
Rohrbach - It is a scary position, when state aid goes down, it is a problem for us. How long will it take to adjust the huge cruise ship to a different model/ The circuit breaker is one item if we could close to the Gov's number. We pay about a million dollars for out of district transportation.
Sen Spilka- I did file legislation to help communities like this. All of them geared to reducing the cost of special education.
Glynn - thank you for your efforts. I attended a suburban coalition meeting last week. It is very disheartening to know, what we have been doing via cuts with what we have had and comparison to other towns where they get less state aid. For something that is a national priority, you can’t expect to finance it via homeowners, that’s a broken financial model. We are talking about hundreds of kids here in Franklin, this effects thousands of kids nationwide.
Updated 2/16/11 via email from Bill Glynn
Rep Vallee - the model that we have, we were sued and lost. So the State passed Ed Reform to address that. The model is not sustainable. We patched the tire instead of fixing the model. There are a lot of people who agree with us. No one has come up with an acceptable solution. When you start contracting budgets, it forces you to look at things. To think outside the box to come up with a solution. We know the formula, we stabilize a country and educate the kids overseas. We need to change it here.
Sen Spilka - I was on the School Committee previously, my first intro to Beacon Hill was lobbying it. We need to get to critical mass. We did make a change five years ago. It was supposed to be on a five year plan. I am not sure aggregate income is the way to go. We did get some predictability from the Dept of Rev. We did make it simpler. It sill is not fully simple. The piece that eluded us is adequacy. The constitution mandates it but the definition of adequacy has changed. There are so many factors. The Dept of Ed is undertaking an adequacy study now. Hopefully by this summer, we'll have some results. What should be built into the funding formula. That I am hoping will be a springboard for the next round of ed reform.
Glynn - adequacy can not lie in the eyes of the beholder
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Franklin Arts Academy
2. Guests/Presentations
c. Franklin Arts Academy (FAA) – Mike Caple
Several students spoke for their experience in the Arts Academy
one thought it was a joke at first, students still have responsibility to meet challenges
students have more input into the challenges
I like art and thought it would be easier, but it is not
we have projects and more art based work, used to be really shy
school work used to be boring, now it is really engaging
we were worried at first because it was our last year of school, if it didn't work out, we'd be in trouble
we get to do what we love and we are excited to come to school and learn
we are excited for the week instead of the weekend
(video produced by Students of FAA shown)
mother: What I found was a program that my daughter absolutely loves, she is on the honor role for the first time ever.
She is up and doing it on her own, no fighting anymore, joined the vision exercise, I didn't think she would have done it without the FAA
Mrs Walsh - to hear him say he loved his academic teachers, was something great to hear, I knew he loved his arts teachers, they feel it is not a generic course they are needed to provide input into the course, couldn't be a better bunch of teachers, they are great. They feel more comfortable in the classroom knowing that others in the room will have a similar point of view. The FAA is really an example of following the mission!
Mr Caple - reviews a presentation
38 students in the program, small learning community
Art Director, Mike Caple making his presentation to the School Committee about the Franklin Arts Academy
Rohrbach - How many applications?
Caple - last year we had about 50 and selected 38, we can do about 25 per class or 50 total
Rohrbach - can you tell a little more about the project based learning
Caple - 20 integrated projects with the standard academic subjects. They'll demonstrate what the learn with an art project. O a math project, they will demonstrate the motion of something with a video presentation. The initial outline was provided yesterday, the project is due on Friday. So time management is required as well as the details of the math and then the project production itself
It is a team project. This would not be possible without a strong K-8 arts program! This is not something that magically appears in the 9th grade.
Mullen - Having watched this grow, FHS is a great comprehensive high school, we talk about the sports but this is a great program, exceeding my expectations!
Jane Hogan - visual arts
Mike Peacock - musical production
Ms Walsh - committee member of the academy
Mrs Waters - (at the love fest at FHS)
other names to be added later -
Mrs Sabolinski - this program is incredible, this was built within the existing budget, no incremental costs, yet outside this would cost big bucks in a private school - this demonstrates the ingenuity of our staff.
Franklin, MA
c. Franklin Arts Academy (FAA) – Mike Caple
Several students spoke for their experience in the Arts Academy
one thought it was a joke at first, students still have responsibility to meet challenges
students have more input into the challenges
I like art and thought it would be easier, but it is not
we have projects and more art based work, used to be really shy
school work used to be boring, now it is really engaging
we were worried at first because it was our last year of school, if it didn't work out, we'd be in trouble
we get to do what we love and we are excited to come to school and learn
we are excited for the week instead of the weekend
(video produced by Students of FAA shown)
mother: What I found was a program that my daughter absolutely loves, she is on the honor role for the first time ever.
She is up and doing it on her own, no fighting anymore, joined the vision exercise, I didn't think she would have done it without the FAA
Mrs Walsh - to hear him say he loved his academic teachers, was something great to hear, I knew he loved his arts teachers, they feel it is not a generic course they are needed to provide input into the course, couldn't be a better bunch of teachers, they are great. They feel more comfortable in the classroom knowing that others in the room will have a similar point of view. The FAA is really an example of following the mission!
Mr Caple - reviews a presentation
38 students in the program, small learning community
Art Director, Mike Caple making his presentation to the School Committee about the Franklin Arts Academy
Rohrbach - How many applications?
Caple - last year we had about 50 and selected 38, we can do about 25 per class or 50 total
Rohrbach - can you tell a little more about the project based learning
Caple - 20 integrated projects with the standard academic subjects. They'll demonstrate what the learn with an art project. O a math project, they will demonstrate the motion of something with a video presentation. The initial outline was provided yesterday, the project is due on Friday. So time management is required as well as the details of the math and then the project production itself
It is a team project. This would not be possible without a strong K-8 arts program! This is not something that magically appears in the 9th grade.
Mullen - Having watched this grow, FHS is a great comprehensive high school, we talk about the sports but this is a great program, exceeding my expectations!
Jane Hogan - visual arts
Mike Peacock - musical production
Ms Walsh - committee member of the academy
Mrs Waters - (at the love fest at FHS)
other names to be added later -
Mrs Sabolinski - this program is incredible, this was built within the existing budget, no incremental costs, yet outside this would cost big bucks in a private school - this demonstrates the ingenuity of our staff.
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - School Committee
Present: Cafasso, Rohrbach, Mullen, Roy, Trahan, Glynn
Absent: Douglas
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments - none
Review of Agenda - add one action item, may adjust with order of presentations and guests
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the Open and Executive sessions of the January 25, 2011 School Committee Meeting. motion to approve, passed 6-0
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn motion to approve, passed 6-0
Payroll Mrs. Douglas - next meeting
FHS Student Representatives
Kayla Santello - special guest to represent the students
March 13th 12:00 to 4 PM fund raiser by Student Government
Mike Peacock - Sound in the Hall Records, sold 400,000 copies towards goal of 500,000
1st internet record company to achieve this goal, almost there
Correspondence: - Budget to Actual
Franklin, MA
Absent: Douglas
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments - none
Review of Agenda - add one action item, may adjust with order of presentations and guests
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the Open and Executive sessions of the January 25, 2011 School Committee Meeting. motion to approve, passed 6-0
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn motion to approve, passed 6-0
Payroll Mrs. Douglas - next meeting
FHS Student Representatives
Kayla Santello - special guest to represent the students
March 13th 12:00 to 4 PM fund raiser by Student Government
Mike Peacock - Sound in the Hall Records, sold 400,000 copies towards goal of 500,000
1st internet record company to achieve this goal, almost there
Correspondence: - Budget to Actual
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 2/15/11 - updated
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.
"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the Open and Executive sessions of the January 25, 2011 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: - Budget to Actual
2. Guests/Presentations
a. State Representative Jim Vallee
b. Lifelong Learning Update – Pandora Carlucci
c. Franklin Arts Association – Mike Caple
d. FY2012 Budget Hearing
3. Discussion Only Items
2011-2012 School Committee Meeting Schedule
Update on snow challenges
4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $921.60 from the Remington PCC for in-house enrichment.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $125.00 from the Kennedy PCC for field trips.
c. I recommend the naming of the FHS away-side press box in memory of FHS football coach, Gerry Leone.
d. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip to Hartford, CT for the FHS Cheerleaders for a competition as detailed.
e. I recommend adoption of the School Committee Schedule for 2011-2012 as discussed.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1655.00 from the Horace Mann PCC for in-house enrichment at HMMS.
g. I recommend acceptance of $308.00 from Roberta Trahan for supplemental curriculum materials for the Franklin Public Schools.
h. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
i. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a bass, bag and bow from Mr. & Mrs. Richards for the FHS Music Department.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations
8. Adjourn
Franklin, MA: School Budget Presentation - FY 2012
The updated budget document scheduled for presentation and discussion at the School Committee meeting Tuesday evening, Feb 15, 2011.
Franklin Public Schools FY2012 Budget Hearing
Franklin, MA
Franklin Public Schools FY2012 Budget Hearing
Franklin, MA
Monday, February 14, 2011
FM #86 - Week Ending Feb 13, 2011
Let's take less than 10 minutes to review what matters in Franklin, MA as the week comes to a close on Sunday Feb 13, 2011.
Time: 7 minutes, 44 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes
This internet radio show or podcast is number 86 in the series for Franklin Matters.
We'll look back at the week that was as it ends Sunday Feb 13th before looking ahead to the School Committee and Town Council meetings scheduled.
The Finance Committee meeting was canceled on Tuesday, Feb 8th.
The Long Range Financial Planning Committee did meet on Wednesday, Feb 9th.
The Committee added Sue Rohrbach to serve as a liaison to the School Committee and school budget. Sue joins Tina Powderly representing the Town Council and Jeff Nutting representing the Administration.
The committee settled on their individual assignments which were intended to reflect their individual interests and specialties. The assignments are as follows:
1 - Capital expenditures and debt service - John Hogan
2 - Benchmarking and pensions - Graydon Smith
3 - Salary and benefits (excluding pensions) - Orrin Bean
4 - National trends in municipal finance (includes regionalization) - Craig DiMarzio
5 - Schools - Deb Bartlett
6 - Town revenue, public safety, and other - Ken Harvey
7 - Committee communications and deliverables - Doug Hardesty
The bulk of the meeting was spent continuing to review the prior committee's report and much of the discussion involved clarification or background on the numbers or issues reflected in the report. The meeting ended before the committee had finished reviewing the report so some of the time at the next session will continue this effort.
The full set of my notes from the meeting can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/live-reporting-long-range-financial.html/
The budget workshop held one year ago is still a great source of detailed information directly from Jeff Nutting, Susan Gagner and Jim Dacey on the Town side of the budget and Maureen Sabilonski, Miriam Goodman on the School side of the budget. The full workshop was recorded, the audio and worksheets to accompany the recording are all available online here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/budget-workshop-collection-12510.html/
Yes, this was a year ago. The numbers may have changed a little but the overall issues for the Town have not and hence this still has great relevance for today.
The other non-meeting major item in the news was the report theft of the historic bell from the Museum. Apparently someone has made off with it, likely to melt it down for the valuable metal.
I don't spend much time doing analysis on the traffic volume for what I publish here. I did want to bring to your attention some of the numbers now that three full years have passed and four January's have been completed. I will continue to focus on bringing as much good content on what matters with the Franklin budget as possible.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/you-find-good-content-here.html
Looking to the week ahead:
School Committee is scheduled to meet Tues Feb 15. As their meeting on the 1st was canceled, I am assuming their budget discussion will be the focus for this meeting. I have included the budget links I previously posted to make it easier to find them.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda_13.html/
The Town Council is scheduled to meet Wed Feb 16. Their agenda is posted here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-feb-16.html/
The budget info for Fiscal Year 2012 can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/01/fiscal-year-2012-budget-information.html
---- ---- ----
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin. I can use your help.
How can you help, you ask?
If you have an interest in covering the Planning Board, Conservation Commission and or the Zoning Board of Appeals meetings in Franklin, please let me know.
And as always -
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: 7 minutes, 44 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes
This internet radio show or podcast is number 86 in the series for Franklin Matters.
We'll look back at the week that was as it ends Sunday Feb 13th before looking ahead to the School Committee and Town Council meetings scheduled.
The Finance Committee meeting was canceled on Tuesday, Feb 8th.
The Long Range Financial Planning Committee did meet on Wednesday, Feb 9th.
The Committee added Sue Rohrbach to serve as a liaison to the School Committee and school budget. Sue joins Tina Powderly representing the Town Council and Jeff Nutting representing the Administration.
The committee settled on their individual assignments which were intended to reflect their individual interests and specialties. The assignments are as follows:
1 - Capital expenditures and debt service - John Hogan
2 - Benchmarking and pensions - Graydon Smith
3 - Salary and benefits (excluding pensions) - Orrin Bean
4 - National trends in municipal finance (includes regionalization) - Craig DiMarzio
5 - Schools - Deb Bartlett
6 - Town revenue, public safety, and other - Ken Harvey
7 - Committee communications and deliverables - Doug Hardesty
The bulk of the meeting was spent continuing to review the prior committee's report and much of the discussion involved clarification or background on the numbers or issues reflected in the report. The meeting ended before the committee had finished reviewing the report so some of the time at the next session will continue this effort.
The full set of my notes from the meeting can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/live-reporting-long-range-financial.html/
The budget workshop held one year ago is still a great source of detailed information directly from Jeff Nutting, Susan Gagner and Jim Dacey on the Town side of the budget and Maureen Sabilonski, Miriam Goodman on the School side of the budget. The full workshop was recorded, the audio and worksheets to accompany the recording are all available online here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/budget-workshop-collection-12510.html/
Yes, this was a year ago. The numbers may have changed a little but the overall issues for the Town have not and hence this still has great relevance for today.
The other non-meeting major item in the news was the report theft of the historic bell from the Museum. Apparently someone has made off with it, likely to melt it down for the valuable metal.
I don't spend much time doing analysis on the traffic volume for what I publish here. I did want to bring to your attention some of the numbers now that three full years have passed and four January's have been completed. I will continue to focus on bringing as much good content on what matters with the Franklin budget as possible.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/you-find-good-content-here.html
Looking to the week ahead:
School Committee is scheduled to meet Tues Feb 15. As their meeting on the 1st was canceled, I am assuming their budget discussion will be the focus for this meeting. I have included the budget links I previously posted to make it easier to find them.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda_13.html/
The Town Council is scheduled to meet Wed Feb 16. Their agenda is posted here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-feb-16.html/
The budget info for Fiscal Year 2012 can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/01/fiscal-year-2012-budget-information.html
---- ---- ----
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin. I can use your help.
How can you help, you ask?
If you have an interest in covering the Planning Board, Conservation Commission and or the Zoning Board of Appeals meetings in Franklin, please let me know.
And as always -
- If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors
- If you don't like this, 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!
You find good content here
I don't spend much time on these numbers but bear with me for a moment to share the results. This first chart shows the traffic growth year by year. I have excluded the last 2 months of 2007 and the first month of 2011 in this view focused on complete years.
The chart depicts page views in green. Page views are when each post is read. Unique visitors are in blue. We have almost doubled from 15,000 to 28,000 and then added another 14,000 to end up at 42,000 visitors for 2010. The returning visitors are calculated from the cookie in your browser and for a variety of reasons they are less accurate. They are a subset of the unique visitors.
January is the beginning of the new year and if this traffic volume reliably indicates a trend, we are off to a good start. We have grown in volume each January. The page reads are in blue and the unique visitors are in maroon.
Why would the numbers continue to grow?
The numbers tell me that you are continuing to find good content here.
Thank you for visiting.
If you haven't considered subscribing via email, please do so. You'll get one email each day just after 9:00 AM with what has been published since the prior email. You can select the daily updates from Franklin Matters, or chose the weekly review from Franklin Matters Weekly.
All these options are available on the Welcome page here
Franklin, MA
Why would the numbers continue to grow?
The numbers tell me that you are continuing to find good content here.
Thank you for visiting.
If you haven't considered subscribing via email, please do so. You'll get one email each day just after 9:00 AM with what has been published since the prior email. You can select the daily updates from Franklin Matters, or chose the weekly review from Franklin Matters Weekly.
You can follow us on Facebook.
You can get the weekly review via iTunes.
All these options are available on the Welcome page here
Franklin, MA
Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee - Meeting 2/15/11 - 7:30 PM
Proposed Agenda for Feb 15, 2011
Location: Franklin YMCA 45 Forge Hill Road
Start Time: 7:30PM
I. Call to Order
A. Ask for volunteer to keep minutes of meeting
B. Introduction of new attendees
C. Review & approve minutes of previous meeting
II. Report from our representative from DCR
A. Need for signage disallowing motorized vehicles on trail
B. Can we put up history of railroad at the Kiosk? What remains to be done?
C. Contact made with the Town Administrator and the DPW asking to plow the parking lot for winter trail use
III. Membership Committee Report
A. Committee to report on membership activity
IV. Report from Finance Committee
A. Report from Treasurer
V. Report of Fund Raising Committee
A. Report of progress on the Road Race
B. Fundraising Activity – doing well, but can do more
C. Ken to report on EMC connection
D. Can someone get into Garelick Farms?
E. General preparations for the Road Race
VI. Report from Grant Writing Committee
A. Chair found grant opportunity at Bank of America and notified sub-com. Discussion required on how to proceed - - -
B. General need for more involvement of qualified members – volunteers?
VII. Engineering Requirements of this project
A. How can we best utilize our professional talent?
B. Can Ray Willis assist us, or is there a conflict of interest because he is on the Franklin Con Con?
C. Can Dave Pellegri & Bill Desantis direct or assist our Grant Committee?
VIII. Unfinished Business
A. Business plan going very slow – Paul and Dave extremely busy with time constraints and this task is laboring
B. Bellingham connection – progress with the Lions Club – follow up needed
C. Kiosk possibility at Center St
IX. New Business
X. Set Date & place for Next Meeting and Adjourn
Franklin, MA
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Panda peeks over pile
In our walk around Franklin on Saturday morning the snow provided some special opportunities for photos.
And Davis Thayer's sign got in one update to announce it was done updating until better weather arrived.
We choose our route carefully to use sidewalks that were cleared or roads that were not busy with traffic. Be careful if you do go out. Franklin is pretty in this winter wonderland look. Although getting around is much more challenging now that the roads are not as wide as they are in good weather.
Franklin, MA
And Davis Thayer's sign got in one update to announce it was done updating until better weather arrived.
We choose our route carefully to use sidewalks that were cleared or roads that were not busy with traffic. Be careful if you do go out. Franklin is pretty in this winter wonderland look. Although getting around is much more challenging now that the roads are not as wide as they are in good weather.
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 2/15/11
As the School Committee meeting scheduled for 2/1/11 was canceled, and the School Committee has not posted a new agenda for the meeting 2/15/11, I assuming that the prior agenda will be the one for Tuesday night.
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the Open and Executive Sessions of the January 25, 2011 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll - none for this meeting Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence
1. Budget to Actual
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Lifelong Learning – Pandora Carlucci
b. Preliminary Budget Overview
3. Discussion Only Items
Proposed School Committee Schedule for 2011-2012
4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $921.60 from the Remington PCC for in-house enrichment.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $125.00 from the Kennedy PCC for field trips.
c. I recommend the naming of the FHS away-side press box in memory of FHS football coach, Gerry Leone.
d. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip to Hartford, CT for the FHS Cheerleaders for a competition as detailed.
e. I recommend adoption of the School Committee Schedule for 2011-2012 as discussed.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations
8. Adjourn
Franklin, MA
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.
"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the Open and Executive Sessions of the January 25, 2011 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll - none for this meeting Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence
1. Budget to Actual
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Lifelong Learning – Pandora Carlucci
b. Preliminary Budget Overview
3. Discussion Only Items
Proposed School Committee Schedule for 2011-2012
4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $921.60 from the Remington PCC for in-house enrichment.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $125.00 from the Kennedy PCC for field trips.
c. I recommend the naming of the FHS away-side press box in memory of FHS football coach, Gerry Leone.
d. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip to Hartford, CT for the FHS Cheerleaders for a competition as detailed.
e. I recommend adoption of the School Committee Schedule for 2011-2012 as discussed.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations
8. Adjourn
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Feb 16, 2011
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 11-06: Acceptance of Gift – Council on Aging
2. Resolution 11-07: Amendment to the Final Cable Television License Granted to Verizon New England, Inc.
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
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 11-06: Acceptance of Gift – Council on Aging
2. Resolution 11-07: Amendment to the Final Cable Television License Granted to Verizon New England, Inc.
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
Saturday, February 12, 2011
"They're like a family to me"
Davis Thayer Principal Shirley Babcock and Keller Principal Mary Jane Wiles are both retiring. Horace Mann's Michael Levine was brought in for one year as an interim principal while the district searched for a replacement for Anne Bergen, who retired last year.
The district recently named Remington Middle School Assistant Principal Shawn Fortin as the new Horace Mann principal and they plan to begin searches for two new elementary principals after February vacation, Assistant Superintendent Sally Winslow said.
"Shawn rose to the top throughout the (interview) process," Winslow said, adding there were five candidates from outside the district in addition to Fortin. "Shawn really showed himself to be visionary in his approach. ... He's done a fabulous job (at Remington) looking at MCAS scores and working with the principal and teachers around instructional strategies so kids can perform better on those tests."
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
In addition to the principals in the article, Michele Kingsland-Smith, Director of Instructional Services also announced her retirement this week to be effective after the school year. She apparently will continue to work with the district in a part-time consultative capacity.
Franklin, MA
"they have lost vital funding"
"De-accessioning" means these collections will no longer be available to the public and many plants within the collections will be destroyed. Included in this de-accession plan are the National Boxwood Collection and its associated Perennial Collections, along with the extensive Glenn Dale Hillside of the Azalea Collections. This will be a huge loss for the plant world, and for all the people who have traveled to and enjoyed these gardens.
Arboreta and other public botanic gardens are true treasures for those of us who enjoy experiencing the beauty and value of trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials and other plants in a comfortable setting. Few private gardens can offer the range of horticulture they make available, often in association with other garden treasures (sculpture, architecture, art, etc.).Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
In eastern Massachusetts, some of the best of these gardens include Tower Hill Botanic Garden (www.towerhillbg.org) in Boylston, the Arnold Arboretum (arboretum.harvard.edu) in Jamaica Plain, and the Wellesley College Botanic Garden (www.wellesley.edu/WCBG).
Franklin, MA
Friday, February 11, 2011
State implements new early childhood rating system
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Scott O'Connell/Daily News staff on 2/11/11
This month the state debuted a new rating system for early education programs with the aim of closing achievement gaps in Massachusetts.
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
The MA.gov web site with additional information on the standards and rating system can be found here.
"You don't have to be a smoker to get lung cancer"
"I have no doubt in my mind the people who will find a cure for cancer are the people at Dana-Faber," said Jamie Tighe, a Franklin resident who grew up in Framingham and is running the Boston Marathon in April in Andy's honor.
His brother, Tim, and Tighe's brother were best friends, so "Andy was always a presence in my life," Tighe said. "He's always been like a brother."
So, even though "I was definitely not a runner" until recently, "when he was diagnosed, it was immediate." She decided to do the 26-mile race.
"It was always he and I. He always said, 'I'll see you at the finish line.' One of the hardest things I had to do was to change my Dana-Farber website" to reflect she's now running in his memory.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Those who would like information about supporting Tighe's Dana-Farber fundraising can go to rundfmc.org and enter her name in the "Support a Runner" tab.
Franklin, MA
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Liberty Bell missing from Franklin museum
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Brian Benson/Daily News staff on 2/10/11
The Historical Commission is asking for the public's help locating a Liberty Bell that is missing from outside the Historical Museum sometime this week.
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
This picture was taken on a warmer day.
"So many people are waiting"
On Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, Buccella is holding a bone marrow drive, and Flannery will distribute information on how to become an organ and tissue donor. The event will be held at the Franklin YMCA at 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin.
All that is required to become a potential registered bone marrow donor is a simple cheek swab that determines tissue type, Buccella said. This can be done at a local drive or go online at www.BeTheMatch.org and send for a kit to do it yourself.
Registering to become an organ donor is just as simple and can be done when renewing a driver's license, Flannery said, or registering at the New England Organ Bank website at www.neob.org.
The two also plan to distribute literature at various Registry of Motor Vehicle branches. They stress the point isn't to find donors for themselves and those they love - it is to emphasize the need and ease.
Read the full article on the organ donor information event in the Milford Daily News
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Live reporting - Long Range Financial Planning Committee
Present: Doug Hardesty, Deb Bartlett, Orrin Bean, John Hogan, Ken Harvey, Craig DiMarzio, Graydon Smith, Tina Powderly (Town Council), Jeff Nutting (ex officio) Scott Mason (ex officio) , Sue Rohrbach (School Committee)
Absent: none
Welcome to Sue Rohrbach, representing the School Committee.
Motion to approve minutes of Jan 5th meeting, passed unanimously
Discussion on committee assignments
Individuals will take the lead on a number of categories(to be added later)
1 - Capital expenditures and debt service - John Hogan
2 - Benchmarking and pensions - Graydon Smith
3 - Salary and benefits (excluding pensions) - Orrin Bean
4 - National trends in municipal finance (includes regionalization) - Craig DiMarzio
5 - Schools - Deb Bartlett
6 - Town revenue, public safety, and other - Ken Harvey
7 - Committee communications and deliverables - Doug Hardesty
(updated 2/13/11)
These individuals would also have the lead for those specific pages in the reports and other deliverables produced by the committee
Obligation to pay retired employee pensions, according to the actuarial analysis the fund is not fully covered. It needs to be fully funded by 2030. There is an annual assessment provided by Norfolk County every year. The fallacy of the pension in MA as elsewhere is they are usually based upon an average annual return of about 8%. This return was not achieved recently nor is likely to be anytime soon, hence the under-funding problem is getting worse. The Town has little say in the matter, it is set in State law dating back to 1937.
Discussions around the Capitol are addressing abuses and will get to the funding issue. The funding issue was created by not funding the pension from 1937 to 1989 during which the pension was "pay as you go". The defined benefit plan is controlled at the State level.
Work ten years to get vested and entitled to a pension. Also get access to full benefits for health insurance. Franklin took on the responsibility for paying for the retiree health benefits about 40-50 years ago. Everybody (retiree) is all in, everybody has to be treated the same. Once the retiree get to 65, they pay and get Medicare, hence come off the Franklin plan (we pay a supplemental benefit). Some employees can hit the rule of 90, that is a combination of age and years of service if equal to 90 maxes their benefits. So if they max and retire in their 50's, they could be collecting from the Town for several years before they reach 65 (when they switch to Medicare). It is a long and complicated issue here in MA. The ability of cities and towns to control the plan design has been a top priority for MA civic leaders for years.
Nutting: You can't balance the problems of the entire health system upon a few employees.
Powderly: The Budget Subcommittee of the Town Council would like this group to look into:
The current liability is about $40M. It would take about $2M per year to sufficiently fund it with a trust fund. If we did put the $2M there, that happens to be the amount of free cash which would mean we wouldn't have a capital budget (as it is currently funded from 'free cash').
The average statewide pension is $27,000. We are about that. Not everyone stays for 30 years.
We are spending about 3-4M for the pension funding until about 2030 and then that number would start declining.
For the non-union environment, a management decision is always is the position is full time or part time. If we can get part time, i.e. less than 20 hours, they get salary and no benefits (paid holidays, health care, etc.)
Franklin did move the retired teachers from the State plan to a Franklin-managed plan and saved about $400,000 per year to do so.
Hat's off to all the Franklin employees for being as cooperative as they have been on the health plan design the last several years. They have increased co-pays and helped to save the town big time. Franklin pays 68% and the employees pay 32%, this is already below the State average. Most are still around 80, some are still at 90.
Picking up to review the report of the prior committee from last year (PDF)
Discussion diverges when we reach page 15. The State averages aren't an appropriate comparison and probably should be re-looked at when this slide is revised.
Discussion on the use of the 3.5% debt service within the operational budget.
Request for a discussion on how to bring some of these state level systemic issues to the table, who do we talk to, how do we get the state level changes started?
Franklin, MA
Absent: none
Welcome to Sue Rohrbach, representing the School Committee.
Motion to approve minutes of Jan 5th meeting, passed unanimously
Discussion on committee assignments
Individuals will take the lead on a number of categories
1 - Capital expenditures and debt service - John Hogan
2 - Benchmarking and pensions - Graydon Smith
3 - Salary and benefits (excluding pensions) - Orrin Bean
4 - National trends in municipal finance (includes regionalization) - Craig DiMarzio
5 - Schools - Deb Bartlett
6 - Town revenue, public safety, and other - Ken Harvey
7 - Committee communications and deliverables - Doug Hardesty
(updated 2/13/11)
These individuals would also have the lead for those specific pages in the reports and other deliverables produced by the committee
Obligation to pay retired employee pensions, according to the actuarial analysis the fund is not fully covered. It needs to be fully funded by 2030. There is an annual assessment provided by Norfolk County every year. The fallacy of the pension in MA as elsewhere is they are usually based upon an average annual return of about 8%. This return was not achieved recently nor is likely to be anytime soon, hence the under-funding problem is getting worse. The Town has little say in the matter, it is set in State law dating back to 1937.
Discussions around the Capitol are addressing abuses and will get to the funding issue. The funding issue was created by not funding the pension from 1937 to 1989 during which the pension was "pay as you go". The defined benefit plan is controlled at the State level.
Work ten years to get vested and entitled to a pension. Also get access to full benefits for health insurance. Franklin took on the responsibility for paying for the retiree health benefits about 40-50 years ago. Everybody (retiree) is all in, everybody has to be treated the same. Once the retiree get to 65, they pay and get Medicare, hence come off the Franklin plan (we pay a supplemental benefit). Some employees can hit the rule of 90, that is a combination of age and years of service if equal to 90 maxes their benefits. So if they max and retire in their 50's, they could be collecting from the Town for several years before they reach 65 (when they switch to Medicare). It is a long and complicated issue here in MA. The ability of cities and towns to control the plan design has been a top priority for MA civic leaders for years.
Nutting: You can't balance the problems of the entire health system upon a few employees.
Powderly: The Budget Subcommittee of the Town Council would like this group to look into:
- What can we do to manage the growth of the liability for retiree health benefits going forward?
- How do we start funding the liability that we have?
The current liability is about $40M. It would take about $2M per year to sufficiently fund it with a trust fund. If we did put the $2M there, that happens to be the amount of free cash which would mean we wouldn't have a capital budget (as it is currently funded from 'free cash').
The average statewide pension is $27,000. We are about that. Not everyone stays for 30 years.
We are spending about 3-4M for the pension funding until about 2030 and then that number would start declining.
For the non-union environment, a management decision is always is the position is full time or part time. If we can get part time, i.e. less than 20 hours, they get salary and no benefits (paid holidays, health care, etc.)
Franklin did move the retired teachers from the State plan to a Franklin-managed plan and saved about $400,000 per year to do so.
Hat's off to all the Franklin employees for being as cooperative as they have been on the health plan design the last several years. They have increased co-pays and helped to save the town big time. Franklin pays 68% and the employees pay 32%, this is already below the State average. Most are still around 80, some are still at 90.
Picking up to review the report of the prior committee from last year (PDF)
Discussion diverges when we reach page 15. The State averages aren't an appropriate comparison and probably should be re-looked at when this slide is revised.
Discussion on the use of the 3.5% debt service within the operational budget.
Request for a discussion on how to bring some of these state level systemic issues to the table, who do we talk to, how do we get the state level changes started?
Franklin, MA
"Willy Wonka Jr." comes to Franklin
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Department of Fine and Performing Arts Proudly Presents
Willy Wonka Jr.
February 11 and 12, 2011 @ 7:00pm
Horace Mann Middle School, Franklin, MA
$15/adult and $12/child
Looking for something to do on Friday or Saturday night!
Come watch a fun production of Willy Wonka!
Great music, lots of laughs, it's sure to be a great night!
Franklin, MA
Willy Wonka Jr.
February 11 and 12, 2011 @ 7:00pm
Horace Mann Middle School, Franklin, MA
$15/adult and $12/child
Looking for something to do on Friday or Saturday night!
Come watch a fun production of Willy Wonka!
Great music, lots of laughs, it's sure to be a great night!
Franklin, MA
Best Buddies Spinning Fundraiser
Team Fitness Fanklin wil host its third annual Best Buddies Spinning Fundraiser, Saturday, February 12, 2011 from 8:00a.m. to 11:00a.m.
The Spin-A-Thon is a three hour indoor cycling event to raise funds to support the Best Buddies program including the three chapters already in place at Franklin High School, Annie Sullivan Middle School Franklin, and Horace Mann Middle School Franklin. Best Buddies is a charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment.
Riders may register as an individual and spin for three hours, or split time on a bike with other participants. There are fundraising commitments ($150 for each hour or $300 for three hours) each participant should strive to reach. Team Fitness will provide water, smoothies, fruit, and support to all riders. There will be numerous raffle prizes, t-shirts, and many surprises throughout the day. Representatives from Best Buddies will be on board to help educate, inform, coach, and cheer on the riders. Come to spin, donate, or take part in our raffle! Participation is open to the public. Raffle tickets are currently available at Team Fitness Franklin. Please come and support this effort.
Team Fitness Franklin is located at 100 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin Village Mall. Register by calling Team Fitness at 508-541-8330. Questions may be directed to owner Bob Flynn @ bob@teamfitnessfranklin.com.
Franklin, MA
The Spin-A-Thon is a three hour indoor cycling event to raise funds to support the Best Buddies program including the three chapters already in place at Franklin High School, Annie Sullivan Middle School Franklin, and Horace Mann Middle School Franklin. Best Buddies is a charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment.
Riders may register as an individual and spin for three hours, or split time on a bike with other participants. There are fundraising commitments ($150 for each hour or $300 for three hours) each participant should strive to reach. Team Fitness will provide water, smoothies, fruit, and support to all riders. There will be numerous raffle prizes, t-shirts, and many surprises throughout the day. Representatives from Best Buddies will be on board to help educate, inform, coach, and cheer on the riders. Come to spin, donate, or take part in our raffle! Participation is open to the public. Raffle tickets are currently available at Team Fitness Franklin. Please come and support this effort.
Team Fitness Franklin is located at 100 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin Village Mall. Register by calling Team Fitness at 508-541-8330. Questions may be directed to owner Bob Flynn @ bob@teamfitnessfranklin.com.
Franklin, MA
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) delivers big bucks
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue by Robert Bliss on 2/8/11
The federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) delivers up to $5,666 in federal tax credit and $849.90 in state tax credit -- a combined $6,515.90 -- for eligible taxpayers.
Simply put, the EITC delivers big bucks to low- and moderate-income working families and individuals through a combined federal and state income tax credit.
In a statement issued Jan. 28, Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray said that "During these difficult economic times, it is even more important to inform residents about this tax benefit as well as the assistance available to acces the benefits." The Lt. Gov also has a video explainer on the credit at DOR's homepage at www.mass.gov/dor.
It is estimated that 20 to 25 percent of eligible families failed to apply for the tax credit in tax year 2009. Depending on family income and size, individuals and their families may be eligible for thousands of dollars in tax refunds even if they owe no income tax.
Here are some examples of the EITC. An individual with a maximum federal adjusted gross income of $13,460 and no children is eligible for $457 in federal credit and $68.55 in state credit. An individual with adjusted gross income of $35,535 and one child is eligible for $3,050 in federal credit and another $457.50 in state credit. An individual with adjusted gross income of $45,352 and three children is eligible for a federal tax credit of $5,666 and a state credit of $849.50, the maximum credit.
For married couples filing jointly, the adjusted gross income thresholds are about $5,000 higher. Thus, a couple with one child and an adjusted gross income of $40,545 is eligible for $3,050 in federal credit and $457.40 in state credit, while a couple with three children and an adjusted gross income of $48,362 is eligible for the maximum credit.
To assist taxpayers in filing for the EITC, the Massachusetts EITC Coordinated Campaign provides a host of locations at which taxpayers may complete and file their tax return, at no cost. Just click on the link to find the site closest to you.
DOR's website maintains a complete listing of EITC information. So far this filing season, the Commonwealth has paid $39.6 million in EITC to eligible taxpayers.
Simply put, the EITC delivers big bucks to low- and moderate-income working families and individuals through a combined federal and state income tax credit.
In a statement issued Jan. 28, Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray said that "During these difficult economic times, it is even more important to inform residents about this tax benefit as well as the assistance available to acces the benefits." The Lt. Gov also has a video explainer on the credit at DOR's homepage at www.mass.gov/dor.
It is estimated that 20 to 25 percent of eligible families failed to apply for the tax credit in tax year 2009. Depending on family income and size, individuals and their families may be eligible for thousands of dollars in tax refunds even if they owe no income tax.
Here are some examples of the EITC. An individual with a maximum federal adjusted gross income of $13,460 and no children is eligible for $457 in federal credit and $68.55 in state credit. An individual with adjusted gross income of $35,535 and one child is eligible for $3,050 in federal credit and another $457.50 in state credit. An individual with adjusted gross income of $45,352 and three children is eligible for a federal tax credit of $5,666 and a state credit of $849.50, the maximum credit.
For married couples filing jointly, the adjusted gross income thresholds are about $5,000 higher. Thus, a couple with one child and an adjusted gross income of $40,545 is eligible for $3,050 in federal credit and $457.40 in state credit, while a couple with three children and an adjusted gross income of $48,362 is eligible for the maximum credit.
To assist taxpayers in filing for the EITC, the Massachusetts EITC Coordinated Campaign provides a host of locations at which taxpayers may complete and file their tax return, at no cost. Just click on the link to find the site closest to you.
DOR's website maintains a complete listing of EITC information. So far this filing season, the Commonwealth has paid $39.6 million in EITC to eligible taxpayers.
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Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Finance Committee meeting canceled
According to the Franklin web site the meeting scheduled for tonight at 7:00 PM has been canceled.
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