Thursday, October 13, 2011
In the News - FHS cabaret, art center, distinguished
Franklin High theater to host cabaret, Oct. 18 and 20
Franklin Art Center offers kids' art
Gazette named a ‘distinguished newspaper’ in New England
Race to Nowhere
The Franklin Public Schools, in conjunction with the Joint Parent Communication Councils of Franklin, is hosting a screening of the film Race to Nowhere on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 7 p.m.
The film will play at the Mercer Auditorium at Horace Mann Middle School on Oak Street. A panel discussion will follow the screening.
Featuring the heartbreaking stories of young people who have been pushed to the brink and educators who are burned out and worried that students aren’t developing the skills needed for the global economy, Race to Nowhere points to the silent epidemic running rampant in our schools. The film is the product of Vicki Abeles, a concerned mother turned filmmaker, who aims her camera at the culture of hollow achievement and pressure to perform that has invaded America’s schools. As Abeles notes, “it is destroying our children’s love of learning and feeding an epidemic of unprepared, disengaged, and unhealthy students.” The film is a call to families, educators, experts and policy makers to examine current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become the healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens in the 21st century. You can learn more about the film athttp://www.racetonowhere.com/.
The event is free and open to the general public. However, those who wish to attend the screening must register online for tickets at http://
The film will play at the Mercer Auditorium at Horace Mann Middle School on Oak Street. A panel discussion will follow the screening.
Featuring the heartbreaking stories of young people who have been pushed to the brink and educators who are burned out and worried that students aren’t developing the skills needed for the global economy, Race to Nowhere points to the silent epidemic running rampant in our schools. The film is the product of Vicki Abeles, a concerned mother turned filmmaker, who aims her camera at the culture of hollow achievement and pressure to perform that has invaded America’s schools. As Abeles notes, “it is destroying our children’s love of learning and feeding an epidemic of unprepared, disengaged, and unhealthy students.” The film is a call to families, educators, experts and policy makers to examine current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become the healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens in the 21st century. You can learn more about the film athttp://www.racetonowhere.com/.
The event is free and open to the general public. However, those who wish to attend the screening must register online for tickets at http://
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Finance Committee - 10/11/11
I chose to "follow the money" and attended the Finance Committee (FinCom) meeting on Tuesday evening. It was the first time that the FinCom met this fiscal year. The committee is now nine members (down from eleven) due to the charter change passed in 2009. The committee members were sworn in by the Town Clerk and then set their organization for this fiscal year.
Jim Roche continues as Chair.
Chris Quinn was voted as Vice Chair.
Phyllis Messere was elected Clerk.
Jeff Nutting, Susan Gagne and Jim Dacey participated to help inform the new committee of the various financial process, procedures and issues that the FinCom will be facing.
Several action items were discussed in detail to provide some background for the new members before they voted. The details for the meeting are contained in the following links.
After the meeting, the committee took a new photo to update their page on the Franklin website. The listing of members will also be updated to show the current membership.
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Finance/index
Jim Roche continues as Chair.
Chris Quinn was voted as Vice Chair.
Phyllis Messere was elected Clerk.
Jeff Nutting, Susan Gagne and Jim Dacey participated to help inform the new committee of the various financial process, procedures and issues that the FinCom will be facing.
Several action items were discussed in detail to provide some background for the new members before they voted. The details for the meeting are contained in the following links.
After the meeting, the committee took a new photo to update their page on the Franklin website. The listing of members will also be updated to show the current membership.
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Finance/index
"I see growth and I see improvement"
Each of the schools, Remington, Horace Mann, and Annie Sullivan, had similar struggles with their annual yearly progress goals under the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System this past year. None of them met their math or special education and low-income student requirements.
The principals noted that this failure was not a reflection of the school system or their students, but rather somewhat unrealistic goals on the part of the state for high-performing schools like Franklin.
"When you're in a successful district, once you get into that 90th percentile, (it becomes harder)," said Paul Peri, principal of Remington Middle School. Peri added that Franklin is in the top two levels of seven that the state sets.
"The way the formula is set up ... the better you do, the harder it is to reach that goal," said Beth Witcoff, principal at Annie Sullivan Middle School.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1092316431/Franklin-board-extends-superintendents-contract#ixzz1aYhM5wlZ
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Live reporting - FinCom - Action items and closing
Partridge St Culvert Emergency Repairs - $150,000
funding: raise and appropriate (until the tax rate is set)
already passed by Council
NuStyle - $165,000 - a placeholder for the correct amount
Jeff re-tells the story of the building
hazardous waste site or brownfield, out to bid to demolish the site
bids are being opened on Oct 27th, wants to get the item to the Council in November
once the building is demolished, we can sell the property, maybe make a little, maybe not
this amount is in addition to the $200,000 from the EPA
couple of weeks to sign contract, assuming no bid protest
so maybe in the winter
motion to raise and appropriate, passed 9-0
Roads - $400,000
Funding: raise and appropriate (Hotel/Meal Tax)
don't have enough from other sources to cover our 200 miles of roads
the money in the open space account is sitting there
DelCarte property could be a use for it but the Council has chosen so far not to do so
suggestion to use the current year's new revenue for the purpose of repairing the roads
Daniels and Lincoln are scheduled for a new water line in 2013
master 'road' spreadsheet to be updated now after the construction has been mostly completed on the roads
do have a game plan based upon a 2000 study of the water system
cast iron pipes are really old, mostly in the downtown sections
goal is to do 2-3 miles every year and to eventually replace the entire system over the years
in the long run the only way to overcome this is with a dedicated revenue source, and that is not on the table anytime soon
)Jeff told story on Bellingham got the Pulaski Blvd project over our Pleasant St project (estimated at $9M)
motion to raise and appropriate, passed 9-0
OPEB Actuary Study - $12,500
Funding from free cash
unfunded liability was last estimated at $79M, need the study to find out what it currently
need to set up an irrevocable trust so that the money currently in hand can be invested and generate a good return (another town did an override to bring their fund to fully funded -at $3M per year)
looking also to get the money
motion to approve use from free cash, passed 9-0
Fire Salaries - $85,000
see letter from Fire Chief
vacancy now at a fire fighter position due to the move up of folks to replace the Captain replacing the Chief
when we had 12 guys on a shift, it wasn't an issue to get backfills, now that we have 11 guys on a shift it becomes more critical. Everybody has been around long enough to get the top vacation amount so spread it around and there is someone out all the time
new firefighter gets 20 weeks of training before going to fight a fire
this amount is not the full amount of the Chief's letter, being conservative
firefighting is an insurance policy, it depends upon how big a deductible you want
motion to raise and appropriate, passed 9-0
Transfers
Planning Board salaries - $8,000
Board of Health salaries - $9,000
restoring part-time, non-benefit positions as the work is there and required
the positions had been full-time and moved a couple of years ago to part-time
then the people left so the positions were vacant
two motions to approve transfers, passed 9-0 for both
UnPaid Bills
Prior year bills - from Library/Recreation $716.94 from FY 2012 into prior year budget
motion to approve transfer, passed 9-0
Discussion items
Budget workshop
Open Meeting law - reminders on use of email for discussion (no) can share info but not get into a debate
Finance Committee handbook on CD
Annual meeting of Town Finance Committees (Oct 15th)
staggered terms being implemented, some for one year now
re-opening this year's budget
a joint budget subcommittee meeting
Town Council, FinCom and SchCom will be meeting
more to come on this, nothing to do just now
getting into the budget vs. actual to help prepare
SchCom funding of the teach contract was not one time money, it was recurring funding
Jeff Nutting provided an update on the high school design, now awaiting word from MSBA on size of the school, model school already built four times, can move very quickly
can have designed for approval for Jan 2012, if MSBA approves then
the Council would have 120 days to get a vote to the voters
if missing the Jan timeline, it would slip 2 months as they only meet every 2 months
MSBA would pay about 59% of the total, Franklin would contribute to the remainder
Building Committee about to put up 'frequently asked questions' on Franklin website
another big item on the agenda will be storm water
due to a pending EPA edict, no funding source to take on the work
capital requirements estimated at $75M, likely to be more like $100M
do we establish a storm water utility? how does that work?
the EPA has not yet finalized their regulation, once they do, we'll know the timeline
we have 1600 catch basins, probably cleaned 200
we have killed more trees with printing that the EPA would like
Fiscal 2013 budget around the corner, dept head requests coming in Dec, review in Jan/Feb
State Aid numbers comes in Mar, so we'll know the gap
and can budget accordingly
Long Range Fiscal Planning Committee is looking at roads and OPEB
an engineering study is being done on the dams, could go to bid next spring
has the $1.3M estimate gone up or down, don't know, may now next spring
a big deal but less than the new school or budget or OPEB or storm water issues
3.5% funding available within the budget for capacity to borrow and without asking the voters
if the new school debt exclusion passes, the funding ($1.4M) for that would go into the debt exclusion bucket and we would have more capacity within the 3.5% of our plan
space for DPW as some equipment is currently kept at the high school
Jim Dacey -
opportunity to refund 2 bonds
callable in 2012-2013
opportunity to save about 400,000 in interest cost spread over several years
won't see lot each year, but it does add up to 400,000 over the course of this opportunity
Council needs to approve authorization to refinance
Live reporting - Finance Committee - 10/11/11
Present: L Huempher, P Goldsmith, P Messere, S Dewsnap, T Smith, J Roche, C Quinn, M Dufour, B Feldman (late) - J Nutting, J Dacey, S Gagner
Absent: none
Debbie Pellegri - swore in the committee members present
meeting called to order
meeting being recorded by Franklin Matters
motion to accept minutes of May 2, passed 5-0, 3 abstain
motion to accept minutes of May 3, passed 5-0, 3 abstain
motion to accept minutes of May 5, passed 3-0, 4 abstain
motion to accept minutes of May 9, passed 5-0, 3 abstain
re-organization; to re-elect Chair, Vice Chair and Clerk
Roche, nominated to be Chair - seconded, passed 8-0
Quinn, nominated to be Vice Chair, passed 8-0
Meserve, nominated to be Clark, passed 8-0
Jeff Nutting, Susan Gagner, Jim Dacey - the finance team
B Feldman joined meeting (he got sworn in before coming into the meeting)
$100 million dollar business, call if you have questions
Town Admin submits budget, FinCom makes recommendation, Town Council makes their final decision
Fiscal policies on various matters, one for stabilization fund to be about 5% of budget
getting about 2.5-3 percent interest today, has been more in the past
Jeff provided an overview on the status of the general accounts
"free cash" revenues in excess of those budgeted, and expenses less than those budgeted
averages about 2.7M has been as high as 7M
about 2-3% of budget, it is not free
used for capital budget, some held in reserve (for snow/ice etc.)
don't use free cash to balance the budget
capital budget for recurring expenses like police cars, equipment, etc.
fiscal year, Jul to Jun
Free cash calculated from prior year budget, books closed at June 30th, then certified by State before being used locally
a big chunk is kept for snow/ice, that budget has been bumped up gradually
what gets cut first in the budget, capital?
free cash was used during the 90's to balance the budget, Jeff weaned us off that over 2-3 years after he came in
competing interests with the budget, weigh the choices, is it reasonable and rational?
Absent: none
Debbie Pellegri - swore in the committee members present
meeting called to order
meeting being recorded by Franklin Matters
motion to accept minutes of May 2, passed 5-0, 3 abstain
motion to accept minutes of May 3, passed 5-0, 3 abstain
motion to accept minutes of May 5, passed 3-0, 4 abstain
motion to accept minutes of May 9, passed 5-0, 3 abstain
re-organization; to re-elect Chair, Vice Chair and Clerk
Roche, nominated to be Chair - seconded, passed 8-0
Quinn, nominated to be Vice Chair, passed 8-0
Meserve, nominated to be Clark, passed 8-0
Jeff Nutting, Susan Gagner, Jim Dacey - the finance team
B Feldman joined meeting (he got sworn in before coming into the meeting)
$100 million dollar business, call if you have questions
Town Admin submits budget, FinCom makes recommendation, Town Council makes their final decision
Fiscal policies on various matters, one for stabilization fund to be about 5% of budget
getting about 2.5-3 percent interest today, has been more in the past
Jeff provided an overview on the status of the general accounts
"free cash" revenues in excess of those budgeted, and expenses less than those budgeted
averages about 2.7M has been as high as 7M
about 2-3% of budget, it is not free
used for capital budget, some held in reserve (for snow/ice etc.)
don't use free cash to balance the budget
capital budget for recurring expenses like police cars, equipment, etc.
fiscal year, Jul to Jun
Free cash calculated from prior year budget, books closed at June 30th, then certified by State before being used locally
a big chunk is kept for snow/ice, that budget has been bumped up gradually
what gets cut first in the budget, capital?
free cash was used during the 90's to balance the budget, Jeff weaned us off that over 2-3 years after he came in
competing interests with the budget, weigh the choices, is it reasonable and rational?
Rich Aucoin answers 3 questions
FM - Tell me a bit about yourself, your family and your life here in Franklin?
Rich - I was born and raised in Waltham, youngest of 5. Moved to Franklin 5 years ago. I have worked in Franklin since 1992 as a mechanical designer.
My spare time is spent working with friends and neighbors on local community projects and political advocacy, particularly in the areas of civil rights and government transparency and accountability.
I have run for local office twice before, in 2001 and 2003.
FM - What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? or What do you think makes you a good candidate to fulfill this role?
Rich - My research and experience in the area of civil rights is needed on the Franklin Board of Health.
Boards of Health are responsible for more than just disease prevention and environmental protection. Just as importantly, per Chapter 111 of MA Gen Laws, local health boards are the only governmental bodies in the commonwealth with the power to enforce the individual's right to Informed Consent. Or said another way, local health boards are the only authority in the state that can legally take away this important right and force you and your family to take a drug against your will.
Such a remarkable government power must be exercised with the utmost deliberation and care.
But having attended several Franklin health board meetings over the past two years, it is clear to me that the current board lacks sufficient appreciation for the seriousness of Informed Consent rights. The board needs at least one member who will represent the individual or parent wishing to control her own family's medical decisions.
Two immediate areas of concern for Franklin residents regarding their right to Informed Consent:
.
1.) The current board is medicating residents with uncontrolled dosages of fluoride through our drinking water, without accepting accountability for the potential side effects of the practice. Even worse than dispensing uncontrolled dosages of fluoride is doing so without even the benefit of studies showing the practice is safe or effective. The board has admitted that it has no data whatsoever backing the safety or effectiveness of uncontrolled dosages of ingested fluoride. (Note that topical use of fluoride [brushing] is safe because it is not swallowed.)
.
2.) The current board is far too eager to dispense controversial new vaccines that have been rushed to market by Big Pharma without first providing residents the good, bad and ugly facts needed to make an informed decision. E.g., in 2009, the board moved forward with the hastily readied H1N1 vaccination program without accepting any responsibility for the potentially harmful side effects. The justification given by the board was that it was just following state recommendations. This answer was a clear abdication of its Chapter 111 authority and, worse, demonstrated a disturbing lack of reverence for our town's home rule charter. Let us face it: dispensing vaccines is a very serious business due to the known risks of injury. We need a local board that will either take responsibility for its actions or step aside completely. If your doctor were to give you a treatment that caused you injury, you would at least have recourse in the courts. But if an unlicensed health board gives your child a vaccine that goes terribly wrong, the town lawyer will simply claim the board enjoys civil and legal immunity. That is wrong. I believe that if the board is going to dispense any medication, it must take responsibility for the consequences just as any licensed physician must. Otherwise, the board should stop practicing medicine and leave it to real doctors.
FM - What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?
Rich - The biggest challenge to my role as defender of individual rights on the health board would be persuading other town officials that enforcing Informed Consent law is good for both residents and for the town. Some town officials have a reflexive tendency to do whatever the state says. But given the influence peddling and corruption on Beacon Hill, we need local officials who will stand up for what is right when special interests at the state level try to steer us wrong.
Restoring Informed Consent will be good for Franklin's residents because it will ensure their right to make knowledgeable medical decisions without worrying that they or their child might be punished or ridiculed for making the "wrong" choice. And it's good for the town because it puts an end to civil rights abuses that could eventually lead to messy and costly civil suits.
A vote for Rich Aucoin is a vote for medical freedom and Informed Consent rights for Franklin families.
Rich - I was born and raised in Waltham, youngest of 5. Moved to Franklin 5 years ago. I have worked in Franklin since 1992 as a mechanical designer.
My spare time is spent working with friends and neighbors on local community projects and political advocacy, particularly in the areas of civil rights and government transparency and accountability.
I have run for local office twice before, in 2001 and 2003.
FM - What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? or What do you think makes you a good candidate to fulfill this role?
Rich - My research and experience in the area of civil rights is needed on the Franklin Board of Health.
Boards of Health are responsible for more than just disease prevention and environmental protection. Just as importantly, per Chapter 111 of MA Gen Laws, local health boards are the only governmental bodies in the commonwealth with the power to enforce the individual's right to Informed Consent. Or said another way, local health boards are the only authority in the state that can legally take away this important right and force you and your family to take a drug against your will.
Such a remarkable government power must be exercised with the utmost deliberation and care.
But having attended several Franklin health board meetings over the past two years, it is clear to me that the current board lacks sufficient appreciation for the seriousness of Informed Consent rights. The board needs at least one member who will represent the individual or parent wishing to control her own family's medical decisions.
Two immediate areas of concern for Franklin residents regarding their right to Informed Consent:
.
1.) The current board is medicating residents with uncontrolled dosages of fluoride through our drinking water, without accepting accountability for the potential side effects of the practice. Even worse than dispensing uncontrolled dosages of fluoride is doing so without even the benefit of studies showing the practice is safe or effective. The board has admitted that it has no data whatsoever backing the safety or effectiveness of uncontrolled dosages of ingested fluoride. (Note that topical use of fluoride [brushing] is safe because it is not swallowed.)
.
2.) The current board is far too eager to dispense controversial new vaccines that have been rushed to market by Big Pharma without first providing residents the good, bad and ugly facts needed to make an informed decision. E.g., in 2009, the board moved forward with the hastily readied H1N1 vaccination program without accepting any responsibility for the potentially harmful side effects. The justification given by the board was that it was just following state recommendations. This answer was a clear abdication of its Chapter 111 authority and, worse, demonstrated a disturbing lack of reverence for our town's home rule charter. Let us face it: dispensing vaccines is a very serious business due to the known risks of injury. We need a local board that will either take responsibility for its actions or step aside completely. If your doctor were to give you a treatment that caused you injury, you would at least have recourse in the courts. But if an unlicensed health board gives your child a vaccine that goes terribly wrong, the town lawyer will simply claim the board enjoys civil and legal immunity. That is wrong. I believe that if the board is going to dispense any medication, it must take responsibility for the consequences just as any licensed physician must. Otherwise, the board should stop practicing medicine and leave it to real doctors.
FM - What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?
Rich - The biggest challenge to my role as defender of individual rights on the health board would be persuading other town officials that enforcing Informed Consent law is good for both residents and for the town. Some town officials have a reflexive tendency to do whatever the state says. But given the influence peddling and corruption on Beacon Hill, we need local officials who will stand up for what is right when special interests at the state level try to steer us wrong.
Restoring Informed Consent will be good for Franklin's residents because it will ensure their right to make knowledgeable medical decisions without worrying that they or their child might be punished or ridiculed for making the "wrong" choice. And it's good for the town because it puts an end to civil rights abuses that could eventually lead to messy and costly civil suits.
A vote for Rich Aucoin is a vote for medical freedom and Informed Consent rights for Franklin families.
Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee - Meeting 10/11/11 - 7:30 PM
I. Call to Order and Introduction of New Attendees
II. Approval of Minutes
III. Report from Treasurer
IV. Strategic Goals
a. Grants/Funding
Update on YMCA Grant Application
Approval of Date for 2012 Road Race (Labonte)
Update on List of Grants (Labonte)
Discussion of Associated Grant Makers membership (Labonte)
b. Organizational Review of Committee
Name and Mission
Discussion of Proposed Bylaws
c. Alliances
Update on SWAP and Met Land Trust meetings
Review of Committee's PowerPoint Presentation (Barth)
d. Trail Development Update from Ron Clough, DCR
e. Awareness/Outreach
Discussion of Potential Outreach/Awareness Ideas
V. Adjournment (9:00)
The meeting will be held at the Franklin YMCA 45 Forge Hill Road
Minutes from Sep meeting FCRTC - Minutes - Sep 2011 Draft mission statements FCRTC - Draft Missions
II. Approval of Minutes
III. Report from Treasurer
IV. Strategic Goals
a. Grants/Funding
Update on YMCA Grant Application
Approval of Date for 2012 Road Race (Labonte)
Update on List of Grants (Labonte)
Discussion of Associated Grant Makers membership (Labonte)
b. Organizational Review of Committee
Name and Mission
Discussion of Proposed Bylaws
c. Alliances
Update on SWAP and Met Land Trust meetings
Review of Committee's PowerPoint Presentation (Barth)
d. Trail Development Update from Ron Clough, DCR
e. Awareness/Outreach
Discussion of Potential Outreach/Awareness Ideas
V. Adjournment (9:00)
The meeting will be held at the Franklin YMCA 45 Forge Hill Road
Minutes from Sep meeting FCRTC - Minutes - Sep 2011 Draft mission statements FCRTC - Draft Missions
Race to Nowhere film screening in Franklin
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
The Franklin Public Schools, in conjunction with the Joint Parent Communication Councils of Franklin, is hosting a screening of the film Race to Nowhere on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 7 p.m. The film will play at the Mercer Auditorium at Horace Mann Middle School on Oak Street. A panel discussion will follow the screening. [...]
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Franklin (MA) School Committee Blog using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Reminder: Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - Oct 12
The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club invites you to their monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 12th at 7:30 pm upstairs at “3” Restaurant, 461 West Central St, Franklin.
This month, Town Administrator Jeff Nutting will visit to talk about local news, the upcoming town elections, the pending High School project, new businesses coming to town, and much more. He’ll also answer any questions you have, so bring your hot topics!
Complimentary appetizers and soft drinks will be provided. Cash bar available.
The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club is a social club for residents of all ages and situations–not just those new to town. For more info, visit www.franklinnewcomers.com.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Giant Church Yard Sale - Oct 15th
Giant yard sale coming up Saturday, October 15th at the Franklin Federated Church.
Teacher raises rankle council
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
Anger in Franklin over 1.5 in pay raises for teachers in a year marked by town-wide pay freezes and job losses came to a head last week when the Town Council voted unanimously to reopen hearings on the town budget nearly four months after approving it, a move that Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting described as "extremely unusual.'' The vote allows the council to reexamine the school budget, and gives them the option of taking money out of the school budget and allocating it to other parts of the town budget, like the police or fire departments.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Boston Globe -- Globe West using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Charles Hazlewood: Trusting the ensemble
TED shares such great ideas. How convenient and timely for them to share this one.
"Conductor Charles Hazlewood talks about the role of trust in musical leadership -- then shows how it works, as he conducts the Scottish Ensemble onstage. He also shares clips from two musical projects: the opera "U-Carmen eKhayelitsha" and the ParaOrchestra".
Charles talks about how his job as a conductor depends upon trust with his orchestra: "an unshakable bond of trust born out of mutual respect"
I trust you. You can watch this and connect the dots.
Enjoy the music!
"Conductor Charles Hazlewood talks about the role of trust in musical leadership -- then shows how it works, as he conducts the Scottish Ensemble onstage. He also shares clips from two musical projects: the opera "U-Carmen eKhayelitsha" and the ParaOrchestra".
Charles talks about how his job as a conductor depends upon trust with his orchestra: "an unshakable bond of trust born out of mutual respect"
I trust you. You can watch this and connect the dots.
Enjoy the music!
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 10/11/11
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 September 27, 2011 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:
1. Budget to Actual
2. Guests/Presentations:
a. MASS Academic Excellence Awards
1. Susan Mullen
2. Sarah MacLellan
b. Middle School – School Improvement Plans – MS Principals
3. Discussion Only Items
Calendar Adjustment
Superintendent’s Contract
FY 11 Budget
4. Action Items:
a. I recommend approval of the Horace Mann Middle School’s School Improvement Plan as detailed.
b. I recommend approval of the Remington Middle School’s School Improvement Plan as detailed.
c. I recommend approval of the Annie Sullivan Middle School’s School Improvement Plan as detailed.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $875.00 from the Oak Street PCC for a field trip.
e. I recommend approval of the field trip for 4th and 5th grade Oak Street students to the Rhode Island Philharmonic on April 12, 2012 as detailed.
f. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip for 80 middle school chorus students to NY City on May 12, 2012 to see a play as detailed.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1500.00 from YMCA Healthy Futures Grant for Oak Street Elementary School for supplemental curriculum materials.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $42.56 from Follett for supplemental curriculum materials for Jefferson Elementary School.
i. I recommend amendment of the 2011-2012 School Calendar that makes March 23, 2012 a district wide reduced day.
j. I recommend acceptance of a check for $525.00 from the ASMS PCC for buses for a field trip.
k. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from Fidelity – Lilly Family Fund for Annie Sullivan Middle School.
l. I recommend acceptance of a check for $187.06 from Target’s Take Charge of Education Program for Annie Sullivan Middle School.
m. I recommend acceptance of the proposed Superintendent’s contract as detailed.
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. Adjourn
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Looking for military uniforms
The Franklin Historical Museum is looking for military uniforms to display during November.
If you have any that you could share, the details are in the document on how to contact the museum.
Franklin Historical Museum Notice: Military Uniforms
Does School Start too Early?
It is good to see students at Franklin High School using social media tools, like this blog - Pantherbook. Click through to read the full article and continue to explore their archives. They have a good mix of news and school discussions.
Way to go Panthers!
This question has been brought up many times in the past; do high school students start too early? Teachers complain about students sleeping in class all the time but it might not be their fault. In an issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine they stated that there is more and more evidence [...]
Way to go Panthers!
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Pantherbook on 10/7/11
This question has been brought up many times in the past; do high school students start too early? Teachers complain about students sleeping in class all the time but it might not be their fault. In an issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine they stated that there is more and more evidence [...]
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Pantherbook using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
RMV Urges Customers: Renew Online
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 10/7/11
MassDOT RMV is again urging eligible drivers to renew their licenses online.The number of license renewals is expected to increase by 50 percent beginning in November and continue at higher levels for the months thereafter.
November is the beginning of a five-year license renewal cycle that began in 1991, replacing the previous four-year cycle. The result of that change is one year every five years with a reduced number of license renewals. That lower volume year ends as of November 1, and transactions will increase. The RMV has responded by launching a publicity campaign through Highway Division billboards and public service announcements at the MBTA to urge drivers to check their license expiration dates and renew online.
The goal of the campaign is to let the public know that approximately 50% percent of drivers are eligible to renew their license online and avoid a branch visit. It also reminds customers that they can renew their licenses up to one year before the expiration date that falls on their birthday.
The RMV's online renewal application asks customers a series of questions. Customers eligible to renew online can pay the required fee and their license will be mailed to them in 7-10 business days. The online application also helps customers that aren't eligible to renew via the Internet. The web transaction informs customers 75 years or older that they must renew at a branch, in accordance with the 2010 Safe Driving Law. It also informs customers if they owe parking tickets or excise bills that have to be paid in order to renew. Customers that are required to renew in a branch can complete and print the web application to save time during their visit.
Customers not able to renew online should plan ahead and check branch locations and wait times online. To help prepare for the expected increase in customers, RMV recently expanded its hours at some of its busiest branches. The RMV website allows customers to check branch wait times and locations.
Services available on the MassDOT RMV website include applying for a first time license; converting an out-of-state license; scheduling a branch appointment; registration renewals; ordering a driving record, crash report or Fast Lane transponder; viewing the status of a license, registration, driver education certificate and title; signing up for organ/tissue donation; and canceling a registration plate.
You can also sign up online for a free license renewal or Massachusetts ID reminder service.
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Friday, October 7, 2011
Farmer's Market - today - (video)
Franklin Farmers Market, Friday, 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Located on the Town Common
Berry Insurance shares this video they put together on the Farmer's Market
Reminder that the Farmers' Market now accepts SNAP dollars and can double your purchasing power.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/franklin-farmers-market-doubles-food.html
Visit the Food Pantry tent at the Farmers' Market for details.
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video.
Amy Lockwood: Selling condoms in the Congo
Amy Lockwood in this TED Talk discusses selling condoms in the Congo. Yes, really.
Caution, this video is probably the riskiest shown here. Only four minutes long.
Why? What does this have to do with Franklin?
Caution, this video is probably the riskiest shown here. Only four minutes long.
Why? What does this have to do with Franklin?
"And so the lesson is this: it doesn't really matter what you're selling; you just have to think about who is your customer, and what are the messages that are going to get them to change their behavior."
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Rockland Trust opens first Providence office
FYI - Franklin, the Rockland Trust is expanding
Rockland Trust, a community savings bank with more than 70 locations in southeastern Massachusetts, opened its first commercial lending and wealth management office in Providence on Wednesday.
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via PBN.com - Latest Stories by By PBN Staff on 10/5/11
Rockland Trust, a community savings bank with more than 70 locations in southeastern Massachusetts, opened its first commercial lending and wealth management office in Providence on Wednesday.
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10-6 Franklin School Update
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Ed Cafasso" <edcafasso@comcast.net>
Date: Oct 6, 2011 9:40 AM
Subject: 10-6 Franklin School Update
To: "Ed Cafasso" <edcafasso@comcast.net>
Hi everyone!I hope you are preparing for what looks to be a glorious weekend. We sure could use it...There has been a great deal of debate in recent days about the School Committee's unanimous approval of a new contract with the Franklin Educational Association (FEA), the union which represents teachers here. I wanted to take a moment of your time to discuss the importance of this contract.The new contract period begins Sept. 1, 2010 and runs until Aug. 30, 2012.It provides no wage increase for Fiscal Year 2011; a 1% increase or FY 2012; and a 0.5% increase, effective Aug. 30, 2012, for FY 2013. The approximate cost in FY12 is estimated as $350,000. This represents 0.68% of the current school budget. The approximate cost for FY13 is $175,000.The contract is funded by savings attained through attrition, as well as increased circuit breaker revenue from the state. No additional appropriation has been requested.It's an election year and many candidates prefer to focus on the cost of the raises in this new contract. For some, it's hard to see the forest when that big Election Year tree blocks the view.In my opinion, there are two overlooked aspects of the new contract that hold real potential for improving student achievement while reforming a pay structure that automatically triggers higher taxpayer costs each year.The first is that it features an agreement between the School Committee and the FEA to cooperatively re-examine the salary table that drives close to the 75% of current school costs. For the first time ever in the history of Franklin, both parties have agreed to investigate a new, progressive wage structure to replace the automatic "step and lane" pay raises that have become a real budget buster.The agreement to cooperatively re-examine the current salary table holds a major opportunity for us to address a significant source of annual pressure on Franklin taxpayers.The second "inconvenient truth" about the new teacher contract is that requires both sides to undertake interest-based bargaining (IBB) during upcoming talks toward a new FEA contract, as opposed to the adversarial and frustrating negotiating posture that has been in place until now.IBB has been a goal of the School Committee for many years, and we are pleased to finally have the opportunity to implement it. "Bargaining Methods and New Forms of Agreements," as published by the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, explains this approach succinctly:"Interest-based bargaining (IBB) is a departure from positional bargaining and the traditional adversarial, industrial model of collective bargaining that assumes bargaining is a zero-sum activity focused on dividing existing resources. In contrast, IBB focuses on parties' interests rather than their proposed positions, making it possible to explore the values and purposes and to learn whether these interests are shared or complementary. IBB allows parties to identify multiple ways to satisfy interests and to solve problems creatively… IBB provides an opportunity to address student achievement in the collective-barging process. IBB can minimize ritualized adversarial behavior and enable productive relationships to develop, better situating the parties to improve student achievement."There is a great deal of expert, authoritative information on IBB available online. One article of interest can be found at: http://www.hks.harvard.edu/fs/lkaboolian/publications/Win-Win-chapter1.pdf.There are some who dismiss IBB, and they're entitled to their opinion. I have done years of homework on it and its use by school districts and employers across the country. I strongly believe it can produce great outcomes for teachers, students, parents and taxpayers. It empowers the parties to work in good faith as partners to find common ground and implement potential solutions to systemic issues.This innovative approach to bargaining could not be more important for Franklin right now. We have to balance ongoing budgetary pressures; meet your high expectations for continued high academic performance; and, also adhere to evolving state and federal standards for student achievement.I appreciate, respect and share everyone's desire to maintain a balanced budget and to use revenues as efficiently and effectively as possible to provide the best possible services to the citizens of Franklin. Your schools have done precisely that – we spend $2,700 less per student than the state average but still deliver excellent academic performance, thanks to the hard work of teachers, administrators and parents like you.As the local election approaches, there will be many candidates who point to the "cost" of the contract as a way to win votes and damage other candidates. My view is that we can no longer afford the "cost" of continuing the divisive and confrontational ways of the past. You can see how well that has worked in national politics and in Congress.For me, the choice was easy. I voted in support of the new teacher contract because it allows us to pursue a progressive approach toward broad, incredibly important goals, including improved student achievement and structural reforms that contribute to financial stability for the community. I voted to support working together to solve real problems.This e-mail reflects my opinion alone and is provided as a constituent service.As always, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions. If you are receiving duplicate e-mails or if you no longer wish to receive these e-mails, please let me know and I will remove you from the distribution list. Feel free to pass this email along to friends and neighbor. If you know of someone you would like to add to the list, please send along their e-mail address.Thank you!
Ed CafassoMember, Franklin School Committee
edcafasso@comcast.net
Twitter: @edcafasso
http://www.linkedin.com/in/edcafasso
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