MassBudget: Building a Foundation for Success: Early Ed and Care in Massachusetts

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Building a Foundation for Success A new MassBudget report examines options for improving educational opportunity for children in Massachusetts by expanding access to early education and care and improving quality. The research is clear that the education and care that children receive when they are three and four years old is critical to setting them on a path to success in school and in life. While some children in Massachusetts are in pre-kindergarten programs in our public schools, and others are served by Head Start and programs funded by our state Department of Early Education and Care, close to twenty thousand lower income children in Massachusetts are not able to attend publicly funded early education and care programs. This has a direct effect on the ability of those kids to thrive and also on their parents' ability to remain in the workforce. Building a Foundation for Success examines options that range from covering all lower income children through our existing early education and care system to educating all three and four year olds in our public schools. It also describes potential hybrid models that would build on the strengths of both our public schools and private providers. For each option the paper examines issues of cost, quality, and access. the paper doesn't prescribe a particular structure for the state or for each program. Rather it presents a number of paths for building a system that can provide all of our children with the support they need to develop into the successful and productive adults needed to build a strong economy and a healthy. Read the full report here. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Davis Thayer sign with announcements

On the rounds Sunday, I caught this photo of the Davis Thayer sign with their upcoming announcements

• Picture day - Apr 10
• Eat at Rick's - Apr 16

Davis Thayer sign 4/6/14

Have you found Rick's on the internet?  http://www.ricksinfranklin.com/

Join the YPO on Wednesday April 16th from 6-8 pm at Twenty8!!

Upcoming Events The United Regional Young Professionals Organization is a community of diverse individuals who share a common interest in professional relationship building, career development, social engagement and civic leadership. As an affiliate of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce, the United Regional YPO provides a platform for individuals to engage with their peers and community while providing guidance and support to help them grow personally and professionally.    YPO @ Twenty8 Monthly  Networking Night 3rd Wednesday of the Month    Join the YPO on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6-8 pm for our monthly networking events!  Make connections, build relationships and fundraise for a worthy cause with your peers in Twenty8's modern, yet casual setting in Foxboro. Situated in the Patriot Place Complex inside the Renaissance Boston Hotel & Spa, Twenty8 Food & Spirits has become one of the hottest dining spots in Foxboro, MA and is the perfect backdrop for networking.  Register Now & Save 50%! STAY CONNECTED

Forward this email United Regional YPO | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703

Franklin, MA: FY 2014 Capital Plan - draft

As reported during the Finance Committee meeting last week, the draft capital plan was reviewed. My notes can be found here:  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/04/live-reporting-finance-committee.html

The official memo from Town Administrator Jeff Nutting is shown here. It walks through the highlights of what is proposed to fund for the capital plan. There are two speadsheets at the back that work through the numbers on what is proposed as well as the source of funds.

While the Finance Committee has approved the plan, the numbers won't be final until the snow/ice expense totals are complete. The winter storms have caused an overspending in the snow/ice budget so some of the 'free cash' will cover that shortfall. The remaining amount of 'free cash' will then be split among the proposed items.

You may recall that Franklin using their 'free cash' as their source of funds for the capital plan. You should recall that the 'free cash' is not really cash, nor is it 'free'. It is an accounting function for an annual budget. At the beginning of the year, amounts are budgeted for revenue and expenses.

When revenues exceed what is forecasted (which is a good thing and something Franklin does regularly) that becomes an amount that would contribute to 'free cash'.
When one or more departments spend less than their budget during that annual budget period, that amount also contributes to 'free cash'.

The state DOR validates the amount of 'free cash' for each community and releases the final number by about Nov/Dec. This is money that the community can use for one-time expenses and thereby Franklin uses for their capital budget.

Why not use 'free cash' for something else? 
The money is available this year but there is no guarantee of it recurring. If the amount was added to a departments regular budget, then that amount would be committed to and need to be funded which would raise a priority question or potentially force a raise in property taxes.

Links for additional info on 'free cash' from the MA.gov website

• DOR certification

http://www.mass.gov/dor/local-officials/local-information-technology/gateway-help/taxrate/b-1-free-cash-certification-and-appropriation.html

• Data bank reports on 'free cash'

http://www.mass.gov/dor/local-officials/municipal-data-and-financial-management/data-bank-reports/debtfinancial-indicators.html

Capital Plan draft for FY 2014
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczV1FPWU1pMXg1bzA/view?usp=sharing




One of the more interesting items in the proposal is that of a 'sprinkler park' to be added to Fletcher Field. Specifically where remains to be determined. The $150,000 amount is estimated to be 75% reimbursed by the state with a grant. The money does need to be spent up front however.

What would the sprinkler park look like?
The photo below is a sample of what it could look like.

possible sprinkler park for Fletcher Field

Franklin Walk - Tree'd

The walk Saturday was somewhat warmer than other Saturday's but not as sunny.

There were many clouds but no rain (fortunately - at least by the time I went out).

I found a bear but not a fierce one

outside 1776 Financial Services, East Central St

I began to notice the trees. Yes, really notice them. They are standing. Bare. Bending with the breeze.

tree at Rockland Trust, East Central St

While a common conversation recently was that we had had enough of winter, the trees did not complain.

leaning trees along King St

They may have leaned with the wind, or bent with the snow, maybe even lost a branch when the snow was too heavy.

large and old tree on King St near Peck

Some trees are really big and old. Some stand in groups. Some stand in rows.

Evergreen tree on King St

When trees get together, their fingers seem to hold up or reach for the clouds in the sky

tree skyline in Franklin

There may be a couple more weekends to observe the trees around us before the bud and break out in leaves. Take a walk and see what trees are in your neighborhood.

"there is not an opt-out option"

On Sunday, the Boston Globe MetroWest section had an article on the growing discussion around standardized testing. PARCC is being piloted here in Franklin as well as other communities around the state. Some communities are trying to get out of the piloting and the article quotes Franklin's Joyce Edwards:

Joyce Edwards, director of instructional services for the Franklin school system, said every step had been taken to ensure that the testing, which will be conducted this week and in May in eight schools across the district, will have as minimal an impact on daily instruction as possible. 

“There is always an extra burden when there is extra testing,” Edwards said. “We took every exemption available to avoid double-testing. Beyond that the state has been quite clear there is not an opt-out option.” 

PARCC

Franklin’s schools obtained MCAS exemptions from the state for students who take the PARCC pilot test. If students take a PARCC test in English or math, they won’t have to take the same section in MCAS. 

Edwards said if an opt-out was allowed by the state, the district probably would have offered it. 

“We absolutely would have considered that,” she said. “We don’t believe in double-testing and the loss in instructional time.”

You can find the full article online here (subscription required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2014/04/05/some-school-districts-less-than-excited-about-new-standardized-test/yLaSdLSF26svfASDhAmYHO/story.html

Stations of Cross Broadcast

The Franciscans of Divine Mercy/ Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus of the Independent Old Catholic Church of the Americas will have a special televised Stations of the Cross often called Via Dolorosa @ 2:00 PM on Good Friday April 18th. 

The Franciscans of Divine Mercy's weekly televisions show REFLECTIONS and the special Good Friday Stations is broadcast through the Franklin Community Cable Access TV Studio on Comcast Channel 8 and on Verizon Channel 26. 

The REFLECTIONS television show airs every Sunday at 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM on Franklin Community Cable Access TV Studio. 

The show is available to all local Cable Access stations in New England in accordance with Massachusetts law simply by a resident of station manager requesting it. 

All the REFLECTIONS Shows are also available on YouTube by going to: https://www.youtube.com/user/RevBobJohn 

For more information contact Rev. Fr. Bob Johnnene OFD @ 508-520-0992 or by email @ Divinemercyparish@msn.com

Pax et Bonum

Peace & All God's Goodness be with you
Rev. Fr. Bob Johnnene OFD

Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus
Divine Mercy Old Catholic Parish
Independent Catholic Church of the Americas

Link to Fr. Bob's Weekly TV show
http://www.youtube.com/user/RevBobJohn

Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FriarBobJohn
Mission Web Site www.missionstsergius.org
Franciscan Web Site www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
ICCA Seminary Link http://www.iccamericas.org/seminary/
Diocese Office: http://stjosephcupertino.com/index.html

Hydrant Flushing - begins Apr 7

While visiting the Franklin Historical Museum for the Cultural Council open house on Sunday, I found a photo opportunity announcing water flushing begins Monday, Apr 7.

hydrant flushing - starts Apr 7

hydrant flushing - starts Apr 7

Updated 4/8/14 to include this message from the DPW

The Franklin Department of Public Works, Water Division will begin its hydrant flushing program on Monday, April 7, 2014. This program is conducted annually to improve Franklin’s water quality and fire flows. Some hydrants will be flushed in the evening hours, while others will be completed during the day. Hydrant flushing will continue depending on water availability and system pressures.  

Residents may experience temporary water loss or discolored water while hydrants are being flushed in their area. Even though the water may be discolored, it is still safe for human consumption.  

Check the DPW Home Page to find out which streets we are working on today.  

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and we apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the DPW office at 508-553-5500. 

As the sign board was located at the 'gateway' to Franklin, it raises a question related to the future of this building and land. Would the town include an easement in the land deal so they could continue to use this location for such notifications?

FM# 104 - 150 Emmons St discussion at the Town Council meeting

Franklin.tv recorded the Town Council meeting on Wednesday Apr 2 but has not yet posted the video to the Franklin web page. As the 150 Emmons St discussion is important, I am sharing my audio recording of the meeting. 

Without further ado, here is the segment of the Town Council meeting Apr 2 that covered the discussion. (It runs approx 90 minutes)

Updated 2/6/20 = If you need the audio, please contact me directly.... thanks

--------------


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 writing about something that matters in Franklin, please let me know. If you have interest and time to cover the Planning Board, or Zoning Board of Appeals, or Conservation Commission, or School Committee meetings I would be most interested.

As always - 

• If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like this, please tell me.

This feedback loop is important. Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ where you can subscribe to the daily email that will deliver to you all that is posted once a day

You can find us on Facebook as "Franklin Matters" as well

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!


----------

My published notes for this meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/04/this-is-just-discussion.html

Lawrence Lessig's wish

Lawrence Lessig's wish appeals to all citizens

Here's my wish. May one. May the ideals of one boy unite one nation behind one critical idea that we are one people, we are the people who were promised a government, a government that was promised to be dependent upon the people alone, the people, who, as Madison told us, meant not the rich more than the poor. May one. And then may you, may you join this movement, not because you're a politician, not because you're an expert, not because this is your field, but because if you are, you are a citizen. Aaron asked me that. Now I've asked you.

http://www.ted.com/talks/lawrence_lessig_the_unstoppable_walk_to_political_reform

Find out more about the wish here http://www.rootstrikers.org/

Franklin Public Schools: Feedback Opportunity

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT 

Hello

All our stakeholders have a voice in Franklin Public Schools' ongoing pursuit of educational excellence.  

Beginning on Monday, April 7 we will be asking for your feedback about the individual school your child attends or where you are assigned as a staff member. We are focusing on critical school issues such as academic preparation, student support, parent engagement, diversity, school operations and accessibility of school leaders.  

This survey will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. All responses are strictly confidential. 

After the survey closes, we will report the findings publicly sharing what we have learned and what specific changes you may anticipate as a result of your feedback.  The survey will open on Monday at 4:00 pm and you will receive an email with the link. We thank you for your support and we value your feedback. 

Respectfully, 

Maureen Sabolinski

Franklin Public Schools

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-613-1777.

Rails to Trails and Rails WITH Trails - Apr 16

Rails to Trails and Rails WITH Trails projects in 
Southern New England: 
How we got here and where we’re going


Presenter: Craig Della Penna, Executive Director, Northeast Greenway Solutions

Date/Time: Wednesday, April 16, 2014. 7:00 pm

Location: Franklin Public Library, Community Room (Downstairs)

SNETT sign - Grove St entrance

The Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) is one of the longest trails in the region and is currently the center of a local effort to convert this old rail line to a universally accessible trail. Formerly the site of a major rail line from Boston to NY, the trail begins in Franklin (on Grove Street) and heads west through Bellingham. Developing the SNETT into a multi-use, non-motor vehicle trail will improve home values and businesses in both towns and create a recreational outlet for all ages. Come learn how a rail trail will benefit you.

For additional information on SNETT visit the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee page
franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org

Downtown Partnership - talking points on Emmons St building

The following are the talking points presented by Executive Director Lisa Piana to the Town Council at the 7:00 p.m. meeting on April 2:

Message from the FDP Board to the Town Council -- April 2, 2014

The Partnership Board of Directors recently sent a letter to the Town Council recommending that they give the community time to further develop concepts for the Emmons Street property. We also recommended that the Town Council evaluate the potential traffic and parking issues prior to sending out an RFP.

We believe there is no downside to inviting the community to participate in the process. We think Franklin has some very talented residents who could offer some creative solutions.

The March 4th workshop was a great start, and we appreciated being invited to participate, but many of us were under the impression that there would be time to further develop ideas and research funding possibilities.  

We feel that there is no rush to sell this property, since we believe the land will only increase in value once the streetscape project is completed.

We understand that a few Town Council members want to sell the property as quickly as possible. However, we feel that there are 5 key questions that still need to be answered prior to putting out an RFP:  

1. What are the specific long-term goals for this property?

2. What is the plan for where businesses will park during the construction project?
1. Businesses have been told for the last year that parking would be available at the Emmons Street property.
2.  When Main Street is under construction, there needs to be a place for people to park.

3. How will losing the 50 parking spaces on this property affect downtown businesses?
1. It is important to be proactive and plan for the future parking needs and growth of the downtown.

4. What will the new traffic patterns be after the streetscape project and the two-way traffic pattern is implemented?

5. What state funding is available in the town considers a cultural center and greenspace?
1. We have been told that there may be state funding available.
2. We think it would be in the town’s best interest to pursue these options before deciding to sell the property.

The town is so fortunate to own this “Gateway” property. We have a chance to really put something special on Emmons Street.

Something special means different things to different people. One of the reasons the Partnership Board wrote the letter to the Town Council was because of some of the commercial ideas that were being talked about. When the developer started talking about a drive-thru coffee shop and a drive-thru drycleaners, we started to get calls and e-mails.

One of the concerns is that if the town loses control of this property and the wrong commercial business gets built, we could see traffic back-ups all the way to the Davis Thayer School.

The Partnership Board of Directors would like to recommend that the Town Council give the community time to work together with the Council, Jeff Nutting and the Planning Department to further develop ideas and research funding options.

We also ask the Council to take the time needed to answer the important questions that I just mentioned. Once these questions are answered, we believe the community will feel more comfortable with the final plan for this property.

We feel that the more ideas, facts and knowledge the town has, the better the final outcome will be for this important “Gateway” property.

Thank you.

150 Emmons St, Franklin, MA

http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2014/04/talking-points-from-town-council-emmons.html