Valentine Chocolate & Wine Tasting - February 9

Franklin Public Schools         Lifelong Learning Institute The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning  ONLY A FEW SLOTS LEFT  REGISTER TODAY  Valentine Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tuesday, February 9 Dear Friends: Just in time for Valentine's Day - Chocolate and wine pairings ..... bring your sweetheart, your BFF, your neighbor, and join the good folks from the Sugar Shoppe and Franklin Liquors on Tuesday, February 9 from 7:00 to 9:00pm for an evening you won't soon forget! Explore the world of decadent chocolate and a minimum of 6 fabulous wine pairings. There is simply nothing better. The Sugar Shoppe's, Courtney Nappa, and Franklin Liquor's, Mark Lenzi, will show you the way for this educational sit-down tasting. And, a portion of your registration will go towards helping someone in need through the Sugar Shoppe, a local non-profit candy store, working with local businesses to help raise money for homeless moms and kids in joint community efforts. Note: Participants must be over 21 years of age Location: Franklin Liquors, 363 East Central St.                                                              Cost: $40            For More Information and To Register click here

Forward this email FPS- Life Long Learning | 355 East Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

FHS boys hockey,wrestling, and girls swim teams post wins on Wednesday

It was mostly Franklin vs. Attleboro on Wednesday with the boys hockey team taking a 13-0 win, the boys swim team dropping a 100-53 meet and the girls swim team winning 100-63. The wrestling team beat St John's Prep. The girls hockey team lost 3-2 to Westwood. All results via Hockomock Sports.

Boys Hockey

• Franklin, 13 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final 

– Ryan Hohmann netted his first career hat trick and seniors Jake Downie and Alex Bissanti each scored a pair of goals. Tyler Oakes, Jack Chaffee, Sean Hedvig, Luke Downie and Jeremy Miller each scored once for the Panthers.

FHS Panthers

Girls Hockey

• Franklin, 2 vs. Westwood, 3 – Final

Wrestling

• Franklin, 48 @ St. John’s Prep, 18 – Final

Boys Swimming

• Attleboro, 100 @ Franklin, 53 – Final

Girls Swimming

• Attleboro, 63 @ Franklin, 100 – Final

For all the Hockomock League results on Wednesday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-012716/

MassBudget: An Early Take on the Governor's FY 2017 Budget

The budget season gets into full swing with the release of the Governor's budget. As Franklin is dependent upon the state for approx 30% of the revenue side of the budget, we'll continue to follow the state budget closely until it is approved later this year.

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. An Early Take on the Governor's FY 2017 Budget  Today the Governor released his Fiscal Year 2017 budget proposal, kicking off an important process of determining what we as a Commonwealth hope to do together through our government this year, and detailing how we will pay for those things. While it includes some positive elements -- like strengthening the Department of Children and Families -- this proposal continues a pattern that has been in place since the state cut taxes by over $3 billion between 1998 and 2002: deep budget cuts in bad times and very little progress in good times. We continue to put off making the kinds of long-term investments in our people and our transportation systems that would make life better for Massachusetts families and improve the long-term strength of our state economy (for more context, read our FY 2017 Budget Preview). Keep an eye out later next week for our full Budget Monitor, which will analyze the Governor's proposals in much greater depth. For now, here are a few highlights. The Governor proposes: Scaling-back the Film Tax Credit, which has proven to be an inefficient strategy for creating jobs. Department of Revenue research has shown that the cost for each job created by this tax credit exceeds $100,000 a year (more detail HERE). With revenue from this change, the Governor would fund the following two initiatives (although these likely total more than the projected savings from the FTC): Expanding a corporate tax break called Single Sales Factor, costing over $60 million once fully phased-in (more detail HERE). Massachusetts has been providing this tax break to manufacturing companies, defense contractors, and mutual fund companies since the 1990s. There is no evidence that it has had a positive effect on job creation or the strength of our state economy. The Governor proposes extending this tax break to all multi-state corporations. Expanding the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, costing $25 million annually once phased-in over five years. The administration projects that this initiative would support an additional 1,500 affordable rental units. Supporting a multi-faceted approach to the opioid addiction epidemic, including targeted funding for prevention and treatment, as well as funding for law enforcement. The budget proposal directs close to $9 million more to public health programs targeting substance abuse treatment and recovery programs, and funding for an additional 150 adult residential recovery opioid treatment beds. The budget also directs funding to law enforcement agencies especially in the so-called Gateway Cities, such as Brockton, Chelsea, Chicopee, Fitchburg, and Lynn, in order to help police disrupt the trafficking and distribution of heroin. Reducing funding for the state Department of Revenue's Office of Tax Administration by more than 15 percent. This is likely related to staff reductions connected to last year's early retirement initiative. The danger of reducing the capacity of this office is that it could significantly harm the state's ability to combat tax evasion, particularly by those with the resources to engage in complex efforts to avoid paying the taxes they owe. Increased tax evasion could reduce the revenue available to fund education, local aid, and other core government services. Supporting additional social workers in the Department of Children and Families. To decrease the caseloads of social workers so they can better meet the needs of children and families, the Governor's budget increases funding for the social workers account by $19.6 million (9.6 percent). The budget also continues the operational reforms in the area offices and increases funding for oversight and supervision. Increasing General Local Aid by 4.3 percent, tracking the rate of growth of state revenue. Even after this modest increase, local aid funding will still be about 40 percent lower than it was in FY 2001, adjusted for inflation. Changing the Charter School Reimbursement formula and providing an increase of $20.5 million. Under the Governor's redesigned formula, all sending districts would receive 100 percent tuition reimbursement in the first year of a charter tuition increase. In the second and third years after an increase in total tuition, aid would predominantly go to urban districts sending higher proportions of students to charter schools. Unlike under the current formula, no districts would receive any reimbursements in years 4 through 6. Increasing Chapter 70 Education Aid by 1.6 percent, or $72.1 million. This proposal largely runs the existing formula using updated enrollment and inflation numbers. It includes a new method of estimating the number of low-income students in each district, driven by changes to the national school meals program (more detail 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 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

In the News: possible school calendar changes, senior circuit breaker, class of 1966 reunion

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

While Franklin schools will have their regular February and April vacations in the 2016-2017 school year, the School Committee will consider if that will continue in the future.
The committee voted at its meeting Tuesday night on a 2016-2017 calendar that would have school begin before Labor Day and end on June 16. It also decided to convene a subcommittee that would examine the calendar situation for upcoming years.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160127/franklin-school-committee-mulls-vacation-changes

State Sen. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, state Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, and state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, will host an informational seminar on the senior circuit breaker tax credit at 10 a.m. Feb. 10 at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St. 

The senior circuit breaker is a tax credit for senior citizens whose property payments account for more than 10 percent of their annual income. Eligible seniors will receive a $1 credit on their Massachusetts tax return for every dollar that their total property tax, water and sewer bills exceed 10 percent of their income. A maximum of $1,070 credit is available. Additionally, if the taxpayer has not claimed the tax credit in the past, it may be claimed for the previous three years.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160127/franklin-seniors-to-learn-about-circuit-breaker-tax-credit

The Franklin High School Class of 1966 will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its graduation June 3-5. 

Celebration activities will include attending the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2016 on Friday, June 3, and continue will additional gatherings after the graduation that evening through Sunday.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160128/franklin-high-school-class-of-1966-to-hold-reunion

In the News: law firms merge, Dean joins new conference

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Ryan & Faenza, Attorneys at Law, of Walpole, and Cataldo Law Offices LLC, of Franklin, announced the merger of their two firms. 

Ryan Faenza Cataldo LLC will represent not only the merger of two law firms but also the merger of a professional relationship that has existed for more than 40 years. 

The combination of experience, geographical expansion, diversification of practice — including divorce, criminal defense, civil litigation, business and banking law, real estate law and estate planning — and the long-standing reputation of both firms will provide clients with a full-service law firm that offers a wider range of legal service.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160127/ryan--faenza-cataldo-law-offices-announce-merger

The Eastern Collegiate Football Conference officially accepted Dean College as a member of its football-only conference, beginning with the fall 2017 season. 

This is another positive step for the college as it transitions from a National Junior College Athletic Association program to a National College Athletic Association Division III program. 

Current ECFC members include Anna Maria College, Becker College, Castleton State College, Galludet University, Husson University, SUNY Maritime College, Mount Ida College and Norwich University. Alfred State College was also accepted at the most recent conference meeting.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160127/eastern-collegiate-football-conference-accepts-dean-college

Both FHS basketball teams top Milford on Tuesday

Both the FHS boys and girls basketball teams won on Tuesday night against Milford. Results via Hockomock Sports.

FHS Panthers

Boys Basketball

• Milford, 58 @ Franklin, 74 – Final 

– Milford had a lead midway through the third quarter but the Panthers outscored the Scarlet Hawks 36-18 over the final 12 minutes of play. Franklin freshman Jay Dieterle tied a career-high with 24 points while sophomore Connor Peterson chipped in 14 points. Milford’s Dwight Anderson had 19 points and Anthony Arcudi added 11 points.

Girls Basketball

• Franklin, 68 @ Milford, 42 – Final 

– The Panthers broke the game open with a 24-6 second quarter. Lauren Rudolph was Franklin’s top scorer with 14. Aubrie Kutil added 12 points for the Panthers and Olivia Adiletto had 10. Milford’s Kate Irwin finished with 13 points.

For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-012616/

MassBudget: Incarceration Trends in Massachusetts

Long-Term Increases, Recent Progress

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Incarceration Trends in Massachusetts: Long-Term Increases, Recent Progress    An effective criminal justice system reduces crime and keeps our neighborhoods safe. It both makes sure that those who commit crimes are punished appropriately and that we are smart about rehabilitating them so that they can reenter society as productive contributors to our economy and community. Like in the rest of the nation, incarceration rates in Massachusetts increased dramatically during the 1980s and remained very high for decades. In recent years, several states have begun to implement criminal justice reforms that are reducing unnecessary incarceration. Massachusetts has reformed marijuana laws leading to a significant reduction in the number of people incarcerated for marijuana possession. Massachusetts has also adopted reforms of our criminal records laws that aim to make it easier for former prisoners to get jobs and participate in to our economy. We are beginning to see declines both in incarceration rates and in recidivism. Incarceration Trends in Massachusetts tracks and analyzes these trends over the past four decades. We see progress, but also that we have a long way to go: incarceration rates are still much higher than they were before the 1980s, and a large share of those leaving prison and jail are not receiving the education and treatment programs that make their reentry into society more successful. In the long-term, effective criminal justice reforms could protect public safety, reduce unnecessary spending, and help more of our people to participate effectively in our communities. For the full paper click 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 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Secure Shredding at Postalcenter

With National Data Privacy Day coming on Jan 28th, this is a good time to securely get rid of some important papers.

Secure Shredding at Postalcenter! View this email in your browser Secure Shredding The cold weather outside is the perfect opportunity to sort through nonessential documents or surplus paperwork! Bring it to one of our convenient locations for secure shredding. From now until February 15th, shred your personal documents for $0.75/lb. no minimum. This is real savings, don't miss out!  What to shred: Documents with your name or other personal information Financial statements, pay stubs, or cancelled checks Medical records Computer media such as CDs, DVDs, or hard drives Shredding Services 75¢ until February 15th! Franklin, MA Shaw's Plaza, 279 East Central St. (Rte. 140) 508-541-8100   Millis, MA Roche Bros. Plaza 14 Milliston Common (Rte. 109) 508-376-1200   Milford, MA Hannaford Plaza  9C Medway Rd 508-422-9600     Nashua, NH Somerset Plaza 379 Amherst St.  603-882-6245   Copyright © 2016 Postalcenter, All rights reserved. Want to change how you receive these emails?

In the News: house fire, trivia bee, communications degree

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

A three-alarm midday Tuesday house fire intensified to the point where firefighters had to pull out of the building before the blaze was extinguished. 

The fire, at 11-13 Church St., did not harm any residents, fire officials said, but the residence was rendered uninhabitable.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20160126/NEWS/160126815

The Franklin Education Foundation will hold its 19th annual Trivia Bee on April 13 in the Thomas Mercer Auditorium at Horace Mann Middle School, 224 Oak St. 

The Middle School Bee will be held from 6 to 7 p.m., and the theme will be general trivia. Teams for the Middle School Bee will be composed of students from each of the three Franklin middle schools.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160126/franklin-education-foundation-lists-trivia-bee-information

Dean College, a private, residential college in Franklin, was approved by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education to offer a Bachelor of Arts in communications degree. 

The new B.A. program, which will begin in the fall of 2016, will prepare students for the world of work or graduate school.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160126/dean-college-to-offer-communications-degree

Live reporting: Closing

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report

several students made All State orchestra
students will be coming to the next meeting for recognition

Kindergarten registration, Apr 11-12
flyers around, info on website
'Leaping into Kindergarten' will be held on Feb 29
orientation program for families with new potential K students who had not been in the schools before

state released educational data
Franklin were above all the strate numbers
first time released publicly


School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
budget subcommittee was busy
training session, joint meeting with Town Council held
will be an interesting year
meeting next Tuesday with principals

Transportation subcommittee met

Policy met last week
will meet again on the 17th of Feb

Teacher negotiations ongoing

School Committee Liaison Reports
none

6. New Business

To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
none

7. Executive Session

a. Personnel matter in litigation

motion to go into executive session, motion, roll call vote

Live reporting: Action items

4. Action Items

a. I recommend adoption of the 2016-2017 School Calendar option 2 as discussed. (The two school calendar options as discussed at the Jan 12 meeting can be found here -> 
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/022F816A-000F8513 )

motion to approve, seconded, 7-0

b. I recommend approval of Budget Transfers as detailed.
motion to approve, seconded, 7-0

c. I recommend the following revisions to Action Items A and B from the 1/12/16 meeting:

1. (1/12/16-Action A) Anonymous donation is $500.00 (not $300.00)
2. (1/12/16-Action B) Music donations total $6,678.00 (not $12,496.00)

motion to approve, seconded, 7-0

d. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $7,000.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for Library and Field Trips.  
motion to approve, seconded, 7-0

e. I recommend acceptance of four checks totaling $2,995.00 from the Parmenter PCC for Field Trips.
motion to approve, seconded, 7-0

f. I recommend acceptance of three checks totaling $4,710.88 for Franklin High School as follows:

1. $700.00 from Scholarship America for field trips.
2. $463.88 from All American Publishing for in-house enrichment.
3. $3,547.00 from Vicario Studio, Inc. for in-house enrichment.

motion to approve, seconded, 7-0

g. I recommend approval of the recurring overnight trip for the Boys Ice Hockey Team to travel to Barnstable, MA on 2/17-18, 2016 for a competition as detailed.
motion to approve, seconded, 7-0

h. I recommend adoption of the Capital Plan as presented.
motion to approve, seconded, 7-0

Live reporting: Discussion items

3. Discussion Only Items

• 2016-2017 School Calendar

no comments or questions (initially)

• Food Service

Whitson's came in 5 years ago, will be searching for our own food service director to bring the service in house
no change to the food service workers as they remained Franklin employees during the service provided by Whitson's
Whitson's notified that the contract will be ending at the end of this school year

it is easier to sell pizza than kale
the administration and management fees will provide the 'wash' from a budget perspective to fund the food service director

What was the fee?
$60,000 administrative with an opportunity to recover up to $20,000
management fees were per meal and could be returned to the district if conditions were met (and they were last year)

School wellness advisory council putting out a survey to look for feedback on nutrition and food, hopefully that info will help to inform the direction of the revisions to the program

Re-opening the calendar item

Denise returns with a clarification on survey answers from parents for the calendar
generally teachers want before Labor Day and parents want after

what about Feb and April vacation combining?
Already started looking at the 2017-2018 calendar, if you do want to do so, there are parents who need to know early as people are making plans

no decisive info from the survey
happy to come back with options
need to look at the MCAS/PARCC testing schedule as they would be scheduled for March

Bilello - knowing the testing calendar is important, we are competing with the town around us, we don't need to draw out the options, the parents need to get their child care calendar set

If we do go with a subcommittee, we would need to include the FEA representatives

if the change were to be made, it would only be for the 2017-2018 school year at the earliest

Jewell - I would be for a subcommittee to look at it and review the pros/cons for changing the schedule, the committee would need to find out the info

O'Malley - if any interest, please let me know
Bergen, Scofield, Schultz interested

major development, vacation schedules to be looked at
to ensure all constituencies to be included

Live reporting: Personnel Updates

2. Guests/Presentations

b. Personnel Update

• Bill Clement, asst Principal at Sharon currently

will be coming to a future meeting for an introduction

Kate Peretz now principal at Oak St

• Amy Soles, from Foxboro will be coming to backfill for Kate

• football coach search

9 went to 4 finalists, currently being interviewed during this time

• Nancy Schoen is retiring, so some parents have already called to be part of the search team

Music Director position will be a tough one to fill, may have to look at how to fill that one

• President's Award of Merit for Brad Sidwell, as FHS Athletic Director

couple of letters from community members of the football search committee
recognition of the process for the new coach