Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Real time reporting: 2nd Search Firm - ECRA Group

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Superintendent’s Search Process – Presentations 

  1. NESDEC - Dr. Art Bettencourt (covered earlier in meeting)
  2. MASC- Jim Hardy (not yet present)
  3. ECRA Group – John Connolly
high emotional intelligence is a key to leadership
3 times I tried to make a left turn and all three times I was waived on
a quality of culture of the community

was superintendent in NY and TX
his joy and career has been matching good choices and good people
my track record is good, close to 60 searches
Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Lexington and others

my greatest skill is recruiting people
the difference between an applicant and the candidate
the applicant is one who applies, the candidate is one who wants the job

superintendent in Lexington
had a good candidate lined up, took five phone calls before she became one of the five final list and she was selected and still there today

document delivered with proposal to committee

the firm did over 1,000 searches nationally

anytime I do a search, a piece of me stays within the district
I work for you as the School COmmittee
I have equal obligation to the people I recruit

planning meeting, criteria development
focus groups, groups teachers, business people

  1. what is the strengths of the district
  2. what is the area of concern for the district
  3. what are the major characteristics of the new superintendent

I talked about emotional development, I did a search in Virginia Beach and the district has had me back for several summers to do seminars

courage, the ability to make tough decisions

there are two types of ego, one is the personal ego, the other is the one who basks in the success of the group

leadership profile report a critical component
from the report, what are the priorities, those are my marching orders

there are a hundred people in y group, we use our network
employ a national network, you need the opportunity to draw from outside

90% are still in their position after 5 years






Real time Reporting: School Committee - Aug 23, 2016

Present: Bilello, Scofield, Bergen, Douglas, O'Malley, Schultz, Jewel
Absent: none


1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments

  • none


Review of Agenda

Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the August 9, 2016 School Committee Meeting.

  • motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0


Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
Correspondence:

  • None


2. Guests/Presentations
a. Superintendent’s Search Process – Presentations 

  1. NESDEC - Dr. Art Bettencourt, Executive Director
The New England School Development Council   http://www.nesdec.org/

based in New ENgland but capable of searching nationally
will search to fulfill the needs of the committee/community

will work to develop a 'leadership' profile of what the needs should be based upon the input from all the stakeholders

do not recirculate candidates from one search to another, all targeted marketing and searches

New England based firm with national recognition
school districts vary culturally

Dr Carolyn Burke, Dr Sally Diaz

understanding that there is a sharing between the municipal side and schools
have had stability in the leadership area

What do candidates want? There are three things in particular
  1. want a school committee that they can work with
  2. quality of life, schools and resources for family
  3. salary considerations

Q - how do you go about learning about us?
a great deal of talking with the teachers, staff and community via focus groups, surveys, etc.
what are the strengths, the weaknesses, what is the culture of the community


Q - how do you help us abide by the screening process rules?
we have had success working in all the communities
we have not had any issues, working with the open meeting law is part of our normal course of business

ask the constituent groups to nominate a representative of the group
it shows trust in their judgment, not always done that way

we will walk you through the entire process
we know the law, we have done the searches, we will work closely with you

6 focus groups usually fills the bill
we will also do individual stakeholders: town administrators, police chief, planners, etc. 

the timeline for the search takes about 120 days
electronic advertising, special bulletin placements also available
timing of the focus groups, mixed or single
how your going to put together the screening committee
the application process, and invitations for recommendations

how do you want to handle the candidates, individual visits, phone screens, a mix of them
this is your search, we will guide you
want to design the search that is based upon your standards

NESDEC uses their network, leveraging their individual connections, who would be a good fit for the opportunity, would also use LinkedIn, it is becoming more of a resource for educational searches

there is a warranty
1 - we are with you until a choice is made
2 - if your superintendent leaves for any other reason, we would come in to do it again for no consulting fee (just expenses)

Q - on the 'regional' candidates
some states have very different budgetary process, have had successful candidates from NY, NJ, Florida and Ohio. You need to look carefully at those candidates, it may not be the location but the operation may be alike. Folks from New England may be looking to return.

we are seeing principals moving to superintendents spots

this is the first of three presentations
there are two more coming before making a vote to choice one to go forward with


#shopFranklin - supporting small business: The Sugar Shoppe

#shopFranklin TV talks with Courtney and Corey Nappa of The Sugar Shoppe and Make Change for Change. The Sugar Shoppe makes charitable giving a sweet idea!






"The Sugar Shoppe is a non-profit founded on the premise of giving HOPE to those who may have none. Your purchases go towards building the fund for Make Change for Change, a non profit setup to provide moms and kids smile. Think of all the special occasions that come and go in a year, our mission is to provide gift baskets to those in need. 50% of the homeless population in Massachusetts are women and children. We strive to help make these individuals feel a sense of hope. Your small donation enables us to give a gift basket to someone in need, potentially at the right time in their life. ​​"


http://www.sugarshoppe.org/
http://www.sugarshoppe.org/

Comedian - Juggler Bryson Lang will entertain at the Library Weds Aug 24, 10:30 AM

Comedian - Juggler Bryson Lang will entertain at the Franklin Public Library on Wednesday Aug 24, 10:30 AM. 

Comedian - Juggler Bryson Lang will entertain at the Library Weds Aug 24, 10:30 AM
Comedian - Juggler Bryson Lang will entertain at the Library Weds Aug 24, 10:30 AM


"Bryson Lang is a Comedy-Manipulator. He takes both ordinary and out-of-the-ordinary objects and literally spins them into a visual tapestry in a distinctive and dynamic way. 
At Bryson’s show you’ll see: flying sombreros, sharp sickles, huge spinning rings, upside down bounce-juggling, giant beach balls, glo-in-the-dark objects, a tennis racquet and always a few surprises. The Press of Atlantic City said, “…quick-witted comedy with mind-blowing juggling skills, Bryson Lang's act is a sight to behold!"
Quote from the Bryson Lang webpage  http://brysonlang.com/

The notice was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/08/comedian-and-juggler-bryson-lang.html

All electronic tolling coming to MA Turnpike in October



"The state Department of Transportation has outlined its plans to demolish existing tollbooths once the state's new All-Electronic Tolling systems go into effect on the Massachusetts Turnpike in October. 
According to Highway Administrator Thomas Tinlin, toll plaza demolitions are set to begin at the same time the new system goes live on Oct. 28. Work crews will section off the center lanes of existing toll plazas, pushing traffic to the left and right as they tear down canopies and fill any underground tunnel systems beneath the structures. 
Initial work is expected to be completed by Nov. 22, after which traffic will flow through the open center as crews tear down the remaining plazas on the sides of each turnpike entrance and exit. Speed limits for the exits will be set at 15 mph. Signs will help guide traffic."


http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160822/massdot-lays-out-toll-plaza-demolition-plans




  • A better table on the proposed MA Turnpike fares can be found here


http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/08/22/how-much-will-your-new-mass-pike-toll/RD6xNPzjNnlkB4mgBymgbN/story.html


  • A related article on the data collected by the new systems and how it will be used


https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/08/06/what-those-gantries-mass-pike-are-secretly-doing-and-why-you-should-care/YFtCYOjtSBufnBDUGh4khI/story.html


Devices on new gantries above the Massachusetts Turnpike will soon collect tolls. For now, they’re capturing data on driving speeds.  - ARAM BOGHOSIAN FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE
Devices on new gantries above the Massachusetts Turnpike will soon collect tolls. For now, they’re capturing data on driving speeds.- ARAM BOGHOSIAN FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE

  • For more information about the EZPass program visit the MA DOT site

http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/TrafficTravelResources/EZPassMAProgram.aspx

In the News: superintendent search begins, miniature metal artwork

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The School Committee is set to kick off its search for a new district leader this week. 
The committee is slated at its meeting Tuesday night to begin seeking a new superintendent. Current Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski announced in July she is retiring at the end of the coming school year. 
Committee members have said the meeting is the best time to start making preparations. Chairman Kevin O'Malley noted the meeting following this one - on Sept. 6 - will be the committee's first of the new school year, and is likely to be filled with other topics."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160822/franklin-superintendent-search-to-begin

The full School Committee agenda can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-aug.html


"A special exhibit will open at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 W. Central St., Franklin. 
A personal collection of miniature metal artwork, hand crafted by Franklin-born Abraham Megerdichian, will be on display in October. Megerdichian’s son Robert will open the exhibit with a presentation and talk about the history of his father’s work. 
In his lifetime, the elder Megerdichian, a machinist by trade, made more than 300 miniatures for family and friends as gifts for holidays and special occasions. A selection of about 20 tiny recreations of everyday objects, made from brass, aluminum, stainless-steel and copper will be on display. A sampling of items for this exhibit include a brass asphalt roller, a copper and steel cannon with cannonballs, an aluminum inkwell with feather pen, a flexible flyer sled, and tiny brass roller skates."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160822/franklin-museum-slates-metal-artwork-display

miniature metal sled
miniature metal sled

Globe West covers bullying, healthy lunches, and walking to school

The last days of summer are upon us all. Back to school preparations are in full swing. The Boston Globe West section in the Sunday paper had a group of articles on schools. If you missed them, it might be worth taking a few minutes to read.


Note to read the following articles online a Boston Globe subscription may be required

In efforts against bullying, some school districts stand out

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/south/2016/08/18/efforts-against-bullying-some-school-districts-stand-out/ay9ph0muZIx1mM9WjX8ixK/story.html


At schools, healthier options pass the taste test

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/north/2016/08/20/schools-more-healthful-options-passing-taste-test/2mgf8IjtQXGMsz1eDPqwpL/story.html


Why not walk to school this fall?

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/2016/08/19/why-not-walk-school-this-fall/2qOlaFWMsrWvKWUWoz7h1I/story.html

In Salem, the Carlton Innovation School holds a weekly trek to school called Walking Wednesday. - MARK LORENZ FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE
In Salem, the Carlton Innovation School holds a weekly trek to school called Walking Wednesday. - MARK LORENZ FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE

Monday, August 22, 2016

FHS Girls Cross Country in preseason rankings


"On the girls side, three Hockomock teams were ranked in the poll, all from the Kelley-Rex division: Oliver Ames (13th), King Philip (14th) and Franklin (15th). 
The Tigers who won five straight Davenport division titles from 2010-2014, will look to make a splash in the Kelley-Rex this season. Junior Olivia Timbone was OA’s top finisher at the league championship last season, coming in at 10th and will look to pace the Tigers along with classmate Elizabeth Peckham. 
King Philip is coming off a 4-1 season last year in league meets, only falling to Franklin. Junior Erin Quinn returns after a standout sophomore season and a top 10 finish at the league championships. Senior Erica Layne and junior Leia Quinn will also play big roles for the Warriors this season. 
Franklin, the defending Kelley-Rex champions, returns the top finisher from the 2015 Hockomock League Championships in junior Nicole Clermont. The Panthers also have junior Kate Hartnett back, who came in sixth at the league championships in Wrentham last season."

FHS girls Cross Country team at the Hockomock League Championships, Oct 2015
FHS girls Cross Country team at the Hockomock League Championships, Oct 2015

  • The full Hockomock Sports article can be found here

https://hockomocksports.com/four-hockomock-cross-country-teams-make-mstca-xc-preseason-poll/


  • The full poll can be found on the MSTCA page here

http://www.mstca.org/Fall_Season/Fall%202016/MSTCA%20XC%20Coaches%20Poll%202016%20SEASON.pdf


The fall 2016 MSCTA Cross Country season information can be found here
http://www.mstca.org/Fall_Season/Fall%20Past/Fall%202016.html


"DRONE POLICY 
MSTCA prohibits the use of Drones at any of our competition sites or meets. The prohibition applies to all fields of play including the spectator stands and parking areas. We reserve the right to follow this policy. All proper officials can remove any person from the site who refuses to follow this policy."

Madelene Village - Detailed Plans

The PDF copies were shared with the Facebook group and shared here to broaden the reach


Project Narrative document

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczXzNlTDNwNjJkRE0/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-iqwmH9nKH0N8-yJOK0fA9g


Plan for the Foundation

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczVHQtcEx5em4zTTQ/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-KDt0g5Qhw-NSbFFFPzjerA


Plan for the first Floor

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczTzRoSjhSQ3pWZVE/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-Czjx3emYkD7SfHeq3k7E9A

Plan for the Second floor

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZ0VXYXZOV18zbGc/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-lMlhueSGnpoYsQk3ekWDYw

Front view and Rear view

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczREZVTjAyZmZYNkU/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-qsM8eHchkhrrFwZ6VITakw

JPG of building as proposed

unit model and elevation
unit model and elevation

Library: Tween - Teen End of Summer party

The "end of summer reading" party for teens and tweens is scheduled for the Franklin Library on Tuesday, August 23 at 12:30 PM

Tween - Teen End of Summer party
Tween - Teen End of Summer party
This was shared from the Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/08/teen-tween-end-of-summer-party-tuesday.html

How do you connect? A Consumer Guide to Cable Service: 3 Part Series by MA Consumer Affairs


"Cable service is available in most Massachusetts communities through one or more providers, and may be offered as a stand-alone service or as part of a bundled package. The term “bundled package” refers to a specially-priced combination of services that may include telephone service (wireless or landline), television (cable or satellite television), internet or a home security system. Bundled packages often include a contract agreement that will require you to maintain your services for a fixed period of time, usually 12-24 months. 
The cost of cable service alone can be broken down into three main categories: (1) programming, promotions and pricing; (2) equipment and installation; and (3) taxes, fees and surcharges."
iamge from MA.gov series on cable service subscriptions
iamge from MA.gov series on cable service subscriptions

Continue reading Part 1

http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/how-do-you-connect-a-consumer-guide-to-cable-service-part-1/

Part 2

http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/how-do-you-connect-a-consumer-guide-to-cable-service-part-2/

Part 3

http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/how-do-you-connect-a-consumer-guide-to-cable-service-part-3/


Sunday, August 21, 2016

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 23, 2016

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.

AGENDA
"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 August 9, 2016 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
Correspondence:
Franklin Public Schools - "the key to learning"
Franklin Public Schools - "the key to learning"

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Superintendent’s Search Process – Presentations

  1. NESDEC - Dr. Art Bettencourt
  2. MASC- Jim Hardy
  3. ECRA Group – John Connolly


3. Discussion Only Items
Policy – First Readings

  • DJE – Bidding Requirements
  • DKC – Expense Reimbursements
  • JJF – Student Activity Accounts
  • JJF-R – Student Activity Accounts
  • JJFG – Disposition of Student Activity Accounts

Discussion on Awarding Superintendent Search Contract

4. Action Items
a. I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading at the next School Committee meeting:

  1. DJE – Bidding Requirements
  2. DKC – Expense Reimbursements
  3. JJF – Student Activity Accounts
  4. JJF-R – Student Activity Accounts
  5. JJFG – Disposition of Student Activity Accounts

b. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2705.29 from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies at Parmenter Elementary School.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report

  • Enrollment Update

School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

  • Community Engagement

School Committee Liaison Reports

  • None


6. New Business 
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Motion to Adjourn 
– Dr. O’Malley

The School Committee agenda would normally be found online here
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Agendas/t20162017/
(as of Sunday morning it was not yet posted)

“They help in any capacity as much as they can”


"More than a hundred people gathered at Fletcher Field Saturday morning for some fundraising, some trash talking and a lot of fun at the Random Smile Project’s fourth annual Wiffle ball tournament. 
The Random Smile Project, established in 2006, is a Franklin organization aimed to provide simple acts of kindness to locals in need. 
Its mission, member Colleen Swenson said, is to “offer a bridge of support for our community members during difficult times.” 
This year, the proceeds from the tournament will benefit Franklin resident Jim Cashin, who is recovering from a liver transplant he received in June."


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160821/locals-play-wiffle-ball-to-benefit-franklin-resident


sign at one of the wiffle ball diamonds between games
sign at one of the wiffle ball diamonds between games

To donate to the Random Smile Project or find out more about what they do, visit their webpage  http://www.randomsmile.org/

Downtown Parking Map

The DPW must be busy preparing the signs as I did not see the new ones around on my Saturday walk. I did see signs that according to the new regulations would be taken down (I think). For example, the "resident parking' now enabled for Winter Street and Crescent St would be going away (as I read the new rules).

The new parking map was posted to the Town of Franklin page on Friday. You can view it here, download it here, or go to the Franklin page to get your copy.




View the PDF here




  • Download your copy here


https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczeGY4THpKVmYzRWc/view?usp=sharing


  • Or from the Franklin page


http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024A17AB-000F8513

  JPG image of the most central downtown region shown on the full map
JPG image of the most central downtown region shown on the full map
legend of parking zones for downtown Franklin
legend of parking zones for downtown Franklin

as I read the new parking rules, these designated parking zones would go away
as I read the new parking rules, these designated parking zones would go away

In case you missed the Town Council making these changes, you can find the full set of regulations and vote results here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/town-council-actions-taken-august-10.html

"it is incredibly important we all work together to conserve water while these dry conditions persist”

"Today (Friday - 8/19/16)  I listened in on a state wide conference call from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and as expected things do not look good considering the current drought we are in. The forecast for any sizable rainfall to help our water issue does not look good. No sustained rain fall in the near future. 
Given the fact that citizens for the most part are heeding the current water ban in town, we still have trouble with private well owners. Despite the fact that the ban is not covering these private well uses, I ask anyone with private wells to please respect the water ban and avoid watering lawns, washing cars, and other outdoor water activities. 
We all share the same water, public and private. Please conserve water! 
Note: there is a $200 fine for anyone not following the water ban guidelines. 
This is extremely important to the health, safety and well being of our community."
Thank you,
Councillor Glenn Jones
Franklin Town Council



  • Governor Baker's Press Release
“With much of Massachusetts continuing to experience extremely dry conditions, I am asking the public to administer best water conservation practices for the foreseeable future,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “By minimizing water use, especially while outside, we will collectively take crucial steps necessary to enable ground water and reservoirs to rebound quicker as we work together to manage and reduce the effects of a statewide drought. Individuals should also check with their city or town officials to find out what local restrictions are in place as they vary from community to community.”

http://www.mass.gov/governor/press-office/press-releases/fy2017/governor-elevates-response-to-widespread-drought.html#





U.S. Drought Monitor
U.S. Drought Monitor
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/in-news-weight-loss-program-at-y.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/in-news-drug-kiosk-success-drought.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/in-news-farms-feeling-drought-post-75.html