Thursday, May 9, 2019

Charter School expansion isn't a driving cause of the FPS school budget deficit

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Since the expansion of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School was first discussed six years ago, Executive Director Heather Zolnowski said its impact has remained transparent with the town. 
And while she believes it’s a factor in the town budget, she says it’s not to blame for the town’s looming structural deficit entering fiscal year 2020. 
“We’ve been talking about this for six years – they knew it was coming,” said Zolnowski in response to comments from Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen that the school’s expansion costs have left a dent in the fiscal 2020 budget. Hellen is forecasting a structural deficit, possibly extending to fiscal 2022 due to a lack of sufficient state funding for the charter school. 
According to Hellen, more than $5 million in town funding is being diverted to the school in fiscal 2020 - $1.1 million more than this year."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190508/franklin-charter-school-head-weve-worked-with-town

Horace Mann statue in downtown Franklin, the father of public education
Horace Mann statue in downtown Franklin, the father of public education

Related post:

Per the legislative update at the Town Council meeting, Wednesday, May 8 the DESE forecast of Charter School funding has caught up to the actual numbers for the projected enrollment at the Charter School. We should see these changes in the budget package being prepared for the Town Council budget hearings scheduled for May 22 and May 23. The Franklin Public Schools still face a deficit and have had to make some hard decisions.

My notes recorded live during the Town Council meeting on May 8

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Live reporting: Legislation for action



9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
June 19

c. Economic Development Subcommittee
June 12

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
covered earlier in this meeting
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 19-838: Amendment to the Franklin Town Code at Ch.153 Stormwater Management- 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-838- Majority Vote (5))

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 19-841: Municipal Service Fees- Ten Day Recycling Sticker- 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-841- Majority Vote (5))

motion to add "consecutive" to the amendment; voted 9-0

motion to approve as amended, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORTfollow up on comments re: Skyline Dr
replacement water replacement program
did Skyline water lines; did have neighborhood meeting
did look to narrow the roads (did Coronation Drive last year)
better long term maintenance
it does slow folks down
would review project and get back to her by Friday
first heard of the drainage issue tonight

good news to be designated as a Housing Choice Community; rewards adoption of best practices
with Governor, get certificate, eligible for state projects and grants

Kudos to Laurie R for finding this and we easily qualified

Regional Dispatch Center going live sometime tonight
other towns went live this week
in full operation by Friday

budget message and fiscal forecast being sent this week

hearings May 22-23

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMScan we get an update from Cultural Council on ArtWeek

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Executive Session

Franklin resident at 109 birthday, May 4

thank you to the legislators

Saturday, Remington Jefferson SNETT fund raising 5M/5K

props to our school committee folks who are fighting tooth and nail for us

King St - I finally saw someone playing pickel ball there

Memorial Day breakfast May 24 - 9 AM
Memorial Day parade 10 AM typical route

Cultural District dedication at 3:30 with reception at BLACK BOX

None scheduled
15. ADJOURN

Live Reporting: Legislative Update - Spilka, Rausch, Roy



8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Senate President Karen Spilka, 
Senator Rebecca Rausch, 
State Representative Jeffrey Roy


Senator Spilka thanks Jeff Nutting for all his has done during his time in leadership
we have a strong team in the State House, we help each other, support each other
it has been a pleasure working with them

Senate version of the budget issued yesterday

revising the foundation budget is one of the keys that got me into this position so to be here now and help make some changes, is good

working to get rid of stigma for mental health, needs to be treated the same as physical health

Chap 70 has made this a priority, started to increase per the review commission recommendations, more than the House and Governor, most to the low income students where it is needed

increased for health insurance and SPED transportation
Franklin should receive more as we phase it in over the years

Charter reimbursement, actually less money but calculated differently so an increase over the House amount of approx $800K

updated numbers for the Charter, had attributed more numbers to Franklin, actual numbers show less students so the numbers will reflect that

fully funded the SPED circuit breaker; amount about $200K estimated for Franklin

created $10M trust fund for mental health awareness

Senator Becca Rausch, it is a privilege to work with such colleagues
working on amendments now which are due Friday

working on home rule petitions
senate vice chair committee on elder affairs
advancing elder care and housing

good governance and good democracy, seeing good engagement and that is good
health care and reproductive health

focused on the budget for the next several weeks

Rep Roy, good to be back here, interesting to be on this side of the table
I'll echo what my colleagues have said, it is good working together

House and Senate are in agreement on Chap 70
incremental increases in Chap 70, a $2M increase with an enrollment from 6000 - 5200; a hard fight to have; $4K increase in per pupil expenditure

schools are facing burden and need every dollar they can

projected at 479 now at 375 students for Charter School, it is still somewhat a moving target 

in close contact with DESE charter guru to keep informed as the budget continues to be worked

Chap 90 - $910K for Franklin coming; Brutus start your engines

working on additional earmarks; honored and thrilled to chair the higher education committee; having a college in Franklin makes this important; looking to address sexual assaults on campus; college/school closures - 17 in last year in MA, looking to protect students so they don't get hurt

looking at how higher education is funded, taking a deep dive to look at those issues

while I feel like a young legislator, this is my 7th visit

Jones - chap 90 funding, awesome, that will get us one road
3-5 years, Beaver St interceptor

Hamblen - thank you for all that is going on at the State
thanks for the funding for the SNETT design of the bridge
goal of the trail is to have someplace for all to go other together

Secretary Beaton did come out to ride the trail, a good thing that he also had a flat as he went up the hill

Hellen - State to be filling with Conservation possible to be wrapping up for end of this year

Dellorco - that for coming, thank for what you do on the opioid issue,that runs hand in hand with mental health

Padula - what I see from clients is that things spin back to mental health; it is such a down stream problem and a major issue

Nutting - $13M state revolving fund for our water treatment plant, saving us hundreds of thousand dollars; maybe doing something for us with the sewer down the road

Mercer - local option taxes
Hellen - we get $500K in local meal tax, .75 of one penny currently, if we could get a little more; doubling the meals tax is not really going to be noticeable

Dr Bergen - thanks for coming to our Forum earlier this year
we are trying to educate our community on our budget issues

opioid and mental health, schools becoming the main social service agency and we can fund the counselors we need; so the question - is there specific funding to help us with the counselors in schools?

Spilka - mental health issues are a problem at all the schools, it is sprinkling through out the budget; most in gateway communities last fall; family resource centers funded; looking at other ways to support the family and the children; the Senate did create a $10M for mental health; asked for a working group on mental health to see what else we need to do; what can we do to change the paradigm

Bergen - while we are working with a level service budget, we are faced with SPED outplacements where their tuition costs are increasing at 8plus percent

Spilka - we will look into that

Schultz (Vice Chair School Comm) - thanks for fully funding the circuit breaker, that is important for us; addressing short medium and long term transportation reimbursements

Spilka - we will continue to look at that, not sure if they have had hearings yet; the focus had been on the Chap 70 funding formula

 Spilka - we have never fully funded the charter schools, we need more money; that was the hardest thing as Ways and Means chair, to hear all the needs and try and figure out how to use the one pot of money and balance it out, it only goes so far

Schultz - I am frustrated that we are not asking for an override this year

Roy - one of my first votes was to index the gas tax to the rate of inflation, dedicated to fixing roads and bridges; ballot question over ruled the $10B revenue that could have been available to use; fair share amendment passed today; a group of folks did not like the tax, Supreme Judicial Court weighed in to deny that revenue for transportation; it is not an easy battle

pilot program to take congestion off the roads was vetoed by the Governor

wonderful graph that talks about education and what it can do for the economy
it is a straight line, and MA is the first state to surpass 50% with bachelors degrees

Spilka - our people are our biggest national resource, and by supporting them, it is our future; education is a priority for us three and for our MetroWest communities

Hellen - Cultural District announcement on Friday at 3:30 PM at the Historical Museum
public invited

Mercer - thank you for coming, and for what you do



Live reporting: Senior Housing Project


b. Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Proposal

3 story building to meet an increasing need for Senior housing in Franklin
60% of Boston amount for income qualification

Eaton Place - 50 unit housing already in area

mimic some of the design used at Eaton Place
ledge primarily but to be landscaped all around

up to 3 years to get the financing needed
anticipate 2024 completion for occupation

looking for support

Jones - I am looking forward to this project
check on freezing water pipes in the existing building, hopefully to avoid in the new building
meeting with Eaton Place next week, meeting with Abutters as well

we are working with the Housing Trust and the Town
Eaton Place had a HUD2 design requirement limitation we are going with State requirements to avoid

Housing Trust did commit $500K and the land towards the project
working with low income housing tax credits and housing program to secure the financing necessary

Hamblen - any open space left?
Yes, another 8-10 acres being reserved for future housing options

Eaton Place meeting scheduled for May 17, 10:00 AM
most of the HUD components have shifted to the state level since the last time
don't need a co-sponsor like we did need at Eaton Place

10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-31: Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Development (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-31- Majority Vote (5))
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0


Live reporting: Town Council - May 8, 2019

Present: Hamblen, Casey, Dellorco, Kelly, Mercer, Jones, Padula, Pellegri, Earls
Absent:  none


Agenda ItemSummary
Town Council Meeting Agenda
Meeting of May 8, 2019

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZENS COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda.  The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

Cathy Mellor, Skyline Drive
subdivision change without notification to owners; streets narrowed, 
45 years resident, supported others
width 30 plus, reducing to 20 something
doesn't slow down speed
family neighborhood
taking out the sidewalks without notification until 2 weeks ago
asking for a disaster with the sizes of all the trucks, Amazon, UPS, etc.

new drainage system to help with Skyline Estate; four new storm drains, but not at the mouth where the water is coming from; people need clarity on what is going to happen with the storm drains and run off

complaining about the removal sidewalks, they are aesthetically pleasing; with parties on the street how will the fire trucks get through

sidewalk drew them to the neighborhood, to hear that they are being removed is upsetting, we walk on them all the time


3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
April 24, 2019

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0


4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
None
5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Franklin Cultural District, Roberta DeBaggis Trahan

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

6. HEARINGS
None
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
La Cantina Winery Company, Farmer 
Winery, Farmers Market

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0


Franklin Unified Partners Signed by New England Revolution and Special Olympics Massachusetts to 2019 Unified Team

Franklin, MA Unified Partners Carly Alston, Farley Asmath and Calen Frongillo were signed by the New England Revolution and Special Olympics Massachusetts to their 2019 Unified Team on May 6 at Gillette Stadium. 

The signing is part of the organizations’ partnership that leverages the power of sports to promote an environment of inclusion and friendly competition. The Special Olympics Unified athletes met with Revolution coaches, signed their contracts, and met the media.

The Unified signing marks the second event of the 2019 partnership between the Revolution and Special Olympics Massachusetts. The Revs and Special Olympics Massachusetts joined forces in March for their Unified Clinic which serves as a precursor to three other events slated for this summer: a pair of Unified matches at D.C. United on July 12 and at Gillette Stadium against New York City FC on Sept. 7, and the club’s annual fundraiser, Bowl for a Goal presented by Arbella Insurance, on Aug. 21.

Revs sign Special Olympics athletes and Unified Partners at fifth annual Unified Team signing day
Revs sign Special Olympics athletes and Unified Partners
at fifth annual Unified Team signing day

Calen Frongillo
Calen Frongillo

Carly Alston
Carly Alston
Farley Asmath
Farley Asmath

“It is a statement of the Senate’s priorities and our values and what we hold dear”

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

"Senate leaders unveiled a $42.7 billion fiscal year 2020 budget proposal on Tuesday, virtually mirroring the total spending figure in the House’s budget approved last week but embracing additional revenues the other chamber avoided. 
The Senate Ways and Means Committee’s proposal calls for a 3.1 percent increase in spending over last year’s budget, including what lawmakers describe as a “historic” boost in public education funding, new initiatives to improve mental health and a University of Massachusetts tuition freeze. Those efforts are buoyed by new taxes on opioid manufacturers and vaping products, two ideas backed by Gov. Charlie Baker but eschewed in the House budget. 
“Each line item, each number, is much more than just a number,” said Senate President Karen Spilka in a briefing about the budget. “It is a statement of the Senate’s priorities and our values and what we hold dear.” 
The Ways and Means Committee favorably reported the budget proposal by a voice vote at a Tuesday executive session. Senators can file amendments until noon on Friday and the full chamber will launch its annual string of formal sessions to debate the budget starting on May 21."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190507/senate-budget-boosts-education-mental-health-spending

The full set of details associated with the Senate Ways and Means budget for FY 2020 can be found online https://malegislature.gov/Budget/SenateWaysMeansBudget


Senate Ways and Means budget proposal for FY 2020
Senate Ways and Means budget proposal for FY 2020

FHS outdoor track; two very close meets vs. Oliver Ames

Via HockomockSportswe share the results of the FHS sports action on Tuesday, May 7, 2019


Boys Outdoor Track = Oliver Ames, 69 @ Franklin, 67 – Final
– Oliver Ames’ Aaron MacDonald notches four first-place finishes and Anthony DeCosta and Harrison Webster each won a pair of events to help the Tigers edge Franklin. MacDonald won the 400m (50.9), the 200M (22.7), the triple jump (39’6”), and the long jump (20’5.75”). Webster crossed first in the 100M (11.3) and won the high jump (5’2) while DeCosta had the longest throws in the discus (111’11.5″) and the shot put (42’10”). Sean Flaherty added a win in the 400M hurdles (59.4) for OA.

Girls Outdoor Track = Oliver Ames, 67 @ Franklin, 69 – Final

For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-05-07-19/



FHS Boys Lax Boosters - wine & cheese tasting event at Pour Richards - May 8
FHS Boys Lax Boosters - wine & cheese tasting event at Pour Richards - May 8

Tri-County Students Get Pinned

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School friends and family members joined Medical Careers instructors, Anne-Marie Guanci, Suzanne Dodakian, Aimee Evers, and Victoria Shokunbi, in honoring senior students for all their certifications and accomplishments with a pinning ceremony.

Since beginning their Medical Careers program, students received the following certifications/training:

Sophomore year: American Heart Association's First Aid and CPR, OSHA, Dean Vaughn Medical Terminology, and the Alzheimer Association's Dementia Care training.

Junior year: Certified Nursing Assistant.

Senior Year: Home Health Aide Training, AHA Health Care Provider CPR with AED, and some students completed First Responder Training.

The pinning ceremony honored twenty-six seniors in the Medical Careers vocational program. The students awarded their pins are:

  • Caroline Aspinwall of Walpole
  • Corinne Blasetti of North Attleboro
  • Christina Brousseau of North Attleboro
  • Emily Brousseau of North Attleboro
  • Adianna Celeste of North Attleboro
  • Mackenzie Crawford of Attleboro
  • Andrea DeLeon of Walpole
  • Ava DiCenso of North Attleboro
  • Grace Dunnebier of Franklin
  • Nathan Glidden of North Attleboro
  • Lia Hall of North Attleboro
  • Kaitlyn Jones of Plainville
  • Sarah Killoy of Franklin
  • Hannah Lanthier of North Attleboro
  • Maia Lavigne of North Attleboro
  • Carolyn MacPherson of North Attleboro
  • Emma Mangiacotti of Norfolk
  • Avery McMorran of North Attleboro
  • Gabriella Mills of North Attleboro
  • Olivia Muise of North Attleboro
  • Delaney Myers of North Attleboro
  • Jillian Plante of North Attleboro
  • Justina-Ann Sauro of Franklin
  • Katie Udell of Medway
  • Nicole Veader of Seekonk
  • Shannon Zogalis of North Attleboro



Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

The pinning ceremony honored twenty-six seniors in the Medical Careers vocational program
The pinning ceremony honored twenty-six seniors
in the Medical Careers vocational program

FTC Alerts: Avoid crowdfunding scams




Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission
by Lisa Lake
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC


Crowdfunding is one way to support a project you believe in and get rewards for that support. But the project you're backing is only as good as the people behind it. Some dishonest people can take your money but produce nothing – no product, no project, and no reward.

Read more
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/05/avoid-crowdfunding-scams?utm_source=govdelivery


This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Carlo Geromini Receives Public Service Award

Mr. Carlo B. Geromini, a member of Franklin’s Quattro Eroi Lodge, 1414, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, was presented with the Public Service Award by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The recognition was part of the Massachusetts Education and Law Awards, presented under the leadership of the Commission for Social Justice Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America,

Honorees and audience members were welcomed by Marilyn Petitto Devaney, Governor’s Councilor and member of the Commission for Social Justice. The Toastmaster of the event was Mr. Duke Castiglione, Anchor/Reporter, WCVB TV, Boston, MA. Mr. Geromini was presented with his award by Mr. Donald McGowan, Commission for Social Justice, and Mr. Antonio Sestito, State President.

Mr. Geromini addressed the audience and shared stories that painted a picture of his personal life and his professional contributions. Mr. Geromini’s parents immigrated from Tuscany as teenagers. They married, had eight children, and helped Mr. Geromini to understand and value both his Italian and American heritage.

Mr. Geromini served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, was educated at Boston College, and began his professional career as a high school teacher. After working as a substitute teacher, Mr. Geromini was hired as a full-time teacher at the Institution School at M.C.I., Norfolk, MA. He served as a teacher for 10 years before being promoted to school Principal, a position he held for 22 years.

Mr. Geromini introduced a variety of courses, programs, partnerships, and collaborations that garnered him recognition as a leader in the correctional education system. Mr. Geromini received national recognition when a group of his students successfully competed against universities on the TV Show, “Quiz Bowl”.

One of the strongest accolades of Mr. Geromini and his dedicated service to education was spoken by a former student: “To many, prison is a negative experience; however, in the darkness of that negativity, Mr. Geromini is a beacon of light.”

In addition to his work as an educator, Mr. Geromini has given generously of his time and talent to the Franklin community. He has served on the School Committee, Town Council (two terms as Chair) and the Library Board, as well as the Democratic Town Committee.

For information about the Quattro Eroi Lodge, please visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SonsOfItalyFranklinMA/

left to right are: Peter Geromini, Carlo Geromini, Antonio Sestito, Chris Geromini
left to right are: Peter Geromini, Carlo Geromini, Antonio Sestito, Chris Geromini