Sunday, October 27, 2019

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Oct 29, 2019

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.

A G E N D A
“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.”

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments
In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made ….
A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment …. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening …. ” - from Policy BEDH
C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Recognitions
B. ECDC Developmental Summary

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. ECDC Developmental Summary
I recommend approval of the ECDC Developmental Summary as presented.
B. Superintendent’s Evaluation – Goals
The Chair recommends approval of the Superintendent’s Goals as detailed.
C. MASC Delegate
I recommend the committee appoint Anne Bergen as its MASC Delegate at the November MASS/MASC Joint Conference.
D. MASC Resolutions
I recommend approval of the following MASC Resolutions as detailed:
  1. Resolution 1: Banning Polystyrene from Schools
  2. Resolution 2: Pertaining to Educator Diversity and Professional Licensure
  3. Resolution 3: School Transportation
  4. Resolution 4: Climate Change
  5. Resolution 5: Full Funding of Transportation Costs for Students in Foster Care and State Care
  6. Resolution 6: Universal Quality Pre-Kindergarten Access in Massachusetts
  7. Resolution 7: Poverty and Children
  8. Resolution 8: Resolution for Access to Menstrual Supplies
  9. Resolution 9: Charter School Reform
E. Policy First Readings
I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:
  • a) KF – Community Use of School Facilities
  • b) KF – E1 – Rules and Regulations
  • c) KF – E2 – FHS Building Use
  • d) KF – E4 – FHS Fee Schedule

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. October 1 Enrollment Report

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Budget, Community Relations, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, SWAC)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your October 15, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
C. Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,620.00 from various music parents for in-house enrichment at FHS as detailed.
D. FHS Athletics Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $954.28 from All American Publishing for Supplemental Supplies as detailed.
E. Cello Donation
I recommend acceptance of the donation of a new Strobel 4/4 Cello (valued at $3,259.99) from Monica & David Mann for supplemental supplies at Annie Sullivan Middle School as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

X. Adjournment

The agenda and documents released for this meeting can be found on the Schools page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-29-2019-school-committee-packet


handicap access improvements at Parmenter School made recently
handicap access improvements at Parmenter School made recently

“I think the rivalry has kept both of them sharp"

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, writes about the running rivalry between KP's Mike Griffin and FHS's Tyler Brogan
"On Saturday morning at the Wrentham Development Center, one of the top individual rivalries in the Hockomock League had its latest chapter, as King Philip’s Mike Griffin and Franklin’s Tyler Brogan squared off at the annual league cross-country meet. Griffin took first place, by a commanding 16 seconds, for the second straight season, but for the third straight fall Brogan took second at the league meet.

They are two of the top distance runners not only in the Hock but in the state and both admit that having another Div. I-caliber runner (Brogan committed this week to Northeastern, while Griffin has narrowed his choices to Arizona State or Tennessee) to compete against multiple times a season, in cross-country as well as indoor and outdoor track, has propelled them to reach new levels of success.

“Having someone of that caliber of a runner to pretty much always be there to push you has made me a much better runner,” Brogan said. Although he finished second on Saturday, Brogan recently beat Griffin in an invitational meet and edged him this summer in the Tommy Cochary High School Mile in Falmouth. “Sometimes it’s frustrating where we go back-and-forth,” he added, “but the most important thing is having him has made me much more competitive and just overall a better runner.”

Griffin added, “Being able to compete with one of the other best runners in the state obviously makes me go faster.” He compared himself to other elite runners that may not have the same level of competition within their league. He said, “Because I have Brogan and because I have my teammate Mike Norberg, I have to try to win.”
Continue reading the article at HockomockSoorts.com
https://hockomocksports.com/rivalry-pushes-hockomock-runners-into-top-gear/

Franklin’s Tyler Brogan (left) and King Philip’s Mike Griffin have developed a rivalry over three years of competing against each other in cross-country and track. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin’s Tyler Brogan (left) and King Philip’s Mike Griffin have developed a rivalry over three years of competing against each other in cross-country and track. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

FHS girls cross county team takes 2nd place, boys team takes 3rd place at Hockomock League Championships

The Hockomock League held its annual cross country championships on Saturday morning at the Wrentham Development Center. Below are Hockomock cross-country championship team results. The individual results filtered to show just the Franklin High School individual results. The link to the complete results is shown below.

Girls Team Results
1. Sharon – 74
2. Franklin – 90
3. Oliver Ames – 138
4. King Philip – 139
5. Taunton – 147
6. Foxboro – 150
7. Mansfield – 156
8. Milford – 158
9. Attleboro – 185
10. North Attleboro – 191
11. Canton – 227
12. Stoughton – 310

Girls Individual Results
1. Abby Hassman, Foxboro – 18:52.34

10. Sydney Hawkins, Franklin – 20:33.36
12. Sarah Giuliano, Franklin – 20:44.11
18. Caitlyn Casey, Franklin – 21:08.92
24. Charlene Peng, Franklin – 21:32.05
26. Liliana Duffy, Franklin – 21:38.47
36. Ruth Ann Mulvey, Franklin – 22:12.47
38. Angelina Perez, Franklin – 22:15.26
40. Audria Hawkins, Franklin – 22:17.63
43. Emma Nelson, Franklin – 22:25.22
67. Sydney Brady, Franklin – 23:37.67


Boys Team Results
1. Oliver Ames – 66
2. King Philip – 82
3. Franklin – 93
4. Mansfield – 119
5. Taunton – 123
6. Milford – 129
7. Sharon – 148
8. Attleboro – 167
9. North Attleboro – 244
10. Canton – 292
11. Foxboro – 301
12. Stoughton – 361

Boys Individual Results
1. Mike Griffin, King Philip – 15:37.64

2. Tyler Brogan, Franklin – 15:55.97 2
3. Nicholas Calitri, Franklin – 15:58.77
12. Declan Walmsley, Franklin – 16:44.77
33. Griffin Sieczkiewicz, Franklin – 17:44.09
44. Camden Harrington, Franklin – 18:03.68 43
54. Joshua Anderson, Franklin – 18:15.97
55. Alex Towle, Franklin – 18:16.73
65. Jack Clifford, Franklin – 18:28.17
69. Connor Kucich, Franklin – 18:33.96
90. Clancy Golden, Franklin – 19:13.98

For the complete cross country varsity results
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-cross-country-championship-results-2019/

Additional boys and girls JV and Open 3K results can be found on CoolRunning
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/19/ma/Oct26_Hockom_set1.shtml

Photo gallery from the boys races
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Fall-2019/2019-Hockomock-Boys-Cross-Country-Championships/


Photo gallery from the girls races
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Fall-2019/2019-Hockomock-Girls-Cross-Country-Championships-10-26-19/

FHS boys cross country at the start (HockomockSprots.com photo)
FHS boys cross country at the start (HockomockSprots.com photo)
FHS girls cross country at the start (HockomockSprots.com photo)
FHS girls cross country at the start (HockomockSprots.com photo)

A Night of Comedy with Dave Kane.- Nov 9

The Franklin Knights of Columbus Council 1847 are pleased to host a night of Comedy with Dave Kane

His show is MISGIVINGS, it is a comedy that features an evening with an Irish Catholic priest, Father Patrick Aloysius MISGIVINGS. The show is very respectful of the Catholic Church and has been very well received by many area churches.

When/Where
• November 9, 2019:  7:00 - 9:00 PM
• Advance Tickets Price:  $15 ($18 at the door night of the show)
• Where: Old Ben Franklin Charter School Auditorium – Main Street across from St. Mary’s Church
Dave Kane.- Nov 9
Dave Kane.- Nov 9
• Food: Light refreshments (snacks, drinks, cookies and coffee/tea and water (soda for sale)

Purchasing Tickets
  • By mail: Knights of Columbus, P.O. Box 465, Franklin, MA. 02038
  • At the Door – A limited number of tickets will be available at the door the night of the Show
Join us for a night of “Devine” laughs, blessings, blarney, bingo and a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds will support K of C community outreach and service projects.
Any questions can be emailed to: KnightsofColumbus1847@gmail.com

Download a copy of the event flyer as a reminder
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczNVlqQjFMUDF4aEFaVk1aaDBnb3pCbmZmTUVr/view?usp=sharing

 

In the News: School Committee candidates

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

"On Nov. 5, Franklin voters will have some decision-making to do to fill the School Committee panel. Just two of seven incumbent members are seeking re-election in the biennial town election.

Ten candidates are eyeing seven two-year terms on the school board. They include incumbents Anne Bergen and Mary Jane Scofield, as well as Ernest Carruthers Jr., Jennifer D’Angelo, Timothy Keenan, Joanna Lussier, David McNeill, Judith Pond Pfeffer, Denise Spencer and Elise Stokes.

Polling on Election Day will take place from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Franklin High School, 218 Oak St.

To help voters get to know the candidates, the Daily News asked them what inspires them to run and what their top issues are, as well as what makes them the best choice. Below are their responses."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191025/franklin-election-meet-candidates-for-school-committee/1

Find the election and candidate information gathered in one place on the Election Collection
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html

In the News: School Committee candidates
In the News: School Committee candidates

School of the Arts at Dean College: "Arts Mosaic" - Nov 8 and 9

The School of the Arts at Dean College will perform "Arts Mosaic", Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9, 2019.

Enjoy two evenings of select student and faculty works integrating dance, theatre, music, film and much more. Join us as we enjoy and celebrate the diversity of the arts on the Dean College campus.

The Dean College production of Arts Mosaic will take place in the Guidrey Center in the Campus Center at Dean College, 109 West Central Street, Franklin at 8:00 PM both nights. General admission is $22, Seniors $12 and Children $7.

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit www.dean.edu/boxoffice.

School of the Arts at Dean College: "Arts Mosaic" - Nov 8 and 9
School of the Arts at Dean College: "Arts Mosaic" - Nov 8 and 9

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Franklin Candidate Interview: David McNeill

I sat with David McNeill recently to discuss the following questions regarding his candidacy for the Franklin School Committee.

Some of you will recognize the questions as these were collected from the survey we shared in August. While many submitted questions were similar, I tried to select 6 for each Town Council and School Committee candidate that would help to present them to you all, my fellow voters.

As I have shared in prior years, the candidates do get to review the output before it is published but I retain final editing rights. Interviews with candidates are not an exercise I take lightly; it matters greatly to our community to get accurate information from our candidates to enable voters to make an informed decision to run our government.

For the following FM presents the question. DM represents Elise's response.


FM = There are and have been many opportunities to volunteer with community groups in Franklin. Have you taken advantage of any of these? Which ones, and why did you choose that/those?

DM = That's a very good question. Thank you. This year, I've been quite active with the Franklin Democratic Town Committee. It's been great to be a part of such a civic minded group of people that are very concerned with what's going on in our town, our state, and our country. They're putting on a number of great events in the town. For example, just within this past month, there was a great civics education event at THE BLACK BOX. Something like that is excellent because a lot of people don't have an understanding of what goes into the town government and how things work. It's so important to have that civic understanding to know how we can contribute to that process and have our voices heard.

Another event that happened last week that I was actually part of the planning over the past few months was the climate forum. I wasn't able to attend in the end because it was unfortunately at the same time as the candidate forum, but I understand that it was it was a very well attended event. The climate crisis is such an important issue, and it's great to have an understanding of what is happening with climate change, how that impacts us, and to hear from the experts. They also heard from a legislator about legislation at the state level that we can support.

FM = Where do you get your news about Franklin?

DM = Franklin Matters, of course. I also read articles in The Milford Daily News, Country Gazette, Wicked Local, and The Franklin Local Town Pages. There are a lot of really great news sources out there. Even recently when I was reading The Boston Globe, there was an article about Franklin with the PFAS concern, which isn't typically where I go to for local Franklin news. I opened the article because it is aligned with my work on the environmental committee, and I was surprised to be reading about Franklin. You can never know where Franklin's going to pop up, and there it was. I think it's important to get a broad, sweeping view of what's going on in the town.

FM = The possibility of a change in school start times was a recent controversial topic taken up by the School Committee. Where do you stand on the issue of school start times in Franklin and what actions do you plan to take around this issue during the next term of the School Committee?

DM = First, I'd like to say I think it's very important to ask questions in regard to improving and addressing the mental health and developmental needs of our students. We need to ask those questions to try to understand the mental health trends that are happening in the student population. That's how we can help them improve as students, provide for their development as people, and also allow them to grow and learn in the most conducive manner. Then it’s important to talk with Dr. Ahern and see what feedback she's getting from the school administrations, teachers, as well as parents and students. I think asking questions with the intention of how we can improve students’ mental health and developmental needs is never a mistake. That's why I think it was a good idea to explore the start time change because I believe it was with that good intention.

Of course, it's also very important to get the feedback of the community and have that inform the decision as well. I think that's exactly what has happened with Dr. Ahern’s recent announcement that the school start time discussion is going to be on ‘pause’. They were getting that feedback that the community wasn't ready, and that's OK. I don't think it was wrong to ask the question about school start times in the first place, and if there's action on this issue at the state level, or if there's action later on down the road, I think we'll be better off for having had the discussion now. I think it was a good idea to put it on pause for now as we're going to be facing other big issues, such as the budget shortfall and the Davis Thayer study.

That’s why I think that it is excellent that these questions are being asked for the “Portrait of A Graduate”. How can we improve the experience of students coming up through the system, and what is important to keep in mind in the modern day? What are the most important life skills for them to have? How can we have well-developed, well-rounded people? When the mental health, wellness, and developmental needs of students are being met; not only are they able to learn better, but they're also so much better prepared and equipped to graduate, go out into the world, and become better people and better citizens.

I think the bottom line is, if I were to be elected to the school committee, we always need to be asking questions and seeing things through the lens of how we can we help kids. How can we help the students and do what’s best for them? I don't think we should be afraid of bold ideas that are done with that intention.

FM = While the current School Committee has attempted to reach the community through various forms of communication including coffee chats, email newsletters, attending events such as the farmers market, etc., they have been generally unsuccessful at increasing the engagement with important issues related to the schools. What actions will you take to increase citizen engagement with the School Committee?

DM = Two-way communication is, of course, key as this is a legislative body. We need to have the input of the community, the parents, and all those who are concerned in order to make the best-informed decisions and implement the policies that improve the lives of our students. I know there's been the idea floated of attending sporting events that parents might be attending. I think that's a great idea. We should also ask parents how they would like to be engaged, and what engagement would be most conducive for their schedules to see how they can get more involved.

One way we might be able to do this would be to speak with Dr. Ahern about whether it be possible to send notes home with students that directly ask parents what's the best way to communicate with them and ask for their feedback about what events they would like to attend. It would also be wise to look at high traffic areas that people tend to congregate to engage the community. For example, maybe ask one of the supermarkets if it would be okay to set up a booth or a table at the entrances on a Saturday morning to ask parents, as they're coming into the store, what concerns they have about the schools and what policies would benefit their kids the most. Looking for new ideas and ways of community engagement to get feedback from parents on ways they would like to engage with us is extremely important.

FM = The Town Administrator has suggested that the School Committee investigate the possibility of closing Davis Thayer Elementary as a possible cost-saving mechanism for the town in these tight economic times. Where do you stand on this issue and what actions will you take to support your stance?

DM = I think it is worth looking into. Studying the issue and having the research is key to making sure that an evidence-based decision is made. We have a budget shortfall for the School Committee of about $2.3 million, and, if nothing changes, that's not going to fix itself. I think it's important to look at a number of different avenues for addressing the budget shortfall in the long term to understand what cuts we can afford to make. If it's found that it does make sense for the school to close, and it does close, then there would be money that can instead be directed towards other parts of the school system and prevent cuts in other areas.

I think it's important to ask those questions in terms of what are things we can do that would create long-term cost savings. Of course, closing it would be a very disruptive process for the school system and to the community. That's why I think it's important that we have a study to understand if it would make sense and what the best way would be.

FM = Why should I vote for you?

DM = That's a great question. Thank you for asking. I think my perspective and experience have really prepared me to contribute a lot to the School Committee. I grew up in Franklin and graduated from Franklin High in 2009. I am a product of the school system, and I think it's important to have that perspective at the table. Working at the State House as a research analyst, I deal with legislation and policy on a day to day basis, and part of my job is trying to understand how we can make evidence-based policy decisions that make an improvement in our state.

I have chosen that career path because I really believe in the ability of public policy to make widespread improvements in our communities, in our state, and in people's lives. I think that's always done in the best way when those policies are evidence based. I will take that perspective to the School Committee. That experience is very important because one of the primary functions of the School Committee is setting policy for the school system to try to make sure those policies are in line with the long-term strategic goals that have been laid out.

I believe that better decisions are made when there's diversity of perspectives at the table. I think the perspective of a former graduate is important to have in the decision-making process. I’m also a younger person who has had to navigate looking for a job in a modern economy. I also think that’s important to keep in mind when fashioning policies that are going to affect the next generation.

Lastly, as President Bartlet from the show The West Wing said, “Decisions are made by those who show up.” I would encourage everyone to take part in our democratic process on November 5th, and I would greatly appreciate their votes. Thank you.

Franklin Candidate Interview: David McNeill
Franklin Candidate Interview: David McNeill


Find the election and candidate information gathered in one place on the Election Collection
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html 


Franklin Candidate Interview: Mickey Whitmore

This interview with Mickey Whitmore, candidate for Franklin Town Council in 2019, was collaborated on via email. We reviewed the following questions, some of them were ‘crowd sourced.’ Some of you may remember the call for input solicited in August 2019 for this election. Thank you for your contributions.

Hopefully, the information provided here, and in the other interviews, will enable the Franklin voters to make a good choice among the candidates for each position.

For the following FM presents the question. MW represents Mickey’s response.
FM = There are and have been many opportunities to volunteer with community groups in Franklin. Have you taken advantage of any of these? Which ones, and why did you choose that/those?
MW = I have been serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) since the last town election. I also volunteered as an assistant coach for my daughter's basketball team over the winter. I don't want to sound corny but I look forward to helping my neighbors with anything I can.

FM = Where do you get your news about Franklin?
MW = I get my Franklin news from Franklin Matters / internet, and through friends.
FM =  For all those running for Town Council: We are in a constant water shortage. We are adding to our population and increasing out need for water. Given that all those who live in Franklin draw their water from the same aquifer, do you support a ban on using water for what I will call cosmetic use (lawn watering) during water shortages, even for those with a private well? If not, why not, considering that those with private wells are still dangerously affecting our water level for uses other than vanity? Or put simply: Do you support the private use of wells for lawn irrigation at times when the town's aquifer is dangerously low for use by the community for essential use in homes and fire prevention?

MW = We should be cautious with our resources. I would be interested in reading the town hydrologist's report to make the best decision about our water.
FM = What degree of development do you feel is appropriate for Franklin, and how would you balance the need for affordable housing, with the need to avoid congestion?
MW = I think we should be conservative with our development and staying slightly above the 10% affordable housing ratio so we don't get forced by the state with an unwanted 40B development.
FM = The Town Administrator has suggested that Franklin needs to pass an override measure. What actions will you take to support the passage of this measure?
MW = My personal opinion is that we should only do overrides if there are no other options. I would be interested to see how the voters of Franklin feel about the subject.

FM = Why should I vote for you?
MW = I love this town and feel that I would bring unbiased views to the town council. My goal is to keep this a great town and do what is right for the community as a whole.

Franklin Candidate Interview: Mickey Whitmore
Franklin Candidate Interview: Mickey Whitmore


Find the election and candidate information gathered in one place on the Election Collection
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html

FHS volleyball and Football teams win; field hockey team gets a tie on Friday

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Friday, Oct 25, 2019

** Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final
– Franklin went on the road and earned a 3-0 (25-13, 25-20, 25-12) sweep, earning a share of the Kelley-Rex division title with a win combined with OA’s win over KP. Allyson Bonnet-Eymard had 10 kills and seven digs, Cailyn Mackintosh handed out 17 assists, and Jill Benoit had seven digs for the Panthers.

** Field Hockey = Franklin, 3 @ Attleboro, 3 – Final
– Attleboro’s Hannah Webster scored the lone goal of the second half to help the Bombardiers earn an impressive draw against the Kelley-Rex champions Franklin. The Panthers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first half behind goals from Hanna Richardson and Stephanie Bell (assisted by Amanda Lewandowski) but Attleboro’s Madison Ellis and Anna Beck scored back-to-back goals to tie it 2-2. Richardson (from Lewandowski) scored her second of the half to put Franklin back ahead, 3-2, at halftime. Neilee Hess had 10 saves in net for the Panthers while Olivia Curreri and Molly Collins each had great defensive saves today to help Franklin preserve the tie.

** Football = Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 28 – Final
1st Quarter: No scoring.
2nd Quarter: (F) Thomas Gasbarro 5-yard pass to Jake Davis, Parker Cheuvront XP good; (F) T. Gasbarro 63-yard pass to Jack Nally, P. Cheuvront XP good; (F) T. Gasbarro 32-yard pass to J. Davis, P. Cheuvront XP good.
3rd Quarter: (F) J. Nally 5-yard rush, P. Cheuvront XP good.
4th Quarter: No scoring.


For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-10-25-19/

FHS  volleyball and Football teams win; field hockey team gets a tie on Friday
FHS  volleyball and Football teams win; field hockey team gets a tie on Friday

Attention Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities with DPW, Facilities, and Fire Dept

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.
  • Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/hmeo-external-posting-october252019.pdf
  • Part-Time and Substitute Custodian positions - Facilities Department 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/part-time.and-substitute-custodians-oct252019.pdf
  • Firefighter/Paramedics - The Town of Franklin's Fire Department is in the Massachusetts Civil Service system. 
    • If you are currently a Firefighter/Paramedic in a Civil Service community and are interested in working for Franklin, send a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov
    • Please note: new hires must have and maintain a paramedic certification and complete an Associate's Degree within 5 years of the date they are hired.   

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf
 
To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe

Attention Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities with DPW, Facilities, and Fire Dept
Attention Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities with DPW, Facilities, and Fire Dept
 

"there’s a huge achievement gap that we need to close"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"The Massachusetts House on Wednesday night unanimously approved a seven-year plan to pour $1.5 billion into the state’s public education system, moving legislation that has been the subject of persistent and passionate advocacy a step closer to the governor’s desk.

Planned investments to support low-income students and English learners are a focal point of the bill, which Education Committee House Chair Alice Peisch called “a massive step toward a more equitable funding structure.” The investments are not accompanied by any new revenue sources and legislators plan to ramp up K-12 education spending with existing funding streams, an approach that could imperil other state services.

A version of the bill cleared the Senate earlier this month, and differences between the two branches mean uncertainty remains over what a final bill will look like and how long it may take lawmakers to produce one.

While lawmakers last session couldn’t move similar proposals out of a House-Senate conference committee, representatives nonetheless described their vote on Wednesday as historic and a cause for celebration."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191024/house-oks-seven-year-plan-for-15b-in-ed-funding

For additional info on the text of the legislation visit this page
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2365


MA Senate Passes Fiscal Year 2019 Closeout Supplemental Budget of $779.8 Million

Senate Passes Fiscal Year 2019 Closeout Supplemental Budget of $779.8 Million

The Senate proposal boosts Rainy Day Fund by $356M

The Massachusetts State Senate passed a $779.8 million closeout supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2019 today, after adding $8.9 million during floor debate. It also includes a transfer of $356 million to the state's stabilization fund, thereby continuing to build the Commonwealth's Rainy Day Fund and placing the state on firmer financial footing.  At approximately $3.2 billion, the fund would reach its highest level to date. 

"I'd like to thank the Senate Chair of Ways and Means, Senator Rodrigues, for his leadership throughout the 2019 fiscal year budget process, and thank all of the Senate members for their thoughtful contributions to this final closeout supplemental budget," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "I am proud of the commitment to education funding, early voting, transportation improvements, community-based Family Resource Centers, workforce development and public health that this supplemental budget represents."

"With today's passage of this supplemental budget, the Senate is responsibly closing the books on Fiscal Year 2019," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.  "While bolstering our Rainy Day Fund, we make a number of meaningful investments to increase educational opportunity, improve our state's aging infrastructure, confront worsening congestion, reduce our carbon footprint, and address public health issues relative to Eastern equine encephalitis and toxic PFAS chemical contamination."

The Senate's supplemental budget furthers the chamber's commitment to ensuring all children have access to greater educational opportunities. Consistent with the Senate's long-standing support of increased investments in education, the supplemental budget dedicates $50M to fund educational programming costs associated with the Student Opportunity Act. In addition to increasing educational opportunities, the Senate's budget ensures student safety and mental well-being through separate $10M investments in both school behavioral health services and enhanced public school safety and security measures, respectively. Additional education investments include:

·         $30M for targeted assistance for school improvement
·         $20M for the Endowment Incentives Program for public higher education institutions to provide an incentive for campuses to leverage private contributions
·         $10M for campus safety and security infrastructure grants to institutions of higher education
·         $5.1M to assist school districts with regional school transportation costs
·         $2M for special education circuit breaker reimbursements
·         $1M in rural school aid

The Senate's closeout budget makes a number of targeted investments to help communities update aging transportation and water infrastructure, and improve public health.  The supplemental budget invests $60M in Chapter 90 funding to support improvements of local roads and bridges. It also provides $5M for a new pilot program to tackle increased traffic congestion, which is currently threatening quality of life and access to jobs. Additional investments to support our communities include:

·         $50M for the MBTA capital acceleration program
·         $35M for the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust to help finance improvements to local water systems
·         $28.4M for targeted per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination remediation of public water supplies and ongoing monitoring
·         $5M for culvert and dam repairs
·         $5M for costs associated with mosquito spraying to reduce the risk of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE)
·         Authorizes $5M in grants for de-leading projects at early education facilities, childcare centers and elementary schools

The Senate's budget addresses the pressing issue of climate change by investing $5M for a program to provide consumer rebates and other economic incentives to reduce carbon emissions. In addition, the proposal dedicates the use of $32M in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) funds per fiscal year to promote the purchase and lease of electric vehicles, and to support the Green Communities program through December 31, 2021.
Finally, the supplemental budget reinforces the Senate's belief that voting is key to a healthy democracy by authorizing an early voting period for the 2020 presidential primary, to begin on Monday, February 24, 2020 and end on Friday, February 28, 2020. It also funds $1.25M for early voting implementation.

Other Notable Spending Items

The supplemental budget passed by the Senate today commits $3M to bolster a network of community-based Family Resource Centers that offer a wide range of family, child, and community based services. It also provides an additional $3M for grants to support the agriculture, commercial fishing and cranberry growing industries, vital components of the Commonwealth's economic fabric.

Finally, recognizing the need to prioritize public safety and raise awareness about incidences of hate, the Senate's closeout budget provides $1M for a statewide grant program to secure non-profit institutions at risk of terrorist attacks, and $400,000 for a new statewide grant program focused on the prevention of hate crimes in public schools.

The closeout supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2019 passed by the Senate also includes:

·         $20.5M for the Chapter 257 rate reserve to support workforce development in the human services sector
·         $16.4M for program and facility improvements related to section 35 of chapter 123 civil commitments
·         $16.3M for the Safety Net Provider Trust Fund
·         $10.1M for homemaker and home health aide rate add-ons
·         $10M for the creation of extremely low-income housing units through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund
·         $9.9M for nursing home facility rates
·         $8.7M for National Guard tuition and fee waivers
·         $5.7M for the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), including $3.8M to provide representation in underserved parts of the Commonwealth
·         $5M for gun violence prevention grants
·         $4M for Regionalization Incentive Grants
·         $3.4M for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund
·         $1.25M for Early Voting
·         $630K for Mass Rehabilitation Commission assistive technology
·         $195K for shark tagging and monitoring in the Cape Cod region

In addition, the supplemental budget authorizes the growing of hemp on Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) land. 

The Senate's Fiscal Year 2019 closeout supplemental budget will now be reconciled with the House's version, which was passed last week.