Once upon a school

There are a lot of good people out there doing great things for public education. Author Dave Eggers is one such person. He asks people to personally, creatively engage with local public schools. In this video, Eggers talks, with spellbinding eagerness, about how his 826 Valencia tutoring center inspired others around the world to open their own volunteer-driven, wildly creative writing labs.

And at the 2008 TED conference in February, he made a wish:

I wish that you—you personally and every creative individual and organization you know—will find a way to directly engage with a public school in your area, and that you’ll then tell the story of how you got involved, so that within a year we have 1,000 examples of innovative public-private partnerships.

But you don’t need to go that far, he reminds us — it’s as simple as asking a teacher “How can I help?” And when you have figured out how to help, he asks that you share your own volunteering stories at his new website, Once Upon a School.

Dave Eggers’ first book, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Since then he’s written two more novels and launched an independent publishing house, which publishes books, a quarterly literary journal (McSweeney’s), a DVD-based review of short films (Wholpin), a monthly magazine (The Believer) and the Voice of Witness project.

Meanwhile, Eggers has established himself as a philanthropist and teacher-at-large. In 1998 he launched 826 Valencia, a San Francisco-based writing and tutoring lab for young people, which has since opened six more chapters across the United States. He has extended his advocacy of students by supporting their educators, instituting a monthly grant for exceptional Bay Area teachers.

Time magazine had this to say about Eggers: “Many writers, having written a first best-seller, might see it as a nice way to start a career. He started a movement instead.”

Point of reckoning

MassINC has just released a sobering report on trends for the Massachusetts state budget. The full report can be viewed by clicking here. The report is summarized as follows:

The Massachusetts state budget has reached a point of reckoning. First and foremost, a stubborn structural imbalance threatens the state’s ability to manage or grow current programs and services. Spending increases are outpacing revenue growth, with health care voraciously consuming a more generous slice of the fiscal pie.

This imbalance is exacerbated by volatility in revenue growth. Recent history reveals an over-reliance on the capital gains tax for more than half of the state’s new tax receipts. In other words, simply maintaining current programs hinges on a revenue source that reacts in concert with Wall Street’s boom and bust cycles.

This brief, outlines 20 years of Massachusetts budget history – at its core, a series of choices that reflect the state’s collective values and priorities. There have been clear winners and losers. Most notably, health care has emerged as the state’s top funding priority and a vigorous reform movement within K-12 education resulted in dramatic increases in spending since 1993. On the other hand, state support for public higher education and local aid was significantly cut back.

Two trends add a sense of urgency to this discussion: The nation is teetering on the brink of recession. As a result, Massachusetts is likely to experience a dramatic drop in capital gains tax revenue – a drop that could coincide with increased health care spending.

While Massachusetts is similar to other states in facing these pressures, the Bay State is also different because of its demographic trends. Unlike other states, Massachusetts is unable to rely on increased tax revenue from new workers and new businesses as a way to grow out of a recession.

This history begs further discussion on the function and role of government. There are two obvious approaches to achieving structural balance: cut spending or raise taxes. Both have their perils. Which will work at this fiscal and economic moment?

The policy brief’s key findings, and the research behind it, are meant to jump start a statewide discussion that answers these questions. MassINC offers several recommendations to get the process moving.

Founded in 1996, the Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth – known as MassINC – is an independent, nonpartisan research and educational institute. MassINC brings together diverse perspectives – including those held by conservatives and liberals, business and labor, advocates and policy makers – to focus on the challenge of achieving the American Dream in Massachusetts.

Consolidation of school facilities with town DPW

As reported in the Milford Daily News on Sunday, March 16, 2008, there is talk of consolidating the school’s facility department with the town’s Department of Public Works. There is serious disagreement between the Town Council and School Committee on this issue. Nonetheless, we are proceeding with an open mind to see whether the proposal is in the best interest of the both the town as a whole and the school system.

School facilities maintenance is concerned about more than just resource management. It is about providing clean and safe environments for children. It is also about creating a physical setting that is appropriate and adequate for learning. For a comprehensive view of maintenance of school facilities, click here to view the guide produced by School Facilities Maintenance Task Force of the National Forum on Education Statistics and the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO).

It is important to note that the condition of our school facilities is excellent. We have received praise for facility maintenance during the recent state audit which provided us with a commendation in that area. In addition, during a recent meeting with representatives from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, we received praise for the high quality of building maintenance as reflected in the state review of all of our buildings. It is important, whatever we do, that we maintain that high caliber of performance.

G.L. c. 71, § 68 of the Massachusetts General Laws, provides, among other things, that every town shall provide and maintain a sufficient number of schoolhouses, properly furnished and conveniently situated for the accommodation of all children therein entitled to attend the public schools, and the school committee, unless the town otherwise directs, shall have general charge and superintendence of the schoolhouses, shall keep them in good order, and shall, at the expense of the town, procure a suitable place for the schools if there is no schoolhouse and provide fuel and all other things necessary for the comfort of the pupils. As one court construing this provision has stated: “We think that the employment of janitors and custodians of school buildings is necessary to the effective exercise of the express duties imposed by said § 68. It seems almost impossible to think of the mandate requiring that schools shall be kept in good order and that fuel and all other things necessary for the comfort of the pupils shall be provided, without at the same time thinking of the necessary janitor service that is required for these purposes.” Ring v. Woburn, 311 Mass. 679, 687-688 (1942).

It follows then, that by law, the School Committee has the fiduciary responsibility to provide a clean and safe environment for our children. This is a duty that we do not take lightly. When the concept of consolidation of the school’s facilities department with the town’s Department of Public Works, we immediately moved to investigate the legality and propriety of such a move.

Legally, consolidation of facilities is governed by statute. G.L. c. 71, § 37M provides that any city or town which accepts the provisions of this section may consolidate administrative functions, including but not limited to financial, personnel, and maintenance functions, of the school committee with those of the city or town; provided, however, that such consolidation may occur only upon a majority vote of both the school committee. Without a positive vote by both bodies, consolidation cannot occur.

Looking at the propriety of the move, we look to whether the move will save the town money, increase efficiency, and improve services. On the first point, we have been told by the Town Administrator that there will not be any immediate cost savings. In fact, he has reported that “we may need to spend more money maintaining our facilities to reduce expensive repair costs.” In addition, he reported that: “Over time I would look to add staff to the overall facilities/DPW staff to ensure proper upkeep and maintenance.”

That can be fairly read to suggest that consolidation will cost more money to the town. At a time when the school district is facing the loss of 45 teaching positions, it is difficult to support a proposal that will add personnel in other areas of the town budget.

As to efficiency and increased services, currently the school facilities employees consist of five grounds people and 32 custodians. Last year, we had 40 custodians, but lost eight due to budget reductions. Our custodians maintain over 1,000,000 square feet of school space. The grounds crew maintains the fields and grounds surrounding each of our 10 school buildings. The custodians work two shifts to maintain the buildings. Richard Gaskin is the supervisor of all of the custodians, and Mike D’Angelo oversees all facilities work. Gaskin works from approximately 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. to cover both shifts. This barebones staff has done an incredible job in maintaining our buildings, even in the face of budget cuts.

Custodians serve four masters (supervisors, if you will). Their work is monitored by the teachers whose classrooms they clean, the principals whose buildings they clean and Mr. Gaskin and Mr. D’Angelo who run our facilities. It is difficult to see how moving our custodians from the school to the municipal side of the ledger is going to improve their supervision or their performance, especially in light of our high level of satisfaction in their current performance.

Several years ago, in a pilot program related to consolidation, the school department transferred three trades professionals to the town side of the ledger in order in “increase efficiency.” Instead of more and better service, the school department has received many complaints about the lack of responsiveness to school needs from the trades people. Given this experience, we are obviously skeptical of the efficiency of a consolidation plan, particularly where it is already working well.

In this context, the School Committee has been reluctant to proceed and has requested that a detailed Memorandum of Understanding on Consolidation be prepared, together with an organizational chart outlining the chain of command. In addition, the School Committee has raised a number of questions about how matters such as Principal autonomy, work order processes, building use, supply purchases, and complaint resolution will be handled under the proposed consolidation. There is much to be discussed.

To date, the Town Administrator has prepared two memos in outlining in general terms the proposed consolidation. They can be viewed by clicking the following: March 2007 memo and March 2008 memo. I drafted a memo outlining a number of concerns in January 2008. That memo can be viewed by clicking here.

Steve Sherlock has drafted two very good blog pieces on the consolidation and a potential method for resolving the issue. Both are good reads and I urge you to review them in your consideration of this issue. Mike Dukas has also drafted an insightful op-ed piece on TownCommon.net which provides some additional thoughts and is suggested for further reading.

It is our sincere hope that both the Town Council and School Committee will work together on this proposal and resolve to do only what is in the best interests of all of the citizens in this community. Reasonable people can disagree, but underneath that, there surely is a plan that can work.

It can’t happen here

That’s the affectionate title of a Sinclair Lewis novel, a semi-satirical political book published in 1935. On the Mothers of Invention album Freak Out!, there is an a cappella song titled “It Can’t Happen Here”, which is about the social and political upheaval of the mid to late 1960s.

Fast forward to 2008, and public education in Massachusetts, and you just need to look at the town of Randolph to shout: “Let’s make sure it doesn’t happen here.” As reported in today’s Boston Globe:

A community once celebrated as having some of the best schools in the state [Randolph] now has schools rated among the worst. Amid an escalating financial crisis in recent years, 68 teachers have been laid off, two elementary schools have closed, and about half the classes at the high school have been cut. There are no more elementary school librarians. Most of the school buses are gone, as are freshmen and junior varsity sports.

To view the full story, click here.

Municipalities all across the Commonwealth have faced steep financial problems for years, and the impact has been felt hard in the public schools. As we review the budget for FY09, we in Franklin are mindful of what is happening throughout the state, and we will do our best to maintain high standards for excellence. But it is difficult to do on a tight budget.

The School Committee has begun budget deliberations for the 2008-2009 school year, which begins July 1. In order for the Franklin schools to offer the same services as we are providing to your children this year, the school budget must increase by approximately $4.1 million. The Town Administrator is currently proposing to increase school revenues by $800,000. If this proposed increase is approved by the Town Council, the Franklin schools would need to reduce their budget by approximately $3.3 million.

We want to ensure that all residents of Franklin are informed on the current status of the Fiscal Year 2009 budget and the potential impact of budget decisions on the services provided to the town’s public school students. Listed below are several links that will provide you with specific, online information regarding the budget. We hope you will use these sources to stay informed as budget discussions continue. As always, members of the School Committee are happy to answer any questions you may have. 

School Budget Information Home Page

PowerPoint Overview on Proposed FY09 School Budget

Complete Proposed FY09 Budget by School

Franklin School Committee Web Site

School Commmittee Budget Presentation Videos

Franklin Town Council Web Site

K-12 art gallery opening at FHS

We received this exciting announcement from Mike Caple, the K-12 Art Director & Art Teacher:

The Art Department has been working this year to open a Franklin Public Schools K-12 Art Gallery. All the teachers in the department work tremendously hard to teach the students relevant art skills and thinking strategies. We believe it is important to get the results out of the class room and share it with the greater community. The new gallery space is yet another way we can share with the community.

The new gallery space, Gallery 218, is located in the old bank space at Franklin High School. I want to stress that even though the space is housed at FHS the gallery is K-12. The work that will be on display for the first show will represent all buildings in the district. We are calling it Young Artists 08! The art work is from this year’s Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards entries and work that is currently at the Worcester Art Museum as part of the Youth Art Month Program.

I would like to invite all of you to the Inaugural Exhibition Opening of Gallery 218! The opening will take place Monday April 14th from 6:30-8:30pm and is free to all. That evening we will also be running an Empty Bowls event to continue to raise money for the Franklin Food Pantry. A $5 donation will allow you to pick out your own mug or plate and fill it with hot chocolate, coffee, or sweet treats. I do hope you can join us.

The AP Studio Art students are currently working on a post card invitation that I will send to all of you.

Thank you for all your support!

Academic Decathlon team places 3rd in state

Franklin High School’s Academic Decathlon team came in third place in the State Finals competition held at Walpole High on Saturday, March 8, 2008. This year’s topic was the American Civil War, and Franklin followed winner Acton-Boxborough and second place finisher Wellesley in the day-long competition.

The team is coached by Pamela Cook and Kevin McCarthy, both teachers at Franklin High.

The Academic Decathlon team is made up of nine students in A,B, or C categories based on their G.P.A. Students compete in the areas of literature, social science, science, fine arts, math, economics, and the Super Quiz. The topics in each area change yearly, and the schools with the highest totals go on to the final state competition in March. At that time an essay, an interview, and two speeches are added to the test and the Super Quiz portions.

The event is organized throughout the country by the United States Academic Decathlon organization. The winner of the state event goes on to participate in the national competition will be held April 30 – May 3, 2008 in Garden Grove, California.

In addition to the team competition, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals are awarded for individual events and total scores. In the State competition, Franklin had seven medal winners as follows:

Elise Howell- Bronze in language & literature, Silver in music

Kevin Moore- Silver in interview

Alicia Roy- Gold in art, Gold in science

Arushi Singh- Bronze in interview

Patrick Skehill- Gold in economics

Congratulations to the Academic Decathlon Team and thank you for bringing honor and pride to the Franklin Public Schools.

The FHS students maintain an AcaDec page on Facebook which can be viewed by clicking here.

FHS tour video

If you have never had an opportunity to visit Franklin High, and you want to see what folks are talking about relative to the condition of the building, then click below and spend about 9 minutes walking through the facility. This video tour takes you through the building, highlighting the science labs, lecture hall/auditorium, classrooms, computers, and other areas where the facility needs work.

Take the tour

You can view the complete written report on the recently completed feasibility study by clicking here. The Milford Daily News report on the most recent discussion of the FHS project can be viewed by clicking here. You can also view the architect’s presentation on the renovation options by clicking here.

FHS project presentation

On February 26, 2008, Michael McKeon, from the architectural firm Kaestle Boos Associates (KBA), presented the final report on the Franklin High School feasibility study to the School Committee. KBA presented three design options for renovating and adding to the building, with costs ranging from $93 to $100 million, and a fourth scenario to build a completely new school for $120 to $130 million.

The feasibility study was necessary to address concerns about the building that were raised in the NEASC accreditation report issued in 2005. With this project, the Town of Franklin is seeking to move the community’s aging high school into the 21st century. In the spring 2005, the School Committee requested that a study of the facility needs at Franklin High School be conducted. The needs study looked at what physical aspects of the Franklin High School facility must be addressed to bring the 35 year old facility up to date.

On the renovation side, KBA presented three design options for renovating and adding to the building, with costs ranging from $93 to $100 million. It was noted that the facilities must be updated — for example, disabled students should be provided full access to the building — and cosmetic repairs should also be made, such as replacing tiles and ceilings. The school desperately needs new science labs and an auditorium. One architect who visited the building said the labs were so outdated they looked like ”Frankenstein came out of there.” Theater and band performances now take place in a lecture hall with decades-old seats.

A fourth scenario presented provided a plan for building a completely new school at a price between $120 and $130 million. The new school could be built on the other side of the field house on some of the existing fields, which could be rebuilt where the existing facility is currently located. The site plan shows keeping the existing parking off Oak Street (to serve the new fields) and extends the parking at Horace Mann up to the current exit road just east of the wetlands/woods for teachers and students. Traffic can then be routed straight through the site from Oak to Panther way with a bus drop off loop in the rear corner and parent drop off in the front, off Oak. The existing ring road (around the high school) provides access to the terraced athletic fields.

The complete presentation (in four parts) can be viewed by clicking on the images below. You can view the complete written report on the study by clicking here. The Milford Daily News report on the meeting can be viewed by clicking here.

Part I: Renovation Options

Part II: Entirely New Facility

Part III: Questions and Answers

Part IV: Questions and Answers (cont.)

FY09 budget presentation

On February 26, 2008, Superintendent Wayne Ogden presented the proposed FY09 budget to the School Committee. During the presentation, Ogden explained that the school department needs a 6.7 percent budget increase to provide level service, but is slated to receive only 1.5 percent from the town. This includes the loss of about $400,000 in projected revenue from Medicaid. He also noted that Franklin spends about $2,200 less per pupil than the state average.

It’s a particularly grim budget scenario, but the numbers do not come as a surprise. It’s a far cry from the “good to great” path we have been pursuing, but when budget funds get tight in local communities, it results in these no win situations.

Ogden noted that the current state of the budget discussions means that he will have to cut 45 positions next year. At the high school, 15 teaching positions and one administrative job will be eliminated to save $850,000. The three middle schools are expected to make $660,000 worth of cuts by eliminating 12.5 instructional positions and by reducing supply expenditures and extracurricular stipends. At the elementary school level, 15 positions are slated to be cut to save $675,000.

In past years, the school department was able to cut supplies and other things that stayed away from the classroom. But those things are so low that the only cuts we could make at this point were to personnel, which represents 80 percent of our budget.

The Superintendent’s budget also calls for $174,178 in savings in instructional services and $231,679 in pupil personnel services. He has also proposed increasing pay-to-ride bus fees by $100, from $225 to $325, and eliminating the late bus, which would save a total of $417,000.

All of the budget documents and presentation materials can be viewed by clicking here.

For those of you who missed the meeting, the presentation can be viewed online. It is broken up into multiple parts and each section of video is under 10 minutes long. To view the presentation, click on any of the subject matter links below:

• Part I: Statistical information on Franklin school budget

• Part II: Budget Drivers

• Part III: Proposed Reductions

• Part IV: Impact of Reductions

The Milford Daily News report on the presentation can be viewed by clicking here. The Boston Globe report on the meeting can be viewed by clicking here.