Franklin School Committee News
Edited by Denise Schultz, Vice-Chair
Message from the Chair - Dr. Anne Bergen
“The brutal truth is that public angst is unnecessarily intensified by the myth that international tests show the United States to have a second-rate education system. International tests are hardly indicative of the strength of education systems or predictive of future national prosperity.”
Berliner and Glass
How often have we heard it being said that American public schools are a disaster, failing, terrible…...because other countries score higher on an International test? Let’s get one thing straight! While it is true American students are not at the top of International Test rankings – here’s the thing: AMERICAN KIDS HAVE NEVER BEEN AT THE TOP OF ANY INTERNATIONAL TESTING, dating back to the 1960’s. Those test results have absolutely nothing to do with the strength of the national economy or predictors of our economic growth. Remember when we suffered a rather dramatic economic crash in 2008? It wasn’t lack of math skills that nearly brought down the global economy!
In fact, educators from around the world, particularly China, are visiting American high schools and learning from us! American kids thrive because they play sports, are immersed in art, music, drama, and activities like robotics, Mock Trial, creative writing, student government and hundreds of extra- curricular opportunities. The skills they learn both on the playing fields and in the classroom are so important in building grit, determination and character. Many of our young people go to school all day and then work at jobs after school, on vacations and on week-ends. How do you measure the skills learned from those experiences? You don’t! You can’t!
Comparisons on international tests are terribly misleading and used inappropriately. American public schools are diverse and welcoming to all students. A fundamental pillar of a democratic society. We exclude no one! All of society benefits when our public schools are strong; let’s keep them that way.
FY19 BUDGET UPDATE!
While we have numerous items on our wish list, some of which are urgent, it is important to note that there are no layoffs in our proposed budget. Future fiscal years will be challenging, and we will keep you posted of our progress - on advocacy, and on working with our colleagues in town as we address the budget gaps and find a path for including the items we need in our schools.
Legislative Forum Held on February 13, 2018
On Tuesday February 12, 2018, in lieu of our regularly scheduled business meeting, the Public Schools Advocacy committee of the Franklin School Committee hosted our elected officials - State Senator Karen Spilka, State Senator Richard Ross, and State Representative Jeffrey Roy - to discuss the budgetary concerns we have for FY19 and beyond. The conversation was engaging and encouraging, with plans to follow up further with impacts of the state budget on the Franklin Public Schools. Stay tuned for a forum with Congressman Kennedy this Spring. To watch the forum, please view here.
Monthly Business Meeting Dates - 2nd and 4th Tuesday, 7 pm, Franklin Town Hall
March 27, 2018 - Budget Hearing
April 10, 2018
April 24, 2018
May 8, 2018
May 22, 2018
June 12, 2018
June 26, 2018
Community Relations Community Coffees Continue!
Carrying on a popular tradition from the previous school committee, our community coffees continue, hosted by Gigi Zub, Chair of the Community Relations subcommittee. There is a year long calendar and planned theme for each coffee, which can be found here.
Our next coffee is Wednesday, April 4 at 6:30 pm at the Franklin TV studios, 23 Hutchinson Street, Franklin. NOTE: This is not televised.
Hope to see you there!
Input welcome! To contact us...
Denise Schultz: schultzd@franklinps.net
Full school committee can be reached here: School-Committee@franklinps.net
Email: schultzd@franklinps.net
Website: http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/index
Phone: 508-612-5950
