Educate Hopkinton Blog

Hockey Rink, Casino, School Choice and School Budget Public Hearings

2012-01-18T10:57:00.002-05:00

Parks and Recreation Hearing on Legacy Farms Land / Hockey Rink
Mon. January 23 @ 7:30-8:30pm
Hopkinton Town Hall, Room 215
Read previous EH blogs on this topic.

Regional Forum on Casino Legislation
Thurs. January 26 @ 7:30pm
Adams Middle School Auditorium, 323 Woodland St, Holliston
Please join members of your local Boards of Selectmen as we meet with legislative leaders to discuss the recently passed Gaming Legislation. The discussion will outline the legislation and the options for surrounding communities impacted by the new law. Senator Karen Spilka and Representative Carolyn Dykema will be in attendance. Audience members may ask questions and make comments. Read previous EH blogs on this topic.

School Committee Public Hearing on School Choice and the 2012-13 School Budget
Thursday, January 26 @ 7:00pm (Not Televised)
Middle School Library, 88 Hayden Rowe St
Public Hearing – FY13 Budget and School Choice
ATTENTION! If you can only attend one school committee meeting a year, this is the most important one to attend. It is your chance to voice your opinion on the budget.
Read previous EH blogs on these topics.

REMINDER - Preliminary 2012-13 School Budget

2012-01-18T10:55:00.001-05:00

Click to view a pdf file of the Superinendent’s Preliminary 2012-13 School Budget Presentation.

Or on HCAM-TV you can watch a brief 7 minute summary of the budget presentation or watch the whole meeting. Follow this link:
hcam.tv/videos/superintendent-landman-presents-preliminary-budget

Please note that school budget discussions are NOT televised. So far no one has come to speak during the public comment portions of the school committee meetings to speak up about fees, class size or any other topic. As always you should feel free to contact the School Committee hpsschoolcommittee@hopkinton.k12.ma.us and Superintendent jlandman@hopkinton.k12.ma.us at any time with questions or concerns. You may also voice your opinion publicly at the School Budget Public Hearing coming up on January 26.

School Committee Meeting
Thursday, January 19 @ 7:00 PM
Middle School Library, 88 Hayden Rowe St
Regular Meeting/Working Session - FY13 Budget Topics:
Middle School, High School, Athletics, Town Meeting Articles, Athletic Fee, Parking Fee, F1 Visa Tuition, Walking Zone, 1:1 Laptop Initiative, Bus Parking Lot (The Budget Portion of the Meeting is Not Televised)

School Committee Public Hearing on School Choice and the 2012-13 School Budget
Thursday, January 26 @ 7:00pm (Not Televised)
Middle School Library, 88 Hayden Rowe St
Public Hearing – FY13 Budget and School Choice
ATTENTION! If you can only attend one school committee meeting a year, this is the most important one to attend. It is your chance to voice your opinion on the budget.

Budget Overview - 3.95% Increase from Last Year
Superintendent Landman presented his preliminary 2012-13 (FY13) school budget at the December 20 School Committee meeting. Some highlights are included below. Please note that nothing is final at this point, this is just the beginning of a process. The School Committee will provide feedback to the Superintendent who will then refine the budget before the School Committee votes on a budget to submit to the Town Manager by the February 1 deadline.

Thumbs Up:

Maintains close to level services for 2012-13
Continues to work toward Strategic Plan goals such as:

Aligning our math curriculum with Common Core standards
Intervention Pyramid for struggling students
21st Century Learning (such as online classes at the HS)
Technology Infrastructure Updates, such as replacing teacher laptops that are more than 5 years old
Critical Language (Mandarin) at the HS
Exploration of how to add the study of world languages to grade 6 and below

Create a school bus parking lot in town to save fuel, as well as save on excise tax paid to the other town where our buses currently park.

Thumbs Down:

$707,268 Decrease in budget offsets from last year such as state circuit breaker special education funding and education job grants
Increased class sizes in grades K, 1, 4, 6 and 8 (see chart below)
More high school classes with over 25 students (17% this year vs 20% next year)
A net cut of 2.6 Staff Members compared to last year (a net cut of 20.4 staff members since the 2006-07 school year)

Proposed Class Sizes:

Grade	Strategic Plan Guideline	2011-12	2012-13	Proposed Change
PreK	n/a	19	18	Decrease
K	19-21	21	22	Increase to above guideline
1	19-21	21	22	Increase to above guideline
2	22-24	24	24	Same
3	22-24	24	20	Decrease
4	22-24	22	24	Increase
5	22-24	25	25	Same but still above guideleine
6	n/a	19	22	Increase
7	n/a	23	18	Decrease
8	n/a	17	23	Increase

Mixed Bag:

Increase student bus fees from $210 to $250 per year
Increase student athletic fee from $125 to $200 per sport
Increase student parking fee from $210 to $250 per year
Assess a daycare drop-off bus fee of $100 per student
Creation of a “walking zone” and elimination of the bus for Middle School and High School students living close enough to walk to school.

New Non-Profit Formed to Help Fund Expansion and Improvement of Hopkinton Public Library

2012-01-18T10:36:00.000-05:00

Fundraising to be Kicked Off with a Princess Tea Party on January 22. Read more at hopkintonlibrary.org/hopkinton/documents/mother_daughter_tea_poster3.pdf

Press Release - January 4, 2012
The Hopkinton Public Library Foundation, Inc. today announced its formation as a new non-profit entity designed to support the Hopkinton Public Library.

Founded in September 2011, the Foundation will spearhead efforts to raise private funds for the expansion and state-of-the-art renovation of Hopkinton Public Library, pending receipt of a Library Construction Grant from the state and final approval from the Town of Hopkinton. Following the expansion, the Foundation will provide ongoing funding for long-term enhancements of the library, such as print and electronic collections and community-responsive programs for children, teens and adults. This expansion and improvement will make Hopkinton Public Library truly the educational and cultural center of Hopkinton, offering all residents enhanced access to information, entertainment and knowledge through materials, programs and cutting-edge technology. In May 2011, Hopkinton Annual Town Meeting approved the proposed plan for renovation and expansion. These plans, and a virtual tour, are available online at hopkintonlibrary.org.

In July 2011, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) awarded a grant to the Town of Hopkinton for the planned expansion and renovation of the current library building. The MBLC grant of $4.5 million, available as soon as July 2014, will offset the project’s total estimated cost of $10.2 million. The initial purpose of the Foundation is to raise private funding to further defray cost to the town.

To begin its fundraising effort, the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation will host a Mother & Daughter Princess Tea. The event will include live performances by Disney®’s Belle, Cinderella and Rapunzel, and a delicious sundae bar, specialty pastries, tea and light refreshments. The Mother Daughter Princess Tea will be held on Sunday, January 22nd, 2012, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the DoubleTree Inn, Westborough, MA. Tickets are $35 per person and are available by contacting Lindsay McDermott at Lindsay.mcdermott@yahoo.com.

The Hopkinton Public Library Foundation is led by a Board of Directors comprised of eight Hopkinton volunteers. Directors are Scott Richardson, John Ferrari, Laura Barry, Ron Eldridge, Katie Davenport, Amy Montalto, Joe Markey and Lindsay McDermott. Ex Officio Board members are Rownak Hussain, Director of Hopkinton Public Library, Christine Clifford, on behalf of the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library, and Mike McNamara, on behalf of the Hopkinton Public Library Board of Trustees. In addition to the Directors, the Foundation already has recruited the assistance of countless volunteers. If you are interested in learning more about Hopkinton Public Library Foundation, or would like to volunteer, please contact the Foundation at info@hopkintonpubliclibraryfoundation.org.

Hopkinton Public Library Foundation wishes to thank the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library and the Hopkinton Public Library Board of Trustees for their support and contributions to Hopkinton Public Library Foundation. All three groups play a critical role in supporting the Hopkinton Public Library. The newly formed Hopkinton Public Library Foundation exists to address long-term library funding needs including facility renovations, expansion and resource enhancements. The Friends of the Library is a non-profit, membership organization that generously supports the immediate needs of Hopkinton Public Library through its important activities such as the library books sales and its annual apple crisp sale at PolyArts. Both the Library Foundation and the Friends of the Library provide financial support to enhance, but not replace the Town’s budget. Finally, Hopkinton Public Library Board of Trustees, consisting of five elected members, oversees the public administration and management of Hopkinton Public Library on behalf of the Town. Hopkinton Public Library Foundation looks forward to working with both the Friends of the Library and the Trustees to realize its shared goal of providing Hopkinton residents with a library facility that will better serve all residents, and provide Hopkinton with the educational and cultural center it deserves.

Center School Survey Results

2012-01-18T10:33:00.002-05:00

On Wed., January 4, the results of the recent community survey regarding criteria for an elementary school building project were presented to a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee. At this meeting the two boards voted to withdraw the original MSBA Statement of Interest for Center School and also voted to submit two new Statements of Interest to the MSBA. The first priority Statement of Interest is for Center School and the second priority Statement of Interest is for Elmwood School. At this time the Hopkinton Elementary School Building Committee members were thanked for their service and then the committee was dissolved. It is anticipated that a new committee will be formed in conjunction with a new school building project.

View the results on the school website:
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=aG9wa2ludG9uLmsxMi5tYS51c3xoZXNiY3xneDoxYzVhYTc2ODI4NWM0Yzc0

Recent Articles on this topic:

Survey Results Provide No Clear Cut Option for Center School
By Michelle Murdock, HCAM News Director
http://www.hcam.tv/news/survey-results-provide-no-clear-cut-option-center-school

Survey: Hopkinton's Center School is an urgent issue
By Michael Morton, Hopkinton Crier
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x987654173/Survey-Hopkintons-Center-School-is-an-urgent-issue#ixzz1jozvNGSF

Hopkinton Residents In Favor of Town-Wide Schools
By Sean O'Donnell, HopkintonPatch
http://hopkinton.patch.com/articles/town-officials-discuss-center-school-survey-results

Other Town and School Budget Updates

2012-01-18T10:32:00.000-05:00

Find Us on Facebook - Follow Us on Twitter

2012-01-18T10:28:00.002-05:00

Educate Hopkinton has 216 followers on Facebook, but we’d love to have more. Please “Like” us at http://www.facebook.com/educatehopkinton.

Educate Hopkinton has 84 followers on Twitter, but we’d love to have more. Please follow us at http://twitter.com/educate01748

Center School Survey Results Wed Jan 4 @ 6:30pm at HHS

2012-01-04T09:21:00.003-05:00

On Wed., January 4, the results of the recent community survey regarding criteria for an elementary school building project will be presented to a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee. More than 1200 voters responded to the survey. The meeting will be held in the High School Auditorium at 6:30 pm, and will be broadcast live on HCAM-TV (Comcast 8/Verizon 30). The community is encouraged to attend.

At 6:30, Paul Flaxman, Vice President of Boston Research Group, will present the survey methodology, data, and results, followed by questions and answers from both boards. At the conclusion of the discussion, the meeting will be opened up to community members who would like to ask questions regarding the survey.

The survey presentation and public discussion will end promptly at 8:30, at which time the Board of Selectmen and School Committee will consider and vote on potential Statements of Interest for the Center School and the Elmwood School, in order to meet the January 11 deadline for submission to the MSBA. A vote of both boards is required. The boards will also discuss the Hopkinton Elementary School Building Committee (HESBC).

Preliminary 2012-13 School Budget

2012-01-04T09:15:00.000-05:00

Superintendent Landman presented his preliminary 2012-13 (FY13) school budget at the December 20 School Committee meeting. Some highlights are included below. Please note that nothing is final at this point, this is just the beginning of a process. The School Committee will provide feedback to the Superintendent who will then refine the budget before the School Committee votes on a budget to submit to the Town Manager by the February 1 deadline. If you have an opinion, question, comment or concern about any part of the budget you should feel free to contact the School Committee hpsschoolcommittee@hopkinton.k12.ma.us and Superintendent jlandman@hopkinton.k12.ma.us at any time. You may also voice your opinion publicly at the School Budget Public Hearing coming up on January 26.

Thumbs Up:

Maintains close to level services for 2012-13
Continues to work toward Strategic Plan goals such as:

Aligning our math curriculum with Common Core standards
Intervention Pyramid for struggling students
21st Century Learning (such as online classes at the HS)
Technology Infrastructure Updates, such as replacing teacher laptops that are more than 5 years old
Critical Language (Mandarin) at the HS
Exploration of how to add the study of world languages to grade 6 and below

Create a school bus parking lot in town to save fuel, as well as save on excise tax paid to the other town where our buses currently park.

Thumbs Down:

$707,268 Decrease in budget offsets from last year such as state circuit breaker special education funding and education job grants
Increased class sizes in grades K, 1, 4, 6 and 8 (see chart below)
More high school classes with over 25 students (17% this year vs 20% next year)
A net cut of 2.6 Staff Members compared to last year (a net cut of 20.4 staff members since the 2006-07 school year)

Proposed Class Sizes:

Grade	Strategic Plan Guideline	2011-12	2012-13	Proposed Change
PreK	n/a	19	18	Decrease
K	19-21	21	22	Increase to above guideline
1	19-21	21	22	Increase to above guideline
2	22-24	24	24	Same
3	22-24	24	20	Decrease
4	22-24	22	24	Increase
5	22-24	25	25	Same but still above guideleine
6	n/a	19	22	Increase
7	n/a	23	18	Decrease
8	n/a	17	23	Increase

Mixed Bag:

Increase student bus fees from $210 to $250 per year
Increase student athletic fee from $125 to $200 per sport
Increase student parking fee from $210 to $250 per year
Assess a daycare drop-off bus fee of $100 per student
Creation of a “walking zone” and elimination of the bus for Middle School and High School students living close enough to walk to school.

Summary of the Preliminary 2012-13 Budget:
$32,957,722 This Year’s Approved Budget 2011-12
+$1,518,755 Fixed Cost Payroll Increases (contractual obligations)
+$62,401 Other Fixed Cost Increases
___________
$34,538,878 Level Services 2012-13 Budget
+$285,425 Strategic Initiatives
+$71,000 Extraordinary Maintenance
-$69,342 Cost Cutting Measures
-$208,368 New Revenue (Fees)
-$359,608 Net Staff Positions Cut
_________
$34,260,733 Total Preliminary 2012-13 Budget

Recent Articles:
Hopkinton Crier: 2013 Hopkinton school budget proposed
By Michael Morton/Daily News staff
http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/mobiletopstories/x2140451562/2013-Hopkinton-school-budget-proposed

HopkintonPatch: 5 Preliminary Budget Recommendations
By Sean O'Donnell
http://hopkinton.patch.com/articles/5-preliminary-budget-recommendations-for-hopkinton-schools-in-fy-13

Hopkinton Crier: Hopkinton may revive high school laptop plan
By Michael Morton/Daily News staff
http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/news/x987651427/Hopkinton-may-revive-high-school-laptop-plan

Hopkinton Crier: Hopkinton school budget meeting is Jan. 5
By Michael Morton/Daily News staff
http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/mobiletopstories/x1895997901/Hopkinton-school-budget-meeting-is-Jan-5

Save the Dates - January School Budget Discussions & Public Hearing

2012-01-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

School Committee Meeting
Thursday, January 5, 2012 @ 7:00 PM
Middle School Library, 88 Hayden Rowe St
Regular Meeting/Working Session - FY13 Budget Topics:
Center School, Elmwood School, Hopkins School, Draft Town Meeting Articles, Daycare Drop-Off Fee, Bus Fee, Full-Day Kindergarten Fee

School Committee Meeting
Thursday, January 12, 2012 @ 7:00 PM
Middle School Library, 88 Hayden Rowe St
Working Session/FY13 Budget Topics:
Special Education, Buildings and Grounds, Central Office, Curriculum, Technology, Town Meeting Articles

School Committee Meeting
Thursday, January 19, 2012 @ 7:00 PM
Middle School Library, 88 Hayden Rowe St
Regular Meeting/Working Session - FY13 Budget Topics:
Middle School, High School, Athletics, Town Meeting Articles, Athletic Fee, Parking Fee, F1 Visa Tuition, Walking Zone, 1:1 Laptop Initiative, Bus Parking Lot

School Committee Meeting
Monday, January 23, 2012 @ 6:30 PM
Middle School Library, 88 Hayden Rowe St
Joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen

School Committee Meeting
Thursday, January 26, 2012 @ 7:00 PM
Middle School Library, 88 Hayden Rowe St
Public Hearing – FY13 Budget
ATTENTION! If you can only attend one school committee meeting a year, this is the most important one to attend. It is your chance to voice your opinion on the budget.

Downtown Initiative Design and Construction Project

2012-01-04T08:45:00.000-05:00

Hopkinton's Downtown Initiative Steering Committee (DISC) continues to work with Beta Group on the downtown design. Hopkinton residents voted in 2010 to fund the design process ($400,000) with the construction to be funded by a state roadway construction grant of approximately $4,000,000. The initial design was presented to the public for their feedback at two presentations in November. The DISC committee also made a presentation to the Selectmen in December. No final decisions have been made at this point and feedback from residents is welcomed. If you have questions or comments about the project, please contact Hopkinton’s Facilities Coordinator/Town Engineer, David Daltorio at
508-497-9738 or ddaltorio@hopkinton.org.

Items included in the state grant are:

Rehabilitate Pavement
Upgrade Storm Drainage Facilities
Reconstruct and Improve Sidewalks
Reset / Install New Curbing
Provide ADA Compliant Wheelchair Ramps / Access
Traffic Signal Upgrades
Possible New Signal(s)
Streetscape Enhancements
Landscaping/Plantings
Reduce Crosswalk Lengths & Improve Markings

Related Items NOT included in the state grant (The Town of Hopkinton may opt to go forward with and fund some of these items its own):

Upgrade Water Main on Main St
Possible Undergrounding of Utilities ($2.6 million from Cedar St to Ash St OR $6.6 million from Wood St to Ash St)
Possible Period Lighting
Coordination with Legacy Farms’ Improvements

Hot Button Topics (see images and news articles below):

135/85 Intersection - Whether or not to straighten the intersection at Rt 135 and Rt 85, which would involve taking some of Colella's Supermarket's land.
Main St/Wood St Intersection - Whether or not to increase the turn angle for vehicles headed Eastbound on Main St and turning left on Wood St (Rt 135), which would involve relocating or tearing down the house at 2 West Main St.
Cost - Although burying the power lines would be aesthetically pleasing and would give more flexibility in designing the sidewalks and lanes, it would be expensive and not covered by the state grant. The cost estimate is $2.6 million from Cedar St to Ash St OR $6.6 million from Wood St to Ash St.

Documents and Images of the Design for your Reference:

Current Conditions: http://www.educatehopkinton.com/pdf/downtown/DowntownHopkintonPreliminaryConceptualGeometry8-23-11.pdf
Proposed Design: http://www.educatehopkinton.com/pdf/downtown/DowntownHopkintonRedesignProposal11-02-11.pdf
Possible Wood Street Alternative: http://www.educatehopkinton.com/pdf/downtown/ConceptualDesignWoodStreetAlternative1.JPG
A summary of what is covered by the grant prepared for the 2010 ballot question by Peter LaGoy, Chairman, Downtown Revitalization Committee. http://www.educatehopkinton.com/pdf/may2010-downtowndesign-ballotquestion2.pdf
Downtown Initiative Community Meeting Powerpoint Presentation Nov. 2011 http://www.hopkinton.org/disc/files/DISC-MTG-11-03-11.pdf

Recent Articles on this Topic:

Hopkinton Crier: Committee tweaks Hopkinton downtown improvement proposal
By Michael Morton/Daily News staff
http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/features/x2023106361/Committee-tweaks-Hopkinton-downtown-improvement-proposal

Hopkinton Crier: Downtown talks get thorny in Hopkinton
By Michael Morton/Daily News staff
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1626871886/Downtown-talks-get-thorny-in-Hopkinton#ixzz1gX7PWPwG

HopkintonPatch: Old Intersections Create New Problems
At its bi-weekly meeting, selectmen discussed the next step for the Main Street redesign.
http://hopkinton.patch.com/articles/residents-worry-about-impact-of-main-street-improvements

Other Winter Town Updates

2012-01-04T08:30:00.000-05:00

Hopkinton Crier: Proposed group could provide boost for regional rail trail
By Michael Morton/Daily News staff
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x2140451266/Proposed-group-could-provide-boost-for-regional-rail-trail

Hopkinton Patch: MAPC Outlines Casino Challenges
A statement released by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council outlines the stresses big casinos could place on communities.
By Sean O'Donnell
http://hopkinton.patch.com/articles/planning-council-addresses-casino-challenges

Hopkinton Crier: Foxborough's finance director changes mind about Hopkinton job
http://www.wickedlocal.com/foxborough/news/x550227303/Foxboroughs-finance-director-changes-mind-about-Hopkinton-job

School Budget Presentation - Tues Dec 20

2011-12-20T10:26:00.001-05:00

School Budget Presentation - Tues Dec 20
TONIGHT, Superintendent Landman will present his preliminary 2012-13 budget (FY13) to the School Committee. This is usually a very informative presentation and is your chance to see what might get cut and what might get added to the budget. Nothing will be final at this point. This is just the preliminary presentation and it will likely go through many changes before we vote on it at Town Meeting in May. If you are unable to attend during this busy holiday season, feel free to watch at home on HCAM-TV http://www.hcam.tv/ (Comcast 8/Verizon 30) or record on your DVR. Throughout the month of January there will be many more budget discussions at the School Committee meetings and working sessions. Then on January 26 there will be public hearing on the budget, where you can come in person and voice your opinion on the budget.

School Committee Meeting - Superintendent’s Budget Preliminary Presentation
Tuesday, December 20 at 7:30pm
Middle School Library,
HCAM-TV Comcast 8/Verizon 30
Read the agenda at http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/newweb2/schoolcommittee/agenda_minutes/12-20-11_REGULAR.pdf

Save the Dates - Survey Results, Budget Discussions & Public Hearing on the School Budget

2011-12-20T10:19:00.002-05:00

School Committee Meeting - Survey Results
Wednesday, January 4, 2012 @ 6:30 PM
Middle School Library, 88 Hayden Rowe St
Joint School Committee Meeting with the Board of Selectmen to discuss Center School Community Survey results.

School Committee Meeting
Thursday, January 5, 2012 @ 7:30 PM
Middle School Library, 88 Hayden Rowe St
Regular Meeting/Working Session - FY13 Budget

School Committee Meeting
Thursday, January 12, 2012 @ 7:30 PM
Middle School Library, 88 Hayden Rowe St
Working Session/FY13 Budget

School Committee Meeting
Thursday, January 19, 2012 @ 7:30 PM
Middle School Library, 88 Hayden Rowe St
Regular Meeting/Working Session - FY13 Budget

School Committee Meeting
Monday, January 23, 2012 @ 6:30 PM
Middle School Library, 88 Hayden Rowe St
Joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen

School Committee Meeting -Public Hearing the FY13 Budget
Thursday, January 26, 2012 @ 7:30 PM
Middle School Library, 88 Hayden Rowe St
Public Hearing – FY13 Budget
If you can only attend one school committee meeting a year, this is the most important one to attend. It is your chance to voice your opinion on the budget.

EH Board of Directors Update

2011-12-20T10:17:00.003-05:00

At our December 2 Board Meeting, the Educate Hopkinton Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Laura Barry from the Board. Due to other commitments, Laura is no longer able to serve on the Board, however, we are pleased that Laura will continue to serve as our informal Liaison to the Library Building Project. Also at our December 2 Board Meeting, the EH Board voted to appoint Esther Driscoll to fill the remainder of Laura’s term, which will expire at our spring 2013 annual meeting. Thank you to Laura for your service to Educate Hopkinton and thank you to Esther for stepping up to take Laura’s place!

Other December Updates

2011-12-20T10:14:00.000-05:00

Patch Holiday Decorating Contest
Patch is having a contest where the Best Decked House will win $100,000 for their local schools. If your house is all decked out for the holidays, please be sure to submit a photo. Read more at http://deckthehouse.patch.com/

Hopkinton selectmen to appoint new finance director
Metrowest Daily News
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/newsnow/x2019337375/Hopkinton-selectmen-to-appoint-new-finance-director

Casino News
Gov. Patrick Appoints Stephen Crosby Chair of the Mass. Gaming Commission
Governor Deval Patrick appointed Stephen Crosby as chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission Tuesday.
http://foxborough.patch.com/articles/gov-patrick-appoints-stephen-crosby-chair-of-the-mass-gaming-commission
Casino towns face zoning obstacles
By Michael Morton/Daily News staff
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/editorspick_mobile/x906113906/Casino-towns-face-zoning-obstacles#ixzz1gX8001Yh

High School Track
No recourse for Hopkinton in high school track blunder
By Michael Morton/Daily News staff
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1178220428/No-recourse-for-Hopkinton-in-high-school-track-blunder#ixzz1gX8A97Qj

Center School Conditions
Due to water from Hurricane Irene in August, the Center School gym floor has suffered some serious damage and needs to be replaced. It is not expected to be usable again until late winter/early spring 2012. Children have been having their P.E. classes in the library, cafeteria, outside and in their classrooms so far this year. It is not known yet how much, if any, of the cost will be covered by insurance. Read more from Principal Chris Kennedy at http://community.icontact.com/p/hopkinton_public_schools/newsletters/centerschools/posts/update-on-gymnasium-floor

Important Center School Survey - Last Day

2011-12-05T22:33:00.001-05:00

Cost? Location? Longer Grade Spans? Districting?
Please Take This Important Survey about Center School - This is your chance to weigh-in on a solution to the Center School problem that the majority of voters will support.

The Educate Hopkinton Board of Directors urges all Hopkinton voters to take this important survey about Center School by tonight’s December 6 deadline.
Click to Begin Survey http://www.brgrs.com/elementaryschoolsurvey

Background Information on Conditions at Center School:

Value of Center School: The full and fair cash value of Center School is $2,892,500. If we spend more than 30% of the value (30% = $867,750) on repairs and updates to Center School in any given 36-month period full ADA compliance is required. Read more about ADA compliance in the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board regulations at http://www.mass.gov/Eeops/docs/dps/aab_regs/521003.pdf.
ADA Compliance: Only portions of Center School are fully compliant. To be fully accessible, all Center School bathrooms would need to to have at least one accessible toilet and sink and all of the building’s floors would need to be handicap accessible. Currently the 3rd floor (in the oldest part of the building) is not accessible and there is not room to install an elevator without eliminating or shrinking rooms currently in use. The rooms at Center School are already undersized compared to those at Elmwood and Hopkins. Read the Cubellis Report 2007 ADA Survey of Center School: http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/newweb2/schoolcommittee/strategic_docs/PDF/CubellisReport.pdf. (Some of the smaller non-compliance items noted in the Cubellis Report have already been taken care of since this report was issued in 2007.)
Windows: A study of the existing window conditions at both Center and Elmwood School was done in 2005 by Gale Associates. At that time, it was estimated that the cost to replace the Center School windows would be $787,000. Read the full study at http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/newweb2/PDF/GaleStudy.pdf. Since Center School is part of the Hopkinton Center Historic District any replacement of windows would have to be reviewed by the Hopkinton Historic District Commission.
Gym Floor: Due to water from Hurricane Irene, the Center School gym floor has suffered some serious damage and needs to be replaced. It is not expected to be usable again until late winter/early spring 2012. Children have been having their P.E. classes in the library, cafeteria, outside and in their classrooms so far this year. It is not known yet how much, if any, of the cost will be covered by insurance. Read more from Principal Chris Kennedy at http://community.icontact.com/p/hopkinton_public_schools/newsletters/centerschools/posts/update-on-gymnasium-floor.

Information on Longer Grade Spans:

Hopkinton Report on Grade Span Configurations Research http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/newweb2/HESBC/GradeSpanResearch.pdf
Massachusetts Grade Span Data http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/newweb2/HESBC/GradeSpanMAData.pdf
Grade Configuration Comparison Chart - Comparing Similar Towns http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/newweb2/HESBC/GradeConfigurationComparisonChart.pdf
Hopkinton Compared to Districts that are Similar Based on Grade Configuration, District Wealth and Enrollment http://www.educatehopkinton.com/pdf/Hopkinton_Compared_to_Similar_Districts_09-25-11.pdf

Don't Forget to Take the Survey - Today is the Last Day!

Click to Begin Survey http://www.brgrs.com/elementaryschoolsurvey

Educate Hopkinton Needs Your Donation - $10, $15, $25 or more

2011-11-13T11:06:00.001-05:00

For the last four years, Educate Hopkinton has operated with a minimal budget of only about $50 a year for our website hosting plan and domain name registration. We have otherwise relied heavily on free resources, such as Blogspot, Facebook, Twitter and MailChimp. Now that we have decided to become a 501(c)4 Non-Profit Civic League, we would like to increase our budget to better fulfill our mission “...to keep people up-to-date on the budget process and the Town's financial needs.” We have already collected enough money for our IRS filing fee. Some examples of other items we would like to add to our budget include: HCAM Membership ($25/year), Post Office Box ($96/year), Photocopies for our forums ($25/Forum), Officers Insurance, Townwide Mailers, Flyers, Signage and Brochures. If we have leftover money at the end of the year, we may donate it to an organization aligned with our mission, such as the town Tax Relief Fund, a Hopkinton Capital Project or the Hopkinton Schools. Please consider making a donation of $10, $15, $25 or more today. We accept MasterCard, VISA and American Express online via PayPal. We also accept paper checks via snail mail to: Tara Sanda, Educate Hopkinton Treasurer, 4 Equestrian Dr, Hopkinton MA 01748. (Please note that donations are NOT tax-deductible because EH is a non-profit civic league, not a charity.)

Make a Donation via PayPal
Donations of any amount are welcome ($10, $15, $25...)

Enrollment Update - 3rd Grade Now Surpasses Grade 8 as the Largest “Bubble” Year

2011-11-13T11:02:00.001-05:00

At its October 6 meeting the School Committee reviewed final enrollment data for the current school year. Grade 3 is now the largest class in Hopkinton with 298 students, surpassing Grade 8, which had been the largest group last year when those students were in Grade 7. Other large classes include Grade 8 at 295 students and Grade 10 at 290 students. Hopkinton’s total enrollment is 3,414 this year, down 40 students from last year, which is likely in part due to a smaller number of full-day Kindergarten classes offered at Center School this year. As reported in a recent Educate Hopkinton blog, Hopkinton’s overall enrollment numbers are projected to remain steady over the next several years. Although there are slight increases and decreases from year-to-year there is no significant downward or upward trend. From 2004-2018 enrollments range from a low of 3,306 to a high of 3,462, just a 4% difference over a 15-year time-frame. Click here for an updated enrollment chart.

Anti-Casino Yard Signs Now Available

2011-11-13T11:00:00.001-05:00

Holliston resident, David Bastille, has anti-casino yard signs available for purchase at a cost of $7.39. Please contact David by email at southrockdave@yahoo.com to arrange for sign pick-up and payment. Read more in the Holliston TAB.

The casino bill has passed the Massachusetts Senate and gone to conference committee to reconcile the Senate and House versions of the bill, which each had different amendments. When the bill passes through the conference committee, the governor is expected to sign it. Hopkinton’s Senator Karen Spilka had several amendments, to protect local communities impacted by casinos, included in the Senate version of the bill. Both Hopkinton’s Senator Spilka and Representative Carolyn Dykema ultimately voted no on the casino bill.

Downtown Revitalization and Initiative Project

2011-11-13T10:59:00.000-05:00

As you may recall, at the May 2010 Annual Town Meeting and Election, voters appropriated $400,000 for "Downtown Design for Traffic, Roadway and Streetscape" and authorized the town to apply for a state grant to cover the costs of the construction of the project. Click to read past EH blogs on this topic. Since the vote in 2010, Hopkinton’s Downtown Initiative Steering Committee has been working on this project. A Blue Sky planning session was held in March 2011 with residents, property owners as well as town board and committee members. Just this past week two public meetings were held to present the plan to date to the public and gather feedback from the community. If you have questions or comments about the project, please contact Hopkinton’s Facilities Coordinator/Town Engineer, David Daltorio at 508-497-9738 or ddaltorio@hopkinton.org. Here are some helpful links about project:

Downtown Initiative Steering Committee Website http://www.hopkinton.org/disc/index.htm
Blue Sky Session Downtown Improvements Presentation Mar. 2011 http://www.hopkinton.org/disc/files/SGG.pdf
Downtown Improvements Comment Form http://www.hopkinton.org/disc/files/Comments.doc
Downtown Initiative Community Meeting Presentation Nov. 2011 http://www.hopkinton.org/disc/files/DISC-MTG-11-03-11.pdf
HCAM: Feedback Sought on Vision for Downtown Improvements http://www.hcam.tv/news/feedback-sought-vision-downtown-improvements
Hopkinton Crier: Hopkinton downtown corridor redesign unveiled http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/mobiletopstories/x251089845/Hopkinton-downtown-corridor-redesign-unveiled#axzz1cjZwIKP2
Hopkinton Crier: Following sessions, Hopkinton downtown group looks to tweak suggestions http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x228647732/Following-sessions-Hopkinton-downtown-group-looks-to-tweak-suggestions#ixzz1dbVdYkuj
HopkintonPatch: Main Street Redesign Plan Sparks Questions, Concern http://hopkinton.patch.com/articles/downtown-development-plan-leaves-some-problems-unsolved
Educate Hopkinton Blog Posts on this Topic http://educatehopkinton.blogspot.com/search/label/Downtown_Revitalization

Legacy Farms and Hockey Rink Update - Public Hearing Nov. 17

2011-11-13T10:57:00.000-05:00

The Hopkinton Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, November 17 at 7:00 PM in the Town Hall, 2nd Floor, 18 Main Street, to hear all persons interested in the use of the 19 acre parcel of land given by Legacy Farms for community use. Demons Youth Hockey made a proposal to the town in April 2011 to build a hockey rink off East Main Street on the Legacy Farms property if the town would grant a 30-year lease to the Demons for $1. Demons would conduct fundraising to build the arena. Read the proposal at http://www.hopkinton.org/pdf/HockeyIceArena.pdf.

Many of our subscribers were interested in updates about the Legacy Farms (former Weston Nurseries property) project. The Legacy Farms website includes a lot of detailed information including a list of frequently asked questions. There are also several documents available from the Planning Board as well as documents from Town Meeting 2008. For more info visit:

Legacy Farms Website http://www.legacyfarms.com/
Legacy Farms FAQ http://www.legacyfarms.com/faqs.asp
Legacy Farms Fiscal and Economic Impacts Analysis by Community Opportunities Group, May 2, 2008 http://www.educatehopkinton.com/COG_Legacy_Farms_Final_Report_5-2-08.pdf
Legacy Farms - Planning Board Master Plan Review by Sasaki Associates, April 25, 2008 http://www.educatehopkinton.com/Legacy_Farms-1_04_25_08.pdf
Hopkinton Open Space Mixed Use Development Overlay District Regulations http://www.hopkinton.org/planning/pdf/OSMUD.pdf
Hopkinton Host Community Agreement for Legacy Farms http://www.hopkinton.org/selectmen/pdf/LegacyFarmsHCA.pdf

Educate Hopkinton Fall Survey Results - Final

2011-11-13T10:55:00.001-05:00

Thank you to everyone who took our fall budget topics survey! Although our survey is not scientific, it does give the Educate Hopkinton board some direction, and at least a rough idea of what topics are of most interest to our readers.

1) What Hopkinton capital projects are you most interested in this year? (Check all that apply)
Center School Capital Project 41%
Library Expansion Project 24%
Hopkinton Center for the Arts 12%
New DPW Facility 12%
Hockey Rink Building Project 7%
Other: Elmwood School and Special Education Reform

2) What Hopkinton land development projects / issues are you most interested in this year? (Check all that apply)
Milford Casino 32%
Legacy Farms/Former Weston Nurseries Property 28%
Hopkinton Square/Price Chopper 24%
Sports Fields / Active Recreation 8%
Community Preservation Act Funds 5%
Other: Fruit Street

3) What Hopkinton annual budget topics / issues are you most interested in this year? (Check all that apply)
Class Sizes 17%
Elmwood School Maintenance/Repairs 17%
Middle School Maintenance/Repairs 14%
Town Operating Budget - 2 ½% Increase 13%
Expansion of Foreign Language Program 12%
Energy Efficiency Savings / Green Issues 8%
Fees to Residents (Trash, Bus, etc.) 8%
School/Town Union Contract Negotiations 5%
Health Care Costs for Municipal Employees 3%
Other: Center School Maintenance/Repairs, Downtown Revitalization, Special Education Reform

REMINDER: School Planning Meetings Today and Saturday - Please Attend One

2011-11-02T08:38:00.002-04:00

Hopkinton Elementary School Planning
Join the School Committee for an Essential Community Conversation

The School Committee will be a hosting a conversation with the community regarding planning for our elementary schools. To maximize attendance and participation, three dates will be offered and the format and topics will be the same at each event. Attending one of these meetings will empower residents to participate in developing the next proposal to address the challenges that exist across our school facilities. Please make time to join us at one of these three important events:

Wednesday, November 2, 10 am – 12 pm; Faith Community Church, Room 213
Wednesday, November 2, 7 pm – 9 pm; High School Cafeteria
Saturday, November 5, 2 pm – 4 pm; High School Cafeteria

There will be a short recap of the process to date as well as background information provided. The majority of the meeting will be spent in small group discussion focused on evaluation of potential building projects and solutions.

Data collected from these conversations will be shared with the community, and will also be used in the development a community wide survey regarding our elementary schools. The survey will be designed for all Hopkinton voters to participate in.

Three Elementary School Planning Community Conversations This Week - Please Attend One

2011-10-30T18:47:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, November 2, 10 am – 12 pm; Faith Community Church, Room 213
Wednesday, November 2, 7 pm – 9 pm; High School Cafeteria
Saturday, November 5, 2 pm – 4 pm; High School Cafeteria

The Library Needs Your Help! Fundraising Meeting Tomorrow

2011-10-19T16:33:00.000-04:00

Lindsay McDermott, Hopkinton resident and Educate Hopkinton subscriber, will hold a meeting to brainstorm and begin planning community events to benefit the library. If you would like to plan events, or just help with small tasks, the Library needs you! The meeting will be at Lindsay's home tomorrow, October 20 at 7:30pm. If you would like to attend, please contact Lindsay for directions at lindsay.mcdermott@yahoo.com or 508-435-3587. Everyone is welcome!

Over the summer, Hopkinton Public Library was approved and awarded a Massachusetts Public Library Construction Grant in the amount of $4,533,580. Hopkinton's project, along with several others around the state, will be funded in the state's 5 year capital plan. Read more about the Library Expansion Project at http://www.hopkintonlibrary.org/hopkinton/expansionhome.asp

Questions? Lindsay McDermott lindsay.mcdermott@yahoo.com 508-435-3587Library Expansion Project: http://www.hopkintonlibrary.org/hopkinton/expansionhome.asp

Educate Hopkinton Fall Survey Results

2011-10-19T16:32:00.003-04:00

What budget topics are Hopkinton residents most interested in this year? Although our survey is not scientific, it does give the Educate Hopkinton board some direction, and at least a rough idea of what topics are of most interest to our readers. If you would still like to take the survey it will remain open through next Tuesday, October 24: http://www.rationalsurvey.com/s/1566

1) What Hopkinton capital projects are you most interested in this year? (Check all that apply)
Center School Capital Project 41%
Library Expansion Project 24%
Hopkinton Center for the Arts 14%
New DPW Facility 11%
Hockey Rink Building Project 7%
Write-In Responses: Elmwood School and Special Education Reform

2) What Hopkinton land development projects / issues are you most interested in this year? (Check all that apply)
Milford Casino 32%
Legacy Farms/Former Weston Nurseries Property 29%
Hopkinton Square/Price Chopper 25%
Sports Fields / Active Recreation 8%
Community Preservation Act Funds 4%

3) What Hopkinton annual budget topics / issues are you most interested in this year? (Check all that apply)
Elmwood School Maintenance/Repairs 18%
Class Sizes 17%
Middle School Maintenance/Repairs 15%
Expansion of Foreign Language Program 14%
Town Operating Budget - 2 ½%
Increase 13%
Energy Efficiency Savings / Green Issues 8%
Fees to Residents (Trash, Bus, etc.) 7%
School/Town Union Contract Negotiations 4%
Health Care Costs for Municipal Employees 2%
Write-In Responses: Center School Maintenance/Repairs, Downtown Revitalization, Special Education Reform

If you would like to weigh-in the survey will remain open through next Tuesday, October 24:
Click Here to Begin the Survey

What Hopkinton budget topics/issues are residents most interested in this year?

2011-10-05T16:16:00.003-04:00

We passed out a survey at our event on September 25. If you were unable to attend, please click on the link below to take our brief one-page survey:http://www.rationalsurvey.com/s/1566

Recent Notes on Center School and the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA)

2011-10-05T16:15:00.003-04:00

Although no decision has been made yet, the town may decide to submit a new Statement of Interest (SOI) to the MSBA. The MSBA is accepting FY12 SOI’s from now through January 11, 2012. Some brief info about MSBA SOI’s:

An SOI should be building specific, that is, only one school building can be the subject of an SOI. For example we cannot submit a single SOI for BOTH Center School and Elmwood School. “Districts should submit one SOI per school for each school they believe requires a project with the MBSA. Where applicable, the district can express interest in multiple accelerated repair projects at one school (generally projects for the repair and/or replacement of windows, roofs, boilers, and/or a Science Lab Initiative project). All districts that submit multiple SOIs will be required to select one SOI as its ‘district priority SOI’ for consideration and due diligence efforts by the MSBA.”
An SOI cannot propose a specific solution to the problem. The solution will be arrived at after collaborating with the MSBA on the most appropriate educational and cost effective solution. For example we cannot tell the MSBA that the ONLY solution we want is to renovate/rebuild at the Center School site (or any other specific site). The SOI should just state the problem(s), not the solution.
The Superintendent must be authorized by both the School Committee and Board of Selectmen before filing an SOI.
If Hopkinton submits an SOI and the MSBA approves it, the taxpayers would be asked to fund a new feasibility study at a future town meeting. It is unknown yet if this would be at the May 2012 Annual Town Meeting or at another date.
More information from the MSBA about the current SOI process http://www.massschoolbuildings.org/building/prerequisites/SOI_overview and http://www.massschoolbuildings.org/building/prerequisites/SOI_FAQs
Read the SOI submitted for Center School in 2007 (one of several SOI’s submitted by Hopkinton in July 2007) at https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxlZHVjYXRlaG9wa2ludG9ufGd4OjJmMGFkM2I5MGI3MmUzODM. This SOI was approved unanimously by the Selectmen (Muriel Kramer, Mary Pratt, Michael Shepard, Brian Herr and Matt Zettek) with a vote of 5 to 0. This SOI was also approved unanimously by the School Committee. The School Committee identified the Center School as its priority SOI per a directive from the MSBA in August 2007.
Read about what five final options (from the original 13 options) were evaluated in detail during the Center School Feasibility Study, their estimated costs and why they were ruled out as not being preferred options. http://hopkinton.k12.ma.us/newweb2/HESBC/5FSOptionsMatrix.pdf

Updates on Center School Maintenance and Repairs in the Meantime

2011-10-05T16:12:00.002-04:00

HVAC System
Over the summer the steam traps in the oldest cast iron radiators at Center School were cleaned at a cost of $8,000 to make them more efficient and not overheat. According to Al Rogers, Hopkinton Public Schools Director of Buildings & Grounds “The last time we did steam trap maintenance was 2004. They recommend 3-5 years.” This should ameliorate, but not permanently solve, the problem of some classrooms being too hot in the winter. In addition sometime in the middle of the last school year some components of the unit ventilators were sent out to be rebuilt. It took several months to complete, because the unit ventilators are so old and hard to find parts for. This should ameliorate, but not permanently solve, the problem of some classrooms being too cold in the winter. A Request for Proposals (RFP) has recently gone out seeking a designer to do a study of existing conditions of the complete HVAC system at Center School to determine alternatives (with price construction timeline estimates) available for repair, upgrade, and/or replacement of the HVAC system. For any project over $100K, the state bid law requires a designer or engineer. Read the full RFP at http://ma.mypublicnotices.com/PublicNotice.asp?Page=PublicNotice&AdId=2519924.

Gym Floor Buckled from Water Damage
As many parents saw at the Kindergarten and First Grade Open Houses this month, the Center School Gym floor suffered some water damage during Hurricane Irene. Read this article from the Crier for more details: Hopkinton works to salvage flood-damaged school gym floor http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/features/x1499151705/Hopkinton-works-to-salvage-flood-damaged-school-gym-floor#axzz1ZkRK3z38

Center School Window Replacement Cost May Go Over the State Limit and Require Full ADA Compliance
A study of the existing window conditions at both Center and Elmwood School was done in 2005 by Gale Associates. At that time, it was estimated that the cost to replace the Center School windows would be $787,000. Read the full study at http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/newweb2/PDF/GaleStudy.pdf. According to Ralph Dumas, HPS Director of Finance, at the September 30 School Committee meeting the fair cash value of Center School is approximately $2.7 million. According to the regulations of the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board, if the renovation work amounts to 30% or more of the building’s fair cash value, the ENTIRE building is required to be accessible. Right now only portions of the Center School building are accessible. Thirty percent of Center School’s value is $810,000. If both the HVAC System and Windows are replaced, it is very likely to cost over $810,000 and therefore require full ADA compliance. (Even if the work is done in phases the total cost of such work in any 36 month period shall be added together as per MAAB rules.) To be fully accessible, all Center School bathrooms would need to to have at least one accessible toilet and sink and all of the building’s floors would need to be accessible by elevator. Currently the 3rd floor (in the oldest part of the building) is not accessible by elevator and there is not room to install one without eliminating or shrinking rooms currently in use. Read more about Massachusetts Architectural Access Board regulations at http://www.mass.gov/Eeops/docs/dps/aab_regs/521003.pdf. Read the Cubellis Report 2007 ADA Survey of Center School: http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/newweb2/schoolcommittee/strategic_docs/PDF/CubellisReport.pdf. (Some of the smaller non-compliance items noted in the Cubellis Report have already been taken of since this report was issued in 2007.)

Capital Asset Assessment Reports
The School Committee had previously commissioned Capital Asset Assessment Reports from Habeeb and Associates Architects in 2000 and again in 2006. The School Committee is considering refreshing these reports at an estimated cost of $12,000 to both refresh the reports of schools already studied and to add a study for the High School, which had not previously been assessed because it was so new.
2000 Capital Asset Assessment for Center, Elmwood School and Middle School (at the time this building was both the HS and MS)http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us//newweb2/schoolcommittee/building_projects/Buildingprojects/CAPITAL_ASSET_OCT_00.pdf
2006 Capital Asset Assessment for Hopkins, Elmwood and Middle Schoolhttp://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us//newweb2/schoolcommittee/building_projects/Buildingprojects/CAPITAL_ASSET_FEB_06.pdf

Casino Bill Update

2011-10-05T12:51:00.001-04:00

Thank you very much to Representative Carolyn Dykema for attending our event on September 25 and answering our questions. The top two contenders for the “Northeastern Region” casino site are Milford and East Boston (Suffolk Downs). The most clicked link in our last email was the location of the proposed Milford casino, which would be nestled between Route 85 and Route 16 on the Hopkinton/Holliston side of Milford. Here it is again in case you missed it: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=33+New+York+Ave,+Framingham,+Middlesex,+Massachusetts+01701&msa=0&ll=42.168938,-71.500225&spn=0.028818,0.054159&t=h&z=14&msid=105846700826706787977.0004765faeddb24bdd8ba

The Massachusetts House voted to authorize casino gaming on September 14, the Massachusetts Senate has not yet completed its debate or voted. The Senate is still going through over 180 proposed amendments. Two of Hopkinton’s Sentator, Karen Spilka’s amendments did already pass:

The first amendment adopted makes clear that the initial studies an applicant is required to provide to the Gaming Commission would not be deemed to prevent the need for corresponding studies and reports prepared for host or surrounding communities. Host and surrounding communities will be significantly impacted and this amendment ensures that a municipality has the ability to receive additional studies on these impacts from the Commission or gaming applicant that they need to fairly negotiate agreements.
The second amendment adopted authorizes the Commission to provide for reasonable costs of negotiating agreements between municipalities and applicants – the Commission may require applicants to pay these costs. Since the negotiation process can be burdensome, complex, and expensive for host and surrounding communities, this will give them the tools they need to ensure effective and fair representation.

Read more from Senator Spilka at http://karenspilka.com/2011/09/26/senate-adopts-spilkas-amendments-to-protect-communities/ and read this recent article about Senator Spilka’s role in the Senate debate so far http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/politics/state_politics/senate-gambling-debate-stalls-out.

What Can Hopkinton Residents Do?

Write to Senator Karen Spilka and Governor Deval Patrick. Snail mail is best, but in the interest of time you should feel free to call or email them if that is easier for you.
Educate Hopkinton is looking for more volunteers to help keep our subscribers informed about this important issue. Please contact Amy Ritterbusch at amyritterbusch@educatehopkinton.com if you can help. We already have three people who have stepped up to work on this issue, but could use more.

Contact Info
Senator Karen Spilka
State House - Room 511C
Boston, MA 02133617-722-1640
Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov
Gov. Deval Patrick
Massachusetts State House
Office of the Governor - Room 280
Boston, MA 02133
617.725.4005

Enrollment in Hopkinton Schools Remains Flat, No Significant Decrease is Expected

2011-10-05T12:47:00.000-04:00

Educate Hopkinton has created a chart of enrollment data from a variety of public documents, which we have recently posted to our website. Although there are slight increases and decreases from year-to-year there is no significant downward or upward trend. From 2004-2018 enrollments range from a low of 3,306 to a high of 3,462, just a 4% difference over a 15-year time-frame. The last time we had fewer than 3,306 students in our district was during the 2003-2004 school year.http://www.educatehopkinton.com/pdf/Hopkinton_Schools_Enrollment_Data_09-30-11.pdf

Hopkinton Compared to Districts that are Similar Based on Grade Configuration, District Wealth and Enrollment

2011-10-05T12:46:00.003-04:00

Educate Hopkinton has compiled a chart of district comparison data for your reference, which we have recently posted to our website. School districts that are similar to Hopkinton include: Belmont, Burlington, Canton, Duxbury, Holliston, Marblehead, Medfield, Scituate, Sharon, Westborough and Westwood. While Hopkinton is very similar to these towns, one statistic that stood out was that 23% of Hopkinton’s population is children enrolled in the public schools, in many similar towns a much smaller percentage of the population was enrolled in the schools, this may be because they have more residents without school-age children or may be because more children in those towns attend private schools. Only Medfield had a higher percentage with 24% of its population enrolled in the public schools.http://www.educatehopkinton.com/pdf/Hopkinton_Compared_to_Similar_Districts_09-25-11.pdf

Other Notes and News Updates

2011-10-05T12:45:00.002-04:00

2011 MCAS Results Available
See how Hopkinton compares to other townshttp://www.boston.com/news/special/education/mcas/scores11/results/hopkinton.htm
Hopkinton MCAS results a mixed bag By Michael Morton/Daily News staffhttp://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/mobiletopstories/x1499152099/Hopkinton-MCAS-results-a-mixed-bag#axzz1ZkRK3z38

Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC) Public Forum October 18 - 7:00 PM
The Zoning Advisory Committee will hold a public forum on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 7:00 PM in Room 211 of the Town Hall, at which time it would like to hear ideas that Town Boards, Committees, officials, organizations and the general public have with respect to desired changes to the Zoning Bylaw and/or the Zoning Map. Zoning bylaws generally regulate the use of land, buildings and structures. This is an opportunity to propose changes to the permitted land uses in specific areas in Hopkinton, and other ideas with respect to land use regulation. The Committee invites you to the hearing to present your ideas and suggestions and to submit ideas/proposals in writing, especially if you cannot be present. It is recommended that a written summary of the idea or proposal be emailed (elainel@hopkinton.org) or sent to Elaine Lazarus, Director of Land Use, Planning and Permitting, at Town Hall prior to October 13. For more information, please email or call Elaine Lazarus at 508-497-9755.

Community Preservation Committee (CPC) Applications Due
The Hopkinton Community Preservation Committee is now accepting applications for project funding for Fiscal Year 2013. CPA funding can be used for the acquisition, creation and preservation of open space, for the acquisition and preservation of historic resources, for the acquisition, creation and preservation of land for recreational use, and for the creation, preservation and support of affordable housing. Individuals and groups interested in applying can download the Proposal Guidelines for Use of Hopkinton CPA Funds and application from the CPC website. Completed applications must be received by October 21, 2011 to be considered. They can be faxed or emailed to the above contact or mailed to: Town of Hopkinton - Land Use, Planning and Permitting Department, 18 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

Parks & Recreation Commission Survey
The Parks and Recreation Commission is conducting a comprehensive survey of residents to gather feedback on the status, condition and use of the town’s recreational facilities (parks, fields, beaches, etc.), on the programs currently being offered to residents, as well as solicit input on new programs to offer in upcoming seasons. Please take a minute to weigh-in and take their survey:http://www.sa-surveys.com/survey/374622/2ee1/

Meet Superintendent Landman - Community Dialogues
If you have not yet had a chance to attend one of these sessions, we highly recommend them. It is a great chance to get to know Dr. Landman and express what you like and don’t like about the Hopkinton Public Schools.

Tuesday, October 11 @ 6:30 - 8:30 PM at the Hopkins School Library

Let’s Talk About Center School, Casinos and More

2011-09-22T15:10:00.000-04:00

Sunday, September 25 at 7:00 p.m.
Vineyard Church, 84 South Street, Hopkinton
DIRECTIONS: http://www.vineyardhopkinton.org/
Click here to RSVP - Feel free to invite friends!
All Educate Hopkinton subscribers should have already received a punchbowl invitation by email. We hope many of you can attend. The evening will include an introduction about Educate Hopkinton, an update and discussion of the casino bill with Representative Carolyn Dykema and Selectman Ben Palleiko and an update and discussion of the Center School problem with School Committee Members Jean Bertschmann and Troy Mick. Please bring your questions or email them in advance to amyritterbusch@educatehopkinton.com. We want to hear from you on what school and town budget topics are of most interest to you this year.

MSBA Update on Center School / Fruit Street Project

2011-09-22T14:47:00.001-04:00

On Friday, September 16, the Hopkinton School District received a response to Dr. Landman’s August 16 letter asking whether a Pre-K-3 school on the Fruit Street property would still be considered the “same” project. MSBA Director of Capital Planning, Mary Pichetti states in the letter “Before the MSBA can provide any further review, the District must present an updated, approved educational plan, one that has been the subject of community outreach and dialogue. The MSBA would need to understand: how the proposed revised educational plan meets the educational objectives of the District, as approved by the School Committee; what evidence there is that this revision is a project that the community would support; and whether this Project, as revised, would still be the most cost effective choice to support the District's revised educational goals.” You can read the full letter on the district website at http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/newweb2/schoolcommittee/building_projects/Buildingprojects/MSBA_Letter_9-16-11.pdf.

Casino Bill Update

2011-09-22T14:46:00.000-04:00

On September 14, the Massachusetts House voted to authorize casino gaming in the Commonwealth. Hopkinton’s Representative Carolyn Dykema was one of 32 "no" votes against the bill. The bill authorizes three resort-style casinos spread across three regions of the state and one slot parlor bid competitively. Each region would be eligible for no more than one resort casino. Hopkinton and Milford are part of the region which includes Suffolk, Middlesex, Essex, Norfolk and Worcester Counties. Read more from Rep Carolyn Dykema

The Massachusetts Senate has formally scheduled Monday, September 26 to begin debate on the expanded gaming bill. In an effort to protect municipalities concerned about negative impacts from a bill to expand gaming in the Commonwealth, Hopkinton’s State Senator Karen Spilka filed amendments on September 22 with the Senate Clerk’s Office to strengthen safeguards and provide additional protections for surrounding communities. Read more from Senator Karen Spilka

What Can Hopkinton Residents Do?

Write to our legislators and governor Deval Patrick. Snail mail is best, but in the interest of time you should feel free to call or email them if that is easier for you.
Educate Hopkinton is looking for more volunteers to help keep our subscribers informed about this important issue. Please contact Amy Ritterbusch at amyritterbusch@educatehopkinton.com if you can help. We already have two people who have stepped up to work on this issue, but could use more.

Contact Info
Senator Karen Spilka
State House - Room 511C
Boston, MA 02133
617-722-1640
Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov
Representative Carolyn Dykema
State House - Room 473F
Boston, MA 02133
617-722-2210
Carolyn.Dykema@mahouse.gov
Gov. Deval Patrick (supports casino bill)
Massachusetts State House
Office of the Governor - Room 280
Boston, MA 02133
617.725.4005
Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz (opposes casino bill)
Room 413-C State House
Boston, MA 02133
617-722-1673
Sonia.Chang-Diaz@masenate.gov
House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (supports casino bill)
State House - Room 356
Boston, MA 02133
617-722-2500
Robert.DeLeo@mahouse.gov
Senate President Therese Murray (supports casino bill)
State House - Suite 332
Boston, MA 02133
617-722-1500
Therese.Murray@masenate.gov

Elmwood School Roof Weathers Hurricane Irene Without a Leak

2011-09-22T14:43:00.000-04:00

As reported by Al Rogers, Hopkinton Public Schools Director of Buildings & Grounds, at the September 1, 2011 School Committee Meeting, Elmwood School’s roof has had no leaks since the ice dams melted at the end of last winter. Said Rogers, “At the height of the hurricane and in the wind and rain, I was at Elmwood in that section of the building and it was dry.” When asked if it could happen again, Rogers said “That’s not to say that we couldn’t have another ice dam, but in the 12 years I’ve worked here we’ve never had a leak in that section.” Listen to the full conversation on HCAM. http://www.hcam.tv/government-meetings.
According to the 2006 Habeeb Report, the Elmwood School roof was last replaced in 1989, and the report estimated the cost to replace the roof at $731,025. The Elmwood roof replacement was classed by Habeeb as a priority level II. Many other priority I and II repairs, such as the Middle School Brown Gym wall, recommended in the report have already been completed. Read the 2006 Habeeb Capital Assessment report on Hopkins, Elmwood and the Middle School at http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us//newweb2/schoolcommittee/building_projects/Buildingprojects/CAPITAL_ASSET_FEB_06.pdf.

Hopkinton Unemployment Remains Low and Continues to Drop

2011-09-22T14:41:00.002-04:00

The State recently announced unemployment figures for August 2011. Unemployment rates for Hopkinton continue to remain low compared to statewide and national averages, dropping to just 4.6% for August 2011. Unemployment in Milford, where a casino has been proposed, is also lower than the state average at 5.7% for August 2011. Most towns surrounding Milford also have unemployment rates lower than the state average, ranging from 4.6% to 6%, with only Bellingham having a high unemployment rate at 9.5%. Bellingham is on the opposite side of Milford from the proposed casino, which would be nestled between Route 85 and Route 16 on the Hopkinton/Holliston side of Milford. Click for a Google Map of the casino site.

Unemployment Rates at a Glance

	Hopkinton	Milford	State	National
Aug 2011	4.6%	5.7%	7%	9.1%
2010	6.4%	7.9%	8.5%	9.6%
2009	6.1%	7.9%	8.2%	9.3%
2008	3.9%	5.1%	5.3%	5.8%
2007	3.2%	4.3%	4.5%	4.6%

Sources Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD)
& US Dept of Labor - Bureau of Labor Statistics

Other Notes and News Updates

2011-09-22T14:31:00.000-04:00

Meet Superintendent Landman - Community Dialogues
If you have not yet had a chance to attend one of these sessions, we highly recommend them. It is a great chance to get to know Dr. Landman and express what you like and don’t like about the Hopkinton Public Schools.

Saturday, September 24: 10:00 AM – Noon HHS Library
Wednesday, October 5: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Public Library
Tuesday, October 11: 6:30 - 8:30 PM Hopkins Library

Hopkinton News and Notes
Hopkinton announces process for replacing retiring asst. superintendent
By Michael Morton/Daily News staff, The MetroWest Daily News
http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/archive/x2137970540/Hopkinton-announces-process-for-replacing-retiring-asst-superintendent#ixzz1YhSKGlsR

Hopkinton ranks #13 in Towns with the highest rise in home prices
The Boston Globe
http://www.boston.com/realestate/gallery/median_home_price_increases?pg=14

Hopkinton committee looks to ease Wood Street traffic
By Michael Morton/Daily News staff, MetroWest Daily News
http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/archive/x227170637/Hopkinton-committee-looks-to-ease-Wood-Street-traffic#ixzz1YhT7CFFK

Schools look at costs for building fixes in Hopkinton
By Michael Morton/Daily News staff, The MetroWest Daily News
http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/archive/x227170661/Schools-look-at-costs-for-building-fixes-in-Hopkinton#ixzz1YhTJ4BBn

Casino News and Notes
Senators work for better deal in casino legislation
By Michael Morton/Daily News staff and Krista Kano/Daily News correspondent
http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1406674256/Senators-work-for-better-deal-in-casino-legislation#ixzz1YhSn29SZ

Boston Globe poll shows 53 percent of respondents support expanded gambling in Massachusetts, while 40 percent oppose.
http://articles.boston.com/2011-09-04/news/30113168_1_poll-results-senator-scott-brown-setti-warren

Ashland selectmen want to be heard on casino issue
By Laura Krantz/Daily News staff, The MetroWest Daily News
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/archive/x948304675/Ashland-selectmen-want-to-be-heard-on-casino-issue#ixzz1YhTm2Tmm

Neighbors of Suffolk Downs http://www.neighborsofsuffolkdowns.org/
"Massachusetts' elected officials have not conducted an unbiased study on the impact casinos will have on the state and host communities."

Milford Casino Alert - Please Attend Selectmen’s Meeting This Wednesday

2011-08-29T22:23:00.003-04:00

Massachusetts lawmakers are poised to pass a casino bill in the legislature very shortly. The following articles discuss the impact of Casinos in Milford and Massachusetts.

Governor Patrick, legislature agree on casino bill
By Michael Levenson and Noah Bierman, Globe Staff
Governor Deval Patrick and the leaders of the House and Senate yesterday embraced a proposal that would license three casinos and one slot parlor in Massachusetts, uniting the key political players a year after their attempts to expand gambling collapsed in acrimony. Read more...

What does this mean for Milford and surrounding towns, like Hopkinton?
If the proposed bill passes Milford and Hopkinton would be in Region A which includes Boston, Worcester and Northeastern Massachusetts. According to the Boston Globe “Developer David Nunes wants to build an $850 million casino and hotel with shops and restaurants at the intersection of interstates 90 and 495 in Milford.” Another possible location for the Region A casino is Suffolk Downs in East Boston. Read more...

What Can Hopkinton Residents Do?

Attend the Hopkinton Board of Selectmen’s meeting on Wednesday, August 31 at 6:30 p.m. in Town Hall and be prepared to voice your opinion during the public comment period.
Write to our legislators and governor Deval Patrick. Snail mail is best, but in the interest of time you should feel free to call or email them if that is easier for you.
Educate Hopkinton is looking for more volunteers to help keep our subscribers informed about this important issue. Please contact Amy Ritterbusch at amyritterbusch@educatehopkinton.com if you can help.

Contact Info

Senator Karen Spilka (Hopkinton’s Senator - Read her statement on casino bill http://karenspilka.com/2011/08/26/statement-from-senator-karen-spilka/)
State House - Room 511C
Boston, MA 02133
617-722-1640
Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov

Representative Carolyn Dykema (Hopkinton’s Representative - Read more at http://www.facebook.com/carolyndykema)
State House - Room 473F
Boston, MA 02133
617-722-2210
Carolyn.Dykema@mahouse.gov

Gov. Deval Patrick (supports casino bill)
Massachusetts State House
Office of the Governor - Room 280
Boston, MA 02133
617.725.4005
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=gov3utilities&sid=Agov3&U=Agov3_contact_us

Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz (opposes casino bill)
Room 413-C State House
Boston, MA 02133
617-722-1673
Sonia.Chang-Diaz@masenate.gov

House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (supports casino bill)
State House - Room 356
Boston, MA 02133
617-722-2500
Robert.DeLeo@mahouse.gov

Senate President Therese Murray (supports casino bill)
State House - Suite 332
Boston, MA 02133
617-722-1500
Therese.Murray@masenate.gov

Please see the following links and news articles for more information:

Committee casino bill includes provisions for neighbors By Michael Morton/Daily News staff, The MetroWest Daily News http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/news/x865770691/Committee-casino-bill-includes-provisions-for-neighbors
Towns near Milford wary of casino plan By Michael Morton/Daily News staff, The MetroWest Daily News http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/archive/x1752170068/Towns-near-Milford-wary-of-casino-plan#ixzz1WLQrpHzf
Area selectmen discuss potential casino's ripple effect By Staff reports, The MetroWest Daily News http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/news/x767794962/Area-selectmen-discuss-potential-casinos-ripple-effect
Casino Quick Facts from a group OPPOSING casinos in Massachusetts http://uss-mass.org/quickfacts.html
Casino Fast Facts from a group SUPPORTING casinos in Massachusetts http://jobsandgrowthtoday.org/fast-facts/
Eight arguments AGAINST casinos from CriticalMass http://criticalmassachusetts.blogspot.com/2011/08/ma-casinos-eight-arguments-against-to.html
Citizens Group in Palmer SUPPORTS casinos http://www.citizensforpalmer.com/

Conversations with Superintendent Landman

2011-08-29T22:14:00.002-04:00

Thank you so much to our many Educate Hopkinton subscribers who donated refreshments and supplies for the four Conversations with our new Superintendent Jonathan Landman this summer! If you were not able to attend, please save the date for this upcoming forum hosted by the School Committee:

Parent Forum
Monday, September 12 at 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Hopkinton High School Library

Hosted by, and with refreshments provided by the Hopkinton School Committee.

Other Summer Notes and News Updates

2011-08-29T22:13:00.000-04:00

Meeting puts focus on spending for Hopkinton Center School By Michael Morton/Daily News staff, The MetroWest Daily News http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/archive/x633534694/Meeting-puts-focus-on-spending-for-Hopkinton-Center-School#ixzz1WTO3tfDK
Hopkinton considers Center School options By Michael Morton/Daily News staff, MetroWest Daily News http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/archive/x1510865667/Hopkinton-considers-Center-School-options#ixzz1WTMl373Z
Board of Selectmen Hold All Hands Goal Planning Session by Michelle Murdock, HCAM News Director http://hcam.tv/videos/bos-hold-all-hands-goal-planning-session
Medway, Holliston, Hopkinton, Ashland approved for combined veterans service district By Whitney Clearman/Daily News staff, The MetroWest Daily News http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/archive/x633534888/Medway-Holliston-Hopkinton-Ashland-approved-for-combined-veterans-service-district#ixzz1WTNIeSr2
5 Things You Missed at the Selectmen's Meeting By Faith Mayer, HopkintonPatch http://hopkinton.patch.com/articles/5-things-you-missed-at-the-selectmens-meeting-6
Hopkinton Planning Board is seeking residents interested in serving on the Zoning Advisory Committee http://www.hopkinton.org/PressRelease08-03-11.htm
Hopkinton to post park and recreation activities online The MetroWest Daily News http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/archive/x868579541/Hopkinton-to-post-park-and-recreation-activities-online#ixzz1WTOJ3vwK

Milford Casino News - Volunteers Needed

2011-08-07T21:49:00.000-04:00

Educate Hopkinton would like to watch this issue closely in order to inform our subscribers about a possible Milford casino in the works. If you are interested in helping with this issue in the fall, please contact Amy Ritterbusch at webmaster@educatehopkinton.com. See the following news articles for more information.

Casino developer turns to ballot question - A Colorado developer hoping to build a casino in Milford has taken the preliminary steps to put a question on the November 2012 ballot asking voters to approve casino gambling in Massachusetts. Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1510864787/Casino-developer-turns-to-ballot-question#ixzz1UDV68A90
Mass. lawmakers put off casino debate until Sept. http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/07/13/mass_lawmakers_put_off_casino_debate_until_sept/?rss_id=Boston.com+--+Local+news
Casino gambling back on track in Massachusetts http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2011/07/31/casino-gaming-massachusetts.aspx

Conversations with Superintendent Landman

2011-08-07T21:46:00.002-04:00

Thank you so much to our many Educate Hopkinton subscribers who donated refreshments and supplies for the first three Conversations with our new Superintendent Jonathan Landman! Summaries are available on the local news media:
July 7 - HopkintonPatch: New Superintendent Faces Daunting Task - Making a bad situation better is one thing but maintaining or improving a great system is another.
http://hopkinton.patch.com/articles/new-superintendent-faces-daunting-task
July 20 - Hopkinton Crier: New school boss meets with parents. http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/archive/x633528281/New-school-boss-meets-with-parents-in-Hopkinton#ixzz1Skvz7yK1
August 2 - HCAM News: Another Chance for Conversation with Superintendent Landman
http://www.hcam.tv/news/another-chance-conversation-superintendent-landman

Save the Date for the final Summer Conversation with Dr. Landman!
Thursday, August 25 at 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Hopkins School Library
Bring the kids! Whitehall Farm Studios will provide an art activity for children during the meeting. Please note that we will not be providing childcare, parents are still responsible for their children. Educate Hopkinton will again be providing refreshments, we have plenty of beverages and paper goods leftover from the first few events, but could still use donations of lunchtime foods. A Punchbowl invitation will follow shortly. We highly recommend you attend if you have not been able to attend any of the other conversations.

Hopkinton Library Construction Grant Approved, But Waitlisted

2011-08-07T21:43:00.002-04:00

On July 14, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) voted to award General Construction Provisional Grants totaling approximately $28 million. The MBLC placed the applicants in three categories: (1) those approved to be funded now; (2) those approved to be funded later, as funds became available through the State’s five year capital plan; and (3) those that were asked to re-submit their applications. The good news is that the Hopkinton Library Building Project was approved, with a grant award of $4,533,580. Hopkinton’s placement in the second group will allow the private fundraising effort to mature and the Town’s capital budget process to accommodate the library project in orderly fashion. Read more: http://www.hopkintonlibrary.org/hopkinton/expansionhome.asp

Volunteer Openings on Hopkinton Town Committees

2011-08-07T21:42:00.001-04:00

Many of the daily activities of Hopkinton town government are conducted by full time paid professionals. However, unpaid volunteers are vital to staff town committees and commissions that help establish policies and priorities, administer by-laws, and conduct various activities. For questions about these positions, please email Selectmen@hopkinton.org. Read more: http://www.hopkinton.org/volunteers.htm

Current Vacancies:
Appropriation Committee - Four Members
Cable Advisory Committee - One Associate Member
Capital Improvement Committee - One Member
Downtown Revitalization Committee - Three At Large Members
Historical Commission - One At Large Member
Historical District Commission - One Member (Greater Boston Real Estate Board)
Hopkinton Cultural Council - One Member (maximum of 26 members, presently 6 members)
Hopkinton Affordable Housing Trust Board - Four Members
Hopkinton Housing Authority - One with a term to the 2012 Annual Town Election
Hopkinton Tax Relief Committee - One At Large Member
Housing Committee - Three Members
Permanent Building Committee - One Member
Youth Commission - Two At Large Members

Other Summer Notes and News Updates

2011-08-07T21:36:00.001-04:00

Dr. Christopher Kennedy has been hired as Center School’s new principal. He began work at the end of July and this past week he held two playground Meet & Greets for Center School families. Read more: http://hopkinton.patch.com/articles/dr-chris-kennedy-named-center-school-principal
Union Contracts for Police, Fire, Public Works and Dispatchers Ratified. Read more: http://www.hcam.tv/news/union-contracts-police-fire-public-works-and-dispatchers-ratified
Hopkinton, Newton to get electric vehicle charging stations Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/archive/x1009568081/Hopkinton-Newton-to-get-electric-vehicle-charging-stations#ixzz1TKCxj1N7
Hopkinton seeks new Assistant Town Clerk and new Finance Director http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/news/x1256647885/Hopkinton-seeks-applicants-for-two-Town-Hall-posts#axzz1TKDBpoGp
Hopkinton Selectmen reappoint 2 Historic District Comm. members, but not without more debate. Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1850043541/Two-members-tapped-for-Hopkinton-historic-commission#ixzz1S33CedUP
There is a vacancy on the Design Review Board for a one year term expiring in July 2012. The position is that of an Alternate. Read more: http://www.hopkinton.org/PressRelease07-20-11.htm
Holliston and Hopkinton Receive Recreational Trails Grants http://karenspilka.com/2011/07/27/holliston-and-hopkinton-receive-recreational-trails-grants/
Milford trail work almost done. Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/features/x1510862885/Milford-trail-work-almost-done
Local school buses selected for state pollution control effort: A Walpole company that buses students in Ashland, Hopkinton... Read more: http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/news/x643158687/Local-buses-selected-for-state-pollution-control-effort?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

MSBA Response to Hopkinton Regarding the Failed School Vote

2011-07-15T09:51:00.002-04:00

In a letter dated June 16, the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) finally responded to Hopkinton regarding whether or not Hopkinton could be kept in the MSBA capital pipeline after the failed vote for a new school in March. You can read the full text of the letter here: http://www.educatehopkinton.com/pdf/MSBA-CenterElementaryProject-6-16-11.pdf. To summarize the town is given two options depending on the results of its community outreach.

Option A: A Different Project than the one proposed and reviewed by the MSBA.

Submit a new Statement of Interest (like we did originally in 2007).
Await a second invitation from the MSBA to begin a feasibility study.
Start the process anew with selection of project manager and designer as well as a new feasibility study.
The second feasibility study and schematic design would NOT be partially reimbursed by the MSBA as the first feasibility was (approx. 40%), the second time around this portion of the project would be funded FULLY by Hopkinton.

Option B: The Same Project as previously proposed and reviewed by the MSBA.

Demonstrate local support and obtain voter approval by March 28, 2012.

What’s Next?
The School Committee just formed a new sub-group, tentatively called “Elementary School Building Problem Identification Committee.” The School Committee members appointed to this sub-group are Nancy Burdick, Troy Mick and Scott Aghababian. Be on the lookout for communications from this sub-group to Hopkinton residents in the coming months as they digest the exit poll data, the MSBA response, the School Committee Communications survey and prepare for a new school year and budget season. We hope there will be many opportunities for the community to give input as they begin working on developing a solution for Center School that the majority of voters will support. As always feel free to contact them (or any other School Committee member) with any questions or comments you may have about the MSBA letter (or any other School Committee matter):
Nancy Burdick nancyb88@hotmail.com
Troy Mick troymick@verizon.net
Scott Aghababian saghababian@comcast.net

REMINDER: Don’t forget to fill out the School Committee Communications Survey by Friday, July 22! It only takes about 5-10 minutes to complete.
http://www.brgrs.com/2011sccommunications

Exit Poll Link: The data from the March 28 exit poll conducted by the “Ballot Question Committee for Elementary School Options” is available in pdf format on HopkintonPatch: http://hopkinton.patch.com/articles/detailed-results-of-exit-poll-on-school-vote-released

Conversations with Superintendent Landman

2011-07-15T09:45:00.007-04:00

Thank you so much to everyone who donated refreshments and supplies for the first Conversation with our new Superintendent Jonathan Landman! About 11 people attended the event, you can read a summary on HopkintonPatch:
   New Superintendent Faces Daunting Task
   Making a bad situation better is one thing but maintaining or improving a great system is another.
   http://hopkinton.patch.com/articles/new-superintendent-faces-daunting-task

Save the Dates for these Upcoming Conversations with Dr. Landman!
Wed., July 20 at 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Hopkins School Library
Bring the kids! Whitehall Farm Studios will provide an art activity for children during the meeting. Please note that we will not be providing childcare, parents are still responsible for their children. Educate Hopkinton will again be providing refreshments. A Punchbowl invitation will follow shortly. We will also be coordinating food for the events on August 2 and August 25, so be on the lookout for future invites if you cannot attend on the 20th.

Meet the Center School Principal Candidate Finalists

2011-07-15T09:44:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, July 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Center School Cafeteria
As you probably know, Center School Principal Jennifer Parson has resigned to accept a principal position at a K-5 school in Northborough. Two finalists for the position of Center Elementary School Principal have been selected:

• Ms. Yeu Kue, current Principal of John F. Kennedy Elementary School, Randolph MA

• Dr. Christopher Kennedy, recent Principal of Nayatt Elementary School, Barrington RI

An integral part of the process involves parent and community input. The Superintendent, Dr. Jonathan Landman, invites interested parents and community members to a public forum to meet the finalists, and ask any questions they may have. Each finalist will be available for approximately 20-30 minutes. We strongly urge parents and community members to participate.

$4.5 million Hopkinton Library Grant Approved, But Wait-Listed

2011-07-15T09:30:00.014-04:00

Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Library Grant
July 14, 2011 Press Release from Hopkinton Town Hall

This morning the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) voted to award General Construction Provisional Grants totaling approximately $28 million. The MBLC placed the applicants in three categories: (1) those approved to be funded now; (2) those approved to be funded later, as funds became available through the State’s five year capital plan; and (3) those that were asked to re-submit their applications. The good news is that the Hopkinton Library Building Project was approved, with a grant award of $4,533,580. Hopkinton’s placement in the second group will allow the private fundraising effort to mature and the Town’s capital budget process to accommodate the library project in orderly
fashion.

On behalf of the Town, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the former and current Hopkinton Board of Library Trustees, Permanent Building Committee, Hopkinton Public Library Director Rownak Hussain, Town Engineer/Facilities Coordinator David Daltorio, Project Manager Brian Main, and Stewart Roberts Architects for their diligence and assistance with the preparation of this grant application.

Norman Khumalo
Town Manager

Other Hopkinton Summer Notes and News Updates

2011-07-15T09:13:00.003-04:00

Marijane Hackett from Bellingham is Hopkinton’s New Director of Student Services. This position is responsible for all student services, including Special Education. Read more...
Proposal by Demons Youth Hockey for a Hopkinton Ice Arena to be built on Legacy Farms (former Weston Nurseries) land specifically designated for athletic use http://www.hopkinton.org/pdf/HockeyIceArena.pdf
Price Chopper Supermarket coming to Hopkinton Square project (Corner of South Street and West Main Street) http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/news/x2028120368/Price-Chopper-coming-to-Hopkinton-Square-project#axzz1RxD8DGW4
Downtown Hopkinton improvements could cost $8 million - A project to upgrade downtown could see the town take land from private owners and ask voters whether they will pay to bury utility lines - at a cost of up to $8 million. http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/news/x1498054731/Downtown-Hopkinton-improvements-could-cost-8-million#axzz1RxD8DGW4
Hopkinton, Sudbury, Holliston gets vans from state for disabled riders -In Hopkinton this means a spring Town Meeting authorization to spend $58,000 on a replacement van is no longer needed. http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/archive/x1498054419/Hopkinton-Sudbury-Holliston-gets-vans-from-state-for-disabled-riders#ixzz1S6SaF9E9
Heidi Kriger is no longer the Finance Director for the Town of Hopkinton effective Thursday, June 30, 2011. Read more http://www.hopkinton.org/PressRelease07-01-11.htm. At their Tuesday, July 12 meeting, the Selectmen voted unanimously to lift the hiring freeze to enable Town Manager Norman Khumalo to begin his search to replace Kriger. Read more http://www.hcam.tv/news/selectmen-lift-hiring-freeze-finance-director-position-posted

Educate Hopkinton Formalizes its Structure and Applies for 501(c)(4) Status

2011-06-23T18:07:00.001-04:00

Educate Hopkinton (EH) has been a civic group in Hopkinton since 2007, organized by an informal Steering Committee, operating a website and mass email list at minimal cost. When the group began it had only 80 subscribers on its email list, but the number has grown over the years and EH now has over 440 subscribers. Email subscriptions are free and available to all Hopkinton residents and business owners regardless of their political views.

After the failure of the vote for the proposed new school and as the FY12 budget season draws to a close, members of the EH steering committee decided it was time to formalize the group’s structure before the FY13 budget season begins in the fall. “This was something we talked about doing last summer, but many of us were busy with other organizations in town and didn’t find the time to follow through with the paperwork,” said Amy Ritterbusch, Educate Hopkinton President.

Members of the EH Steering Committee have varied over the last four years, but their newly formed Board of Directors includes: Amy Ritterbusch (President), Tara Sanda (Treasurer), Erin Graziano (Clerk), Kristy Willadsen (Clerk), Cindy Bernardo, Jon Graziano and Laura Barry. According to Ritterbusch, “We have modeled our structure loosely based on the Citizens for Needham Schools organization, and hope to complete work on our by-laws before school starts in the fall.”

The Mission Statement for EH is “Educate Hopkinton's goal is to keep people up-to-date on the budget process and the Town's financial needs.” When asked what the residents needed to be most informed about this year, Kristy Willadsen responded “The town needs to weigh-in and come together on a long-term solution to the Center School problem. There especially needs to be more education about longer grade spans.” According to former EH Steering Committee member Esther Driscoll “Before the voters can decide if Center School is to be decommissioned as a school, they need a better understanding of what will be done with the building.” Laura Barry brought up the library “We will find out Hopkinton's status on a state grant to pay for about half the cost of the renovation and expansion in July. Besides state funding, the library will be paid for by a combination of private donations via a capital campaign and a debt exclusion put to voters first at a town meeting then at the ballot.” Tara Sanda said “Class size is always a concern in every budget season, as well as Hopkinton’s lack of a full day Kindergarten program for all families.” Cindy Bernardo expressed “We are very eager to get to know our new Superintendent, Jonathan Landman, and the EH Board will be happy to help supply food for the Conversations with the Superintendent this summer.”

When asked why EH decided to apply for 501(c)(4) status, Ritterbusch explained “We have been limited in what we can do in previous years due to lack of funds and lack of formal board member roles. We have relied heavily on email, social media and the internet, but this year we would like to host coffees and information sessions, as well as publish brochures and mailers to help keep residents informed. I hope to continue to grow our email list and create a group structure that will allow EH to continue informing Hopkinton residents for many years to come. I am excited by the challenge.”

For more information, please contact:

Amy Ritterbusch, 508-625-1264, amyritterbusch@verizon.net

Herr, Burdick and Aghababian Win, Question 1 Voted Down and more Unofficial Results from Town Election

2011-05-16T21:35:00.001-04:00

Hopkinton Town Election May 16, 2011 - Unofficial Results

1739 Voters Participated (Approximately 18% of registered voters)

SELECTMEN - Contested Race!
For three years, Vote for ONE
48 BLANK
548 FRANCIS J. D'URSO, JR. (Democratic Caucus), 173 Saddle Hill Road, http://www.frankdurso4selectman.org/, fdurso@comcast.net, H 508.435.1002, M 617.642.117
1139 BRIAN J. HERR (Republican Caucus), 31 Elizabeth Road, brian@brianherr.com

BOARD OF ASSESSORS
For three years, Vote for ONE
424 BLANK
1315 JOHN L. PALMER (Candidate for Re-election), 87 Main Street

BOARD OF HEALTH
For three years, Vote for ONE
489 BLANK
1248 MARK H. GATES (Candidate for Re-election, Republican Caucus), 22 West Main Street

BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
The two candidates with the greatest number of votes will serve 3 years, the two candidates with the second greatest number of votes will serve 2 years, the candidate with the third greatest number of votes will serve 1 year. Vote for FIVE
4424 BLANK
1013 LEDA ARAKELIAN (Republican Caucus), 228 Hayden Rowe
1108 MARIE ELDRIDGE, 10 Alexander Road
1013 JUNE HARRIS (Republican Caucus), 185 Saddle Hill Road
937 MICHAEL J. MCNAMARA, 7 Baker Lane
136 JOHN BELGER (Declared Write-In Candidate), 14 Colella Farm Road
25 STAN PULNIK (Declared Write-In Candidate), 11 Downey Street
64 SCATTERED
0 BOB FOSTER

CEMETERY COMMISSIONER
For three years, Vote for ONE
498 BLANK
1204 CLAIRE B. WRIGHT (Candidate for Re-election, Republican Caucus), 28 Hayden Rowe

COMMISSIONER OF TRUST FUND
For three years, Vote for ONE
589 BLANK
1152 MARY ARNAUT, 51 Teresa Road

HOUSING AUTHORITY
For five years, Vote for ONE
544 BLANK
1196 DEBORAH K. KOLLMEYER (Republican Caucus), 4 Meadowland Drive

COMMISSIONER OF PARKS AND RECREATION
For three years, Vote for TWO
1188 BLANKS
1197 KENNETH J. DRISCOLL (Candidate for Re-election, Republican Caucus), 20 Elizabeth Road
1092 BRIAN E. EBERLIN (Republican Caucus), 58 Hayward Street

MEMBER OF PLANNING BOARDFor five years, Vote for TWO
1220 BLANK
1105 CLAIRE B. WRIGHT (Candidate for Re-election, Republican Caucus), 28 Hayden Rowe
1136 BRIAN J. KARP (Republican Caucus), 23 Nicholas Road

MEMBER OF PLANNING BOARD
For unexpired term - 2013, Vote for ONE
584 BLANK
1151 CHRISTIAN P. OLLENBORGER (Republican Caucus), 24 Duffield Road

SCHOOL COMMITTEE - Contested Race!
For three years, Vote for TWO
544 BLANK
1125 NANCY ALVAREZ BURDICK (Candidate for Re-election, Republican Caucus), 58 Greenwood Road, http://www.nancyburdick.com/, nancy@nancyburdick.com, H508.435.0926
748 RICHARD P. DEMONT (Candidate for Re-election, Democratic Caucus), 77 North Mill Street, rdemont@demontlaw.com, H508.893.9988
1060 SCOTT AGHABABIAN (Republican Caucus), 12 Breakneck Hill Road, saghababian@comcast.net, H508.544.1699

QUESTION #1
Shall this town approve the charter amendments proposed by the town meeting summarized below? The position of Town Clerk would change from an elected office to a position appointed by the Town Manager. In addition, the Town Clerk would no longer make appointments to two committees: the Appropriation Committee and the Charter Review Committee. The amendments would take effect on July 1, 2011.
67 BLANK
635 YES
1042 NO

Vote Tomorrow - List of Candidates and Questions with Links for More Info

2011-05-15T12:56:00.008-04:00

Don't forget to vote tomorrow, Monday, May 16. Polls are open 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM in the Middle School Gym, 88 Hayden Rowe St (enter by Grove Street). There are two contested races: Board of Selectmen and School Committee. There is also an open seat for Library Trustee available to a Write-In Candidate. In addition there is one ballot question. View a full pdf of the ballot on the Town of Hopkinton Website at: http://www.hopkinton.org/clerk/pdf/townmeeting/2011Ballot.pdf

Offices and Questions on the Ballot May 16, 2011:

SELECTMEN - Contested Race!
For three years, Vote for ONE
FRANCIS J. D'URSO, JR. (Democratic Caucus), 173 Saddle Hill Road, http://www.frankdurso4selectman.org/, fdurso@comcast.net, H 508.435.1002, M 617.642.117, Frank's Candidate Statement on HCAM
BRIAN J. HERR (Republican Caucus), 31 Elizabeth Road, brian@brianherr.com, Brian's Candidate Statement on HCAM

Read more about the Selectmen's Race:
From HCAM - Excerpts from Selectman Candidate Focus
From the Crier - Herr, D'Urso raise differences in race for Hopkinton selectman seat
From Educate Hopkinton - A Blog Debate - Eight Questions and Responses from the Board of Selectmen Candidates

BOARD OF ASSESSORS
For three years, Vote for ONE
JOHN L. PALMER (Candidate for Re-election), 87 Main Street

BOARD OF HEALTH
For three years, Vote for ONE
MARK H. GATES (Candidate for Re-election, Republican Caucus), 22 West Main Street, Press Release about Mark from the HRTC

BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES - 5th Position Available for a Write-In Candidate
The two candidates with the greatest number of votes will serve 3 years, the two candidates with the second greatest number of votes will serve 2 years, the candidate with the third greatest number of votes will serve 1 year. Vote for FIVE
LEDA ARAKELIAN (Republican Caucus), 228 Hayden Rowe, Press Release about Leda from the HRTC
MARIE ELDRIDGE, 10 Alexander Road
JUNE HARRIS (Republican Caucus), 185 Saddle Hill Road, Press Release about June from the HRTC
MICHAEL J. MCNAMARA, 7 Baker Lane
JOHN BELGER (Declared Write-In Candidate), 14 Colella Farm Road, John's Candidate Statement
STAN PULNIK (Declared Write-In Candidate), 11 Downey Street
If you choose to write in a candidate, you need to write their full name and street address.

CEMETERY COMMISSIONER
For three years, Vote for ONE
CLAIRE B. WRIGHT (Candidate for Re-election, Republican Caucus), 28 Hayden Rowe, Press Release about Claire from the HRTC

COMMISSIONER OF TRUST FUND
For three years, Vote for ONE
MARY ARNAUT, 51 Teresa Road, Press Release About Mary from the HDTC

HOUSING AUTHORITY
For five years, Vote for ONE
DEBORAH K. KOLLMEYER (Republican Caucus), 4 Meadowland Drive, Press Release about Deborah from the HRTC

COMMISSIONER OF PARKS AND RECREATION
For three years, Vote for TWO
KENNETH J. DRISCOLL (Candidate for Re-election, Republican Caucus), 20 Elizabeth Road, Candidate Statement on HCAM, Press Release about Ken from the HRTC
BRIAN E. EBERLIN (Republican Caucus), 58 Hayward Street, Candidate Statement on HCAM, Press Release about Brian from the HRTC

MEMBER OF PLANNING BOARD
For five years, Vote for TWO
CLAIRE B. WRIGHT (Candidate for Re-election, Republican Caucus), 28 Hayden Rowe, Press Release about Claire from the HRTC

BRIAN J. KARP (Republican Caucus), 23 Nicholas Road, Candidate Statement on HCAM, Press Release about Brian from the HRTC

MEMBER OF PLANNING BOARD
For unexpired term - 2013, Vote for ONE
CHRISTIAN P. OLLENBORGER (Republican Caucus), 24 Duffield Road, Candidate Statement on HCAM, Press Release about Christian from the HRTC

SCHOOL COMMITTEE - Contested Race!
For three years, Vote for TWO
NANCY ALVAREZ BURDICK (Candidate for Re-election, Republican Caucus), 58 Greenwood Road, http://www.nancyburdick.com/, nancy@nancyburdick.com, H508.435.0926, Nancy's Candidate Statement on HCAM
RICHARD P. DEMONT (Candidate for Re-election, Democratic Caucus), 77 North Mill Street, rdemont@demontlaw.com, H508.893.9988, Richard's Candidate Statement on HCAM
SCOTT AGHABABIAN (Republican Caucus), 12 Breakneck Hill Road, saghababian@comcast.net, H508.544.1699, Scott's Candidate Statement on HCAM

Read more about the School Committee Race:
From HCAM - Excerpts from the School Committee Candidate Focus
From the Crier - Three vie for two school posts in Hopkinton
From Educate Hopkinton - School Committee Candidates Blog Debate - Eight Questions and Responses

QUESTION #1
Shall this town approve the charter amendments proposed by the town meeting summarized below? The position of Town Clerk would change from an elected office to a position appointed by the Town Manager. In addition, the Town Clerk would no longer make appointments to two committees: the Appropriation Committee and the Charter Review Committee. The amendments would take effect on July 1, 2011.
YES
NO
[NOTE: This was Article 53 at the May 2010 Town Meeting "Amend Town Charter to Provide for an Appointed Town Clerk" where it PASSED by a clear majority.]

School Committee Candidates Blog Debate - Eight Questions and Responses

2011-05-14T18:20:00.007-04:00

Similar to what we did with Selectmen candidates last week, Educate Hopkinton posed the following eight questions to our School Commiteee Candidates, including why are you running (question #1), skills and experience (#2), ideas for improvements (#3), your experience on town committees (#4), what are your budget priorities (#5), the Center School challenge (#6), longer grade spans (#7) and thoughts on improving communication with other committees (#8). We thank them for their responses and for their commitment to Hopkinton. In addition we recommend voters watch the HCAM News Candidate Focus on the HCAM.tv website.

School Committee Candidates - For three years - Vote for TWO
NANCY ALVAREZ BURDICK (Candidate for Re-election, Republican Caucus), 58 Greenwood Road, http://www.nancyburdick.com/, nancy@nancyburdick.com, H508.435.0926
RICHARD P. DEMONT (Candidate for Re-election, Democratic Caucus), 77 North Mill Street, rdemont@demontlaw.com, H508.893.9988
SCOTT AGHABABIAN (Republican Caucus), 12 Breakneck Hill Road, saghababian@comcast.net, H508.544.1699

QUESTION 1: Why are you running for School Committee?

Nancy Burdick:
I have learned a great deal throughout my 6 years on the committee. I have been an integral part of the process − the successes and the consensus-building within and among committees and boards. I am proud of my role in keeping our schools strong during a period of great financial challenges. I want to be elected to the School Committee so that I can work to make the leadership of the schools more inclusive. By courting and using input from across the community we will be best positioned to make decisions that benefit the students with the support of the community as opposed to at the expense of the community. There can be a balance and we must work to achieve that.

Richard de Mont:
The Hopkinton School District is in a period of transition and there is much to be done to keep Hopkinton on track as one of the best districts in the state. We have a new Superintendent coming on board and School Committee negotiations with the HTA to complete, on whose Subcommittee I serve on. We also are just beginning to start the process to reach town wide consensus on the Center School project, as well as looking at other capital projects, particularly at Elmwood. I am actively involved in these various projects and would like to see them through to completion. Each year, the district gets its own report card in the form of our graduating Seniors and each year these students display extraordinary achievement in academics, the arts, sports and public service. 46% of our Seniors have been admitted to Barron’s Highest Rated Colleges, up from 28% in 2000. We have come along way and we have a long way to go, but to the extent my service on the Committee has facilitated a culture of learning and achievement in the schools, I couldn’t be more proud.

Scott Aghababian:
I decided to run for the School Committee this year as I watched the issue of the new Fruit Street school unfold. I believe education is one of the most important functions of the town along with public safety, however, I was not comfortable with the direction we were going through the Fruit St. school proposal. First, I am against the districting of our schools. The town is too small and too tightly knit for multiple school districts. Second, I believe the project was too expensive in the current economy, despite the state grant. Third, I believe the process did not include enough input from the people of the town. The majority votes at the Special Town Meeting and Special Town Election bore these positions out. It became clear then that a new voice was needed on the School Committee.

QUESTION 2: What skills/experiences do you have that you feel makes you qualified to serve on Hopkinton’s School Committee?

Nancy Burdick:
Since moving to Massachusetts 9-years ago, I have been active supporting the schools. I have served as a classroom volunteer, an HPTA President, HPTA Hospitality Co-Chair and Grant Writer and as an elected School Committee member. My academic background is in the field of educational psychology which is why I look to the schools to volunteer. At the University of Pennsylvania, I completed a Master's of Science in Education, achieved a Certificate in School Psychology and completed seven years of doctoral study (all but dissertation) concentrating in parent involvement in the education of students. I worked for 4 years as a school psychologist in the Abington Pennsylvania public schools and worked as a therapist with children, families and schools at the Children's Seashore House/Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. I currently hold a Massachusetts School Psychologist Educator's license for all levels. My relevant volunteer roles coupled with my professional experience uniquely position me to be both an advocate for the students in our schools and an experienced manager and leader for the school department.

Richard de Mont:
I am an attorney by profession and much of what we do on the School Committee is controlled by state or federal law. In developing a policy or interpreting the application of a law or regulation, my legal training is an asset in interpreting the relevant law and applying it to the facts. I have also been involved in public service since moving to Hopkinton, having served on the Board of Health for three plus terms and pride myself in working collegially with a diverse group to achieve group goals, while bringing an independent perspective and voice to process. On occasion, taking an unpopular stance or minority position simply because it is the right thing to do.

Scott Aghababian:
I am a parent whose children attend Hopkinton schools and a taxpayer who supports said schools.

QUESTION 3: Most prospective School Committee members have several areas in which they are particularly interested and for which they have some ideas for improvement. What are yours?

Nancy Burdick:
Improve Communication with the Community - The leadership of the schools should to be more inclusive. More effective and efficient communication needs to take place.
Balance the needs of the students with the needs of the community - Advocating for the appropriate financial resources to support the needs of all students is important. Demonstrating to the community how that support for the schools directly relates to student success will be paramount to restoring the School Committee's credibility which will in turn lead to greater support for committee initiatives and decisions.
Demonstrate a cost effective budget - The Committee must do everything it can to ensure that the community is getting the most cost-effective quality services for the investment. The Committee should continue to plan for and execute budgets responsibly and realistically, considering not only the current year but the long term as well.

Richard de Mont:
Two important areas, which are of particular interest to me and where my legal and analytical skills add value to the Committee are serving as liaison to SPEAC, the parent support group for special education, and also the labor negotiation subcommittee presently working on a new contract with the HTA. Having a child who had special needs and having had a negative initial experience with the District’s Special Education department, I researched the applicable law and was able to successfully advocate for my child. However, I was angry that it took the skills of an attorney to establish our rights under the law and decided then and there, that I would work to see that all families would receive the most appropriate and effective services without needing to retain a lawyer. I am happy to say that the District has come a long way in this area and is now a very highly regarded program and constantly seeking to improve the delivery of services at the most economical cost. This turnaround would not have been possible unless we had the help and collaboration of SPEAC and the Special Education department. It more common that special education advocacy groups and special education administrators be at loggerheads, but in a typically unique Hopkinton way, these two groups work continue to work closely toward the common goal of delivering the most appropriate services to our children at the most economical manner.
I have also enjoyed my service on the HTA labor negotiation subcommittee, though it is a very challenging job. I am humbled by the enormous responsibility of representing the taxpayers of Hopkinton in negotiating a fair contract with our most valuable asset, our teachers. In order to be successful in such a task, one must fully understand and respect the position of the other side and must avoid letting ones personal agenda out of the process. To this end, my legal skills and training are have served me well in analyzing data and forming fair and equitable positions based on the facts. Our mutual interests are dependant on finding the balance of compensating the teachers in a fair and equitable manner and which reflect the realities of current economic conditions. I am happy to report that current negotiations continue in a positive climate and I fully expect an agreement in the near future.

Scott Aghababian:
Blank - Please see Scott's responses to the other questions, which he feels address question 3.

QUESTION 4: Describe one activity, committee or subcommittee you’ve been involved with within the school or town. What it meant to you? How it shaped town/school? Impact on schools/town?

Nancy Burdick:
Throughout my two terms with the School Committee, I have most enjoyed working as an appointed member of the American with Disabilities (ADA) Compliance Committee. The charge of that committee is to advocate and plan for how Hopkinton will make its municipal buildings and spaces accessible to all citizens. We have successfully put forward a project and spending plan for accessibility compliance that has been successfully supported by the annual Town Meeting for the past 5 years. Collaborating with the schools and other town and state departments has been educational and reinforcing. Our most recent success was bringing the needed assistive listening technology devices to the Middle School for students to use during school but also for the members of Town Meeting to benefit from. Helping people participate most fully in any process is what I have been able to do as a member of that committee.

Richard de Mont:
As stated in the previous question, being on the School Committee’s labor subcommittee and dealing with the HTA is one of the most important and rewarding tasks as I have on the Committee. In order to be successful in such a task, one must fully understand and respect the position of the other side and must avoid letting ones personal agenda out of the process. To this end, my legal skills and training are have served me well in analyzing data and forming fair and equitable positions based on the facts. Another consideration in this process is in the long term, as well as the immediate impacts to the town. To this end, the School Committee and the HTA have and will continue to look at different ways we can deliver excellent educational services at lower costs. For example, we are in the forefront of many innovative programs which leverage the explosion in technology to develop online curriculum, which enable students to access a wide variety of courses previously unavailable to them.

Scott Aghababian:
I've spent the last 14 years educating my three children. I care deeply about their education and that of the other children in Hopkinton. I strongly and publicly disagreed with the School Committee with regard to the districting and expense associated with the proposed new school, and therefore felt it my civic duty to run and represent this viewpoint, which was shared by the majority of Hopkinton voters in March. The other committee I served on was the Hopkinton Planning Board when I was elected in 2003.

QUESTION 5: As a School Committee member, you will have to make some budgetary decisions. How do you define your priorities?

Nancy Burdick:
My budget priorities are focused on improving the classroom experience for all students. Providing students with access to content is the primary goal. That, in my opinion, starts with quality teachers - the most experienced and resourceful content deliverers we have. Technology and continued professional development are tools that must be provided to our teachers so that they can continue to stay confident and enthusiastic about teaching our children how to complete tasks and solve problems. Continuing to provide this type of excellent education for our children is my goal as a School Committee member. The guidebook for how we pursue this goal is the School Committee’s Strategic Plan. It is time to review and update that Plan to make sure that the initiatives that are pursued are balanced across the schools and grades preK-12. Soliciting input throughout the transparent drafting of the revision regarding the rational, costs and expected benefits of strategic educational initiatives will increase understanding of and support for the Plan.

Richard de Mont:
When making budgetary decisions, you must start with the premise that you are dealing with a limited amount of money and for whatever budget request you approve, another deserving request must be denied. No one ever leaves the budget process completely satisfied, but we need to balance priorities and also evaluate both short and long term effects of any budget decisions we make. I believe that during my term, we have delivered relatively flat budgets which have maintained services without overburdening the taxpayer. In fact, Hopkinton’s per student cost per year is approximately $1,500.00 lower than the state average, while being amongst the highest performing districts in the state. But we must always be looking for ways to do things more efficiently.
My personal priorities in approaching the budget are, First, to preserve those programs we have in place, which are consistent with 21st Century learning and our strategic plan. This means maintaining class size and breadth and scope of curriculum. Next would be, when possible, is to invest in programs that will enhance the educational experience of our children such as adding a critical language such Mandarin Chinese. In this case, through the initiative of the administration, Hopkinton is pleased that we have received a grant for a second year, covering the expenses of a visiting Chinese teacher. When we do absorb the expense into our budget, we will have had two years into a program that has established roots in our community.
I also look at the maintenance of building and grounds as a priority. Again, there is never enough money available in any town department in to do what is believed is necessary. We continue to do more with less and have done a good job of maintaining our buildings and grounds.
In the area of Special Education, services are mandated to a certain level, but we have been very innovative in achieving economies of scale in reducing out-of-district placements by developing in-district that on one hand saves the District money, but more importantly, enhances the educational experience of our students. Accordingly, our investment in services, especially early intervention services, achieve savings when we are able to help a child achieve his or her maximum academic and social potential.

Scott Aghababian:
The primary responsibility of the Town, after providing for public safety, is to provide a high quality education to Hopkinton's students in a fiscally responsible manner. Proficiency in the core disciplines of English, math, science and history will do much to enable our students to compete on the state, country and international stage.

QUESTION 6: How do you suggest the town to move forward with the Center School challenge? What process would you suggest to gain consensus among community members?

Nancy Burdick:
In my opinion, we need to move forward with any future solution to the facility challenges that the current Center School imposes on the educational program for our students, by engaging the Town in the following BIG process:

Ask some questions.
Listen.
Repeat back some understanding of what was heard.
Listen.
Ask for brainstormed ideas (without critique) on another solution to the Center School facility - as well as thoughts on how this facility fits in with the context of the MS and Elmwood School.
Listen.
Develop solution priorities and criteria for alternatives to be measured against
Report back to the community and collect feedback on those priorities and criteria
Collect grant funding information for any and all building/renovation projects
Prioritize the list of needed municipal building/repair/renovation initiatives
Report back
Plan to pursue prioritized projects through the use of state grants and Town appropriated funds

Richard de Mont:
I believe that in order to move forward, we need the direction of the townspeople. We have made a good start with the recent forum but have a long way to go. I believe we need all interested parties to get together to explore alternatives to the project that was recently voted down. Some voted against districting, some against the cost and many others for various reasons. I would be in favor of a town wide referendum on several alternatives that will come out of the anticipated process, so that those working on the project will be confident their efforts will have the support of the town. A referendum with the attendant information on the benefits and challenges of each proposal provided to the citizens before the vote would help the voters make the informed decision that was lacking in the recent vote.

Scott Aghababian:
The Center School will be needed for the next five years or more. The first order of business should be to address the repairs that are necessary to protect that asset and make it a serviceable learning environment for the kids and working environment for the teachers and staff.

QUESTION 7: What are your thoughts on a longer grade span model (districting)?

Nancy Burdick:
I believe that there are multiple educational and social benefits to be gained by students as a result of moving to a longer grade span model for our students.

Richard de Mont:
I do support longer grade spans, if possible, as I believe are they are more educationally beneficial to the children, especially those children with special needs and on IEP plans. Those children would particularly benefit from the continuity of having the same specialist over a longer period and avoid transitional down time for both the student and the specialists. The longer grade spans could also be achieved without districting in some configurations. However, what we end up doing will, in large part, be driven by what the people will support and I am committed to an open dialogue and finding the best solution for our children and the taxpayers. My own, uncompromising drivers in this process are value to the taxpayers and educational benefit to the students, in whatever form that takes place. I have every confidence that our teachers and administrators will, as always, make any configuration work in the best interests of the children.

Scott Aghababian:
I am not opposed to longer grade spans, but am absolutely against having separate school districts within the Town. Longer grade spans within the existing facilities may be necessary in the near term due to declining enrollment.

QUESTION 8: What can the school committee do to better collaborate and communicate with other committees?

Nancy Burdick:
It became apparent from the vote on the elementary school building project that our town leaders need to do a better job of communicating with the community. I am eager to do so. I will use my active listening and consensus-building skills to move the process forward with committee colleagues and citizens. I would also like to leverage the technology resources and volunteers in the community who work in the field of technology, communication and market research to help collect and share information and share information through electronic formats. We can do a better job of engaging people if we are mindful of tone and time. There are many more formats (e.g., surveys, blogs, cable television shows, webinars, etc.) that we could be using to engage citizens. I want to discuss these ideas and try some out sooner rather than later.

Richard de Mont:
Inter-committee relations are vital to the success of the town. I believe that we have had good communications with other boards, but that we can always do better. It is a two way street. All boards need to share information with others but sometimes there is a disconnect. I believe that liaisons to other boards need to do a better job of communicating the activities of those boards or committees that they are assigned to back to their own boards or committees. The information is more effectively received when communicated directly from a liaison back to his or her board or committee and follow-up requests for information are that more efficiently followed up on. In fairness to all who serve on the many committees and boards in Hopkinton, we are all extremely busy and benefit when information is timely, transparent and succinct. I believe that the recent experience displayed an instance where there was almost too much information, and the issues less than clearly defined, which made it very difficult for the voter to make an informed decision. We need to simplify the process and the information we disseminate must be clear and timely as to both process and substance. All interested parties are invested in the schools and the town as displayed by the passion of recent events, but just had differing views on how to best achieve our goals. Hopefully we can build on this common ground and come to a town wide consensus on how best to address our Center School needs. I supported the proposed Center School building project both on economical as well as educational grounds. However, inasmuch as this project did not receive the necessary support, I now look forward to working with all interested parties to find a solution that will receive town wide support. I would hope the divisiveness that this issue has generated be converted from personal enmity amongst those that differ in the direction we should take, to the energy and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration we need to arrive at a solution that is in the best interests of our town.

Scott Aghababian:
The School Committee may consider assigning liaisons to other Town committees, such as the Board of Selectmen, Permanent Building Committee, Planning Board, Appropriations Committee etc., as does the Board of Selectmen.

Don’t Forget To Vote Monday, May 16!
Polls are open 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM in the Middle School Gym, 88 Hayden Rowe St (enter by Grove Street). There are several offices up for election including School Committee and Selectmen as well as one ballot question. Read the full ballot at 2011 Annual Town Election Ballot.

A Blog Debate - Eight Questions and Responses from the Board of Selectmen Candidates

2011-05-11T09:37:00.002-04:00

Educate Hopkinton posed the following eight questions to our Selectman Candidates, including why are you running (question #1), your experience on town committees (#2), thoughts on 2 1/2% (#3), improving communication (#4), the Center School challenge (#5), library expansion (#6), DPW facility (#7) and tax exemptions for seniors (#8). We thank them for their responses and for their commitment to Hopkinton. In addition we recommend voters watch the HCAM News Candidate Focus on the HCAM.tv website.

FRANCIS J. D'URSO, JR. (Democratic Caucus), 173 Saddle Hill Road, www.frankdurso4selectman.org, fdurso@comcast.net, H 508.435.1002, M 617.642.1173

BRIAN J. HERR (Republican Caucus), 31 Elizabeth Road, brian@brianherr.com

QUESTION 1: Why are you running for Selectman? (What are your skill sets and objectives? How do you define your budget priorities when tough decisions have to be made? What are your ideas for improvements on the board of Selectmen?)

Frank D'Urso:

I am running for the board of selectmen because I believe that the board needs some balance. I know that I can bring a strong degree of fiscal responsibility. I have over 25 years of business experience, in small and large companies, I know what it means to have to live within a budget. I think that it is time to return a Democrat to the board, and I know that I can work well with the republican and independent selectmen. I would work to instill a stronger sense of fiscal discipline.
When tough decisions have to be made, they should not be made in a vacuum or in haste. I would work with the other selectmen to build consensus. In any group dynamic it is important to include all viewpoints when discussing an issue. I would also reach out to town workers as well as the citizens to get the full picture of what is needed. I will ask for people to bring solutions to the board as well as their problems.

Brian Herr:
Why are you running for Selectman? I believe in community service and I believe we need to continue to lead Hopkinton into the future with a positive vision for the town. I am running to build on our efforts from 2007 through 2010.
What are your skill sets and objectives? My skills are those that I demonstrated and used over the last many years on various boards and committees in town and in my professional life. I am an engineer by degree. I think sequentially and follow decision trees to make decisions. I also have a master’s degree in government. I recognize the inherit nature of “politics” in all aspects of life. I use my “6th sense” (empathy) to understand how individuals (and groups) think and feel about various issues and then politely guide those individuals to decisions that most are comfortable with in town. My objectives are to restore a healthy and productive debate in town on the issues we all face together, to maintain excellent services for the taxpayers by driving new efficiencies annually into all segments of town government, to balance the needs of a strong school system with the economic pressures many feel due to a continued weak economy, to develop a realistic plan with the SC to address the needs of Center School, to continue to press for further commercial development (tax revenue) in the South Street area of town now that the Milford WWTP deal is in place, to facilitate the revenue positive aspects of development at Legacy Farms and to enhance community life by working with the Parks and Recreation Department and a private youth organization to develop a hockey rink/skating center at no taxpayer expense.
How do you define your budget priorities when tough decisions have to be made? Public education and public safety are tied for first place.
What are your ideas for improvements on the board of Selectmen? Each year we elect one or two new members to the Board. This regular shifting of ideas and experience benefits the Board and the community as a whole. If elected, I believe my previous experience on the BoS, Planning Board, Zoning Advisory Committee, Personnel Committee and various building committees will bring additional depth and understanding of the overall governing process.

QUESTION 2: Describe one activity or (sub)committee you’ve been involved with within the town. What it meant to you? How it shaped and impacted the town?

Frank D'Urso:

I am one of the founding members of the Hopkinton Sustainable Green Committee, chartered in 2008 by then selectman Matthew Zettek. I think HopGreen has done a very good job of pulling together a large committee of people from various backgrounds who can get a lot done with little to no budget. Our purpose is to investigate sustainable solutions for the town. We have earned the “Green Committees Act” designation for Hopkinton, our application and process we undertook was most impressive, Governor Patrick chose to launch the Green Communities Act in Massachusetts in a speech he made in front of our Police Station last year. Through this Act we have been granted over $130,000.00 in funds to help improve the schools and municipal buildings with energy conservation projects.
I am quite proud of this team effort. John Mosher, Aubrey Doyle and John Keane had done most of the brainwork, I helped cobble information together from the Town manager's office (during a late night work session and a last minute afternoon group finalization effort) and I drove the completed application into Boston with less than an hour left before the deadline. One of the reasons that we took so long is that we had asked for the maximum amount of grant money that we could. We applied for one million dollars, but the extra effort was worth it as we are prepared to apply for our second round of grants right now. (Note: Green Communities money does not come from income taxes, it is collected from the energy industry as a fee to help offset pollution).
We are also in our third year of the ANNUAL SPRING GREEN UP, this year's event will be Saturday May 7th and begins on the town common. The idea is that citizens of Hopkinton form neighborhood groups to help clean our neighborhoods.
HopGreen also sponsors green projects in town, like the power purchase agreement that Rebecca Robak and Brian Mayne put together for the High and Middle Schools and Police and Fire stations. John Mosher and I got to tour the High School roof and it really is very impressive when you see the size and amount of the PV arrays that we have up there.
We also run public forums, through the library. I organized the Solar Forum last year that included Energy industry professionals, I also made sure that the $500 residential rebate (part of our Power Purchase agreement) was still in place after a merger of two Solar companies.

Brian Herr:
Describe one activity or (sub) committee you’ve been involved with within the town. BoS Chair.
What it meant to you? Being Chair of the BOS is the most rewarding position in town government, but is also the most time consuming. While I was Chair, I spent 30 - 40 hours per week working with staff and residents to keep the ship headed in the right direction and to implement the will of Town Meeting. I enjoyed this role immensely but believe the position should ideally rotate amongst the members of the BOS. It is a privilege to serve the residents on the BOS and a special honor to serve as Chairman.
How it shaped and impacted the town? We made significant progress in town on the Fruit Street site (fields and WWTP), implemented sound fiscal policy during unprecedented economic times, raised our Standard & Poor’s bond rating to AA+,completed the Milford WWTP Inter-Municipal Agreement, supported the Legacy Farms development, etc. AFTER everyone realized we were not going to return to the days of Ethics Complaints, media feuds and other non-productive political behavior. Positive, respectful leadership produces positive community results.

QUESTION 3: For the last two years the town has not taken the full 2 ½% tax increase allowed each year without an override. Do you support gradually taking back some of the excess levy reserve in the coming years? (i.e. to bring back some of the services that have been cut, purchases that have been put on hold, maintenance that has been deferred, etc.)

Frank D'Urso:
I am against taking ANY of the money that was not taxed in previous years. While this move may be legal, it does not feel like it can be justified. Proposition 2 ½ must be respected. Ideally the town should RARELY have over-rides, with better management and fiscally responsible planning we should be able to cover our expenses every year for less than a 2.5% increase on property taxes. We had almost $400,000.00 in “free money” in our accounts this fiscal year, and that money is already being appropriated for quite a few items (to be voted on at Annual Town Meeting). The Problem that I have with this is that money should go back into our accounts and result in helping to keep the NEXT year's taxes below 2.5% increase. I know that there are some important purchases involved each year (like the new Firetruck requested) but if it wasn't part of our spending plan last year, it should wait for next year and let Capitol Improvements line up which projects that we can afford to pay for instead of just throwing EVERY project up to the Selectmen and the Town Meeting every year. There has to be more discipline on spending and better advanced planning. We're spending money that we don't have.

Brian Herr:
Not unless a demonstrated need is presented to the BoS. I do not believe in raising taxes just because we have excess levy and/or because Prop 2 ½ says we can. I reject the position that we should automatically raise taxes 2 ½ % annually without a thorough review of our finances and a thorough review of the operating model for each department. The private sector does this annually, if not quarterly. We should do the same. I led the effort to hold taxes in check the last two fiscal years given the economy and our ability to restructure the organization and reduce our cost model. I believe in forcing all department heads to submit annual budgets that include looking under every rock for cost savings and efficiency ideas. I would expect the department heads to document what changes they can make/made annually to improve their operational efficiency. Once I am comfortable that the cost model is as tight as it can be, I am then open to looking at revenue needs to provide the best services possible to the community. For FY11 we added funds back into the SC overall budget after they presented all of their steps taken to run as efficiently as possible and they presented their demonstrated need for additional teaching positions at the elementary level. Furthermore, perceived automatic tax increases annually will result in automatic budget increases and automatic labor union assumptions on annual raises. The BoS sets the tone for how the community will see the finances at Town Meeting. If we automatically raise taxes 2 ½ % from the outset, with no review and critique of departmental costs, we are not managing the process but instead allowing it to manage us. All this said, Town Meeting is ultimate authority and if TM Members want to increase spending on a budget item, they have the right to make that amendment on the floor and have a vote up or down. If the BoS, Appropriations, CIC, etc do their work and gain a full understanding of the mood of the community through their combined empathy skills, the number of floor battles over major budget decisions at TM is limited.

QUESTION 4: Working within the State Open Meeting Law do you have suggestions for improving communication between town boards and residents? (i.e. scheduling of critical meetings, making sure accurate information is being communicated, rather than rumors)

Frank D'Urso:

I was a founding member of the Civic Engagement Committee a decade ago. We worked with the results of the Voices For Vision Forum, which was a scientific consensus building exercise that gathered @150 citizens together and we talked out all the important issues that faced the town back then. To paraphrase former selectmen Eric Sennett, I'd wager that the issues that were important then are the same issues that are important now.

Brian Herr:

This is symptomatic of the larger issue in town right now….there is no trust because the various boards
assumed they were in control of the critical decisions. As mentioned above, TM Members are the
ultimate authority. If the boards and committees understand and work within this reality, then the
communications would naturally improve as they did from 2007 – 2010. Recall in 2007 there were
serious trust issues at that time with the BoS in particular. Positive leadership and an understanding of
how town government works will correct this problem. The mechanics are there…in my opinion…now
we need to work on the approach and style of leadership across the community always remembering
the residents have the last say. Some believe political leadership is all about speeches. I believe
effective political leadership is all about listening and then responding appropriately.

QUESTION 5: How do you suggest the town to move forward with the Center School challenge? What process would you suggest to gain consensus among community members?

Frank D'Urso:
I have suggested to the board of selectmen that we create a similar citizens forum, with a wide range of the town's citizens involved. Current Selectmen Chair Dourney seems to like this idea. I'd like the town to think outside of the box on this, and I'd like to see a standalone fullday Kindergarten program that can pay for a new building of it's own. Further, I'd like to see the School Administration office move into the Woodville Firehouse, the upstairs could easily be converted to office space.

Brian Herr:
How do you suggest the town to move forward with the Center School challenge? The School Committee needs to take the lead with the Elem. Sch. Bldg. Cmte. and look at additional viable options. The SC needs to hear the concerns of the community and then come back to the community with some preliminary options for the town to ponder collectively. After a few months of dialogue, the SC should then limit the number of options and bring them to a STM or ATM and ask for a referendum vote to gauge community support for each.
What process would you suggest to gain consensus among community members? I do not believe in full consensus nor should we strive to achieve it. Full consensus in a town meeting form of democracy such as ours in Hopkinton is not possible or necessary. What is important is listening to all the ideas put forth in a responsible manner (blogs do not count) and then look to understand what the majority of the citizens will support. Too often we strive towards consensus and then get frustrated when it is not achieved. Understanding the general will (majority opinion) is the best we can hope for and is doable. There is an option out there that the majority of residents will support. We simply have not found it yet.

QUESTION 6: The Permanent Building Committee and Library Trustees are requesting approval of the preliminary design for an expanded library at its current site. Do you support this, and would you be in favor of the Town contributing 25-50% of the cost of the project in order to receive a state grant for the remaining 50%?

Frank D'Urso:
I support the library expansion, BUT would prefer a smaller footprint, and would ask that they leave the rental property intact and producing income for the Library's budget (saving the town money). Parking and zoning can be worked out. I believe the town would only be asked to provide 25% of the funds needed, which would come from a debt exclusion, as opposed to a general over-ride to the town budget.

Brian Herr:
I support expanding at the current site. I support the 25% figure for the community to absorb. I would
not support any figure above that. The proposed plan in place for several years now has always
included a 25% investment from the taxpayers. Upward slippage on the taxpayer amount will derail the
effort in my opinion. I am concerned with the size however. I believe the building as designed today is
too large for the site and should be scaled back to a more reasonable size. We will not be able to get
the perfect library for Hopkinton downtown. We will need to compromise a bit to keep the project on
track and reasonable for many residents that live in the downtown section of town. I support the
concept of libraries and their positive impact on communities. I also support the fiscal model for this
plan as proposed. A 25% investment to get a 100% asset is an excellent investment for any
organization, public or private.

QUESTION 7: Do you support the new DPW facility? A vote for a $375K for the design is coming up at Town Meeting, with an estimated cost of $11million for the construction at a later date.

Frank D'Urso:
I think that a new DPW center should be put off for at least one year (if not longer). I understand that they are not in comfortable offices, but I would ask the DPW to bear with us on this issue and start examining it again next year.
When you talk about the insurance money, it should be used to repair the garage/shed that the winter storms knocked down. Insurance should pay for the full amount, or else we didn't have the proper coverage.

Brian Herr:
Not at this time. The DPW does a good job for Hopkinton. I believe it can do a better job with
stronger management now in place. A new Director is on board. He needs to get the department and
its employees better organized and more efficient first and foremost. I do not want a new facility to
distract him or his team from these objectives. Moreover, our town “economy”, housing prices,
community activities, etc. all center on our schools. The DPW is vitally important for public safety and
many other factors, but a new facility does not impact our community in the same manner as our
schools. We need to table this project for several years in my opinion. That said, we do need some
immediate improvements to the current facilities for the DPW following the heavy snow damage this
past winter.

QUESTION 8: Would you support a “Means Tested Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption” like Sudbury recently passed in conjunction with a school project in January.
http://sudbury.patch.com/articles/town-to-vote-on-unique-tax-break-for-seniors

Frank D'Urso:
I think that's a wonderful solution for Sudbury, but in Hopkinton we have many families that cannot have even a small tax increase. As RJ Dourney pointed out, we already have a voluntary program in place.
My solution would be to work with the town (Civic Engagement Committee?) and work to publicize the voluntary tax relief fund, we could do a better job of letting people know about it and increasing the money that they collect for the elderly to have some property tax relief.
I've been working with Project Just Because (through our Cub Scout Troop 26) for the past two years, and they inform me that requests for help has risen dramatically this year, This is something that we should keep in mind when we consider tax increases.
I want to mention that Project Just Because has the STAMP OUT HUNGER FOOD DRIVE
on May 14th that I would like to alert your members to.

Brian Herr:
I would need to study this concept more and get input from the Board of Assessors and our
professionals in Town Hall before rendering a full opinion on this matter. I like the idea of helping our
seniors but we would need to understand all the ramifications first. If we annoy the businesses by
increasing the tax burden on them, and they end up leaving, then our seniors, along with the rest of us
will have to make up that lost revenue source. Certainly this tax relief idea and perhaps others for our
seniors are something to consider, but also something we need to get a better handle on before
presenting to the town for consideration.

HCAM News Candidate Focus Tonight and School Committee Meeting Thursday

2011-05-09T08:18:00.001-04:00

HCAM News Candidate Focus - TONIGHT
Monday, May 9 at 7:00pm
HCAM Studio, 77 Main St
RSVP to news@hcam.tv
Read more...

Candidates in contested races:

Selectmen - 1 position open - 3 year term
Brian Herr (R)
Francis D’Urso (D)

School Committee - 2 positions open - 3 year term
Nancy Burdick (R) (Incumbent)
Richard P. deMont (D) (Incumbent)
Scott Aghababian (R)

School Committee Public Hearing and Meeting
Thursday, May 12 @ 7:30 pm
Middle School Library
The School Committee holds its annual public hearing on School Choice. Every year they must decide by June 1 if Hopkinton will accept school choice students the following year. We have NOT accepted school choice students for several years, however Hopkinton students may still go out of district to other towns that accept school choice students. This year 15.5 students attend out of Hopkinton via School Choice and 34 students attend public charter schools out of Hopkinton.

Recaps from Annual Town Meeting

Town Meeting: Monday Night Recap
by Michelle Murdock, HCAM News Director
http://www.hcam.tv/news/town-meeting-monday-night-recap

May 2011 Town Meeting Recap: Second Night
by Michelle Murdock, HCAM News Director
http://www.hcam.tv/news/may-2011-town-meeting-recap-second-night

Scenes from Hopkinton Town Meeting
By Gene Cassidy, HopkintonPatch
http://hopkinton.patch.com/articles/scenes-from-hopkinton-town-meeting

Hopkinton Town Meeting Closes on 2 Library Yes Votes
By Gene Cassidy, HopkintonPatch
http://hopkinton.patch.com/articles/hopkinton-town-meeting-closes-on-2-library-yes-votes

Support builds for DPW home in Hopkinton.
By Michael Morton/Daily News staff MetroWest Daily News
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1760689936/Support-builds-for-DPW-home-in-Hopkinton

Hopkinton Town Meeting approves library renovation, rezoning.
By Michael Morton/Daily News staff The MetroWest Daily News
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x449047688/Hopkinton-Town-Meeting-approves-library-renovation-rezoning

Town Meeting Results - Articles #43-58 - End of Warrant

2011-05-03T23:14:00.004-04:00

ARTICLE 43: Nonconforming Uses Zoning By-Law Change. PASSED Clear 2/3rds

ARTICLE 44: Special Permit for New Lots with Historic Structures Zoning By-Law Change. PASSED Clear 2/3rds

ARTICLE 45: Commercial Solar Photovoltaic Installations Zoning By-Law Change. An amendment failed 99 Against, 95 For. The motion FAILED, 124 For, 72 Against, but needed a 2/3rds.

ARTICLE 46: Water Resources Protection Overlay District Zoning By-Law Change. PASSED Clear 2/3rds Majority

ARTICLE 47: Rural Business District, Setbacks and Screening Zoning By-Law Change. PASSED Unanimous

ARTICLE 48: Open Space Mixed Use District Definitions Zoning By-Law Change. PASSED Clear 2/3rds Majority

ARTICLE 49: Amend Zoning Map: Library Parcels Zoning By-Law Change. PASSED Clear 2/3rds

ARTICLE 50: Amend Zoning Map: Hayward St. and Old Town Rd. NO ACTION Clear Majority

ARTICLE 51: Accept Gift of Land: Granite St. and South Barn Rd. PASSED Unanimous

ARTICLE 52: Disposition of Town Property on Old Town Road. PASSED Unanimous

ARTICLE 53: Library Project Preliminary Design. PASSED Clear Majority

ARTICLE 54: Accept M.G.L. c.32B, §18: Medicare for Retirees NO ACTION Clear Majority

ARTICLE 55: Accept M.G.L. c.32B, §19: Join the GIC NO ACTION Clear Majority

ARTICLE 56: Replace Center School With K-1 School NO ACTION Clear Majority

ARTICLE 57: Build New Middle School, Repurpose Old Middle School NO ACTION Clear Majority

ARTICLE 58: Replace Center and Elmwood Schools With K-3 School NO ACTION Clear Majority

Meeting Adjourned on May 3, 2011 at 11:14pm until the date of the Annual Town Election, May 16, 2011. The Annual Town Meeting shall be dissolved upon the close of the polls on the date of the Annual Town Election.

Town Meeting Results Continued - Articles #34-42 and Article 7 Reconsidered

2011-05-03T21:09:00.003-04:00

ARTICLE 34: Fire Department Tender Truck. On 5/2/11 a motion for NO ACTION FAILED 83-57 after a standing count. On 5/3/11 a motion was made by the Fire Chief for $350,000 to be borrowed. An amendment to make this a debt exclusion PASSED Clear Majority. The Fire Chief's Motion then PASSED after a standing count of 112 For, 52 Against.

ARTICLE 7 RECONSIDERED: FY 2012 Operating Budget New Amount $29,811,188.97 (2 1/2% increase + New Growth) - Amendment by Joe Regan added $7,000 to the budget for a tree warden - Amendment passed on 5/2/11 after a standing count. Article PASSED Unanimous on 5/2/11. On 5/3/11 an additional $125,000 is now added to include insurance proceeds from collapsed DPW Barn, to be used for a temporary DPW structure. An amendment by Ken Weismantel PASSED Clear Majority. Article then PASSED Clear Majority.

ARTICLE 35: ADA Upgrades $138,000. PASSED Clear 2/3rds Majority.

ARTICLE 36: Middle School Wiring Upgrade $95,000. PASSED Unanimous.

ARTICLE 37: Middle School Auditorium Upgrade $47,000. PASSED Clear Majority

ARTICLE 38: Community Preservation Recommendations $862,500 Historical Society Records Preservation, Replace Library Access Ramp, Historic Preservation of Town Records, Kiosk for Cameron Woods, Center Trail Improvements, CAA Terry Farm Barn Upgrades. PASSED Clear Majority

ARTICLE 39: Appropriation Committee Membership By-Law Change. PASSED Unanimous

ARTICLE 40: Printing of Town Report Without ATM Warrant. PASSED Clear Majority

ARTICLE 41: Tobacco Use by Minors. PASSED Clear Majority

ARTICLE 42: Registered Sex Offender Restrictions. PASSED Clear Majority

Town Meeting Results - End of Day 1 - Articles #28-34

2011-05-02T23:17:00.002-04:00

ARTICLE 28: DPW Facility Design $250,000 to be borrowed ($125,000 insurance money taken out of the article via amendment to be used for a temporary structure). PASSED by 2/3rds Majority after a standing count

ARTICLE 29: Traffic Study: West Main / School Street Intersection. An amendment offered by Errol Dickey (13 School St.) for $30,000 to be funded from free cash was passed. PASSED Unanimous

- Motion to Reconsider Article 7 Tomorrow Night to include $125,000 from insurance for a temporary DPW barn. Motion to Reconsider PASSED by a Clear 2/3rds Majority -

ARTICLE 30: Storm Water Improvements: EPA Phase II. NO ACTION Clear Majority

ARTICLE 31: Refurbish Fire Engine 1 $45,000. PASSED Unanimous

ARTICLE 32: Fire Department Command and Control Vehicle $45,000. PASSED Clear 2/3rds Majority

ARTICLE 33: Fire Department Ambulance $230,000. PASSED Unanimous

ARTICLE 34: Fire Department Tender Truck. A motion for NO ACTION FAILED 83-57 after a standing count. A new motion in favor of the article will be entertained tomorrow evening.

Meeting adjourned until Tuesday, May 3 at 7:00 p.m. in the Middle School Auditorium.

Articles on the warrant for tomorrow include the Library Preliminary design, Fire Department Tender Truck, ADA upgrades to town buildings, two Middle School spending articles, CAA Barn Renovation, tobacco use by minors by-law and registered sex offenders restriction by-law.

Town Meeting Results Continued - Articles #13-27

2011-05-02T21:29:00.002-04:00

ARTICLE 13: Property Tax Exemptions. PASSED Unanimous

ARTICLE 14: Consultant for Assessment Certificate Program $25,000. PASSED Unanimous

ARTICLE 15: Pay As You Go Capital Expenses $235,500 for DPW Truck, East Main St Guardrail, 2 Police Cars, Digital Fingerprinting Device, Upgrade Police Dept A/V Equipment, Portable Radios for Fire Dept. (Muncipal Telephone System for $40,000 was removed from article as Out Of Order.) PASSED Clear Majority

ARTICLE 16: Council on Aging Bus $58,000. PASSED Clear 2/3rds Majority

ARTICLE 17: DPW Highway Tractor $110,000. FAILED after a standing count, had a majority but not the required 2/3rds

ARTICLE 18: West Main Street Culvert Repair $150,000. PASSED Clear 2/3rds Majority

ARTICLE 19: West Main Street Culvert and Basin Repair NO ACTION Clear Majority

ARTICLE 20: Lake Maspenock Dam Repairs. NO ACTION Unanimous

ARTICLE 21: Fruit Street Property Access Way. NO ACTION Unanimous

ARTICLE 22: Generator for Fruit Street Well $200,000. PASSED Unanimous

ARTICLE 23: Water Department Service Truck $59,000. PASSED Unanimous

ARTICLE 24: Radio Automatic Water Meters $175,000. PASSED Unanimous

ARTICLE 25: Study and Design for Wood Street Sewer Lift Station $100,000. PASSED Unanimous

ARTICLE 26: Study of South Street Sewer Lift Station $50,000. PASSED Unanimous

ARTICLE 27: Study of the Town's Wells. NO ACTION Clear Majority

Town Meeting Results So Far - Articles #1-12

2011-05-02T20:46:00.003-04:00

ARTICLE 1: Acceptance of Town Reports. PASSED Clear Majority

ARTICLE 2: FY 2011 Supplemental Appropriations. NO ACTION Clear Majority

ARTICLE 3: FY 2011 Budget Transfers. NO ACTION Unanimous

ARTICLE 4: Unpaid Bills from Previous Fiscal Years. PASSED Unanimous

ARTICLE 5: Amend the Salary of an Elected Official - Town Clerk $63,793. PASSED Unanimous

ARTICLE 6: Establish Parks & Recreation Enterprise Fund. PASSED Unanimous

ARTICLE 7: FY 2012 Operating Budget $29,686,116.51 (2 1/2% increase) - Amendment by Joe Regan (37 Front St.) added $7,000 to the budget for a tree warden - Amendment passed after a standing count. Article PASSED Unanimous

- Later in the evening a Motion was made to Reconsider Article 7 Tomorrow Night to include $125,000 from insurance for a temporary DPW barn. Motion to Reconsider PASSED by a Clear 2/3rds Majority -

ARTICLE 8: FY 2012 Operating Budget – School Department $32,957,721. PASSED Clear Majority

ARTICLE 9: FY 2012 Revolving Funds. PASSED Unanimous

ARTICLE 10: Chapter 90 Highway Funds $639,604. PASSED Unanimous

ARTICLE 11: Transfer to Capital Expense Stabilization Fund $28,324. PASSED Unanimous

ARTICLE 12: Transfer to General Stabilization Fund $31,533.80. PASSED Unanimous

Town Meeting Consent Agenda Passes

2011-05-02T19:31:00.003-04:00

Consent Agenda - A Clear Majority votes to take NO ACTION on the following articles:

ARTICLE 2: FY 2011 Supplemental Appropriations. NO ACTION Clear Majority

ARTICLE 19: West Main Street Culvert and Basin Repair. NO ACTION Clear Majority

ARTICLE 27: Study of the Town's Wells. NO ACTION Clear Majority

ARTICLE 30: Storm Water Improvements: EPA Phase II. NO ACTION Clear Majority

ARTICLE 50: Amend Zoning Map: Hayward St. and Old Town Rd. NO ACTION Clear Majority

ARTICLE 54: Accept M.G.L. c.32B, §18: Medicare for Retirees. NO ACTION Clear Majority

ARTICLE 55: Accept M.G.L. c.32B, §19: Join the GIC. NO ACTION Clear Majority

ARTICLE 56: Replace Center School With K-1 School. NO ACTION Clear Majority

ARTICLE 57: Build New Middle School, Repurpose Old Middle School. NO ACTION Clear Majority

ARTICLE 58: Replace Center and Elmwood Schools With K-3 School. NO ACTION Clear Majority

Town Meeting 101

2011-05-01T20:45:00.002-04:00

Hopkinton Annual Town Meeting Day 1
Monday, May 2, 2011
7:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Middle School Auditorium
To reconvene for Day 2 at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3 in the Middle School Auditorium. Annual Town Meeting typically lasts at least two evenings.

Town Meeting 101

If you have never been to Town Meeting before, you may not know what to expect. As such, we decided to compile this guide to help you know what to expect.

You do not need to bring anything to Town Meeting. However, many people find that bringing a notebook and pen or pencil is helpful to make notes during the discussions. No food or drink is allowed in the Middle School Auditorium. There is a drinking fountain outside the auditorium. Many people also find that something to occupy one’s hands is helpful. If you are a knitter, for example, bring a small project. There are plenty of padded stationary folding auditorium style chairs, which are reasonably comfortable. But remember you’ll be there for a long time, so wear comfortable clothes.

Town Meeting begins at 7:00pm in the Middle School Auditorium. Enter by Grove Street and please allow time to park and walk to the building. As you enter the Middle School, head to the left to the cafeteria to sign in. To actually vote in the auditorium, you must be a Hopkinton resident registered to vote and you must sign in at the voter table. Your name will be checked off and you’ll be given a piece of paper. Hold on to this piece of paper; you will need it when it is time for the votes to be counted! You’ll see a table of handouts and fact sheets regarding all the proposed article to be voted on from both the town boards and committees. There is some terrific information here that may answer many of your questions. Listening devices for the hearing impaired will be available, please ask when you check in.

You do not have to be present for the entire town meeting to vote, though the more that participate in whole, the more balanced the democratic process. A quorum of 100 people is required to open the meeting. There is no set time to check in. The meeting will be broadcast live via HCAM TV (Comcast 8/Verizon 30), but you MUST be present to vote. You just need to check in prior to the vote, whenever you arrive. You only have to check in once, and you can come and go from the auditorium as you please. You can text (with phone switched to silent mode) from within the auditorium, although there is minimal cell coverage. Step outside to make a phone call.

The Board of Selectmen (RJ Dourney, Chair) presides over the meeting, which is facilitated by the Town Moderator (Dr. Bruce Karlin) and recorded by the Town Clerk (Ann M. Click). The format of the meeting itself follows Robert’s Rules of Order. Articles are presented, motions made, discussions ensue. Sometimes it can be a little confusing if an amendment comes up, so keep your ears open. Listen carefully -- and you’ll learn a lot. There are 58 articles on the warrant (agenda) for Hopkinton’s Annual Town Meeting.

NEW THIS YEAR! As one of the first orders of business at this year’s Annual Town Meeting, there will be a single motion to take “no action” on all of the articles listed on the Consent Calendar (Articles #2, 19, 27, 30, 50, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58). After the motion is made, the Moderator will call out the numbers of the articles, one by one. Any voter who would like to ask a question about one of the articles or wishes to hold a debate on one of the articles should say the word “hold” in a loud voice when the article number is called by the Moderator. The Moderator will inquire as to whether the request is for a question or for debate. If the purpose of the request is to ask a question, an attempt will be made to quickly obtain a satisfactory answer. If the purpose is to hold the article for debate, the article will be removed from the Consent Calendar and restored to its original place in the Warrant to be moved, debated and voted in the usual manner. It is hoped that voters will remove articles from the Consent Calendar only in cases of genuine concern. After calling the individual articles on the Consent Calendar, the Moderator will ask for a vote to take “no action” on all of the articles remaining on the Consent Calendar.

The committee or board presenting each article may make a brief presentation before each article. The Town Moderator, Dr. Karlin, will facilitate a question and answer period for registered residents. If you choose to ask a question or comment on an article, step up to one of the microphones located in the auditorium aisles. Wait for the moderator, to recognize you, then state your name and address, and keep your comments brief, civil, and to the point. Passion is absolutely allowed. The comment, question and answer period will end when either #1 the moderator sees that no one else is waiting at the microphone to speak or #2 a voter comes to the microphone, is recognized by the moderator, and says “I move the question” or “I call the question.” The motion to end debate must then be seconded and then adopted by a ⅔ vote.

As for the actual voting, most votes start as a voice vote. The moderator asks all in favor and all opposed. If the voice vote sounds close, it will go to a standing count. The moderator will ask all in favor to stand up. Now is the time to get out that piece of paper! Hold out your paper and remain standing until the counters for your section have indicated that your vote has been recorded.

Although you can leave at any time, we recommend you do NOT leave until the meeting is officially adjourned. Someone may ask for a recount, and if a large group has already left, the outcome could be different, especially if the original vote was close. The meeting is typically adjourned at 11:00 p.m. and reconvened at 7:00 p.m. the next day. Town Meeting typically lasts at least two evenings, although in some years it has gone as long as three or four evenings in a row. If you have any other questions about Town Meeting, please ask!

(Thank you to the folks at DuxburyCares for giving us the Survival Guide idea!)

Recaps of the School Forum and Library Meeting, Correction about tonight’s School Committee Meeting

2011-04-28T17:28:00.002-04:00

RECAP: Elementary School Building Project Community Forum/Listening Session

Residents raise concerns, press for fixes at Hopkinton's Center School
By Michael Morton/Daily News staff, The MetroWest Daily News
Posted Apr 28, 2011 @ 12:12 AM Read more.
If you were unable to attend the forum you are encouraged to email the Selectmen and School Committee with your feedback and constructive suggestions. Emails: selectmen@hopkinton.org, rebeccarobaksc@gmail.com, jeanber65@hotmail.com, nancyb88@hotmail.com, rdemont@demontlaw.com, troymick@verizon.net

RECAP: Joint Meeting about the Proposed New Library

Hopkinton Historic District Commission Explains Vote
By Gene Cassidy/HopkintonPatch
April 27, 2011
http://hopkinton.patch.com/articles/hopkinton-historic-district-commission-explains-vote

Commission stands behind Hopkinton Library vote
By Michael Morton/Daily News staff, MetroWest Daily News
Posted Apr 28, 2011 @ 12:07 AM Read more.

Thursday, April 28 - TONIGHT
@ 7:30 pm at Middle School Library
School Committee Meeting
CORRECTION - Tonight's meeting is a regular school committee meeting, the public hearing on School Choice will be on May 12 instead. [This was Educate Hopkinton's mistake. We regret the error.]

Annual Town Meeting Begins Next Week
Monday, May 2 @ 7:00pm at the Middle School Auditorium, 88 Hayden Rowe St.
Continuing on Tuesday, May 3 @ 7:00pm and consecutive nights as needed.
Read the Hopkinton Annual Town Report
Read the Town Meeting Warrant (List of the 58 articles on the agenda)
Stay tuned for our Town Meeting 101 coming next week. With 58 articles on the warrant, Town Meeting almost certainly go for at least two evenings this year. (Some years it has even gone for four evenings.) We’re pleased to report that the Middle School Auditorium is a more comfortable location than the HS Gym.

Thursday, May 12
@ 7:30 pm at Middle School Library
School Committee Public Hearing and Meeting
The School Committee holds its annual public hearing on School Choice. Every year they must decide by June 1 if Hopkinton will accept school choice students the following year. We have NOT accepted school choice students for several years, however Hopkinton students may still go out of district to other towns that accept school choice students. This year 15.5 students attend out of Hopkinton via School Choice and 34 students attend public charter schools out of Hopkinton.

Never attended a meeting and have a question? Contact Amy Ritterbusch at webmaster@educatehopkinton.com.

Important Elementary School Forum Tonight, and Town Meeting Next Week

2011-04-27T08:30:00.012-04:00

Wednesday, April 27 - TONIGHT!
Elementary School Building Project Community Forum/Listening Session
@ 7:00-9:00pm at the Senior Center, 28 Mayhew St. (Directions)
The Board of Selectmen and School Committee will host a community forum/listening session related to the Elementary School Building Project tonight. The Educate Hopkinton Steering Committee urges all residents with an opinion on this subject to attend. The event will be held at the Senior Center from 7:00-9:00pm. The public is encouraged to attend to give feedback on the challenges and commonalities of the most recent proposal, as well as to weigh in on the process, context and communication regarding next steps in the process. Anyone who is unable to attend the forum is encouraged to e-mail the School Committee with their feedback and constructive suggestions. Emails: selectmen@hopkinton.org;rebeccarobaksc@gmail.com;jeanber65@hotmail.com;nancyb88@hotmail.com;rdemont@demontlaw.com;troymick@verizon.net

Wednesday, April 27
@ 7:00 pm at Town Hall, Lower Level
Joint meeting with the Historic District Commission, Library Trustees and the Permanent Building Committee. Check out the “Virtual Tour” of the Library’s proposed expansion. It is a great way to visualize the proposed project. For more information visit http://www.hopkintonlibrary.org/hopkinton/expansionhome.asp where you can view the project documents, time line, FAQ or to take the virtual tour.

Wednesday, April 27
@ 7:00 pm at Town Hall, Room 211
Appropriations Committee Meeting

Thursday, April 28
@ 7:30 pm at Middle School Library
School Committee Meeting
CORRECTION - This Thursday's meeting is a regular school committee meeting, the public hearing on school choice will be on May 12 instead.

Annual Town Meeting Begins Next Week
Monday, May 2 @ 7:00pm at the Middle School Auditorium, 88 Hayden Rowe St.
Continuing on Tuesday, May 3 @ 7:00pm and consecutive nights as needed.
Read the Hopkinton Annual Town Report
Read the Town Meeting Warrant (List of the 58 articles on the agenda)
Stay tuned for our "Town Meeting 101" coming next week. With 58 articles on the warrant, Town Meeting will almost certainly go for at least two evenings this year. (Some years it has even gone for four evenings.) We’re pleased to report that the Middle School Auditorium is a more comfortable location than the HS Gym.

Thursday, May 12
@ 7:30pm at the Middle School Library
School Committee Meeting and Public Hearing
The School Committee holds its annual public hearing on School Choice on May 12. Every year they must decide by June 1 if Hopkinton will accept school choice students the following year. We have NOT accepted school choice students for several years, however Hopkinton students may still go out of district to other towns that accept school choice students. This year 15.5 students attend schools out of Hopkinton via School Choice and 34 students attend charter schools outside of Hopkinton.

Never attended a meeting and have a question? Contact Amy Ritterbusch at webmaster@educatehopkinton.com.

May Election Candidates Update

2011-04-13T16:22:00.001-04:00

Hopkinton’s Annual Town Election is coming up on Monday, May 16. Several candidates have taken out and returned nomination papers to secure a spot on the ballot. Other candidates were nominated at their political party caucuses on April 8. Please see the updated list below. The only two contested races are for Selectman and School Committee. In addition there is still one Library Trustee position available for a write-in candidate if you know anyone who is interested. We will continue to provide candidate info, including links to candidate websites and candidate responses to our Candidate’s Questionnaire as we get closer to the May 16 election date. Please see the following press releases from the respective political parties with additional information on the candidates:
- Press Release from the Hopkinton REPUBLICAN Town Committee
- Press Release from the Hopkinton DEMOCRATIC Town Committee
Educate Hopkinton as a group does NOT endorse specific candidates. Click here to read our Candidate Endorsement Policy.

Offices and Candidates on the Ballot for May 16:

Selectmen - 1 position - 3 year term - Contested Race
Brian Herr (R)
~~Richard MacDonald (R~~) - MacDonald has withdrawn from the race.
Francis D’Urso (D)

Board of Assessors - 1 position - 3 year term
John L. Palmer (U) (Incumbent)

Board of Health - 1 position - 3 year term
Mark H. Gates (R) (Incumbent)

Board of Library Trustees - 5 positions - 1, 2 or 3 year terms
Marie Eldridge (U)
Leda Arakelian (R)
Mike McNamara (U)
June Harris (R)
One More Seat is Available to a Write-In Candidate
The two candidates with the greatest number of votes will serve 3 years, the two candidates with the second greatest number of votes will serve 2 years, the candidate with the third greatest number of votes will serve 1 year.

Cemetery Commissioner - 1 position - 3 year term
Claire B. Wright (R) (Incumbent)

Commissioner of Trust Fund - 1 position - 3 year term
Mary Arnaut (D)

Housing Authority - 1 position - 5 year term
Deborah Kollmeyer (R)

Parks and Recreation Commission - 2 positions - 3 year term
Ken Driscoll (R) (Incumbent)
Brian Eberlin (R)

Planning Board - 2 positions - 5 year term
Claire B. Wright (R) (Incumbent)
Brian Karp (R)

Planning Board Unexpired Term - 1 position - until 2013
Christian Ollenborger (R)

School Committee - 2 positions - 3 year term - Contested Race
Nancy Burdick (R) (Incumbent)
Richard P. deMont (D) (Incumbent)
Scott Aghababian (R)

Upcoming Forums and Meetings

2011-04-13T16:15:00.001-04:00

For locations and details visit http://www.educatehopkinton.com/calendar.html. Never attended a meeting and have a question? Contact Amy Ritterbusch at webmaster@educatehopkinton.com.

Wednesday, April 13 - TONIGHT!
@ 7:00pm Library Expansion Forum (HCAM Studios)
@ 7:00pm Appropriations Committee Meeting

Thursday, April 14
@ 7:00pm Appropriations Committee Meeting

Saturday, April 16
@ 11:00am Library Expansion Forum (at the Hopkinton Library - Children’s fun with Mrs. “K” while parents attend the information session.)

Tuesday, April 19
@ 7:00pm Appropriations Committee Meeting

Wednesday, April 20
@ 7:00pm Appropriations Committee Meeting

Thursday, April 21
@ 7:00pm Town Budget Public Hearing - Appropriations Committee Meeting

Wednesday, April 27
@ 7:00pm Center School Forum (Senior Center - RESCHEDULED from previous date)

For locations and details visit http://www.educatehopkinton.com/calendar.html. Never attended a meeting and have a question? Contact Amy Ritterbusch at webmaster@educatehopkinton.com.

Annual Town Election Candidates and Caucuses

2011-04-06T08:45:00.001-04:00

Hopkinton’s Annual Town Election is coming up on Monday, May 16. Several candidates have already taken out and returned nomination papers to secure a spot on the ballot. Other candidates may be waiting for the April 8 political party caucuses to try to win their party’s nomination and a spot on the ballot. This is an important election year and there is a lot of voter interest. Please try to attend your party’s caucus to help choose the best candidates to go on the ballot. There are still some offices without enough candidates, if you are willing to make the volunteer time commitment please consider stepping up or encourage others to put themselves on the ballot.

The Hopkinton Republican Town Committee will hold its caucus on Friday, April 8 at 5:00-7:00 pm in Room 211 at Town Hall. The Republican Caucus is open to all registered Republicans and unenrolled voters. For further information or to be placed on the Republican caucus ballot, contact Ken Weismantel, Chairman, at 508 435-5725 prior to April 7 at 8:00 pm. Read more at http://hcam.tv/news/republican-caucus-april-8

The Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee will hold its caucus for registered Democrats on Friday, April 8 at the Fire Station Meeting Room at 7:30 pm. If you have any questions about the meeting, the caucus, or running for office, please contact Muriel Kramer, Chairman of the Hopkinton Democratic Town Commitee at 508-435-0477 or Dick Duggan at 508-435-4007 (or dduggan47@gmail.com). Read more at http://hcam.tv/news/hopkinton-democrats-called-caucus

Offices and Candidates on the Ballot for May 16:

Selectmen - 1 position - 3 year term
Richard MacDonald (R)
Francis D’Urso (D)

Board of Assessors - 1 position - 3 year term
John L. Palmer (U) (Incumbent)

Board of Health - 1 position - 3 year term
Mark H. Gates (R) (Incumbent)

Board of Library Trustees - 5 positions - 1, 2 or 3 year terms
Marie Eldridge (U) (Currently an Appointed Trustee)
Leda Arakelian (R)
Mike McNamara (R)
Two More Candidates Needed
The two candidates with the greatest number of votes will serve 3 years, the two candidates with the second greatest number of votes will serve 2 years, the candidate with the third greatest number of votes will serve 1 year.

Cemetery Commissioner - 1 position - 3 year term
Claire B. Wright (R) (Incumbent)

Commissioner of Trust Fund - 1 position - 3 year term
Mary Arnaut (D)

Housing Authority - 1 position - 5 year term
Candidate Needed
At least one candidate is expected to seek their party’s nominations at the caucus. Read more in The Crier...

Parks and Recreation Commission - 2 positions - 3 year term
Two Candidates Needed
At least two candidates are expected to seek their party’s nominations at the caucus. Read more in The Crier...

Planning Board - 2 positions - 5 year term
Claire B. Wright (R) (Incumbent)
Brian Karp (R)

Planning Board Unexpired Term - 1 position - until 2013
Christian Ollenborger (R)

School Committee - 2 positions - 3 year term
Nancy Burdick (R) (Incumbent)
Richard P. deMont (D) (Incumbent)
Scott Aghababian* (R)
* Candidate did not turn in completed nomination papers, but may run in his party’s caucus.

Voters to Review Preliminary Library Plans at Annual Town Meeting

2011-04-06T08:30:00.000-04:00

Library Expansion Fact Facts
Size = 22,000 square feet
Estimated cost = $10 million
Tax impact = $40 per current average home evaluation of $473k.

Library Expansion Timeline
May 2, 2011 Annual Town Meeting – voters approve preliminary library design
July 2011 – MBLC announces grant recipients (up to 50% funding)
January 2012 (no later than) – Town must accept grant and approve funding
January 2013 (no later than) – library construction must begin

At Hopkinton’s Annual Town Meeting on May 2, residents will vote on the preliminary design for an expanded Hopkinton Public Library. The two-story, 22,000-square-foot building and onsite parking will occupy the current Main Street site and the adjacent site at 9 Church Street. For the first time, the library will be completely accessible to people with disabilities and a LEED-certified silver level green building. It will also include a 110-seat program room available for community use during non-library hours.

To qualify for a state grant that could fund up to 50% of the new library’s estimated $10 million construction costs, the town must approve the design. The remaining costs will be funded by the town and private fundraising. MBLC will award the grants in July 2011. If Hopkinton receives a grant, voters must approve library funding by January 2012. Construction would begin in 2013.

Last expanded in 1967, the current library is considered undersized for Hopkinton’s 15,000 population. Since June 2010, Hopkinton’s Permanent Building Committee (PBC) has been working with Johnson and Roberts architects to design the new building. The current design includes a 25-seat children’s room with activity space, a young adult room with computer and study space, a 12-seat conference room, a technology classroom and space throughout the building for up to 38 computers.

“We used community input to guide the design process,” said John Ferrari, chairman of the PBC. “And the work done to date has been fully funded by the library trustees at no cost to the town.”

“This building will provide the town with a 21st century library that meets our current and future needs,” said Library Director Rownak Hussain. “With its flexible, open layout and increased space, I think the new library will be an even more important information hub and meeting place for the community.”

To learn more about library expansion plans, go to: http://www.hopkintonlibrary.org/hopkinton/libraryexpansion.asp

Upcoming Public Forums - Find out details about the new library expansion!

The Library Trustees and Permanent Building Committee will present two public forums for the community to learn the facts, figures and fun involved in the proposed library expansion project.

Wednesday, April 13 @ 7:00 pm
HCAM Studios
This forum will be broadcast live and give residents another chance to find out information about the library project and have questions answered.

Saturday, April 16 @ 11:00 am
Hopkinton Library

Find out what the new improved library will offer to our community! Bring your questions and get answers right from the source.
Children’s fun with Mrs. “K” while parents attend the information session. A very “Library” storytime and “make your own” book craft to take home!

Upcoming Forums and Meetings

2011-04-06T08:15:00.000-04:00

For locations and details visit http://www.educatehopkinton.com/calendar.html. Never attended a meeting and have a question? Contact Amy Ritterbusch at webmaster@educatehopkinton.com.

Wednesday, April 6
@ 7:00 pm Appropriations Committee Meeting
@ 8:00 pm HPTA State of the Schools Forum

Thursday, April 7
@ 7:30pm School Committee Meeting

Friday, April 8
@ 7:45am Center School Council Meeting
@ 5:00pm Republican Town Caucus
@ 7:30pm Democratic Town Caucus

Monday, April 11
@ 7:00pm Appropriations Committee Meeting

Tuesday, April 12
Last Day to Register to Vote (if not already registered) for May Town Meeting and Election!
@ 2:45pm Elmwood School Council Meeting
@ 6:00pm Board of Selectmen

Wednesday, April 13
@ 7:00pm Center School Forum
@ 7:00pm Library Expansion Forum
@ 7:00pm Appropriations Committee Meeting

Saturday, April 16
@ 11:00am Library Expansion Forum

For locations and details visit http://www.educatehopkinton.com/calendar.html. Never attended a meeting and have a question? Contact Amy Ritterbusch at webmaster@educatehopkinton.com.

May Annual Town Meeting Warrant Closed

2011-04-03T10:51:00.004-04:00

Last Tuesday, the Board of Selectmen finalized the agenda (aka warrant) for Annual Town Meeting, which begins on Monday, May 2 at 7:00pm. Please save the date to attend the Annual Town Meeting and come vote on important issues that shape our town. All articles in connection with the proposed new K-5 School on Fruit Street were removed at the School Committee’s request due to the failed vote. A group of citizen petitioners who had previously submitted three non-binding warrant articles and ballot questions regarding alternate grade configurations for a new school have requested that the three articles be removed from the warrant and ballot. The questions were removed from the ballot, but it was too late for them to be removed from the warrant. It is expected that they will be withdrawn on the floor of Town Meeting. Citizens who had originally submitted the three petitions were Glen Layton, Christian Ollenborger, Wendy Ollenborger, James Hoyt, Carrie Hoyt, Frank Fiore, Meghan Fiore, Kevin Kohrt, Susan McCarthy, Sue Layton, Aimee Graeber, Jane Moran, Amy Hibel, Veda Kerr, Caroline Bolick, Cheryl McIntire and Joanna DeMartino.

There are two articles regarding the Hopkinton Public Library on the May Town Warrant:

Article #53 Approve schematic design recommended by Permanent Building Committee
Article #49 Approve request for zoning change of 13 Main and 9 Church Streets from Residential A to Downtown business district

Both are NO COST votes. The link to the Library Expansion Project website is http://hopkintonlibrary.org/hopkinton/libraryexpansion.asp

Read the Warrant http://educatehopkinton.com/2011-TownMeeting/2011ATMWarrant-FINAL.pdf

Hopkinton Town Leadership Drafts Letter to MSBA

2011-04-03T10:42:00.001-04:00

In a joint meeting on Tuesday, March 29, the Hopkinton Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Elementary School Building Committee worked on a draft of a letter to the Massachusetts Building Authority (MSBA) explaining the results of the vote on the new school. The letter was later finalized by Selectman Chair RJ Dourney and Superintendent Jack Phelan and has been posted to school’s website. The town is awaiting the MSBA’s response to see if Hopkinton can remain in the MSBA’s capital pipeline or if we will need to start again at the beginning with the Statement of Interest process. Read the full letter from Hopkinton’s leaders to the MSBA: http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/newweb2/HESBC/HopkintonMSBA.pdf The town of Granby, Massachusetts is the only other town which failed to support a MSBA approved project. Granby has been removed from the MSBA capital pipeline although their vote failed by a much closer margin than Hopkinton’s vote.

At Tuesday’s meeting the Hopkinton Elementary School Building Committee also discussed how things could move forward using the work of the Center School Feasibility Study already completed, after determining what option would be supported by voters. A minor modification, for example, would be to change the grade configuration of the proposed school at Fruit Street. A major change, which would require a new MSBA vote, would be to pursue building on the Center School site. The Center School site was studied in detail during the feasibility study process, but new schematics would be needed at an approximate cost of $120,000-$150,000 funded solely by the town. The project architect David Finney explained in more detail about the constraints of the Center School site. Although the full site is 11.5 acres, there is a narrow lot owned by NSTAR that cuts across the Center School land. NSTAR has granted an easement on this strip of land to Tennessee gas and there is a natural gas pipeline running under it. Mr. Finney said he has verified that the gas pipeline is indeed there. He also stated that due to the topography, it would very difficult (expensive) to build on the land on the other side of the pipeline. There are approximately 4.5 acres at the front part of the Center School lot (from Ash Street to the NSTAR land) and an additional 7 acres behind the NSTAR strip of land. He stated that although a school could be built on 4 acres, this would be “an urban solution for a suburban town.” The proposed school on Fruit Street was designed on approximately 12 acres.

MSBA Failed Vote Policy
http://www.massschoolbuildings.org/sites/default/files/edit-contentfile/Guidelines_Forms/Vote%20Requirements/Policy_Statement_revote_fail_feas_study.pdf

MSBA Letter in Response to Inquiry by Hopkinton Residents 3-11-11
https://sites.google.com/a/hopkinton.k12.ma.us/hesbc/news-and-announcements-2/msbaletterinresponsetoinquiry

Center School Principal Jennifer Parson expressed that there are real repair needs that will need to be taken care of at Center School for the time being. It was expressed by the boards they might be able to put some repair articles on the warrant for a Fall 2011 Special Town Meeting. In the meantime some partial ADA compliance work for Center School is already on the warrant for the May 2011 Town Meeting.

Next Steps:
Hopkinton is waiting to hear from back from the MSBA on whether or not the Center School project will be kept in the MSBA capital pipeline or if Hopkinton will need to start again with the Statement of Interest (SOI) process (as they did in 2007). Over the next few months Hopkinton leaders will be working on a timeline to build consensus on what type of new or renovated building would be supported by taxpayers going forward, for example surveys, public forums and focus groups conducted with a variety of residents.

Save the Dates - Upcoming Public Forums

2011-04-03T10:30:00.009-04:00

HPTA State of the Schools Forum
Wednesday, April 6 at 8:00pm
HCAM Studios

The HPTA invites residents to attend this annual forum with the Superintendent of Schools and School Committee Chair at HCAM Studios or watch on TV. If you have any questions or concerns you want Dr.Phelan or Ms.Robak to answer live that night you can call 508-435-7887 during the show or email them to secretary@hptaonline.com in advance or during the show.

Board of Selectmen Public Forum
Wednesday, April 13 at 7:00 pm
Senior Center

The Board of Selectmen in conjunction with the School Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at the Hopkinton Senior Center’s main meeting room at 7PM. The Boards will provide the community a forum to voice opinions and share ideas on how to best move forward with the Center School. Comments or suggestions can be submitted in advance to selectmen@hopkinton.org. If you have any questions, please call the Selectmen’s Office at 508-497-9700.

Your 2nd Vote Still Counts - Vote Today

2011-03-27T20:56:00.001-04:00

Although the New School failed at Town Meeting last week, if the vote passes by a simple majority today we may get a second chance from the MSBA to keep the grant and vote again at the Annual Hopkinton Town Meeting in May. Please let your vote be heard. Voting at the polls only takes a minute.

VOTE #2 Special Town Election - TODAY
Monday, March 28
Polls Open 7am - 8pm
Middle School Gym

Read the Election Warrant (aka Ballot Question)

What’s Happening?

A new Pre-K-5 elementary school on Fruit Street is being proposed, and Center School will be retired. Hopkinton Elementary School Building Project website
Hopkinton’s Strategic Plan to move toward longer grade spans with three K-5 neighborhood schools will finally be realized. Strategic Plan Sept. 2009, Strategic Plan Updates Dec. 2010

Why Make the Change?

Center School must be replaced. It poses health and safety issues and struggles to meet the academic needs of our children due to failing infrastructure, space limitations, and ongoing deterioration.
This grant opportunity allows us to accomplish both our educational and financial goals increasing the efficiency and efficacy of the delivery of education.

Who Supports the Project?

Why Now?

We need to vote now to receive a $14 Million grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority in accordance with the Project Funding Agreement between Hopkinton and the MSBA.
Delay will only cost more. Interest rates are low - construction costs are low.

Get the Facts and Vote!
https://sites.google.com/a/hopkinton.k12.ma.us/hesbc/
http://www.buildingforhopkinton.org/

Vote Tonight - Special Town Meeting for the New School begins at 7:00pm

2011-03-21T01:01:00.000-04:00

Town Meeting Survival Guide

If you have never been to Town Meeting before, you may not know what to expect. As such, we decided to compile this “survival guide” to help you know what to expect.

You do not need to bring anything to Town Meeting. However, many people find that bringing a notebook and pen or pencil is helpful to make notes during the discussions. No food or drink is allowed in the HHS Athletic Center. There is a drinking fountain outside the gym or bring some change to get something from the vending machine (minimal selection). Many people also find that something to occupy one’s hands is helpful. If you are a knitter, for example, bring a small project. There will be folding chairs on the gym floor with additional seating in the bleachers. It is not comfortable. Bring a cushion or stadium seat if you have one. Wear comfortable clothes. Babysitting will be provided by the HPTA, but space is limited. Babysitting reservations are required by 12:00 noon, you must contact Beth D’Alleva at secretary@hptaonline.com or 508-435-7393 with the ages and number of children attending.

Town Meeting begins at 7:00pm at the HHS Athletic Center. Parking will be tight, please allow time to park and walk to the building. (For the Legacy Farms vote many people had to park on the Loop Road or in the back parking lots by the fields; consider bringing a flashlight.) Arrive early to find a good seat. As you enter the high school, head downstairs to the cafeteria to sign in. There is an elevator for handicapped access. To actually vote in the gym, you must be a Hopkinton resident registered to vote and you must sign in at the voter table. Your name will be checked off and you’ll be given a piece of paper. Hold on to this piece of paper; you will need it when it is time for the votes to be counted! You’ll see a table of handouts and fact sheets regarding the proposed new school from both the town boards and committees, as well as the groups in favor of and opposed to the proposed new school. There is some terrific information here that may answer many of your questions. Listening devices for the hearing impaired will be available, please ask when you check in.

You do not have to be present for the entire town meeting to vote, though the more that participate in whole, the more balanced the democratic process. A quorum of 100 people is required to open the meeting. There is no set time to check in. The meeting will be broadcast live via HCAM TV (Comcast 8/Verizon 30), but you MUST be present to vote. You just need to check in prior to the vote, whenever you arrive. You only have to check in once, and you can come and go from the gym as you please. You can text (with phone switched to silent mode) from within the gym, although there is minimal cell coverage. Step outside to make a phone call.

The Board of Selectmen (RJ Dourney, Chair) presides over the meeting, which is facilitated by the Town Moderator (Dr. Bruce Karlin) and recorded by the Town Clerk (Ann M. Click). The format of the meeting itself follows Robert’s Rules of Order. Articles are presented, motions made, discussions ensue. Sometimes it can be a little confusing if an amendment comes up, so keep your ears open. Listen carefully -- and you’ll learn a lot. There are two questions on the warrant (agenda) for Hopkinton’s Special Town Meeting on March 21.

Article 1: New Elementary School Project - School Committee

To see if the Town will vote to appropriate, borrow or transfer from available funds, a sum of

money to be expended under the direction of the School Building Committee for the

construction of a new elementary school on Town-owned property located at 50 Fruit Street in

Hopkinton to replace the existing Center Elementary School, pursuant to a construction contract

procured in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 149, or a contract utilizing

construction management at risk delivery method in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L.

Chapter 149A, as determined by the School Building Committee which school facility shall have

an anticipated useful life as an educational facility for the instruction of school children of at

least 50 years, and for which the Town may be eligible for a school construction grant from the

Massachusetts School Building Authority ("MSBA"). The MSBA's grant program is a non-

entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and any project

costs the Town incurs in excess of any grant approved by and received from the MSBA shall be

the sole responsibility of the Town. Any grant that the Town may receive from the MSBA for the

Project shall not exceed the lesser of (1) forty-four and seven tenths percent (44.70%) of

eligible, approved project costs, as determined by the MSBA, or (2) the total maximum grant

amount determined by the MSBA.

[A ⅔ majority is needed to pass Article 1.]

Article 2: School Project Property Transfer School Committee

To see if the Town will vote to transfer the care, custody, management and control of the real

property located at 50 Fruit Street in the Town of Hopkinton and shown as Tract 7 on a plan

entitled "Fruit Street Conceptual Master Plan," prepared by Beals and Thomas, Inc. and dated

April 2003 (a copy of which is on file with the Town Clerk's Office) to the School Committee for

the purpose of constructing and maintaining a school building on such property in accordance

with the provisions of the Project Scope and Budget Agreement entered into by and between

the Board of Selectmen and the Massachusetts School Building Authority, dated February 2S,

2011; provided, however, that the existing Department of Public Works facility on such property

shall remain in the care, custody, management and control of the Department of Public Works

until such time as the Elementary School Building Committee determines that such facility must

be moved or demolished; and provided further that each of the existing athletic fields located

on such property shall be maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department until such time as

the Elementary School Building Committee determines that use of such field is incompatible

with construction activities on the property or a Certificate of Occupancy is issued for the school

building thereon, whichever occurs first, and, after the issuance of such Certificate of

Occupancy, each such field shall be made available for the use of the Parks and Recreation

Department as necessary; and provided further that any portion of the school building, school

parking areas, school playing fields or other uses related to the school building that extends

onto Tract 6, as shown on said "Fruit Street Conceptual Master Plan," shall be maintained by the

School Committee.

A presentation will be made by the Hopkinton Elementary School Building Committee (Rebecca Robak, Chair) regarding the request for funding a new PreK-5 neighborhood school on the Fruit Street property. The Town Moderator, Dr. Karlin, will facilitate a question and answer period for registered residents. If you choose to ask a question or comment on an article, step up to one of the microphones located on the gym floor. Wait for the moderator, to recognize you, then state your name and address, and keep your comments brief, civil, and to the point. Passion is absolutely allowed. The comment, question and answer period will end when either #1 the moderator sees that no one else is waiting at the microphone to speak or #2 a voter comes to the microphone, is recognized by the moderator, and says “I move the question” or “I call the question.” The motion to end debate must then be seconded and then adopted by a ⅔ vote.

As for the actual voting, most votes start as a voice vote. The moderator asks all in favor and all opposed. If the voice vote sounds close, it will go to a standing count. The moderator will ask all in favor to stand up. Now is the time to get out that piece of paper! Hold out your paper and remain standing until the counters for your section have indicated that your vote has been recorded.

Although you can leave at any time, we recommend you do NOT leave until both questions on the warrant have been voted and the meeting is officially adjourned. Someone may ask for a recount, and if a large group has already left, the outcome could be different, especially if the original vote was close. If you have any other questions about Town Meeting, please ask!

(Thank you to the folks at DuxburyCares for giving us the Survival Guide idea!)

Your 2 Votes Count

2011-03-19T17:18:00.000-04:00

In order to go forward with the proposed new school the question must pass by a 2/3 majority at Special Town Meeting AND it must pass by a simple majority at the Special Town Election.

VOTE #1 Special Town Meeting
Monday, March 21 at 7:00 pm
Hopkinton High School Athletic Center

You must be present to vote and the meeting may go late into the evening.
Free babysitting provided at the High School by the HPTA. Please RSVP to secretary@hptaonline.com.
Read the Special Town Meeting Warrant (aka Agenda)

VOTE #2 Special Town Election
Monday, March 28
Polls Open 7am - 8pm
Middle School Gym

Absentee ballots are available. Contact the Town Clerk by March 25 at 5:00pm at http://www.hopkinton.org/clerk/ or 508-497-9710.
Read the Election Warrant (aka Ballot Question)

What’s Happening?

A new Pre-K-5 elementary school on Fruit Street is being proposed (it will open Fall 2013), and Center School will be retired. Hopkinton Elementary School Building Project website
Hopkinton’s Strategic Plan to move toward longer grade spans with three K-5 neighborhood schools will finally be realized. Strategic Plan Sept. 2009, Strategic Plan Updates Dec. 2010

Why Make the Change?

Center School must be replaced. It poses health and safety issues and struggles to meet the academic needs of our children due to failing infrastructure, space limitations, and ongoing deterioration.
This grant opportunity allows us to accomplish both our educational and financial goals increasing the efficiency and efficacy of the delivery of education.

Who Supports the Project?

Why Now?

We need to vote now to receive a $14 Million grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority in accordance with the Project Funding Agreement between Hopkinton and the MSBA.
Delay will only cost more. Interest rates are low - construction costs are low.

Get the Facts and Vote!
https://sites.google.com/a/hopkinton.k12.ma.us/hesbc/
http://www.buildingforhopkinton.org/

Recent Articles About the Proposed New School Project

2011-03-19T17:00:00.000-04:00

School Committee Reaffirms Stand on Districting
by Mark Collins, Staff Reporter - 18 March, 2011 - HCAM
http://www.hcam.tv/news/school-committee-reaffirms-stand-districting

MSBA Clarifies Ramification of a Failed Vote on New School in Hopkinton
The State Building Authority recently drafted a letter responding to and clarifying several concerns from the Hopkinton community.
By Tammy Andresen - March 18, 2011 HopkintonPatch
http://hopkinton.patch.com/articles/msba-clarifies-ramification-of-a-failed-vote-on-new-school-in-hopkinton

Answers from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA)
by Michelle Murdock, News Director - 18 March, 2011 - HCAM
http://www.hcam.tv/news/answers-massachusetts-school-building-authority-msba

Special Town Meeting vote on Center School replacement Monday
By Michael Morton/staff writer - Hopkinton Crier - Posted Mar 17, 2011
http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/archive/x1777816300/Special-Town-Meeting-vote-on-Center-School-replacement-Monday#ixzz1H51SxHd7

School plans at the Center of attention in Hopkinton

By Michael Morton/Daily News staff - The MetroWest Daily News - Posted Mar 13, 2011

http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/archive/x617854612/School-plans-at-the-Center-of-attention-in-Hopkinton#ixzz1H51ukNVM

Hopkinton’s New Elementary School Tax Impact
The town of Hopkinton releases the dollar numbers the proposed school on Fruit Street would have on residents' taxes.
By Tammy Andresen - March 12, 2011 HopkintonPatch
http://hopkinton.patch.com/articles/hopkintons-new-elementary-school-tax-impact

Selectmen Vote YES to Support School Article
by Mark Collins, Staff Reporter - 10 March, 2011 - HCAM
http://www.hcam.tv/news/selectmen-vote-yes-support-school-article

Center School Forum Draws Large Crowd

by Michelle Murdock, News Director - 9 March, 2011 - HCAM

http://www.hcam.tv/videos/center-school-forum-draws-large-crowd

Hopkinton school reorganization linked to Fruit Street project

By Michael Morton/Daily News staff - The MetroWest Daily News - Posted Mar 08, 2011

http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/archive/x1840139330/Hopkinton-school-reorganization-linked-to-Fruit-Street-project#ixzz1H52OjIan

Hopkinton's Proposed Elementary School Explained. Tour of Center School and Forum Tonight
Dates and important information regarding the upcoming special Town Meeting and town vote
By Tammy Andresen - March 7, 2011 HopkintonPatch
http://hopkinton.patch.com/articles/preparing-to-vote-on-hopkintons-proposed-elementary-school-forum-tonight-at-center-school

Important Documents About the Proposed New School

2011-03-19T16:45:00.000-04:00

Tonight's School Budget Public Hearing is Still On

2011-01-27T12:18:00.000-05:00

If you can only attend one School Committee meeting a year, this is the most important meeting to attend!

After the public's input at the hearing tonight the School Committee will consider making any changes they decide are necessary to the Superintendent's budget before submitting the budget to the Town Manager. If you think something should be added or cut from the budget, this is your chance to speak up. If you are unable to attend Thursday, please email your comments to the School Committee before the meeting. Click here to email the School Committee.

Thursday, January 27
Middle School Library
6:30pm - School Committee Office Hours
7:30pm - Public Hearing on the Budget
Superintendent's Preliminary Budget

High School
Middle School
Athletic Department
The following budget summaries are not yet posted: Special Education, Buildings & Grounds, Central Office, Center, Elmwood, Hopkins and Technology.

Thumbs Up:

Class Size - Average elementary class sizes are projected to remain close in size to last year. Grades K-1 are projected to have about 21 students per class and Grades 2-5 are projected to have about 22-25 students per class.
Fees - The Superintendent's preliminary budget includes no fee increases to parents.
Math Tutors - Continued funding of math tutors enhances the school district's ability to help struggling and at risk students.
Hopkins - Budget includes new funding to enhance the English Language Arts program at Hopkins.
Middle School - Reinstatement of a Grade 6 teacher prevents class size from exceeding 25 students.
High School - Budget includes the addition of a High School Mandarin Chinese teacher, which is currently being funded by a grant from the federal government.

Thumbs Down:

Staff - Budget requests 435.6 total staff members for the 2011-12 school year. While this is a slight increase over last year (3.3), it is a total decrease of 20.3 staff members since the 2006-07 school year. Enrollment has increased by 8 students since 2006-07.
Class Sizes - Grade 3 average class sizes are expected to increase to 23 students per class next year. Grade 4 average class sizes are expected to increase to 25 students per class next year.
Elmwood/Hopkins - Continued sharing of an Assistant Principal at Elmwood and Hopkins continues to stress the operational demands at these schools.
Technology - Continued elimination of a dedicated technology teacher for each school adversely impacts the way in which technology is woven into the daily curriculum.
Foreign Language - Budget does NOT include a Foreign Language teacher at Hopkins, which places it off-track for meeting the Strategic Plan goal of offering foreign language in elementary school by 2014.
Middle School - Budget does not include the request of two additional days per Middle School guidance counselor, which impedes their ability to ensure students’ schedules are accurate, that students have been properly placed, and that universal screening reports are prepared for teachers prior to the beginning of school.
High School - The percentage of High School classes over 25 students will increase from 17% this year to 21% next year. History and Math are the greatest areas of concern with 29% of classes over 25 students.

Please Attend Thursday's Public Hearing on the 2011-12 School Budget

2011-01-23T21:09:00.000-05:00

If you can only attend one School Committee meeting a year, this is the most important meeting to attend!

After the public's input at the hearing on Thursday the School Committee will consider making any changes they decide are necessary to the Superintendent's budget before submitting the budget to the Town Manager. If you think something should be added or cut from the budget, this is your chance to speak up. If you are unable to attend Thursday, please email your comments to the School Committee before the meeting. Click here to email the School Committee.

Thursday, January 27
Middle School Library
6:30pm - School Committee Office Hours
7:30pm - Public Hearing on the Budget
Superintendent's Preliminary Budget

High School
Middle School
Athletic Department
The following budget summaries are not yet posted, but will be available at http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/newweb2/schoolcommittee/budget/budget.php before Thursday's meeting: Special Education, Buildings & Grounds, Central Office, Center, Elmwood, Hopkins and Technology.

Thumbs Up:

Class Size - Average elementary class sizes are projected to remain close in size to last year. Grades K-1 are projected to have about 21 students per class and Grades 2-5 are projected to have about 22-25 students per class.
Fees - The Superintendent's preliminary budget includes no fee increases to parents.
Math Tutors - Continued funding of math tutors enhances the school district's ability to help struggling and at risk students.
Hopkins - Budget includes new funding to enhance the English Language Arts program at Hopkins.
Middle School - Reinstatement of a Grade 6 teacher prevents class size from exceeding 25 students.
High School - Budget includes the addition of a High School Mandarin Chinese teacher, which is currently being funded by a grant from the federal government.

Thumbs Down:

Staff - Budget requests 435.6 total staff members for the 2011-12 school year. While this is a slight increase over last year (3.3), it is a total decrease of 20.3 staff members since the 2006-07 school year. Enrollment has increased by 8 students since 2006-07.
Class Sizes - Grade 3 average class sizes are expected to increase to 23 students per class next year. Grade 4 average class sizes are expected to increase to 25 students per class next year.
Elmwood/Hopkins - Continued sharing of an Assistant Principal at Elmwood and Hopkins continues to stress the operational demands at these schools.
Technology - Continued elimination of a dedicated technology teacher for each school adversely impacts the way in which technology is woven into the daily curriculum.
Foreign Language - Budget does NOT include a Foreign Language teacher at Hopkins, which places it off-track for meeting the Strategic Plan goal of offering foreign language in elementary school by 2014.
Middle School - Budget does not include the request of two additional days per Middle School guidance counselor, which impedes their ability to ensure students’ schedules are accurate, that students have been properly placed, and that universal screening reports are prepared for teachers prior to the beginning of school.
High School - The percentage of High School classes over 25 students will increase from 17% this year to 21% next year. History and Math are the greatest areas of concern with 29% of classes over 25 students.