Franklin High School 218 OAK STREE’ FRANKLIN, MASSACHUSETTS 02038-1895, (508) 528-5600 ae Dek ftom Abn Pinal Principal Roker Lin stn Pcl kristine Neal, Assistant Principal May 13, 2009 FHS Parents: Lam writing with a heavy heart to inform you of how the budget will impact the high school for next year. This is one of the most fiuid budget processes in our recent history and it has been incredibly difficult to define the scope of economic impact on our school and district. Throughout the last few months, we have gone through multiple iterations of the high school schedule to try to offer the best program for your son or daughter, The following considerations are the order of priority in which decisions regarding programming ‘were made: I. courses that support students in meeting state requirements for MCAS and thus a diploma, 2 courses that are required for entrance into a diverse range of four year colleges, and 3. the school’s ability to maintain as diverse a program offering as possible, In balancing these priorities, I have made the decision that I will not reduce staff in the core teaching areas. Instead, I believe that we cannot sustain as diverse a program as we currently do and thus have proposed that we reduce from seven to six the number of courses from which students may select. As such, I have also proposed that Physical Education and Health be offered as elective courses for students, and not as required for graduation. In addition to positions eliminated by these changes, additional reductions in force oceur in Art, Music (Chorus), Library, Secretarial Support and Administration While the decision to change the program offerings is being finalized, the high school must continue with the scheduling process. In preparation for a change in programming, counselors will assist students in choosing electives for next year. For students currently in grades 9-11, beginning Thursday May 14, guidance counselors will have students complete new course requests for elective subjects only. For students currently in 8 grade, counselors are in the process of scheduling times at each middle school to meet with students to complete this process. For 8" Grade Students, course verification forms will be mailed hope to inform parents of elective selections. The elective offerings will reflect the necessary program changes to the school. Its our hope that by providing students with the opportunity to choose elective courses again with the updated staffing information, students and families will be able to make the best decision possible, Please know that the original course requests will remain with us should budget forecasts change. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Should you have any questions, please contact Heather McVay at 508-541-2100 ext 3052. Regards, Pd 6 Peter Light ACCREDITED BY NEW BNGLAND ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER « SMOKE FREE FACILITIES