Superintendent Search

Firstly, I wish Dr. Calabro every success in her tenure, and I am glad that a capable and experienced Interim Superintendent was eventually hired. The following is not intended in any way as a commentary on her or her ability or suitability for the position, only in...

Bond Referendum – Part I

This is Colin Cecil – again speaking as myself and not a joint candidate … . I intend to vote in favor of the bond referendum despite some reservations. There is critical work required at the school and without the proposed bond there will be no progress on these...

School Finances – Part III – 2024 Historic Tax Raise

You’ve most certainly felt the astounding 6.0995% school tax levy increase voted in this summer by FTS’ current Board of Education and suggested by the former Superintendent. The total dollar amount of that tax increase was $427,425.00 for FTS year over year. Since...

Thoughts on September BOE Meeting

If a committee was formed last meeting to begin superintendent interviews. How many candidates did this committee vet, sit down and interview within 3 1/2 weeks? Dr. Ruberto may very well be a wonderful choice for school, but the BoE’s lack on movement through the...

School Finance – Part II – Long Term and Strategic Planning

Rust never sleeps and FTS is covered in it. Take a closer look. On doors, panels, down stouts, its everywhere on the outside of the school. Loudspeakers hang by their wires, caution tape dangles from fences & machines, and cracks & layers of dirt stain the...

School Finance – Part I – Cost per Student

At the Regionalization Study meeting, Matt stated that the ‘Cost per Student’ for Franklin was $35,000. Over $10,000 more than our neighbors in Bethlehem and Union. A FTS board member countered that number at the end of the meeting by stating the cost was $23K and...

Academic Performance – Part III

With the regionalization meeting tomorrow evening, we know everyone is concerned with taxes, bussing, safety and organization. But we implore our neighbors to ask if it’ll fix this: These are the most recent available NJSLA scores for FTS. They test the three bigs:...

Initial Reaction to the Regionalization Study

After a quick read… According to the financial side, not having Bethlehem at this meeting was a real failure to launch this idea. No schools would be closing, which is great, but they seem to have the least to immediately gain according to study and FTS the most....

Interview Questions

The Board shared on 22-Aug that there is an ongoing search for an Interim Superintendent which we assume is being led by Union. We believe that any candidate for Interim Superintendent must be able to address the following questions: What experience do you have in...

Truth in Advertising – Part I

A REMARKABLE 9 out of 10 score on The Great School Rating! These stats were echoed in Strategic Planning, Linking Leadership, and even at Board of Education meetings. This high honor also appeared in forms submitted to the state. Appearing next to the debunked notion...