UPDATED: Former SC Member Philip Dinsky Has Died
Dinsky, who died on Saturday, resigned from the Framingham School Committee in April 2009, after serving 16 years on the committee.
Former School Committee member Philip Dinsky of Framingham died Friday, Aug. 24.
Services are tomorrow, Aug. 27 at Brezniak-Rodman Chapel 1251 Washington St., (corner of Chestnut St.) in West Newton at 1 p.m.
Following services, a memorial observance will be held at his residence until 8 pm, and will continue Tuesday and Wednesday 4-8 pm.
Dinsky resigned from the Framingham School Committee in April 2009, after serving 16 years on the committee.
Dinsky was named to the Massachusetts Association of School Committees "All State School Committee" in 2006.
Elected to the School Committee in 1993, he was chair 2001-2002, 2002-2003 and 2003-2004. He was a member of the permanent building committee from 1993 to 2001). He was a member of the Framingham High Building Committee,
the Buildings & Grounds subcommittee and the policy subcommittee.
During his tenure on the School Committee, Dinsky helped the district through two successful override campaigns: a debt exclusion override to renovate the district’s 40-year-old high school (April 2000) and an operational override (June 2002) to support the budget.
Dinsky participated in redistricting initiatives in 1994 and 1998. He oversaw the adoption of the district’s Racial Balance Plan (1996) and the successful implementation of a district-wide school choice program.
He was a founding member of Framingham Action for Education.
Former State Rep. Pam Richardson nominated Dinksy for his 2006 Massachusetts School Committee All-State School Committee Award.
In nominating him she said "Phil’s foresight and professional expertise has been instrumental in oversight of school building projects including McCarthy and Woodrow Wilson Elementary schools, Cameron Middle School and, most recently, Framingham High School. Phil always puts the needs of the district and children — first. Framingham is a large, diverse and challenging community. Phil has been highly regarded and respected by the Framingham community, a large, diverse community. He has helped the district through enormous budgetary/financial challenges including the closing of an elementary school. Always putting the interests of the entire school district first, Phil does not yield to special interests. Independent and a leader, Phil is always respectful of school committee protocol and his colleagues even if not of the same opinion."
Phil Pruchansky
6:16 pm on Sunday, August 26, 2012
I was so sorry to hear about Phi's passing. My condolences to his family. Phil Pruchansky, AEPi Fraternity Brother.
Cheryl Tully Stoll
8:45 pm on Sunday, August 26, 2012
I was very sorry to learn of Phil's passing.
Phil leaves many legacies to our educational system. The one I believe is quite notable, and not well known, is that he was instrumental in helping us go from a processed food options such as Pop Tarts and Fried French Toast Sticks to whole wheat bagels with peanut butter, turkey rollups and fresh fruit and vegetables.
When I mentioned my concerns regarding our breakfast and lunch programs at an informal gathering six years ago, Phil's immediate response was "How can I help? Would you like a meeting with the superintendent?”
He even took time from work to participate in the meeting. That morning was the catalyst for so much positive change in the nutrition and nutritional education of our children. Framingham is now a model that other school systems envy and want to emulate.
That was before most schools, let alone the Federal Government, were paying much attention to the issue. Phil's eagerness to help our kids be healthier has resulted in so many improvements in not only Framingham children's nutritional health, but other school systems learning from our initiatives.
As an athlete Phil understood the importance of nutrition to health, learning abilities and quality of life. As a leader he used that knowledge to better the lives of thousands of children. That's a legacy any man should be proud of.
My sincere thoughts and sympathies are with Phil's family during this difficult time.
Herb Chasan
9:51 am on Monday, August 27, 2012
Phil was a true, strong advocate for the schools. We will miss him very much.
Herb Chasan
Michelle Quinn Smith
4:55 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Condolences to his family on their loss.
Michelle Smith, TM - Precinct 12