Showing posts with label FY 2025. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FY 2025. Show all posts

Thursday, August 29, 2024

School Committee Meeting gets feedback issue resolved, approves handbooks, hears of bus plan & more (audio)

FM #1266 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1266 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. 7 members participated; 5 in chambers, two were remote (Callaghan, Sompally).


Quick recap:

  • Superintendent Giguere reported on the opening professional development days Monday & Tuesday; all together at FHS Monday with a welcome, breakfast, group activities and a student produced video; teachers and staff with school based activities 

  • Staffing update: hired 44 positions this summer, 6 teacher vacancies, 9 ESP vacancies, and 9 other non-union vacancies remain as of 8/27/24. As noted in follow up questions, this # is a little higher than prior years, complicated by 48 resignations during the summer, most in the past 2 weeks, hiring process still underway. 

  • Transportation update: 31 remain on wait list after a new bus was added to the school 'fleet'. The bus provider has the busses and drivers we need, the same number of busses as last year was what they started with, then added one Monday. There is one other bus funded by the State for the students at the hotel. 

    • Transportation letter referenced ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/fps-letter-providing-school.html

    • All students registered and paid (partially or fully) by deadline are slotted for a bus

    • 31 students remain on a wait list after one bus was added

    • Bus passes won't be checked until Sept 16 to allow for the "who's really riding, who's not" process to get sorted out

    • Bus capacity in some cases may be high but those at the scheduled stops will get a ride at least thru the 16th

  • Discussion and approval (7-0 vote via roll call) for the school handbooks; discussion focused on the changes some significant, some minor to the handbooks vs. prior year, photos of the slides for FHS, middle schools, and elementary schools are available in one album (when presentation gets updated to meeting page, link will be added) https://photos.app.goo.gl/hcjHqYuWPNvg4ca8A 

  • FY25 Revised Final Budget Vote - I recommend approval of the FY25 School Budget in the amount of $77,470,190.00 as discussed ** Motion to approve, second, passes via roll call by 7-0 vote. Note that the "base" for next year would be $1m less than this due to the one time funds

  • Policy 2nd Reading/Adoption - I recommend adoption of Policy GBEBD - Online Fundraising and Solicitation - Crowdfunding as discussed. ** Motion to approve, second, passes via roll call by 7-0 vote


The recording runs about 1 hour & 43 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1266-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-08-27-24/



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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  

https://www.youtube.com/live/sahovop6Kv0?si=sDlNZtXfQ-KJCgBg&t=1159


Agenda doc  -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4746981/SCAGENDA_8-27-24.pdf    


Meeting packet folder -> (docs released for this meeting, some of them available after the meeting)  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/august-27%2C-2024-sc-meeting-packet/692601 


My notes in one PDF ->  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lnpeEhrwjgVtZypRj-9T6iHGBfNHgjkT/view?usp=drive_link 


Handbook slides ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/hcjHqYuWPNvg4ca8A 



-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


FHS slide on handbook changes
FHS slide on handbook changes

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

School Committee Meeting gets feedback issue resolved, approves handbooks, hears of bus plan & more (video)

The Franklin, MA School Committee met as scheduled  on August 27, 2024 beginning at 7 PM. After working through some sound feedback issues in Council Chambers with Zoom, the meeting really got into the agenda approx. 7:20 PM.

Franklin TV video link (starting with the resumption of the meeting) ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/sahovop6Kv0?si=sDlNZtXfQ-KJCgBg&t=1159

Quick recap:
  • Superintendent Giguere reported on the opening professional development days Monday & Tuesday; all together at FHS Monday with a welcome, breakfast, group activities and a student produced video; teachers and staff with school based activities 
  • Staffing update: hired 44 positions this summer, 6 teacher vacancies, 9 ESP vacancies, and 9 other non-union vacancies remain as of 8/27/24. As noted in follow up questions, this # is a little higher than prior years, complicated by 48 resignations during the summer, most in the past 2 weeks, hiring process still underway. 
  • Transportation update: 31 remain on wait list after a new bus was added to the school 'fleet'. The bus provider has the busses and drivers we need, the same number of busses as last year was what they started with, then added one Monday. There is one other bus funded by the State for the students at the hotel. 
    • Transportation letter referenced ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/fps-letter-providing-school.html
    • All students registered and paid (partially or fully) by deadline are slotted for a bus
    • 31 students remain on a wait list after one bus was added
    • Bus passes won't be checked until Sept 16 to allow for the "who's really riding, who's not" process to get sorted out
    • Bus capacity in some cases may be high but those at the scheduled stops will get a ride at least thru the 16th
  • Discussion and approval (7-0 vote via roll call) for the school handbooks; discussion focused on the changes some significant, some minor to the handbooks vs. prior year, photos of the slides for FHS, middle schools, and elementary schools are available in one album (when presentation gets updated to meeting page, link will be added)
  • FY25 Revised Final Budget Vote - I recommend approval of the FY25 School Budget in the amount of $77,470,190.00 as discussed ** Motion to approve, second, passes via roll call by 7-0 vote. Note that the "base" for next year would be $1m less than this due to the one time funds
  • Policy 2nd Reading/Adoption - I recommend adoption of Policy GBEBD - Online Fundraising and Solicitation - Crowdfunding as discussed. ** Motion to approve, second, passes via roll call by 7-0 vote
Meeting agenda doc ->

My set of notes captured during the meeting ->

FHS slide on handbook changes
FHS slide on handbook changes



Friday, August 16, 2024

School Committee Approves FEF close out, hears summer update from Lifelong Learning, formally accepts $1M from Town (video)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met as scheduled Tuesday, August 13, 2024. Five members were present in Council Chambers, 2 were absent (Charles, McNeill).

Quick recap:

  • School dates for opening new year 

    • Aug 26, teachers report 

    • Aug 27 Professional development day

    • Aug 28 First day for 1st - 12 grades

    • Aug 29 First day for K

    • Aug 30 No school (Labor Day weekend)

    • Sep 3 pre-K first day

  • Staffing update - 19 hired thus far, some still open, some resignations still coming in

  • Redistricting status update - work progressing, principals announced, asst principals announcement forthcoming, work on the district alignment progressing, still working toward a release target of Sept/Oct. The boundary line info would go to the School Committee for review first, no word on the formal closing of the prior redistricting committee or the set up of a new process to continue the work during the school year to prepare for Sep 2025

  • New website published as of July 1. Mobile client available for download to Apple or Android devices. Links still being fixed, content generally there and items being added as identified. Notifications not yet turned on

  • Lifelong Learning Summer program update - photos of the presentation were captured during the meeting in one photo album; the Lifelong Learning program is fee based and thus self funded, the fees taken in cover the expenses incurred

  • Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) votes - two votes were taken to start the process of formally closing out the FEF (a 501(c3) organization) and rolling over the remaining funds they have (approx. $150K) to enable the District to continue their work with such funds; details remain to be worked out on the ‘grant application’, approval, and communication process

  • FY 2025 budget update - some curriculum development work accomplished during summer but less than previous years due to budget cuts, the last of the additional funds approved by the Town Council ($1M from the debt stabilization account, one time funds) was accepted by the Committee by a 5-0 vote during the meeting


Lifelong Learning Summer Update )pix of slides shared) -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FfeYoJc8S5UhAsVJ8 


School Committee Approves FEF close out, hears summer update from Lifelong Learning, formally accepts $1M from Town (video)
School Committee Approves FEF close out, hears summer update from Lifelong Learning, formally accepts $1M from Town (video)



Wednesday, August 14, 2024

School Committee Approves FEF close out, hears summer update from Lifelong Learning, formally accepts $1M from Town (audio)

FM #1259 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1259 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. 5 members participated, all in chambers, two were absent (Charles, McNeill).


Quick recap:

  • School dates for opening new year 

    • Aug 26, teachers report, 

    • Aug 27 Professional development day, 

    • Aug 28 First day for 1st - 12 grades, 

    • Aug 29 First day for K, 

    • Aug 30 No school (Labor Day weekend)

    • Sep 3 - pre-K first day

  • Staffing update - 19 hired thus far, some still open, some resignations still coming in

  • Redistricting status update - work progressing, principals announced, asst principals announcement forthcoming, work on the district alignment progressing, still working toward a release target of Sept/Oct. The boundary line info would go to the School Committee for review first, no word on the formal closing of the prior redistricting committee or the set up of a new process to continue the work during the school year to prepare for Spe 2025

  • New website published as of July 1. Mobile client available for download to Apple or Android devices. Links still being fixed, content generally there and items being added as identified. Notifications not yet turned on

  • Lifelong Learning Summer program update - photos of the presentation were captured during the meeting in one photo album; the Lifelong Learning program is fee based and thus self funded, the fees taken in cover the expenses incurred

  • Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) votes - two votes were taken to start the process of formally closing out the FEF (a 501(c3) organization) and rolling over the remaining funds they have (approx. $150K) to enable the District to continue their work with such funds; details remain to be worked out on the ‘grant application’, approval, and communication process

  • FY 2025 budget update - some curriculum development work accomplished during summer but less than previous years due to budget cuts, the last of the additional funds approved by the Town Council ($1M from the debt stabilization account, one time funds) was accepted by the Committee by a 5-0 vote during the meeting


The recording runs about 66 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1259-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-08-13-24/



--------------



The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://youtu.be/qA_oBUUMs0A?si=BWM0ekJVTq2Qffuc&t=95


The Franklin TV video is NOT available for replay ->  (It was recorded and successfully broadcast to Comcast, Verizon, and via Zoom but not to YouTube) When available the link will be added


Agenda doc  -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_school_committee_meeting_6.pdf     


Meeting packet folder -> (docs released for this meeting, some of them available after the meeting)  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/8%2F13%2F24-sc-meeting-packet/685844 


My notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gr8uvNEdDqoW8Irw8pjg3McXgxhRi4ai/view?usp=drive_link 


Lifelong Learning Summer Update )pix of slides shared) -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FfeYoJc8S5UhAsVJ8 


-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


School Committee Approves FEF close out, hears summer update from Lifelong Learning, formally accepts $1M from Town (audio)
School Committee Approves FEF close out, hears summer update from Lifelong Learning, formally accepts $1M from Town (audio)

Sunday, July 14, 2024

Franklin, MA: Town Council -Agenda for Meeting July 17, 2024 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
July 17, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.
c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.
5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled.
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Override Discussion & FY25 Budget Adjustment #2   
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._1_-_memo_-_override_and_1_million.pdf
i. Legislation for Action # 9a
9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 24-50: Budget Stabilization Account Transfer to the Franklin Public School’s FY25 Operating Budget (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-50 - ⅔ Majority Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._24-50.pdf
b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905: Zoning Map Changes From Single Family Residential III To Business, An Area On Or Near King Street - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b._24-905.pdf
c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906: Changes to §185-3.  Definitions, Mixed Use Development Definition - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._24-906_907_908.pdf
d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907: Changes to §185-21 Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements, Elimination of Minimum Parking Requirements in Downtown Commercial Zoning District - First Reading
(Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9d._bylaw_amendment_24-907.pdf
e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908: §185 Attachment 7. Part VI, Addition of Mixed Use Development to Use Regulation Schedule - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9e._24-908.pdf
f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-913: Zoning Map Changes from Business to Commercial I, an Area on Union Street Near Franklin Crossing - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 24-913 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9f._24-913_-_union_st._mill_store.pdf
g. Resolution 24-42: Authorization for Town to Implement Chapter 193 of Legislative Acts of 2018 Landfill Land Swap Legislation, so-called
h. Resolution 24-49: Acceptance of Gifts - Veterans’ Service Department ($700), Senior Center ($381), Franklin Public Library ($500) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-49 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9h._24-49.pdf
10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Economic Development Subcommittee
c. Budget Subcommittee
d. Master Plan Committee
e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee
f. Police Station Building Committee
g. GATRA Advisory Board
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The full agenda and docs released for this meeting can be found ->

Franklin, MA: Town Council -Agenda for Meeting July 17, 2024 at 7 PM
Franklin, MA: Town Council -Agenda for Meeting July 17, 2024 at 7 PM