Showing posts with label FY 2026. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FY 2026. Show all posts

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Dollars & Sense shares video clips on how we got here (video)

From the volunteers who brought you OneFranklin, we hope this newsletter serves as a monthly resource for busy Franklinites interested in our town's financial health. We'll include important upcoming meetings, action steps you can take, and more!

"Dollars & Sense in Franklin" shares the potential cuts for the FY 2026 budget
"Dollars & Sense in Franklin" shares the potential cuts for the FY 2026 budget

Part 2 of the series which began on Wednesday (Part 1 link below)

Get Involved! - December's Actions
  • Attend the Joint Budget Subcmte (JBSC) or Town Council Meetings in person or on Zoom
  • Ask a question about potential cuts at the JBSC or Town Council meeting
  • Write an email to all members of the Town Council  (Email onefranklinvolunteers@gmail.com for example template)


Clips We're Watching

Finance Committee Chair: "There's no fat...there's no hidden money."
Watch 23:45-25:30 to see George Conley assure that after going line by line through the budget, there's no waste.



School Committee Chairs: We're looking ahead at "a stark reality". 
Watch 13:00-15:00 to see Dave Callahan and Dave McNeill of the School Committee petition the Town Council to engage the community in their efforts to support an override. 



For more context: All town department heads
In this longer clip (2:03-2:41), department heads advocate for their employees and for the services they provide our town. This was 11 weeks before the failed override. 



Stay tuned for more clips from elected officials, advocates, and neighbors!

Reach out to this email for any questions, corrections, or clarifications onefranklinvolunteers@gmail.com


Wednesday, December 4, 2024

"Dollars & Sense in Franklin" shares the potential cuts for the FY 2026 budget

Welcome!

From the volunteers who brought you OneFranklin, we hope this newsletter serves as a monthly resource for busy Franklinites interested in our town's financial health. We'll include important upcoming meetings, action steps you can take, and more!

"Dollars & Sense in Franklin" shares the potential cuts for the FY 2026 budget
"Dollars & Sense in Franklin" shares the potential cuts for the FY 2026 budget


Potential Cuts
At the October 23 Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting, Town Administrator Hellen was asked what cuts the Town might have to make in light of the expected multimillion dollar shortfall (~1:51-1:54). He responded that, while numbers could change, the tiers presented at the 6/26/24 Town Council meeting (2:25-2:50) were the likeliest cuts. 

This means that the following cuts are likely in 2025. These cuts would not restore any cut services to the school system, nor would they close the entire deficit.  Additional potential cuts, including to Franklin Public Schools, will be covered in future Dollars and Sense. 

potential cuts for the FY 2026 budget
potential cuts for the FY 2026 budget


Important Dates
12/10 @ 7:00 School Committee Meeting
12/11 @ 7:00 Finance Committee Meeting
12/17 @ 7:00 Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting (JBSC)
12/18 @ 7:00 Town Council Meeting
Zoom links are released with meeting agendas 48 hours in advance. All meetings are streamed on Franklin Town Hall YouTube (https://bit.ly/FTV-TownHall).


These are items shared from the email newsletter Dollars & Sense. Additional items will be shared over the next couple of days. You can download the full PDF version -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/15pPqEXZrlBAplHHjtbNbxe8tGpClZeW5/view?usp=drive_link

Sunday, December 1, 2024

School Committee gets MCAS update, FHS theatre update, approves capital budget & varsity ski co-op (audio)

FM #1330 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1330 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024. 6 members participated in Council Chambers, 1 absent (Griffin)


Quick recap:

  • 3 coaches recognized as MIAA coaches of the year, (basketball, unified track, & swim coach); Ice hockey players down across states, approved for 8th grade waiver for varsity program, For the girls, to be clear, not boys, 13 skaters and 2 goalies currently

  • Review of free/reduced application with a Franklin threshold, folks could apply, especially for winter sports if they have not participated in fall sports

  • On guest presentations, theater program at FHS - Virginia Bernstein speaking to the student program (Outsiders, first show); Yellow Boat, a competition show, part of the annual program. 13 teachers volunteered to help out, Not just about putting on a play, grit plus. "Theater is not a luxury it is a vital part of the educational program" Thanks around from Cmte members and to the volunteer teachers! "This is a portrait of a graduate! She is articulate and advocating for her program"

  • Dr Rogers, Dr Frazier, Mr Stark present an update on the MCAS results for the District. Difference between formative and summative data points. 1 slides is full of logos an indication of the investments made in the academic support tools used in the schools; Sullivan and Jefferson met/ exceeded standards. And an opportunity to remind that MCAS is not going away, it will remain, the vote did take away MCAS as a graduation requirement. How does the data play into the curriculum refresh cycle? It does play. For instructional directions for sure, and may for curriculum decisions, depending upon timing and budget.

  • Discussion Action Items - I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:

    • ● ACA – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex

    • ● ACA-R – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex under Title IX Including Sex-Based Harassment; Moved to second reading, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)

  • Varsity Ski Co-Op - I recommend approval of the request of FHS Athletics for a Co-Op Varsity Skiing with Nipmuc Regional High School as detailed. Parent participating as volunteer for this trial co-op program. Motion to approve, second, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)

  • Capital Requests - I recommend approval of the Capital Requests as detailed. Previewed in the budget subcmte meeting earlier today, these are initial, could be modified and prioritized as needed; also a further iteration will have refinement for this figures. Finally, a vote on the capital request as detailed, motion to approve, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)

  • Student handbook review with DESE, self assessment prior, minor revisions and information for parents for code of conduct infractions, motion to approve second, passes 6-0-1 (1absent)

  • Discussion only item, inclement weather update, on the schools page, reminding what we'll do during this winter, safety at the forefront, it may be a challenge for families but is is acknowledged, usually would make by 5:30 AM, try to do so the night before if possible

  • Committee entered Executive Session for contract negotiation strategy not to return to open meeting


The recording runs about 2 hours & 30 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1330-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-11-26-24/


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Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/__1gVQEZ10M?si=1GxkAYdlZPEpCOeB&t=68 


Agenda for this session -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5044643/SCAGENDA_11-26-24.pdf 


Meeting packet (other docs as they are released after the meeting will get posted here) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/november-26%2C-2024-sc-meeting-packet/726241 


My notes in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kq3_uhkW1YicIGxzV01n7EfGeSnhDwAg/view?usp=drive_link 


Photo album of the MCAS slides shared ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/pfBg1HiVMKfPduAb9 



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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

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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"


1 slides is full of logos an indication of the investments made in the academic support tools used in the schools
1 slides is full of logos an indication of the investments made in the academic support tools used in the schools

Friday, November 29, 2024

Franklin School Committee conducts budget workshop for FY 2026 Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 (audio exclusive)

FM #1326 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1326 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Budget Workshop held on Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024. 5 members participated, 4 in the Training Room (Callaghan, Charles, O’Sullivan & McNeill), and 1 remotely (Gallagher). 2 not present (Sompally, Griffin).


Quick recap:

  • Supt Giguere opens with the budget development process, likely to have another workshop after the holidays

  • Business administrator Jana Melotti takes over to walk through the slides, Dr Dutch adds commentary as well. He is continuing work on a consultant basis

  • Clarification on the starting point, some recall Jamie's # differently from what is shown on the slide. They will confirm and update the Cmte via email 

  • Also a capital budget preview, more to be covered in the budget subcmte meeting after this session


The recording runs about 55 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1326-school-cmte-budget-workshop-11-26-24/


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School Committee Budget Workshop agenda -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5041656/11-26-24_AGENDA-Budget_Workshop.pdf 


Photos of the budget presentation -> (not yet posted to FPS page)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/R1Es5WfrB9LMSq4J8


My notes for the full session are captured in one PDF file ->   

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o16lf6c1yJsM7uV0iVoo3zUy6AEXcN8v/view?usp=drive_link 


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

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

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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"


Franklin School Committee conducts budget workshop for FY 2026
Franklin School Committee conducts budget workshop for FY 2026


Saturday, November 23, 2024

Back to back budget meetings for the School Committee - Nov 26 - 5:30 & 6:30 PM

Back to back budget meetings for the School Committee, one a workshop, one a subcommittee session. Both take place before the full School Committee meeting Tuesday, Nov 26 at 7:00 PM

  • Franklin Public Schools Budget Workshop Meeting
Event Date:  Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - 5:30pm

  • Franklin Public Schools Budget Subcommittee Meeting
Event Date:  Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - 6:30pm

Back to back budget meetings for the School Committee - Nov 26 - 5:30 & 6:30 PM
Back to back budget meetings for the School Committee - Nov 26 - 5:30 & 6:30 PM

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Fire Dept stretched with multiple runs

Thursday, Franklin Firefighters Local 2637 posted:

"This morning, L2637 members have responded to multiple simultaneous calls for service. All off-duty members have been called in to assist with calls. 
Fire Dept stretched with multiple runs
Fire Dept stretched with multiple runs
A total of 10 emergencies from 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM, including an extended extrication of a male party with an open leg fracture on top of a roof. As all Franklin engines were tied up on calls, a Norfolk engine and Wrentham engine had to respond in their place to the extended operation.

During this operation, emergencies continued to come in. All Franklin ambulances were committed to calls, resulting in two (2) Bellingham ambulances, a Medway ambulance, and a Millis ambulance all having to respond to calls in Franklin.

#franklin #fire #pffm #iaff #staffingmatters"

A timely item for consideration as the FY 2026 budget development is in process. The 3rd ambulance requires additional staffing and has been talked of for a number of years. The past couple of years steps have been made to increase coverage. Let's find out what it will really take to provide appropriate staffing for police, fire, and "first responders" (like DPW) and make sure to include that in the long range plan. The long range plan should do more than get us by one budget year.

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Dave & Dave recap the School Committee and Joint Budget Subcmte meetings (audio)

FM #1282 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1282 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan and Vice-Chair David McNeill. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion via the Zoom conference bridge on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. 

 

We cover 

  • Recap of the School Committee meeting of Sep 10 

  • The long executive session and process improvements

  • Redistricting draft alignment of schools expected soon

  • Joint Budget Subcommittee process started Sep 11


The recording runs about 33 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1282-chalkboard-chat-09-17-24/



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Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net  

Contact info for David McNeill -> mcneilld@franklinps.net 


Redistricting Storymap -> 
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/franklin-public-schools-announces-draft.html

School Committee Meeting


Joint Budget Subcommittee Mtg


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

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"


Dave & Dave recap the School Committee and Joint Budget Subcmte meetings (audio)
Dave & Dave recap the School Committee and Joint Budget Subcmte meetings (audio)