Agenda for the Franklin Finance Committee Mtg - Weds, March 11, 2026 at 6 PM

Finance Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 = 6:00 PM

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments 

- Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Finance Committee cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments.

The Finance Committee may ask town staff to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the town staff from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. Approval of Minutes

a. February 25, 2026

4. Presentations/Discussion

a. Review Town Financial Policies

i. 2024-2025 Financial Policies

5. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive Series”

a. Municipal Grant Process Overview   

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8636/Municipal-Grant-Process-Overview

b. Historical Grant Data Summary   

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8637/5b-Historical-Grant-Data---Summary

6. Future Agenda Items / Next meeting Dates:

a. April 6, 7, 8 & 9, 2026 - Anticipated Finance Committee Budget Hearings

b. May 28, 2026 - FY27 Budget discussion TBD

c. June 3, 2026 - FY27 Budget discussion TBD

7. Finance Committee Member Comments

8. Adjourn

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2176

School Committee March Newsletter with FY 2027 budget info & 2026-27 School Calendar

School Committee March Newsletter 

The March School Committee Newsletter is available now. 

Get caught up on the FY27 Budget discussions and see the 2026 - 2027 School Calendar.

Read the entire Newsletter here:  https://aptg.co/FlGsHJ

Shared from https://www.franklinps.net/live-feed#11628628

Town Council adds to the Tier 1 capital budget and extends their 4 hour limit on Feb 11, 2026 (audio)

 

FM #1673-74-75 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1673-74-75 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session. 

• 1673 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, Council Comments, ABCC license change approval (approx. 45 mins) 

• 1674 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the5 Year fiscal forecast & discussion  (approx. 1 hr. 33 mins)  

• 1675 - segment from the meeting covers the Capital Budget discussion and the remainder of the meeting  (approx. 2 hours and 3 mins)

  

Audio 1673 - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1673-town-council-mtg-02-11-26-p1-of-3/

Audio 1674 - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1674-town-council-mtg-02-11-26-p2-of-3/

Audio 1675 - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1675-town-council-mtg-02-11-26-p3-of-3/

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

Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin TV video) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/town-council-adds-to-tier-1-capital.html 

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

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 out. 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"

School Committee approves FY 2027 budget & 2026-207 school calendar in virtual only session Tuesday (audio)

FM #1669 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1669 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM. All 7 members of the committee were present in the virtual session conducted via Zoom. Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Asst Supt Tina Rogers, Asst Supt Paula Marano, School Business Administrator Jana Melotti also participated.

Quick recap:

• Superintendent’s report, Lucas Giguere provides an update on the snow day processing, thanks to DPW for snow removal efforts, thanks also to the community for staying off the roads to enable clean up efforts.

• Schools opening Weds with 2 hour delay, emergency bus ops ready to pick up students as usual. Appreciate flexibility with schedule during this winter period.

• Callaghan compliments Lucas for coordinating with DPW, Lucas was able to do a ride along with Brutus during Monday, an amazing experience

• Clarification on the 1 hour delay for teachers, vs. what had been happening prior. Intentional to help stagger the staff arrival vs. students

• School Budget for FY 2027

• FY 2027 line item detail - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/2310ad24-dbbf-4303-850c-7485da4d9089/FY27-Line-by-Line-Item.pdf?disposition=inline 

• Budget book - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/33c4075e-72ac-4309-b0a3-964a9339868e/FY27-Franklin-Budget-Book.pdf?disposition=inline 

• Business Manager Jana provides clarification on the Medicaid line item. Medical reimbursement is intricate, services provided to students per medical treatment plan. Parental approval required for billing and reimbursement, takes time to process

• O'Sullivan provides comments on the prior Town Council discussion on the capital budget where some comments were inappropriate and divisive. Wants to continue the coordination and collaboration among Town and School orgs

• 2.5% increase over the prior year budget; within line with the Town requests for all departments

• Vote on the motion, via roll call Passes 7-0

• Lucas thanks the committee for the support in bringing in the budget in the advanced timeline, and for the direction as needed from time to time

• B. Discussion Action B – 2026-27 School Calendar Vote I recommend adoption of the 2026-27 School Calendar as discussed.

• https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/00dac9d1-b44e-4e39-bd5c-4dbdf132deda/Discussion-Action-B---26-27-School-Calendar.pdf?disposition=inline 

• Dr Rogers provides updates on the survey (parents & staff) in development of the school calendar for the next year

• Q on what could be done to avoid further extension to last day? June 25 is currently last day, only option would be looking at the April vacation. A delay opening or an early dismissal both count as school days. Hoping for the best.

• Last day is a half day and the other extended days are full days. Last year 4 half days were added to assist in prep for the move, redistricting last year.

• Able to reduce half days due to cycle of curriculum development and community desires, may need go with more in a future calendar; tradeoffs on both sides for staff and students with the half days on Fridays

• Q why choice of Friday as half days? A - two days on the calendar already as "have to" due to coordination with other districts, so to be consistent, the rest fell in.

• Q what does the attendance record look like for half days leading to the weekend? A - don't have the data at hand but it can be factored in

• Q better understanding of elementary va middle/high school parents A - 75% were primary level responses

• FHS graduation June 4, 2027 was left off the draft shared before meeting, it has been added and wouldn't change

• Chair Griffith adds to some of the statistical analysis of the survey in confirming the decisions made

• Friday with half days vs. 5 Mondays we have no control over. A balancing act for both side

• Want to be careful in the data dive and not wanting to make a choice between sets of parents when the calendar is meant for the whole district/community. Can help to reinforce use of the responses to hopefully get a broader representation of the families

• With no further discussion, vote on the motion via roll call , passes 7-0

• Round of updates from the subcommittee that have met or are scheduled to meet.

• Citizen comment - just one tonight from Councilor Max Morrongiello commending them on the budget development and coming in with only the 2.5% increase

First use of Threads to capture my notes and I am disappointed with it (apparently doesn’t keep them in sequence, and doesn’t keep all of them - for use in reporting those items are unacceptable.)

The recording runs about 1 hours and 20 minutes

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1669-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-02-24-26/

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

Franklin TV video - https://youtu.be/FsWd1552cuI?si=-qL8Jn8EdgTYGMSJ&t=355

All the docs associated with the budget for FY 2027 

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/about-us/school-district-budget(2)/fy2027-budget/860340 

Meeting agenda and released documents

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/franklin-ma-agenda-for-school-committee.html 

Thread copy (such as it is) https://www.threads.com/@franklinmatters.ma/post/DVKIebXCTFa?xmt=AQF0enqjCQ787Jhw-3viCokfG2ha2bg2P_v68RDjQX5ZO8eS5KmTmExOsExiXTFmTe28bMI&slof=1 

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

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 out. 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, MA: Agenda for School Committee meeting Tuesday, Feb 24 at 6 PM

Franklin School Committee 

February 24, 2026 - 6:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order Dr. Griffith

Announcements from the Chair

Pledge of Allegiance Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Dr. Griffith

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. none

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Discussion Action A – FY27 Budget Vote

I recommend approval of the FY27 School Budget in the amount of

$72,341,254.00 as discussed.

FY 2027 line item detail - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/2310ad24-dbbf-4303-850c-7485da4d9089/FY27-Line-by-Line-Item.pdf?disposition=inline

Budget book - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/33c4075e-72ac-4309-b0a3-964a9339868e/FY27-Franklin-Budget-Book.pdf?disposition=inline

B. Discussion Action B – 2026-27 School Calendar Vote

I recommend adoption of the 2026-27 School Calendar as discussed.  https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/00dac9d1-b44e-4e39-bd5c-4dbdf132deda/Discussion-Action-B---26-27-School-Calendar.pdf?disposition=inline

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. ACCEPT Annual Report Documents

B. School Committee 26-27 Schedule  https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/2857b878-73e3-4260-b216-f08a15c8524b/26-27-SCSchedule-DRAFT.pdf?disposition=inline

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your February 10, 2026 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B.   FMS Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $13,500.00 from the FMS PCC for Field Trips as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/01da4d8e-0539-4f0b-afc7-81a97a61d796/SCAGENDA-2-24-26.pdf?disposition=inline

Packet folder contains other docs released before (or after this session)

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/february-24%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/25691390

School Committee hear the details on "level service" budget that comes in at 2.5% increase (video)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Feb 10, 2026. All 7 members were present for this session in Council Chambers.

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/gzeG61qJFfU?&t=361

The agenda doc - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02102026-2129 

The 4 page budget summary used for the discussion can be found - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SpeLx7Zov0jH5Q-0P8FNjaLN3g3q1hlL/view?usp=drive_link

(This was made into a PDF from the hard copy available in Council Chambers. The formal posting is supposed to happen Wednesday along with the "budget book")

Quick recap

• While level service there are 7 positions cut and 7 positions added so it washes out as no net change to head count.
• The budget comes in at a 2.5% increase over last year. The health care costs are being transferred to the Town line 910 so an apples to apples comparison can be made for all budgets.

The slides shared were captured in one photo album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FW6xHYa4NKXhUFSx5

My notes are captured in one PDF doc

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AMbYGabU6gUDQPqK0ZnMBxTD-o77R0FI/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for Feb 10, 2026 meeting

Note: neither the budget docs, nor the meeting packet are available at this time. I'll update when they are public.

Franklin School Committee 

February 10, 2026 = 6:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order Dr. Griffith

Announcements from the Chair

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

1. Routine Business

• Review of Agenda
• Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan
• Payroll Dr. Griffith
• FHS Student Representative Comments
• Superintendent’s Report

2. FY27 Budget Open Hearing

3. Discussion/Action Items

1. Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption

I recommend adoption of Policy BL - Remote Participation as discussed.

2. Chapter 70 Arts and Music Letter of Support

I recommend endorsement of the letter to the State Legislature in support of a Chapter 70 funding allocation to directly support the Arts and Music programming across all MA public schools.

4. Discussion Only Items

• Monthly Financial Report

5. Information Matters

• School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
• School Committee Liaison Reports

6. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your January 27, 2026, and February 3, 2026 School Committee meetings as detailed. 

B. ECDC Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $500.00 from The Special Olympics of Massachusetts, Inc. for Supplemental Supplies as detailed. 

C. FHS Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $500.00 for FHS Mock Trial Field Trip as follows:

$200.00 Elizabeth Mullen

$100.00 Family Legal Partners

$200.00 Franklin Law Group 

D. FHS Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $5,238.85 for FHS as follows:

$4,554.00 Franklin Music Boosters In-house enrichment

$  558.00 Soccer Boosters Field Trip

$ 126.85 Ohiopyle Supplemental Supplies 

E. Recurring RW Zoo Field Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Christine Souza (Lincoln St K-2) to take 2nd graders to Roger Williams Zoo, Providence, RI on May 8, 2026 as detailed. 

F. Lincoln St. Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $10,775.00 as follows: 

LK-2 PCC $2,000.00 Field Trip

L3-5 PCC $2,400.00 Field Trip L3-5 PCC $6375.00 Field Trips

6. Citizen’s Comments

7. Good of the Order

8. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

8. Executive Session

As per M.G.L c. 30A, § 21 (3) To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares.

9. Adjournment

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info -

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/0b8f6729-c8cc-47e9-a0bc-75461e70e05c/SCAGENDA-2-10-26.pdf?disposition=inline