- School Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Interim Business Administrator Jana Milotti made the presentation supported at different points by Dr Dutch and Asst Supt Paula Morano
- The slides of the presentation can be found -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/RZR8tubpGhMB6Ac47
- The school budget fits within the Town allocation which assumes a successful override vote on June 3. The school budget is an increase over last year by $2.9M
- Redistricting brought significant savings to the tune of $3.1M
- If the override fails, $2M would be cut from this budget (per current Town documented allocation) resulting in no decrease in sports or transportation fees, staff reductions, higher class sizes, etc. See the photo of slide page 25
- The committe meeting almost closed out without even mentioning the Norfolk Agggie or Tri-County budgets
- Tuesday night the budget items for public works and public safety are up for discussion. The meeting will be in the 3rd floor training room.
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Finance Committee hears of the Franklin School budget as proposed (video)
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Franklin, MA: Finance Committee Agenda for 1st Budget hearing, Mon, Apr 28 (education)
FPS FY26 Budget Book a. Public Education :i. 395 Norfolk County Agricultural Schoolii. 390 Tri-County Regional Vocational School Districtiii. 300 Franklin Public School District1. FPS FY26 Budget Book ->https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5269967/-FY26_Franklin_Budget_Book_.docx_-_Google_Docs_1_.pdf
Sunday, April 6, 2025
"An Act to establish a study of Kingsbury Pond in the town of Norfolk" - H1061
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"An Act to establish a study of Kingsbury Pond in the town of Norfolk" - H1061 |
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Franklin Art Association Art Show and Sale Exhibit - Mar 31 through Apr 25, 2025
Saturday, August 31, 2024
Boston Globe writes "Mass. primary: Governor's Council has a lively Democratic ticket"
"It vets judicial nominees and approves politically fraught pardons, yet operates in obscurity. Now, in a political cycle largely bereft of intraparty intrigue, the little-known Governor’s Council also may boast the liveliest Democratic primary battles in Massachusetts.Fourteen Democrats are vying in Tuesday’s primary for one of the eight seats on the council, a long-ignored, sometimes ridiculed body with roots in the Colonial era. A pair of its longest-serving members are facing primary challengers in their districts, including in a tense rematch in Greater Boston. Two other seats are open. Come November, more than half of the panel could be new faces, an oddity in a State House defined by incumbent supremacy.There’s the potential for history-making, too: The batch of Democratic candidates includes three women of color, any of whom would be the first to ever serve on the council and its first person of color in more than three decades.At stake is the responsibility to vet every judge, clerk-magistrate, and Parole Board member nominee chosen by the governor, as well as any proposed pardons or commutations. As the spotlight on the power, and problems, of the US Supreme Court and federal judiciary has grown, so, too, has the interest in Massachusetts’ own judicial gatekeeper — at least say those seeking a part-time council spot and its $36,025 annual salary."
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Video link -> Tamisha Civil |
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Video link -> Muriel Kramer |
Thursday, August 22, 2024
Norfolk Cable presents the "District 2 Governor's Council Candidates Forum" (video)
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(L-r) Civil, Kramer, & Reservitz |
Saturday, August 3, 2024
Cactus And Succulent Festival - Sep 14
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Cactus And Succulent Festival - Sep 14 |
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Register O'Donnell Announces 2023 Holiday Food Drive November 14th through December 14th
The cost of living has become increasingly challenging for many individuals and families across Norfolk County, making it difficult to afford basic necessities such as food, which can be especially difficult during the holiday season when the pressure to provide for loved ones is heightened. Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell is asking people to take a moment to contribute to the Annual Registry of Deeds Food Drive, starting Tuesday November 14th and running through Thursday December 14th.
“There is no doubt that Norfolk County is a desirable place to live and to work. However, there are people throughout the county who are truly hurting. This year, we, as a community, have seen a rising demand for food assistance, and it is crucial that we come together to support those in need. By participating in the Annual Registry of Deeds Food Drive, we can make a significant impact this holiday season,” said Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell.
Register O'Donnell Announces 2023 Holiday Food Drive
November 14th through December 14th
Today, according to the latest Project Bread statistics, 18.8% of households in Massachusetts are considered food insecure. Furthermore, 21.9% of children in the state are also considered food insecure. The increasing cost of housing and food are likely factors that contribute to the rising rates of food insecurity.
Register O'Donnell noted. “As the holidays approach, there is definitely a need for more food assistance. Household expenses are higher due to the cost of home heating fuel, food bills, and increased interest rates. Some Norfolk County families are hit harder by these increased costs and worry about putting food on the table this holiday season. So, let us be mindful during this Thanksgiving season that others may need our help.”
Non-perishable food items can be brought directly to the Registry of Deeds, which is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. A donation bin will be set-up in the Registry's lobby and food can be dropped off Monday through Friday between 8:00AM to 4:30PM. Suggested donations include canned goods, breakfast cereals, pasta, sauces, toiletries, and paper products.
“We (Interfaith Social Services) are experiencing a 30% increase in the demand for food assistance which is the heist it has been in our 53 years of operation,” said Rick Doane, Executive Director for Interfaith Social Services in Quincy. “We would be extremely grateful for any assistance that the local community could provide.”
If you can't get to the Registry of Deeds building to drop off food, you can check the Registry website at www.norfolkdeeds.org for a pantry location in your community.
“Working together, we can truly make a huge difference this holiday season,” concluded Register O'Donnell. “By supporting each other and being mindful of those in need we can help those struggling with food insecurity, because no one should go hungry, especially during this time of year. I ask that we all embrace the true meaning of the Thanksgiving by showing compassion and generosity towards all.”
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.
Thursday, October 26, 2023
Senator Rausch schedules Central Region Town Hall on October 30 at Norfolk Public Library
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Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Cactus and Succulent Festival - Sep 16 & 17
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Cactus and Succulent Festival - Sep 16 & 17 |
Sunday, May 14, 2023
Finance Committee Budget Hearing #2 gets to hear from Norfolk Aggie, Tri-County & Franklin Public Schools (audio)
FM #995 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 995 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting and second of three budget hearings for the FY 2024 budget year. The meeting was held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.
All 9 members of the Finance Committee participated; 7 present in the Council Chambers, 2 remote. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Comptroller Chris Sandini, Treasurer/Collector Kerri Bertone.
Norfolk Agriculture & Tri-County covered their budgets and answered questions followed by the Franklin School budget.
Quick recap:
John Martin, Superintendent Norfolk Aggie; John Wallace, Business Manager, Norfolk Aggie
Norfolk Aggie, 365 acres, inc in 1916 first campus in Weymouth #fincom0510 four courses of study, explore frosh and soph year then choose major for junior and senior studies
Animal science is the most popular of the four studies, about 560 total, 16 students from Franklin this year, 3 seniors, applications are open for next year
40 students from Boston making it the largest sending community. There is demand for the programs, they do have a wait list
Karen McGuire, Tri-County Superintendent, presenting along with Dan Haynes, Business Manager
Should hear in June about the final cost of the proposed building replacement, and then in August on what MSBA will provide for reimbursement, assuming they do. At that time, the 11 sending communities have 120 days to vote to approve the building proposal
How the individual communities fund the cost is up to them, cost allocation based upon sending students
Franklin’s budget was presented by Supt Lucas Giguere, Business Manage Miriam Goodman, School Cmte budget subcmte Chair Dave McNeill
The meeting recording runs about 1 hour and 55 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting May 10, 2023.
Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-995-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-2-05-10-23--------------
Meeting agenda document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-05-10_finance_committee_agenda_2.pdf
FY 2024 budget information -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials
My notes -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gsupUzfumR385d7qcgklxMfI7enZjmVU/view?usp=share_link
Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee
YouTube recording => https://www.youtube.com/live/1-4GwOsbRNc?feature=share
Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->
For Tri-County slides -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/6akR6TvwSyrYvkFh6
For FPS slides -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/2WYTBKhpxisJFUuT9
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How can you help?
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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!
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Thursday, May 11, 2023
Finance Committee gets to hear from Norfolk Aggie, Tri-County & Franklin Public Schools (video)
i. 395 Norfolk County Agricultural School FY 2024 budget ->https://cms5.revize.com/revize/norfolkcountyma/FY24%20Norfolk%20County%20Budget%20V3%204-12-23.1.pdfii. 390 Tri-County Regional Vocational School District FY 2023 budget -> https://tri-county.us/budgets-financial-documents/iii. 300 Franklin Public School District -> FY 2024 ->https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget
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one slide from the Tri-County update to the FinCom on Weds |