5th Joint Budget Listening Session held with remote participation option on Saturday (video)

The 5th in the series of 6 Joint Budget Listening Sessions was held in the Council Chambers on Saturday, March 8, 2025. This was the only one enabled for Zoom participation and about 10 folks took advantage of this.

The deficit at this point is $3.8M a light increase over the initial projection of $3.6M

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/LlUDdpZqkNg?&t=13

The agenda doc contains the updated preliminary budget information released this week -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Joint-Budget-Subcommittee-6/?#_03082025-1557

The audio will be made available and the transcript in the next couple of days. You can find the collection of video, audio and transcripts for the prior sessions here ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/joint-budget-listening-sessions-fy-2026.html

My notes captured during the listening session can be found in one PDF file

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wBaFVj9_9K0Rj1z23CGl2--vaO0QsoIn/view?usp=drive_link

Joint Statement: School District Budget Challenges

Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.) 

Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) 

Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials (MASBO)

(M.A.S.S.) (MASC) (MASBO)

February 28, 2025

A disturbing trend has emerged in school districts throughout Massachusetts. As School Committees, Superintendents, and School Business Officials grapple with budget proposals for the 2025-26 school year, more and more districts are projecting significant budget deficits. The simple reality is that in many communities, expenses are increasing at much higher rates than the revenue available to support them.

At budget hearings and community meetings across the Commonwealth, residents are presented with proposed strategies to close the fiscal gaps, none of which is ideal, including staff layoffs, reduction or elimination of programs and services, and even school closures. District leaders try to reassure their constituents that they have proposed these solutions only after exhausting all other options. Many have advocated with municipal leaders for additional revenue, but cities and towns themselves are often facing economic challenges to deliver critical services.

Some communities will pursue a Proposition 2½ override to avoid cuts through increased taxes, but voters are not always willing to pay higher tax bills, particularly if their own household budgets are already strained. Even a successful override is often a temporary solution that does not address the long-term structural deficits facing school districts.

Although the financial situation in each school district is unique, we see a consistent pattern of fiscal pressures across a broad range of communities – whether large or small, urban, suburban, or rural. Several major expenses are increasing dramatically year after year, including out-of-district special education tuition, transportation, health insurance, utilities, and other significant line items. 

At the same time, the revenue available to most school districts remains relatively flat. State funding has increased overall in recent years, but not enough to offset the rapidly rising expenses. Local communities – especially those without a sizable commercial sector – rely heavily on residential taxes, which cannot increase by more than 2.5% without an override. These shortfalls are compounded by the loss of federal funding that supported pandemic recovery investments, forcing districts to choose between eliminating those interventions or redirecting other revenue to sustain them.

When faced with painful consequences – especially the loss of talented employees or vital programs for students and families – it is understandable for residents to express their anger, frustration, and fear, and to demand answers about the causes of this predicament. We urge the people of Massachusetts to know the facts and understand the statewide context before placing blame on the individuals who lead our school districts. 

School Committees, Superintendents, and School Business Officials have a tremendous responsibility to manage public funds with the utmost care and with the best interest of students at the forefront. However, they are ultimately constrained by the resources available to them, particularly as the needs and costs to operate school districts continue to escalate well beyond the means of our communities.

Shared from -> https://www.massupt.org/2025/02/28/joint_statement_budgets_2-28-25/

3 Options to listen to the School Cmte Mtg; dive into Middle School Math, or to the FY 2026 Budget, or get the whole thing (audio)

FM #1364-65-66 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1364-65-66 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 28, 2024. 6 of the 7 members participated (6 in Chambers,  1 absent - Sompally).

1364 is the full school committee meeting in one audio file

1365 is the start of the meeting through to the end of the Middle School Math

1366 starts with the FY 2026 budget presentation and runs to the end

Quick recap

• The middle school math curriculum program is being revised to meet MA Curriculum Framework guidelines and to better meet the needs for a solid foundation in math for all students. 

• Photos of the presentation were recorded into one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/73DtDSCgcRCPiPHz9 

• Actual presentation doc posted after the meeting (normal process) https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5247238/January_28__2025_MS_Math_Update_to_SC_for_Website.pdf 

• The FY 2026 budget was presented and multiple questions from the committee to clarify the details. $80M is being requested, 3.78% more than prior year but within the guidelines offered by the Town Administrator which also assuming successful passage of the possible override

• The schools do achieve significant savings with the redistricting. 34 positions are reassigned within the district, 20 positions ultimately will be reduced. For the non-redistricted budget: it would be a >$6M increase from last year. About $3M more than level service that is being requested for this year

• The budget timeline was laid out which includes a budget hearing Feb 4, School Committee vote on Feb 11, the Joint Budget listening sessions, before the Finance Committee hearings in April and Town Council hearings in May

• What was not discussed, but is on the timeline, is the Town Council consideration of the possible override at a March meeting AFTER the listening sessions complete. The decision for yes or no on the override, and if yes, to determine a date and an amount are to be expected

• Photos of the presentation were recorded into one album ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/URuuP6RLYXmtnR3G9 

• Actual presentation doc posted after the meeting (normal process) https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5256280/28Jan2025_FY26_Super_Rec_Budget_to_SC.pdf 

• The decision to release the Parmenter facility to the Town was approved. Consideration of the alleged Parmenter family requirement for the land to be kept in school use was made but based upon Town Attorney advice that the deed does not include such a provision, the decision was made to proceed. Vote on this was 6-0-1 (1 absent, 6 for)

• Three sets of policy modifications were made per DESE request to bring language of the policy into compliance with current requirements. Vote on this was 6-0-1 (1 absent, 6 for)

• Motion to enter into executive session for contract negotiations, not to return to open session was made and approved. The vote on this was 6-0-1 (1 absent, 6 for)

#1364 = The full meeting recording runs about 4 hours & 13 minutes, so let’s listen in. https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1364-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-01-28-25-full-mtg/

#1365 = The start through the Middle School Math Curriculum  1 hour & 42 minutes

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1365-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-01-28-25-start-thru-middle-sch-math/

#1366 = The FY 2026 budget through to the end of the meeting  2 hours & 33 minutes
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1366-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-01-28-25-fy-2026-budget-to-end-og-mtg/

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Franklin TV video available for replay ->  (full meeting)

https://www.youtube.com/live/HYxJEgzxVww?&t=31  

Jump to the Start of Middle School Math Curriculum presentation & discussion

https://www.youtube.com/live/HYxJEgzxVww?&t=599 

Jump to the Start of FY 2026 Superintendent’s Recommended budget presentation & discussion

https://www.youtube.com/live/HYxJEgzxVww?&t=6047

The agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01282025-1531 

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/january-28%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/750840 

My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PHnEHNKly-gag8T04ftDUSmm2JWyBc-G/view?usp=drive_link

  

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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"

3 Options to listen to the School Cmte Mtg; dive into Middle School Math, or to the FY 2026 Budget, or get the whole thing (audio)

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for Meeting January 28, 2025

Franklin School Committee 

January 28, 2025 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Middle School Math Update

B. Superintendent’s Recommended FY26 Budget Presentation

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Relinquish Parmenter School

I recommend relinquishing possession of the Parmenter Elementary School to the Town of Franklin on August 31, 2025 in accordance with the MSBA notification timeline of school closure.

B. Policy - Second Readings/Adoption

I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:

1. GBEB - Employee Conduct

2. JKAA - Physical Restraint of Students

3. JB - Equal Educational Opportunities

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. 2025-26 School Committee Meeting Schedule-DRAFT

B. ACCEPT Annual Report

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 January 14, 2025 meeting as detailed.

B. FHS Scholarships

I recommend the acceptance of $5,250.00 for FHS Scholarships as follows:

$250.00 from Johanna Jobin for the Jacqueline Schaeffer Scholarship

$5,000.00 from Thomas Wagner for the Thomas Wagner Scholarship

C. District Wide Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $225.00 from BJ’s Wholesale Club for District Wide in-house enrichment as detailed.

D. Music Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $3,102.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for In-house enrichment as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

 

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

A. As per M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21 (2) To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective

bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel

X. Adjournment

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01282025-1531

Documents released for this session will be posted to the packet folder as they are released ->  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/january-28%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/750840

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for Meeting January 28, 2025

School Committee gets a preview in workshop format (lots of discussion) of the FY 2026 School Budget (audio)

FM #1359 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1359 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Budget Workshop held on Wednesday, January 22, 2024. All 5 members participated in the 3rd floor Training Room (2 absent; O’Sullivan, Sompally). 

Quick recap

• Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Interim School Business Administrator Jana Melotti along with consultant Dr Bob Dutch shared in presenting the overview and answered detailed questions on the developing FY 2026 school budget

• This is a ‘zero based’ budget to the extent that to develop the budget the prior year format with 9 schools can’t be used this year. The redistricting is bringing 5 elementary into 4 schools (2 buildings), and 3 middle schools into 1 middle school (1 building)

• The redistricting does provide a significant savings to the community. If the redistricting was not in process for implementation in September 2025, the proposed budget would be asking for $6M more

• The “Tale of Two Budgets” presents a level service budget and a level service plus budget. Terminology is key to understanding the budget. Level service means supporting the same or equivalent functionality to support the education of our students next year. 

• “Level service” does not bring back any major elements of the prior year budget reductions. 

• “Level service plus” attempts to add some of those elements back into the budget

• Now with the redistricting providing additional savings than previously expressed, there are some elements that can come back within the level service budget. The fee increases (sports & bus) potentially can be reduced. The budget is evolving to reflect the changing circumstances

• The Superintendent Recommended budget will be presented at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. There is a public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, February 4. The School Committee is scheduled to vote on the recommended budget on February 11

• As noted in the recording, the Joint Budget Listening Sessions are scheduled beginning January 30 at the Elks Lodge on Pond St and run through the beginning of March in multiple locations, night, day, and weekend time slots to provide opportunity for questions to be asked and answered not just on the School budget but on the overall Town budget for FY 2026. Except for the Council Chambers session, where Zoom will be enabled, the other listening session will be broadcast and recorded but will not enable an interactive remote participation. If you have a question, be there in person

The recording runs just under 2 hours, so let’s listen in.

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1359-school-cmte-budget-workshop-01-22-25/

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The agenda doc -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5190798/1-22-25_AGENDA-Budget_Workshop.pdf 

My full set of notes in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ve1DQuLctE8KMzI0qvhaZGutHNjOGcDR/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"

School Committee gets a preview in workshop format (lots of discussion) of the FY 2026 School Budget (audio)

Franklin Public Schools FY 2026 Budget Meetings Leading to School Committee Vote Feb 11, 2025

FY 2026 School Budget Meetings: 

• 1/22/25 - Budget Workshop - Municipal Bldg. 3rd Floor Training Room 7  PM 
• 1/28/25 - Superintendent's Recommended Budget Presentation to School Committee - Council Chambers 7 PM 
• 2/4/25 - FY 2026 Budget Open Hearing - Council Chambers 7 PM 
• 2/11/25 - FY 2026 Budget Vote by School Committee - Council Chambers 7 PM 

For more information, visit our website:  https://www.franklinps.net/

Franklin Public Schools FY 2026 Budget Meetings Leading to School Committee Vote Feb 11, 2025

Franklin High School Wraps Up Successful Fall Season, 3 Coaches Awarded

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Athletic Director Karrah Ellis are pleased to share that, with 460 student-athletes participating, Franklin High School wrapped up its fall sports season with every team qualified for the MIAA state tournament and a chance to win a championship title.

Some of the highlights for the fall season at Franklin High School include the following:

• The Franklin High field hockey team finished the regular season as Hockomock Kelly-Rex Champions, advancing to the Elite 8 Round in the MIAA state tournament. 
• The volleyball team finished second place in the league and advanced to the Round of 8 in the MIAA state tournament.
• The Panthers cheer team went undefeated in all of its competitions, finishing the season as Hockomock League champions, MSAA South Regional champions and MSAA state champions.
• The varsity football team qualified for the MIAA state tournament as the No. 9 seed, playing in the Round of 16.
• The boys soccer team finished the season as Hockomock League Kelly-Rex division champions, advancing to the Elite 8 Round in the MIAA state tournament.
• The girls soccer team finished in second place in the Kelly-Rex division, advancing to the Round of 16 in the MIAA state tournament.
• The boys cross country team finished in second place in its league for regular season meets, and the team qualified for the MIAA Division 1 Championship Meet.
• The girls cross country team finished the season as Hockomock League Kelly-Rex Champions. The team also qualified for the MIAA Division 1 Championship Meet.
• The Unified basketball team played in the Special Olympics Jamboree held at Sharon High School to cap off the regular season. The team also hosted a special community night on Nov. 25, playing against another team composed of representatives from the Franklin Police Department, Franklin Fire Department, Franklin High School faculty and Unified alumni.
• The Franklin High golf team finished its regular season as Hockomock League Kelly-Rex co-champions, and the team qualified for the MIAA Division 1 state championship final.

Looking toward the winter, Franklin High is supporting a new sport: varsity level alpine skiing. Franklin participates in an “alpine ski co-op” with Nipmuc Regional High School. Practices and races will be held at Ward Hill in Shrewsbury. Participation in the co-op comes at no cost for Franklin High School.

FHS Sports: Fall 2024

“We are thrilled to be able to add a new sport and provide opportunities for our student-athletes,” said Athletic Director Karrah Ellis.

Franklin High School is also continuing to support girls ice hockey, as critically low participation rates currently challenge the program. There are currently only 15 student-athletes on the girls ice hockey team at Franklin High. However, the team is seeking additional players, including a group of eighth graders that will soon be added to alleviate the problem, as permitted through a waiver filed with the MIAA District Athletic Committee by the school.

“Unfortunately, as is the trend across the state, numbers for girls ice hockey are down significantly,” Athletic Director Ellis said. “Those numbers are critically low safety wise in Franklin, but the addition of eighth graders will alleviate that issue.” 

In addition to the regular season success of all its teams, three Franklin High School coaches were named Coach of the Year for 2023 through 2024 for their respective sports by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association. The Coach of the Year award recipients, who were recognized during an MIAA banquet on Dec. 11, include CJ Neely, head coach of the boys varsity basketball team, Lisa Burger, head coach of the Unified track team, and Jess Pridham, former coach of the boys and girls swim team.

Superintendent Giguere congratulated these coaches and all the student-athletes for their victories in fall 2024, while wishing Franklin High School’s winter sports athletes a safe, successful season ahead.

“Thank you to Athletic Director Karrah Ellis and all of our coaches who do so much work behind the scenes to provide opportunities for our student-athletes to succeed,” Superintendent Giguere said. “Thank you to all of the families, faculty, community members and student athletes that helped make this fall a successful season for all of our teams at Franklin High School.”