Showing posts with label budget hearing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label budget hearing. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

School Committee conducts public hearing on FY 2026 budget (video)

The Franklin School Committee held their public hearing on the FY 2026 school budget on Tuesday, Febraury 4, 2025. The meeting had been added to the schedule given the revised budget timeline which enabled this 2 months earlier than previous years. 6 of the members participated, 4 in Chambers, 2 remote, and 1 was absent.

The redistricting efforts provide significant savings. If the redistricting was not done (to be effective this Sept 2025) the "level service" budget as proposed would be approx $6M more than requested. That said, this budget still assumes (1) the Town Council approves of an override of at $3 to 5M (number still be determined) (2) and it is successful, or there would be cuts to this budget.

Franklin TV Video -> (Full video uploaded now) https://youtu.be/vAltgGVwnQE?&t=100


The budget line item summary was posted during the meeting ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fy1HMBBXlvR3R8TLgKfELxoy9pEwk8P5/view

The Executive Summary

Dear Franklin Community,

I am honored to serve the Town of Franklin as Superintendent of Schools. Together with the leadership team, I am responsible for overseeing the daily operations of our district, which serves 4,589 students and employs over 1,200 dedicated professionals, including educators, support staff, and administrators. Our collective mission is to foster academic excellence, social and emotional well-being, and equitable opportunities for all students in safe, healthy, and welcoming environments.

The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Superintendent’s Recommended Budget, totaling $80,395,338, represents a 3.78% increase over FY25 and is structured to balance rising costs with strategic resource allocation. This year’s budget cycle is framed by our guiding principle: “Laying a Foundation for Success.” This tagline underscores the critical connection between a well-structured, sustainable budget and the long-term prosperity of our students and community.

Strategic Priorities and Fiscal Responsibility

Our approach to budget development is mission-driven and informed by Franklin’s Portrait of a Graduate, which defines the essential skills each student will develop throughout their PreK-12+ experience. We remain steadfast in our commitment to:
Optimizing Resources – Allocating staffing and financial resources to maximize student impact.
Supporting Reorganization – Ensuring a smooth transition for students, staff, and families following significant structural changes.
Stability and Sustainability – Building a future-ready system that meets current and evolving needs.
In FY26, we continue to right-size our operations by aligning staffing and expenditures with student needs. This budget reflects savings from our district reorganization, which includes:
The unification of Franklin Middle School, consolidating all grades 6-8 students into one building at Oak Street.
The restructuring of elementary schools into two K-5 complexes at Washington Street and Lincoln Street.
The expansion of the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) at Pond Street will increase early childhood capacity and generate additional revenue.
These bold decisions allow us to preserve recommended class sizes, maintain a high-quality educational experience, and create efficiencies without increasing full-time staff. The reorganization achieves economies of scale, ensuring we maximize impact while maintaining financial sustainability.
Budget Drivers and Investments in Student Success

Several key financial drivers shape the FY26 budget:
Staffing Adjustments – Reallocating existing staff to maintain class sizes and meet student needs without increasing overall FTEs.
Student Support – Continued investment in behavioral, mental health, and academic interventions.
Compliance & Costs – Rising expenses in transportation, special education, and health insurance.
While staffing costs account for most of the budget, we have strategically reallocated personnel to support student success. We are also maintaining Franklin’s commitment to academic and co-curricular opportunities, ensuring all students have access to:
Rigorous and engaging curriculum
Special education and intervention services
Extracurricular activities, including clubs, arts, and athletics
Essential student support, including counseling and wellness resources
Additionally, our focus on financial stewardship includes:
Classroom-Level Analysis – Ensuring optimal teacher FTEs and class sizes
Historical Spending Review – Reducing or eliminating non-essential expenditures
Technology and Equipment Review – Prioritizing essential tools and minimizing inefficiencies
Special Education Forecasting – Accurately projecting out-of-district tuition and transportation needs
Transportation Evaluation – Optimizing bus routes to mitigate cost increases
Franklin in Context: Comparisons and Challenges
Despite fiscal constraints in recent years, Franklin Public Schools has made a series of bold decisions to maintain the success of a high-quality public education.

Looking Ahead

As Superintendent, I remain dedicated to working collaboratively with the Franklin School Committee, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, the Town Council, and municipal leaders to ensure fiscal stability and educational excellence. This budget reflects our shared vision for the future—one that prioritizes student success, supports educators, and strengthens our schools while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

We are grateful for your continued partnership and investment in Franklin’s students and for your unwavering commitment to our schools, families, and community.

Sincerely,

Lucas Giguere 
Superintendent of Schools

Janaina Melotti 
Interim School Business Administrator

My notes taken during the meeting in one PDF -> 

Photos of the presentation doc taken during the meeting (doc itself should be posted to Schools page Wed/Thu will update to include link when available)

School Committee conducts public hearing on FY 2026 budget (video)
School Committee conducts public hearing on FY 2026 budget (video)



Tuesday, February 4, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, February 4, 2025 ???

Tuesday, February 4
11:00am Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)
6:00pm Table Top (Franklin Public Library)
6:30pm Franklin Garden Club - monthly meeting (Franklin Senior Center)
7:00pm Musical Bingo (Raillery Public House)
7:00pm Friends of Franklin Public Library Book Club (Franklin Public Library)


**   Town Meetings today   **


Franklin Public Schools Contractual Negotiations (executive session)

Tuesday, February 4, 2025 - 4:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02042025-1537



Franklin School Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing FY 2026 (Council Chambers & broadcast)

February 4, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5247243/SCAGENDA_2-4-25_Budget_Open_Hearing.pdf


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Why are there multiple calendars?
What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 
Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link
The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

Saturday, February 1, 2025

2 School Committee meetings scheduled for Tuesday, Feb 4; the budget hearing (at 7 PM) is the one to pay attention to

Franklin Public Schools Contractual Negotiations (executive session)
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 - 4:00 PM


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Franklin School Committee
February 4, 2025 - 7:00 P.M.

Municipal Building – Council Chambers



Call to Order                                             Mr. Callaghan
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence

FY26 Budget Open Hearing

Adjournment


Franklin School Committee Meeting (Budget hearing - Council Cambers)
February 4, 2025, 7:00 PM
https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5247243/SCAGENDA_2-4-25_Budget_Open_Hearing.pdf

The budget book was mentioned as being available for the budget hearing. It is not yet posted (as of late Friday, Jan 31) to the FY 2026 budget page.

2 School Committee meetings scheduled for Tuesday, Feb 4; the budget hearing (at 7 PM) is the one to pay attention to
2 School Cmte meetings scheduled for Tues, Feb 4; the budget hearing (at 7 PM) is the one to pay attention to


Saturday, January 18, 2025

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

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Franklin, MA: Town Council Budget Hearings for FY 2025 - May 22 and May 23, 2024

Town Council Meetings - May 22 and May 23, 2024

The Town Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, May 22 and Thursday, May 23, 2024 beginning at 7:00 PM. These are the FY 2025 budget hearings. 

The first night tends to be focused on questions from the Councilors to the various department heads on the cost drivers for their budget. 

The second night is (1) any previously left unanswered questions and then (2) the vote to approve the budget and the associated resolutions (multiple votes).

The agenda documents (include remote participation info):


Franklin, MA: Town Council Budget Hearings for FY 2025 - May 22 and May 23, 2024
Franklin, MA: Town Council Budget Hearings for FY 2025 - May 22 and May 23, 2024

Curbside fee increase on the docket for Town Council approval

Among the items on the Town Council agenda is approval of the new fee for curbside pickup. Discussion on the line item should occur on Wednesday, the actual vote to approve is scheduled for Thursday's session.
l. By-Law Amendment 24-911: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Curbside Trash Fee - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 24-911 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)
This is a significant increase this year and per Town info, due to items beyond our control. Once China stopped accepting recycling, our rates have increased. Inflation has seen more of an effect this year than previous. All that and for the first time since 2005, our rates exceed $300/year. Overall, that is a pretty good story.

The curbside fee history (based upon official Town data):

Curbside fee increase on the docket for Town Council approval
Curbside fee increase on the docket for Town Council approval 

Monday, May 20, 2024

Franklin, MA: Town Council Budget Hearing #2 for FY 2025, May 23, 2024 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
May 23, 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. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM
a. FY25 Town Council Annual Operating Budget HearingFY25 Town Council Annual Operating Budget Hearing
i. FY25 Voting Document FY25 Voting Document
ii. FY25 Town Administrator Budget Message (per Town Charter Section 6-4-1) FY25 Town Administrator Budget Message (per Town Charter Section 6-4-1) 
iii. Appendix A1 - Town Administrator Recommended Budget Voting Document & Budget Book  (per Town Charter provision 6-5-1 & 6-5-2) doc
iv. Appendix B1 - Franklin Superintendent's Recommended FY24 Budget Executive Summary  summary
4. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-28 - Majority Vote)
(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-29 - Majority Vote)
c. Resolution 24-30: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official
(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-30 - Majority Vote)
d. Resolution 24-31: Expenditure Limits for FY2025 on Departmental Revolving Funds Established by Franklin Town Code Chapter 73, as Provided in MGL Chapter 44, §53E½, as Amended (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-31 - Majority Vote)
e. Resolution 24-32: Creation of Snow & Ice Stabilization Fund, as Authorized by G.L. Chapter 40, Section 5B and Transfer of Funds Thereto (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-32 - ⅔ Majority Vote)
f. Resolution 24-33: Creation of Property Acquisition Stabilization Fund, as Authorized by G.L. Chapter 40, Section 5B and Transfer of Funds Thereto (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-33 - ⅔ Majority Vote)
g. Resolution 24-26: Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriations and Reservations (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-26 - Majority Vote)
h. Resolution 24-27: FY25 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds-Capital (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-27 - Majority Vote)
i. Resolution 24-34: Rescission of Unissued Balances of Authorizations to Borrow (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-34 - Majority Vote)
(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-35 - ⅔ Majority Vote)
k. By-Law Amendment 24-910: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Water Usage Rates - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 24-910 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)
l. By-Law Amendment 24-911: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Curbside Trash Fee - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 24-911 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)
m. By-Law Amendment 24-912: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Stormwater Service Charge - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 24-912 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. COUNCIL COMMENTS

7. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

8. ADJOURN

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


Franklin, MA: Town Council Budget Hearing #2 for FY 2025, May 23, 2024 at 7 PM
Franklin, MA: Town Council Budget Hearing #2 for FY 2025, May 23, 2024 at 7 PM

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Franklin, MA: Town Council - budget hearing 1 of 2 - May 22 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
May 22, 2024 - 7 PM


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. PUBLIC HEARING - 7:00 PM
a. FY25 Town Council Annual Operating Budget Hearing
i. FY25 Voting Document
ii. FY25 Town Administrator Budget Message (per Town Charter Section 6-4-1)
iii. Appendix A1 - Town Administrator Recommended Budget Voting Document & Budget Book (per Town Charter provision 6-5-1 & 6-5-2)
iv. Appendix B1 - Franklin Superintendent's Recommended FY25 Budget Executive Summary
v. Appendix C1 - Historic Data: Budget Breakdown
vi. Appendix C2 - Historic Data: Operating Revenue
vii. Appendix C3 - Historic Data: Fixed Cost
viii. Appendix C4 - Historic Data: Local Aid
ix. Appendix C5 - Historic Data: Local Receipts
x. Appendix C6 - Historic Data: Assessments
xi. Appendix C7 - Historic Data: New Growth
xii. Appendix C8 - Historic Data: Free Cash Balances
xiii. Appendix C9 - Historic Data: FC & RE
4. ADJOURN

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

Agenda doc (also contains remote participation info)

Franklin, MA: Town Council - budget hearing 1 of 2 - May 22 at 7 PM
Franklin, MA: Town Council - budget hearing 1 of 2 - May 22 at 7 PM

Finance Committee hears updates from School Committee, approves series of measures to send to Town Council (audio)

FM #1205 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1205 in the series. 


The Franklin (MA) Finance Committee conducted their 3rd and final budget hearing on the FY 2025 budget on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Seven of the nine members of the Committee participated, one remotely, so all the votes were via roll call.  


Quick recap:

  • Town Administrator Jamie Hellen briefly covered the Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie budget items. Their representatives were unable to participate this year.

  • Franklin School Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Business Administrator Dr Dutch, and School Committee Vice-Chair Dave McNeill presented from the table. Asst Supt Paula Marano provided updates on special education programs and answered those questions

  • As the budget has been presented a number of times, there was an attempt to provide the "readers digest" version, and they were mostly successful.

  • Some changes noted:

    • They did provide an update on the migrant funding from DESE, a check for $335K+ was just received and another to account for the 72 students currently in the system is expected in June. These funds can only be used to support the migrant students and are not in the budget

    • The transportation increased projected earlier at 1100 was reduced to $500 per student and to compensate, the number of FTEs potentially laid off would increase from 30 to 47

    • They also presented an outlook on the funding to be allocated assuming the override does pass. The schools would get the $6.3M in the first year, and then $4M plus in each succeeding year 

  • The committee then votes to approve the series of resolutions to provide the fund accounting for the budget. Only one vote received a "no", all others passed by the 7-0-2 (7 for, 0 against, 2 absent)

    • Water rate increase was approved for the next 2 years (Council still needs to approve)

    • Curbside pickup rate increase approved (Council still needs to approve)

    • Stormwater fee increase approved (Council still needs to approve)


The recording runs about 2 hours & 34 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link ->

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1205-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-3rd-and-final-for-fy-2025-05-15-24




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The meeting agenda ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-05-15_finance_committee_agenda_packet.pdf 


Franklin TV video replay available on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nQoCPNfd4A&t=53s 


My notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1glI98EwFQFhgMW0OFeAJ6ZrSFGBxMusm/view?usp=drive_link 


Photos of the presentation -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/3wrikZJytiS2QUbV6 


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

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"


slide with the funding projection assuming the override passes
slide with the funding projection assuming the override passes

Friday, May 17, 2024

Finance Committee hears updates from School Committee, approves series of measures to send to Town Council (video)

The Franklin, MA Finance Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, May 15 at 7 PM in the Council Chambers. This was the 3rd of three budget hearings. 

7 members of the committee participated, one remotely so all votes were via roll call. 2 members were absent.


Franklin TV video replay available on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nQoCPNfd4A&t=53s

Quick recap:
  • Town Administrator Jamie Hellen briefly covered the Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie budget items. Their representatives were unable to participate this year.
  • Franklin School Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Business Administrator Dr Dutch, and School Committee Vie-Chair Dave McNeill presented from the table. Asst Supt Paula Marano provided updates on special education programs and answered those questions
  • As the budget has been presented a number of times, there was an attempt to provide the "readers digest" version, and they were mostly successful.
  • Some changes noted:
    • They did provide an update on the migrant funded from DESE, a check for $335K+ was just received and another to account for the 72 students currently in the system is expected in June. These funds can only be used to support the migrant students and are not in the budget
    • The transportation increased projected earlier at 1100 was reduced to $500 per student and to compensate, the number of FTEs potentially laid off would increase from 30 to 47
    • They also presented an outlook on the funding to be allocated assuming the override does pass. The schools would get the $6.3M in the first year, and then $4M plus in each succeeding year 
  • The committee then votes to approve the series of resolutions to provide the fund accounting for the budget. Only one vote received a "no", all others passed by the 7-0-2 (7 for, 0 against, 2 absent)
    • Water rate increase was approved for the next 2 years (Council still needs to approve)
    • Curbside pickup rate increase approved (Council still needs to approve)
    • Stormwater fee increase approved (Council still needs to approve)

slide with the funding projection assuming the override passes
slide with the funding projection assuming the override passes


Friday, May 10, 2024

Finance Committee reviews Public Safety and Public Works budgets (audio)

FM #1198 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1198 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA Finance Committee budget hearing, the second of 3 sessions conducted on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. The 3rd session is scheduled for May 15, 2024. Then the Town Council does their budget hearing over 2 nights, May 22 & May 23. 

The departmental budgets covered were:

  • Public Safety:

    • 210 Police Department

    • 220 Fire Department

    • 225 Regional Dispatch

    • 240 Inspection Department

    • 292 Animal Control

  • b. Department of Public Works (DPW):

    • Departments: 422 Public Works

    • Enterprise Funds:

      • 450 Water

      • 440 Sewer

      • 434 Solid Waste

      • 460 Stormwater


The meeting runs about 1 and 20 minutes. Let’s listen to the second of 3 budget hearings. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1198-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-2-of-3-05-08-24




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The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/kRJStUo28Q8?si=YQQ8EPTnnAz3XMJe&t=61 


The agenda doc ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-05-08_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf 


Follow along with the budget voting doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy25_ta_budget_book_v2.pdf 


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


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 www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/  


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"


Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #2 of 3 - Public Safety & Public Works - May 8
Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #2 of 3 - Public Safety & Public Works - May 8