Showing posts with label capital. Show all posts
Showing posts with label capital. Show all posts

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/


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


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 



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

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

Saturday, November 30, 2024

Franklin School Committee Budget Subcmte reviews & recommends capital budget 11/26/24 (audio exclusive)

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Budget Subcmte Meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024. 2 members participated (McNeill, O’Sullivan), 1 not present (Griffin).


Quick recap:

  • Capital budget preview, also up for discussion at the full School Committee meeting immediately following this session

  • 2 vans requested for replacement, after this intention to get back on the regular van replacement schedule. Recall one had been denied previously then failed and the Town scrambled to get a replacement into service. These 2 have seen their useful life expire and are likely not to pass inspection next time

  • Traffic design funding requested. Anticipated that the study (to be completed in Jan 2025) will require some rework of the traffic flows around the remaining buildings. This would fund the design of the work to enable the purchasing and bid process.

  • Traffic improvements themselves would fund the actual work, likely to be phased in over a period (TBD)

  • Playground expansion at the existing North South complexes. Recall that each currently is built for half the capacity expected after the redistricting is implemented. Not critical for the opening of the schools in Sept 2025. Could get phased in, they would be additions to what exists currently.

  • The listing would likely require some further prioritization depending upon funding available. Some of the items placeholders to be refined as the specifics become available

  • Motion to recommend to full committee, second, passes 2-0-1 (2 yes, 1 absent)


The recording runs about 15 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1328-franklin-ma-school-cmte-budget-subcmte-11-26-24/



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


School Committee Budget Subcmte agenda -> 

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5041657/11-26-24_AGENDA-BudgetSubCom.pdf 


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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X_CHsmmb0vnTiRg_lKlF4M-pxz51Qv5v/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 Budget Subcmte reviews & recommends capital budget 11/26/24 (audio)
Franklin School Committee Budget Subcmte reviews & recommends capital budget 11/26/24 (audio)


Wednesday, November 27, 2024

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

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Nov 26 ay 7 PM. 6 of the 7 members participated in Council Chambers (Griffin was absent).

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




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
My notes in one PDF ->

Photo album of the MCAS slides shared ->

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


Thursday, May 23, 2024

Town Council Capital Budget Subcommittee votes to approve free cash allocations (exclusive audio)

FM #1208 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1208 in the series. 


This session of the radio show is the audio recording of the Franklin, MA Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting conducted on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. All four members of the subcommittee were present: Chairperson Debbie Pellegri, Vice Chair Bob Dellorco, Ted Cormier-Leger, and Brian Chandler. 


Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti.


This short meeting was not set up for remote participation nor for Franklin TV broadcast. I did get there to make the audio recording available via Franklin Public Radio/Franklin Matters.


2 items on the agenda: one the approval for use of free cash for the operating budget. Not a usual occurrence but requires approval. The formal vote will also be part of the Town Council meeting Thursday as they close the budget hearing.


The second item was the creation of a stabilization account to set aside funds for the potential purchase of a building that wouldn’t be covered by the funds available from the Community Preservation Act. There was a brief discussion on this and then the vote to create and allocate the remaining $200,000 from free cash as the start point for funding the account.


The vote on both measures was 4-0. 


The recording runs about 12 minutes, so let’s listen to this capital budget subcommittee meeting of May 22.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1208-town-council-capital-budget-subcmte-mtg-05-22-24

 

 


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


Agenda document ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/capital_budget_subcommittee_agenda_-may_22_2024.pdf


My notes via Twitter ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qs6pSNutdDmwhQUh7t5v7OR9Q3mInkq0/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


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: Capital Budget Subcommittee - May 22 at 6 PM
Franklin, MA: Capital Budget Subcommittee - May 22 at 6 PM

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Franklin, MA: Capital Budget Subcommittee - May 22 at 6 PM

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
May 22, 2024 - 6:00 PM


Discussion:

1. FY24 Capital Plan “Round 2”
a. Town Administrator’s Recommended Actions with the remaining FY24 Free Cash = $1,707,000
i. Town Operating Budget Appropriation $1,507,000
ii. Creation of Real Property Acquisition Stabilization Fund  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/1a_ii._24-33_town_council_creation_of_the_property_acquisition_stabilization_fund.docx_2.pdf


Agenda doc (also contains remote participation info)
 
Franklin, MA: Capital Budget Subcommittee - May 22 at 6 PM
Franklin, MA: Capital Budget Subcommittee - May 22 at 6 PM

Monday, March 4, 2024

Town Council spends 2 hours and takes "no action" on zoning proposal (audio)

FM #1150 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1150 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, February 18, 2024. All 9 members  of the Council participated in the Council Chambers. 


Most of the first 2 hours was spent on a healthy conversation around the proposed zoning change from residential to business for two lots on King St near the Fire station. 


The Council after spending almost 2 hours listening to the proposal (no specific business use was proposed) (the real question was should the lot be residential or business?), the Council decided to take "no action". This move allows them to refer the zoning change back to the Planning Board which while they had a quorum discuss this previously, the recommendation came back with only 3 votes, not the full 5 of the Board (due to the recent election).


Quick recap:

  • Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge as part of the work on the Democracy badge

  • The minutes for the Jan meeting were approved

  • The OPEB financial report was presented and reviewed, we are in a better position than we were previously

  • FY24 Capital Improvement Plan was approved

  • associated transfers to account for the funding approval were also approved

  • The Council voted to support the Pending State Legislation Entitled “The Municipal Empowerment Act”

  • The Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule was approved

  • Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,900), Senior Center ($200), Police Dept. ($50)  were approved with thanks

  • Designation of “Special Municipal Employee” Under State Ethics Law were approved for newly create committees not previously covered by this move (housekeeping)

  • Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 actually 2 resolutions were approved. If the "empowerment Act noted above becomes law, this kind of approval would disappear from Council agendas

  • Council entered executive session to not return to open meeting for discussion of a matter regarding a real estate purchase

  • Joint Budget SubCmte meeting on March 6 will begin work on how to resolve a $10.5M budget deficit across town and school budgets. Agenda and budget details to be released Friday March 1


The recording runs almost 3 hours. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on Feb 28, 2024.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1150-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-02-28-24



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


The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqa0QHtahmQ 


Town Council agenda doc ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_2.28.24.pdf 


My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are collected in a single PDF for easier reading  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CBubvtPzSJSvQakhmMx1X7M44cCPu7W_/view?usp=drive_link 


Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/sH38Yj6iD5yE6KPQ9


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

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.


If you have interest in reporting on the various Town and School meetings, let me know. Training and mentoring is available.


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"


Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge
Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge