Finance Committee approves recommended capital budget & gets the insights on the "hold harmless" liability the Town faces (video)

The Finance Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. 7 of the 9 members were present in Council Chambers. 

Many of the Town department leaders were present and participating as needed. School Superintendent Lucas Giguere participated as did Interim School Business Administrator Jana Melotti along with consultant Dr Bob Dutch.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/yzii8AGsv7k?&t=234

The agenda doc also contains supporting information ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/finance_committee_meeting_agenda_-_january_15_2025.pdf

Quick recap 

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walking the committee thru the memo on the capital budget https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/04a._fy25_capital_improvement_plan_memo.pdf
• Many clarification questions on what for when, as well as possible reallocation of the recommendation
• Chart on free cash is for information purposes
• First resolution on use of free cash for the capital budget resulted in a discussion around amending the amount and creating a technology stabilization fund but ultimately that did not get amended and it was approved as proposed by a 7-0-2 (7 for, 2 absent) vote
• Second resolution on funding from the enterprise accounts was approved as recommended with the same 7-0-2 vote
• Now to the Opioid settlement funds. Memo  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._opioid_settlement_funds.pdf  and the Resolution for approval https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._1_-_resolution_25-02_-_opioid_funding.pdf
• After explanation of the current funding and a look at future funds coming (approx. $1.2M) the vote to approve the resolution passed 7-0-2
• Now to the "hold harmless" topic for Chapter 70 school funding. State house news article references a commission to look at school funding https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6b._with_new_term_dawning_spilka_eyes_k-12_funding_reform_primary_care_overhaul_senate_statehousenews.com_.pdf
• We are currently getting $12m over what the school funding formula calls for. We are the
• 2nd largest hold harmless (Boston #1) A change to the formula takes time. Jamie has been warning of this for some years. 
• Approximately 18-20m of town costs for school functions go to the net school spending. accounting to determine the per pupil spending calculation. ** $27m for FY 2024 fiscal year is actual. Confirmed that 24, 25 and 27 for last 3 years
• Long and complex discussion around the possible review of the formula
• Folks see the buildings going up but the population has been flat. Great quote from Jamie (to clip later) on the wealth growth and the hold harmless getting worse unless we choose to pay more

My notes in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ArVXe5jDOAsetxonq0voW2eKTSe_XWN3/view?usp=drive_link

Dr Dutch & Jena Melotti presenting on Chap 70 "hold harmless"

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for meeting Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025

Franklin School Committee 

January 14, 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. FHS Highlights

B. FHS Program of Studies

C. Franklin TV/Cable

D. Capital Budget Proposal E.

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Capital Budget Approval

I recommend approval of the Capital Budget Proposal as presented.

B. District Notifications

I recommend approval of the required notification to state and local organizations with the school complex naming conventions as detailed.

C. Policy - First Readings

I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed: 

• GBEB - Employee Conduct
• JKAA - Physical Restraint of Students 
• JB - Equal Educational Opportunities

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. ACCEPT Quarterly Report

B. EA Shelter Program Update

C. Grants Update

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 December 10, 2024 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B.   DECA State Competition Field Trip

I recommend approval of the recurring trip to Boston from February 27 – March 1, 2025 for DECA students to participate in the State Competition as detailed.

C.   DECA International Competition Field Trip

I recommend approval of the recurring trip to Orlando, FL from April 26 - 29, 2025 for DECA students to participate in the International Competition as detailed.

D.   Americheer National Competition Field Trip

I recommend approval of the recurring trip to Orlando, FL from March 13 – 17, 2025 for Varsity Cheerleaders to participate in the National Competition as detailed.

E.   FHS Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $3247.49 for FHS as follows:

$2997.49 Grinn & Barrett Enterprizes In-House Enrichment

$ 250.00 Sean Jobin Jacqueline Schaffer Scholarship

F. Music Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $1360 for FHS as follows:

$ 40.00 Music Dept. Field Trips

$360.00 Music Parents In-house Enrichment

$960.00 Music Parents In-house Enrichment

G.   Keller Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $2550.00 from the Keller PCC for Field Trips as detailed.

H.   Districtwide Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $500.00 from an anonymous donor for supplemental supplies where needed as detailed.

I. JFK Recurring Field Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Dr. Connolly to take 2nd graders to Roger Williams Zoo, Providence, RI on June 6, 2025 as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Executive Session

A.   Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21, (2) To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with FEA, ESP, Van Drivers, Cafeteria & Secretaries or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with FEA, ESP, Van Drivers, Cafeteria & Secretaries.

B. Pursuant to 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

XI. Adjournment

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/fsc.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for meeting Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - agenda for meeting Wednesday, Jan 15, 2025 at 7 PM

Finance Committee 

Meeting Agenda & Meeting Packet 

Wednesday, January 15, 2025 = 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comment

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. November 6, 2024   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-11-06_finance_committee_meeting_minutes_0.pdf

4. Town Administrator Recommendation on FY25 Capital Plan

a. Town Administrator FY25 Capital Plan Memo  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/04a._fy25_capital_improvement_plan_memo.pdf

b. Five-Ten Year Department Capital Plans  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/capital_-_dept_requests_5_year_plans_0.pdf

c. Backup materials & quotes 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/quotes.pdf

5. Town Administrator Recommendation on expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds

a. Town Administrator Memo  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._opioid_settlement_funds.pdf

b. Draft Expenditure Resolution  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._1_-_resolution_25-02_-_opioid_funding.pdf

6. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive” Series

a. Public School “Hold Harmless” Presentation  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6a._hold_harmless_2025.pdf

b. State House News Service Article  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6b._with_new_term_dawning_spilka_eyes_k-12_funding_reform_primary_care_overhaul_senate_statehousenews.com_.pdf

7. Standing Updates:

a. FY25 Q2 Year to Date Department Expense report  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7a._ytd_budget_expenditures_encumb_option_-_summary_final.pdf

b. FY25 Q2 Local Receipts report  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7b._local_receipts_enterprise_revenues_budget_to_actual_report_-_12-31-2024.pdf

c. Stabilization Account Report  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7c._stabilization_fund_balances_-_three_year_comparison.pdf

Joint Budget Subcmte Listening Tour

8. Future Agenda Items/Next meeting

a. Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Tour & FY26 Budget Update Tour  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/jbsc_flyer_fixed_old_site.png

9. Finance Committee Member Comments

10. Adjourn

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/finance_committee_meeting_agenda_-_january_15_2025.pdf

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

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)

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

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

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 ->

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

1 slides is full of logos an indication of the investments made in the academic support tools used in the schools