Citizen Comment re: "inaccurate information presented to the Town Council regarding BFCCPS at the December 3 meeting"

My name is Heather Zolnowski, I live at 51 Anthony Road in Franklin.  I am a 17-year resident and taxpayer of the Town of Franklin, the parent of a current Franklin High School student, an FHS alumna, and a 7th grader at BFCCPS. I have worked for the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School for 18 years and have served as its school leader for the past 12.

Heather Zolnowski

I am here this evening to follow up on inaccurate information presented to the Town Council regarding BFCCPS at the December 3 meeting.

BFCCPS has been a public school option for Franklin families for 31 years. During my time at BFCCPS, we have worked collaboratively with three superintendents and two Town Administrators to support public education in Franklin. Given this long history of partnership, it was disappointing that inaccurate information was shared.

A town council member asked if there was a cap on the number of students from Franklin that could attend charter schools.  The answer provided was no, there is no cap.  Charter school enrollment is capped in state law and regulation. In districts not in the lowest performing 10% statewide, no more than 9% of net school spending may go to Commonwealth charter schools. While it was stated on December 3 that there are no enrollment caps on charter schools, there are clear limits. Charter schools cannot enroll an unlimited number of Franklin students. According to DESE’s Fiscal Year 2026 projections, Franklin is at 5.7% Net School Spending—well below the 9% cap.

Expansion has not negatively impacted the Franklin Public Schools:  BFCCPS received approval in 2014 to regionalize and serve 14 towns in addition to Franklin. Since then, Franklin enrollment has declined. Prior to regionalization, 422 Franklin students attended BFCCPS. In 2019, when we moved to 500 Financial Park and we began the expansion part of our amendment,, 375 Franklin students were enrolled in BFCCPS. Today, although the school is fully expanded at 900 students, only 312 are from Franklin—110 fewer than before regionalization and expansion. 

Charter School Reimbursement: District schools are reimbursed for students attending charter schools at the rate of 100% in year 1 of attendance, 60% in year 2 of attendance and 40% in year three.  As a member of the board of the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association, BFCCPS continues to strongly advocate at the state level for full reimbursement to districts as intended in statute.

While there were more inconsistencies in the answers provided to the Town Council on December 3, I felt like it was most important to correct these three. If the Town Council or Finance Committee would like a more detailed presentation on charter funding or enrollment, I would be happy to provide it. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions.

Heather Zolnowski 

email = hzolnowski@bfccps.org

MASC conducts Workshop for Franklin School Committee - Nov 18, 2025 (audio)

FM #1584 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1584 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee MASC Workshop held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The meeting was conducted in the 3rd floor training room. 

All seven School Committee members were present along with Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Asst Supt for Student Services Paula Marano, and Asst Supt for Teaching & Learning Dr. Tina Rogers. 

Tracy Novick, the MASC Field Director responsible for Franklin, gave the presentation and led the discussion.  

 

The show notes contain a link to the presentation copy so you can follow along.

The recording runs about 67 minutes, so let’s listen to the School Committee MASC Workshop of Nov 18, 2025. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1584-fps-school-cmte-masc-workshop-11-18-25/

MASC conducts Workshop for Franklin School Committee  - Nov 18, 2025 (audio)

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MASC Presentation document (actually from the 2023 session but there doesn’t appear to be any changes) -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iS3oQAk96xVk-SKYLo8iAgashzFASHvT/view?usp=drive_link 

My notes in this ThreadReader PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qzoj4tuEa1bx6_vRCHPOOB0yOMlFN3YG/view?usp=drive_link 

School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/page/school-committee 

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

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 out. 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: School Committee MASC Workshop - Nov 18 at 5:30 PM

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

School Committee MASC Workshop

November 18, 2025 - 5:30- 6:30 PM

Municipal Building – 3rd Floor Training Room

AGENDA

Franklin School Committee

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

● MASC Workshop

The agenda shows no remote participation option for this session

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11182025-1982

Franklin School Committee: Budget Subcmte got an update on the FY 2027 budget process (audio)

FM #1558= This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1558 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Budget Subcmte Meeting held on Tuesday, Oct 28, 2025. All 3 members participated in person in the 3rd Floor Training Room. Supt Lucas Giguere, Dr Tina Rogers, Paula Marano, and Jana Melotti participated. 

Quick recap:

• The meeting provided an overview of the budget process

• Timeline, budget drivers, fixed costs, etc.

The recording runs about 51 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1558-school-cmte-budget-subcmte-mtg-10-28-25/

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Budget Subcmte got an update on
the FY 2027 budget process (audio)

School Committee Budget Subcmte agenda -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10282025-1965 

Photos of the slides presented for the discussion (when the slides themselves are available, we’ll update accordingly).

https://photos.app.goo.gl/TKsNq1tYdhGC11Jv8

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kTIpIZc47reYuvaaLK2tF8mW-G-WdtW2/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"

Finance Committee has gets a fiscal discussion but runs out of time to get into the Technology deep dive (audio)

FM #1555 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1555 in the series. 

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The Committee opened with 3 new members getting sworn in. The Committee also formally organized itself with votes to select George Conley as Chair, Natalie Riley as Vice-Chair and Lauren Nagel as Clerk

Quick recap:

• The agenda could not be completed in the time allotted before the Town Council meeting at 7:00 PM. The planned 'deep dive' on Technology was the major item as it will be rescheduled to their Nov 5 meeting.

• During Citizen Comments, M Minnechelli spoke on the economics of development proposals, i.e. 444 E Central, and the need for some body, perhaps FinCom to weigh in to help clarify the numbers that are being mentioned which are conflicting and perhaps erroneous. 

• The Town Administrator advised not weighing in on the specifics of 444 East Central as the public hearing is underway. However an understanding of the overall economics of development would be a good topic for a future meeting

• Much of the discussion revolved around the fiscal issues currently being faced not just by Franklin but by most communities in the State. The "perfect storm" report by the MMA was referenced. The work underway at the State level to take a new look at local contributions for Chap 70 could affect our "hold harmless" situation. The Federal cuts will affect Mass revenues, and some of that will also affect our State funding.

The MMA "perfect storm" report -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/19iUBj6jDGQuWo8XDCfhwefqnK9WlALK1/view?usp=drive_link 

The Town Administrator memo of Aug 7 was refreshed as many appear to have not read it, or understood the implications -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UnddsW97syeHkkVjNOgRlOkKgHgOGiS0/view?usp=drive_link 

The recording runs just about 68 minutes, let’s listen

Audio link ->   https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1555-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-10-22-25/

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

Franklin TV broadcast is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMhCNMRndj0 

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10222025-1961 

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/11PCj1OfVixPiPgZ8jrk5-HD7VjH3vuEu/view?usp=drive_link 

Explore the MMA’s new report,
"A Perfect Storm: Cities and Towns Face
Historic Fiscal Pressures", to understand why

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

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 out. 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"

Finance Committee has gets a fiscal discussion but runs out of time to get into the Technology deep dive (video)

The Finance Committee (FinCom) met on Wednesday beginning at 5:30 PM. 8 of the 9 members of the Finance Committee were present, 3 new members were sworn in officially.

Franklin TV broadcast is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMhCNMRndj0

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10222025-1961

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/11PCj1OfVixPiPgZ8jrk5-HD7VjH3vuEu/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap:

• The agenda could not be completed in the time allotted before the Town Council meeting at 7:00 PM. The planned 'deep dive' on Technology was the major item as it will be rescheduled to their Nov 5 meeting.
• During Citizen Comments, M Minnechelli spoke on the economics of development proposals, i.e. 444 E Central, and the need for some body, perhaps FinCom to weigh in to help clarify the numbers that are being mentioned which are conflicting and perhaps erroneous. 
• Town Administrator advised not weighing in on the specifics of 444 East Central as the public hearing is underway. However an understanding of the overall economics of development would be a good topic for a future meeting
• Much of the discussion revolved around the fiscal issues currently being faced not just by Franklin but by most communities in the State. The "perfect storm" report by the MMA was referenced. The work underway at the State level to take a new look at local contributions for Chap 70 could affect our "hold harmless" situation. The Federal cuts will affect Mass revenues, and some of that will also affect our State funding.

Explore the MMA’s new report,
"A Perfect Storm: Cities and Towns Face
Historic Fiscal Pressures", to understand why

The MMA "perfect storm" report -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/19iUBj6jDGQuWo8XDCfhwefqnK9WlALK1/view?usp=drive_link

The Town Administrator memo of Aug 7 was refreshed as many appear to have not read it, or understood the implications -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UnddsW97syeHkkVjNOgRlOkKgHgOGiS0/view?usp=drive_link

The agenda doc is rich with links to important financial materials.

Listening session schedule set for Chapter 70 Local Contribution Study by DESE & DLS

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education today announced a series of public hearings regarding the state chapter 70 formula. The listening sessions are part of a Chapter 70 Local Contribution Study included in the state’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget and conducted by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Department of Revenue’s Division of Local Services (DLS).

These listening sessions will inform the final Chapter 70 Local Contribution Study that examines the methods used to determine each municipality’s target local contribution and required local contribution toward school funding. The study will also consider the impact of factors such as income and property wealth, the effect on municipal services, and the unique challenges of rural and regional school districts. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and DLS expect to release the final report in the summer.

Listening session schedule:

Thursday, October 23, 2025

 Chapter 70 Local Contribution Study

4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

Masconomet Regional High School, 20 Endicott Road, Boxford

Thursday, October 30, 2025

4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

Doherty Memorial High School, 299 Highland St., Worcester

Thursday, November 6, 2025

4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

Greenfield High School, 21 Barr Ave., Greenfield

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

Virtual public comment hearing

Register online

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

Apponequet Regional High School, 100 Howland Road, Lakeville

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and DLS encourage the submission of written comments, which can be emailed to C70PublicComment@mass.gov.

Shared from -> https://www.doe.mass.edu/finance/chapter70/fy2026-local-contribution-study.html

"Progressive reforms often include concessions such as hold harmless clauses for political feasibility" (video)

Tracy O'Connell Novick (@TracyNovick) posted Mon, Sep 15, 2025:

"Progressive reforms often include concessions such as hold harmless clauses for political feasibility, which can limit their potential equalizing effects."

#amreading

Shared from -> https://t.co/PMOzfQoyKK 

You can also go directly to the article Tracy references ->   https://www.aera.net/Newsroom/Slow-Progress-School-Finance-Reforms-and-Racial-Disparities-in-Funding

Video brief from article co-author -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDz2cse0WnU

The Mass FY 2026 budget closes out with Gov Healy signature

Via Senate President Karen Spilka:

Today (June 30, 2025) , Speaker Mariano and I issued the following statement on the Legislature's FY26 Budget:

"We are incredibly proud of the agreement that was reached by the House and Senate on Friday. This is a budget that delivers for Massachusetts residents and reflects our shared commitment to spending taxpayer dollars responsibly.

This agreement incorporates many of the strongest proposals from both chambers, will make Massachusetts more affordable, and will protect our most vulnerable residents.

As President Trump and Congressional Republicans continue to pursue devastating cuts to programs that millions of Americans rely on, we recognize the heightened importance of passing a fiscally responsible budget that invests in the areas that we value most.
This budget does exactly that.

We are deeply grateful to Chairs Rodrigues and Michlewitz, Vice Chairs Comerford and Ferrante, and the members of both chambers for their thoughtful work in delivering a timely and meaningful budget.

We look forward to sending it to the Governor’s desk on Monday."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DLfs1DqttqZ/

Via Gov Maura Healey:

"Today (07/04/25), Governor Maura Healey signed the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) state budget, a $60.9 billion plan that is fiscally responsible, lowers costs, protects essential care and services, and moves the Massachusetts economy forward.  

To further control spending and protect taxpayer dollars, Governor Healey is vetoing $130 million, resulting in a final budget that is more than $1 billion less than the H1 proposal and $130 million less than the final conference budget. The administration is also continuing an Executive Branch hiring freeze, halting a planned non-union manager pay raise scheduled for January, saving $17 million, and delaying payment on earmarked funds for local projects in the budget totaling approximately $125 million until later in the year when more is understood about their affordability.

“I’m proud to sign a budget that is fiscally responsible and protects what makes Massachusetts special,” said Governor Healey. “I’m grateful to the Legislature for their strong partnership and efficient work to develop and pass this budget for the people we serve. In Massachusetts, we are continuing to lead and do what we know works – focusing on lowering costs, protecting essential care and services, and moving our economy forward by investing in housing, transportation and our schools. We are also signing this budget in a moment of great dysfunction in Washington. The President is poised to sign a bill that’s going to kick hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents off their health care, increase energy and groceries prices, and cost people their jobs.” 

The Mass FY 2026 budget closes out with Gov Healy signature

Gov Healey's press release -> https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-signs-609-billion-fiscal-year-2026-budget

The Governor’s signing letter, veto message, and returns available at this link ->

https://budget.digital.mass.gov/summary/fy26/ 

The formal parchment letter -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/fy26-budget-filing-letter-from-the-governor-and-lt-governor/download

FRANKLIN =  Chapter 70 - $30,460,643  Local Aid - $3,075,999

Note: The Chapter 70 amount is exactly the same as approved by the Town Council for the FY 2026 budget. The Local aid as approved by the Governor is $33,468.00 more than currently in the Franklin budget. The adjustment to the Franklin budget will occur later this year before the tax rate is set in Nov/Dec.

Mass Gov FY 2026 -> https://budget.digital.mass.gov/summary/fy26/local-aid/

Town of Franklin FY 2026 voting document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5882/FY26-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Doc-OPTION-B