Worthy reads on School Funding Topics via Tracy Novick

Two pieces from Tracy Novick on school funding that are worth reading. 

In the first, she takes the Boston Globe to task for misrepresenting the issue using a report that doesn't explain where it's numbers are sourced from. https://who-cester.blogspot.com/2023/12/in-which-globe-misses-plot-on-education.html

In the second, she created a thread in Twitter that I captured in one PDF for easier reading. The explanation of a maintenance budget for facilities was timely having just come from the Town of Franklin Finance Committee meeting where they did a "deep dive" on Facilities. As interesting as the meeting was, some of the members were missing, so it seemed overall to be missing the insights a real "deep dive" could have had (my 2 cents). Tracy's thread ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tY76jH2h5Oag9k5gb9Nmw4hP3BCbwYYI/view?usp=drive_link

Actually you can also go to the top of the thread to better view the GIFs  -> https://twitter.com/TracyNovick/status/1735067955459694708

Worthy reads on School Funding Topics via Tracy Novick

Finance Committee meeting is THE meeting to be on Wednesday, Dec 13

If you really want to know Franklin, then Wednesday night at 7 PM, the Finance Committee meeting is THE meeting to watch, listen to (or catch on replay), or read about after.

With all due respect to the Master Plan Update Committee meeting also about the same time (they start at 6:30), they are early in their process so the more important of the two (in my view) is the Finance Committee "Bill Dowd deep dive" on Facilities.

The agenda doc provides plenty of information about the facilities department and about the recent history of how grants have been able to augment the Town and School budgets with about 2M each per year. (Yes, the data does show an increase since 2020 but most of that is the Federal ARPA, ESSAR funding, and not likely to continue at that rate).

For your reading pleasure in advance of the meeting:

5. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive” Series

a. Public Property & Building, aka “the Facilities Department”

i. FY24 Public Property & Buildings Budget  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy24_public_property_buildings_budget.pdf

ii. List of Town Owned Buildings  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/list_of_town_owned_buildings_0.pdf

iii. December 2020 Kaestle Boos study on school facilities current conditions  

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/franklin_comprehensive_facilities_assessment_-_final_updated_12.1.2020_1.pdf

iv. Franklin School Department Redistricting Analysis 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/redistricting-analysis

v. Comprehensive School Facilities Planning Subcommittee  

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/subcommittees-and-liaisons

vi. 10-year Capital Facilities Plan  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._vi_-_facilities_capital_improvement_plan_fy23.12.07.23.xlsx_-_10_year_plan.pdf

b. Grants discussion

i. Ten-year municipal grants history  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._i_-_grant_reporting_project_for_fincom_-_town.pdf

ii. Ten-year school grants history  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._ii_-_grant_reporting_project_for_fincom_-_school.pdf

The agenda doc includes supporting materials and covers 38 pages (also includes remote participation info)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/dec_13_2023_fin_com_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda for meeting Dec 13, 2023

This Chalkboard Chat recaps the School Cmte MASC Workshop & the Nov 28 School Cmte Mtg (audio)

FM #1113 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1113 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Franklin School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV & Public Radio studio on Monday, December 4, 2023. 

Two key topics for this conversation were recapping the MASC Workshop on Monday (11/27/23), and then the School Committee meeting on Tuesday (11/28/23). 

The recording runs about 28 minutes so let’s listen to my “chalkboard chat” with School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1113-chalkboard-chat-with-dave-callaghan-12-04-23

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Contact info for Dave Callaghan  callaghand@franklinps.net 

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

MASC Presentation document -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iS3oQAk96xVk-SKYLo8iAgashzFASHvT/view?usp=drive_link 

Audio recording of the workshop ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/school-committee-participates-in-masc.html 

11/28/23 meeting Agenda doc  ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-for_0289625050.html   

Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-28-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet 

Franklin TV video for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2J9NdQCWqlM

My notes captured during the meeting via Twitter can be found in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dKDfMFeUK43g70Li6XbLlhdVssSKLZAv/view?usp=drive_link

The “Chalkboard Chat” image was the result of a joint collaboration with Mickayla Callaghan. Thank you!

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

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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

This Chalkboard Chat recaps the School Cmte MASC Workshop & the Nov 28 School Cmte Mtg (audio)

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda for meeting Dec 13, 2023

Finance Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 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

3. State budget update

a. FY23 Supplemental Budget and FY24 budget revenue projections

4. Future Agenda Items & 2024 Meeting Schedule

5. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive” Series

a. Public Property & Building, aka “the Facilities Department”

i. FY24 Public Property & Buildings Budget

ii. List of Town Owned Buildings

iii. December 2020 Kaestle Boos study on school facilities current conditions

iv. Franklin School Department Redistricting Analysis

v. Comprehensive School Facilities Planning Subcommittee

vi. 10-year Capital Facilities Plan

b. Grants discussion

i. Ten-year municipal grants history

ii. Ten-year school grants history

6. Recurring Business:

a. Approval of Minutes

i. September 13, 2023

ii. November 08, 2023

b. Stabilization Account Balance

7. Adjourn

The agenda doc includes supporting materials and covers 38 pages (also includes remote participation info) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/dec_13_2023_fin_com_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda for meeting Dec 13, 2023

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities for custodians, heavy equipment operator, and a Director of Arts, Culture & the Creative Economy

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Junior Building Custodian - Facilities Department

Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy - Office of the Town Administrator 

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Updated 11/29/2023

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities for custodians, heavy equipment operator, and a Director of Arts, Culture & the Creative Economy

Master Plan Update Committee & Subcommittee scheduled meetings for this week 11/27 to 11/29

Monday, November 27, 2023 - 7:00pm

• Land Use and Zoning Subcommittee

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/landusezoningagenda_-_2023-11-27.pdf

Tuesday, November 28, 2023 - 7:00pm

• OSRP and NCHR Subcommittee

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/osrp_and_nchr_subcommittee_agenda_-_november_28th_2023.pdf

Wednesday, November 29, 2023 - 5:00pm

• Community Services, Facilities & Circulation (CSFC) Subcommittee

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/csfc_subcommittee_agenda_-_november_29th_2023.pdf

 Wednesday, November 29, 2023 - 6:30pm

• Master Plan Update Committee

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-november_29_2023.pdf

Link to the Master Plan Update Committee page ->     https://www.franklinma.gov/master-plan-update-committee

Master Plan Update Committee & Subcommittee schedules for week of 11/27 - 11/30

Invitation for Bids: On Call Electrical Services for Water and Sewer Facilities for Town of Franklin (MA)

On Call Electrical Services for Water and Sewer Facilities

In accordance with MGL c 149, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of an electrical firm to provide on-call electrical services at water and sewer buildings, treatment facilities, and various other locations within the water and sewer system within the Town of Franklin.

Additional Information:  On-Call Electrical Services for Water and Sewer Facilities

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/call-electrical-services-water-and-sewer-facilities

Invitation for Bids: On Call Electrical Services for Water and Sewer Facilities for Town of Franklin (MA)

Apply now for the Town of Franklin Job Opportunities with Town Administration, Senior Center, DPW, & Facilities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works

Administrative Assistant - Town Administrator

Administrative Assistant - Senior Center

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Updated 10/18/2023

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Town Administration, Senior Center, DPW & Facilities

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Administration, Senior Center, Charles River, & Facilities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Administrative Assistant - Town Administrator

Administrative Assistant - Senior Center

Wastewater Treatment Operator - Charles River Pollution Control District  

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Updated 10/06/2023

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Administration, Senior Center, Charles River, & Facilities

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Facilities, DPW, & Charles River Pollution Control District

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Wastewater Treatment Operator - Charles River Pollution Control District  

Junior Building Custodian - Facilities Department

Heavy Motor Equipment Operators - Department of Public Works

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Updated 09/21/2023

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Facilities, DPW, & Charles River Pollution Control District

Franklin, MA: Job Opportunities with Building & Inspections, Facilities, Finance, Library, Public Works,

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Junior Building Custodian - Facilities Department

Heavy Motor Equipment Operators - Department of Public Works

Library Assistant - Franklin Public Library

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Payroll Administrator - Finance Department

Administrative Assistant - Building and Inspections Department

Motor Equipment Repair Person - Department of Public Works

Local Building Inspector - Building and Inspections Department

Updated 08/17/2023

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

School Committee approves "Comprehensive School Facility Planning" effort (audio)

The School Committee met on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 as scheduled and completed business without student updates (school vacation) or any presentations (summer time) with a brief Executive Session and the total was within an hour. A rare but worthy accomplishment.

• Getting ready to report on the School Committee meeting at 7 PM follow along with the agenda #schcom0726  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_7-25-23.pdf
• Chair Spencer opens meeting, gets right to the Supt Giguere report on the activity this summer. Administrator pretreat the day after school ended to close and reflect on the past school year. #schcom0725 retreat next week, 3 days, asst and principals together
• Planning and strategic planning key topic, to be held at Dean College; MSAA executive institute for Lucas, Paula & Tina at the Cape recently, how to move from striving to thriving, budget development also a key topic #schcom0725
• Elementary literacy materials arrived, being distributed to the schools, 30 openings currently but a moving # as candidates are in process, HS experience, new teacher orientation, professional development before schools starts, report and dates coming in writing
• Clarification q, 2 asst principals open at this time. No presentations, now discussion action items
• Space Needs & Facilities Assessment Sub Committee - I recommend that the School Committee dissolve the Space Needs & Facilities Assessment Sub Committee as detailed motion to approve, second, passes 7-0
• School Facilities Master Planning Subcommittee - I recommend that the School Committee establish a School Facilities Master Planning Subcommittee as detailed motion to approve, second, Amended to be Comprehensive School Facility Planning Subcmte, passes 7-0; Second vote to pass formation of committee as amended, passes 7-0
• Off-site/retreat working on an overall calendar for meetings and subcommittee meetings to make them as predictable as possible, likely ready in a couple of weeks #schcom0725
• Consent agenda recommended to be approved, moved, second, passes 7-0
• Order for Committee comments, Callaghan advises participating in Joint Budget Subcmte meeting Aug 2
• Motion to executive session, to return to open meeting, second, passes 7-0 via roll call We will hang out for this one, not supposed to be a long session. Stay tuned!
• Ok, about to return to open session
• Called back to order, motion to adjourn, via roll call passes 7-0 That's all for tonight catch you next time!
  

My notes captured via Twitter can also be downloaded in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B6e2erfStEAvBxEN7GfhZHU7gIxni4t6/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin TV video replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/C-AM9cmYqSU

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1029-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-07-25-23

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - July 25, 2023 at 7 PM

School Committee approves "Comprehensive School Facility Planning" effort (video)

The School Committee met on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 as scheduled and completed business without student updates (school vacation) or any presentations (summer time) with a brief Executive Session and the total was within an hour. A rare but worthy accomplishment.

• Getting ready to report on the School Committee meeting at 7 PM follow along with the agenda #schcom0726  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_7-25-23.pdf
• Chair Spencer opens meeting, gets right to the Supt Giguere report on the activity this summer. Administrator pretreat the day after school ended to close and reflect on the past school year. #schcom0725 retreat next week, 3 days, asst and principals together
• Planning and strategic planning key topic, to be held at Dean College; MSAA executive institute for Lucas, Paula & Tina at the Cape recently, how to move from striving to thriving, budget development also a key topic #schcom0725
• Elementary literacy materials arrived, being distributed to the schools, 30 openings currently but a moving # as candidates are in process, HS experience, new teacher orientation, professional development before schools starts, report and dates coming in writing
• Clarification q, 2 asst principals open at this time. No presentations, now discussion action items
• Space Needs & Facilities Assessment Sub Committee - I recommend that the School Committee dissolve the Space Needs & Facilities Assessment Sub Committee as detailed motion to approve, second, passes 7-0
• School Facilities Master Planning Subcommittee - I recommend that the School Committee establish a School Facilities Master Planning Subcommittee as detailed motion to approve, second, Amended to be Comprehensive School Facility Planning Subcmte, passes 7-0; Second vote to pass formation of committee as amended, passes 7-0
• Off-site/retreat working on an overall calendar for meetings and subcommittee meetings to make them as predictable as possible, likely ready in a couple of weeks #schcom0725
• Consent agenda recommended to be approved, moved, second, passes 7-0
• Order for Committee comments, Callaghan advises participating in Joint Budget Subcmte meeting Aug 2
• Motion to executive session, to return to open meeting, second, passes 7-0 via roll call We will hang out for this one, not supposed to be a long session. Stay tuned!
• Ok, about to return to open session
• Called back to order, motion to adjourn, via roll call passes 7-0 That's all for tonight catch you next time!
  

My notes captured via Twitter can also be downloaded in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B6e2erfStEAvBxEN7GfhZHU7gIxni4t6/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin TV video replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/C-AM9cmYqSU

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - July 25, 2023 at 7 PM

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Finance, Building, DPW, & Facilities - maybe one of these is for you?

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Payroll Administrator - Finance Department

Administrative Assistant - Building and Inspections Department

Motor Equipment Repair Person - Department of Public Works

Local Building Inspector - Building and Inspections Department

Heavy Motor Equipment Operators - Department of Public Works

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department

Updated 07/19/2023

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Job Opportunities with Finance, Building, DPW, & Facilities

Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee - agenda for meeting July 18, 2023 at 7:00 PM

Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

Agenda & Meeting Packet

July 18, 2023 - 7 PM

Agenda:

1. Town Clerk Oath of Office

2. Member Introductions

3. Legal Overview: Open Meeting, Public Records and Ethics Laws   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/mark_memo_presentation_-_ethics_0.pdf

4. Committee Charge Review   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2_dt_committee_charge.pdf

5. Overview and discussion on the current study by Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc.

a. Historical Materials & Studies on Davis-Thayer

i. Study for the Davis-Thayer Elementary School (2013)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2013_davis_thayer_study_final.pdf

ii. Franklin School Department Studies

1. Townwide Comprehensive Facilities Assessment Report (2020)   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/franklin_comprehensive_facilities_assessment_-_final_updated_12.1.2020_1.pdf

2. School Department Davis-Thayer Website (2021)   https://www.franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis

6. Discussion on meeting schedule -

a. Next Meeting Date August 15th, 7:00PM

This is a meeting of the Franklin Town Council Sub-Committee; under the Open Meeting Law, this subcommittee is a separate "public body" from the Town Council. Therefore, unless the Town Council has separately notified and posted its own meeting, Councilors who are not members of this subcommittee will not be permitted to speak or otherwise actively participate @ this meeting, although they may attend and observe. This prohibition is necessary to avoid the potential for an Open Meeting Law Violation

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/dt_meeting_agenda_-_july_18_2023.pdf

Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Cmte page ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/davis-thayer-building-reuse-advisory-committee

Davis Thayer School sign from May 2019