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What the Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees means for you |
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
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What the Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees means for you |
A. Elementary Report CardsI recommend approval of the proposed changes to the Elementary Report Card as discussed.https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5568674/Discussion_Action_A_-_Elem._Report_Cards.pdfB. Letter of SupportI recommend approval of the letter of support for an Act to Modernize Funding for Community Media Programming as discussed.https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5568677/Discussion_Action_B_-_Letter_of_Support.pdf
A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel
A. Superintendent ContractThe Chair recommends approval of the successor contract for Lucas Giguere to serve as Superintendent of Schools, July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2031.
FM #1406 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1406 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Thursday, March 13, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the Joint Budget Listening Sessions and the School Committee meeting of March 11, 2025.
We cover
Recognition of multiple sets of students for accomplishments in (arts, writing, painting, ceramics), and for those in the DECA program who were State champions
The redistricting facility update was talked about. The doc itself was posted on Wednesday. It lays out the process in 3 phases of immediate, near term, and long term apparently in detail.
The Transportation update was good, ultimately while some more students are expected to ride the bus, with the redistricting, travel times should be improved, and potential for 2 less buses remains. Now, this is a model based upon current students in the district. The key will be the bus enrollment/payment process beginning in April, that closes at the end of school in June to confirm the bus routing that would really be required.
The consideration of fees was a discussion only topic. This doc was posted on Wednesday. There was discussion of going to 4 tiers of sports fees (rather than 3). Hockey effectively moves to its own tier. Busing fees are being considered for reduction from $500 to $387 with a return of the family cap, and capping at $1000.
A summary of the Joint Budget recommendation for the override of $3.8M on June 3 will be taken up by the Town Council at their March 19 meeting.
The recording runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1406-chalkboard-chat-03-13-25/
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Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net
School Committee Meeting Info
Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocJsUiAaOw0
The agenda doc -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5388334/SCAGENDA_3-11-25.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/march-11%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/770110
Transportation update -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5408487/Franklin_Public_Schools_Reorganization_Transportation.pptx.pdf
Facility projects update ->
Fees analysis for discussion only ->
My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IMCqlD8Uouxkf0bB0ZuwRY8uZoH-o576/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"
FM #1403 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1403 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. 6 members participated, 5 in Council Chambers, 1 remote (Charles), 1 absent (Griffith).
Quick recap
Recognition of multiple sets of students for accomplishments in (arts, writing, painting, ceramics), and for those in the DECA program who were State champions
The redistricting facility update was talked about. The doc itself will be posted on Wednesday. It lies out the process in 3 phases of immediate, near term, and long term apparently in detail. The pix captured of the doc shown on the screen during the time shown didn't allow for sufficient evaluation.
The Transportation update was good, ultimately while some ore students are expected to ride the bus, with the redistricting, travel times should be improved, and potential for 2 less buses remains. Now, this is a model based upon current students in the district. The key will be the bus enrollment/payment process beginning in April, that closes at the end of school in June to confirm the bus routing that would really be required.
The consideration of fees was a discussion only topic. This doc will also be posted on Wednesday. There was discussion of going to 4 tiers of sports fees (rather than 3). Hockey effectively moves to its own tier. Busing fees are being considered for reduction from $500 to $387 with a return of the family cap, and capping at $1000.
The recording runs about 2 hours & 20 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link ->
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1403-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-03-11-25/
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Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocJsUiAaOw0
The agenda doc -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5388334/SCAGENDA_3-11-25.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/march-11%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/770110
Transportation update -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5408487/Franklin_Public_Schools_Reorganization_Transportation.pptx.pdf
Facility projects update ->
Fees analysis for discussion only ->
My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IMCqlD8Uouxkf0bB0ZuwRY8uZoH-o576/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"
FM #1391 This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1391 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, February 26, 2025. 8 of the members participated in Council Chambers, 1 was absent (Dellorco).
Quick recap:
Going right to legislation for action
Bylaw Amendment 25-924: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading; Motion to waive reading, passes - Motion to approve, second, vote via roll call passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)
Resolution 25-05: Free Cash To Stabilization Accounts Transfers Motion to approve, second - Discussion had been part of the capital budget review by FinCom and Capital budget subcmte but not yet set here for approval - Passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)
Bylaw Amendment 25-925: Amendment to Sewer System Map (Raymond St.) - First Reading - Last parcel on the road to extend this to. Motion to move to second reading, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent) Related to the above
Bylaw Amendment 25-926: Amendment to Water System Map (Raymond St.) - First Reading - Water to go along with the sewer as noted, motion to move to second reading, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)
Resolution 25-11: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4 - Motion to waive reading, passes 8-0-1; Motion to approve, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)
Town Administrator's Report
March 5 preliminary FY 2026 budget update coming Traditional slide show, and updates
Mirchi withdrew the alcohol liquor license application
Did get confirmation from the Commonwealth, August 31, Best Western will be closed to the emergency shelter program; Jamie still gets emails etc. and blame us for the town role which was not our choice, it was totally a state decision and effort, thanks to the residents and organizations for handling this under the circumstances
Motion to enter executive session, not to return to open meeting
Motion, second, passes via roll 8-0-1 (1 Absent)
Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1391-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-02-26-25/
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My expanded notes -> https://docs.google.com/document/d/10yE_Dj5dIlYdzyYou4cZhh5AD4kJL0JZOGgg0BDuOfA/edit?usp=drive_link
Franklin TV video is ready for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbkmz3G_q6Y
The Agenda doc and most materials released for this session ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02262025-1602
My notes captured during the meeting in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aFS-kA1Xy3rCoN2v-1H8-wbGw6nlI21m/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 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"
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Franklin TV video is ready for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbkmz3G_q6Y |