Franklin gets additional ARPA funds via Norfolk County

The Norfolk County Commissioners voted at their regular weekly meeting today held in Dedham to approve two (2) ARPA awards to the Town of Franklin and to the city of Quincy as part of the second round of ARPA grants. 

The American Rescue Plan of Action (ARPA) was voted by Congress in 2021. Norfolk County received over $137,000,000 from the ARPA Act which was distributed to the twenty eight (28) cities and towns in Norfolk County by the County Commissioners over the past several years. 

Under the Second Round of ARPA, towns that had an excess leftover from any grant in the first round could re-apply to use said funds on projects for their town in round two.  To qualify for a second round grant, towns had to complete and file an application with the county no later than Dec. 31, 2024.

Franklin was awarded a grant in the amount of  $86,000.00 for additional stormwater management improvements. This excess money came from a previous award to Franklin for Mental Health. 

Quincy was awarded a grant in the amount of $12,900 for additional infrastructure improvements. The excess money came from a previous grant in the amount of  $2,300,000.00.

Several other towns are currently under review at this time.

Congratulations to the Franklin and Quincy for their diligence and efforts in obtaining additional funds for their community.

Shared from Richard Stati's Facebook post ->   https://www.facebook.com/richard.staiti.71/posts/pfbid0aj22K7CKtrGcktGeVQjR64ZJGwso6b4jGdTBseXtvYw5xVH2RLUzX26ev1nWb1xcl

School Committee recognizes musicians, biliteracy students, and retirees on Tuesday (video)

The Franklin, MA School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, May 27 at 7 PM in Council Chambers. 6 of the 7 members participated, 1 absent (Gallagher).

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBa7M7YI4A4

The agenda doc -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272025-1761

The meeting folder where other docs will be posted after the meeting ->

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/may-27%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/806450

Quick recap:

• In the Superintendent's Report, Supt Giguere used some time to recognize the FHS students who won MICCA awards
• The students who achieved the State of MA Biliteracy certificates were recognized. 13 were present
• In the Guests/Presentations segment, the school district personnel retiring this year were recognized
• Civics Presentation by Students featured Mrs Ambrose from Remington MS and Kayla who share her project on autism awareness (photos of the presentation below)
• The District Improvement Plan/School Improvement Plan Update featured a portion on MS Math which was provided earlier this year
• No discussion action or discussion only items tonight
• Subcommittee updates
• Supt evaluation June 3 to prepare the draft review for discussion then
• Budget no meeting, pending result of June 3 may need to meet
• Policy awaiting override results to review fees
• Community relations preparing for Strawberry Stroll June 13; Meeting on 5/29 to prep
• Joint PCC met on the 20th, Facebook group set up, spirit activities
• May have PCC info for Strawberry Stroll distribution
• High school start time, a 5 minute shift to handle transportation
• Mental health prepare for Stroll
• Reorg no updates recently, will need clarity from the vote June 3
• Consent agenda: Motion to approve as detailed, second, passes 6-0-1 (6 for, 1 absent)

Retiree recognition -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/fLJf4boDFr6S9MvE7

Civics Project presentation -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/oAh2AdNrLoE1Exu89

DIP/SIP presentation -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/6ipuwvmfph7khgNF8

FHS music students who won MICCA awards

students who achieved the State of MA Biliteracy certificates

My full set of notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CMp9pP040uUMF-aEHLahg3-LSN3ErBDV/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for meeting Tuesday, Oct 8 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

October 8, 2024  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. MS School Improvement Plan

B. FHS School Improvement Plan

III. Discussion/Action Items

A.   MS 2024-25 School Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the Middle Schools’ 2024-25 School Improvement Plan as presented.

B. FHS 2024-25 School Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the Franklin High Schools’ 2024-25 School Improvement Plan as presented.

C.   2025-26 Elementary Boundary Line Vote

I recommend approval of the 2025-26 Elementary Boundary Line as presented.

D. 2025-26 Davis Thayer Consideration Vote

I recommend consideration be given to the 25 former Davis Thayer students and their siblings enrolled in FPS K-5 elementary schools during the 2025-26 school year.

E.   MASC Resolutions

I recommend adoption of the following MASC Resolutions as discussed:

1. Increase Compulsory Attendance Age

2. Safe Storage Of Firearms

3. Aligning Taxing Authority With The Required Local Contribution

4. Fully Adjusting Chapter 70 Aid For Inflation

5. Equitable Funding For Non-Regional School Districts With High Transportation Costs

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Staffing Update

B. Transportation 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 September 24, 2024 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. JFK/Parmenter recurring Field Trip - Veteran’s Auditorium

I recommend approval of the request of Mary MacMurray to take Music students to the Veteran’s Auditorium, Providence, RI on May 21, 2025 (JFK) and May 23, 2025 for a concert as detailed.

C. JFK Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,325.00 from the JFK PCC for field trips 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 3. To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental

effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares

XI. Adjournment

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info -> 

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4900497/SCAGENDA_10-8-24.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for meeting Tuesday, Oct 8 at 7 PM

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for Sep 24, 2024 meeting

Franklin School Committee 

September 24, 2024 - 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. 2024-25 Elementary School Improvement Plans

B. 2024-25 ECDC School Improvement Plan

C. District Reorganization Timeline & Storyboard/Elementary Boundary Line Recommendation

III. Discussion/Action Items

A.   2024-25 Elementary School Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the 2024-25 Elementary School Improvement Plans as presented.

B.   2024-25 ECDC School Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the 2024-25 ECDC School Improvement Plans as presented.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. MA Organization of Educational Collaborative (MOEC) Annual Report

B. Transportation Update

C. Staffing 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 September 10, 2024 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B.   JFK Gifts

I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $647.00 as follows:

$525.00  JFK PCC Field Trips

$122.00 Bunce & Nelson Families Supplemental Supplies

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21 3. To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental 

effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares

X. Adjournment

The agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4856277/SCAGENDA_9-24-24.pdf

Franklin School Committee spends 85 minutes in Executive session, hears District Improvement Plan and approves (audio)

FM #1278 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1278 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Sep 10, 2024. 7 members participated, 6 in chambers, 1 was remote (Gallagher).

Quick recap:

• The meeting had an Executive Session to review a grievance and discuss negotiation strategy. While it was anticipated to be short, the session did extend 85 minutes before the meeting resumed in public session. (Note: the executive session 85 minutes of nothing was removed from the audio and replaced with a brief musical piece to indicate the transition)

• The District Improvement Plan was presented and approved (by a 7-0 via roll call vote)

• Redistricting update - proposed district alignment scheduled to be shared via a "Storymap" before the next meeting and then explained fully during the Sep 28 meeting with a vote to approve the alignment of the new schools scheduled for the first October meeting. Email and multiple methods of communication to share the storymap

• The appointment of Rose Turco to represent the Schools to the Franklin TV Board of Directors was approved (by a 7-0 via roll call vote)

• Hiring update filled 57 positions, 4 teacher vacancies, 8 additional resignations (since the August 27 meeting). Mostly from building subs and ESPs. Not usual to have this many early in the school year. Instability of budget is a factor in the leaving and hiring process

• Consent agenda was approved  (by a 7-0 via roll call vote)

The recording runs about 1 hour & 45 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1278-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-09-10-24/

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

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQzZjD3f45k    Note: the SchCmte enters Executive Session at about 17:50 and return to open session at 1:42:00

The agenda doc ->

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4809590/SCAGENDA_9-10-24.pdf 

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/september-10%2C-2024-meeting-packet/701015 

The photo album capturing the slides shared can be found ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/FcT4bkT37XE4sqK28 

My notes captured in one PDF can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BKsnE9XEkWJGWXtfDt2V_fNS-FOe84jd/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 School Committee spends 85 minutes in Executive session, hears District Improvement Plan and approves (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Sep 10, 2024.  All seven members participated in the meeting, one remotely (Gallagher).

The meeting had an Executive Session to review a grievance and discuss negotiation strategy. While it was anticipated to be short, the session did extend 85 minutes before the meeting resumed in public session.

• The District Improvement Plan was presented and approved (by a 7-0 via roll call vote)
• Redistricting update - proposed district alignment scheduled to be shared via a "Storymap" before the next meeting and then explained fully during the Sep 28 meeting with a vote to approve the alignment of the new schools scheduled for the first October meeting. Email and multiple methods of communication to share the storymap
• The appointment of Rose Turco to represent the Schools to the Franklin TV Board of Directors was approved (by a 7-0 via roll call vote)
• Hiring update filled 57 positions, 4 teacher vacancies, 8 additional resignations (since the August 27 meeting). Mostly from buildings subs and ESPs. Not usual to have this many early in the school year. Instability of budget is a factor in the leaving and hiring process
• Consent agenda was approved  (by a 7-0 via roll call vote)

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQzZjD3f45k   Note: the SchCmte enters Executive Session at about 17:50 and return to open session at 1:42:00

The agenda doc ->

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4809590/SCAGENDA_9-10-24.pdf

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/september-10%2C-2024-meeting-packet/701015

The photo album capturing the slides shared can be found ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/FcT4bkT37XE4sqK28

My notes captured in one PDF can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BKsnE9XEkWJGWXtfDt2V_fNS-FOe84jd/view?usp=drive_link

School Committee approves Pledge agreement to focus on getting override passed (audio)

FM #1222 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1222 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. All seven members of the Committee were present in the Council Chambers. 

Quick recap:

• Multiple Parmenter students led the pledge of allegiance

• FHS "Seal of Biliteracy" students were recognized

• School retirees were recognized for their years of service

• The Franklin Education Foundation is going to close out as an organization and turn over their remaining funds to a new "revolving account" for the School District to continue the grant program. Details remain to be worked out on the final amount of the contribution and within the District on how the grant process will work

• District Improvement Plan updated 

• Superintendent evaluation data provided to the Committee in preparation for their formal review scheduled for June 18

• Discussion and vote on the override pledge document. Questions remain on exactly how much the schools will get in years 2 and beyond as the pledge doc is inconsistent in providing the info. As the successful override is the primary matter of focus, the Committee did vote to approve the pledge (5 for, 1 no, 1 abstain). The funding for FY 2026 and future can be addressed after the override is determined

• Preview of the proposed fee schedule to be implemented if the override fails. Staffing cuts were also provided in a summary format, as there are multiple scenarios where a position cut could trigger a chain reaction where the person fulfilling that position ends up bumping someone else to remain employed per seniority and certification as set within the contracts

• Committee entered executive session not to return to open meeting just before 11 PM

The recording runs about 3 hours & 46 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1222-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-05-28-24

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

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/eDKY6IjM1GU?si=j7JVUIWwZf1f6sXn&t=218 

Agenda doc  ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_5-28-24.pdf 

Meeting packet folder -> (other docs released for this meeting, some of them available after the meeting) 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-28-2024-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cLsuju5KNR_O8vnKbIvZ_Sbm-l9gAbZ3/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"

Seal of Biliteracy achievers

School district retirees recognized for years of service

FEF's Carlucci & Trahan pose with School Cmte

(L-r) Asst Supt. Dr Rogers, Supt Giguere, Asst Supt. P Marano

School Committee approves Pledge agreement to focus on getting override passed (video)

The Franklin, MA School Committee met on Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM (3 mins late starting). The Council Chamber was packed and the crowd dispersed as the evening progressed. 

Franklin TV video recording is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/live/eDKY6IjM1GU?si=j7JVUIWwZf1f6sXn&t=218

Quick recap:

• Multiple Parmenter students led the pledge of allegiance
• FHS "Seal of Biliteracy" students were recognized
• School retirees were recognized for their years of service
• The Franklin Education Foundation is going to close out as an organization and turn over their remaining funds to a new "revolving account" for the School District to continue the grant program. Details remain to be worked out on the final amount of the contribution and within the District on how the grant process will work
• District Improvement Plan updated 
• Superintendent evaluation data provided to the Committee in preparation for their formal review scheduled for June 18
• Discussion and vote on the override pledge document. Questions remain on exactly how much the schools will get in years 2 and beyond as the pledge doc is inconsistent in providing the info. As the successful override is the primary matter of focus, the Committee did vote to approve the pledge (5 for, 1 no, 1 abstain). The funding for FY 2026 and future can be addressed after the override is determined
• Preview of the proposed fee schedule to be implemented if the override fails. Staffing cuts were also provided in a summary format, as there are multiple scenarios where a position cut could trigger a chain reaction where the person fulfilling that position ends up bumping someone else to remain employed per seniority and certification as set within the contracts
• Committee entered executive session not to reutrn to open meeting just before 11 PM

Agenda doc ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_5-28-24.pdf

Meeting packet folder -> (other docs released for this meeting, some of them available after the meeting) 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-28-2024-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cLsuju5KNR_O8vnKbIvZ_Sbm-l9gAbZ3/view?usp=drive_link  (Photo albums created during the meeting are linked to in the full PDF of my notes)

FHS Seal of Biliteracy award winners

school district retirees

School Committee poses with Roberta & Pandora of the FEF