What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 ???

Tuesday, March 18

* Dine out at Hot Table on March 18 to help the Music Boosters

* Senior Center Closed today, no events other than bus service

* "Look Up" Gallery (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

9:00am Fallen Hero: Elton E Ekstrom (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

11:00am Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

6:00pm Table Top (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Musical Bingo (Raillery Public House)

For additional details on Library events ->    

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** Town Meetings today   **

Franklin School Committee - Negotiations - Executive Session

Tuesday, March 18th  Time: 4:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/School-Committee-35/?#_03182025-1585

Franklin School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting (virtual only) = Tuesday, March 18th Time: 5:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182025-1610

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Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, February 4, 2025 ???

Tuesday, February 4

• Last days to order charCUTEerie box - Food Pantry fund raiser
• Fudge Fund Raiser for Friends of Franklin Library 

11:00am Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

6:00pm Table Top (Franklin Public Library)

6:30pm Franklin Garden Club - monthly meeting (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm Musical Bingo (Raillery Public House)

7:00pm Friends of Franklin Public Library Book Club (Franklin Public Library)

**   Town Meetings today   **

Franklin Public Schools Contractual Negotiations (executive session)

Tuesday, February 4, 2025 - 4:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02042025-1537

Franklin School Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing FY 2026 (Council Chambers & broadcast)

February 4, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5247243/SCAGENDA_2-4-25_Budget_Open_Hearing.pdf

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

2 School Committee meetings scheduled for Tuesday, Feb 4; the budget hearing (at 7 PM) is the one to pay attention to

Franklin Public Schools Contractual Negotiations (executive session)

Tuesday, February 4, 2025 - 4:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02042025-1537

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

Franklin School Committee

February 4, 2025 - 7:00 P.M.

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order                                             Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

FY26 Budget Open Hearing

Adjournment

Franklin School Committee Meeting (Budget hearing - Council Cambers)

February 4, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5247243/SCAGENDA_2-4-25_Budget_Open_Hearing.pdf

The budget book was mentioned as being available for the budget hearing. It is not yet posted (as of late Friday, Jan 31) to the FY 2026 budget page.

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/about-us/school-district-budget/fy2026-budget/728831

2 School Cmte meetings scheduled for Tues, Feb 4; the budget hearing (at 7 PM) is the one to pay attention to

School Committee has 2 meetings & 1 subcommittee meeting between Jan 21 & Jan 22, 2025

School Committee meetings scheduled for Jan 21 & Jan 22

School Committee Contractual Negotiations 

Event Date:  Tuesday, January 21, 2025 - 4:00pm

School Committee meetings Jan 21 & Jan 22

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/negotiations_agenda_-_1-21-25.pdf

Community Relations 

Event Date:  Tuesday, January 21, 2025 - 5:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/community_relations_subcom_agenda_-_1_21_25.pdf

School Committee - Budget Workshop 

Event Date:  Wednesday, January 22, 2025 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/1-22-25_agenda-budget_workshop.pdf

Franklin School Committee: ESP/LPN Negotiations - April 24, 2023

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

Contractual Negotiations

April 24, 2023 - 3:30 - 5:30PM

ESP/LPN 

Municipal Building 3rd Floor Training Room

The meeting opens and enters executive session for negotiations

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/esp_negotiations_agenda_-_4_24_23.pdf

Franklin School Committee: ESP/LPN Negotiations - April 24, 2023

School Committee schedules Contractual Negotiations with ESP/LPN - April 13

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

Contractual Negotiations ESP/LPN 

April 13, 2023 - 3:30 - 5:30PM

Agenda document ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/esp_negotiations_agenda_-_4_13_23.pdf

School Committee contract negotiation sessions scheduled for Executive session

School Committee contract negotiation sessions scheduled for Executive session

 

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee

Contractual Negotiations

January 26, 2023 - 10:30 - 12PM

• Van Drivers 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/van_drivers_negotiations_agenda_-_1_26_23.pdf

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee

Contractual Negotiations

January 27, 2023  - 3:15-4:45PM 

• ESP/LPN 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/esp_negotiations_agenda_-_1_27_23.pdf

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee

Contractual Negotiations

February 7, 2023 - 2-3:30PM

• Cafeteria 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/cafeteria_negotiations_agenda_-_2_7_23.pdf

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee

Contractual Negotiations

February 7, 2023 - 3:30-5PM

• Secretaries 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/secretaries_negotiations_agenda_-_2_7_23_0.pdf

School Committee contract negotiation sessions scheduled for Executive session

Franklin School Committee - Contractual Negotiations - Multiple Executive Sessions scheduled for Jan 9

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee

Contractual Negotiations

January 9, 2023

• Van Drivers - 11:30 - 1 PM
• Cafeteria - 3-4 PM
• ESP/LPN - 4-5 PM
• Secretaries - 5-6 PM

Municipal Building 3rd Floor Training Room

A G E N D A

"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."

1. Call to Order

2. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the Van Drivers, Cafeteria, ESP/LPN and Secretaries units as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

b. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to conduct collective bargaining sessions with the Van Drivers, Cafeteria, ESP/LPN and Secretaries units.

Shared from   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/negotiationa_agenda_-_1-9-23.pdf 

Franklin School Committee - Contractual Negotiations - Executive Session scheduled for Jan 9, 2023

Franklin Public Schools: Franklin School Committee - Stipend Negotiations Meeting - Jan 5, 2023

Stipend Negotiations Meeting

Municipal Building - Training Room

Shared from -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/stipend_neg_agenda_1-5-23.pdf

Franklin Public Schools: Franklin School Committee - Stipend Negotiations Meeting - Jan 5, 2023

Franklin School Committee - Contractual Negotiations - Executive Session scheduled for Jan 9, 2023

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee

Contractual Negotiations

January 9, 2023

• Van Drivers - 11:30 - 1 PM
• Cafeteria - 3-4 PM
• ESP/LPN - 4-5 PM
• Secretaries - 5-6 PM

Municipal Building 3rd Floor Training Room

A G E N D A

"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."

1. Call to Order

2. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the Van Drivers, Cafeteria, ESP/LPN and Secretaries units as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

b. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to conduct collective bargaining sessions with the Van Drivers, Cafeteria, ESP/LPN and Secretaries units.

Shared from   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/negotiationa_agenda_-_1-9-23.pdf 

Franklin School Committee - Contractual Negotiations - Executive Session scheduled for Jan 9, 2023

Finance Committee gets to a better understanding of the school budget (video)

The Finance Committee got almost all they asked for at their meeting Wednesday. This was the scheduled deep dive into the school budget and while most questions were covered in detail, some were put aside for follow up.

From an observer's perspective, while this was the deepest dive by this committee, many of the topics and questions were covered during School Committee meetings, so it would seem to make sense to have more meetings like this to enhance that communication flow rather than waiting for the budget hearings or this type of 'deep dive'.

Given the focus on the hard question for why the School Committee deviated from the plan for COLA with the bargaining units that the rest of the units settled for, teacher contracts received 4/4/4% vs. town contracts of 2.5/2.5/2.5%. More communication could avoid the surprise and better understand the rationale rather than waiting.

Franklin TV video replay ->  https://youtu.be/o4vY1ekbk10

The agenda and released documents for this meeting can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/12-07-2022_finance_committee_agenda.pdf

My recap and full set of notes will be shared in a day or so

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee meeting

Pre-Negotiations Committee Strategy Meeting - Executive Session - Dec 8

Franklin School Committee

Negotiations Sub Committee

December 8, 2022 - 3:30-5:00 PM

Remote Participation via Zoom:

Meeting of the Negotiating Sub-Committee for the ESP/LPN, Cafeteria,

Secretaries & Van Driver Units

1. Call to Order

2. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective

bargaining with the ESP/LPN, Cafeteria, Secretaries & Van Drivers units as an

open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the

School Committee and the chair so declares.

3. Adjournment

Shared from:   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/preneg_meeting_12-8-22_esp-lpn_cafe_sec_van.pdf

Note: since the meeting is mainly an "executive session", not much use in attending. Sharing to help comply with open meeting legalese.

Pre-Negotiations Committee Strategy Meeting - Executive Session - Dec 8

School Committee votes to accept new 3 year teacher contract

The School Committee met mostly in Executive Session, and in the brief public session voted to accept the negotiated teacher contract terms with the Franklin Education Association (FEA) for the period September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2025.

The meeting portion of this recording should start at about 2:00 minutes with the announcement of "recording in progress". After they enter executive session via roll call, the recording stops and the wfpr.fm broadcast resumes.

You can listen to the broadcast, or skip ahead to 37:42 when they return from open session. Current Asst Superintendent Lucas Giguere provides some updates on key speaking points:

• interest based bargaining to reach 3 year agreement
• 4 percent increases to the salary grid for years 1, 2 and 3 
• elementary teachers got an increase from 30 to 40 consecutive minutes for prep time
• middle and high school teachers got a daily advisory period for purposes of consistent application of social and emotional curriculum
• department heads and directors will formally participate in the teacher evaluation process
• language around course approval and limitations to that
• also bereavement language around coverage for family members that may not be art of a traditional family such as step parents or partners

In the roll call vote Dave Callahan abstained, all other committee members voted for and when asked by the Chair, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen voted no. So this is new, I have not heard of our Town Administrator participating with the vote of the school committee. 

I'll record it as 6-0-1 (7 members, 6 for, 1 abstain) all via roll call.

 

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - June 23, 2020

Franklin School Committee 

June 23, 2020 - 7:00 PM

Meetings are recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29

□ Vision Statement □

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

LOCATION: Remote participation via:
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95630404218?pwd=cjdpMU5DdVFXYlp6Y2svUVhJYzg3Zz09 
Meeting ID: 956 3040 4218
Password: FSC

One tap mobile  +13017158592,,95630404218#,,,,0#,,036551# US (Germantown)

Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 956 3040 4218
Password: 036551

Agenda

“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.”

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance 
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. none

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Budget Discussion and Revised FY 21 Budget
I recommend the School Committee adopt a revised budget of $65, 658,500 as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_fy21_revised_budget_0.pdf

B. School Committee Resolution: “COVID-19 State Funding”
I recommend the School Committee adopt the School Committee Resolution “COVID-19 State Funding” as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_resolution.pdf

C. School Committee Resolution: “Resolution in Support of Funding in the COVID-19 Era”
I recommend the School Committee adopt the School Committee Resolution “Resolution in Support of Funding in the COVID-19 Era” as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_resolution.pdf

D. School Committee Resolution: “Anti-Racism Resolution”
I recommend the School Committee adopt the School Committee Resolution “Anti-Racism Resolution” as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_resolution.pdf

E. Franklin High School Class of 2020 Student Activity Account
I recommend that the Franklin High School Class of 2020 be permitted to carry over $20,000 from student activity funds instead of the customary $10,000 as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_action_e_-_fhs_activity_accounts.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis Questionnaire
B. 2020-21 School Committee Schedule

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your June 9, 2020 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
B. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
C. American Heart Association Gift
I recommend acceptance of the gift of $2,800.00 from the American Heart Association for the Kid’s Heart Challenge to be disbursed as detailed.
D. Approval of Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the executive session minutes from your June 9, 2020 school committee meeting as detailed to be released.
E. Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,700.00 from the Music Boosters for in-house enrichment as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA/RN, FEA/Cafeteria, FEA/ESP, FEA/Secretaries, FEA/Van Drivers as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.
B. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the Non-Union Personnel as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

XI. Adjournment


The meeting packet and related documents released for this session
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-23-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee  - Agenda - June 23, 2020

In the News: Franklin resident graduates from firefighting program; Stop & Shop unions vote to authorize strike

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

Franklin resident graduates from firefighting recruit program

"Two local firefighters are among 36 who graduated last Friday from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s 50-day Career Recruit Firefighter Training Program. 

Students receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. To graduate, they must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack. Fire attack operations range from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multiple-room structural fires. 

“This rigorous professional training provides our newest firefighters with the basic skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely,” said State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190310/franklin-medway-residents-graduate-from-firefighting-recruit-program


Stop & Shop unions vote to authorize strike

"Continuing their fight for a fair new contract, members of three more local Stop & Shop unions voted Sunday to authorize a strike against the Quincy-based company including a group at Ambrosia’s Wedding & Events. 

More than 1,000 members of Local Union 328, the largest Stop & Shop union group, met two weeks after the first store union voted to authorize the strike. Richard Wright, a meat cutter at Stop and Shop and a member of the Local 328 executive board, said workers want to be fairly compensated. 

“We’re not asking for the world,” he said. “We just want to keep our fair share in what goes on. We are the people that run their stores. We are the face of Stop & Shop. We do all their work for them. We’ve been doing it for years, and it’s a slap in the face to us what their proposals are and just to cast us aside.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190310/stop-amp-shop-unions-vote-to-authorize-strike

Stop & Shop unions vote to authorize strike

In the News: NationalGrid negotiations resume Dec 26; vehicles sold in MA required to be electric by 2040

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The calendar for the next two weeks is creating some interesting interplay between a benefit bill for locked-out workers, Christmas and the end of the 2017-2018 session, and contract talks between National Grid and its 1,200 locked-out natural gas workers. 

Lawmakers on Friday agreed to the details of a bill extending unemployment benefits for locked-out workers and it appears they may take enactment votes to send that bill to Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk on Monday, Christmas Eve. 

Meantime, National Grid has been saying for days that it hoped to strike a deal with two employee unions by Christmas. However, a company spokeswoman on Saturday confirmed to the News Service that after seven consecutive weekdays of bargaining, the next session won’t be held until Wednesday, Dec. 26. 

And in another new wrinkle, the unions and the company issued a rare joint statement Friday night that suggested some optimism about a potential deal and markedly contrasted with the snippy statements that both sides have regularly issued after unsuccessful talks."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181223/national-grid-union-hope-to-end-impasse-by-friday

"Ready or not, Massachusetts is speeding headlong into a brave new transportation world. 

It may not include flying cars, but state leaders are looking to help pave the way for self-driving cars, an all-electric car future, a transportation grid resilient to climate change and a planned “reinvention” of the commuter rail system serving metropolitan Boston. 

Among the recommendations laid out in a hefty, two-volume report released this month by a state commission on the future of transportation in Massachusetts is for the state to set a goal “that all new cars, light duty trucks, and buses sold in Massachusetts will be electric by 2040.” 

It’s part of a wider blueprint to create what the commission called “a 21st-century mobility infrastructure” that will help the state and its cities and towns both manage and make the most of emerging changes in transportation technology and behavior."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181223/brave-new-world-for-mass-transportation

In case you missed the post shared here last week:
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/focused-on-big-picture-on-what-and-why.html

Visit the Commission page  
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/commission-on-the-future-of-transportation

Report - Volume 1:
Choices for Stewardship: Recommendations to Meet the Transportation Future
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/12/14/FOTCVolume1_1.pdf 

Report - Volume 2:
Choices for Stewardship: Background Books – Facts, Trends, and Issues 
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/12/14/FOTCVolume2.pdf

Commission on the Future of Transportation, recommends 18 ways the state
should prepare for potential changes in transportation