Franklin School Cmte: Policy Subcmte Mtg - 06/24/25 (exclusive audio)

FM #1475 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1475 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. 2 members participated in this virtual session; Chair O’Sullivan and member McNeill, Callaghan was absent.  Supt Giguere, Ops Director Boisvert, Jana Melotti and Dr Rogers represented the Central Office.

Quick recap:

• Primary discussion on this agenda is fees, recommendation to keep the current 3 tier approach with the minor adjustment of moving wrestling from Tier 3 to Tier 2, from $350 to 600, Tier 1 remains at $1000. Fees can't be reduced due to the shortage of revenue from failed override

• Athletic fees approved by 2-0-1 vote (Chair O'Sullivan & McNeill present, Callaghan absent)

• Transportation fee discussion background on how the $387 was calculated to be the base charge with a cap. 2.5% escalation built into the prior schedule. Attempting to increase/keep ridership up as part of the redistricting; 2492 registered, 2466 for past year, 16 on waitlist

• Motion to accept new fee schedule, $387, cap at 3 riders (1161) Second, passes 2-0-1

• Question on research for boosters supporting stipends for after hour clubs, etc. Research into policy, state law on what is possible, what are the rules of the road via info for support from boosters. How do we all work together on this? Yes, that can be liked into

• Question on police detail for building rentals, are we comparable to other towns? Can we scale requirements based on attendance? Yes, that can be liked into

• Motion to adjourn, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)

The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1475-school-cmte-policy-subcmte-mtg-06-24-25/

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The meeting agenda can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06242025-1792 

My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i6scbz2f-uqM-vwN3dIzVzXwlL8Jh7wn/view?usp=drive_link

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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.

Franklin School Cmte: Policy Subcmte
Mtg - 06/24/25 (exclusive audio)

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"

Frankie shares the memories on last day of School Resource Officer

Today was a hard day, especially for Dad.

Today was his last day as an SRO for the Town of Franklin. Due to recent budget cuts he and I, along with Officer Ayer and Ben Franklin have been taken out of the schools and reassigned to the patrol division. After 8 years of supporting the students, staff and families of FPS as an SRO, we got to see students graduate from 8th grade this week that Dad welcomed into the FPS system on their very first day of Kindergarten.

He had been there almost every day of their school career to welcome them, listen to them and make them feel safe 💙 we spoke with a mom of 2 middle schoolers who thanked us for giving her the reassurance everyday that her kids would be safe while at school!

Frankie shares the memories on
last day of School Resource Officer

She then told Dad she is from NewTown CT. It brought Dad to tears to hear this💙💙. The students that came up to Dad and I today to thank us, hug us and cry with us was overwhelming.

To hear students and staff/administration talk about us during their speeches was amazing. Thank you to all the students/staff/parents that came up to us, gave me a pat, a hug or shook Dads hand, hugged him and cried with him, we THANK YOU for all of your support over the years and we look forward to seeing you about the town.

You can view additional photos here -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DLD8BmgP7IB/

School Committee reluctantly approves personnel & funding cuts to FY 2026 budget (audio)

FM #1460 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1460 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. 6 members participated in Council Chambers, 1 remote (Sompally). 

Quick recap:

• A brief executive session was held before approving the new teacher contract for a 3 year term. Details of the amount approved were not shared, however, members of the negotiation subcommittee spoke highly of the collaboration and cooperation that resulted in a good deal for the district and the Town. The vote was unanimous and included Town Administrator Jamie Hellen (7-0-1) (1 absent)

• The budget adjustment reducing the proposed budget by $2M was previewed in a subcommittee meeting before the full committee meeting. 12 personnel are added to the 29 that were reduced by redistricting. Additional expenses were cut to bring the budget into balance per revised Town funding due to the failed override

• Bus fee will remain at $387, Sports fees will remain high at this year's levels for next year. A full analysis of the fees and participation will be conducted next year as part of the FY 2027 budget to see what can be done given the lower funding from the Town

• The Superintendent evaluation was approved as "Exemplary". A fair results given the multiple threads of work, budget, override, redistricting and oh, conducting school for the district at the same time

The recording leaves out the executive session (replacing with a brief music interlude) Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1470-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-06-10-25/

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Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYQVNOKqqR8 

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102025-1780 

The meeting packet folder (all the docs released before or after the meeting)

https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/june-10%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/814634 

My full set of notes ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Rqv1NSxrFjWZdzwpeo2WJwq3H7FIwujA/view?usp=drive_link 

Pictures of the budget revisions can be viewed here ->    https://photos.app.goo.gl/YnKXoUH5NncMo2Wk6 

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

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"

School Committee reluctantly approves personnel & funding cuts to FY 2026 budget (audio)

Chalkboard Chat condenses the last School Committee of the school year (audio)

FM #1469 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1469 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 in person on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap both the School Committee meeting of June 10, 2025. 

 

We cover 

• Executive session to approve teachers contract

• Vote on revised budget due to failed override, cutting $2M including 12 FTE positions, sports and activity fees remain as high this year

• Superintendent’s review approved

• School ends June 18, redistricting works continues to implement for Sept

• Reading program “Meet me in the Middle”

• Register for bus by June 20, fee set $387/student with a cap; if not registered by 20th no guarantee of a spot on a bus

The recording runs about 24 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1469-chalkboard-chat-06-11-25/

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Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYQVNOKqqR8 

Chalkboard Chat condenses the last
School Committee of the school year (audio)

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102025-1780 

The meeting packet folder (all the docs released before or after the meeting)

https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/june-10%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/814634 

My full set of notes ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Rqv1NSxrFjWZdzwpeo2WJwq3H7FIwujA/view?usp=drive_link 

Pictures of the budget revisions can be viewed here ->    https://photos.app.goo.gl/YnKXoUH5NncMo2Wk6 

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

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"

Town Council follows through approving the forecasted $3.8M budget cuts resulting from failed override (audio)

FM #1466  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1466 in the series. 

This session shares the Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The FY 2026 second budget hearing continued from May 22, was reopened to make the adjustments due to the failed override June 3, 2025. All 9 Council members participated in the Council Chambers. 

Quick recap:

• After the 5 minutes late start, the public hearing on the FY 2026 budget was resumed from the May 22 session.

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walked through the recap and explained the Option A & B using 3 slides (see below) as well as the Option A & B voting docs (linked below)

• Chief Lynch, Chief McLaughlin, Supt Giguere, and Library Director Oti spoke of the cut impacts to their operations but approved of them as necessary due to the failed override

• Supt Giguere confirmed the full details of their cuts would be reviewed with the School Cmte at their meeting June 10. Of the projected 10-15 personnel, he confirmed likely 12 FTE positions,  some teachers, some retirees not being backfilled and other personnel across the district as well as the fees would need to remain as they are this year

• The public then had an opportunity to comment or question the cuts as proposed. Those in Chambers went first before those on Zoom, and all were covered before the Councilors had their turn.

• The vote finally came to approve the cuts as proposed:

• 2 personnel from Police Dept (currently open slots not to be backfilled as had been planned)

• 2 personnel from Fire Dept (currently 1 open position not backfilled, and the last hired will also be leaving)

• This does take the 3rd ambulance offline increasing response times and creates a lose of revenue (for the ambulance runs if required to hospital)

• 1 admin position for Town Administrator's office

• 1 from Planning & Community Development

• 1 from Board of Assessors

• the part-time nurse at the Senior Center

• DPW cuts their summer intern program (unspecified number of positions for summer help)

• Library Sunday hours (during the winter, there are open during the summer)

• additional expenses were reduced to bring to the total required (see Option B for details)

• Personnel cuts by my tally = 8 Town side, 12 school side, plus expenses (PS - this tally was confirmed with our Town Administrator Jamie Hellen via email) 

• The meeting then went through the long series of votes to approve the final budget, the salary for the Town Clerk, the Community Preservation Act budget before closing just after 11 PM

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1466-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-06-04-25/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/_f72Yd8VXz0?&t=316 

The agenda doc was updated Wednesday afternoon to add the Option B and Options A & B comparisons for the discussion on the budget cuts.

Option A & B Comparison ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5883/FY26-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Doc-COMPARISON 

Option B -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5882/FY26-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Doc-OPTION-B 

Full agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06042025-1769

My full set of notes as written during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1718wLXj_U_hdqq82Jb1rVrgeomNdeHaO/view?usp=drive_link 

The 3 slides Jamie talked to in his explanation of Option B

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oxfbkEcNhB5mpjHB8 

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

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"