Showing posts with label redistricting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label redistricting. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

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/



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


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


Tuesday, June 17, 2025

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/


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


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)
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"


Tuesday, May 27, 2025

This Chalkboard Chat condenses the May 13 School Cmte Mtg (audio)

FM #1454 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1454 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 on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the School Committee meeting of May 13, 2025. 

 

We cover 

  • Theatre group recognition

  • Traffic study and mitigations 

  • Horace Mann campus naming discussion

  • Superintendent evaluation

  • Override discussion, vote on or before June 3; any questions, please reach out to find out


The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1454-chalkboard-chat-05-21-25/



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


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


Franklin TV video for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/TPngAPt1WHs?&t=110  


The meeting agenda can be found ->   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132025-1735 


Documents released for this agenda after the meeting can be found -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/may-13%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/799886  


Traffic presentation -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5645253/Traffic.pptx.pdf 


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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ffAYwvHayzSws0D2bV8xmM0Fsn6c71za/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"


This Chalkboard Chat condenses the May 13 School Cmte Mtg (audio)
This Chalkboard Chat condenses the May 13 School Cmte Mtg (audio)


Saturday, May 17, 2025

School Committee gets update on traffic study (consider the bus a good alternative) (Audio)

FM #1451 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1451 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers, 1 remote (Gallagher). 


The audio for the meeting leaves out the approx 30 minute executive session that the committee spent on negotiation strategy. A brief sound bit highlights the gavel to go into and then the gavel is heard again as they return.  


Quick recap:

Recognition of the FHS student Theater group


Presentation update on the traffic study and mitigation efforts underway

  • Link to presentation in the notes section below 

  • NO projects to address the traffic flow will be completed before the Sep 2025-2026 school year.

  • Currently the traffic queues will more than double in September

  • Alternatives are being reviewed before making decisions on which projects would be beneficial for traffic as well as at minimal expense

  • Additional updates will be sent to families during the summer by the respective school principals

  • “It is not going to be perfect on day 1”


BICO Board Appointment 2025-26

ACCEPT Board Appointment 2025-26

Both positions were approved to be fulfilled by Supt Gigeure in a 7-0 vote via roll call


Discussion Only Item

Horace Mann

  • Question/option to ask "How do we as a district choose to honor Horace Mann?"; Campus is one way, are there others? We also need the community to embrace Horace Mann not just the schools

  • Seeming to get consensus on campus and collaboration with others but recognize the need to give them a clear direction and objectives to return with a plan to implement


Superintendent’s Evaluation - Presentation of Evidence

  • In a new flip book format

  • Subcommittee to coordinate feedback from full committee for a future discussion item


FY26 Budget Executive Summary - Structural Deficit

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5629656/FY26_Budget_Narrative_Overview.pdf 


Audio link -> 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1451-school-cmte-mtg-05-13-25/


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


Franklin TV video for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/TPngAPt1WHs?&t=110 


The meeting agenda can be found ->   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132025-1735 


Documents released for this agenda after the meeting can be found -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/may-13%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/799886 


Traffic presentation -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5645253/Traffic.pptx.pdf 


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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ffAYwvHayzSws0D2bV8xmM0Fsn6c71za/view?usp=drive_link 


FPS override summary (2 pages)

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5629656/FY26_Budget_Narrative_Overview.pdf 


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


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"