Showing posts with label school budget. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school budget. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Reminder: Franklin Town Council will meet on Wednesday, June 10 to determine the FY 2027 operating budget

Reminder: The Franklin Town Council will meet on Wednesday, June 10, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building.

The Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed FY 2027 Operating Budget. The adopted budget will guide Town spending and support services, programs, and operations in the coming fiscal year.

View the agenda https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/franklin-ma-agenda-for-town-council-fy.html


Residents are encouraged to attend in person, join remotely via Zoom, or watch live on Franklin Town Hall TV.

Find the explanation on the recent changes to the FY 2027


The list of resolutions mostly for the budget on the Agenda for June 10

5. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 26-25: Adoption of the FY2027 Budget Appropriations
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-25 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9762/5a-Complete

b. Resolution 26-26: Amendment to FY2027 Budget - Council on Aging
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-26 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9763/5b-Complete

i. Control Sheet & Voting Document (clean version)
ii. Staff Memorandum
iii. Control Sheet & Voting Document (notes version)
iv. Resolution - Adoption of Revised Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
v. Revised Appendix A - Town Administrator Revised Budget

c. Resolution 26-27: MECC Stabilization Transfer to FY27 Operating Budget
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-27 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 26-28: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official (Town Clerk)
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-28 - Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 26-29: Expenditure Limits for FY2027 on Departmental Revolving Funds (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-29 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 26-33: Capital Round 2  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-33 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9757/5f-Complete

g. Resolution 26-32: Free Cash to Fire Truck Stabilization Transfer  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-32 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9767/5g-Complete

h. Resolution 26-34: Group Insurance Trust Fund Transfer  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-34 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9768/5h-Complete

i. Resolution 26-31: Capital FY26 Enterprise Funds  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-31 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9769/5i-Complete

j. Resolution 26-35 - Ambulance Transfer & Appropriation  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-35 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9770/5j-Complete

k. Resolution 26-23: Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriations and Reservation (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-23 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9771/5k-Complete

l. Resolution 26-24: FY27 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds - Capital (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-24 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9772/5l-Complete

m. Bylaw Amendment 26-952: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, §82-6, Schedule of Service Fees - Second Reading
(Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 26-952 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9773/5m-Complete

n. Bylaw Amendment 26-953: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Article X: Winter Storm Overnight Parking Ban - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 26-953 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9774/5n-Complete
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Monday, June 1, 2026

MassBudget: Enrollment Decline and Fiscal Pressure in Massachusetts Public Schools

Since FY 2019, statewide public school enrollment has declined by nearly 50,000 students, placing school districts under growing financial pressure because school funding is closely tied to student enrollment. 

A new report from Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center’s (MassBudget) Anthony Clough, Education Policy Analyst, examines how declining student enrollment is affecting school districts across Massachusetts and pays close attention to the disproportionate decline in English Learner enrollment across the Commonwealth. The report finds that English Learner enrollment now accounts for nearly half of the statewide enrollment decline. The analysis explores how these changes are impacting Gateway Cities, rural districts, and other communities with limited local fiscal capacity to absorb the resulting decreases in state funds for education.

Clough outlines both short-term and long-term policy recommendations, including targeted stabilization funding for districts experiencing steep enrollment declines and a broader review of the state’s school funding formula. At a time of increasing uncertainty for schools, this report highlights the importance of protecting fiscal stability and educational equity across Massachusetts. 

Read the full report - (PDF) - https://massbudget.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5.13.26.-Enrollment-Decline-and-Fiscal-Pressure-in-Massachusetts-Public-Schools.-A-Focus-on-English-Learners-Combined-with-Summary.pdf

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Sunday, May 31, 2026

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Finance Cmte Meeting June 3 on revised FY 2027 budget

Finance Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - 6:00 PM


1. Call to Order

2. Approval of Minutes
a. April 6, 2026
b. April 7, 2026
c. April 8, 2026
d. April 9, 2026

3. Committee Recommendations on Legislation for Action

a. Revised FY27 Town Administrator Operating Budget - www.franklinma.gov
 
d. Resolution 26-29 Expenditure Limits For FY27 on Departmental Revolving Funds  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9663/3d-RESOLUTION-26-29---Town-Council-FY27--Expenditure-Limits

4. Community Preservation Act
a. Resolution 26-23 Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriation and Reservation  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9623/3c-FY27-CPA-Reservations-Resolution-26-23-1

5. FY26 Fiscal Year End Update
b. Resolution 26-31 Capital FY26 Stormwater Enterprise Fund Appropriation  

6. Reports

7. Next Meetings
a. September 23, 2026
b. October 21, 2026
c. December 9, 2026

8. Adjourn

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info
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Thursday, April 9, 2026

Finance Committee completes review of department budgets, gets ready for potential revision Thursday (video)

The Finance Committee spends about 3 hours reviewing details of the FY 2027 budget on Wednesday, April 8. This is the third of 4 sessions this week to review and question the details of the budget.

8 of the 9 members of the committee were present in Council Chambers for this session.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -  

Agenda doc including links to the FY 2027 budget 


Quick recap:
  • Gus Brown, Building Commissioner, up first
    • Discussion on the accounting for and if the Maplegate solar permits are in this year or next. It was received this year but may or may not become free cash, it depends upon the budget line item and whether that amount is over or under the budgeted amount
    • Gus could use another inspector, it would pay for itself but others do need the resources more; Currently have 1.5 used to have 3 clerical; inspectors have also become administrators, and it reduces some revenue opportunity
  • Brutus, DPW up next, slides on his highlights captured with pictures, soon to be an album shared here - The DPW slides  https://photos.app.goo.gl/QygUrNZyWASVr6MbA
    • Use of pre-buy locked in rates through Norfolk County procurement has been good. Haven't locked in for next year yet due to the recent market gyrations
    • Discussion on the creation of Stormwater and the shortage for grounds (2 personnel)
    • We have to change something or nothing will change It is clear now why we did ask for an override.
  • Next up Police Chief Lynch, level service plus 2, looking to get the SROs back
    • Took 23 years to get to the budgeted amount (54) which at that time would have successfully serviced the population at that time
    • Hired 44 police officers since 2016 due to retirees and turnover, it should slow down ... The force is younger, hiring is harder, not many want to apply. It is getting more difficult. Only 9 months out of 10 years have the dept been at full staff.
    • The mental health clinicians provide great value, post COVID. They see over 800 people a year. The pilot was successful, we looked to expand and with additional grant funds we did. The single best change in law enforcements I have seen in my 30 years
  • Next up, Chief Allen, Fire Dept.
    • 3rd ambulance still in part time, 40 hours per work
    • Would need 4 more to get to 13/shift to staff the ambulance all the time
    • During this meeting, there were 2 calls that were serviced by outside and transported to the hospital so those were lost revenue ... The nature of the call would determine the amount of the revenue It is not just the ambulance, it is also the ladder truck
  • Definition clarification on level service, the service provided is not necessarily at the same funding required; there is also a level funded budget where the funded
    • $ for one year remains the same (and usually services are cut)
    • And yes, there is some funkiness with this level service budget as there are things being added back, so is it this year's level service or the desired part of some prior year's service?
  • Dispatch Center or the MECC being covered
    • Also skipped Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie last night with no explanation given for it
    • Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie, both assessments based upon enrollment, not much of a change year to year
So Thursday night, the Finance Committee will use the 3rd Floor Training room for their discussion to be more around a table rather than spread out to help their discussion. Potential revisions coming to the budget, what they are we'll watch and see.


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Wednesday, April 8, 2026

The Finance Committee spends about 4 hours reviewing details of the FY 2027 budget on Tuesday, April 7. This is the second of 4 sessions this week to review and question the details of the budget.

8 of the 9 members of the committee were present in Council Chambers for this session.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SrQw4jc-r0

Agenda doc including links to the FY 2027 budget 


Quick recap 
  • Time spent at the opening to answer questions carried over from the Facilities discussion on Monday
  • Technology, Tim Raposa presents and answers questions
  • Next up, Schools - Supt Giguere, Business Manager Jana Melotti, Paul Griffith (SchCmte Chair)
  • Discussion among the committee on how to proceed, ultimately will use the Thursday session to consolidate their approaches in a discussion to lead to a recommendation vote.
  • Note - meeting location likely to change from Chambers to 3rd Floor Trng Room (Conservation Commission would come down to Chambers).


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Thursday, April 2, 2026

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, April 2, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday
Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday


8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events  (Repeats Saturday at 3:00 PM)


9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour
10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  
  • The Turntable Show features Tom Petty & Heartbreakers From The Vault's Anthology, recently released December 4, 2025.  The LP is delivered on stunning blue vinyl and available to the Tom Petty Nation fan club.   The double album includes many newly released recordings of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers live.  Listen to Pauly G and the Vibe dive deep into the vaults of the best live sound and music selected by Tom Petty.  
  • The Vibe Tom Petty Playlist Hour features the award winning, fan favorite, and one of the best TP&HB album's "Damn The Torpedoes".   Turn it up and enjoy the Album Experience!



Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 
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Sunday, March 29, 2026

Executive Summary to the Town of Franklin FY 2027 Budget

From Town Administrator Jamie Hellen

"I present a balanced budget model for FY27. This budget is submitted as my formal budget proposal under Town Charter requirements in 6-3-1, 6-4-1, and 6-5-1 and mirrors what was presented in February. A revised model will be presented in mid-to-late May after staff receive actual employee health insurance numbers.

FY 2027 Budget
FY 2027 Budget
This model provides the most updated revenue assumptions, the requested budget model by the Superintendent of Schools & School Committee, all municipal department requests, and the proposed restoration of some critical municipal positions (which also impacts the schools).

I propose using free cash to patch the overall structural budget deficit and prevent additional cuts to town and school departments. However, I am not specifically using the free cash to support one service or another, nor have I stated free cash is being used to restore specific municipal positions or any department. Rather, the use of free cash is to support the overall requests from all departments and the Schools. In my opinion, this budget provides a roadmap for the desired service level required to run our organization to the standards outlined by the public, especially based on the feedback received in the wake of two failed overrides in 2024 and 2025."

Continue reading the Executive Summary to the FY 2027 budget

Full release of the FY 2027 Town of Franklin Budget


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Saturday, March 28, 2026

Town of Franklin releases the proposed FY 2027 Budget


View this in your browser

FY27 Budget Now Available

Review Town Administrator's proposed FY27 Budget, View meeting schedule & timeline, hearings

Friday, March 27, 2026

The Town of Franklin's Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Budget has been submitted by the Town Administrator and is now available for public review. Residents are encouraged to explore the proposed budget to better understand how Town resources are allocated to support core municipal services, infrastructure, and community priorities.

View Budget Materials:

Printed copies of the FY27 Budget are also available for public review at the Franklin Senior Center, Municipal Building (Town Clerk's Office and Town Administrator's Office), and the Franklin Public Library.

Budget Hearing Schedule:

Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing Dates

Town Council Meeting - Budget Hearing Dates (agendas to be posted)

  • Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 6 p.m. | Council Chambers
  • Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 6 p.m. | Council Chambers

All residents are welcome to attend budget hearings in person. Meetings may also be viewed live on the Franklin Town Hall TV YouTube channel, Comcast Channel 9, or Verizon Channel 29, or accessed by phone or Zoom. Meetings are recorded and available for replay on Franklin TV.

Learn About the Budget Process

The Town has provided additional resources on the budget development process:

Residents can also tune in to two episodes of the Franklin MAtters Podcast with Town staff members, which provide an overview of the Town's budget cycle and explain the process in greater detail:

Community participation is an important part of the budget process. Residents are encouraged to review the materials, attend public hearings, and share feedback to help inform decision-making and shape the Town's priorities for the coming fiscal year.


View it on website
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Thursday, March 26, 2026

School Committee Budget Subcmte reviews updates on key slides, discusses approach for budget hearings (audio)

FM #1698= This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1698 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Budget Subcmte Meeting held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 6 PM. All 3 members participated in person in the 3rd Floor Training Room. 


Subcommittee Chair Paul Griffith, Ruthann O’Sullivan and Nadia Mausolf. 

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Business Administrator Jana Melotti participated. 


Quick recap:

  • The meeting provided a discussion on updates to some of the key information and preparation for the budget hearings with the Finance Committee & Town Council

  • Discussion also on the talking points to continue to tell the full story


The recording runs about 43 minutes, so let’s listen in.

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School Committee Budget Subcmte agenda -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03242026-2200 


Copies of the update slide pages

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11QvzNNhI9VJuL3xIS96iWAhi6A_bvJJh/view?usp=drive_link

Full deck from the January School Committee meeting

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/c4d59008-f976-47e4-98c1-b1a251bb5690/FINAL---FY27-Superintendents-Recommended-Budget-%282%29.pdf?disposition=inline 



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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.


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"
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