Your input requested for this "Franklin Budget Investments" survey

"This is requesting residents opinions on whether we are spending too much or too little on various parts of the budget. It does not include all of the budget. This is intended to be if we had all the money we as a town needed to properly fund everything, what is at a stable amount, what have we put too much in, and where have we neglected.

It also requests opinions on what school fees should be.

While this is not sponsored or created by any Franklin Town government committee, the results will be shared with the School Committee, FinComm, Town Council and the Joint Budget Subcommittee.

Thank you for your input!"

Fill out the form ->   ttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/1nNBxoHtBcW3gPUoeklggm5BSM8SaUW4-FPccJiO0yBk/viewform?edit_requested=true 

Your input requested for this "Franklin Budget Investments" survey

Music Boosters ad book being developed, should your business be there?

Dear Music Supporter,

The budget crisis in Franklin has led to devastating cuts to the performing arts program in our schools. Despite the challenges, the skeleton crew of music teachers remaining this year are dedicated to maintaining the standards of excellence that have created award-winning ensembles. We are motivated to enthusiastically support our teachers and student musicians as best we can and hope that you will once again join us in this endeavor.

Last year was outstanding with several excellent performances. FHS Monday Night Jazz placed Gold at MAJE and was subsequently invited to perform at Boston’s Hatch Memorial Shell. Performances at MICCA led to Silver ratings for 6 ensembles and Gold ratings for both the Combined MS Orchestra and FHS Wind Ensemble. The annual Jazz Café was a packed house celebration. And the BT ALC Big Band was brought in to provide an amazing clinic for our jazz students along with a free concert for the town.

Music Boosters ad book

We are currently generating our 2024-25 Concert Series Ad Book, which will be freely distributed to attendees at our middle and high school performances. Your participation will help provide instruments and equipment for the classrooms, visits by professional musicians, scholarships for students taking private music lessons and graduating seniors, accompanists at concerts, fun social experiences,

unexpected needs, and more. We are thankful for our consistently generous music family as community involvement remains essential to a successful and vibrant music program in Franklin.

Please complete the included contribution form at your earliest convenience prior to the end of October. Feel free to reach out to me at vlincourt@gmail.com with any questions. As always, your contribution is much appreciated and will be put to good use!

Sincerely,

Valerie Lincourt

Treasurer, Franklin Music Boosters, Inc.

Ad book form -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1099UmN92ZDCJiyu-wJ4nre3ih2IK_nRK/view?usp=drive_link

Disclosure: I happily contribute to this cause.

Dave & Dave recap the School Committee and Joint Budget Subcmte meetings (audio)

FM #1282 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1282 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan and Vice-Chair David McNeill. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion via the Zoom conference bridge on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. 

 

We cover 

• Recap of the School Committee meeting of Sep 10 

• The long executive session and process improvements

• Redistricting draft alignment of schools expected soon

• Joint Budget Subcommittee process started Sep 11

The recording runs about 33 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1282-chalkboard-chat-09-17-24/

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

Contact info for David McNeill -> mcneilld@franklinps.net 

Redistricting Storymap -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/franklin-public-schools-announces-draft.html

School Committee Meeting

• Agenda for Sep 10 session ->  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4809581/SCAGENDA_9-10-24.pdf   

• Meeting packet folder -> (docs released for this meeting, some of them available after the meeting)  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/september-10%2C-2024-meeting-packet/701015 

• Franklin TV video of Sep 10 session -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQzZjD3f45k 

• My notes for the SchCmte Mtg in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BKsnE9XEkWJGWXtfDt2V_fNS-FOe84jd/view?usp=drive_link 

Joint Budget Subcommittee Mtg

• Agenda for Meeting -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/september_11_2024_joint_budget_subcommittee_meeting_agenda.pdf 

• Franklin TV video of Sep 11 meeting ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR7RPb5Q66Q 

• My notes for the Joint Budget Mtg in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-PKZkOitZwrzJ31d1F4ygeuQzJoFjWGv/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"

Dave & Dave recap the School Committee and Joint Budget Subcmte meetings (audio)

Jamie & Lucas talk town and school topics leading to the Joint Budget work starting Weds 9/11(audio)

FM #1275 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1275 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Lucas Giguere. We had our conversation in the Town Administrator's office on Monday, September 9, 2023.  

September brings

• Renovation to Town offices, process improvements

• School re-opening

• Redistricting planning

• Joint Budget Subcommittee starts Sep 11 to work on budget for FY 2026

• More engaged now, need to bring them along the discussion on wish list items, what do we really need, and then prioritize accordingly

The recording runs about 50 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Lucas. Audio link -> https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Talk-Franklin--A-Podcast-from-the-Town-Administrators-Office---September-9--2024-e2o7to1/a-abh5u11

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Joint Budget Subcommittee agenda for 9/11 meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/agenda-for-joint-budget-subcommittee.html

New design of Franklin Schools web site -> https://www.franklinps.net/ 

It also comes with an app for Apple and Android phones (not tablets)

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

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"

Jamie & Lucas talk town and school topics leading to the Joint Budget work starting Weds 9/11(audio)

School Committee Meeting gets feedback issue resolved, approves handbooks, hears of bus plan & more (audio)

FM #1266 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1266 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. 7 members participated; 5 in chambers, two were remote (Callaghan, Sompally).

Quick recap:

• Superintendent Giguere reported on the opening professional development days Monday & Tuesday; all together at FHS Monday with a welcome, breakfast, group activities and a student produced video; teachers and staff with school based activities 

• Staffing update: hired 44 positions this summer, 6 teacher vacancies, 9 ESP vacancies, and 9 other non-union vacancies remain as of 8/27/24. As noted in follow up questions, this # is a little higher than prior years, complicated by 48 resignations during the summer, most in the past 2 weeks, hiring process still underway. 

• Transportation update: 31 remain on wait list after a new bus was added to the school 'fleet'. The bus provider has the busses and drivers we need, the same number of busses as last year was what they started with, then added one Monday. There is one other bus funded by the State for the students at the hotel. 

• Transportation letter referenced ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/fps-letter-providing-school.html

• All students registered and paid (partially or fully) by deadline are slotted for a bus

• 31 students remain on a wait list after one bus was added

• Bus passes won't be checked until Sept 16 to allow for the "who's really riding, who's not" process to get sorted out

• Bus capacity in some cases may be high but those at the scheduled stops will get a ride at least thru the 16th

• Discussion and approval (7-0 vote via roll call) for the school handbooks; discussion focused on the changes some significant, some minor to the handbooks vs. prior year, photos of the slides for FHS, middle schools, and elementary schools are available in one album (when presentation gets updated to meeting page, link will be added) https://photos.app.goo.gl/hcjHqYuWPNvg4ca8A 

• Now that the handbooks are approved, they will be posted to the Schools page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-handbooks 

• FY25 Revised Final Budget Vote - I recommend approval of the FY25 School Budget in the amount of $77,470,190.00 as discussed ** Motion to approve, second, passes via roll call by 7-0 vote. Note that the "base" for next year would be $1m less than this due to the one time funds

• Policy 2nd Reading/Adoption - I recommend adoption of Policy GBEBD - Online Fundraising and Solicitation - Crowdfunding as discussed. ** Motion to approve, second, passes via roll call by 7-0 vote

The recording runs about 1 hour & 43 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1266-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-08-27-24/

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

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  

https://www.youtube.com/live/sahovop6Kv0?si=sDlNZtXfQ-KJCgBg&t=1159

Agenda doc  -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4746981/SCAGENDA_8-27-24.pdf    

Meeting packet folder -> (docs released for this meeting, some of them available after the meeting)  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/august-27%2C-2024-sc-meeting-packet/692601 

My notes in one PDF ->  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lnpeEhrwjgVtZypRj-9T6iHGBfNHgjkT/view?usp=drive_link 

Handbook slides ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/hcjHqYuWPNvg4ca8A 

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

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"

FHS slide on handbook changes

This Chalkboard Chat catches us up on the School budget for FY 25 as of July 17, 2024 (audio)

FM #1251 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1251 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 the Zoom conference bridge on Thursday, July 18, 2024. 

 

We talk about 

• The school budget & the additional $1M provided by the Council from the debt stabilization account

• Redistricting next steps proceeding

• August 13 session of School Cmte meeting to approve the $1M and the annual school handbook revisions

The recording runs about 26 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1251-chalkboard-chat-07-18-24/

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

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

School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee   

School budget ->  https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-district-budget 

Budget update letters for the additional allocation

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._24-50.pdf 

Redistricting page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/comprehensive-school-facilities-assessment 

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

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"

This Chalkboard Chat catches us up on the School budget for FY 25 as of July 17, 2024 (audio)