This Chalkboard Chat recaps the School Committee reorganization, Tri-County debt exclusion, & FHS presentation (audio)

FM #1103 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1103 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Franklin School Committee member Dave Callaghan. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV & Public Radio studio on Monday, November 20, 2023. 

Our primary topic was a recap of the School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 14, 2023.  We covered 

• The election, the School Committee reorganization

• The Tri-County debt exclusion avoids problems with the Franklin budget

• The FHS update on what’s happening across their academic, club & sports activities

The recording runs about 25 minutes so let’s listen to my “chalkboard chat” with School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1103-chalkboard-chat-06-dave-callaghan-11-20-23

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Contact info for Dave Callaghan  callaghand@franklinps.net 

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

School budget ->  https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget 

Agenda doc  ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_11-14-23.pdf    

Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-14-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet 

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jc8T3jv8fGc 

My notes captured during the meeting via Twitter can be found in one easy to ready PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M0cTWjQ0zg0L-SwDeswUGh-X5k2eUAcO/view?usp=drive_link 

The “Chalkboard Chat” image was the result of a joint collaboration with Mickayla Callaghan. Thank you!

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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

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 recaps the School Committee reorganization, Tri-County debt exclusion, & FHS presentation (audio)

Finance Committee get to review the FY 24 budget changes on Wednesday, Nov 8 at 7 PM

Finance Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

Wednesday, November 8, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comment

3. FY24 Budget Amendment

a. Town Administrator memo, revised budget document and backup materials  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3a_fy_budget_amendment_materials_0_0.pdf

4. Future Agenda Items

5. Recurring Business:

a. Approval of Minutes - None scheduled

b. Stabilization Account Balance  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/stabilization_fund_balances_9-30-2023.pdf

6. Adjourn

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/nov_8_fin_com_agenda.pdf

Finance Committee get to review the FY 24 budget changes on Wednesday, Nov 8 at 7 PM

Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Budget Adjustment details to be reviewed by Finance Committee Nov 8, 2023

To: Finance Committee

From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator

Re: Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Budget Adjustment

We are requesting the Finance Committee support the amendment to the FY24 Town operating budget and recommend the changes to the full Town Council for their approval prior to setting the annual tax rate on November 21, 2023. This proposal amends the final budget approved in June 2023.

Five-Year Fiscal Forecast Update

We drafted a five-year forecast, with assumptions, for FY25-FY29. Please review the forecast that was presented at the August 2, 2023 Joint Budget Subcommittee (JBSC). At the October JBSC, we gave high level revenue trends throughout Quarter 1 of FY24. The next forecast will be in 2024.

Revenue Adjustments

The following is a summary of the proposed revenue adjustments to the FY24 operating budget. The total revenue downgrade figure is $310,491.

1. According to the Assessor’s final approval, the town will need to downgrade “New Growth” figures by

$158,380 due to less investment in personal and commercial property improvements. After a few record breaking New Growth years, it appears the economy is beginning to show signs of slowdown.

2. Cumulatively, Local Receipts are on target through Quarter 1 (9/30/23) but we are requesting a downgrade by $150,000 to reflect three trends:

a. Building fees have not met projections through September due to fewer overall permits, as well as the types of permits for smaller construction projects.

b. Hotel tax will likely slightly decline due to the Commonwealth’s lack of a firm commitment for the entire fiscal year in funding the 6% local option tax for the hotel temporarily housing migrant families through the state's Emergency Assistance Shelter Program. That said, the state has recently committed to paying the local tax for 90 day durations, per family, which is good news.

 

We are confident the Commonwealth with be working with cities and towns throughout the fiscal year to ensure we receive as much of our revenue projections as possible; and

c. A modest reduction in meals tax revenue to correspond with the loss of traditional hotel rooms.

3. State Aid, Assessments & Other Revenues should see an overall decrease of approximately $2,111 after the state local aid, education, county assessment, and state budget formulas settle out. Please note the Legislature has not finalized FY24 yet, with potential overrides of the Governor’s vetoes and a supplemental budget filed by Governor Healey pending.

Expense Adjustments - Decreases

The attached resolution depicts the changes within each departmental account on the voting document. A summary of proposed expense reductions are as follows:

1. Line item 123 - The Town Administrator’s personnel and expense budgets will be reduced $58,014. The total reflects the reduction in costs for the Marketing & Communications position for 8 months ($22,514), six months of unfilled Administrative Assistant positions ($26,500), and additional expenses that are not anticipated to materialize in the Administrator’s expense budget (sign lease $9,000). Please note the Marketing & Communications position was a joint position with the School Department, which reduced the financial obligation in the school budget as well. The benefits for that position was reduced in line item 910, as the town budget included the benefits for this position.

2. Line item 390 - Tri-County School will be reduced $100,553 due a decrease in Franklin students attending the school, thus our assessment was lower.

3. Line item 910 - Benefits to be reduced $148,257 due to fewer health insurance subscribers and an increase in employees on the high deductible plan.

Expense Adjustments - Increases

1. Create a Disability Commission line item and add $1,000 to the budget for expenses. As many of you know, the Commission has spearheaded an annual fair with vendors and activities. For some reason, the Commission has never had a line item in the budget. The Town should be funding expenses for the conference and have funds like all of the other boards and committees in town.

2. Add $5,000 to the Elections budget for a pilot to test a new voting tabulator machine. The Clerk hopes to test this out in the March primary to evaluate its effectiveness for the money.

Stormwater Adjustment-Decrease

As this is the 1st year with a Stormwater Enterprise Fund, we propose reducing the Stormwater budget by $200,000 and plugging the gap with County ARPA funds to ensure the Town can depict to DOR a solvent enterprise fund with a small and proper surplus at the close of the fiscal year.

Please let us know if you have any questions

This memo was shared from pages 2-3 from the FinCom meeting agenda doc which also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/nov_8_fin_com_agenda.pdf

Finance Committee get to review the FY 24 budget changes on Wednesday, Nov 8 at 7 PM

Joint Budget Subcmte hears of shortfall in new growth, hears update on School Budget, plans next session (video)

The Joint Budget Subcommittee met on Wednesday, Oct 11, 2023 as scheduled. The first ten minutes of the meeting were shared via Zoom, then there was an approx. 10 minute break and the meeting resumed also being broadcast via cable and live streamed to YouTube. 

The 'missing' video was recorded via Zoom and likely will be available later. The audio was captured by Franklin Matters includes the complete meeting and will be shared in a day or so.

Quick recap:

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided a brief update on FY 24, change in new growth coming, reduction of $250K, implications remain TBD
• Schools updated some of their numbers, starting to plan for FY 25, to include the 4 years after, due approx.. Mar/Apr; looking into comparable communities (i.e. Hockomock League)
• Finance Committee meeting Nov 8, Town Council meeting Nov 15, Tax rate hearing set for Tuesday, Nov 21 (Yes, note it is a Tuesday!)
• Next Joint Budget Subcmte session in Jan 2024 (TBD)

video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3sqZhpIT9Q

Meeting agenda -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/joint_budget_subcommitee_agenda_-_oct_11_2023.pdf

Photo album capturing some of the School presentation

https://photos.app.goo.gl/v1qW8nmPYUQTcLgm8

My notes captured via Twitter and collected in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YHP7KFAXd6DDwtAKGLIUwnEFOX_qFte7/view?usp=drive_link

one of the FPS slides used for the budget update

Superintendent Giguere talks about the improvement plans, budget work, the Thanksgiving game, and fan behavior (audio)

FM #1069 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1069 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin School Superintendent Lucas Giguere. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin Municipal Bldg on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. 

At a high level our topics were:

• School improvement plans

• Future session with Dr Tina Rogers

• Learning styles

• Budget work started at meeting before the School Cmte

• Future session with Dr Dutch

• Update on Thanksgiving game at Fenway and reminder on good sporting behavior  

The recording runs about 33 minutes so let’s listen to my conversation with our school superintendent, Lucas Giguere. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1069-fps-superintendent-lucas-giguere-09-27-23

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Superintendent’s page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent 

School budget ->  https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget 

District Communications -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/district-communications-2023-2024 

Fan expectation reminder -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/9_26_23_fan_expectations_reminder_to_families.pdf 

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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

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"

Franklin (MA) School Superintendent Lucas Giguere

2 Dave's join this "Chalkboard Chat" to recap the School Committee meeting of 09/12/23 (audio)

FM #1062 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1062 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Franklin School Committee member Dave Callaghan and Dave McNeill. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV & Public Radio studio on Friday, September 15, 2023. 

Our primary topic was a recap of the School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Sep 12. We covered 

• the opening of schools for 2023-2024 

• teacher and staff hiring status 

• District improvement plan

• budget impacts on middle school afterschool programs, etc. 

• International trip approval and equity issues it raises

• upcoming subcommittee meetings 

• Info on the Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee and communications with other committees, subcommittees, to ensure all aware

The recording runs about 36 minutes so let’s listen to my “chalkboard chat” with Dave Callaghan and Dave McNeill. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1062-chalkboard-chat-03-callaghan-mcneill-09-15-23

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Contact info for Dave Callaghan  callaghand@franklinps.net 

Contact info for Dave McNeill  mcneilld@franklinps.net  

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

School budget ->  https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget 

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/G-8ECoHrh8M?si=r9hZow6Jim8WXGxS&t=59 

Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-12-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet 

Agenda doc  ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_9-12-23.pdf   

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting and then in a single PDF for easy reading https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QdkJB2fxemPuN_nCWV6Dmq9tdc_QQsIh/view?usp=drive_link  

Audio recording of meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/school-committee-hears-of-and-approves_01034508177.html 

The “Chalkboard Chat” image was the result of a joint collaboration with Mickayla Callaghan. Thank you!

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

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"

2 Dave's join this "Chalkboard Chat" to recap the School Committee meeting of 09/12/23 (audio)