School Committee gets the details on the multiple budget scenarios facing them for a vote in April (audio)

FM #1161 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1161 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on March 19, 2024. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers. 

All 7 members of the Committee were present in Chambers. 

Quick recap:

FY25 Budget Open Hearing  (presentation doc not posted but the full budget book is available ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy25_complete_budget_book.pdf)

2 quick points from School Committee member Paul Griffith during the Q&A for the presentation, I paraphrased here but go listen to what he said:

• Great clarification questions from Cmte member Griffith Go back and listen (via the YouTube link) for his points on the class size as well as the support services (i.e. personnel titles) some legally required if not morally to provide the proper education for each student

• If we are looking at the bare minimum of level services across the Town and schools, given the Town expected revenue, it is not whether there should be an override, it really should be a discussion on how much of an override we can afford (great point!)

Discussion/Action Items

A. Student Opportunity Act Plan Approval

B. Policy First Reading

C. Policy Second Reading/Adoption

D. ACCEPT Collaborative Agreement

all these items passed by a 7-0 vote

The meeting runs just over 3 hours (5 minutes) so let’s listen to the School Committee meeting held on March 19, 2024 . Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1161-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-03-19-24

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Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YXw4dnXUqk 

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

Meeting Agenda doc  -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_3-19-24.pdf 

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/march-19-2024-school-committee-meeting 

My notes captured via Twitter were collected in a single PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-1dD9wIUOeE_0ZS76jJsRgnKgtkScxAE/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos of the slides shown can be found in one album ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/raH5wfZR6pU7yths6 

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

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"

multiple budget scenarios

School Committee gets the details on the multiple budget scenarios facing them for a vote in April (video)

The School Committee met as scheduled for their regular session on Tuesday, March 19 which extended to just after 10 PM as they dwelt on their FY 2025 budget proposal which included a public hearing.

School Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Business Manager Dr Bob Dutch presented their overview assisted by Asst Superintendents Dr Tina Rogers and Paula Marano.

The Franklin TV video recording is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YXw4dnXUqk

Quick recap: 

FY25 Budget Open Hearing 

(presentation doc not posted but the full budget book is available ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy25_complete_budget_book.pdf)

2 quick points from School Committee member Paul Griffith during the Q&A for the presentation, I paraphrased here but go listen to what he said:

• Great clarification questions from Cmte member Griffith Go back and listen (via the YouTube link) for his points on the class size as well as the support services (i.e. personnel titles) some legally required if not morally to provide the proper education for each student

• If we are looking at the bare minimum of level services across the Town and schools, given the Town expected revenue, it is not whether there should be an override, it really should be a discussion on how much of an override we can afford (great point!)

Discussion/Action Items

A. Student Opportunity Act Plan Approval

B. Policy First Reading

C. Policy Second Reading/Adoption

D. ACCEPT Collaborative Agreement

all these items passed by a 7-0 vote

My notes captured via Twitter were collected in a single PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-1dD9wIUOeE_0ZS76jJsRgnKgtkScxAE/view?usp=drive_link

Photos of the slides shown can be found in one album ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/raH5wfZR6pU7yths6

School Committee gets the details on the multiple budget scenarios facing them for a vote in April (video)

School Committee to hold FY 2025 budget hearing Tuesday, Mar 19 at 7 PM

Friendly remainder, the School Committee is scheduled to hold their FY 2025 budget hearing at their scheduled meeting Tuesday night.

F. FY25 Budget Open Hearing 

(presentation doc not posted but the full budget book is available ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy25_complete_budget_book.pdf)

The full agenda including remote participation info can  be found

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_3-19-24.pdf

Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/march-19-2024-school-committee-meeting

School Committee to hold FY 2025 budget hearing Tuesday, Mar 19 at 7 PM

What's this about a possible override for Franklin? (collection)

The first pass of the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY 2025) budget as presented to the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting last week shows the Town of Franklin facing a $10.1 million deficit. The numbers will continue to be worked. As discussed during the meeting, breaking news that afternoon showed a reduction in the projected cost increase for health care that had just been received. That will be adjusted for future budget discussions.

The timeline for the budget development is as follows:

• School Committee budget public hearing - March 19

• School Committee votes on school budget recommendation - April 9

• Town of Franklin FY 2025 budget scheduled for release - April 12

• Joint Town Council & School Committee Mtg - Apr 24

• Town Council meeting May 1 (determine yes or no for override, if yes, sets date & amount)

• Finance Committee budget hearings - May 6, May 8, May 15 (vote)

• Town Council budget hearings - May 22, May 23 (vote)

• Override date - June 11 for $6.8M

If there were to be an override, the decision on “When?” is as critical as “How much”? Election requirements call for 35 days notification of a vote on a ballot question. Hence, a vote scheduled for June would have to be decided no later than early May

Town budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-25-budget-materials

School budget page -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/1-fy2025-budget

Recent meetings/documents (most recent on top, scroll down for prior)

05/15/24 - Finance Committee budget hearing #3 -> recap, audio & video ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/finance-committee-hears-updates-from_19.html

05/14/24 - School Committee meeting votes on redistricting -> recap, audio & video ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/school-committee-moves-forward-with_0490415739.html

05/11/24 - Schools Redistricting 'Master Plan' report published ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/fps-school-facilities-and-educational.html

05/08/24 - Finance Committee budget hearing #2 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/finance-committee-reviews-public-safety_10.html

05/06/24 - Town Clerk shares Override Election schedule ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/franklin-town-clerk-provides-important.html

05/06/24 - Finance Committee budget hearing #1 ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/finance-cmte-approves-pledge-doc-and.html

05/04/24 - Redistricting info page created, FAQs published ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/redistricting-faqs-published-add-your.html

5/01/24 - Town Council meeting sets date & amount -> June 1 for $6.8 Million Audio, video links -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/town-council-after-much-discussion_4.html

4/30/24 - School Committee meeting on redistricting - recap with audio & video links ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/school-committee-listens-to-lot-of-we.html

4/30/24 - School Committee Budget subcmte meeting - audio & recap ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/school-budget-subcmte-get-preview-of.html

4/25/24 - Comprehensive School Facility Plan Subcmte meeting (redistricting draft)  (recap & audio) -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/comprehensive-school-facility-plng.html

4/24/24 - Joint Town Council & School Committee mtg - recap, audio (2 parts) and video -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/town-council-and-school-committee-hear_01363014460.html

4/12/24 - Town of Franklin FY 2025 budget released. The budget was released as "balanced" by NOT including any Town 'wish list' items, nor projecting to incur any cuts. The School Shortfall was granted approx. $3M leaving the $9.3 million the Schools voted for $6.3M short, hence all the cuts would come to the schools. Something may change during the Finance Committee and Town Council hearings (with or without an override).

Details available on the budget page in particular the budget narrative doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy_25_budget_message_narrative_updated_links_2.pdf

and the voting doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy25_ta_budget_book_v2.pdf

4/09/24 - School Committee approves FY 2025 budget - Recap, audio & video links ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/school-committee-votes-to-approve-81m_0566458301.html

3/19/24 - School Committee meeting

• FY25 Budget Open Hearing  ->   (budget book) https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy25_complete_budget_book.pdf
• Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1161-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-03-19-24
• Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YXw4dnXUqk 

3/06/24 - Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting

• Joint Budget audio recap with Mercer, Conley & McNeill -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/tom-george-david-recap-joint-budget.html

• Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D33RO5xYoUg   

• Meeting agenda ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/joint_budget_subcommittee_meeting_agenda_-_march_6_2024.pdf 

• Presentation document link -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-03-06_fy25_budget_slides_jbsc.pdf

3/05/24 - School Committee Superintendent’s budget

• Chalkboard chat audio session recapping SchCmte meeting & Joint Budget meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/this-chalkboard-chat-recaps.html

• Franklin TV's video recording of the meeting is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sEe-JcCn_k

• The agenda doc can be found online ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_3-5-24.pdf

• The packet folder containing other documents released for the meeting can also be found online ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/march-5-2024-school-committee-meeting
  

1/23/24 - School Committee budget subcommittee received preview of 4 scenarios for school FY 2025 budget -> (recap & audio) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/school-budget-subcommittee-gets-preview.html

Visit Vote No Franklin for the opposition view -> https://www.votenofranklin.com/

Visit One Franklin to find out more about the group and their efforts advocating for the override https://onefranklinma.com/

What's this about a possible override for Franklin? 

Franklin, MA: Agenda for School Committee Meeting - March 19, 2024 (includes budget hearing)

Franklin School Committee

March 19, 2024 - 7:00 P.M

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order                 Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

F. FY25 Budget Open Hearing 

(presentation doc not posted but the full budget book is available ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy25_complete_budget_book.pdf)

II. Guests/Presentations

A. None

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Student Opportunity Act Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the Student Opportunity Act Plan as discussed.

B. Policy First Reading

I recommend moving policy JFABB - Admittance of Foreign Exchange Students to a

second reading as discussed.

C. Policy Second Reading/Adoption

I recommend adoption of policy CA - Administrative Goals as discussed.

D. ACCEPT Collaborative Agreement

I recommend approval of the ACCEPT Collaborative Agreement as detailed.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. None

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your March 5, 2024 School Committee

meeting as detailed.

B. Recurring Cooperstown Field Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Karrah Ellis to take FHS Baseball team to

Cooperstown, NY from April 14-15, 2024 to play against the Natick Redhawks as

detailed.

C. ASMS Gifts

I recommend acceptance of 3 checks totaling $5,000.00 from the ASMS PCC for field

trips as detailed.

D. Recurring HMMS Save the Bay Field Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Rebecca Motte for Gr. 6 students to travel to

Providence RI on May 20 and 21, 2024 for the Save the Bay Program as detailed.

E. Recurring Keller RW Zoo Field Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Caitlin Colahan to take Keller students to

Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI on May 30, 2024 as detailed.

F. Parmenter Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,240.00 from the Parmenter PCC for field

trips as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/march-19-2024-school-committee-meeting

full FY 2025 budget book is available

Tom, George, & David recap the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting of March 6, 2024 (audio)

 FM #1156 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1156 in the series. 

This session shares a recap of the Town of Franklin (MA) Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. This recap was recorded via Zoom on Thursday, March 7, 2024. 

The recap of this critical budgetary meeting was conducted with:

• Council Chair Tom Mercer who also serves as the Chair of the Joint Budget Committee
• George Conley, Chair of the Finance Committee
• David McNeill, Vice-Chair of the School Committee as well as Chair of the Budget Subcommittee for the schools

Quick recap:

• Role of the Joint Budget Committee
• Reflections on the info shared in the meeting
• Next steps including schedule of meetings to continue to work on refining the FY 2025 budget

The recording runs about 51 minutes, so let’s listen to the recap of the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1156-recap-of-the-joint-budget-subcmte-mtg-03-07-24

 

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Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D33RO5xYoUg   

Meeting agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/joint_budget_subcommittee_meeting_agenda_-_march_6_2024.pdf 

Presentation document link -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-03-06_fy25_budget_slides_jbsc.pdf

Photo album capturing the slides and meeting 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/b4HcchHohAs9vqrJA 

My notes captured via Twitter and collected in one PDF https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m42hRAFdfM-OX-brLa6epXiuEktOEeWU/view?usp=drive_link 

Additional info will be added to the FY 2025 budget page as the budget gets fined tuned over the next several weeks  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-25-budget-materials

Joint Budget Subcommittee page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/joint-budget-subcommittee 

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

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"

Tom, George, & David recap the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting of March 6, 2024 (audio)

Franklin is not alone in struggling to fund their schools & town budget

Via Boston Globe: 

"Nearly five years after Massachusetts lawmakers overhauled the state’s school funding formula, districts are struggling to balance their budgets for the upcoming school year, prompting many to consider cutting programs and staff or asking taxpayers to dig deeper. 

The chief culprit, district leaders and advocates say, is the high rate of inflation that hit the US economy in recent years, much higher than the adjustments used in the new funding formula that was revamped to reflect modern-day costs. 

The failure of the new formula to accurately capture inflation could be collectively costing districts hundreds of millions of dollars in aid, according to Colin Jones, deputy policy director at the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, a nonpartisan research institute. 

Voters in Belmont, Harvard, and Westford will be considering hefty property tax hikes at the polls this spring, which, if they fail to pass, could result in significant cuts to school and town services. In Belmont, for example, if voters reject an $8.4 million override on April 2, school leaders have said they will need to close the Mary Lee Burbank Elementary School, eliminate dozens of teaching and other positions, and make deep cuts to extracurricular activities."

Continue reading the full article online (subscription may be required) ->

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/03/12/metro/massachusetts-school-funding-budget-cuts/

Franklin is not alone in struggling to fund their schools & town budget

This Chalkboard Chat recaps the Superintendent's School Budget & next steps (audio)

FM #1154 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1154 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Franklin School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan and Ruthann O’Sullivan. We had our conversation via the Zoom conference bridge on Friday, March 8, 2024. 

The School Committee had their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. We recap that meeting in our discussion as well as get their insights on the Joint Budget meeting as well as the Comprehensive School Facilities Planning work also underway. 

Topics:

• Superintendent Recommended Budget for FY 2025

• Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting March 6 started the formal process to develop the FY 2025 budget including the decision around a possible override

The recording runs about 42 minutes so let’s listen to my “chalkboard chat” with School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan and Ruthann O’Sullivan. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1154-chalkboard-chat-03-08-24

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Contact info for Dave Callaghan  callaghand@franklinps.net 

Contact info for Ruthann O’Sullivan  osullivanr@franklinps.net 

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

Superintendent’s Recommended budget -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/recommended-fy25-budget

03/05/24 meeting Agenda doc  ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/3-5-24-agenda 

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/march-5-2024-school-committee-meeting 

Franklin TV video for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sEe-JcCn_k 

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"

This Chalkboard Chat recaps the Superintendent's School Budget & next steps (audio)