Franklin, MA: School Committee Special Meeting - April 25 at 6:30 PM

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

School Committee Special Meeting

April 25, 2024 - 6:30-7:30 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

A G E N D A

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

● Call to Order

● Candidate for Interim School Business Administrator Interview

● Deliberation on Candidate for Interim School Business Administrator

● Adjourn

 

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/sc_special_mtg._agenda_-_4_25_24.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Special Meeting - April 25 at 6:30 PM

In this Chalkboard Chat, Dave & Dave discuss the school budget situation with me (audio)

FM #1175 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1175 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan and School Committee Vice-Chair Dave McNeill. We met to record in the Franklin TV & Public Radio studio on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.  

Our conversation was a recap of the budget approved by the School Committee at their meeting of April 9, 2024 and the next steps toward what funding will be provided for their budget.

The conversation runs about 25 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Dave & Dave. Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1175-chalkboard-chat-04-16-24

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

The Franklin TV broadcast of the session is available for replay on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8KxgjR7dhk

School Committee agenda ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_4-9-24.pdf 

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-9-2024-school-committee-meeting-packet

Photos of the presentation doc shared ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/PxKxwydbV64HKmFx9

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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 www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

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"

In this Chalkboard Chat, Dave & Dave discuss the school budget situation with me (audio)

Please join us for a Joint Town Council & School Committee Mtg for an Operational Override Discussion April 24 at 7:00 PM

Please join us for a Joint Franklin Town Council and Franklin School Committee Meeting Operational Override Discussion April 24, 7:00 p.m. FHS Auditorium

The agenda was posted by the Town Council/Town Administration. This post from the School Committee/School District also adds survey form to solicit questions and/or comments in advance of the meeting.

April 24, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Franklin High School Auditorium, 218 Oak Street

Meeting Agenda

1. Introduction from the Chairs of the Town Council and School Committee

2. Presentation

a. Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen and Superintendent of Schools, Lucas Giguere

3. Discussion & Public Hearing

a. To discuss the public opinion of an operational override

4. Adjourn

Agenda doc contains remote viewing info (No Zoom participation, only YouTube and cable viewing (Verizon/Comcast broadcast) ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-04-24_town_council_school_committee_agenda_.pdf

Question and/or comment link ->   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqX7WYOkT2nuhXQbYaIEF8q_0_Lbz2PUIx9WSn8-xKd5Ynsw/viewform

Budget details

School FY 2025 -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/1-fy2025-budget

Town of Franklin FY 2025 ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-25-budget-materials

Agenda for the Joint Town Council and School Committee Meeting April 24, 2024 at 7 PM

Agenda for the Joint Town Council and School Committee Meeting April 24, 2024 at 7 PM

A Joint Meeting of the

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL & FRANKLIN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

[A quorum of the Franklin Finance Committee will be in attendance]

April 24, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Franklin High School Auditorium, 218 Oak Street

Meeting Agenda

1. Introduction from the Chairs of the Town Council and School Committee

2. Presentation

a. Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen and Superintendent of Schools, Lucas Giguere

3. Discussion & Public Hearing

a. To discuss the public opinion of an operational override

4. Adjourn

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-04-24_town_council_school_committee_agenda_.pdf

Agenda for the Joint Town Council and School Committee Meeting April 24, 2024 at 7 PM

Finance Committee approves policy revisions, gets a summary of the FY 2025 budget & vents frustrations (video)

The Finance Committee met on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 as scheduled at 7:00 PM. 8 members participated, 5 in the Council Chambers, 3 remotely, 1 was absent. With the hybrid participation all votes were via roll call.

Agenda doc ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/fin_com_agenda_4.17.24.pdf

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgLQtP8Z1AM

Quick recap:

• Voted to approve both sets of minutes with an 8-0-1 (1 absent) vote via roll call
• After discussion and clarification questions, only one modification to remove a number and leave the percent in the policy to maintain the stabilization account was voted also by the 8-0-1 (1 absent) vote via roll call
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen gave a set of slides to highlight the proposed FY 2025 town budget
• photos were capture of the slides shown ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/4yBm9c9BQNaG9sJZ7
• Slide deck to be posted to Town page on Thursday (link to be added when available)
• Joint School Cmte and Town Council meeting scheduled for April 24 at Franklin High School
• Town Council to vote at May 1 meeting, (a) if there is to be an override, (b) when it would be, and (c) the amount 
• Frustrations with
• lack of action by multiple parties to avoid the fiscal cliff we are now facing
• lack of action on the redistricting decision by prior parties as it could have a potential fiscal impact at least long term if not short

In this Town Council Quarterbacking session, we condense the 4 hour meeting to about 30 minutes (audio)

FM #1172 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1172 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. The Council met on Wednesday, and we get together on Thursday morning to condense the meeting. In this case, one of the longer ones at 4 hours.  We look to focus on 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session:

• License Modification - Change of Officers & Change of Stock Interest of a Section 15 Retail Package Store License: Table & Vine, Inc. Located at 348 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

• New Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Michael Gannon as the Manager - Shikshapatri Corporation d/b/a Dacey’s Market & Deli, Located at 353 Lincoln St., Franklin, MA 02038

• Resolution 24-17: Local Acceptance of GL Chapter 166 Section 32A

• Resolution 24-18: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($2,250), Senior Center ($1,500), Franklin Historical Museum (~$600) 

• Franklin Town Council Support for Proposed GL Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project at 444 East Central Street Pursuant to DHCD’s Local Initiative Program (LIP): Friendly 40B 

• Town Administrator report

Press release on Cantoreggi reinstatement

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-04-11_dpw_director_press_release.pdf 

The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.Audio link https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1172-town-council-quarterbacking-04-11-24

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The Franklin TV broadcast of the 4 hour session is available for replay on YouTube ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4WPC4cB_S4 

Agenda and supporting documents for this session -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/april_10_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf 

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1labnvYVykW4HGk01mHIQDk7d725ikuLn/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo album with the slides as captured during the presentation on Wednesday

https://photos.app.goo.gl/WC1n843rA3AQwjTg7 

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

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"

In this Town Council Quarterbacking session, we condense to 4 hour meeting to about 30 minutes (audio)

School Committee votes to approve $81M budget, now has to work to get it funded all or in part, and deal with the results (audio)

FM #1169 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1169 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 in the Council Chambers. All 7 members participated; (6 in Chambers, 1 remote (Gallagher).

Quick meeting recap:

• Horace Mann Middle School provided an update on their school year , goals and objectives

• The School Committee voted for their budget totaling $81,319,261.00. Now they need to work with the Town Council to fund it all or in part and deal with the results

• Joint meeting April 24 at FHS Auditorium with Town Council and School Committee

• The School Committee voted unanimously not to accept new School Choice students for the 2024-2025 School year. Not a change, likely to be possible in future depending upon school district long term planning results available later this year (i.e. redistricting)

• Voted unanimously to adopt policy JFABB – Admittance of Foreign Exchange Students

My notes captured via Twitter are available in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nL3N1QI_hV-xrY0VllU2iZyJw4HOREcK/view?usp=drive_link 

The meeting recording runs about 90 minutes.    Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1169-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-04-09-24

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The Franklin TV broadcast of the session is available for replay on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8KxgjR7dhk

School Committee agenda ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_4-9-24.pdf 

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-9-2024-school-committee-meeting-packet

Photos of the presentation doc shared ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/PxKxwydbV64HKmFx9

School Budget page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/1-fy2025-budget 

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

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 www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

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"

one slide from the HMMS presentation on curriculum flow & delivery

Town of Franklin, MA: FY 2025 Budget released for review and discussion

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen released the proposed FY25 Budget as required by the Franklin Home Rule Charter. 

To view the proposed FY25 Budget, click on the link below:

https://t.co/QXneD0RCgk

Town of Franklin, MA: FY 2025 Budget released for review and discussion

Note: The Town budget is required to be balanced. The number shown from the Schools request is NOT the School budget amount approved by the School Committee on April 9, 2024. The full impact of what would be cut to bring the budget into balance or be considered as an override amount will be the focus of the joint meeting with Town Council and the School Committee on April 24 at the Franklin High School Auditorium (7 PM). 

There won't be a vote April 24 but there will be community input accepted. The Town Council will vote on the major questions If, when, and what amount, at their May 1 meeting.

Town Administrator's Recommended FY25 Budget Materials

• FY25 Town Administrator Budget Message (per Town Charter Section 6-4-1)
• Appendix A1 - Town Administrator Recommended Budget Voting Document & Budget Book (per Town Charter provision 6-5-1 & 6-5-2)
• Appendix B1 - Franklin Superintendent's Recommended FY25 Budget Executive Summary
• Appendix C1 - Historic Data: Budget Breakdown
• Appendix C2 - Historic Data: Operating Revenue
• Appendix C3 - Historic Data: Fixed Cost
• Appendix C4 - Historic Data: Local Aid
• Appendix C5 - Historic Data: Local Receipts
• Appendix C6 - Historic Data: Assessments
• Appendix C7 - Historic Data: New Growth
• Appendix C8 - Historic Data: Free Cash Balances
• Appendix C9 - Historic Data: FC & RE