Friday, April 14, 2023

School Committee votes to increase the Superintendent's Recommended budget, to "ask for what they need" (audio)

FM #971 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 971 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.


The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the School Committee members, school district personnel along with some of the public were in the Council Chambers. Some members of the public participated via conference bridge.


Quick recap:

  • Recognized swimmers from the FHS girls swim team

  • Heard from an update Jefferson on their "Wellness Wednesday's"

  • Heard a proposal for a middle school trip during Spring break 2024 to National Parks (Grand Canyon, Bryce, & Zion). Coming back for a discussion and vote at the next meeting

  • Voted to add to the Superintendent's budget proposal the $480K originally marked as 'left out'. The amendment to add this passed by 6-1 after a lengthy discussion. The overall budget passed 7-0. Next step will be the Finance Committee budget hearings on May 10. Followed by the Town Council budget hearing May 24

  • During the budget discussion a creative use of Legos made a few points

  • Entered executive session to hear an MOU for the FEA to which they returned to open meeting and approved by 7-0 before closing the meeting after 10 PM without extending their session per their recently changed protocol


Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.


Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting April 11, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-971-fps-school-committee-mtg-04-11-23



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Agenda document -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_4-11-23.pdf


Packet folder contains the documents released for this meeting (some will be posted AFTER the meeting - per School Committee policy)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-11-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet


Middle School Trip proposal slides -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/Uii2XTG7rrrHJmmi7

District Improvement Plan update -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/Z2mHSCxxgU4Zut1q9

My notes captured during the meeting (in one PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12Dggz5jO854jCpN33uFlNuL29hEOEJuD/view?usp=share_link 


Note the reference to the listing of reductions over the years as compiled by the District for a School Committee budget workshop. I converted the PDF to text to share with red text highlights. 
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/03/what-programs-positions-were-cut-school.html

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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.  


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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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During the budget discussion a creative use of Legos made a few points
During the budget discussion a creative use of Legos made a few points

CommonWealth Magazine: "Mass. House approves unaltered tax plan"

"THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to pass its $1.1 billion tax relief bill exactly as pitched earlier this week. A provision that would adjust an obscure tax giveback law dominated most of the tax plan debate but ultimately made it through to the final bill unchanged.

The mid-afternoon vote, which approved the package, 150-3, advances a measure that top House Democrats say will bolster the state’s competitiveness and affordability and bring tax rates in line with those in other states. Its top-line features are cuts in the short-term capital gains tax from 12 percent to 5 percent and raising the estate tax exemption from $1 million to $2 million, along with tax deductions targeting parents, caregivers, seniors, and lower income renters. 

“Let’s hope it makes us more competitive and people will hesitate before moving,” House Speaker Ron Mariano said earlier in the week about the tax package. “We don’t want you to leave. We want you to stay here.”

The tax debate will now move to the Senate."
Continue reading the article online at CommonWealth Magazine -> 

The legislation text can be found online ->  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H3770

CommonWealth Magazine: "Mass. House approves unaltered tax plan"
CommonWealth Magazine: "Mass. House approves unaltered tax plan"

Empty Bowls getting glazed and finished, do you have your tickets yet?

"Last night, a wonderful group of folks worked together glazing bowls for the Empty Bowl fundraiser on Thurs. May 18th at FHS. 
Link for tickets is my bio. Let's do this Franklin!!  
@FranklinFoodPan @FHS_EmptyBowls @FHSPantherbook @FranklinHS #emptybowls #fhs #ceramics #franklinhighschool https://t.co/GxUCzfviEz
Shared from -> https://twitter.com/johnsonb_ms/status/1646655217709064194

a wonderful group of folks worked together glazing bowls for the Empty Bowl fundraiser on Thurs. May 18
a wonderful group of folks worked together glazing bowls for the Empty Bowl fundraiser on Thurs. May 18

Additional photos of the glazing night can be found on the link shared above.

Purchase tickets for the Empty Bowls event here: bit.ly/EmptyBowls2023

Disclosure: Franklin Matters is proud to be a sponsor of this event.

Panther News: April 14, 2023 (video)

Panther News for April 14, 2023



2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Second Public Hearing TUESDAY APRIL 25

2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Second Public Hearing TUESDAY APRIL 25

The second Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) public hearing is Tuesday, April 25, from 6-8p in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Franklin Senior Center (10 Daniel McCahill Street). Residents are encouraged to attend to hear a presentation of the 2023 OSRP goals and objectives based on resident input from the first public hearing and other outreach mechanisms. 

An Agenda for the public hearing can be found here.  

Due to the concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, this Open Space and Recreation Plan Public Hearing is available to be attended in person and via the ZOOM platform. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by copying the link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). 

Please click/copy and paste the link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87216848860 or call on your phone at 929-205-6099, meeting number is 872 1684 8860. If you are having trouble accessing through the link, please call on your phone and use *6 to toggle between mute/unmute and *9 to raise your hand. The public hearing can also be accessed remotely on Franklin TV All-Access channel (Channel 8 Comcast/Channel 26 Verizon). 

For residents that do not have cable, the public hearings can be accessed live on the Franklin TV All-Access YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@franklinmaall-accesstv7535.

Can't wait to see you there!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan-second-public-hearing-tuesday-april-25

2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Second Public Hearing TUESDAY APRIL 25
2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Second Public Hearing TUESDAY APRIL 25

MASS Senate Passes Legislation creating Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities

Dedicated Secretariat designed to assist the administration in prioritizing housing for all residents

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday (4/13/23) passed a reorganization plan to create a state Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, a cabinet-level position which will assist the Commonwealth with meeting its long-term goals in addressing the housing crisis and expanding safe, accessible, and affordable housing for residents.

"As a state, we must work towards a creating a sustainable and inclusive future, where no one is prevented from calling Massachusetts home simply because of the cost of housing," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "I am grateful that Governor Healey has brought this legislation before us, and we in the Legislature look forward to continuing to partner with the administration to support housing that is affordable and livable, vibrant communities. I'd also like to thank Senator Collins and Senator Edwards for their attention and hard work to ensure that the Senate could reach consensus on this issue in a timely fashion."

In Massachusetts, housing-related issues are currently addressed by the administration through the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. The reorganization plan passed in the Senate today would elevate housing issues to a separate executive agency tasked with supporting housing availability and assessing the Commonwealth's progress in this area.

"I want to thank Senate President Spilka for prioritizing this legislation's passage in the Senate today," said Senator Nick Collins (D-Boston), Chair of the Senate Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. "The creation of a new Secretariat will bring a cabinet-level focus to the Commonwealth's housing crisis.  I would like to congratulate Governor Healey as well, who will now be able put her vision for housing and livable communities into action."

In response to ongoing concerns over housing availability, last session, the Massachusetts Legislature allocated over $1 billion in direct appropriations to support affordable housing in Massachusetts. This followed a session that saw the long-awaited 'housing choice' legislation become law with important housing production incentives, including requiring multi-family zoning near transit.

"I am excited about Governor Healey's newly established Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, which offers Massachusetts a clear steward in the mission to ensure dignified housing for all residents," said Senator Lydia Edwards (D-Boston), Chair of the Senate Committee on Housing. "We need a dedicated think tank for housing justice, generational wealth, and eradicating discrimination."

The reorganization plan is also in the House of Representatives for consideration.


MASS Senate Passes Legislation creating Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities
MASS Senate Passes Legislation creating Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities

Franklin Municipal Building CLOSURE - April 17, 2023

Franklin Municipal Building CLOSURE - April 17, 2023

In observance of Patriots Day

The Franklin Municipal Building will be CLOSED on Monday, April 17, 2023 in observance of Patriots Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-municipal-building-closure-april-17th-2023


Franklin Municipal Building CLOSURE - April 17, 2023
Franklin Municipal Building CLOSURE - April 17, 2023


Notice of Public Hearing - Transfer of Section 15 Wine & Malt Beverages Package Store License

The Franklin Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on an application by Marlboro Food, Inc. d/b/a 7-Eleven 37380B, located at 400 King Street, Franklin, MA for a transfer to it of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License presently held by TM1 Solutions, Inc. d/b/a 7-Eleven Store Number 37380A to be exercised at the same location. 

This hearing will be held on April 26, 2023 at 7:00 PM and will provide an open forum for discussion. Location: Municipal Building, 2nd floor Council Chambers, 355 E. Central St., Franklin and will also be available via the “ZOOM” platform. Residents can visit the Town website (Franklinma.gov) calendar on and after April 21, 2023
for updated meeting information. 

For questions, please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949.

Submitted by,
Julie McCann


Notice of Public Hearing - Transfer of Section 15 Wine & Malt Beverages Package Store License
Notice of Public Hearing - Transfer of Section 15 Wine & Malt Beverages Package Store License

Franklin Public Library Closed for Patriots Day


Franklin Public Library Closed for Patriots Day

Franklin Public Library Closed for Patriots Day
Franklin Public Library Closed for Patriots Day

The Franklin Public Library will be closed Monday, April 17th for Patriots Day.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/franklin-public-library-closed-patriots-day


Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Apr 14, 2023

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Friday

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

9:00 am     Frank Presents: Nick Remissong
11:00 am Senior Connection: Joe Landry
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Taquitos
12:30 pm Sandhya: Cupcakes
1:00 pm     Home $weet Home Ep 1
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: White Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 8
3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
5:30 pm     Jake Auchincloss Town Hall 04-01-23
7:00 pm     The Black Box: Newsies
8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Tracy Grammer

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY

7:00 am     Public School Concert: FHS Concert Night 2019
8:30 am     It Takes A Village: Philip Hulbig
11:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Tennis: v Hopkinton 05-20-22
1:30 pm     All-Town Showcase 2023: Band
6:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v Framingham 06-06-22
8:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies
9:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball: v Oliver Ames 04-03-23

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) =  FRIDAY

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 03-30-23
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 03-30-23


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

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)
Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)