Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for meeting Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025

Franklin School Committee 

January 14, 2025 7:00 PM

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

II. Guests/Presentations

A. FHS Highlights

B. FHS Program of Studies

C. Franklin TV/Cable

D. Capital Budget Proposal E.

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Capital Budget Approval

I recommend approval of the Capital Budget Proposal as presented.

B. District Notifications

I recommend approval of the required notification to state and local organizations with the school complex naming conventions as detailed.

C. Policy - First Readings

I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed: 

• GBEB - Employee Conduct
• JKAA - Physical Restraint of Students 
• JB - Equal Educational Opportunities

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. ACCEPT Quarterly Report

B. EA Shelter Program Update

C. Grants Update

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 December 10, 2024 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B.   DECA State Competition Field Trip

I recommend approval of the recurring trip to Boston from February 27 – March 1, 2025 for DECA students to participate in the State Competition as detailed.

C.   DECA International Competition Field Trip

I recommend approval of the recurring trip to Orlando, FL from April 26 - 29, 2025 for DECA students to participate in the International Competition as detailed.

D.   Americheer National Competition Field Trip

I recommend approval of the recurring trip to Orlando, FL from March 13 – 17, 2025 for Varsity Cheerleaders to participate in the National Competition as detailed.

E.   FHS Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $3247.49 for FHS as follows:

$2997.49 Grinn & Barrett Enterprizes In-House Enrichment

$ 250.00 Sean Jobin Jacqueline Schaffer Scholarship

F. Music Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $1360 for FHS as follows:

$ 40.00 Music Dept. Field Trips

$360.00 Music Parents In-house Enrichment

$960.00 Music Parents In-house Enrichment

G.   Keller Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $2550.00 from the Keller PCC for Field Trips as detailed.

H.   Districtwide Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $500.00 from an anonymous donor for supplemental supplies where needed as detailed.

I. JFK Recurring Field Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Dr. Connolly to take 2nd graders to Roger Williams Zoo, Providence, RI on June 6, 2025 as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Executive Session

A.   Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21, (2) To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with FEA, ESP, Van Drivers, Cafeteria & Secretaries or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with FEA, ESP, Van Drivers, Cafeteria & Secretaries.

B. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21, (2) To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel

XI. Adjournment

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/fsc.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for meeting Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - agenda for meeting Wednesday, Jan 15, 2025 at 7 PM

Finance Committee 

Meeting Agenda & Meeting Packet 

Wednesday, January 15, 2025 = 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

Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Finance Committee cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Finance Committee may ask town staff to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the town staff from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. Approval of Minutes

a. November 6, 2024   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-11-06_finance_committee_meeting_minutes_0.pdf

4. Town Administrator Recommendation on FY25 Capital Plan

a. Town Administrator FY25 Capital Plan Memo  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/04a._fy25_capital_improvement_plan_memo.pdf

b. Five-Ten Year Department Capital Plans  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/capital_-_dept_requests_5_year_plans_0.pdf

c. Backup materials & quotes 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/quotes.pdf

5. Town Administrator Recommendation on expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds

a. Town Administrator Memo  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._opioid_settlement_funds.pdf

b. Draft Expenditure Resolution  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._1_-_resolution_25-02_-_opioid_funding.pdf

6. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive” Series

a. Public School “Hold Harmless” Presentation  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6a._hold_harmless_2025.pdf

b. State House News Service Article  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6b._with_new_term_dawning_spilka_eyes_k-12_funding_reform_primary_care_overhaul_senate_statehousenews.com_.pdf

7. Standing Updates:

a. FY25 Q2 Year to Date Department Expense report  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7a._ytd_budget_expenditures_encumb_option_-_summary_final.pdf

b. FY25 Q2 Local Receipts report  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7b._local_receipts_enterprise_revenues_budget_to_actual_report_-_12-31-2024.pdf

c. Stabilization Account Report  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7c._stabilization_fund_balances_-_three_year_comparison.pdf

Joint Budget Subcmte Listening Tour

8. Future Agenda Items/Next meeting

a. Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Tour & FY26 Budget Update Tour  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/jbsc_flyer_fixed_old_site.png

9. Finance Committee Member Comments

10. Adjourn

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/finance_committee_meeting_agenda_-_january_15_2025.pdf

Town Council gets updates on Franklin Ridge, 40b status, & moved to 2nd reading ADU bylaw changes (audio)

FM #1352  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1352 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, January 8, 2025. All 9 of the 9 members participated in Council Chambers. 

Quick recap:

• 2 public hearings on the accessory dwelling unit bylaw changes were opened and closed after discussion. Later the legislation for action approved by 9-0 vote to move both measures to second reading

• 2 public hearings on sign bylaw changes as proposed were opened and continued to the Jan 22 meeting without further discussion. Later in the legislation for action, those two measures were also rescheduled to the Jan 22 meeting by 9-0 votes

• Presentation on Franklin Ridge, a senior affordable housing project update was provided that with the recent funding made available on 2 front for Town work and for the private development of the 60 units, given the current schedule, ground could break in June 2025. Bryan Taberner, Director Planning & Community Development provided the update.

• Bryan continued with a second presentation on the sustainable housing inventory (SHI) or informally called the 40b requirement. Bottomline we are currently at 10.86% (above the critical 10% threshold) with approximately 1,000 units currently permitted or in the pipeline of approvals. If all of those units were indeed built (could be some # of years) we could increase to about 12-13%. Question then becomes, what should our goal be (besides remaining above 10%)?

• 2 items approved to enable the respective water and sewer connections for the Franklin Ridge project as mentioned earlier.

• The last item in legislation was acceptance of additional fund for the Senior Center etc.

• Interesting point in the Town Administrator's Report. The home rule charter request to exempt the town from paying for legal notices in print newspapers was signed by the Governor. We have an email alert process for any one with an email address to enable notification of such legal notices

Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs about 2 hours.  Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1352-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-01-08-25/

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/7dQWhWlHRW0?&t=208 

The agenda and released documents for this meeting ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_1.8.25.pdf 

My full set of notes (in one PDF) can be found online

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S-qr25XiQvmFi_gBNBvjrwUaeoK2ZukH/view?usp=drive_link 

Screen grabs of the presentation on housing (40b) ->    https://photos.app.goo.gl/pR2DTs2eaifKxWFo9 

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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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

key summary from presentation on housing (40b)

FHS wrestling goes 3-1 in super quad meet, boys hockey post shutout (video) & girls hockey fall in OT (video) on Saturday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, January 11, 2025

Boys Hockey = Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 3 - Final

– Franklin senior Liam Lewandowski had a hand in all three goals and Joe Torraco recorded a shutout as the Panthers blanked Taunton. Lewandowski scored twice and had an assist on a goal from Carter Balducci, who also had an assist.

"And that’s the game. 3-0 Franklin! Liam Lewandowski with 2 goals, Carter Balducci with 1 and Joe Torraco with the shutout! Next game tomorrow night at 6:00pm at home against Pope Francis"

https://x.com/FHSPantherHocke/status/1878252647754432753

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyRSP6AtJlM

King Philip, 3 @ Franklin, 2 – Final (OT) 

– King Philip erased a two-goal deficit to force overtime and sophomore Tayla McDuff scored the game-winner in the extra period to deliver the Warriors a thrilling win on the road. Franklin’s Julia Flynn gave the hosts a lead just 37 seconds into the game with an assist from Haley Wernig, and then doubled the lead with her second of the game just over a minute into the second on a rebound on a shot from Hannah Auerr. KP’s comeback started minutes later when eighth grader Chase Bright lit the lamp for the first time in her career to cut the Franklin lead in half. The game stayed that way deep into the third period when junior Katie McGann netted the equalizer with 3:38 to play. In overtime, McDuff came away with a steal at her own blue line and went the distance before lifting the game-winner in with 3:50 left.

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

Wrestling = Algonquin Quad (Franklin)

Great super quad today going 3-1 with wins against Westford Academy, Woburn, and Worcester Tech and a loss to Andover. Pins from Woodall(3), Ellis (1), Nash (2), Caccevelli (1), Carlucci (3), Sauer(3), Griffin (2), Rosenberg (3), and Best (2).  

https://x.com/FHSWrestle/status/1878151223330713913

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-11-25/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Franklin TV: Disaster Plan?

There are several things to do.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 01/12/2025

Disaster plan? Yes, we do have that. (We hope – and we also hope to not need it.)

That said, L.A. is coping with severe drought and a disastrous combo of extremely parched earth, wind, and fire (not the rock group). It reminds us yet again that yes, disasters happen. In recent years the ‘bad stuff’ has been on the uptick. Weather events have also found their way to parts of the U.S. deemed relatively low risk. However great or slight, risk is risk, and in hindsight, preparations are a bargain.

Man plans. God laughs. Cosmic schadenfreude? ( I fail to see the humor.)

It reminds us that disasters don’t discriminate. We are all exposed.

At Franklin.TV we coordinate with Police & Fire on disaster plans, and we also have backup plans and power systems to keep operating under adverse events.

Just as important – we plan for the digital preservation of key business records. This is something anyone (you) can do, and it requires only a thumb drive or two and time to scan/digitize key documents and organize these as computer files.

What’s the important/critical info to preserve? Bank records. Medical records. Passport and other key personal info. Property info. Your will. Online accounts and passwords. Photos/videos of family events. Pix of key valuables and receipts for insurance claims. Walk through every room of your home with a video camera. All of this and more should be organized and saved on an external storage device(s); a thumb drive or disk drive. Keep copies of your digital records outside of your home and car – in a safe deposit box.

When disaster strikes, your stuff may be gone, but your key information survives. Digital recovery makes your personal recovery much easier.

And – as always –

Thank you for watching. 

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.

And staying informed at Franklin●news.

 

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Sweet News from Friends of the Franklin Library

Friends of the Franklin Library

Sweet News from Friends of the Franklin Library As a previous supporter of Friends of the Franklin Library, we wanted to let you know about our fundraising initiative going on now - and it's a sweet one!   Friends of the Franklin Library is partnering with The Fudge Lady of Uxbridge for our 3rd Annual Valentine's Day Fudge Fundraiser. You can choose from 17 delicious specialty fudge flavors, including two vegan and one sugar free option. Also, 15 of the 17 fudge flavors are gluten free. With Valentine's Day coming up, this is the perfect gift for that special someone, your friends, family, or co-workers. And don't forget to treat yourself, too! All proceeds will help Friends of the Franklin Library continue to support and fund a variety of library-run programs, services, and initiatives at our beloved Franklin Public Library.  This year there are two ordering options: Option 1:  Mail your completed order form + check to:                   Friends of the Franklin Library, PO Box 147, Franklin, MA 02038 Option 2:  Email your completed order form to fofl02038@gmail.com and  VENMO your payment to @FriendsofFranklinLibrary Orders are due by Thursday, February 6th and will be available for pick up at the library during designated times Tuesday, 2/11– Thursday, 2/13.   CLICK HERE to start your order! The Friends thank you for your continued support! Best, Friends of the Franklin Library

View email in browser Friends of the Franklin Library · PO Box 147 · Franklin, MA 02038-0147 · USA

Community Closet update: Open hours for Jan & Feb; volunteer hours for soring available

Community Closet update - Jan 2025

The Community Closet was extremely successful in its inaugural year (or better stated--9 months)! As we enter the new calendar year, we are excited for all the ways this amazing program will continue to provide FREE clothing to the community and opportunities for neighbors to meet, serve, and share with one another.

To learn more about what we accomplished in 2024, what we're looking forward to in 2025, and ways you can help, go to https://franklinumc.org/2025/01/09/community-closet-franklinumc-january-february-2025/.

Volunteer We’ve taken a few weeks off through the holidays. There are quite a few donations that need to be sorted. We have regularly scheduled sorting days planned for January 14, January 28, February 11, and February 25. We’re also looking for volunteers to help host on days when the Closet is open for shopping. Click the button below to view the Community Closet volunteer calendar. Click the date to register. You can even subscribe to the calendar so that you never miss an opportunity to serve. New dates and opportunities are added regularly.

Volunteer calendar & Registration ->   https://onrealm.org/FranklinUMC/PublicCalendar/ViewCalendar/a6a49c2f-c231-492c-adb3-b25f016d4d2b

Shared from -> https://franklinumc.org/2025/01/09/community-closet-franklinumc-january-february-2025/

MassBudget publishes report on MASS State Transportation Funding

MassBudget (@MassBudget) posted Wed, Jan 08, 2025:

MASS State Transportation Funding

🚌 NEW Report: If you're looking to understand where the resources come from to operate our state's extensive transportation system, and where exactly that money is spent, look no further. 

Check out our latest for all the details: https://t.co/ptW0WZAiaZ #mapoli

Shared from -> https://x.com/MassBudget/status/1877066746755961318

Note: I am sharing this before I have got into the details of the report. A cursory view of the image shared raises some questions that I hope are answered within the report. 

You should be aware that Franklin is served by the MBTA and the regional transit services of GATRA, both of which are covered in this report on the flows of money in, where from, where does it go. Should be interesting reading.

Martin Luther King Day of Service scheduled by Franklin Federated Church on Jan 18 from 1 to 3 PM

Martin Luther King Day of Service

Martin Luther King Day of Service

January 18 from 1-3 PM

Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main St.

We'll be putting together birthday bags for the Franklin Food Pantry, Valentine Bags for Meals on Wheels, and Diapers etc. for Foster Care Essentials.

Snacks provided. 

Notice of Public Hearing - New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License Kaushik Restaurants, Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

FRANKLIN, MA

New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License

Kaushik Restaurants, Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine

The Franklin Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on an application by Kaushik Restaurants, Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine, located at 14 E. Central St., Franklin for a new Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License. 

This hearing will be held on January 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM and will provide an opportunity for public input. 

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 January 17, 2025 for updated meeting information. For questions, please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949.

Submitted by,

Julie McCann

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2025-01-22_legal_ad_-_mirchi_liquor_license_-_legal_ad.pdf

Notice of Public Hearing - New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License Kaushik Restaurants, Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine

Invisible People ➤ Imagine Everyone With a Home (video)

Invisible People ➤ Imagine Everyone With a Home (@invisiblepeople) posted Tue, Jan 07, 2025:

"Kensington, Philadelphia: known for its struggles, exploited by content creators, but rarely understood. Behind the stigma lies a public health crisis—and people who deserve dignity. 

Watch this doc & see the lifesaving work of Savage Sisters Recovery. https://t.co/hyUc43WB2W"

Direct video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WhK8sTT43s

Shared from -> https://x.com/invisiblepeople/status/1876842642501202139

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, January 11, 2025 ???

Saturday, January 11

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am Women's Faith Formation (St. Mary's Parish)

10:00am Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Franklin-ventions: Revolutionary Ideas in Franklin Industries (Franklin Historical Museum)

10:00am ‘Ben Gave us Books and We Gave the World Books’ (Franklin historical museum)

1:00pm Franklin Underground (live music) (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Padula Brothers (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7:30pm FPAC: To Tell a Story About the Earth (THE BLACK BOX)

7:30pm Peter Mulvey (live music) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

**  NO  Town Meetings today   **

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Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

In this SOUPer Bowl, everyone wins

In this SOUPer Bowl, everyone wins

The Franklin Food Pantry and Weymouth Food Pantry are going head-to-head in a SOUPer Bowl matchup! Now through February 9, 2025, each community is challenged to donate cans of soup to their respective town’s food pantry. The pantry that receives the most soup donations will be crowned Souper Bowl Champ 2025!

Donations for the Franklin Food Pantry can be placed in the purple bin on The Pantry’s loading dock at 341 W Central St. Franklin, MA, or sent directly to via The Pantry’s Amazon Wish List.

Get in on the action! Take a pic of your donation, post, and tag the Franklin Food Pantry and Weymouth Food Pantry!  Help us tackle hunger and everyone wins!