Franklin (MA) School Committee conducts public hearing on FY 2026 budget (audio)

FM #1370 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1370 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 4, 2024. The meeting had been added to the schedule given the revised budget timeline which enabled this 2 months earlier than previous years. 6 of the 7 members participated (4 in Chambers, 2 remotely, and 1 absent - O’Sullivan).

Quick recap

• The meeting did start late due to some timing and technical issues that were resolved to get the meeting going

• The redistricting efforts provide significant savings. If the redistricting was not done (to be effective this Sept 2025) the "level service" budget as proposed would be approx $6M more than requested. That said, this budget still assumes (1) the Town Council approves of an override of at $3 to 5M (number still to be determined) (2) and it is successful, or there would be cuts to this budget

• Lots of questions to clarify line items not so much the amount but what it covered in terms of education services, etc.

• No vote tonight, that comes next week at their Feb 11 scheduled meeting

The recording runs just under 2 hours minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1370-franklin-ma-school-cmte-fy-2026-budget-hearing-02-04-25/

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Franklin TV Video -> (Full video uploaded now) 

https://youtu.be/vAltgGVwnQE?&t=100 

The "budget book" was posted Tuesday afternoon -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5269967/-FY26_Franklin_Budget_Book_.docx_-_Google_Docs_1_.pdf 

The budget line item summary was posted during the meeting ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fy1HMBBXlvR3R8TLgKfELxoy9pEwk8P5/view 

The agenda doc -> 

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5247243/SCAGENDA_2-4-25_Budget_Open_Hearing.pdf 

My notes taken during the meeting in one PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yWlpg2EVU57DC3EUI1Oh-PTaCpSS9Jno/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos of the presentation doc taken during the meeting (doc itself should be posted to Schools page Wed/Thu will update to include link when available)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/tyFRLmSzqjBU7td18 

  

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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?

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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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School Committee conducts public hearing on FY 2026 budget (audio)

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, February 5, 2025 ???

Wednesday, February 5

• Last days to order charCUTEerie box - Food Pantry fund raiser
• Fudge Fund Raiser for Friends of Franklin Library 

6:30pm Franklin Art Association Monthly Meeting (Franklin Senior Center)

**   Town Meetings today   **

BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING

February 5, 2025, 5:00 PM

https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1543

Master Plan Committee

February 5, 2025, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1544

Town Council Meeting

February 5, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1546

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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/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

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

** Announcing ** Rachel Childers and Beethoven, February 16

Sunday, February 16th, at 3:00pm

LiveARTS is proud to present:   Boston Symphony Member Rachel Childers Sunday, February 16th, at 3:00 PM First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut St. Franklin, MA Join us for a stellar concert by Boston Symphony horn player Rachel Childers and pianist Ann Sears, with a program ranging from Beethoven to William Grant Still! Join us SUNDAY, February 16th, at 3:00 PM Rachel Childers joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra as second horn at the start of the 2011-12 season, becoming the first female member of the BSO brass section in its history. Childers received both her bachelor's and master's degrees in music from University of Michigan, followed by an artist diploma from the Colburn School in Los Angeles. She is on the faculty at the Longy School of Music of Bard College, and the New England Conservatory of Music, where she is chair of Winds, Brass, and Percussion Chamber Music. Childers also develops and performs programs for the BSO's "Concerts for Very Young People" at local libraries and children's museums. During summers, she teaches at the Interlochen Center for the Arts, the Tanglewood Music Center, and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. Tickets: Adults: $25.00;   All students: free with ID Tickets available at the door Accessible parking and building Visit our website liveartsma.org to purchase tickets on-line and for more information. Copyright © 2022 LiveARTS, Franklin, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: LiveARTS, P.O. Box 678, Franklin, MA 02038

LiveARTS, Franklin, Massachusetts · 283 Prospect Street · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

 ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏

School Committee conducts public hearing on FY 2026 budget (video)

The Franklin School Committee held their public hearing on the FY 2026 school budget on Tuesday, Febraury 4, 2025. The meeting had been added to the schedule given the revised budget timeline which enabled this 2 months earlier than previous years. 6 of the members participated, 4 in Chambers, 2 remote, and 1 was absent.

The redistricting efforts provide significant savings. If the redistricting was not done (to be effective this Sept 2025) the "level service" budget as proposed would be approx $6M more than requested. That said, this budget still assumes (1) the Town Council approves of an override of at $3 to 5M (number still be determined) (2) and it is successful, or there would be cuts to this budget.

Franklin TV Video -> (Full video uploaded now) https://youtu.be/vAltgGVwnQE?&t=100

The "budget book" was posted Tuesday afternoon -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5269967/-FY26_Franklin_Budget_Book_.docx_-_Google_Docs_1_.pdf

The budget line item summary was posted during the meeting ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fy1HMBBXlvR3R8TLgKfELxoy9pEwk8P5/view

The Executive Summary

Dear Franklin Community,

I am honored to serve the Town of Franklin as Superintendent of Schools. Together with the leadership team, I am responsible for overseeing the daily operations of our district, which serves 4,589 students and employs over 1,200 dedicated professionals, including educators, support staff, and administrators. Our collective mission is to foster academic excellence, social and emotional well-being, and equitable opportunities for all students in safe, healthy, and welcoming environments.

The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Superintendent’s Recommended Budget, totaling $80,395,338, represents a 3.78% increase over FY25 and is structured to balance rising costs with strategic resource allocation. This year’s budget cycle is framed by our guiding principle: “Laying a Foundation for Success.” This tagline underscores the critical connection between a well-structured, sustainable budget and the long-term prosperity of our students and community.

Strategic Priorities and Fiscal Responsibility

Our approach to budget development is mission-driven and informed by Franklin’s Portrait of a Graduate, which defines the essential skills each student will develop throughout their PreK-12+ experience. We remain steadfast in our commitment to:

❖ Optimizing Resources – Allocating staffing and financial resources to maximize student impact.

❖ Supporting Reorganization – Ensuring a smooth transition for students, staff, and families following significant structural changes.

❖ Stability and Sustainability – Building a future-ready system that meets current and evolving needs.

In FY26, we continue to right-size our operations by aligning staffing and expenditures with student needs. This budget reflects savings from our district reorganization, which includes:

❖ The unification of Franklin Middle School, consolidating all grades 6-8 students into one building at Oak Street.

❖ The restructuring of elementary schools into two K-5 complexes at Washington Street and Lincoln Street.

❖ The expansion of the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) at Pond Street will increase early childhood capacity and generate additional revenue.

❖ These bold decisions allow us to preserve recommended class sizes, maintain a high-quality educational experience, and create efficiencies without increasing full-time staff. The reorganization achieves economies of scale, ensuring we maximize impact while maintaining financial sustainability.

Budget Drivers and Investments in Student Success

Several key financial drivers shape the FY26 budget:

❖ Staffing Adjustments – Reallocating existing staff to maintain class sizes and meet student needs without increasing overall FTEs.

❖ Student Support – Continued investment in behavioral, mental health, and academic interventions.

❖ Compliance & Costs – Rising expenses in transportation, special education, and health insurance.

While staffing costs account for most of the budget, we have strategically reallocated personnel to support student success. We are also maintaining Franklin’s commitment to academic and co-curricular opportunities, ensuring all students have access to:

❖ Rigorous and engaging curriculum

❖ Special education and intervention services

❖ Extracurricular activities, including clubs, arts, and athletics

❖ Essential student support, including counseling and wellness resources

Additionally, our focus on financial stewardship includes:

❖ Classroom-Level Analysis – Ensuring optimal teacher FTEs and class sizes

❖ Historical Spending Review – Reducing or eliminating non-essential expenditures

❖ Technology and Equipment Review – Prioritizing essential tools and minimizing inefficiencies

❖ Special Education Forecasting – Accurately projecting out-of-district tuition and transportation needs

❖ Transportation Evaluation – Optimizing bus routes to mitigate cost increases

❖ Franklin in Context: Comparisons and Challenges

Despite fiscal constraints in recent years, Franklin Public Schools has made a series of bold decisions to maintain the success of a high-quality public education.

Looking Ahead

As Superintendent, I remain dedicated to working collaboratively with the Franklin School Committee, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, the Town Council, and municipal leaders to ensure fiscal stability and educational excellence. This budget reflects our shared vision for the future—one that prioritizes student success, supports educators, and strengthens our schools while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

We are grateful for your continued partnership and investment in Franklin’s students and for your unwavering commitment to our schools, families, and community.

Sincerely,

Lucas Giguere 

Superintendent of Schools

Janaina Melotti 

Interim School Business Administrator

My notes taken during the meeting in one PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yWlpg2EVU57DC3EUI1Oh-PTaCpSS9Jno/view?usp=drive_link

Photos of the presentation doc taken during the meeting (doc itself should be posted to Schools page Wed/Thu will update to include link when available)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/tyFRLmSzqjBU7td18

School Committee conducts public hearing on FY 2026 budget (video)

FHS girls and boys basketball (video) teams post wins on Tuesday vs. Taunton

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on  Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Boys Basketball = Taunton, 64 @ Franklin, 74 – Final

– Franklin’s big halftime lead was trimmed all the way down to two with six minutes to go in the game but the Panthers never let the lead slip and closed the game strong to get the win. The Panthers erupted for 31 points in the first quarter and had a 46-28 edge at the break. Taunton had a big third quarter to cut the deficit to single digits (58-50) going into the fourth and used a 7-0 run early in the final frame — a three-pointer from Dray Thielker, a layup from Julius Barrios, and a steal and score from Amari Campbell — to cut what was once a 19-point lead down to 59-57. Franklin responded with a run of its own, a 10-2 surge over the next three and a half minutes to put an end to Taunton’s comeback bid. Caden Sullivan (17 points) and Jake Olmstead each had four points and Justice Samuels (13 points) added a tough layup to put Franklin ahead, 69-59, with 2:30 to play. Olmstead was a huge reason why Franklin had such a strong start as the senior poured in 20 of his career-high 31 points in the first half. Thielker had a team-high 24 points, including 16 in the second half, for the Tigers while Barros added 13 points.

Franklin TV video of the game -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Sn8FaIYr98

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 53 @ Taunton, 37 – Final 

– Franklin rebounded from its loss to KP by jumping out to a huge lead in the first quarter at Taunton and rolling to a big win. Lauryn DiGiorgio returned after missing a few games with illness and knocked down a pair of threes and scored a dozen points in the first quarter. Franklin had a 26-2 lead after one, a lead it would never relinquish. DiGiorgio led all scorers with 14 points. Mallory Santos finished with 12 points, including a pair of threes and eight points in the third quarter. Elle Bonacci scored nine points and Lena Malymina added eight. Jillian Doherty scored eight of her team-high 10 points in the second half and Chelsea Bousquet had seven points. The Tigers, who were missing head coach Gretchen Rodrigues, also got five points apiece from Kaylee Lopes and Marybel DoRosario. The win keeps Franklin in a first-place tie with KP atop the Kelley-Rex.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-04-25/

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

Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios is Celebrating 13 Years!

Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios

Join us in celebrating 13 years of musical education, performances, ensembles, assessments, community support and all around music making!

Come tour our facility, as well as see demo classes and lessons in action! 

Sunday February 16 from 1:00-5:00 at 3 Bent St., Franklin Ma. 

Call 508-533-7700 for more info