School Committee Meeting recap - budget not good news, 25 or more teachers targeted for potential cuts

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online: "#schcomm0526"
https://twitter.com/hashtag/schcomm0526?src=hashtag_click

Pre-meeting

• Three options for watching School Committee meeting tonight 1/3 "This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29" #schcomm0526
• Three options for watching School Committee meeting tonight 2/3 = Follow Zoom link in SchComm agenda doc #schcomm0526 https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/may-26-2020-school-committee-packet
• Three options for watching School Committee meeting tonight 3/3 = use your web browser to watch the Live Stream https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream #schComm0526

• Budget memo posted to meeting packet page to provide latest on the looming cuts for school budget FY 2021 (not pretty!) https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/budget-memo-0 #schcomm0526
• Budget memo posted to meeting packet page provides 2 scenarios; 1 cutting $3.4M; 2 - cutting $5.4M from school budget FY 2021 - depending upon what revenue # is used https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/budget-memo-0 #schcomm0526

Real-time reporting

• Real-time reporting underway for School Committee meeting tonight #schcomm0526
• Attendance via roll call for #schcomm0526 all 7 present
• Superintendent report: #schcomm0526 Miriam Goodman presented recently to a professional group ; bus fees clarification, to provide continuity of service: approx 50 participation in meeting
• Roles in education expanding, doc explaining such roles shared via link posted in Superintendent report #schcomm0526 available in Weds AM and on main page
• Details on June 5 timing coming next week. 50th anniversary group of FHS graduation, where are they? TBD #schcomm0526

Retiree Recognition

• Moving to recognize retirees tonight, normally done differently, most here with building principal. #schcomm0526
• List of retirees on the schools page: https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/retirees #schcomm0526

Intro of New FHS principal

• Next up - intro of the new FHS principal Josh Hanna. #schcomm0526 his first comment was that he was blown away by the retirement honorees, how much that means, he is excited to be here

• Next up; discussion/action items with some policy changes; 2 for second reading, motion to approve, second, passed 7-0 #schcomm0526 next item motion to approve as 1st reading, passed 7-0. Votes via roll call: last item policy elimination, passed 7-0

Discussion only items

• Discussion only items: closure update first - DESE guidelines on in person grad released last week, already planning for the virtual grad and parade will go forward. #schcomm0526 Friday June 5 the plan, pre-recorded sets of grad diploma and speeches to be broadcast
• Plans underway school visits to clear out rooms, lockers, etc. Schedule being finalized. Awaiting summer guidelines from DESE; CDC guidance released, awaiting state info on the September planning #schcomm0526

Budget

• Next up budget... Yes, budget for #schcomm0526 up for Finance Committee meeting on Thursday, May 28. Magnitude of gap between $3.4m and $5.4m currently, those numbers could change as State funding is determined (whenever that is?)
• FY 22 and FY 23 will also be challenging budget years given the uncertainty of the economy, the pandemic, and the recovery. #schcomm0526 Judy asks why education can't be delivered more cheaply, avg salary (w/o benefits) is 70K?
• Budget was going to be an issue before COVID-19, only gets worse with the pandemic State and Town revenue in disarray. Likely to be one of several budgets per Town Admin J Hellen. #schcomm0526 option 1 could mean 25 positions (3.4m) option 2 could mean 50 (5.4m)
• Salaries are somewhat competitive, we do loose candidates when they have multiple offers, #schcomm0526 budget is 75-80 percent to salary and benefits. Tim came because of the schools, if we keep cutting, that perspective/expectation will change
• There is some reimbursement of COVID-19 incremental costs but not enough to provide a resolution to the major budget issue. Cares act approx $126,000 #schcomm0526
• Lots of programs are designed to keep students in district to avoid higher outplacement costs, the story needs to be told of all that is done. #schcomm0526 students are coming with greater challenges needing more support, and that won't change
• Judy asks what part of the budget is unfunded mandates? Per Sara, a good number but not readily available, can work to pull together something. #schcomm0526 reduction of teachers will increase class size; supplies generally picked up by teachers when cut from budget

Information matters

• Moving on to info matters; budget subcomm meeting regularly, Community relations met last week, newsletter in works for what is underway. MA ranks 2nd in criteria of responses to COVID-19 response. Facility report coming early June, no decision made #schcomm0526
• Facility updates on the schools page https://franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis #schcomm0526

Adjourn

• Next up - future agenda items, DECA students scheduled for June 9 meeting, request for page numbering on docs over 2 pages (some one still using printed copies) #schcomm0526 motion to accept consent agenda passed 7-0 via roll call
• Motion to adjourn, second, passes via roll call 7-0. Real time reporting for this meeting ends. Thanks! #schcomm0526

Agenda document
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/scagenda_5-26-20.pdf

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/may-26-2020-school-committee-packet

School Committee Meeting recap - budget not good news

 

School Committee: Budget Sub Committee Meeting - May 29

Budget Sub Committee Meeting

Virtual Meeting 

May 29 - 1 PM

Location: Remote Participation
Meeting ID  meet.google.com/tar-iofd-ubo
Phone Numbers(US)+1505-431-2376 PIN:909430903#

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."

• Capital Projects
• FY21 Budget Development

Agenda Doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/agenda-bsc_5-29-20.pdf


The School Budget page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget

School Committee: Budget Sub Committee Meeting - May 29

HockomockSports.com: Teams of the Decade #2: 2012 Franklin Girls Soccer

Team: Franklin Girls Soccer
Year: 2012
Record: 22-0-1
2012 Kelley-Rex Division Champions
2012 Division 1 State Champions

"With the benefit of hindsight, it is obvious just how talented the 2012 Franklin girls soccer team was, but heading into that season there were question marks about a roster featuring 15 freshmen and sophomores. Only two years removed from a trip to the state semifinal, could the Panthers incorporate so much youth and still compete with the top teams in the league, let alone the state?

They could and they did. The Panthers outscored opponents 98-15 over the course of an unbeaten season, winning the Kelley-Rex division title for the third straight year, just missing out on perfection with a tie in the regular season finale, and claiming the program’s first-ever state championship.

It was a remarkable finish, but one that was hardly guaranteed at the start.

“I had some kind of idea of how they would be,” Franklin coach Tom Geysen said of the incoming freshmen, “but especially in our league, because our league is very competitive, if you’re not a very physically aggressive person then you can be taken out of your game almost immediately.”

Continue reading about the 2012 FHS girls soccer team
https://hockomocksports.com/teams-of-the-decade-2-2012-franklin-girls-soccer/

HockomockSports.com: Teams of the Decade #2: 2012 Franklin Girls Soccer

Franklin Public Library: June News & Events

June News & Events for the Franklin Public Library

Even though we are closed, the Library still has so much to offer! Here are updates and information regarding the Library's services during this closure:

The Franklin Library is now open for Curbside Delivery! Make your request online in our catalog at find.minlib.net , and limit your search for Franklin owned items. Wait until you receive an email, text, or call that your holds are ready. You may also check your Minuteman account online.  If the items are checked out to you, they are ready for pickup. Pick up is at the School Street entrance Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• Our digital library is still open! Explore our collection of audiobooks, ebooks, and more at https://minuteman.overdrive.com/ . On your phone or tablet, download the Libby and Minuteman Library Network apps!
• Try out Kanopy, hoopla, Creativebug, Universal Class, and PressReader on the Featured Databases page (exclusively available to Franklin residents).
• Learn something new, read newspapers from across the globe, or pick up a new skill using the links on our Databases & Research Resources page.
• Don't have a Library card? Apply for one online here https://library.minlib.net/selfreg ! This will give you access to all of our online resources and apps.
• Tune in to our Facebook page for streaming storytimes, book discussions, and other live programs. https://www.facebook.com/FranklinPublicLibrary/
• For email Reference service or help with your library account, send questions to frkill@minlib.net . Inquiries will be answered within 24 hours.
• Can't make it to the Library? Due dates have been extended to June 30th.
• No donations are being accepted at this time.

We are living in a time in history that will be remembered and discussed for generations. The Library would like to collect images of Franklin's experiences, ranging from the good to the challenging. Please share with us images of your experience during the Covid-19 pandemic and staying at home. Add your images to Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #FranklinStaysHome. We will get through this together!

Fun free apps for book fans:  Litsy is Instagram for bibliophiles. Post photos of your favorite books, write a review, share a quote, and create a "stack" of TBRs.  Catch up on your classics with Serial Reader!  This app breaks up classic novels into short, 20 minutes or less, reads.  If you allow notifications, it will alert you when it's time to read the next chapter.

Would you like a virtual escape to a world-class art museum?  Check out Google Arts & Culture.  Walk the halls of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence or London's Victoria & Albert Museum with just the click of your mouse. You can also search by artist or art movement.

Summer Reading at the Franklin Public Library!
Summer Reading Sign-ups are Live on the Franklin Public Library Website! Visit our Summer Reading Portal and sign up each of your children on a convenient google form right on our website!
The Portal will also contain:

• Links to the school summer reading instructions
• FAQs
• A google form to help us track your reading! 
• Special videos from our summer performers!
• Downloadable activities!

Summer Reading Bags will be available for curbside pickup at 10 AM beginning on June 1st! Call the Children's Room when you arrive at the library, and we will help make sure you're signed up/check you off our list, and bring your summer reading bags out to you! Inside the summer reading bags, you'll find everything you need to have an awesome summer with the library, including:

• Your reading logs and stickers (and instructions) to track your reading progress!
• A jam-packed virtual event calendar to hang on the fridge!
• Special activity packets that correspond with each themed week of the summer! 
• Fun surprises!

The Summer Reading Theme this year is: Imagine Your Story, with a fun focus on fantasy and fairytales, and we've got a great calendar of virtual events that correspond with our weekly themes, from Knight Training Camp to Mythology Week, Dragon Week, Wizard Week and more! We can't wait to make this an epic summer!

Imagine Your Summer! A Virtual Creators Club on Facebook!
Do you like to draw? Write? Code? Cook? Knit? Make collages? We want to celebrate making in all its forms this summer! Join our Facebook Group, called Imagine Your Summer! (available on the library Facebook Page in the groups tab!) We will be posting fun themed prompts throughout each week to help inspire your creativity, but we are also REALLY excited to have a space for you to share any creative projects you're working on or have made! This group is meant to serve creators of all ages, kids and grown-ups alike! Let's make this a super fun summer! If you can imagine it, we want to see it!

Weekly Virtual Storytime Schedule!
Monday:
Wake Up Wiggles! 9:15AM on Facebook Live!
Dungeons & Dragons! 3:30-5:30PM on Discord! Email mgousie@minlib.net to get involved!

Tuesday:
Tummy Time for babies! 9:30AM on our Tummy Time Attendees Facebook Page
Bookworm Bounce! 4:00PM on Facebook Live!

Wednesday:
Wake Up Wiggles! 9:15AM on Facebook Live!
Dungeons & Dragons! 3:30-5:30PM on Discord! Email mgousie@minlib.net to get involved!

Thursday:
Tummy Time for babies! 9:30AM on our Tummy Time Attendees Facebook Page
Bookworm Bounce! 4:00PM on Facebook Live!

Friday: Happy Feet with Miss Bree! (Class Registration: PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. To register, please email bcomeau@minlib.net!)

Saturday: Bookworm Bounce! 4:00PM on Facebook Live!

Special Virtual Events for Families in June!
The Inn is Open for Digital D&D! Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:30 - 5:30 PM
Join F.P.L.'s Dungeons & Dragons Discord Server! We've got two groups meeting online already and are Looking for more! To join us make an account at https://discord.com/ then email mgousie@minlib.net for an invite to the server! We are using https://roll20.net/ currently to facilitate our games.

Where's the Wizard? With Mr. Vinny! Saturday June 13th, 10:30-11:30AM Somewhere in Franklin!
Where in Franklin is Mr. Vinny and his Giant Puppet? Join the fun for a Social Distancing Seek and Find! Follow the clues posted in the Facebook event and try to spot Mr. Vinny and the puppet from your vehicle!

Cartooning Workshop for Kids! Tuesday June 23rd, 1:00PM on Zoom!
Join us for a one hour virtual cartooning workshop for beginners! Learn about character design and human expression! All you need is a stack of paper in front of you and something you like to draw with!  IDEAL FOR KIDS IN GRADES 3-7!
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. To register for this class, email Caleigh at ckeating@minlib.net by June 22nd!

Good Knight Storytime! Saturday June 27th, 6:30PM on Facebook Live!
Celebrate the end of "Knight Week" with a virtual storytime on Facebook live! Get the pre-bedtime wiggles out, and enjoy some swashbuckling stories!

ScienceTellers Present: Dragons! Return of the Ice Sorceress! Monday, June 29th on Facebook!
Join ScienceTellers for a fun virtual story that combines magic, science, and storytelling! Don't miss this fun fantasy adventure featuring awesome dry ice experiments to bring the story to life! The video will be available in the Facebook event and on our website starting June 29th!

Virtual Programs for Adults

Feasting From Your Pantry with Liz Barbour, Tuesday, June 2, 7:00 p.m.
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C4TeDotaSr6qkuEEvjiWPg?fbclid=IwAR0FgkbxtnTzJeY-A4FlBYSYAhKo5CyQHQRSMVqh1pzF6YcrKV8ozbHY3ZU
Whether you are a seasoned cook or complete novice, creating a meal from what you've got on hand is always a challenge. We've all stocked our pantries as best we could, and are now trying to figure out how to pull it all together to make an easy, healthy, and delicious meal. Join Liz for this fun and tasty class. Liz will share her pantry basics and inspire you to be creative with what you've got. Following her discussion, Liz will demonstrate 2 pantry recipes anyone can cook at home.
About Liz: Chef Liz Barbour, owner of The Creative Feast has been cooking professionally in the Boston area throughout her career. Liz's cooking demonstrations and recipes have been featured on New Hampshire Chronicle, Channel 9's "Cooks Corner" and in various publications including New Hampshire Magazine and New Hampshire Home. In 2017, Liz published her first cookbook "Beautifully Delicious: Cooking with Herbs & Edible Flowers". Follow Liz on FACEBOOK to see her Facebook Live cooking demonstrations.

Class Registration: PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM.
To register for this class, follow the link above. Following registration, you will receive a one-time login/password for the class. Registrants DO NOT need a Zoom account nor do they need to create an account.
Joining via computer: A registrant can simply click on the link provided in the confirmation email.
Joining via smartphone or tablet: A registrant may need to download the Zoom Cloud Meetings application. The application is free and does not require that they create an account.

Changing Careers: Reinventing Oneself in Today's Job Market, Tuesday, June 9, 6:30 p.m.
Transitioning into a new profession can be a challenging and daunting undertaking. We will discuss and explore various strategies to help make the transition from one industry to another a smooth one. This is a group discussion where everyone's experiences and opinions are welcomed. This workshop will be conducted by Senior Employment Specialist Gary Gekow.
To register, please use the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89124628155?pwd=NC9iK3hFRWRsUGIwZVBhSGxHSmhOQT09

Painting Demonstration with Artist Eli Cedrone, Saturday, June 13, 12:00 p.m.
This virtual, interactive class is for all levels, working in a medium of your choice. Topics covered include:
1.  Understanding the color of light and the color of shadows will help bring your paintings to life. Using color to capture the light and shadow of your subject will add that eye-catching drama that prevents your paintings from being dull.
2.  Keeping your color clean allows for better definition in your painting. I explain how to mix your color to keep it clean, avoiding the common problem of muddy color in the shadows.
3.  Learn to work with the colors on your palette to produce the correct light in your paintings. You don't need every color on your palette. I'll show you which colors to use to get the color harmony that's desired in your artwork.
You don't need any supplies - just watch, take notes and enjoy. Eli will explain her methods and show you some easy ways to get your creativity flowing. This is a great time to begin painting or take your work to a whole new level.  Visit her EVENTS page to register:  http://elicedrone.faso.com/events

Salary and Benefits Negotiation, Tuesday, June 16, 6:30 p.m.
For many individuals, discussing compensation with employers is a risky and uncomfortable endeavor, yet it is imperative that people have the necessary tools to advocate for themselves. Is the salary commensurate with your market value? Can allowances be made with respect to additional vacation time and increased stock options? We will discuss strategies to help bolster confidence and gain knowledge as it relates to business negotiations. This workshop will be conducted by Senior Employment Specialist Gary Gekow.
To register, please follow the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82163544355?pwd=Rkg4OUFLbXJEb3NUcXVYODQ5Z3MvZz09

Conquering Clutter with Certified Professional Organizer Janine Cavanaugh, Wednesday, June 17, 7:00 p.m.
It's easy to accumulate things, and bring stuff into our spaces, but it can be difficult to remove things and discard clutter. Want to conquer clutter with confidence? This workshop will discuss effective clutter controlling solutions that will help you take control of your spaces, places, and stuff. Learn how to get rid of clutter once and for all. To register, please visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrceuhqj8jHNa22Xh7zGe7zkjbFk-G80sK

Modern Literary Salon featuring the New England Indie Authors Collective, Thursday, June 18, 7:00 p.m.
This Modern Literary Salon will offer a combination of entertainment and discussion. This event will include readings from a memoirist, a poet, and a novelist, plus short performances from a playwright's one-man play. The entertainment portion will be followed by a discussion of their individual creative processes. For more information, please visit NEIAC.org . To register, please visit:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89763585690?pwd=ZjRFdkVFeG1oTGtOM2pHaTlhWm1LZz09

A Guide to Interviewing for Graduating Students and their Families, Tuesday, June 23, 6:30 p.m.

This skills-based workshop is geared toward high school students embarking on college interviews and college graduates facing employment interviews. Human Resource Managers and College Admissions Officers have high expectations as it relates to interview processes. In this session, we will learn a variety of strategies to help students navigate through this challenging experience. We will review key preparation checklists and examine best practices to help create a unique voice that will separate individual students from the pack of others. We will also discuss social media and the dangers of posting too much. This workshop will be led by Senior Employment Specialist Gary Gekow.To register, please visit:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89597494406?pwd=YkpKQW5aa1NnQXowaDhzTGozNWNDQT09

Making & Flying Miniature Kites, Wednesday, June 24, 7:00 p.m.
Learn to build and fly a miniature kite that will fly while you walk. No wind required! This is a delightful activity that requires very few materials and can be done quickly at time. If you can't go outside you can always fly a kite indoors! For more information, please visit http://miniatures.kitingusa.com/ . To register, please use this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctcumvrDwuHdZF5mJL5pvVaLXIw3Lq2T6N

Franklin Library Virtual Book Club, Tuesday, June 30, 7:00 p.m.
For our June meeting, we will be discussing Red At The Bone, by Jacqueline Woodson. Please email Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net to reserve a copy of the book. To register, please visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEscuqupjgoGd0XAfQuUAIIChGwkzLwWWsx .

Shared from the Franklin Library page
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/june-news-events-franklin-public-library

Franklin Public Library: June News & Events

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #21

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #21

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Hi friends,

I hope you're well and enjoying the sunshine. My town election was yesterday, and I've got a story for you about it.

A little over a week ago, I downloaded and printed mail-in ballot requests for myself and my spouse. (There's no way to do this through a secure web portal.) We completed them in pen, included all the necessary info, and just as I was about to snap photos of them and email the images to our amazing town clerk, I realized I felt mildly concerned about sending an unsecure email that included our dates of birth, address, and other info necessary for the ballot application. So, I stuck the completed forms in an envelope and sealed it. I was about to mail the forms, but then I got nervous they might not arrive in time, so I decided to drop them off by hand in the drop box at Town Hall.

And then life happened. I didn't drive by Town Hall for a week. No problem, I thought early last week. The deadline for submitting a mail-in ballot application isn't until Friday at noon. On Thursday I put the forms in the drop box. I also sent an email to the clerk alerting her that I'd dropped them off.

I didn't expect the ballots to arrive on Friday, but I was hoping they'd arrive on Saturday. Saturday's mail came and went -- no ballots. No mail on Sunday or Monday either, because of the holiday, so that meant the earliest the ballots might arrive would be Tuesday, which was also election day.

Our mail usually arrives around 12:30pm. I watched the clock as my jam-packed day progressed. I checked the mail after my noon meeting ended (at 1:45pm) -- no mail. I checked again an hour later -- still no mail. By 3pm, I realized we would have to go vote in person, because the polls closed at 4pm. We took turns because our kids are home (of course) and not yet old enough to stay by themselves. With less than an hour remaining before the polls closed, we both ran out to vote in person.

The mail came at 4:30pm. With the ballots. Half an hour *after* the polls closed and too late for us to use them.

This wasn't anyone's fault -- it's further evidence of a flawed opt-in system of voting by mail. We both had to rush to the polls with less than an hour left, and in an election with higher turnout, this scenario would yield a big crowd at the polling place, which is exactly what we're trying to avoid during a pandemic. My story shows just how essential it is for us to pass automatic (no request or application necessary) vote by mail for both the September primary and the November general election. If you haven't yet read up about my 2020 Vote By Mail Act, please do. It's the only legislation on Beacon Hill that will yield universal, automatic vote by mail for our statewide elections this year.

Let's also use my story as a reminder for everyone with upcoming town elections, please request your vote by mail ballot early. I have detailed instructions and election dates on my website.

As always, my team and I are here for you. Call us at 617-722-1555 or email me directly at becca.rausch@masenate.gov and one of us will get back to you as quickly as we can. Please follow me on Twitter and Facebook for real-time updates.

Wishing you and your families strength, health, and resilience. 

Yours in service,

Senator Becca Rausch

The newsletter was shortened for publication here, to review the full set of content: https://mailchi.mp/f9caf5514d11/covid19-update-12518775?e=0c2c9810fe

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #21

In the News: flavor tobacco restrictions take effect; RMV extends delay for renewals

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Restrictions on the sale of flavored tobacco products, including mint and menthol cigarettes, are set to take effect next week and Gov. Charlie Baker said he sees no reason the ongoing coronavirus pandemic should delay that.

The law restricting the sale of flavored tobacco products, including mint and menthol cigarettes, to smoking bars for on-premise consumption is set to take effect June 1, but the New England Convenience Stores & Energy Marketers Association has been pressing Baker to use his executive authority to delay the ban for one year.

“I think it should go into effect,” the governor said Tuesday when asked if the change should be delayed. “It was a public health issue at the time and it was particularly important to a number of folks in the public health community and to the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus and the leadership, and we supported it and we signed it and we want to see it go into effect.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200527/baker-no-reason-to-delay-flavored-tobacco-crackdown

Gov Baker's update for May 27, 2020 = https://youtu.be/MS_bJ66sCkM

"The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles announced it will be implementing further extensions to the renewal timelines for expiring motor vehicle inspection stickers, passenger plate registrations, professional credentials, and driver’s licenses and learner’s permits, including Commercial Driver’s Licenses and Commercial Learner’s Permits (CDLs / CLPs).

While the RMV has previously announced extensions for most credentials, passenger plate registrations and inspection stickers expired or expiring in March, April, and May, this action will apply an additional extension to those credentials and an extension to some credentials expiring in June, July, and August.

These extensions replicate the ongoing measures the RMV has taken to reduce the need for customers to physically visit an RMV Service Center or one of its business partners’ facilities, allowing for ‘social-distancing’ by decreasing non-essential travel and customer volume. Additional, longer-term extensions will also allow the RMV to ensure ‘social-distancing’ guidelines are met as demand for in-person service and renewals resumes during the Commonwealth’s reopening phases."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200527/you-can-keep-waiting-to-renew-your-license-and-get-your-car-inspected-rmv-extends-deadlines-again

IR-2020-105: Economic Impact Payments being sent by prepaid debit cards, arrive in plain envelope; IRS.gov answers frequently asked questions

As Economic Impact Payments continue to be successfully delivered, the Internal Revenue Service today reminds taxpayers that some payments are being sent by prepaid debit card. The debit cards arrive in a plain envelope from "Money Network Cardholder Services."

Nearly 4 million people are being sent their Economic Impact Payment by prepaid debit card, instead of paper check. The determination of which taxpayers received a debit card was made by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, a part of the Treasury Department that works with the IRS to handle distribution of the payments.

Those who receive their Economic Impact Payment by prepaid debit card can do the following without any fees.

• Make purchases online and at any retail location where Visa is accepted
• Get cash from in-network ATMs
• Transfer funds to their personal bank account
• Check their card balance online, by mobile app or by phone
• This free, prepaid card also provides consumer protections available to traditional bank account owners, including protection against fraud, loss and other errors.

Frequently asked questions continually updated on IRS.gov

The IRS has two sets of frequently asked questions to help Americans get answers about their Economic Impact Payments, including those arriving on prepaid debit card. These FAQs include answers to eligibility and other many common questions, including help to use two Economic Impact Payment tools.

Get My Payment (https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment), an IRS online tool, shows the projected date when a direct deposit has been scheduled or date when the payment will be mailed by check or prepaid debit card. The Non-Filers Enter Payment Info tool (https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here) helps taxpayers successfully submit basic information to receive Economic Impact Payments quickly.

The IRS regularly updates the Economic Impact Payment (https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center) and the Get My Payment (https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment) frequently asked questions pages on IRS.gov as more information becomes available. Taxpayers should check the FAQs often for the latest additions.

Here are answers to some of the top questions people are asking about the prepaid debit cards:

Can I have my economic impact payment sent to my prepaid debit card?

Maybe. It depends on your prepaid card and whether your payment has already been scheduled. Many reloadable prepaid cards have account and routing numbers that you could provide to the IRS through the Get My Payment application or Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool. You would need to check with the financial institution to ensure your card can be re-used and to obtain the routing number and account number, which may be different from the card number. If you obtained your prepaid debit card through the filing of a federal tax return, you must contact the financial institution that issued your prepaid debit card to get the correct routing number and account number. Do not use the routing number and account number shown on your copy of the tax return filed. When providing this information to the IRS, you should indicate that the account and routing number provided are for a checking account unless your financial institution indicates otherwise.

Will IRS be sending prepaid debit cards?

Some payments may be sent on a prepaid debit card known as The Economic Impact Payment Card The Economic Impact Payment Card is sponsored by the Treasury Department's Bureau of the Fiscal Service, managed by Money Network Financial, LLC and issued by Treasury's financial agent, MetaBank®, N.A.

If you receive an Economic Impact Payment Card, it will arrive in a plain envelope from "Money Network Cardholder Services." The Visa name will appear on the front of the Card; the back of the Card has the name of the issuing bank, MetaBank®, N.A. Information included with the Card will explain that the card is your Economic Impact Payment Card. Please go to EIPcard.com for more information.

Can I specifically ask the IRS to send the Economic Impact Payment to me as a debit card?

Not at this time. For those who don't receive their Economic Impact Payment by direct deposit, they will receive their payment by paper check, and, in a few cases, by debit card. The determination of which taxpayers receive a debit card will be made by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS), another part of the Treasury Department that works with the IRS to handle distribution of the payments. BFS is sending nearly 4 million debit cards to taxpayers starting in mid-May. At this time, taxpayers cannot make a selection to receive a debit card. Please go to EIPcard.com for more information.

Watch out for scams related to Economic Impact Payments
The IRS urges taxpayers to be on the lookout for scams related to the Economic Impact Payments. To use the new app or get information, taxpayers should visit IRS.gov. People should watch out for scams using email, phone calls or texts related to the payments. Be careful and cautious: The IRS will not send unsolicited electronic communications asking people to open attachments, visit a website or share personal or financial information. Remember, go directly and solely to IRS.gov for official information.

Quick links to the Frequently Asked Questions on IRS.gov:
Economic Impact Payments: www.irs.gov/eipfaq
Get My Payment tool: www.irs.gov/getmypaymentfaq
Please go to EIPcard.com for more information about prepaid debit cards.


Shared from https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-being-sent-by-prepaid-debit-cards-arrive-in-plain-envelope-irsgov-answers-frequently-asked-questions 

Recreation COVID-19 News

All Town and School playing fields, courts, open space are now open with restrictions. Playgrounds are still closed until further notice.


Hello Franklin! We have created a Trails & Walking Paths site to serve as a resource to our community. During these unprecedented times, it is important to get outside & de-stress, while practicing social distancing! We hope you find it useful. Be well! https://bit.ly/3bDgozC

SNETT trail section in Bellingham

For additional info check out the Recreation tab in the coronavirus portal page
https://sites.google.com/view/recdeptcovid-19contests/home?authuser=1

https://sites.google.com/view/recdeptcovid-19contests/home?authuser=1

FM #277 School Committee - Community Relations SubComm 5/20/20 (audio)

FM #277 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 277 in the series.

This session shares the Community Relations SubCommittee (of the School Committee) held a meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

SubCommittee chair Denise Spencer and members Anne Bergen, Judy Pfeffer participated. Anne Marie Tracey and Superintendent Sara Ahern participated during this session. Glenn Jones attended the meeting and used the “chat” function during the session, as I did.

Most of the discussion revolved around continuing the S’More newsletter service or using the Town account for Constant Contact. Details on contact listing, workflow, frequency (monthly/quarterly), info to be shared, etc.

Graphic on expanding roles of school personnel previewed during the meeting, soon to be used in communications. The graphic was shared via the screen but not yet released. (Actually released on 5/26/20 after this recorded was prepared for publication)  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/roles_in_education_-_final_version.pdf

The recording runs about 37 minutes, so let’s listen to the Communications SubCommittee meeting of May 20, 2020.   Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HNTF6jV7




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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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/
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"

Expanding Roles in Public Education Today

Memo to School Committee on FY 21 Budget Development

To: Franklin School Committee
From: Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools 
Re: FY 21 Budget Development
Date: May 22, 2020

As you know, the Franklin School Committee adopted a budget of $68,767,873 on April 28, 2020, which represents a 6.03% increase over FY 20. The Town Administrator’s memo from May 1 indicates that revenue predicted in the Governor’s Budget from January would not support this budget and it would be anticipated that the School Committee would need to reduce it. According to this memo, the school department could expect an increased allocation from the Town amounting to $775,000 (although $275,000 would need to be earmarked towards substance abuse prevention efforts). An increase of $500,000 would leave a shortfall of $3.4 million.

Uncertainty remains about the FY 21 budget as economists are revising state-level revenue estimates, which are analyzed to be negatively impacted in light of the economic downturn experienced due to COVID-19 closures across the state. Towns and school districts across Massachusetts are preparing for reductions in state aid. The Town Administrator’s memo from May 21, 2020 outlines the potential impact of between 5-25% reductions to the Town of Franklin. It is not likely that we will know the state budget until summer.

Reductions to state aid would add to the shortfall already previewed at the last School Committee meeting. I estimate that this could amount to be between an additional $1-5 million in addition to the $3.4 million under the previous assumptions. A likely scenario would involve a 10% reduction to state aid bringing the shortfall to $ 5.4 million.

At the last School Committee meeting, I began to lay out a few areas to reduce the gap as well as their impact. We identified the following:

• Updated budget figures including anticipated Federal Funding through the CARES Act, prepaying special education tuition, applying additional revolving funds, and a decrease in costs based on revised budget projections in transportation, Human Resources, and Instructional Technology. Many of these items are short-term solutions. CARES Act funding is a one-time allocation, prepaying special education tuition creates a structural budget deficit for FY 22, and additional revolving funding is not always available each year.
• Reductions from the Critical Needs additions including the proposed REACH coordinator position and the proposed stipend for a Transition Specialist, resulting in less support towards these specialized services.
• Initial reductions to services including reducing the Teaching and Learning Office budget and reducing supplies and materials by 5% across all schools, meaning less professional development, curriculum development, and classroom supplies/materials.

I also previewed the likelihood of reducing positions across the district.

It is difficult to predict state aid numbers at this time but it is imperative that we plan now. In advance of the School Committee’s budget discussion on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, I wish to outline how we are preparing for two possible scenarios of budget reductions.

• Scenario 1: Reduced Budget based on Governor’s Budget from January
• Scenario 2: Reduced Budget based on a 10% reduction to state aid

two possible scenarios of budget reductions

At this time, the administrative team is working to develop a series of recommendations to make to the School Committee in order to reduce the gap presented within these scenarios. Gaps of this magnitude are significant and every sector of the school department will be affected. As with building the budget, we frame our approach around our District Improvement Plan and vision. Additionally, these priorities guide our process:

• Consider enrollment at this moment, while also taking into consideration enrollment history of summer move-ins and our enrollment forecast
• Consider the impact of COVID-19 on FY 21 budgetary needs, as best we can predict at this time
• Reduce where students will be impacted the least in the core academic experience
• Scale back instead of broad programmatic cuts, where possible
• Apply a lens of equity across the district
• Not shift the burden further to PCC and Booster groups; our PCC and Booster groups raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to support students in our schools and in our athletic and arts programs. These dedicated volunteers are stretched very thin trying to support our students in areas cut years ago from previous school department budgets.

This is an extremely difficult and complicated task. First, the school department reduced the FY 20 budget in the following categories:

• $69,100 in reduced services including professional development, memberships, and material licenses.
• Reduction of 14.9 positions totaling $746,080
• Increase in the transportation fee, activity fee, and athletic fees to raise an estimated $174,030

Having reduced services and positions last year, and raising fees last year leaves fewer opportunities for FY21. Second, reductions of this magnitude are difficult given the direct relationship of the school department’s budget to a student’s classroom experience; the impact of these cuts will be felt. Lastly, while we are considering a number of contingencies, no one knows exactly what the fall of 2020 will look like for schools in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic and extended closure.

We will continue to examine reduced services and we will work creatively to consider ways in which we can reduce the budget without impacting jobs. Nonetheless, with personnel being the largest expense across the school district encompassing 85% of the budget with benefits, reductions of positions is anticipated. Under scenario 1, we could forecast a loss of as many as 25 positions (based on an average salary of $75,000). Under scenario 2, we could forecast as many as 50 positions (based on an average salary of $75,000).

While the Town Administrator is planning the town budget based on the Governor’s Budget and is awaiting further state-level information, he forecasts further reductions to the town budget in the fall and winter. That being said, the school department budget cycle necessitates our planning now. It is extraordinarily difficult to nearly impossible to make this level of reduction once the school year starts. Rather, we need to plan for the likely scenario now, with the hopes of a better forecast so that we may add back to our budget in the future, although that seems unlikely.

In the coming weeks, we will present options to the School Committee and the School Committee will have an opportunity to discuss and provide input on these items throughout development through on-going budget subcommittee and regular School Committee meetings. The School Committee’s budget will be discussed at the Finance Committee on May 28, 2020 and at the Town Council’s Town Budget Hearing, scheduled for June 17 and June 18, 2020.

Further Reductions to State Aid
The likely scenario for which we are currently preparing involves a reduction of 10%, which is a figure many districts are using to plan for FY 21. However, Chapter 70 aid was reduced by 20% in the 2009 economic downturn; this estimate is being used by some for local budget planning. Should Chapter 70 aid be reduced further to 15% or 20%, this would approximate an additional $1-2 million in reductions, equating to an additional 13-27 positions.

In 2009, the Federal government supported state and local revenue reductions with ARRA funds, mitigating the impact. At this time, there is no certainty of additional Federal funding to mitigate the impact of reduced state revenue, although some are hopeful.

Looking Ahead to FY 22
Last year, during the FY 20 budget development process, I wrote, “I wish to express my grave concern about the ongoing fiscal forecast for FY 21 and the possibility of further and more extensive reductions to the school department.”

The COVID-19 closure and economic downturn magnify an already existing structural budget deficit for Franklin Public Schools. A level service budget for FY 21 would have been
$68,231,057, or a 5.2% increase of $3,372,557 at a time when local revenue projections for the entire town were $3,500,000.

Franklin is in less of a position to rely on state aid than it has been in the past. Over the years, the expectation for minimum local contribution has increased due to the increase in local property values and median income within the town. State aid has contributed 54% of the school budget in FY2011 going down to 43.8% in FY 20, while local contribution has risen from 46% to 56.2% based on the state’s expectation of local contribution. A trend we expect to see in the long term is that maintaining even level service budgets in the future will be difficult under the current revenue formulas as well as long term economic forecasts.

The community is rightfully proud of the Franklin Public Schools. Unfortunately, we have a turbulent time ahead but our collective goal remains of supporting the growth and development of each Franklin student so that they have the social, emotional, academic and career skills to be productive citizens in an ever-changing world.


Download your copy of this important memo
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/budget-memo-0

screen grab of virtual School Committee meeting 5/26/20

Franklin TV - Memorial Day 2020 - Program Schedule

Franklin TV - Memorial Day 2020 - Program Schedule

The schedule for the broadcast of the Memorial Day 2020 program is as follows:

• Wednesday, 03:30 PM
• Thursday, 08:00 AM
• Saturday, 08:00 AM 

For the complete Franklin.TV and WFPR.FM radio schedule check out the program guide  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
 

Franklin TV - Memorial Day 2020 - Program Schedule

Tracy Novick: "The pit in my stomach"

Tracy Novick is a member of the Worcester (MA) School Committee, and a field director for the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC). While she has a bunch of disclaimers as she opens her article, from her observations she asks some questions on how to re-open schools:

"Please make no mistake: having our kids out of school is absolutely catastrophic to their education, and, in many cases, to their physical and mental health. In some cases, this has been exponentially increased by the lack of timely response, or mismanagement, or other leadership lacks.

I'm not under any illusions on how destructive this time is to many.

I also spend a good bit of time in and around schools, and schools of different types. I know what it's like in a suburban high school at lunchtime, and what it's like at an urban elementary school at recess. I've been in the closets that pass for offices for speech therapists and myriad of other support staff, the auto bays and shops of a vocational school at work, the flood of students running for buses at the end of the day.
I've also been in a lot of bathrooms.
I don't of course know it all, but know what a lot of that looks like in schools in Massachusetts right now.

I don't know how we do it without kids touching each other and breathing on each other and their teachers. I mean that, genuinely. I have tried and tried to figure out how you'd do it."

A worthy read, to continue follow this link:
http://who-cester.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-pit-in-my-stomach.html

Tracy's MASC profile page  https://www.masc.org/about-us-3/staff/67-about-us/staff/707-tracy-novick  (her profile needs to be updated as she got re-elected to the Worcester School Committee in Nov 2019).

Tracy Novick: "The pit in my stomach"

In the News: Annie's book store closes; planning underway to allow visitors to long-term care facilities

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Books hold a special place in the heart of Ann Durant -- so much so that they are like members of her family, each variously holding within its whispering, ink-fragrant pages memories of past times spent together or promises of new friendships, new discoveries and new adventures.

So it should come as no surprise that Durant, owner of Annie’s Book Stop on Plainville’s Man-Mar Drive, has been on a very determined mission the last couple of weeks: To leave the collection of books in her second-hand bookstore in equally loving hands.

Durant has found herself in the difficult position of having to close the business her mother -- the late Eleanor Arnold -- opened nearly four decades ago, and that she herself has been operating for nearly 25 years. While she has overcome some significant business challenges over the years, including competing with big box book stores and online book purveyors, the coronavirus pandemic has proven to be too much to surmount.

“Basically, my decision to close is directly because of the pandemic, when you count what it would cost me to stay open,” she said. “I have jumped hurdles -- the big box stores, the online stuff. I’ve always found a way around it, but this ... whether it’s my age or the length of time I’ve done this ... this I couldn’t find a way over it or under it or around it.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200526/a-wonderful-journey-comes-to-end-in-plainville-as-annies-book-stop-closes-amidst-coronavirus-pandemic

"As the state’s economic reopening gets underway in earnest this week, Gov. Charlie Baker said Tuesday that COVID-19 public health data indicates “that we are trending in the right direction,” and the head of the state’s COVID-19 Command Center said plans are in the works to allow people to once again visit their loved ones in long-term care settings.

Opening his first press conference since many consumer-facing businesses were allowed to reopen Monday, the governor highlighted two of the metrics that he has said will be key considerations when deciding when to launch subsequent phases of the reopening plan.

Baker said the average positive test rate is down to about 9% and has “been pretty much in that general vicinity now for about a week.” And the number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has shown “a significant decrease over the course of the past two or three weeks,” he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200526/medical-advisory-board-working-on-plan-to-allow-visitors-to-long-term-care-facilities-in-massachusetts-again-visitors-were-banned-due-to-coronavirus-outbreak

Video link for May 26 update by Gov Baker: https://youtu.be/X1Dq6fENwtI