In the News: "Franklin’s school district isn’t alone in its fiscal troubles"

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

"As the town struggles with pre-existing financial difficulties likely to be exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the word “override” has started to show up prominently in Franklin conversations.

The bleakness of the situation came into painfully clear focus last week when, in the face of potentially significant layoffs, dozens of teachers and their supporters turned out to demonstrate in the town center.

It was precipitated after the School Department found itself in the difficult position of having to advise 103 of its employees they may no longer have jobs for the 2020-21 school year - and all of this amid questions about how school will function in the fall and meet, with fewer resources, the kinds of socially-distanced guidelines that the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is suggesting.

“We reluctantly issued non-renew notices to our non-professional status educators in order to meet the statutory deadline of June 15,” Schools Superintendent Sara Ahern said via email. “We did so because of the uncertainty of budget cuts and projected reductions in state aid.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200616/will-franklin-be-next-to-ask-override-question

Town Council budget hearing info for June 17-18

• June 17 - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-town-council-budget-hearing.html
• June 18 - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-town-council-budget-hearing_17.html
• Inside the budget documents https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/inside-budget-documents.html
• How did we get here?  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/how-did-we-get-here.html
• Just so you are not disappointed  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/just-so-you-are-not-disappointed.html

In the News: "Franklin’s school district isn’t alone in its fiscal troubles"

Ayla Brown to feature at THE BLACK BOX Outdoor Concert

THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premiere concert, theater, and event venue, has announced outdoor weekend concerts throughout the month of July in the theater’s parking lot. The shows will be presented in a 1 hour format with two seatings at 6:30 and 8:30 PM. Tables will be socially distanced and masks will be required when patrons enter THE BLACK BOX building to access the box office, restrooms, and bar. Table groupings will be limited to six.

The concert series will open on July 2nd with a weekend of Patriotic-inspired entertainment. Country singer Ayla Brown will headline on the Fourth of July. From parachuting with the Army Golden Knights jump team, lighting up the scoreboard for Boston College Basketball, or acting as a main correspondent for national news programs, Ayla Brown is no stranger to the spotlight. Most recently, she has been named as the Morning Show Co-host at Country 102.5 in Boston. Jonathan Wier and Ayla Brown can be heard weekdays from 5:30 to 9am on WKLB-FM (https://country1025.com/shows/jonathan-wier-ayla-brown/). 

Musically, Ayla has released two full length albums Heroes & Hometowns and Let Love In both to critical acclaim and her new single, “Label,” is available on all digital platforms. Brown, an alumna of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, was also a finalist on nationally renowned television program American Idol, and she continues to utilize her vast repertoire of talents while advancing her already successful and illustrious career. Other July performers will be announced soon.

Tickets will be available at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin. 

Ayla Brown to feature at THE BLACK BOX Outdoor Concert

Senate Unanimously Passes Comprehensive Elections Bill to Address Voting Safety Concerns during COVID-19

The Massachusetts State Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed legislation to expand voter access and address safety for all remaining 2020 elections, including the September 1, 2020 state primary and November 3, 2020 general election, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The bill, An Act relative to voting options in response to COVID-19, would, for the first time in state history, give all eligible residents the opportunity to vote early for the state primary and general election, allow residents to vote-by-mail, and expand absentee ballot access.

“The elections bill passed today is a historic step that dramatically increases voting access in our Commonwealth,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This bill would allow voters, for the first time, to cast ballots by mail, vote early and safely vote in person – allowing residents to safely exercise their important right to vote during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Senate has always championed greater participation in our democracy, and I am proud that ideas we’ve originated over the years are contained in this bill. I would like to thank my colleagues, including Senators Finegold, Creem, and Rodrigues for their urgency in advancing this bill, and I look forward to it becoming law.”

“One of our most important duties is to ensure we have an accessible and inclusive election process that is free and fair,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D -Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I applaud Senate President Spilka and Senator Finegold for their leadership to preserve equal access to safe and secure voting options for all voters the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and my colleagues for taking action to remove barriers and safeguard our democracy by ensuring all voices are heard without putting our communities at risk during this uncertain time.”

“This legislation is going to give people many options to vote this fall,” said Senate Election Laws Committee Chair Barry Finegold (D-Andover). “This bill continues to move Massachusetts toward secure and easy elections by providing vote-by-mail for the primary and general elections, offering an online portal to request a vote-by-mail ballot for the general election, adding early voting in person for the primary, and maintaining the option to vote in person on election day.”

“As a passionate advocate for increasing voter participation, I am pleased that the bill adopted in the Senate today will provide voters with the voting options they need to ensure widespread participation while protecting the health and safety of election workers and voters alike,” said Majority Leader Cindy Creem (D-Newton). “Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and voters should not have to choose between their health and exercising their right to vote. Today’s action ensures that this will not be the case.”

“While almost every dimension of our lives has been disrupted because of the COVID-19 pandemic, our system of elections is the bedrock of our democracy and must continue to function. The measures contained in this bill expand options to facilitate voting while at the same time protecting the integrity of the process and the health of voters,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R - Gloucester).

The bill does the following:

• Implements an early vote-by-mail system: An application to receive an early voting ballot will be mailed to all registered voters by July 15, 2020. The Secretary will then mail another application for the general election in the voter booklet sent out in the fall. Both applications and ballots will be postage paid.
• Creates early voting for the primary and expands early voting periods: For the first time in Massachusetts, early voting will be available for the state primary, to take place from Saturday, August 22, 2020 through Friday, August 28, 2020. Early voting for the general election would take place from Tuesday, October 17, 2020 to Friday, October 30, 2020. Early voting hours would vary according to the size of the municipality in order to give voters ample opportunity to participate while not overburdening small towns’ election departments. Voters may return their early voting ballot in the mail, in a secure drop box, or in person.
• Tasks the Secretary of State with creating an online portal: The bill requires Secretary Galvin’s office to create an online portal by October 1, 2020 to make it as easy as possible for people to apply for general election early voting ballots electronically.
• Expands absentee voting: The bill provides for absentee voting by any person taking precautions related to COVID-19. Voters may also return absentee ballots via a secure drop box.
• Provides tools to assist clerks: Acknowledging the increased burden these options may place on municipalities and clerks, the bill also provides for several accommodations to make the logistics of processing votes easier. The legislation allows for tabulating ballots prior to election day, and it offers pre-addressed envelopes to voters, so their applications go directly to their clerk’s office.
• Makes in-person voting more efficient: The bill allows municipalities to consolidate polling places and eliminate the check-out table at these locations, allowing for a more efficient process and fewer poll workers. It also expands who is eligible to serve as a poll worker, knowing that many current volunteers are seniors who may feel less comfortable working in public during COVID-19.

The legislation must now be reconciled with the Massachusetts House of Representatives.   https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2755

MBTA discusses Electric Multiple Units for possible future use

"At a recent @MBTA Board meeting, T staff discussed procurement of Electric Multiple Units for @MBTA_CR , with new fleet possible starting in 2025/26.

There’s a lot to do to make rail transformation happen.

See the presentation at https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-06/2020-06-15-fmcb-K-EMU-RFI-update.pdf #mapoli"

MBTA Electric Multiple Units RFI Update from Franklin Matters

Shared via Twitter: https://twitter.com/T4MASS/status/1272968435589234688?s=09

T staff discussed procurement of Electric Multiple Units for @MBTA_CR

Town Council Budget Hearings - Jun 17-18

Town Council Budget Hearings - Jun 17-18

a. Voting Document for the FY21 Franklin Town Budget
i. FY21 Budget Message from the Town Administrator  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/fy21-town-administrator-budget-message
ii. FY21 Town Administrator Proposed Budget  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/updated-budget-councile
iii. Appendix A

iv. Appendix B1 Franklin School Committee Recommended FY21 Budget Executive Summary (https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/02._executive_summaryrevised.pdf), Appendix B2 Franklin School Committee Recommended FY21 Budget (https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/fy21_sc_approved_budget_overview.pdf)

• Appendix C1 Historic Data: Budget Breakdown  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c1-historic-data-budget-breakdown
• Appendix C2 Historic Data: Operating Revenue https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c2-historic-data-operating-revenue
• Appendix C3 Historic Data: Fixed Cost  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c3-historic-data-fixed-costs
• Appendix C4 Historic Data: Local Aid  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c4-historic-data-local-aid
• Appendix C5 Historic Data: Local Receipts  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c5-historic-data-local-receipts
• Appendix C6 Historic Data: Assessments  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c6-historic-data-assessments
• Appendix C7 Historic Data: New Growth  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c7-historic-data-new-growth
• Appendix C8 Historic Data: Free Cash Balances   https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c8-historic-data-free-cash-balances
• Appendix C9 Historic Data: FC & RE  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c9-historic-data-fc-re

vi. Appendix D - Storm Water  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/_stormwater_council_outreach_2019_2.pdf
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1272968359953522688?s=09

Let's Go On With the Show: A Virtual Benefit for the Franklin Performing Arts Company - June 21

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will present Let's Go On With the Show: A Virtual Benefit for the Franklin Performing Arts Company this Sunday, June 21 at 7:00 pm EDT. The concert will premier live on FPAC's YouTube channel. 

This star-studded event will feature performances by Tony Award Winners, Broadway Stars, FPAC Favorites, and more all while raising money for FPAC and THE BLACK BOX. 

The company will be accepting donations at www.FPAConline.com/virtualbenefit


You can follow the Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/264355961342385/

Franklin Public Schools: Budget Sub Committee Meeting - June 17

Franklin Public Schools 

Franklin School Committee

Budget Sub Committee 

Wednesday, June 17, 2020 - 10:00 AM

Per Governor Baker’s order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A sec. 20, the public will not be allowed to physically access this School Committee Subcommittee meeting. Members of the Public can access the meeting via remote conference. The School Committee reserves the right to implement additional remote participation procedures and will notify the public of these procedures as soon as practicable.

Location: Remote Participation
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/94255527864?pwd=cFJHaUc3c09QbFRxV2RFNjhKMm9YQT09

Meeting ID: 942 5552 7864
Password: SCBSC One tap mobile
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Dial by your location
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Meeting ID: 942 5552 7864
Password: 032111

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."

• Discussion of FY21 Budget Development


PDF version of this agenda:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/agenda-bsc_6-17-20.pdf

Franklin Public Schools: Budget Sub Committee Meeting - June 17

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Budget Hearing #1 - June 17

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 17, 2020

Franklin High School Football Field  - Pisini Stadium

Oak Street, Franklin MA, 02038 7:00 PM

The Franklin Town Council will be holding its annual budget hearing on the Franklin High School Football Field. The purpose of this location is to have a place that allows for proper implementation of the guidelines produced by the state Department of Public Health (DPH) regarding Town Meetings for Municipal Legislative Bodies.

Executive Order 37 promulgated by Governor Baker. If attending in person, see DPH guidelines here. Additional guidance and details will be announced.

All budget materials are online https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget and individual budget links are below on the agenda.

1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

2. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and will be shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

3. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

4. HEARINGS - FY 2021 Budget Hearing 7:10pm
a. Voting Document for the FY21 Franklin Town Budget
i. FY21 Budget Message from the Town Administrator  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/fy21-town-administrator-budget-message
ii. FY21 Town Administrator Proposed Budget  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/updated-budget-councile
iii. Appendix A

iv. Appendix B1 Franklin School Committee Recommended FY21 Budget Executive Summary (https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/02._executive_summaryrevised.pdf), Appendix B2 Franklin School Committee Recommended FY21 Budget (https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/fy21_sc_approved_budget_overview.pdf)

• Appendix C1 Historic Data: Budget Breakdown  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c1-historic-data-budget-breakdown
• Appendix C2 Historic Data: Operating Revenue https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c2-historic-data-operating-revenue
• Appendix C3 Historic Data: Fixed Cost  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c3-historic-data-fixed-costs
• Appendix C4 Historic Data: Local Aid  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c4-historic-data-local-aid
• Appendix C5 Historic Data: Local Receipts  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c5-historic-data-local-receipts
• Appendix C6 Historic Data: Assessments  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c6-historic-data-assessments
• Appendix C7 Historic Data: New Growth  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c7-historic-data-new-growth
• Appendix C8 Historic Data: Free Cash Balances   https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c8-historic-data-free-cash-balances
• Appendix C9 Historic Data: FC & RE  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c9-historic-data-fc-re

vi. Appendix D - Storm Water  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/_stormwater_council_outreach_2019_2.pdf
 
5. COUNCIL COMMENTS

6. ADJOURN

Note:

• Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
• Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The PDF of the agenda and voting doc as well as the DPH guidance
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/06-17-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Budget Hearing #1 - June 17

“It was a blast and a great way to get the community together”

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

"When Nick Goldman finished running 26.2 miles on Saturday morning, he was hardly alone.

With friends and family cheering outside of Horace Mann Middle School on Oak Street, Goldman, who is a physical education teacher at the school, and soon-to-be Franklin High freshman Brad Morin both raised their arms as they crossed the “finish line.”

Instead of painter’s tape, however, the finish line was made of Charmin Ultra Strong toilet paper. Recent Franklin High graduates Carly Alston and Katie Nguyen held up the sturdy bathroom-turned-marathon necessity.

“The toilet paper fits with quarantine and everything,” Nguyen said. “High-quality stuff.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/sports/20200614/pair-of-franklin-teachers-set-up-community-marathon-to-raise-money-for-franklin-food-pantry

I talked with Nick and Paul in the preparation for the fund raising marathon. You can listen to that here:
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/fm-283-teachers-to-run-marathon-for.html

Teachers to Run Marathon for Franklin Food Pantry

Joint Statement: Senate President Karen Spilka & Chair of the Massachusetts Black & Latino Legislative Caucus, Representative Carlos González

On Monday June 15, 2020, Senate President Karen E. Spilka, Chair of the Massachusetts Black & Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC) Representative Carlos González, and members of the MBLLC met to discuss racial justice legislation. The following is a joint statement from President Spilka and Chair González.

"Today we had a very productive discussion about the urgent work that will take place in the Senate over the next few weeks to advance police reform and racial justice legislation.

"The areas of discussion were consistent with what the MBLLC has prioritized, as well as the focused work the Senate's Working Group on Racial Justice has been doing on the topics of police officers' standards and training, excessive use of force, duty to intervene, police accountability, and the need for robust data collection.

"Both the MBLLC and Senate President agree: The effort to dismantle institutional and structural racism that exists in our Commonwealth must be both a sprint and a marathon. We must do everything we can to achieve short-term systemic change while making a concerted effort to address racial barriers across areas such as education, housing, economic development and our financial systems.

"The MBLLC and the Senate are intensely aware of the gravity presented by this moment and are committed to working together to get a strong bill to the governor's desk before July 31, 2020."

Senate President Karen E. Spilka, (D-Ashland)

Representative Carlos González, Chair MA Black Latino Legislative Caucus, (D-Springfield)

Please Respond Today to the 2020 Census

We have reached a 76.6% response rate for Franklin, there is still time to get beyond 80% (Franklin actually did 79.9% in the 2010 Census).

"The 2020 Census is underway and more households across America are responding every day. Over 90 million households have responded to date, representing 61.4% of all households in America. Make sure that you and your friends and family are included in this once-a-decade count.

Help us spread the word: Everyone can respond to the 2020 Census online in one of 13 languages, with assistance available in many more."

https://2020census.gov/en.html

Visit the 2020 Census response rate map  https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html

The current results for Franklin (as of Sunday, June  14, 2020):

Please Respond Today to the 2020 Census

Inside the budget documents

There is a wealth of budget documents posted for the Budget Hearings scheduled by the Town Council this week. Among the pages of material what are some of the key points that you should be mindful of? Having spent time with the budget over the years, let me try and show a few key points, without getting too deep into the weeds.

Fixed costs summary
In most budgets you have fixed costs and variable costs. The fixed cost summary shows a relatively stable percentage for the fixed costs to the total budget and to the municipal budget. It would be nice to have the School side of this too but we don't for now. The table and chart shows the fixed costs totals and percents from 2000 to 2019. There is not a whole lot of change.

a relatively stable percentage for the fixed costs to the total budget and to the municipal budget

Tax rate: history and split vs. single rates
Some of the discussion in social media has been consideration of a split rate vs. the single rate we have. The situation we are in doesn't warrant a split rate. The tax base is 80% residential and 20% commercial/industrial. To reduce the residential burden by $1 would increase the commercial/industrial rate by $4. We don't have a diverse enough economy to make that work. 

The table shows the tax rate over the years and how it goes down when the total valuation increases, and goes up when the valuation decreases. There will always be an increase in the actual tax levy, period. The amount will increase even if it stays within 2.5%. The rate as a percent fluctuates with the real estate valuation.

Getting back to the split vs. single rate, the chart shows we can be successful as long as there is growth in real estate valuation and especially new growth. The new growth allows Franklin to increase the tax revenue and stay within the 2.5%. The problem this year, this budget, is the forecast for next years revenue - the pandemic effect.

tax rate over the years

Revenue forecast
The pandemic effect is where we have a major problem this year. Look at the revenue information. The revenue forecast for new growth drops significantly. The revenue forecast for local receipts also drops significantly. So even without a change in the State aid we have a problem.

revenue forecast for local receipts and new growth drops

Systemic issue
Look at the 10 year average for the various departments costs. Aside from the **Other Municipal category, the major budget items are in a 3-4% increase year over year. As mentioned above, we 'only' get 2.5% unless the new growth increase is such to cover these. 

Our choice, is to decide what we want Franklin to look like. What services do we provide to our schools and community? As shown, some years, the new growth can provide additional revenue but in other years, we also need to dip into our own pocket. The question is whether we are willing to do so and by how much?

3-4% increase year over year

The budget docs from which this info came from can be found


Fixed costs

• Town doc   https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c3-historic-data-fixed-costs
• 
  My chart table  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yzaPrm5Uuij7wFeav2dzPqaedScY936-/view?usp=sharing

 Tax rate history

• Town doc https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c7-historic-data-new-growth
• My chart table https://drive.google.com/file/d/128NbT-0secNI0e0K7esMFvZGSRYwUG8U/view?usp=sharing

Revenue forecast

• Town doc https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c1-historic-data-budget-breakdown

Systemic issue

• Town doc https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/appendix_c1_historic_data_-_budget_breakdown.pdf

 

In the News: Keolis contract for Commuter Rail extended through at least 2025

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

"Keolis Commuter Services, the French company that had fallen out of favor early in its contract, will continue to operate the Massachusetts commuter rail system until at least 2025 under a renegotiated contract approved by the MBTA Board on Monday.

Under the new agreement, Keolis could continue to run MBTA trains for four years beyond the original eight-year contract’s 2022 end date. However, the T can opt to end the partnership after only three additional years if officials feel ready to launch a search for what they described as a “transformational” successor.

In 2017, Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack said the MBTA planned to seek a new operator at the contract’s conclusion rather than use one or both of the two-year extensions available. The administration’s position has softened since then.

Officials on Monday described the updated extension as a better deal than what the T could get in the current pandemic-affected market, and they said it also offers flexibility to prepare a long-term plan -- which sprung from the Rail Vision project -- for reimagining the commuter rail with more frequent, interconnected and potentially electrified service."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200615/commuter-rail-operator-extended-through-at-least-2025

Franklin's Forge Park Station

"Retail association says 30% of members fear going under"

From the Commonwealth Magazine, ab article of interest for Franklin:

"The Green Bean’s experience is not unique. Many businesses are beginning to reopen with new safety standards and reduced capacity, but there are many others that may not be able to reopen at all. And those closures could have a ripple effect on Main Streets across the state.

“Businesses have made decisions where to locate around amenities,” said Greg Reibman, president of the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber. “If we’re losing amenities, that has a whole domino effect.”

The Retailers Association of Massachusetts recently surveyed its members and found that 30 percent of respondents were somewhat or extremely concerned that they would not survive the pandemic. President Jon Hurst said many businesses are at the end of their financial rope. They have had to pay for leases and inventory they could not sell. A clothing store might have a large stock of unsold winter coats – but it needs to buy summer clothes to reopen in June. Federal business loans can only go so far.

“It’s the reality of just not having the wherewithal to do that outlay for buying the inventory when you’ve had no income coming in,” Hurst said."

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/economy/many-businesses-closed-by-covid-are-not-coming-back/

The news of the British Beer Company closing is not the only retail operation we'll hear about. We do need to support our local businesses, all the time. This pandemic is going to have some significant impact on many operations.

Commonwealth Magazine

Franklin Public Schools: Remote Learning Update - June 15, 2020

June 15, 2020

Dear Franklin Families and Faculty/Staff,

The purpose of this message is to update families and faculty/staff on Remote Learning.

Planning for Re-Opening School in the Fall
A District Re-opening Taskforce -- comprised of district and school-based administrators, faculty/staff, school nurse leader, school physician, Facilities Department, Food Services, Lifelong Learning, Athletic Director, and a School Resource Officer -- has begun to plan for reopening school in the fall. We will be including parent/family and student voice as well.

The group’s efforts are focused in five areas: operations, healthy, and safety; whole child supports; personnel; academics; and distance learning. We expect that preliminary guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, containing more details around teaching and learning, will be issued soon. The guidance issued on June 5, 2020 was specific to ordering Personalized Protective Equipment (PPE) and should not be interpreted as what school will look like in the fall.

The District will be surveying families, staff, and students. Please be on the lookout for a survey soon. You can expect a communication from the Re-opening Taskforce mid-summer, in advance of the opening of school, for your planning purposes.

Chromebook Collection
At this time, the District will not be collecting Chromebooks from families whose children will return to Franklin Public Schools in the fall.

If your child is not returning you may complete a “request for remote support” form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf--tUJyJtg2OIFTEIXaoyJCmDbrqBEkvFgPYe9AJ3q7F3Asg/viewform) and then drop the Chromebook off at the rear of Franklin High School at the technology office on a Wednesday from 4-6 PM.

If your child is returning to FPS but you would like to return the Chromebook, please also complete the request for remote support form and drop it off on a Wednesday from 4-6 PM at the rear of Franklin High School at the technology office.

Alternatively, you can connect with a building administrator for a time when you can drop it off at your child’s school.

Last day of School 6/18
The end of the year certainly doesn’t look like how we envisioned when we began the school year on August 27th. Our last day of school will be Thursday, June 18th. In order to accomplish end of year tasks, the day will be modified where the secondary block will run from 8:30-10:30 AM and the elementary block will run from 9:00-11:00 AM. Afternoon instruction/meetings will be rescheduled. Current Kindergarten students will participate. More specific information may be issued from your child’s school. The last day of ECDC will be June 16th with their end of the year “Fun Fair” on June 17th.

Elementary and Middle School Report Cards
Please see the following links about report cards at the elementary and middle levels:
Elementary Report Card Letter (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HJCijpl2DrqyddwbtKyt3UdBqWV27ImIS3DQLYbx3gk/edit?usp=sharing)
Middle School Report Card Letter (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xkXgkjG7keyq6Sz0Pj1MN_OijOHCnkOvXtTu60QVGeY/edit?usp=sharing)

P-EBT Card for Students who Qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch
Families whose students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch started to receive P-EBT cards in the mail on Friday, May 29, and we hear that there has been some trouble with activating cards. The following information comes from the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) in order to assist you with activation:

Call DTA's Assistance Line at (877) 382-2363 and press 6. Their staff can help families to get the case information.

We are pleased to announce that the Food Services program has been awarded a grant in order to continue food service this summer, serving breakfast and lunch, to any child in Franklin.

This has certainly been a challenging spring for everyone. We want to thank the Franklin community for working together to keep each other safe and for cooperation, patience, and communication in shifting the entire instructional and support system to be remote. We have learned much in these difficult days, most notably emphasizing how much we value the opportunities we have to be together.

We want to wish all of our faculty/staff, students, and families a healthy and safe summer. 

Kind regards,
Franklin Public Schools

Please contact the Superintendent’s Office at 508-553-4819 with any questions. Please leave a voicemail. Although we are working remotely, voicemails are sent to email and will be responded to in a timely fashion.

PDF version (not yet on schools web page)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vwE7rFD_YckvgvfBcyBwDRdBBsYdFqw3/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Public Schools: Remote Learning Update - June 15, 2020