Thread by @FranklinMatters

Getting ready for the School Committee meeting tonight at 7 PM, agenda and remote connection info -> franklinps.net/district/meeti… #schcom0308

Meeting opened by Chair Spencer #schcom0308 moment of silence in memory of Kevin O'Malley, former Chair of the committee who passed last week. Motion to move discussion of the budget after the presentation rather than later. Passes 7-0.

No high school reps as FHS has the basketball dblheader, a concert, and a hockey game tonight. Dr Ashley appointment made. Kennedy position to be back filled, looking for Diversity equity and inclusion director, interviews next week; AD position interviews underway #schcom0308

Jefferson principal leaving, posting to be made soon; lifelong learning position to be filled, multiple spots open, hope I caught them all. #schcom0308 3 FHS visiting Jefferson, painting hallways, another creating a video for reading program, FHS girls won tonight to advance

Unified basketball at all three middle schools started today. All came together today for the kickoff, concert tonight at FHS, another Weds at FHS also featuring the band. #schcom0308 feedback on masks optional, approx 20-50% still wearing masks, low number of cases

Possible Jefferson principal timelines, posting soon, first interviews before April break and second after the break, #schcom0308 update on budget about to commence

Budget presentation doc to follow along franklinps.net/district/meeti… #schcom0308 developed from workshop and other in district sources of input, formal hearing at next meeting

Learning loss along with SEL needs won't be made up immediately but will be a focus to work on #schcom0308

Recap of chap 70 details, how we got to where we are getting more than we should from the State and hence the local contribution is increasing to compensate, will continue to increase until it caps at 80% #schcom0308

While some of the numbers still require to be filled in, the proposed budget is shown in summary here, approx. a $2.4M increase over last year. #schcom0308

Aside, Thursday the Joint Budget Subcom is meeting and we might get an indication of the town contribution, if they don't cover the increase of $2.4M there are issues to be resolved. Note town usually gets about a $3M increase year over year so giving 2.4 to schools #schcom0308

Puts pressure on all the Town Dept budgets... #schcom0308 stay tuned, I did forecast this was a big week of reveals and it is indeed turning out to be.

Key slides showing avg class size elementary and middle, also the increases of special educational support positions #schcom0308 high school chart not available, too difficult to present in similar manner

Key note on the ESSER funding, it has been submitted and planned for, will be spent over the next 2 years to support needs as defined and approved, no need to "rush" the spending it is planned for carefully, when it ends it needs to be made up from elsewhere #schcom0308

Also of note the budget increase requested is the smallest in Supt Ahern's time primarily due to use of revolving funds and prepaying some expenses #schcom0310

Statement from FEA being presented by FEA secretary on the budget and how it is spent (copy of statement to be shared later) #schcom0308

School budget page as referenced during meeting #schcom0308 franklinps.net/district/schoo… the budget book details for FY 2023 can be found there along with prior year budgets

Clarification questions from #schcom0308 members, some passing for now, some with some insightful Qs - helpful discussions; aside, if we had wherewithal to do more the District would like to do so, the desire and demands are there to be met, where will the $s come from is key

Discussion on level funding vs. level service, there is a significant difference between the two; level funding requires service cuts, level funding simply continues next year what we do this year but with no additional supports #schcom0308

Unfunded mandate came up with the state requirements for free transportation for K-6 outside of 2 miles to school, no reimbursement from State #schcom0308 hands tied via budget and similar mandates

Budget discussion finishes, a couple of key points not covered but no opportunity to add now will do so later #schcom0308 moving to discussion action items franklinps.net/district/meeti… moved, seconded, passes 7-0

Next up new policies for first reading #schcom0308 franklinps.net/district/meeti… order of business and public participation changes proposed, recommendation to move to second reading, moved, seconded, discussion effective rewrite of bullying policy ...

Discussion on the plan based upon the policy to take to next level of implementation by different roles within district #schcom0308 "reasonable period of time" what is it? really subjective? That would be covered in the next level of implementation passes 7-0

SEPAC meeting Mar 17, SWAC policy work forwarded to policy committee and they'll bring it to full committee: budget Subcmte next Tuesday Mar 15, Joint Budget Subcom on Thursday Mar 10 agenda just released today franklinma.gov/joint-budget-s…

Next meeting budget hearing, policies for review #schcom0308
Consent agenda motion to move, second, passes 7-0 ; motion on acceptance of FEF check seconded, passes 6-0-1 (McNeill recused)

Now to executive session #schcom0308
passes 7-0 via roll call, so that's all for tonight, catch you next time!

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