[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6288571,"mediaKeyId","2537955-fc52ede0302de9cc69823d02226c9749","parentId",2537955,"title","Framingham schools report driver shortage but dozens apply for in‑house bus positions; district aims to bring service in‑house July 1","audioSeconds",334,"startMs",6056000,"endMs",6390000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2537955-fc52ede0302de9cc69823d02226c9749&start=6056&end=6390","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2537955-fc52ede0302de9cc69823d02226c9749/thumbnail_6056000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6288571/Massachusetts/Framingham-schools-report-driver-shortage-but-dozens-apply-for-inhouse-bus-positions-district-aims-to-bring-service-inhouse-July-1","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6288571-9aa5b8afff851c74b18976c981c8c703/orig.mp4?Expires=1770678742&Signature=aoIsDcuO4aNbiSfchCYNOQm0N7L6BcHP~T1qvn3cA14cx5XwTOhecnFH3clsNfhZzKp5a2fRd-EbL7QV4vOnxWqbftBqQhgV9oVo1pcUX~~f055IofgC36rXIxFw-zi9g6wnqkSH3tATzGkpFodaRtFe2Oa2rpR1FVo18diU~n4mwOSEVBP4n42XvqvLtjaSAfhfriHM-Pq5o1MfFMUOEZGkP6Gd2CeYrlNoM~dgGGCB04748V6VlDilTVBkzHYH0W30cLVrEt33G5pWtRoaJeSVEpaSHve5FvvjC25haKRZc8NLBeuFZaK8tD--We7ZP5-Acb41R-efOaVvsjUTFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Framingham Public Schools, MA","date","2025-02-26T00:00:00Z","article","Framingham Public Schools reported Feb. 26 that transportation performance remains below contractual expectations while the district works to bring bus operations in‑house. Between Jan. 15 and Feb. 13, the district recorded an average daily driver count well under the contract target and afternoon on‑time rates that in some schools fell near 60 percent.

Lincoln Lynch, the district’s executive director of finance and operations, told the School Committee the contract calls for 77 drivers and 18 monitors per day; the reporting period showed roughly mid‑50s drivers available on many days. Afternoon on‑time rates were lower than morning rates, with examples in the packet showing afternoon punctuality below 70 percent for several schools.

To address shortages, the district is actively recruiting to run transportation in‑house starting July 1. Lynch reported that 35 individuals applied for bus‑driver positions and 19 applied for bus‑monitor positions; many applicants currently work for vendors and the district has scheduled interviews for early March. The district cited recruitment incentives such as hourly pay, benefits and summer opportunities as reasons applicants are interested in district employment.

Committee members welcomed the applicant numbers but urged continued outreach beyond vendor pools and recommended partnerships with MassHire and expanded community recruiting. “Just because someone applies doesn’t mean they meet minimum eligibility,” one member cautioned, and asked staff to maintain transparency on hiring progress.

Operational details in the transportation report included: 73 athletic trips during the reporting window, with 62 accommodated by the current contractor; one day of Edulog app delay (about 15–20 minutes on Jan. 29); and continuing efforts to place students on buses given the constrained driver pool.

What’s next: The district will interview applicants in March, continue advertising and work with HR to finalize hiring. Transport staff said they will continue daily monitoring and provide updates to the committee as in‑house conversion progresses.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Framingham School Committee 2-26-25","oneSentenceSummary","District transportation reports show low on‑time afternoon performance and a shortage of contracted drivers; the district says 35 drivers and 19 monitors have applied to in‑house roles as it plans to assume operations July 1.","taxTitle","Framingham Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",64399,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6288575,"Votes at a glance: Framingham School Committee advances calendar, approves fees and seeks MSBA roof grants",324,5661000,5985000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2537955-fc52ede0302de9cc69823d02226c9749&start=5661&end=5985","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2537955-fc52ede0302de9cc69823d02226c9749/thumbnail_5661000.jpg","/articles/6288575/Massachusetts/Votes-at-a-glance-Framingham-School-Committee-advances-calendar-approves-fees-and-seeks-MSBA-roof-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6288575-144a670f76acfd9db0da6be63c5b6748/orig.mp4?Expires=1770678742&Signature=NGH7Yi8R43WbvYYMbCAfQTt1fvfTLwj7Pc9qLDo9kCSgfsIo-7NYPNGNz7xbcPxMb0cwRVW6wtOfuyuZvMPWIlLKDZ7vcnEaEan6L0sTbSuKkZMRFMC-EtlsRgQDFFjQoAXAx15LbvVKGBjc9nuWkuaRo8P~rJrYuKXvYXtwr9zQI9EZ~QfAM9-xtrczgZfcbH50mER9rCo60aJj6LCfcVAQWTYZqVABZ-KWPxd1UIMXbihO-jOCCm62-lX1yklzOHLnI0sYSGlKeFJj7Win1WtfyETiWA6dyDN8UBnkcwlJQi8hQCGDHBtyX-AQL2wMmCsNyin9rv4Hf-1ugD2JRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Framingham School Committee took a series of formal votes Feb. 26 to advance the district’s budget and capital work: it approved a first reading of the 2025–26 school calendar, adopted a set of annual fees for athletics, transportation and high‑school parking (parking vote split), and authorized submission of Massachusetts School Building Authority statements of interest for two elementary‑school roofs.

The calendar: The committee voted unanimously to approve the 2025–26 school calendar for a first reading so staff can revise it for a second reading; the motion was moved by District 4 member Adam Freudberg and seconded by Tiffany Maskell. Committee members and students had discussed professional development scheduling, statutory requirements for 180 school days and 900–990 instructional hours, and religious and cultural observances (including Eid) while considering how to balance instructional time with teacher training.

Fees: The committee approved keeping the athletic fee at $0 and retained the transportation fee at $2.50 per student with a $500 per‑family annual cap. Those votes passed unanimously. A separate vote on Framingham High School parking permits passed with one recorded no vote: the lower‑lot permit remains $75 and the upper‑lot permit $125 per year (roll‑call recorded; District 4 voted no).

MSBA roof statements of interest: The committee authorized the superintendent to submit Statement of Interest forms to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for Brophy Elementary School and Potter Road Elementary School under MSBA statutory priority 5 (replacement, renovation or modernization of building systems such as roofs and HVAC). The motions note that Brophy’s roof was replaced in 2002 and Potter Road in 1996 and that submission does not guarantee approval or funding; both motions passed with unanimous roll calls.

Other votes: The committee unanimously approved the annual evaluation of the school committee executive assistant and accepted a package of gifts including field trips, classroom supplies and donations listed in the meeting packet.

Why it matters: The calendar vote sets the process for finalizing the district’s school schedule and affects family planning and childcare. Fee decisions determine user charges for families and help the district plan operating revenue. MSBA statements of interest are the first administrative step toward potential state reimbursement for capital repairs that could lower local capital costs if the projects qualify and are accepted.

What’s next: The calendar will return for a second reading with translations and possible revisions; the MSBA SOIs will be followed by a city‑council concurrence step and formal SOI submission in March. Parking‑revenue proceeds are restricted for high‑school parking lot uses and will be applied to maintenance, re‑striping and related parking costs.","At its Feb. 26 meeting the Framingham School Committee voted to approve a first reading of the 2025–26 school calendar, set fees for athletics/transportation/parking, and authorized statements of interest to the MSBA for two elementary‑school roofs.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6288579,"Framingham School Committee unanimously approves four‑year contract for Superintendent Robert Tremblay tied to student‑achievement metrics",3774,396000,4170000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2537955-fc52ede0302de9cc69823d02226c9749&start=396&end=4170","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2537955-fc52ede0302de9cc69823d02226c9749/thumbnail_396000.jpg","/articles/6288579/Massachusetts/Framingham-School-Committee-unanimously-approves-fouryear-contract-for-Superintendent-Robert-Tremblay-tied-to-studentachievement-metrics","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6288579-f23519e79c0b7136001bcaca5dfa4cdb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770678742&Signature=JinLLQ2YEtwVZEDE6whHlS1-4VMjFpr0qIbaXJIWprKoAL08AMqFKOl7ZgmEOoIiexMLXJJQzfnZy6s1MBXazvj~Ap4VRb~7Iy6gs0OOZrJUtfeyCu6BsN2zD0fkAML~gywY4TUy2vh1v1eOV6yI0P4VA4suMc8hh8HtwH36AatJpLnGneLKrjHHwpCN4tYH1x7ieeUgnPQJiIvrP7yY9XJSiHM2b3lscQRFfifBSLx4r9X~DuuA0Y-oPLT2wHwtmTH1w2PlE51b7fRCF50~E7uOfKq8ERfo7Wd97hfYoxsK8uPb779V9-ygqxxEa1Y6JYlr-lQsZpksCviPjLXBww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Framingham School Committee voted unanimously Feb. 26 to approve a new long‑term contract for Superintendent Robert Tremblay that runs July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030, and ties future pay increases to a scoring rubric focused on student achievement and attendance.

The measure, moved by District 6 member Valerie Adeviani and seconded by District 9 member William Labarge, passed by roll call with all nine elected committee members voting yes. Committee members said the rubric will hold central office leadership accountable to changes in MCAS performance, graduation rates, chronic absenteeism and other indicators.

Why it matters: The vote followed an extended public‑comment period during which teachers, parent‑advocates and union leaders urged stronger accountability and additional attention to staff retention, especially of educators and leaders of color. Committee members said linking superintendent compensation to measurable district outcomes is a tool to focus leadership on student results.

The contract includes a performance rubric that awards points in areas including elementary and secondary MCAS English language arts, math and science; graduation rate; chronic absenteeism; WIDA (access) participation and results; and secondary advanced coursework participation. Committee materials say a superintendent increase of 0% applies if “the total points earned in this rubric are 0.” Other contract provisions recorded in the meeting packet include 25 annual vacation days (maximum five carryover), 15 sick days with no buyback option, and a $6,000 annual travel allowance.

Public commenters framed the vote as a test of accountability. Christine Mulroney, president of the Framingham Teachers Association, expressed concerns about the timing and process for contract renewal and said, “This premature decision making raises questions about any process...and whether it is truly in the best interest of students and staff.” Therese Actum Roberts of the Framingham Special Education Parent Advisory Council said her group supported new positions proposed in the FY26 budget packet that she tied to services for high‑need students. Minakashi Verma Agarwal, co‑founder of Framingham Families for Racial Equity in Education, criticized the committee’s approach to staff and leadership turnover and to addressing a state discrimination complaint in the district.

Superintendent Robert Tremblay acknowledged concerns and said he will fold the meeting minutes and public feedback into his goal‑setting even if some items do not appear explicitly in the new contract. “I hear you loud and clear,” Tremblay told the committee, and he said he will include staff‑retention elements in his goals for the coming year even when those items are not in the contract language.

Committee discussion emphasized that the new contract removes automatic cost‑of‑living‑based increases used previously and replaces them with annual performance-based review tied to the rubric. Several committee members praised the change as a tool to raise accountability for student outcomes while noting the limits of what the committee can direct about curriculum and daily school operations.

The committee also authorized the chair to issue a joint press release about the contract. Members said they will use the contract and the forthcoming annual evaluation process to monitor progress and to refine evaluation tools in collaboration with the superintendent.

What’s next: The committee will vote on the annual evaluation process by May 1, as required, and members said they plan to align that evaluation with the rubric in the contract. The video and minutes from the Feb. 26 meeting will be available on the district website and were referenced by the superintendent as a source to craft his goals.","After public comments pressing for greater accountability, the Framingham School Committee voted unanimously to approve a long‑term employment contract for Superintendent Robert Tremblay that ties pay increases to a rubric of academic and operational benchmarks.","actionData","errors"]

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Framingham schools report driver shortage but dozens apply for in‑house bus positions; district aims to bring service in‑house July 1

Votes at a glance: Framingham School Committee advances calendar, approves fees and seeks MSBA roof grants

Framingham School Committee unanimously approves four‑year contract for Superintendent Robert Tremblay tied to student‑achievement metrics