Franklin Matters

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met briefly (approx. 30 mins) in a remote only session on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. All 7 members participated along with key members of the School District Central office.

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/IrOomkcGoyU?&t=62

Agenda for this session -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02032026-2116

Recap:

Supt Giguere talks of the health care accounting change, there is no impact to the employees on either Town or School, purely an accounting change. Food service and lifelong learning employees are paid from those revolving funds and charges would also go to the revolving funds for those associated health care cost for those employees. Coordinating with Town Finance to conﬁrm minimum impact.
"I recommend approval to move the School Health Insurance, Medicare, and Long-Term Disability expenses and associated funding from the School Department 300 to the Town Beneﬁts Department 910 as detailed."
So moved, seconded Discussion

This move allows for an apples to apples comparison with all of the Town departments
Jana explains the accounting for Lifelong learning and Food services, process very similar today and with this move.
MOA currently set for a ﬁve year term, could be a re-evaluation if required at time, not likely to revert, shared interest between Schools and Town to keep going forward
Ruthann comments on hope for future that the allocation for schools would be more predictable
Question on if the Town needs to add personnel to do this? No.
There are constant shifts among the individual personnel on both sides, Town and School...Moving forward with the GIC we should have more info sooner to help with the planning for future budgets to help with planning
Midyear retirement and other health care moves would be handled as normal (as done today on both sides)
Shift of costs that are not health care directly related are prohibited by both sides; the account 910 should be only health care period. Covers the revolving accounts which may have some 'excess' (by design, there should be a year's worth) those excess amounts can't move

Vote on the motion via roll call Passes 7-0, Motion carries
Motion to adjourn, so moved, second Passes via roll call, 7-0

My notes taken during the meeting in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mitbhEmUXwhXRlMnpOxL28kB4QqI6B5e/view?usp=drive_link

School Committee votes to move health care costs to Town budget line 910 (video)

This Chalkboard Chat shares insights into the FY 2027 budget and implications (audio)

FM #1652 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1652 in the series.

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chair Paul Griffith. We had our discussion via Zoom on Monday, February 2, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting January 27, 2026.

Our conversation covered the following topics:

Budget, and budget implications

Budget hearing Feb 10, budget vote Feb 24

Health care costs proposed to move to Town Account 910

Simplification, ensure all depts now have apples to apples budget comparison

Hold harmless, Chap 70 local contribution under re-evaluation

Special education reimbursement, cost advantages of in house programs

Policy updates

Remote participation

Middle school awareness of pathways

ECDC tuition re-voted to correct an oversight

Our conversation runs about 49 minutes. Let’s listen

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1652-chalkboard-chat-02-02-26/

The YouTube video of our conversation -> https://youtu.be/dh4BqY7UvtI

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School Committee page (with contact info) - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee

School Committee subcommittee assignments -

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-UxhayAn6s

The agenda can be found - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/8d6ca562-53e6-4ea4-a1af-54dc11571527/SCAGENDA-1-27-26.pdf?disposition=inline

FY 2027 budget presentation doc -

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/f0eb6e5e-b914-4650-9811-892c46570b5f/FINAL---FY27-Superintendents-Recommended-Budget-%282%29.pdf?disposition=inline

Released documents will be posted to the 'packet folder' - https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/january-27%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/24906664

My notes in one PDF file - https://drive.google.com/file/d/140kTZI5bmwVFlufRsU54cNneJ2BytZ-c/view?usp=drive_link

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

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
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FHS girls and boys basketball teams drop games to Taunton on Tuesday (video)

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Franklin, 52 @ Taunton, 60 – Final

– Taunton junior Syre Duverna had a breakout performance to help the Tigers exact revenge from just over a month ago, splitting the season series with the Panthers. After falling to Franklin at the beginning of January, Taunton jumped out to a big lead at halftime at home and held on in the second half. Duverna shot 9-for-12 from the field and scored 14 of his career-high 22 points in the first half to help Taunton stake a 33-20 advantage at halftime. Duverna added 14 boards, half on the offensive end, three steals, and three blocks to help set the tone for the hosts. Senior Dray Thielker scored 14 of his 17 points in the second half to help close it out, and junior Brett McNamara added nine points for the Tigers. Senior Justice Samuels scored a team-high 15 points for Franklin while classmate James Crowley chipped in with 10 points.

Taunton, 58 @ Franklin, 50 – Final

– Taunton went on a run over the second and third quarters, opening up a 20-point lead, to snap Franklin’s 10-game win streak and tighten things at the top of the Kelley-Rex standings. The Panthers, who could’ve clinched at least a share of the league title with a win, jumped in front 12-7 after one. Taunton answered back in the second. Mallorie Peterson hit a three and scored five points and Sophia Forrester and Marybel DoRosario had four apiece, as the Tigers scored 18 in the quarter and went to the locker room up 25-21. The visitors maintained momentum into the third, as Forrester hit a pair of threes, Peterson hit another, and DoRosario scored six points. Franklin finally got its offense going in the fourth, scoring 21 points. Freshman Brielle Nicholls scored nine in the frame and Ava Bonney added five. Taunton never looked in danger of losing its lead, as Forrester scored seven (going 5-for-5 at the line) and DoRosario added four. Taunton’s sophomore forwards led the way, Forrester finishing with 20 points and DoRosario adding 16. Peterson scored eight and Mia Torres had six in a win that should give Taunton a big boost in the Div. 1 rankings. Nicholls was Franklin’s top scorer with 13, Tessah Rodrigues scored 11, and Bonney added seven. Franklin can still clinch at least a share of the title with a win at Attleboro on Friday and can win the title outright if it wins each of its last two league games.

Franklin TV Video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/J5Bb55JhQwk?&t=846

Gymnastics = Taunton @ Franklin, 8:00

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-03-26/

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

Good & bad news: Only 4 Winter Farmers Markets remain this season

Good & bad news: Only 4 Winter
Farmers Markets remain this season

"We have 4 Winter Markets left here at Fairmount Fruit Farm! Come see Elsa (10am-1pm) and partake in our Vendor BINGO for a bag of apple cider donuts.

Can't make it this Saturday? Our next one is Feb. 21st!

Visit our website for more about us: www.fairmountfruit.com"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CGw1uiLZt/

Pre-Super Bowl Party at Teddy Gallagher's

"Let’s go Pats. Pregame party at Teddys Super Bowl Sunday.

Pre Order your special game platters and pick them up on Sunday.

The wings are 38!! $1 wings and half price apps in house on Sunday 11:30-4.

The AFC Championship game will be replayed on the big screen. Let’s go Pats!! "

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DUUBb5Zjk7T/

Smiles for Soccer fund raiser at George's Pizza - Feb 4

"Order lunch or dinner from George’s Pizza this Wednesday, February 4th, and this generous local small business will donate a portion of sales to our efforts."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CvHdAVXie/

Congratulations, March Cohen has published a book of his poetry: "A Dance with the Cosmos"

via Marc Cohen

"A Dance with the Cosmos"

"I would like to announce that Simon & Schuster has just published my poetry book titled, "A Dance with the Cosmos."

I would like to thank, and add that there is an acknowledgement page in the book;

Michael Cohen , Sean Sylver , Gail M. Cohen, and Kelly Phelan for the editing and proofreading efforts. A special thanks goes out to Amy Adams for the artwork for the cover!

The book is currently available in paperback and hardcover at the link below. In the search box, use the title to find the book.

The poetry book includes about 20 nature photographs that match the theme of the various poems.

Thank you everyone who has read my poetry, and made this an exciting adventure!"

Order a copy -> https://www.archwaypublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/870852-a-dance-with-the-cosmos

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FueuJ7rSu/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves.

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock

Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)

This segment shares the current Chalkboard Chat with School Committee Chair Paul Griffith -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/this-chalkboard-chat-shares-insights.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points. (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)

This segment features Kim & Mark in Episode 308 - Talking Whiskey With Colonel Craig Duncan (audio) -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode.html

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Franklin Matters

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 ???

School Committee votes to move health care costs to Town budget line 910 (video)

This Chalkboard Chat shares insights into the FY 2027 budget and implications (audio)

FHS girls and boys basketball teams drop games to Taunton on Tuesday (video)

Good & bad news: Only 4 Winter Farmers Markets remain this season

Pre-Super Bowl Party at Teddy Gallagher's

Smiles for Soccer fund raiser at George's Pizza - Feb 4

Congratulations, March Cohen has published a book of his poetry: "A Dance with the Cosmos"

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, February 4, 2026

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