Franklin Matters
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Town Council votes to approve Town Administrator's contract by 5-4 vote (video)
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 ???
Charles River Pollution Control Meeting
Wednesday, August 12 Time: 3:30 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2435
Tri-County School Committee Nomination Committee Meeting
Wednesday, August 12 Time: 5:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2446
Town Council Meeting (executive session)
Wednesday, August 12 Time: 6:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2444
Governor Healey Signs Freedom to Read Law at Franklin Public Library
School Committee gets multiple updates on summer learning, transportation, etc. in 1 hour meeting (video)
- Superintendent report provides updates on multiple items; planning for Sept, transportation, hiring status (positions open, a better view to be provided next time), work on facilities progressing. Ms Melotti out on maternity leave, Dr Bob Dutch back to fill in while she is out, important school start dates on webpage - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars/
- Joint presentation and updates on summer learning from Student Services and Lifelong Learning. Slides shown were captured in one photo album https://photos.app.goo.gl/7BGZeLN2QWEezqFw7
- Annual report submission approved, minor formating remains to be done by the Town as the annual report book is prepared for publication
- The 2nd reading on the restraint policy was approved as amended by the Policy Subcmte meeting prior
- Consent agenda was also approved. All votes, by the way, were via roll call and passed 7-0
School Cmte Policy Subcommittee reviews multiple policies, sets up for financial policy reviews (audio)
FM #1796 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1796 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. All 3 members (Dave Callaghan (Chair), Al Charles, Reis Hansen) participated in the session held in the 3rd floor training room. Dr Tina Rogers and Paula Marano also participated.
Quick recap:
comment for discussion on page 3 of the restraint policy, suggestion to better clarify the separation of what is or isn't allowed by state and or here in Franklin; should be run by P Marano to confirm discussion on proposed
adult meal price from $4.75 to $5.75 at FHS higher utilization and a good amount from the other schools, relatively low financial piece of the overall budget adults get the same meal generally just an adult portion rather than student portion. pricing hasn't been changed since 2023. motion to approve recommendation for the adult meal fee from $4.75 to $5.75
Ms Marano joins the discussion to review the earlier restraint item, she agrees with the minor modification discussed to clarify will be amended during the formal meeting 2nd reading later today
next up discussion on technology and AI appropriate use in the classroom, informal advisory group of parents who responded to the survey, work still underway, needs to be done within the district too district improvement goals will include screentime on the scope, intentional use key
next up, field trip forms consolidated amongst the schools to be more consistent will be able to address this in the early school year as field trips are not anticipated right away
next up, community use of school facilities, should be available outside of school hours, during school hours, student and operations safety comes first so signage and communications around opportunity for a PSA video to help raise awareness of this item
several items on budget and fiscal policy have not been touched since 2016. One makes reference to posting in newspaper. Would be good to review and potentially revise, then send to Budget Subcmte for their review and wordsmithing as necessary before bringing to full committee. Picking up these next time
Meeting adjourns, folks move to Chambers for full School Committee meeting
The recording runs about 49 minutes, so let’s listen in.
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School Committee Subcommittee assignments
https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons
The meeting agenda can be found ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112026-2442
My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WlBkiyMfp-4d_K_m2aywqetojQ7s1-08/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
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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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Reminder: New location/day for Town Council Office Hours - Saturday, Aug 15 at 10 AM
118 Main St.
Franklin, MA 02038
Town of Franklin Ballot testing for the State Primary is scheduled for Weds, Aug 19
- Democrat Sample Ballot https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10533/Democrat-Sample-Ballot-
- Republican Sample Ballot https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10531/Republican-Sample-Ballot-
Worrying About Your Next Meal? The Franklin Food Pantry is Here to Help.
"I am beyond grateful for The Pantry. Becoming a disabled single mom is not something anyone prepares for. Thank you again." - Pantry Client
Have you registered for "Exploring Mark’s Wine Picks" - Thursday, Sept 3 ??
The Watermelon Wobbler 5K is Saturday, Aug 15 at White Barn Farm
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, August 12, 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.
- This hour features the 300 Fisher St Discussion at the July 22, 2026 Town Council meeting https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-300-fisher-st-segment-of-town.html
- This segment features Episode 321 - Crushin’ It in Boston: Redefining Wine Culture with Gabrielle Malina (audio)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode.html
Franklin TV schedule for Thursday, August 13, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = THURSDAY
Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = THURSDAY
Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = THURSDAY
Franklin TV schedule for Wednesday, August 12, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY
Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY
Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY















