Saturday, January 17, 2026

Chalkboard chat condenses the 4 hour Jan 13, 2026 School Cmte meeting to an hour (video & audio)

FM #1627 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1627 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with School Committee member Reis Hansen.  We had our discussion via Zoom on Friday, January 16, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting January 13, 2026.


Our conversation covered the following topics:


Early insights on role as school committee member

Subcommittee work on Policy & Horace Mann Legacy

Meeting recap

Recognition of cheerleaders

FHS trip to Galapagos for 2027 was approved

FHS 2026-27 Program of Studies Update

how courses are added, selection by students  

Office of Teaching & Learning District Assessment Presentation

The role of teaching & learning

The use of data to provide support and interventions as needed

MCAS still used just not a requirements for graduation

Franklin Childcare Presentation

The planning underway for initial opening for 9 student with 2 teachers

For school dept personnel first, then Town employees

Further expansion possible for community over time

Can provide revenue to sustain program 

We close with a discussion on screen time and use of technology in the classroom

    based upon a resident comment


Our conversation runs about 72 minutes. Let’s listen



Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1627-chalkboard-chat-01-16-26/


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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 for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaXy2prDrCI 


Agenda ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132026-2086 


Meeting packet folder (copies of the presentation are not yet available, once posted they should be in this folder) ->  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/january-13%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/24614180 



Pictures of the slides shared captured in one album for 

The Galapagos trip presentation ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/amcYuXHUxJfRbu6Y7 

The FHS Program of Studies -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/p5zRxxEXyke76hV66 

Teaching & Learning update -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/LotQq5wCQJ8qJmUy9 

Little Solutions Childcare update ->    https://photos.app.goo.gl/JoMPxdB2v7a2TMV26 


 


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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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