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
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/--------------
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 -
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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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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