Catching up: Town Council Quarterbacking for the Joint Session March 17, 2026 (audio)

 FM #1710 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1710 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Monday, March 30, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, March 17, 2026.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• Presentation on the Chapter 70 Program - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)

• Appointment to the Finance Committee: Tom Sullivan, Passes 8-0-1

• Legislation for Action (all votes passed by 8-0-1)

• Resolution 26-16: Approval for Request for Statements of Interest for Development of a Strategic Plan 

• Resolution 26-17: Town Council’s Support of FY27 State Budget Priorities 

• Resolution 26-18: Town Council Support for H. 4297, An Act relative to the Lowell Mason Act to mandate a percentage of Chapter 70 funds for Arts Education Programs 

• Resolution 26-19: Request for Special Legislation Re: Increase in Local (Hotel) Excise Tax

The conversation runs about 25 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1710-town-council-quarterbacking-march-17-session-03-30-26/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/vMw9RSzLJGI?&t=70 

The agenda doc - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2193  

Photos of the slides presented in one album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/WrHjvm6PcK5z2SPq6 

The DESE presentation is available - 

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ZXyBdwq4EvQANLOM5qceeoId0ssrKQPU/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=101938843903614700481&rtpof=true&sd=true

My notes in one PDF document - https://drive.google.com/file/d/17c0hL9XH3aIn4vXRq8daYRfGFS3HPriQ/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"

Joint School Cmte & Town Council meeting to hear from DESE about Chapter 70 (audio in 2 parts)

FM #1707-1708 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1707-1708 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session. 

The meeting was held in conjunction with the Franklin School Committee (all 7 members also present) for both to participate with the presentation by the Dept of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) to cover Chapter 70 & hold harmless.

 

• 1707 - The Opening, and the DESE presentation & discussion  (approx. 2 hr 45 mins)   https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1707-town-council-mtg-p1-of-2-03-18-26/

• 1708 - After a brief recess, the remainder of the Council meeting  (approx. 55 mins) https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1708-town-council-mtg-p2-of-2-03-18-26/

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Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin TV video) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/joint-meeting-of-town-council-school.html

The DESE presentation document

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ZXyBdwq4EvQANLOM5qceeoId0ssrKQPU/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=101938843903614700481&rtpof=true&sd=true

-------------

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!

------------------

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

Joint meeting of Town Council & School Committee gets details on Chapter 70, Council approves RFI for strategic plan (video)

The Franklin Town Council and Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday night. 

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/vMw9RSzLJGI?&t=70

The agenda doc - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2193 

Photos of the slides presented in one album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/WrHjvm6PcK5z2SPq6

(We are supposed to get a copy of the presentation document. When we do, we'll add it here)

My notes in one PDF document - https://drive.google.com/file/d/17c0hL9XH3aIn4vXRq8daYRfGFS3HPriQ/view?usp=drive_link

Chapter 70 Program - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)

Brief recap

• Presentation on the Chapter 70 Program - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
• State constitution calls for funding education. Chapter 70 was developed in 1993 to administer the program. It was revised in 2019 with the Student Opportunity Act (SOA). It attempts to normalize school funding across the Commonwealth. Communities can spend more than the state determined "foundation" level but the state will assist the community in meeting the foundation level.
• Franklin is a minimum aid community as the current calculation calls for state assistance in the amount of $13M and we were previously getting $30M, hence we are being held harmless by that $17M. The 17M is the amount that the state determines Franklin could and should be funding from our local resources.
• There is a study underway to take a look at the local contribution requirements but it is likely a couple of years away from taking effect and it is not yet know what will happen. While Franklin is #2 on the list of communities being "held harmless", the number of communities on that list is growing due to the revised calculations
• Appointment to the Finance Committee: Tom Sullivan, Passes 8-0-1
• Resolution 26-16: Approval for Request for Statements of Interest for Development of a Strategic Plan (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-16 - Majority Vote)
• So moved, second, ...
• Motion to amend with Council and SchCmte, and new date Apr 17
• Second, passes 8-0-1
• Motion to approve as amended 
• Second, passes 8-0-1
• Resolution 26-17: Town Council’s Support of FY27 State Budget Priorities (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-17 - Majority Vote)
• So moved, second, discussion 
• Passes 8-0-1
• Resolution 26-18: Town Council Support for H. 4297, An Act relative to the Lowell Mason Act to mandate a percentage of Chapter 70 funds for Arts Education Programs 
• So moved, second, discussion 
• Motion to amend to include house and Senate ways & means, second vote to amend withdrawn ...
• Vote on the original motion, resolution was not changed, just the memo
• Passes 8-0-1
• Resolution 26-19: Request for Special Legislation Re: Increase in Local (Hotel) Excise Tax (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-19 - Majority Vote)
• So moved, second
• Passes 8-0-1

Franklin, MA: Joint Town Council & School Committee meeting - Weds, Mar 18 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 18, 2026 = 6:00 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

d. Committee Assignments

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Joint Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Communications Subcommittee

d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee

e. Police Station Building Committee

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

 

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. January 21, 2026 (tabled from February 11, 2026 Town Council meeting)  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8726/7a---January-21-2026-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

b. February 4, 2026  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8725/7b-February-4-2026-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

c. March 4, 2026  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8724/7c-March-4-Minutes

8. APPOINTMENTS

a. Finance Committee: Tom Sullivan

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 6:00 PM - None Scheduled

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -

a. Presentation & Discussion: Chapter 70 Program - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)  https://www.doe.mass.edu/finance/chapter70/default.html

b. Discussion: School Committee & Town Council Strategic Planning Request for Information  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8719/11b-Discussion-Strategic-Planning

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-16: Approval for Request for Statements of Interest for Development of a Strategic Plan (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-16 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8720/12a-1---RESOLUTION-26-16---Approval-for-Request-for-Statements-of-Interest-for-Development-of-a-Strategic-Plan

b. Resolution 26-17: Town Council’s Support of FY27 State Budget Priorities (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-17 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8721/12b-FY27-State-Budget-Priorities-Letter

c. Resolution 26-18: Town Council Support for H. 4297, An Act relative to the Lowell Mason Act to mandate a percentage of Chapter 70 funds for Arts Education Programs (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-18 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8722/12c-Town-Council-Support-for-H-4297

d. Resolution 26-19: Request for Special Legislation Re: Increase in Local (Hotel) Excise Tax (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-19 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8723/12d-Special-Legislation-Regarding-Increase-in-Local-Excise-Tax

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info -  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2193 

Tri-County podcast features Pedro Martinez, Commissioner of DESE (video)

Tri-County podcast features Pedro Martinez,
Commissioner of DESE (video)

This week’s episode features a special guest: Pedro Martinez, Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. 

He joined us for a thoughtful conversation about his work, the priorities of the department, and the challenges and opportunities facing schools across the state.

A great episode for anyone interested in education, leadership, and the future of our schools.

Tune in and take a listen! 🎧 https://youtu.be/2wx7QiioB0E

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1K1E8XURHW/

Franklin's Washington Street K-2 School Selected for State-Supported Early Literacy Tutoring Program

The Washington Street K-2 School has been selected to participate in the Winter/Spring 2026 Early Literacy High-Dosage Tutoring initiative through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to offer targeted, evidence-based reading support to first and second grade students.

The program will provide ongoing, small-group tutoring focused on building foundational literacy skills, including phonics, decoding and reading fluency. The initiative is designed to accelerate student growth while remaining closely aligned with classroom instruction.

State-Supported Early
Literacy Tutoring Program

PreK-12 Director of Curriculum Humanities Elizabeth Morrison secured the funding in conjunction with the district's Office of Teaching and Learning.

"This opportunity reflects our district's ongoing commitment to early literacy and student growth," said Tina Rogers, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning. "Investing in first- and second-grade literacy ensures we are building strong readers early and setting students on a path toward long-term academic achievement."  

Through DESE's Literacy Launch program, the Washington Street K-2 School will be able to serve first and second grade students who may need additional literacy support. Tutoring will take place in small groups through frequent, structured sessions designed to complement core classroom instruction.

"We are committed to meeting students where they are and helping them grow as confident readers," said Morrison. "By connecting tutoring directly to classroom learning and using data to guide instruction, we can provide meaningful, targeted support that makes a real difference."

In the coming weeks, district and school leaders will work collaboratively to identify participating students, coordinate with literacy specialists and tutoring partners, align instruction with classroom teachers and build out progress-monitoring practices to gauge impact.

Franklin's program is expected to begin in early March, and will go through June.

DESE's Early Literacy High-Dosage Tutoring initiative is designed to help students develop essential reading skills by third grade, opening doors to long-term academic success. The Washington Street K-2 School was selected based on demonstrated need and a strong commitment to high-quality literacy instruction aligned with statewide goals.

"This is about investing in our students at the moment it matters most," Rogers said. "We are proud to bring this opportunity to Washington Street and grateful for the collaboration that made it possible."

Shared from - https://www.franklinps.net/live-feed#11465034

Integrated Monitoring Review of Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct an Integrated Monitoring Review of Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School during the week of March 9, 2026. 

Each school district, charter school, vocational school, and virtual school undergoes an Integrated Monitoring Review every three years. The areas addressed during an Integrated Monitoring Review are organized into two groups, known as Group A Universal Standards and Group B Universal Standards.  

DESE

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School will be undergoing a Group A monitoring review that focuses on special education student identification and special education eligibility timelines; Individualized Education Program (IEP) development; programming and support services; procedural requirements for suspensions and equal opportunity. For additional information please also see Integrated Monitoring Parent and Family Orientation.

The process includes interviews with district staff and administrators, a review of student records, policies and procedures, and school building visits. The process may also include parent/caregiver, student and teacher focus group meetings to gather additional information. Interpretation will be provided, if needed.

The Department will also send a parent survey, in multiple languages and formats, as needed, to parents /guardians of special education students to gather key information on the special education processes and procedures.

Parents/guardians and other stakeholders may call Charles Agong, Monitoring Review Chairperson, at (781) 338-3753 or Charles.O.Agong@mass.gov to request a telephone interview. If anyone requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary arrangements.

Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the charter school with a report that includes information on further actions that may be required. The public can access the report at https://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/default.html.

Franklin’s Jefferson Elementary School Named a Massachusetts Blue Ribbon School

Jefferson Elementary School was one of only six schools in Massachusetts chosen by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for a National Blue Ribbon School nomination in the 2025 Schools of Recognition program.

As part of its annual accountability reporting process, DESE identifies a small number of Schools of Recognition. These schools demonstrate progress toward annual accountability targets, with an emphasis on improved achievement in English Language Arts (ELA) and math. The highest annual recognition in the program is the National Blue Ribbon School Nominee designation.

Jefferson Elementary now the Washington K-2 School

Jefferson Elementary School was selected as part of the Exemplary High-Performing School category. This award recognizes schools that continue to demonstrate excellence across all subjects and deliver an overarching education program for all students, including students with disabilities and English language learners.

State officials recognized the consistency of Jefferson’s performance and the teaching practices that support it. The school’s practices are built on a strong curriculum and data-informed instruction. Staff collaborate closely and often involve multiple grades and subjects in their teaching.

Jefferson's inclusive practices were also a factor in the nomination. The school has multiple programs that are designed to link specialized instruction to general education classes, enabling students with disabilities to study grade-level material. This strategy has improved learning outcomes while maintaining students’ connections to the school community.

This collaboration happens throughout the building. General educators, special educators, specialists, and administrators collaborate to plan, assess, and modify curriculum and instruction as needed. The result is a whole-school model that focuses on providing access, consistency, and high expectations for each student, tailored to individual needs.

“This recognition is the result of the thoughtful leadership of Principal Stefani Wasik and Assistant Principal Beth Murray, commitment of our educators, and engagement of students and families at Jefferson Elementary School, which continues today throughout the district following the reorganization,” said Superintendent Lucas Giguere. "We are very proud of this achievement and grateful for the state’s recognition.”

Although the National Blue Ribbon Schools program at the federal level ended in August 2025, Massachusetts has chosen to continue this important recognition.

DESE is scheduled to honor Jefferson Elementary School at the 2025 Schools of Recognition Celebration, to be held on Jan. 20, at the Massachusetts State House. The state will recognize the six National Blue Ribbon School nominees, two ESEA Distinguished Schools, and 55 Schools of Recognition.

​For the 2025-26 school year, Franklin Public Schools underwent a district reorganization based on the recommendation of the School Facilities and Educational Master Plan Report. The plan created a central unified middle school and four partner elementary schools in two locations.

In the fall, most students from Jefferson entered the Washington Street K-2/3-5 Elementary School, located in the former Remington Middle School/Jefferson Elementary School Complex.