School Committee gets updates on Facilities, AI, and evaluates the Superintendent on Tuesday(video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled in Council Chambers on Tuesday, June 9 at 7 PM. 6 of the 7 members were present, 1 absent (O'Sullivan).

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/hgHgIZ5L_iY?&t=235

The agenda document https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06092026-2356 

The presentations documents should be posted in a couple of days to this folder   https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/june-9%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/28109200

Quick recap

• Presentation and discussion on Facilities focused on school projects completed as part of the redistricting, and those left remaining, some of which are funded, some are pending funding and some are for future
• Presentation and discussion on the potential intentional implementation of AI as an educational tool as well as how to use AI being taught to the students. The work over the last four months has developed 4 main principles to guide the further discussion and planning. Additional updated will be made as progress is made
• Superintendent evaluation was discussed and approved. The doc with the feedback, goals and accomplishments is to be posted to the Schools page soon
• The Committee entered into Executive Session not to return to open meeting for contract negotiations approx. 10:30 PM

Photos of the Facility presentation

https://photos.app.goo.gl/t3rkbwCxnDm6A9Wy6

Photos of the AI discussion presentation

https://photos.app.goo.gl/TqNxhuTk8og7WqRp8

The working 4 guiding principles as presented

School Committee recognizes Seal of Biliteracy students and retirees (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 in Council Chambers with all 7 members participating (1 remotely).

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uf-sv9TG2GU?&t=67

The agenda doc can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05262026-2332

Quick recap

• 17 student were recognized for achieving the Seal of Biliteracy in one or more languages other than English
• A number of school department retirees from the Central Office or individual schools were recognized for their years of service
• Superintendent Giguere presented his evidence as part of his evaluation. The subcommittee will collect additional feedback from committee members and prepare the final evaluation for review at a future meeting
• The committee entered Executive Session, not to return to open meeting, to discussion negotiation strategy

My notes can be found in one PDF file

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CM6UX_yg5qKduMZqiXqjYZNFCGQ4-K8T/view?usp=drive_link

School Committee and Biliteracy students

School Committee, principals, and retirees

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, April 2, 2026 ???

Thursday, April 2

8:30am FDP General Mtg (Dean College)

3:00pm Back to Life: Youth Theater Project (SAFE Coalition)

Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

***  Town Meetings today   ***

Franklin Commission on Disability

Thursday, April 2 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022026-2209 

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, April 2 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022026-2223 

ZBA Meeting- NO Public Meeting

Thursday, April 2 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022026-2213 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022026-2228 

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Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Town Council moves 4 zoning bylaw changes to 2nd reading and entered into Executive Session before 9 PM (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council meet in Council Chambers as scheduled on Wednesday, April 1. 8 members participated, 7 in Chambers, 1 remotely, hence all votes were recorded via roll call.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N84cGZK_Ua4

The agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04012026-2229 

My full set of notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jwviXzblwRVMwA3wkzuZcJlRE3tyZmsI/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap:

• Multiple citizen comments; topics covered = Bellingham battery storage, PorchFest, Quatro Eroi celebration events, & School Committee update
• Councilor comments
• Recognition of Chloe Bowser, her essay was one of 12 selected for the commissioning of the new submarine USS Massachusetts
• 3 public hearings opened together for the MBTA zoning bylaw changes required to bring us to full compliance. Of note, to come into compliance while we did tweak our zoning to fit the requirements, we actually reduced the density that was already permitted for that area. All three proposals after clarification questions were answered moved to a second reading (likely April 15)
• 1 public hearing on the technical changes to the current Crossing Neighborhood District. There were multiple items underway and as the zoning changed were being updated to the town code discrepancy were noted; some sections of a table were left out, some had been updated incorrectly. The changes were approved to move to second reading (also likely for April 15)
• water & sewer extension approved for an area of Union St (actually to allow the new 5 residence development approved for part of the blueberry farm land) to update the water infrastructure to enable the extension. Funding to be provided by the developer
• Council entered into Executive Session for bargaining not to return to open meeting

Agenda for the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting Weds, Feb 4, 2026

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 4, 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.

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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. December 17, 2025

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

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

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: 2026-2027 Town Council-Town Administrator Goals

• i. Town Administrator Memo   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8244/8a-1---MEMO---2026-27-TC_TA-Goals-Setting-Session
• ii. Draft Town Council-Town Administrator Preliminary List of Goals  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8254/8a-2---2026-2027-Town-Council-and-Town-Administration-Goals-January-2026---Google-Docs

iii. Discussion: Town and School Strategic Planning

1. Town of Wrentham Strategic Planning Presentation  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8241/8aiii---1---Updated-Board-Presentation-12026---Wrentham---Copy

2. Town of Westford Strategic Planning

• a. 2025 Strategic Plan Document   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8240/8aiii2a---Westford-MA-Strategic-Plan-final
• b. Presentation   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8242/8aiii---2b---2025-Town-Manager-Strategic-Plan-Presentation-2025_01_28

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-08: Adoption of Amendment to the Procedures Manual of the Franklin Town Council (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-08 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8256/9a-Rules-of-Procedure

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION -

a. Exemption #6: Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body:

• i. Former Davis-Thayer Elementary School
• ii. Former Parmenter Elementary School
• iii. “Other Property” potentially available for Town purchase/acquisition

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda for Franklin School Committee - October 14 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee 

October 14, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

A G E N D A

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

 

Call to Order                                 Mr. Callaghan

Announcements from the Chair

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

Agenda for Franklin School
Committee - October 14 at 7 PM

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Club Update

B. Franklin Food Pantry

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. none

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. none

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your September 30, 2025 School Committee Meeting as detailed. 

B. Lincoln 3-5 Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $800.00 from the Lincoln St 3-5 PCC for field trips as detailed. 

C. Student Activity Club Approval

I recommend approval of the Student Activity Clubs as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA, Van Drivers, Cafeteria, ESP/LPN and Secretaries units as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

XI. Adjournment

Agenda doc -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10142025-1948

2025-26 Meeting Packet Materials

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/october-14%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/857413

School Committee conducts shortest meeting of the year - Sep 30, 2025 (audio)

FM #1523 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1523 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. All 7 members of the committee were present. 

Quick recap:

• Supt Report: continue to make adjustments to the traffic, Transportation website has an update for the school arrivals/Dismissals  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6062062/Start_of_School_Traffic_Information.pdf

• New page FEF legacy program, online form to accept donations ... Additional info being added as the program gets fleshed out   https://www.franklinps.net/page/the-fef-legacy-program

• Student Clubs & Activities Approval 

• Procedural vote on account cleanup for inactive clubs, more next time for an update on current or new clubs. Amt of about $250 or so... https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6059572/Discussion_Action_A_-_Student_Clubs-Activities.pdf   

• Will be transferred to use of other clubs.  Vote on motion, passes 7-0

• Adjourning to executive session not to return to open meeting, Moved, passes 7-0

The recording runs about 43 minutes

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1523-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-09-30-25/

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

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39AoKQewDIA 

The Agenda doc -> 

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6059542/SCAGENDA_9-30-25.pdf 

The packet folder also contains other docs released before or after the meeting

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/september-30%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/855018 

My notes captured during the meeting -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NAnlr9uiozVLd9MK1ROfdltU9uOqsUwe/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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"

School Committee conducts shortest meeting of the year (video)

The Franklin School Committee met on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 as scheduled. All 7 members were present in the Council Chambers.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39AoKQewDIA

The Agenda doc -> 

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6059542/SCAGENDA_9-30-25.pdf

The packet folder also contains other docs released before or after the meeting

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/september-30%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/855018

My notes captured during the meeting -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NAnlr9uiozVLd9MK1ROfdltU9uOqsUwe/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap:

• Supt Report: continue to make adjustments to the traffic, Transportation website has an update for the school arrivals/Dismissals  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6062062/Start_of_School_Traffic_Information.pdf
• New page FEF legacy program, online form to accept donations ... Additional info being added as the program gets fleshed out   https://www.franklinps.net/page/the-fef-legacy-program
• Student Clubs & Activities Approval 
• I recommend approval of the Student Clubs and Activities as discussed. 
• Procedural vote on account cleanup for inactive clubs, more next time for an update on current or new clubs. Amt of about $250 or so... https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6059572/Discussion_Action_A_-_Student_Clubs-Activities.pdf  
• Will be transferred to use of other clubs.  Vote on motion, passes 7-0
• Adjourning to executive session not to return to open meeting, Moved, passes 7-0

Town Council welcomed 2 new Police hires, moved zoning bylaws to 2nd reading, hears of solicitation process, and personnel updates (audio)

FM #1517 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1517 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, September  17, 2025. 7 of the 9 members of the committee were present (Chandler, Pellegri absent). 

Quick recap:

• Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides update on biennial election status

• School Cmte Chair Dave Callaghan provides an update on school opening and traffic issues being worked

• 2 new hires effectively back filling for positions authorized within the reduced Police Dept staffing were sworn in and pinned by family members

• 2 public hearings were opened separately; one for the 2 commercial kitchen bylaws to enable the operation of a commercial kitchen within a residence if on septic (not on town sewer); and second, a set of 6 bylaws to create the Crossing Neighborhood zoning district. It would be similar to the Downtown zoning with a couple of exemptions. Councilor Frongillo recused himself from these discussions and votes as his father's business operates in the proposed zoning area

• In legislation for action 

• all 8 of the zoning changes moved to a second reading

• The Council voted to formalize the early in person voting schedule for the November election as announced

• A couple of water & sewer extensions were approved

• A definition of a collection container was accepted and authorized to extend the current use by religious organizations to non-profits, in particular the American Legion and VFW

• A presentation on Solicitation Permits by Police Chief Thomas Lynch and Deputy Police Chief James West was made to provide some info on the process in response to an incident earlier this year. 

• In the Town Administrator's Report 2 key items were covered; 

• one a series of personnel moves; B Taberner's replacement was announced, M Kinhart and M D'Angelo are retiring, Breeka Li Goodlander to return from pregnancy leave in mid-Oct; 

• second, the Assessors revealed new growth will be about $271,000 shorter than projected earlier this year. This will need to be adjusted somehow before the tax rate hearing in Nov/Dec. It seems to be reflecting the slowdown in growth due to interest rates, uncertainty, and the 'nimby-factor', etc.

• The Council entered into executive session not to return to public meeting

The recording runs about 2 hours & 16 minutes

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1517-town-council-mtg-09-17-25/

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

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQsgBfKN8cY 

The agenda and docs released for this session can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09172025-1911 

My notes in a single PDF can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MNwWCGlCOgPnqbmMecTz5TqaesbmSt4z/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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"

Jalen Samuels & Kyle Vaught

Jalen Samuels & Kyle Vaught getting pinned