School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan condense the Sep 30 meeting in this Chalkboard Chat (audio)

FM #1530 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1530 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion via Zoom on Friday, October 3, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the School Committee meeting of September 30, 2025. 

 

We cover 

• 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 20 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1530-chalkboard-chat-10-03-25/

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

Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   

Chalkboard Chat (audio)

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 - 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

Franklin, MA: School Committee - agenda for meeting Aug 12 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee 

August 12, 2025 - 7:00 P.M.

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

Announcements from the Chair

Franklin, MA: School Committee -
agenda for meeting Aug 12 at 7 PM

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills

C. Payroll

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Summer Learning Review - Paula Marano & Patty Gay

B. Summer Move Update - Colin Boisvert

C. 2024 Annual Report Draft Review

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 June 24, 2025 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B.   FEF Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $167,557.47 from the dissolution of the Franklin Education Foundation for in-house enrichment as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Adjournment

Meeting agenda doc includes remote participation info ->

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122025-1851

Meeting packet folder contains the docs released before and after the meeting ->

https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/august-12%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/842818

School Committee Approves FEF close out, hears summer update from Lifelong Learning, formally accepts $1M from Town (audio)

FM #1259 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1259 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. 5 members participated, all in chambers, two were absent (Charles, McNeill).

Quick recap:

• School dates for opening new year 

• Aug 26, teachers report, 

• Aug 27 Professional development day, 

• Aug 28 First day for 1st - 12 grades, 

• Aug 29 First day for K, 

• Aug 30 No school (Labor Day weekend)

• Sep 3 - pre-K first day

• Staffing update - 19 hired thus far, some still open, some resignations still coming in

• Redistricting status update - work progressing, principals announced, asst principals announcement forthcoming, work on the district alignment progressing, still working toward a release target of Sept/Oct. The boundary line info would go to the School Committee for review first, no word on the formal closing of the prior redistricting committee or the set up of a new process to continue the work during the school year to prepare for Spe 2025

• New website published as of July 1. Mobile client available for download to Apple or Android devices. Links still being fixed, content generally there and items being added as identified. Notifications not yet turned on

• Lifelong Learning Summer program update - photos of the presentation were captured during the meeting in one photo album; the Lifelong Learning program is fee based and thus self funded, the fees taken in cover the expenses incurred

• Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) votes - two votes were taken to start the process of formally closing out the FEF (a 501(c3) organization) and rolling over the remaining funds they have (approx. $150K) to enable the District to continue their work with such funds; details remain to be worked out on the ‘grant application’, approval, and communication process

• FY 2025 budget update - some curriculum development work accomplished during summer but less than previous years due to budget cuts, the last of the additional funds approved by the Town Council ($1M from the debt stabilization account, one time funds) was accepted by the Committee by a 5-0 vote during the meeting

The recording runs about 66 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1259-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-08-13-24/

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

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://youtu.be/qA_oBUUMs0A?si=BWM0ekJVTq2Qffuc&t=95

The Franklin TV video is NOT available for replay ->  (It was recorded and successfully broadcast to Comcast, Verizon, and via Zoom but not to YouTube) When available the link will be added

Agenda doc  -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_school_committee_meeting_6.pdf     

Meeting packet folder -> (docs released for this meeting, some of them available after the meeting)  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/8%2F13%2F24-sc-meeting-packet/685844 

My notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gr8uvNEdDqoW8Irw8pjg3McXgxhRi4ai/view?usp=drive_link 

Lifelong Learning Summer Update )pix of slides shared) -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FfeYoJc8S5UhAsVJ8 

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

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

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 Approves FEF close out, hears summer update from Lifelong Learning, formally accepts $1M from Town (audio)