Franklin Public Schools Celebrate Dedicated Retiring Employees

Franklin Public Schools recently bid farewell and showed appreciation to 23 employees retiring this school year.

"Each of our retirees has helped shape the Franklin Public Schools community through years of service, care, and commitment to students, families, and colleagues," said Superintendent Lucas Giguere. "Their work has strengthened our schools in ways that will continue well beyond their final year with us. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and wish them all the best in this next chapter.”

Franklin Public Schools recently showed appreciation to 23 employees who are retiring this school year. From left to right, Robert Vacca, Lisa Vetrano, Ann O'Keefe-Williams, Susan Childers, Kerry Richardson, Lisa Daly, Lauren Green, Jolene Cronin and Charlene Harn. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

Each of the employees' supervisors honored them publicly with statements, and each received certificates and a commemorative pin from the district.

The Franklin Education Association (FEA) also presented each retiring employee who was an FEA member with a certificate.

One retiree, Debbie Pittman, passed away on May 14, after 30 years of service to Franklin Public Schools and just two weeks shy of the farewell event.

"Debbie Pittman dedicated more than 30 years to the Franklin Public Schools community as our accounts payable clerk," recalled School Business Administrator Jana Melotti. "But to those who had the privilege of working alongside her, Debbie was so much more than her title. She was a source of kindness, support, and grace.

Even throughout her long and courageous battle with cancer, Debbie carried herself with remarkable strength and dignity. Her resilience and dedication reflected the incredible person she was. She was always willing to help, offer guidance, and support those around her. That selfless spirit made her deeply respected and loved by so many colleagues and friends."

The following district employees have retired this school year or will be retiring at the end of June:

• Donald Banks, Van Driver, 16 years of service
• Susan Childers, HR Assistant, 27 years of service
• Jennifer Clifford, Van Driver, 11 years of service
• Tricia Constantine, Reading Teacher, 18 years of service
• Linda Cournoyer, Speech/Language Therapist, 13 years of service
• Jolene Cronin, Grade 5 Teacher, 27 years of service
• Lisa Daly, School Nurse,15 years of service
• Kathleen Doherty, Educational Support Professional, 24 years of service
• Lauren Green, Educational Support Professional, 26 years of service
• Charlene Harn, Educational Support Professional, 25 years of service
• Kelly Hurley, Solutions Site Director, 7 years of service
• Debbie Irvine, Assistant School Business Administrator, 1 year of service
• Karen Leenhouts, ABA Tutor, 20 years of service
• Laura Manocchio, Educational Support Professional, 14 years of service
• Ann O'Keefe-Williams, Grade 4 Teacher, 32 years of service
• Debbie Pittman, Accounts Payable Clerk, 30 years of service
• Kerry Richardson, School Nurse, 14 years of service
• Janet Turner, Data Reporting Specialist, 8 years of service
• Keith Turner, Grade 6 Science Teacher, 30 years of service
• Robert Vacca, Grade 8 Social Studies Teacher, 30 years of service
• Lisa Vetrano, Grade 6 Math Teacher, 23 years of service
• Leisa Winrich, Special Education Teacher, 26 years of service
• Marianne Zogby, DLI Teacher, 17 years of service

"Each individual on this list of retiring employees exhibited their daily dedication to our students every morning they woke up and commuted to work," said Franklin Public Schools Director of Human Resources Ken Storlazzi. "Their steadfast professionalism and on-the-job efforts are truly appreciated."

Franklin Public Schools opens Little Solutions Toddler Child Care to all*

Franklin Public Schools opens
Little Solutions Toddler Child Care to all*

Franklin Public Schools Little Solutions Toddler Child Care

Serving Children Ages 15-33 months

Go to franklinlifelonglearning.com

• Select “Solutions”
• Select “Account Login & Registration”

* Initial enrollment was for in district teachers , then to Town of Franklin employees and is now open to all of Franklin.

Franklin Public Schools Fifth Graders Recognized at One8 Applied Learning Hub Student Showcase

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Director of Curriculum STEM Eric Stark are pleased to share that fifth-grade students from Lincoln Street and Washington Street Elementary Schools recently presented Applied Learning math projects to over 500 industry professionals at the One8 Applied Learning Hub Student Showcase in Boston.

Both schools received awards for their impressive group projects. Washington Street’s team won the ST Math category and Lincoln Street’s team won Project of Distinction. 

Fifth-grade students from Lincoln Street and
Washington Street Elementary Schools presented projects
at the One8 Applied Learning Hub Student Showcase
on May 8. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

Students first began working on the projects in February, when they were tasked with working in groups to create a tri-fold poster explaining an ST Math game they use in class.

ST Math is a supplemental math program that teaches mathematical concepts through visual puzzles. Through its visual depictions of math concepts, the program removes language barriers for students and utilizes interactive puzzles to explain ideas.

The project challenged students to introduce the game to someone unfamiliar with it. Students explained how the game helped them develop a mathematical skill or concept, and considered how industry professionals use math within their careers.

Students shared their projects with professionals from across the state, including individuals from organizations such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Liberty Mutual. They also presented to several local organizations, including the Town of Franklin, Franklin School Committee and Franklin Public Schools.

The professionals provided feedback and discussed the projects with students. Through the conversations, students learned about the process of applying concepts learned in the classroom to real world scenarios.

"Projects like this allow our students to understand the curriculum from a different perspective," said Washington Street Elementary School Principal Evan Chelman. "As our students collaborated to teach others a math concept, they approached the course material from a new angle. It was exciting to see them work together and incorporate the feedback community members provided."

With their revised projects, the fifth graders presented their work at Franklin High School during the Science National Honor Society’s Family Science Night on April 9.

The months of hard work paid off on May 8, when the students traveled to the TRACK at new balance and presented their projects at the One8 Applied Learning Hub Student Showcase. They received written and verbal feedback from industry professionals, whose notes praised the projects and allowed students to draw connections between their own and the professionals’ work.

“We prioritize aligning our curriculum and student experiences with current industry practices,” said Superintendent Giguere. “Through our partnerships with the One8 Applied Learning Hub and ST Math, our students can attend meaningful events such as the showcase. These opportunities allow them to see firsthand how their classroom lessons apply to the outside world."

The final product each group displayed at the showcase was a tri-fold poster with an ST Math puzzle and description, the math concept behind the game, the connection between the game and the real world and how it relates to at least one profession.

“We are very proud of the groups that presented at the One8 Student Showcase,” said Lincoln Street Elementary School Principal Brad Hendrixson. “The months of hard work paid off as our students took home multiple awards and had insightful conversations with industry professionals. These hands-on events truly make a difference in our students' learning experience, and we were happy to see them thrive during their showcase presentations."

About the One8 Foundation and the One8 Applied Learning Hub

The One8 education team identifies, supports and scales high impact programs and approaches that help schools and teachers prepare students for success in a rapidly changing, data rich world. One8 imagines a future where high-quality applied learning opportunities that make learning relevant, stimulating and rewarding are a regular part of the student experience driving impact for all students. 

The One8 Applied Learning Hub helps Massachusetts schools get the most out of Applied Learning programs by providing implementation support, educator community building, and student opportunities that bring learning to life. The One8 Applied Learning Hub currently supports seven programs in the Commonwealth: the Democratic Knowledge Project, Investigating History, OpenSciEd, PBLWorks, Project Lead The Way, Skew the Script, and ST Math. 

Visit www.one8.org and www.one8alhub.org to learn more.

Additional photos can be found - https://photos.app.goo.gl/BqXRa4vnYddi331X7

Reminder: Links for the Franklin Public Schools bus registration information

Reminder: Links for the Franklin Public Schools
bus registration information

Bus Registration Info

• Transportation Link https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/transportation/

• Linq Connect https://linqconnect.com/main

• Transportation Policy: https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/eea-student-transportation-policy-and-eligibility

Kindergarten Registration for the 2026-2027 School Year is ongoing...

Kindergarten Registration

"Kindergarten Registration for the 2026-2027 School Year is ongoing..."

Go to https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/prek-grade-12-student-registration-change-of-address-forms

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

FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Franklin Public Schools

From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing.

General Purpose

Franklin Public Schools (FPS) is a PreK–12 public school district serving 4,327 students across seven school buildings in the Town of Franklin. The district is committed to providing every student with a rigorous, inclusive, and high-quality education that prepares them for college, career, and engaged citizenship.

The FY27 operating budget reflects the outcomes of a multi-year effort to strengthen educational quality, improve long-term fiscal sustainability, and align resources strategically with student and community needs. It is built on three principles that have guided our work: Collaboration, Transparency, and Strategic Planning.

Core Functions

● Delivering rigorous, standards-aligned PreK–12 curriculum across core academic subjects, electives, unified arts, and specialized programs with a student-to-teacher ratio within the recommended range of 18–24.

● Providing comprehensive student support services, including special education, speech-language, occupational therapy, behavioral support, counseling, mental health services, and nursing across all schools.

● Operating eight specialized in-district programs for students with disabilities — keeping students in their community while reducing the cost of out-of-district placements.

● Maintaining safe, accessible, and well-equipped school facilities that create welcoming learning environments for students, staff, and families.

● Managing all financial, human resources, transportation, and operational functions in accordance with state and federal requirements and town and school financial policies.

● Engaging families and the broader Franklin community as partners in student learning through two-way communication, public meetings, and collaborative planning.

Staffing

● District-Level Leadership

○ Every district-level leadership position carries a defined operational, instructional, and/or compliance function. The 12-person district leadership team supports 7 school buildings, approximately 739 FTE employees (operating budget), and 4,327 students across a PreK-Grade 12 and Age 22 continuum.

● School-Level Leadership

○ School-level administration is organized around the four-complex model established through the FY26 district reorganization. Each building has dedicated administrative leadership, with larger secondary schools carrying expanded teams proportional to enrollment and program complexity. Franklin High School currently serves approximately 1,380 students through a full college-preparatory and career-technical curriculum. Franklin Middle School currently serves approximately 1,008 students, and our K-2/3-5 elementary schools currently serve 1863 students.

● Full District Staffing

○ Across all categories, more than 97% of Franklin Public Schools positions are student-facing or in direct support of instruction. District and school-level administration together represent approximately 3% of the total district FTE, as shown in the totals row below.

The PDF of this section - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_XvtMfnXrkwjt-4DEyVaP9GWAErhosT5/view?usp=drive_link

For the full FY 2027 budget narrative -  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8912/FY27-Budget-Narrative-FINAL-1

The FY 2027 budget information can be found 

https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577

Registration for Franklin Public School's Transportation is open

Registration for Franklin Public School's Transportation is open

Registration for the 2026-27 School Year is now open!  

Please email schoolbus@franklinps.net if you did not receive an email with instructions for registration or are having any difficulty.

Registration & info - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/transportation/

2nd Finance Cmte budget hearing gets answers to some Qs from Monday, then gets to the FPS budget (audio)

FM #1726 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1726 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee Budget Hearing on Education, the 2nd of 4 sessions to go over the FY 2027 budget. The meeting was held in Council Chambers with 8 of 9 members present.

Quick Recap:

• Time spent at the opening to answer questions carried over from the Facilities discussion on Monday

• Technology, Tim Raposa presents and answers questions

• Next up, Schools - Supt Giguere, Business Manager Jana Melotti, Paul Griffith (SchCmte Chair)

• Discussion among the committee on how to proceed, ultimately will use the Thursday session to consolidate their approaches in a discussion to lead to a recommendation vote. 

• Note - meeting location likely to change from Chambers to 3rd Floor Trng Room (Conservation Commission would come down to Chambers).

Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1726-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-2-04-07-26/

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

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SrQw4jc-r0 

Agenda doc including links to the FY 2027 budget 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04072026-2220  

My full set of notes in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AbMULy0fFpVjFAEsHm6Cs5-2PcxcfpBx/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"

Town & School Departments gather for Emergency Management meeting at MEMA

Franklin Town and School officials joined local and state partners on Friday, March 27, 2026 for an Emergency Management meeting at the MEMA Training Building in Franklin.

Partners from MEMA, Eversource, Verizon, National Grid, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Office of Preparedness and Emergency Management took part in the discussion, sharing updates, reviewing current initiatives, and continuing to strengthen coordination to keep the community safe and prepared.

During the meeting, MEMA also presented Deputy Fire Chief Jim Klich with his certificate for completing the Massachusetts Professional Emergency Manager (MPEM) program. 

Thank you to everyone involved for their ongoing partnership and commitment to the community.

• Franklin Fire Department
• Franklin Police Department
• Franklin Department of Public Works
• Franklin Public School District MA
• Franklin Senior Center
• Franklin Recreation Department

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FJ2LehTUX/

FPS Food Service Video on hake fish bake (video)

"Check out our video:

https://youtube.com/shorts/0ysIkncx0tU?feature=share

On March 17th, we served a local hake fish bake district-wide, featuring fresh catch from the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Students at Lincoln St. School also enjoyed a hands-on seafood learning table, where they could see and touch local species harvested right here in Massachusetts."

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/16SEpF41dK/

Franklin Public Schools looking to hire caring, flexible Substitute School Nurses

Franklin Public Schools looking to hire caring,
flexible Substitute School Nurses

We’re hiring! 

Franklin Public Schools is seeking caring, flexible Substitute School Nurses to support our students on an as-needed basis. This is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working in a supportive school community.

In this role, you will:

• Provide primary and emergency care to students
• Assess student health needs and maintain accurate records
• Administer medications in accordance with state guidelines
• Support staff with student health information
• Cover school health offices and attend field trips as needed
• Help promote a safe and healthy school environment

Qualifications:

• Active Massachusetts RN license
• CPR/AED certification
• Experience with children or in a school setting preferred

If you’re passionate about student wellness and looking for flexible work, we’d love to hear from you!

Apply today:  https://www.schoolspring.com/jobdetail?jobId=5602472

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17mUyAcFiE/

FPS Food Service new lunch to feature

FPS Food Service new lunch to feature

"Yesterday (2/25/26), We served a flavor-packed lunch at Franklin Public Schools!

Our culturally-inspired meal consisting of steamed tamales with fluffy yellow rice and caramelized sweet plantains was a big hit at our Middle and High Schools."

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/18L5hzbTt4/

Franklin Public Schools will have a 2-hour delay for students (1 hour for staff) on Feb 25, 2026

Franklin Public Schools will have a 2-hour delay for students and a 1-hour delay for staff on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. 

All before-school and ECDC programs will be cancelled. 

Please check your email for additional details.

Shared from - https://www.franklinps.net/live-feed#11532955

Franklin Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Franklin Public Schools will be closed
on Tuesday, February 24, 2026

"Franklin Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, due to the ongoing winter storm. This includes all after-school activities. 

All town and school offices will also be closed."

Shared from - https://www.franklinps.net/live-feed#11519035

FPS food service update on a recent meal

FPS food service update on a recent meal

"On Thursday 1/29 we served slices of slow roasted carved ham across the entire district. This was accompanied by creamy whipped mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables, and a sweet warm cornbread muffin."

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

Tri-County will have a 2-hour delay on Tuesday, 1/27/26; Franklin & BFCCPS are closed

Franklin Public Schools will have
a 2-hour delay on Tuesday, 1/27/26

The Franklin Public Schools will be closed today, Tuesday, January 27, 2026.  Due to the additional overnight snowfall and current conditions in our parking lots and school walkways, it is not yet suitable to safely receive students and staff.  At this time all after school and evening activities are scheduled as planned.

https://www.franklinps.net/live-feed#11207977

Franklin Public Schools will be closed have a 2-hour delay on Tuesday, 1/27/26. 

• Emergency busing will be in effect
• ECDC AM session canceled
• Solutions delayed by 2 hours

In addition, the Tri-County RVTHS is going with a 2 hour delayed start.

FPS shared from -> https://www.franklinps.net/live-feed#11207977

BFCCPS shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ab1hvxkXb/  Updated 10:15 PM - BFCCPS has canceled school instead of their initial 2 hour delay.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/bfccps-cancels-school-for-tuesday-jan.html

Tri-County RVTHS -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1CmqbkRJ5q/

FPS School Lunch Video

FPS School Lunch Video 

Click the link to check out the video on our Local Beef and Broccoli meal:
https://youtube.com/shorts/on5WBQtf2fk

Franklin's District Chef, Steve Foote, inspired this locally-sourced meal featuring slow braised tender strips of top round beef from Weatherlow Farms, in Westport, MA, alongside bright green Harvesting Good broccoli from Maine. The Savory beef and broccoli are served over a creamy, citrus-infused lemon ginger risotto.

Completing the plate is a sweet crisp Gala apple from Cooper Farms, also in Maine

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/16gmdT1VYv/

Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee looking for interested community members

To all members of the Franklin, MA community,

I am writing to share with you an exciting new opportunity for civic engagement in Franklin via a role on the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee.

Horace Mann

Horace Mann was a Franklin native who is now considered the Father of Public Education due to his commitment to education reform, promoting universal public education and establishing the public education system in Massachusetts that was then adopted by most other states.

In August, the School Committee voted to create the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee as a means to guide the development of initiatives that honor the life, legacy, and enduring influence of Horace Mann. This work will focus on the following primary areas:

Horace Mann Campus Identity & Physical Recognition – Establishing a clear, consistent, and historically grounded identity for the Horace Mann Campus through visible but restrained physical and digital markers.

Community Awareness & Storytelling – Increasing public understanding of Horace Mann’s life, legacy, and connection to Franklin through educational and interpretive efforts.

Public Education Advocacy (Informational) – Supporting historical education and awareness related to public education, without engaging in lobbying or political advocacy.

We are seeking interested community members to serve as voting members of this committee! Specifically, we are seeking:

• 4 community members at-large

• 1 Franklin Middle School student representative

• 1 Franklin High School student representative

to serve alongside members from the Franklin School Committee, Historical Commission, Cultural Council, and Town Council on this 12-person subcommittee.

The subcommittee will meet monthly and is scheduled to serve until May 4, 2027 unless extended by School Committee vote.

If you are interested, please communicate your interest through the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/NjuLBgHVfQsREvRv7

All submissions will be reviewed at the next subcommittee meeting, currently scheduled for Friday, January 23, and interested parties will be contacted following this review.

If you have any questions, you can reach me at reish@franklinps.net.

• Submitted Respectfully by Reis Hansen on behalf of the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee

Traffic alert for St Mary's/Town Common area on Wednesday & Thursday

Be aware:

"Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen A. LaPorta will be laid to rest Thursday after he was killed when he was struck by a tractor-trailer while assisting a driver at the site of a crash last week, officials said.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at St. Mary Parish in Franklin followed by a private burial, State Police said in a statement. A wake is scheduled for Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. also at St. Mary Parish, according to State Police."

What does this means for Franklin?

• 

  Traffic alert for St Mary's/Town Common
  area on Wednesday & Thursday

  Franklin Public Schools have early dismissal on Wednesday

• Franklin Senior Center closes at noon on Wednesday, AND all day Thursday.

• Traffic will be stopped from using the Town Common area in front of St Mary's Church

Continue the Globe article -> https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/11/metro/uxbridge-police-officer-funeral/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Freshly made pizza for the kiddos !!!

Freshly made pizza for the kiddos !!!

via Franklin Public Schools

"Click the link to check this video to see how we make our freshly made pizzas

https://youtube.com/shorts/zudZkXVzfs8?feature=share

We recently purchased a new conveyor oven at the Franklin Middle School to match the one we have at the HS.

We use this oven to make our freshly made pizzas daily."

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/14R4YYQ2tLh/