This Chalkboard Chat condenses the School Committee meeting of August 26, 2025 (audio)

FM #1501 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1501 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 in person at the Franklin TV & Radio studio Thursday, August 28, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the School Committee meeting of August 26, 2025. 

 

We cover 

• Excitement among the teachers and school personnel as they all make the final preparations for the redistricting to open with schools on Tuesday, Sep 2. Minor tweaks to some of the bus routes, stops will be notified shortly. 56 personnel hired this summer, 2 teacher openings, 13 ESP's openings remain and some nonunion positions too, work is still underway attempting to fill the positions

• Handbook significant changes, only a few were made and needed to be discussed. There is only one elementary handbook now for the 4 schools in the 2 buildings. All the handbooks were approved unanimously in separate votes (ECDC, elementary, middle and high school)

• Voted to create a subcommittee to expand upon how to honor the legacy of Horace Mann, beyond the naming of the campus where ECDC, the Middle School and High School are now located on Oak St. The campus naming was a second vote as the two items were related and there was good discussion among the committee as to the scope and objectives of the proposed (now approved) committee. Members of the full SchCmte will notify the Chair of their interest. The Chair will confirm, the subcommittee will craft a scope and objectives doc for the full committee to approve. Members of the community including the Historical Commission and other such stakeholders will be involved.

The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1501-chalkboard-chat-08-28-25/

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

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/EWVb7O-b_ag?&t=67 

Meeting agenda ->  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5979277/SCAGENDA_8-26-25.pdf 

Meeting packet folder (items released for the meeting, in some cases posted a day or two after the meeting) ->   https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/august-26%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/846929  

My full set of notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/14VB3GuDdCAG-U80a3pT3nIp5GSZZhUSJ/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"

This Chalkboard Chat condenses the School Committee meeting of August 26, 2025 (audio)

School Committee approves handbooks, gets updates on opening, approves Horace Mann Campus name (audio)

FM #1498 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1498 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. All 7 members of the committee were present. 

Quick recap:

• Excitement among the teachers and school personnel as they all make the final preparations for the redistricting to open with schools on Tuesday, Sep 2. Minor tweaks to some of the bus routes, stops will be notified shortly. 56 personnel hired this summer, 2 teacher openings, 13 ESP's openings remain and sone nonunion positions too, work is still underway attempting to fill the positions

• Handbook significant changes, only a few were discussed. There is only one elementary handbook now for the 4 schools in the 2 buildings. All the handbooks were approved unanimously in separate votes (ECDC, elementary, middle and high school)

• Voted to create a subcommittee to expand upon how to honor the legacy of Horace Mann, beyond the naming of the campus where ECDC, the Middle School and High School are now located on Oak St. The campus naming was a second vote as the two items were related and there was good discussion among the committee as to the scope and objectives of the proposed (now approved) committee. Members of the full SchCmte will notify the Chair of their interest. The Chair will confirm, the subcommittee will craft a scope and objectives doc for the full committee to approve. Members of the community including the Historical Commission and other such stakeholders will be involved.

The recording runs about 1 hour & 30 minutes Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1498-school-cmte-mtg-08-26-25/

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

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/EWVb7O-b_ag?&t=67 

Meeting agenda ->  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5979277/SCAGENDA_8-26-25.pdf 

Meeting packet folder (items released for the meeting, in some cases posted a day or two after the meeting) ->   https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/august-26%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/846929 

My full set of notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/14VB3GuDdCAG-U80a3pT3nIp5GSZZhUSJ/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"

Actor? Chris could use your help in this series on Horace Mann (audio)

FM #1482 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1482 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Chris Flynn, Studio Manager at Franklin TV. We met at the Franklin TV studios on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.  

Horace Mann statue

Key topics

• Horace Mann project 

• Conceptually four episodes to retell the life of Horace Mann

• Uses virtual technology to film real time with a green screen

• Looking for actors interested in participating in the production

Reach out to Chris via email to CFLYNN@franklin.tv

The recording runs about  33 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Chris on his Horace Mann project Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1482-chris-flynn-on-the-horace-mann-project-07-15-25/

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Louise Hall Tharp -> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louise_Hall_Tharp  

** The Peabody Sisters of Salem (Little, Brown and Company: Boston, 1950). 1968 pbk reprint.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UY3FFA  

** Until Victory: Horace Mann and Mary Peabody (Boston: Little, Brown, 1953)

Jonathan MESSERLI (Author)

** Horace Mann: A Biography Hardcover – January 1, 1972

Horace Mann burial site in Providence RI, info and a site map

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/664/horace-mann  

I did find the photos of Horace Mann's burial site in Providence that I took in 2013

https://photos.app.goo.gl/D1fv4hJZwkRcwrCa9

John Adams mini series on HBO  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Adams_(miniseries)  

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

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. 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"

Franklin TV looking for actors for role in film about Horace Mann (video)

Franklin TV Horace Mann Series - Franklin TV is developing the first episode of a four-part series that tells the story of Horace Mann. 

Auditions can be arranged by reaching out to Chris Flynn at cflynn@franklin.tv. 

For more information, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGfn3eKFVoU

Franklin TV looking for actors for role in film about Horace Mann (video)

Franklin Public Schools Students Revive Tradition with Poetry Day at Senior Center

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Horace Mann Middle School (HMMS) teacher Joe Corey are pleased to share that sixth-grade students from Team Lightning recently brought smiles, poetry and thoughtful reflection to the Franklin Senior Center, reviving a treasured tradition that began in 2012.

After a pandemic pause, students recently returned to the Senior Center for a Poetry Day. Guided by educators Mr. Joseph Corey, Ms. Lauren Goode, Mrs. Erin Bouchard and Mr. David Foster, the students delivered memorized poems and original analyses.

sixth-grade students from Team Lightning

"All of the Team Lightning educators were delighted with the top-shelf performance of the students," said Corey. "It was a joy to return to this tradition and witness the pride and effort our students brought to the experience."

Students dressed sharply for the occasion, a decision many believed added to the impact of the performance.

"It showed everyone that we're the real deal!" said student Eliza Menard.

"Dressing up improved our performance because it set the tone that we're serious, focused, and disciplined," said student Sebi Ciporkin.

Beyond public speaking skills, students embraced the cultural and emotional depth that poetry offers.

"I am glad we celebrated Poetry Day because we heard and learned a lot of different poems representing different cultures and people," said student Gabby Kepple.

Student Jordan Marin reflected on the highlight of the day: "The best part of Poetry Day for me was seeing all the seniors so happy when we shared the poems with them."

Many students expressed pride in what they had accomplished.

"It was a good time and practicing for our poems taught me a life lesson — practice makes perfect," said student Antony Wisa.

Student Biana Laterra commented that she was proud of "remembering the poem and analysis and being brave enough to do it."

Others shared the personal meaning behind the event.

"I am glad because my grandma and her friend were there, and they said it made their day and that it is so nice to see that people are still saying poems," said student Harry Schlieke.

Franklin Public Schools would like to thank Ariel Doggett and the entire Senior Center staff for their warm hospitality and for helping make the event such a success.

"I couldn't be prouder of our students for the poise and creativity they showed during the Poetry Day," said Superintendent Giguere. "Their thoughtful words and heartfelt delivery were a powerful reminder of the connection between generations, and the impact young voices can have on a community."

State Rep. Jeff Roy Visits Franklin's Horace Mann Middle School to Discuss Recess Legislation with Sixth Graders

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Horace Mann Middle School (HMMS) teacher Joe Corey are pleased to share that students recently welcomed State Rep. Jeff Roy for an engaging conversation about the legislative process and an important bill that directly impacts them.

On a recent visit to the school, Rep. Roy met with the Grade 6 Team Lightning students to discuss pending legislation that would mandate 30 minutes of unstructured recess daily for all students in grades K-8. The visit was the latest in a series of civics-focused learning opportunities for students, who have been studying how bills become laws and advocating for causes for which they care.

State Rep. Jeff Roy recently visited with students at
Horace Mann Middle School to discuss the
legislative process and a pending
recess bill. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

Team Lightning educators — Mr. Joseph Corey, Ms. Lauren Goode, Mrs. Erin Bouchard and Mr. David Foster — facilitated the event, during which Rep. Roy shared his support for the recess bill and walked students through the steps of the legislative process. He noted that while the bill enjoys bipartisan support, the state’s legislative calendar runs in two-year cycles, meaning that even well-supported ideas can take time to become law.

"I really enjoyed how he explained the process of making a law," said student Clare Fisk. "It let me understand how our law would get passed. I also really liked when he told us examples of how other laws got passed."

Rep. Roy also expressed his appreciation for the students’ civic engagement, especially after learning they had submitted written testimony to the Joint Committee on Education in response to a May 6 hearing on the bill. Many students watched the hearing live in class and followed up with persuasive letters and poems advocating for recess.

"I have never met an important person of authority before," said student Sebi Ciporkin. "Their presence actually gave me goosebumps."

Students found the experience both inspiring and informative, from understanding the legislative timeline to learning about the differences between emergency bills and standard filings.

"I enjoyed meeting with my elected representative and senator because it is cool to learn more about the law-making process and it is just overall pretty cool to meet with someone who represents our state," said student Desi Camp.

The visit followed a similar conversation with state Sen. Becca Rausch, who met with students earlier this year. Both lawmakers offered students encouragement and advice for strengthening their advocacy efforts.

"They listened to our research, told us that they were on board, and then told us their facts," said student Theo Perry. "They listened to our poems and were surprised, impressed and kind."

Rep. Roy, a Franklin resident and parent of three HMMS alumni, shared memories of his own children enjoying recess and expressed concern that middle schoolers today often go without it due to academic time-on-learning requirements from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

"We’re so proud of our students for engaging so deeply with the democratic process," said Superintendent Giguere. "Their thoughtful questions, persuasive writing and respectful dialogue with elected leaders demonstrate the powerful impact of student voice."

Chalkboard Chat condenses the last School Committee of the school year (audio)

FM #1469 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1469 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 in person on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap both the School Committee meeting of June 10, 2025. 

 

We cover 

• Executive session to approve teachers contract

• Vote on revised budget due to failed override, cutting $2M including 12 FTE positions, sports and activity fees remain as high this year

• Superintendent’s review approved

• School ends June 18, redistricting works continues to implement for Sept

• Reading program “Meet me in the Middle”

• Register for bus by June 20, fee set $387/student with a cap; if not registered by 20th no guarantee of a spot on a bus

The recording runs about 24 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1469-chalkboard-chat-06-11-25/

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

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

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYQVNOKqqR8 

Chalkboard Chat condenses the last
School Committee of the school year (audio)

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102025-1780 

The meeting packet folder (all the docs released before or after the meeting)

https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/june-10%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/814634 

My full set of notes ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Rqv1NSxrFjWZdzwpeo2WJwq3H7FIwujA/view?usp=drive_link 

Pictures of the budget revisions can be viewed here ->    https://photos.app.goo.gl/YnKXoUH5NncMo2Wk6 

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

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"