School Committee conducts their last session of their elected term - 10/28/25 (audio)

FM #1570 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1570 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. All 7 members of the committee were present. 

Quick recap:

• Recognition of Erin Gallagher & David McNeill not returning

• Pledge students, a nice touch

• Policy first readings

• Graduation requirements

• Competency determinations

• Superintendent’s Goals, aligned with District’s Goals

• October 1 report, enrollment trends

The audio runs about  1 hour 33 minutes. Let's listen in ->

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1570-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-10-28-25/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay -> 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtitdxM_a2A  

The agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10282025-1977   

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/october-28%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/859754   

My full set of notes in one PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-utM6sD6UggBNAMgWnQsG0g_lfmqo-on/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!

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

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 Chair Dave Callaghan condenses the recent meeting to about 25 mins (audio)

FM #1566 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1566 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 Thursday, October 30, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the School Committee meeting of October 28, 2025. 

 

We cover 

• Recognition of Erin Gallagher & David McNeill not returning

• Pledge students, a nice touch

• Policy first readings

• Graduation requirements

• Competency determinations

• Superintendent’s Goals, aligned with District’s Goals

• October 1 report, enrollment trends 

The meeting recap runs about 26 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1566-chalkboard-chat-10-30-25/

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

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

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtitdxM_a2A 

The agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10282025-1977 

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/october-28%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/859754 

My full set of notes in one PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-utM6sD6UggBNAMgWnQsG0g_lfmqo-on/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 Chair Dave Callaghan condenses the recent meeting to about 25 mins (audio)

Franklin Public Schools Superintendent Lucas Giguere Earns National Credential in Educational Facility Planning

Franklin Public Schools is pleased to announce that Superintendent Lucas Giguere has earned the prestigious Accredited Learning Environments Planner (ALEP) designation from the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE).

The ALEP designation is the highest standard of professional achievement in the field of educational facility planning. It recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional knowledge, skills, and leadership in designing and managing school environments that support student achievement, wellness, and community connection.

Superintendent Lucas Giguere

Superintendent Giguere was the only sitting superintendent selected to participate in this year's A4LE Academy cohort. He completed the program as the recipient of A4LE's annual national scholarship, which is awarded to just one participant each year in recognition of their leadership potential and commitment to educational innovation.

"We're incredibly proud of Superintendent Giguere for earning the ALEP designation, a prestigious national recognition of his expertise and leadership," said Franklin School Committee Chair David Callaghan. "His achievement is a testament to the forward-thinking vision guiding our schools, especially as Franklin undertakes a transformative district-wide reorganization. This credential affirms his deep commitment to designing learning environments that truly support all students now and into the future."

The ALEP designation enhances Franklin Public Schools' strategic planning efforts, including districtwide reorganization, equity-focused space design, and capital improvement planning. It equips the District with the tools and best practices to approach future building and renovation projects with confidence and purpose.

The ALEP credential must be renewed every three years and requires ongoing professional development in the areas of educational facility planning and design.

Shared from the FPS page -> https://www.franklinps.net/article/2311570

Franklin, MA: Agenda for the School Committee meeting Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Franklin School Committee 

June 10, 2025 = 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

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

Agenda for SchCmte meeting
Tuesday, June 10, 2025

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. None

III. Executive Session

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

IV. Discussion/Action Items

A. Discussion Action A - FEA Contract Ratification

I recommend ratification of the Franklin Education collective bargaining agreement 9/1/25-8/31/28 as detailed. 

B.   FY26 Final Budget Approval

I recommend approval of the final FY26 Budget in the amount of $78,309,495. 

C.   Superintendent’s Evaluation Report

The chair recommends your approval of the Superintendent’s composite evaluation for the 2024-2025 school year as discussed.

V. Discussion Only Items

A. None

VI. 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 May 27, 2025 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B.   Parmenter Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $2,500.00 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips as detailed.

C.   Music Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $1,800.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for field trips as detailed.

D. HMMS Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $1350.00 from the Horace Mann PCC for field trips as detailed.

E. Surplus Books

I recommend declaring the attached list of curriculum and library resources as surplus.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Adjournment

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->   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

School Committee recognizes musicians, biliteracy students, and retirees on Tuesday (video)

The Franklin, MA School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, May 27 at 7 PM in Council Chambers. 6 of the 7 members participated, 1 absent (Gallagher).

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBa7M7YI4A4

The agenda doc -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272025-1761

The meeting folder where other docs will be posted after the meeting ->

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/may-27%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/806450

Quick recap:

• In the Superintendent's Report, Supt Giguere used some time to recognize the FHS students who won MICCA awards
• The students who achieved the State of MA Biliteracy certificates were recognized. 13 were present
• In the Guests/Presentations segment, the school district personnel retiring this year were recognized
• Civics Presentation by Students featured Mrs Ambrose from Remington MS and Kayla who share her project on autism awareness (photos of the presentation below)
• The District Improvement Plan/School Improvement Plan Update featured a portion on MS Math which was provided earlier this year
• No discussion action or discussion only items tonight
• Subcommittee updates
• Supt evaluation June 3 to prepare the draft review for discussion then
• Budget no meeting, pending result of June 3 may need to meet
• Policy awaiting override results to review fees
• Community relations preparing for Strawberry Stroll June 13; Meeting on 5/29 to prep
• Joint PCC met on the 20th, Facebook group set up, spirit activities
• May have PCC info for Strawberry Stroll distribution
• High school start time, a 5 minute shift to handle transportation
• Mental health prepare for Stroll
• Reorg no updates recently, will need clarity from the vote June 3
• Consent agenda: Motion to approve as detailed, second, passes 6-0-1 (6 for, 1 absent)

Retiree recognition -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/fLJf4boDFr6S9MvE7

Civics Project presentation -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/oAh2AdNrLoE1Exu89

DIP/SIP presentation -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/6ipuwvmfph7khgNF8

FHS music students who won MICCA awards

students who achieved the State of MA Biliteracy certificates

My full set of notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CMp9pP040uUMF-aEHLahg3-LSN3ErBDV/view?usp=drive_link

This Chalkboard Chat condenses the May 13 School Cmte Mtg (audio)

FM #1454 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1454 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 virtually on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the School Committee meeting of May 13, 2025. 

 

We cover 

• Theatre group recognition

• Traffic study and mitigations 

• Horace Mann campus naming discussion

• Superintendent evaluation

• Override discussion, vote on or before June 3; any questions, please reach out to find out

The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1454-chalkboard-chat-05-21-25/

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

Franklin TV video for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/TPngAPt1WHs?&t=110  

The meeting agenda can be found ->   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132025-1735 

Documents released for this agenda after the meeting can be found -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/may-13%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/799886  

Traffic presentation -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5645253/Traffic.pptx.pdf 

My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ffAYwvHayzSws0D2bV8xmM0Fsn6c71za/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 May 13 School Cmte Mtg (audio)