FM #1712 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1712 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 7:00 PM. All 7 members of the Committee were present in Chambers.
Quick recap:
Students scheduled for the pledge got to the meeting for the incorrect 6 PM start and will be rescheduled to another meeting
Superintendent's report
substitute nurses being looked for
Winter sports round up
earmark funded for middle school library (still needs to make through the budget cycle)
Innovation labs grant also awarded
FHS family science night April 9 from 5 to 8 pm
Lifelong learning update
For Solutions, the students to teacher ratios; K - 1 to 10, others grades are 1 to 12, 1 to 13
Footlighters program hiring for, trying to fulfill that position, complications in the hiring process had hindered the hiring to date. Still being worked
Over 900 adults taking part, a wide variety of offerings from sports to arts, etc.
Funding question, Lifelong learning is effectively another revolving fund, fee based and those fees can only be used within the program
Discussion/Action Items
A. Student Opportunities Act Plan Vote
B. Endorsement of Request for Statement of Interest for Development of Strategic Plan
both passed by 7-0 votes
Subcommittee updates
Citizen comment - I stepped up to say thanks for the participation at the Q&A and to provide 2 future dates for their calendars
April 18, Favorite Poem Reading at the Library
On May 2, the 3rd annual Jane Jacobs walk, meet at the TV studio walk about 1 mile or so, return to the studio. Discussions of housing, zoning, which are all budget related. It is a generally good discussion with insights shared
--------------
The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uQe3rLUq6e8?&t=87
My full set of notes taken during the meeting in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZuJSdiqLK1QBa9NdcjVsk5KVX7AH2MX3/view?usp=drive_link
Photo album of the slides presented for Lifelong Learning
https://photos.app.goo.gl/adaJ3sZeYK5ih5t28
-------------
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"
