FM #1476 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1476 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. 5 members participated in this virtual session, 2 were absent (Gallagher, Griffith). With the virtual session, there is no Franklin TV video or YouTube available.
Quick recap:
Superintendent’s report, end of school year officially June 18, schools closed out in memorable ways, thanks to PCC 's et al for making it possible.
Boxes labeled, classrooms cleared… Summer relocation work underway, all packing was completed, walkthrough underway to confirm readiness for transition, thanks to Colin for all the effort in this. The preparation and communication was organized
Transportation registration closed, 2492 registered, vs. 2466 for past year, 16 on waitlist; routes scheduled for posting in August; special education van can be purchased via earmark along with local funding to keep fleet current
Question: On the waitlist, when would they find out? During route creation over the next couple of weeks. The SchCmte will get an update on the routes before the initial routes are posted
SPED vans backstory; had 3 in trouble and were adjusting to cover with reallocations, the next in line is now covered with the earmark, etc. to bring us more current on cycle
Discussion/ action items
DECA trip to VA - I recommend approval of the request of Emily Rosborough to take DECA students to Arlington, VA from November 21 - 23, 2025 as detailed. Moved, second, passes 5-0-2 (2 absent) via roll call
Girls Basketball Trip to ME - I recommend approval of the request of John Leighton to take the Girls Basketball team to Augusta and Portland, ME from December 26 - 27, 2025 as detailed. Moved, second, passes 5-0-2 (2 absent) via roll call
Disposition of Student Activity Accounts - I recommend approval of disposition of student activity accounts as discussed Moved, second, passes 5-0-2 (2 absent) via roll call
Recommendation to open FMS Student Activity Accounts and close Existing MS Activity Accounts - I recommend opening of Franklin Middle School Student activity accounts and closing the existing middle school student activity accounts as discussed. Moved, second, discussion - Lots of details involved in the reorganization. Vote on the motion, passes 5-0-2 (2 absent) via roll call
User Fees - I recommend approval of the FY25-26 User Fees as discussed - Policy Subcmte met earlier tonight. Athletic fees remain at 3 tier structure with one sport changing tier (wrestling) to tier 2 at $600. Transportation fees, $387 with a 3 student cap per family. Unfortunate consequences of failed override User fees also have an escalation clause built in; an attempt to maintain cost control, Modeling fee structure planned as part of the new budget cycle in the fall
Moved, second, passes 5-0-2 (2 absent) via roll call
Consent Agenda
Moved, second, passes via roll call 5-0-2 (2 absent) No citizen comments
New business
next meetings, July 22, Aug 12, Aug 26
New hire updates, reorg progress Handbooks scheduled for Aug 26
Cautiously optimistic about where they are
Motion to adjourn, passes via roll call same 5-0-2 vote as others
The exclusive recording runs about 35 minutes
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1476-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-06-24-25/
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Agenda doc -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5789326/SCAGENDA_6-24-25.pdf
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| School Committee meets virtually, approves fee schedule and middle school accounting in short session (exclusive audio) |
My full set of notes -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v8oaOo2GNU5NVOEr2H4pEu43SNUBKReC/view?usp=drive_link
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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!
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