This Chalkboard Chat shares insights into the FY 2027 budget and implications (audio)

FM #1652 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1652 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chair Paul Griffith.  We had our discussion via Zoom on Monday, February 2, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting January 27, 2026.

Our conversation covered the following topics:

Budget, and budget implications

Budget hearing Feb 10, budget vote Feb 24

Health care costs proposed to move to Town Account 910

Simplification, ensure all depts now have apples to apples budget comparison

Hold harmless, Chap 70 local contribution under re-evaluation

Special education reimbursement, cost advantages of in house programs

Policy updates

Remote participation

Middle school awareness of pathways

ECDC tuition re-voted to correct an oversight

Our conversation runs about 49 minutes. Let’s listen

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1652-chalkboard-chat-02-02-26/

The YouTube video of our conversation -> https://youtu.be/dh4BqY7UvtI

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School Committee page (with contact info) - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee 

School Committee subcommittee assignments - 

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons 

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-UxhayAn6s 

The agenda can be found - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/8d6ca562-53e6-4ea4-a1af-54dc11571527/SCAGENDA-1-27-26.pdf?disposition=inline 

FY 2027 budget presentation doc -

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/f0eb6e5e-b914-4650-9811-892c46570b5f/FINAL---FY27-Superintendents-Recommended-Budget-%282%29.pdf?disposition=inline 

Released documents will be posted to the 'packet folder' - https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/january-27%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/24906664 

My notes in one PDF file -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/140kTZI5bmwVFlufRsU54cNneJ2BytZ-c/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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM   Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock 

Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)  

• This segment shares the current Chalkboard Chat with School Committee Chair Paul Griffith  ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/this-chalkboard-chat-shares-insights.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

• This segment features Kim & Mark in Episode 308 - Talking Whiskey With Colonel Craig Duncan (audio)  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode.html

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Sarah & Jillian give us the scoop on what's happening at the Senior Center in Feb 2026 (audio)

FM #1651 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1651 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Franklin Senior Center Director Sarah Amaral and Activities Coordinator Jillian Rochat. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• All the key event highlights for February 2026

• Van day trips planned for the year, touting those for March, April

The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. 

The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1651-franklin-senior-center-feb-2026-highlights-01-21-26/

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Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging 

February 2026 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8145/February-2026-Newsletter?bidId= 

Sarah & Jillian give us the scoop on what's
happening at the Senior Center in Feb 2026 (audio)

The newsletter archive page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/585/Connection-Newsletter 

Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false 

Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945

 

My Active Center -> https://myactivecenter.com/ 

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

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 it!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 097 - Heartbreak, Old Neighbors, Ornaments, Positivity, and the Living Room (audio)

In this episode, The Franklin Senior Center Writers Group shares stories, poems, and writings about heartbreak, an old neighbor named Eva, ornaments and other things that hold sentimental value, a journey to spread more positivity, and much more.

Audio link ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-097-heartbreak-old-neighbors-ornaments-positivity-and-the-living-room

Senior Story Hour - WFPR

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 308 - Talking Whiskey With Colonel Craig Duncan (audio)

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you!

Talking Whiskey With Colonel Craig Duncan

Grab a glass 🥃 and join us for a very special episode as Kim and Mark take their first deep dive into the world of whiskey! We're thrilled to be joined by a true expert, Colonel Craig Duncan, the founder and president of Whiskey University.

Colonel Duncan shares the fascinating journey of how Whiskey University and its foundational principles came to be, along with the story of how he earned his commission as a Colonel in both Kentucky and Tennessee.

Episode 308 - Talking Whiskey
With Colonel Craig Duncan (audio)

You'll quickly discover that much like wine, the location and terroir of whiskey truly matter, a concept we explore in detail. The Colonel gives us a clear definition of whiskey, and we draw fun parallels between wine stories and whiskey stories. We even compare a wine's tech sheet to a whiskey's mash bill!

Get a history lesson as Colonel Duncan delves into the incredible, often surprising, history of whiskey in American government, including its impact on taxes. We also talk shop, comparing the landscape of big brands versus small, craft distilleries.

Finally, the Colonel shares insights into current bourbon trends, and offers practical shopping and tasting tips to help you find your next favorite pour.

Whether you're a lifelong whiskey lover or just starting your journey, this is the essential show for you!

Cheers!

Kim and Mark 

www.thewww.wine

For more education options, you can find Colonel Duncan at Whiskey University

Audio link -> https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-308-talking-whiskey-with-colonel-craig-duncan

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 308-Talking Whiskey With Colonel Craig Duncan

School Committee get preview of FY 2027 school budget with 2.5% increase, assuming health costs transfer to Town account (audio)

FM #1650 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1650 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. All 7 members of the committee were present. 

Quick recap:

• The committee and community got a preview of the FY 2027 school budget. Excluding the health care costs ($8.8M), they presented a 'level service' budget that stays within a 2.5% increase

• The discussions with the Town to transfer the health care costs to the Town account 910 are in process. A Memo of Agreement (MOA) is being prepared to cover the details of the transfer. The Committee will schedule a special meeting to vote to approve the transfer next week

The recording runs about 3 hours and 49 minutes

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1650-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-01-27-26/

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preview of FY 2027 school budget

Additional links to the meeting recap, Franklin TV video, and key documents for this session   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/school-committee-get-preview-of-fy-2027.html 

Superintendent’s Recommended budget for FY 2027 https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/f0eb6e5e-b914-4650-9811-892c46570b5f/FINAL---FY27-Superintendents-Recommended-Budget-%282%29.pdf?disposition=inline 

Memo on the health care account transfer

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/b1bd78ca-d7a9-4f42-a1b3-15fdce87d449/REVISED---Healthcare-memo-for-SC-discussion.pdf?disposition=inline 

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

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"