School Committee gets update on student recognition sign project, sets Superintendent's goals (audio in 2 segments)

FM #1857 & 1858 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1857 & 1858 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM. 5 of the 7 members were present in Chambers; 2 participated remotely (Masoulf, O'Sullivan) (hence all votes were via roll call).

The audio is for 2 separate and “important” segments.

1 - The Student Achievement Signage Project Update

• Project team here to present an update, slides being captured via pix and the album will be shared

• recognition of donors on the back of the sign, front touting the teams and champions

• pre bid meeting soon, bids due Oct 22

• target to complete Dec 2026 or when fund raising complete no donation is too small

Sign update slides captured as pictures - https://photos.app.goo.gl/XNsdT3YEp4W9eEzEA

Audio approx 24 minutes

Audi link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1857-school-cmte-mtg-student-achievement-10-13-26/

2 - The Superintendent's Goals

• feedback around the committee, some wanting more details on student metrics (this is coming as part of the progress reporting) 

• some liking the long range planning aspect as important to continue to carry the conversation forward 

• also suggestion that this might be a time for weighting the goals 

• long term planning properly set up can in turn generate individual goals year by year

• Supt will update doc as the year progresses with links to the evidence 

• vote on the motion to approve goals as presented, via roll call (with 2 remote) passes 7-0

Superintendent's Goals

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YUU7cyLgHXLemLgJ6 

Audio approx 34 minutes

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1858-school-cmte-mtg-superintendents-goals-10-13-26/

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

The agenda doc - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2559 

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VjCwnGIj_tWJdnufN3hZU175Sogt1ebI/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 Thursday, November 12, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule 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:

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events  (Repeats Saturday at 3:00 PM)

Conversation with FUSF's new minister Chris Sheller

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/11/you-can-listen-to-my-conversation-with.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  

• The Turntable Show features Elton John's "Madman Across the Water" album released on November 5, 1971.  The album was EJ's third album to be released in 1971 and features some  amazing hits such as: Tina Dancer, Levon, and the title track Madman Across the Water. 
• The EJ Playlist Hour airs a mix of Madman Across the Water with other studio and live recordings that together make for a wicked fun hour of EJ music. Hear songs from top EJ albums including: Yellow Brick Road, Captain Fantastic, Tumbleweed Connection, Caribou, One Night Only, and Madman Across the Water.  Turn it up!

Find the playlist ->  https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule 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:

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events  

The audio for the School Cmte Policy Subcmte Mtg on 11/3/26  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/11/school-cmte-policy-subcmte-approves.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)  

Episode 328 - Wine In The Word With Randy Frazee

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/11/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

You can listen to the Town Council Communications Subcmte Mtg on Thursday, Nov 5, 2026 (audio)

FM #1852 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1852 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council Communications Subcommittee meeting held virtually (via Zoom) on Thursday, November 5, 2026. 

Committee members: Caroline Griffith, Chair, Jane Callaway-Tripp, Vice Chair, Maxwell Morrongiello, Gene Grella and Elizabeth Kalaijian, Director of Communications and Community Engagement.

Agenda:

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of Minutes

a. July 15, 2026 Meeting Minutes

b. May 28, 2026 Meeting Minutes

c. April 27, 2026 Meeting Minutes

3. Review and Discussion: next steps, priorities, and questions

a. Updated_2026-27_Comms Subcommittee Work Plan Draft

b. 2026-2027 Communications Subcommittee work plan

4. Adjourn 

The recording runs about 72 minutes, so let’s listen to the Communications Subcommittee meeting of November 5, 2026.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1852-town-council-communications-subcmte-mtg-11-05-26/

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Agenda doc -  https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11052026-2590 

Town Council Communications Subcmte page - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/1311/Communications-Subcommittee 

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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 www.franklin.news or  Franklinmatters.org/

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"

Board of Health reviews emergency dispensing plan, will consider increase in penalties for Kratom (audio)

FM #1851 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1851 in the series. 

The Franklin, MA Board of Health met on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 5 PM as scheduled. All three members participated; 2 in the 3rd floor training room, 1 remotely (with an intermittent audio connection), along with additional representation by the Health Department members (C Liberty, Director; G McNeil).

Quick recap:

• Approval of minutes for October, so moved, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent, joined just after vote)

• Kids vaccine clinic successful, approx 30+ received, comfort dogs were present

• Discussion on Kratom around potential penalties given the change that it that Federal status for the drug has changed to “restricted”

• change penalties for Kratom and derivatives, will advertise for meeting in Dec and implement in the new year

• Next up emergency dispensing site (FHS)

• in partnership with Police Fire and DPW for holding and conducting the plan

• Discussion on the need for interpreters, DPH removed the phone access service they had provided that Alicia used regularly; also consider sign language

• Next up, food violations, trends? temp control, sanitation, usually the same repeat violations; lots of turnover within the food establishments doesn't help keep a stable process; looking at creating training via grant for those involved in food handling

• Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0, via roll call (and 1 hand signal)

The recording runs about 38 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1851-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-11-03-26/

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Agenda doc - 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11042026-2588 

My notes in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-B3I14vFnRZVMSPh6j-rvzge3uwtm9gb/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. 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 Cmte Policy Subcmte approves policy chnages to bring to School Committee (audio)

FM #1850 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1850 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. All 3 members (Dave Callaghan (Chair), Al Charles, Reis Hansen) participated in the session held in the 3rd floor training room.Dr Tina Rogers, Paula Marano, and Elizabeth Morrison also participated.

Quick recap:

• Discussion on the audit done to confirm what other policies need to be adjusted based upon the recent Freedom to Read Act changes. Using the MASC policies as a guideline, reviewed the proposed changes, approved the 3 to bring to the full Committee for first reading. Internal work on the underlying procedures is still underway ideally to be completed by the time the policies are approved

• Next up, Patricia Middelman, Treasurer of SEPAC (Special Education Parents Advisory Council) is present to talk about ensuring coverage for special education needs in any policy discussions. The group is coming back to life and will be attempting to have representation at Policy and School Committee meetings going forward. 

• (Editor’s note: this is not just any old group. Per Mass General Law, districts that receive funding for special education are required to have such a group. It had been very active then the past couple of years it went quiet as leadership/membership changed (parents of special ed students aged out of the program).

• Next up, continuation of the fiscal policy discussion. Complete set would be sent to the Budget Subcommittee for their review and comment, then back to this committee for any final edits before bringing to the full committee likely in December

• Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0, folks move to Chambers for full School Committee meeting

The recording runs about 50 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1850-school-cmte-policy-subcmte-mtg-11-03-26/

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The meeting agenda can be found -> 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2558 

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KQwwtCt2nwHOX2ny8ANnYDcVwCxGGsHZ/view?usp=drive_link 

School Committee Policy manual - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/policy-manual 

School Committee Subcommittee assignments

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

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

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"

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

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule 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:

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events  

Non-profit fund raising innovation revealed in conversation on the new Direct Impact Checking & SAFE Coalition   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/10/find-out-how-direct-impact-checking.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)  

Episode 327 - Matchmaking & Premium Cocktails with Erik Segelbaum

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/10/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode_090694902.html

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

Marissa & Dave provide updates on Energize Franklin (audio/video)

FM #1849 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1849 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Dave Rittenhouse and Marissa Bovie, both with the Energize Franklin group. We had our discussion virtually on Monday, October 26, 2026.

 

We talk about Energize Franklin

• What has changed since we last talked

• Updated webpage

• Now using Facebook

• What hasn’t changed

• Information & testimonials to help

• Take action steps, small or large

The recording runs about 39 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1849-energize-franklin-updates-10-26-26/

Video link - https://youtu.be/FbnatLqHh74

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Energize Franklin home page - www.energizefranklin.org/ 

You can email Dave at dsritt@gmail.com 

Prior recording (walk through of the Energize page & features)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/making-sense-of-climate-27-dave-helps.html 

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

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"