Senior Center Statistics Don't Tell the Whole Story

4 key slides on the Franklin Senior Center

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EDmJH8Nj4/

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, April 2, 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:

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday

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)

• This session of the radio show shares the School Cmte Budget Subcmte Mtg March 24, 2026 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/school-committee-budget-subcmte-reviews.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 Tom Petty & Heartbreakers From The Vault's Anthology, recently released December 4, 2025.  The LP is delivered on stunning blue vinyl and available to the Tom Petty Nation fan club.   The double album includes many newly released recordings of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers live.  Listen to Pauly G and the Vibe dive deep into the vaults of the best live sound and music selected by Tom Petty.  
• The Vibe Tom Petty Playlist Hour features the award winning, fan favorite, and one of the best TP&HB album's "Damn The Torpedoes".   Turn it up and enjoy the Album Experience!

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 

School Committee Budget Subcmte reviews updates on key slides, discusses approach for budget hearings (audio)

FM #1698= This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1698 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Budget Subcmte Meeting held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 6 PM. All 3 members participated in person in the 3rd Floor Training Room. 

Subcommittee Chair Paul Griffith, Ruthann O’Sullivan and Nadia Mausolf. 

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Business Administrator Jana Melotti participated. 

Quick recap:

• The meeting provided a discussion on updates to some of the key information and preparation for the budget hearings with the Finance Committee & Town Council

• Discussion also on the talking points to continue to tell the full story

The recording runs about 43 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1698-franklin-ma-school-cmte-budget-subcmte-03-24-26/

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

School Committee Budget Subcmte agenda -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03242026-2200 

Copies of the update slide pages

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11QvzNNhI9VJuL3xIS96iWAhi6A_bvJJh/view?usp=drive_link

Full deck from the January School Committee meeting

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/c4d59008-f976-47e4-98c1-b1a251bb5690/FINAL---FY27-Superintendents-Recommended-Budget-%282%29.pdf?disposition=inline 

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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. 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 School Committee - Budget Subcommittee Meeting - March 24 at 6 PM

Franklin Public Schools Franklin School Committee

Budget Subcommittee Meeting 

March 24, 2026 = 6:00 PM

Municipal Building - 3rd Floor Training Room

● FY27 Budget check-in, questions, and next steps

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info -

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03242026-2200

Boston Globe: "That pot of money has pretty much run out"

"Communities across the state are facing intense financial pressure this spring, as inflation causes expenses to surge.

Boston Globe: "That pot of money has pretty much run out"

In affluent Marblehead, local officials are even considering closing the town library, just two years after a $10 million renovation, to balance the books.

The coastal town has a $7 million budget deficit, as rising health care and employee pension costs outpace tax revenue, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer said.

“Marblehead on the revenue side has been relying on so-called free cash, basically savings from the past,” Kezer said. “That pot of money has pretty much run out.”

As a worst-case scenario, officials are considering shutting down five other town departments, the Council on Aging, the Health Department (except the health agent), Community Development and Planning, and Recreation and Parks."

Continue reading the article with this 'share' link - 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/03/17/metro/marblehead-budget-deficit-risks-library-closure/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Follow the Franklin Finance Committee Budget hearings April 6 through 9. Get a good dose of information on the school funding tonight at the joint Town Council and School Committee meeting

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 ???

Wednesday, March 11

1:00pm    Writer's Group session moved to March 18

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

***  Town Meetings today   ***

Norfolk County Commissioners Public Hearing Notice

Wednesday, March 11 Time: 1:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2159

Public view budget for Norfolk County - https://cms5.revize.com/revize/norfolkcountyma/FY27%20BUDGET%20PUBLIC%20VIEWING%20COPY%203%205%2026.pdf?t=202603060812320&t=202603060812320 

Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, March 11 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2176

Franklin Cultural Council Meeting

Wednesday, March 11 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2167

-----------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Town Administrator Memorandum: FY27 Budget Model Revision & Revised Five-Year Fiscal Forecast

 February 6, 2026

To: Town Council

From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

RE: FY27 Budget Model Revision & Revised Five-Year Fiscal Forecast

Attached is the latest draft FY27 budget model, which presents a balanced budget model. All budget documents will be uploaded to the one stop shop town budget website.

Staff have provided a revised FY27 budget model and forecasts from the August 2025 version:

• Town Administrator Memorandum;
• Revised FY27 Control Sheet and Budget;
• Five-Year Fiscal forecast to reflect the proposed baseline FY27 budget.

Executive Analysis

I present a balanced budget model for FY27. This model provides updated revenue assumptions, the requested budget model by the Superintendent, and all department requests, including the restoration of some lost municipal services. Highlights are detailed below.

FY27 Budget Model Revision

The elected officials, town boards/committees and community stakeholders need to begin to strategize a sustainable solution to the structural budget deficit for FY28 and beyond, while analyzing the pros and cons of the decisions that will have to be made in FY27. This model will continue to shift slightly throughout the budget process, but is a very strong foundation going into the FY27 budget season. The model presented tonight will largely mirror my budget submittal as my formal budget proposal under Town Charter requirements in 6-3-1, 6-4-1, and 6-5-1. See dates below.

I have provided a model to give everyone time to strategize a game plan for the future without any department cuts or conversations about property tax increases in FY27. Given the context of two failed overrides within the past 18 months, the proposal tonight does not show the need for a general override or any other tax increase that affects the operating budget.

While the use of one-time funds is far from ideal, I can realistically expect that the town can use $1-2 +/- million a year in free cash in a short term (1-2 years) manner, while a sustainable strategy is decided by the Town Council, School Committee and the community. However, this approach will have an impact on the town and school capital program for FY26 and gets us further behind for future investments to town and school fleet, capital, facilities, fields, and infrastructure.

The model does not impede on Tier 1 capital requests, which were recommended for approval by the Finance Committee. Tier 1 requests are focused on items that were broken and needed to be fixed/replaced, as well as investments in safety gear and technology for police and fire. My recommendation is to hold off on any additional capital funding considerations that have not been recommended by the Finance Committee until after the operating budget is finalized. Any remaining free cash can pay health group deficits or provide additional capital allocations.

Health Care Transition

I have assumed a 14% increase for all school and town employee health care employees based on current enrollment. Group Insurance Commission (GIC) rates and plan design are set in mid-March. Open enrollment is in April. Staff will have definite health care numbers by approximately Memorial Day. The actual data could be under the assumption, or we could be over. We could have surpluses, or deficits, from our existing self-insured health group as we exit that system. Once health care numbers are in, staff can modify a final budget (the weeks of May 25 and June 1st) with a final FY27 budget vote expected on June 10th.

While the budget assumes $8,814,000 million transfer in benefits ($7,980,000 employee health care and $834,000 in Medicare) costs from the schools to the town benefits budget, it is my intention to transfer the figure based on actual subscriber data (as well as assumptions of any future changes in that figure through October 1st, 2026 when school hiring has been largely completed). This number is almost certainly going to shift and we will work with the schools on these assumptions.

Franklin Public Schools - Account 300

This budget model assumes the Superintendent's recommended budget, as presented to the School Committee over the past few weeks. I have provided an Account 300 chart at the bottom of this memo to show the history of requests versus allocations over the past decade.

I give significant credit to Chair Paul Griffith, Vice-Chair Callaghan, Superintendent Giguere, and the former and current School Committees for doing the very challenging work toward stabilizing the School budget over the past two years. Through disciplined collective bargaining strategy, thorough review of operations, many very difficult decisions and public discussions, a long overdue redistricting and a District Improvement Plan (DIP), I feel the Schools are in the most stabilized financial position in my tenure in Franklin. While strategic investments are desired and a game plan is needed for both capital and operating, the District is on a solid foundation for FY27.

Furthermore, the School Committee unanimously voted this past week to transfer school benefits to the municipal budget account 910. I greatly appreciate the collaboration!

Student achievement is excellent and very competitive in Eastern Massachusetts. For High Schools over 1,400 students, Franklin ranks among the best Top 20 high schools in Eastern Massachusetts and is mentioned in the same class as some of the most desired large districts. Franklin is providing an excellent education to students across all grade levels, including multiple Blue Ribbon winning elementary schools, while providing consistently championship level athletics and an overall great experience for kids to thrive and excel.

Continue reading the memorandum - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8319/11a-1---MEMO---FY27-Budget-Update---List-of-Changes

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting Wednesday, Feb 11 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 11, 2026 = 6:00 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. January 21, 2026

8. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 6:00 PM - None Scheduled

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. Modification of a Section 15 Retail Package Store Wine & Malt Beverages License: Change of Officers / Directors - Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw’s, Located at 255 East Central St., Franklin, MA

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Revised FY27 Budget Model & Five-Year Fiscal Forecast

• i. FY27 Administrator Budget Memo  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8319/11a-1---MEMO---FY27-Budget-Update---List-of-Changes
• ii. FY27 Town Administrator Budget Model  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8320/11a-2
• iii. FY27-FY32 Five-Year Fiscal Forecast  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8337/11a-3-updated
• iv. FY27 Superintendent Budget proposal Presentation (January 27, 2026)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8322/11a-4
• v. Franklin Public School District Improvement Plan (DIP)  https://heyzine.com/flip-book/24ecc9f7e5.html
• vi. Q2 FY26 Local Receipts data  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8323/11a-6

b. FY26 Capital Plan

• i. FY26 Capital Plan Book   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8324/FY26-Capital-Improvement-Book-Updated-2326
• ii. Sources of Free Cash: Department Returns   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8325/11b-2
• iii. Sources of Free Cash: Excess Revenues  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8326/11b-3

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-03: Free Cash to Stabilization Account Transfers

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-03 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8327/12a

b. Resolution 26-04: FY26 Capital Plan

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-04 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8328/12b

c. Resolution 26-05: FY26 Capital Enterprise Funds

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-05 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8329/12c

d. Resolution 26-09: Gift Acceptance - Veterans Services Dept. ($450)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-09 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8330/12d

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for Feb 10, 2026 meeting

Note: neither the budget docs, nor the meeting packet are available at this time. I'll update when they are public.

Franklin School Committee 

February 10, 2026 = 6:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order Dr. Griffith

Announcements from the Chair

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

1. Routine Business

• Review of Agenda
• Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan
• Payroll Dr. Griffith
• FHS Student Representative Comments
• Superintendent’s Report

2. FY27 Budget Open Hearing

3. Discussion/Action Items

1. Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption

I recommend adoption of Policy BL - Remote Participation as discussed.

2. Chapter 70 Arts and Music Letter of Support

I recommend endorsement of the letter to the State Legislature in support of a Chapter 70 funding allocation to directly support the Arts and Music programming across all MA public schools.

4. Discussion Only Items

• Monthly Financial Report

5. Information Matters

• School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
• School Committee Liaison Reports

6. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your January 27, 2026, and February 3, 2026 School Committee meetings as detailed. 

B. ECDC Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $500.00 from The Special Olympics of Massachusetts, Inc. for Supplemental Supplies as detailed. 

C. FHS Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $500.00 for FHS Mock Trial Field Trip as follows:

$200.00 Elizabeth Mullen

$100.00 Family Legal Partners

$200.00 Franklin Law Group 

D. FHS Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $5,238.85 for FHS as follows:

$4,554.00 Franklin Music Boosters In-house enrichment

$  558.00 Soccer Boosters Field Trip

$ 126.85 Ohiopyle Supplemental Supplies 

E. Recurring RW Zoo Field Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Christine Souza (Lincoln St K-2) to take 2nd graders to Roger Williams Zoo, Providence, RI on May 8, 2026 as detailed. 

F. Lincoln St. Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $10,775.00 as follows: 

LK-2 PCC $2,000.00 Field Trip

L3-5 PCC $2,400.00 Field Trip L3-5 PCC $6375.00 Field Trips

6. Citizen’s Comments

7. Good of the Order

8. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

8. Executive Session

As per M.G.L c. 30A, § 21 (3) To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares.

9. Adjournment

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info -

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/0b8f6729-c8cc-47e9-a0bc-75461e70e05c/SCAGENDA-2-10-26.pdf?disposition=inline

Franklin School Committee Newsletter Feb 6, 2026

Franklin School Committee Newsletter Feb 6, 2026

The February School Committee Newsletter is available now. 

Check out what the School Committee covered in the first 3 meetings of the year.

Read the entire newsletter:  https://aptg.co/MKSgXK

 

Town Council discusses goals, hears last storm cost $325,000, enters Executive Session (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Feb 4, 2026 for their shortest public session of this term of office completing public business in under 2 hours. They did go to Executive Session so who know how long that took. We'll find out later.

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51MAacjd_XU

The agenda and released documents ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02042026-2120 

Quick recap:

• Citizen comments:
• P Griffith, SchCmte Chair provides an update on budget, encourages budget hearing participation Tuesday, Feb 10
• K Mu Chow informs on the Franklin Ridge presentation on Friday, 1:30 at Senior Center
• DPW Director Cantoreggi, almost at total snow/ice budget for year, last storm cost $325,000
• G Carlucci announces Quattro Eroi Lodge 1414 Order Sons and Daughters of Italy In America celebrating 100th Anniversary this year. Steve Puleo presenting April 12 at Historical Museum
• Goals discussion, wrapped around terminology and strategic planning, could have chosen a subcommittee to help with prioritization, ended up not, will send adjustments, ideas, etc. to Jamie to consolidate for next discussion at the March 4 meeting. Consultants planned to be there to present on strategic plan option
• Adoption of Amendment to the Procedures Manual of the Franklin Town Council 
• LeBlanc poses adjusted language, second,
• P5, sec 2, regular meetings may not begin earlier than 6, provided that an agenda items is not already under discussion, the meeting may continue with a majority vote, vote on amendment Passes 9-0
• Vote on the motion as amended, Passes 9-0
• Moved to enter Executive session; Exemption #6: Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body:
  • i. Former Davis-Thayer Elementary School
  • ii. Former Parmenter Elementary School
  • iii. “Other Property” potentially available for Town purchase/acquisition

My notes captured in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pW9ckTDCmx-SwZL9VTtWqe9WzGOyUGTN/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin (MA) Town Council