Franklin, MA: Agenda for School Committee meeting Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

March 25, 2025 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order                  Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeil

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. France, England & Scotland Field Trip - Nikki Hafele

B. Franklin High School Update - Dr. Weber

C. Middle School Reorganization Update - Mr. Williams

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. France, England & Scotland Trip Proposal

I recommend approval of the request of Nikki Hafele to take FHS students to

France, England and Scotland for 11 days between June 28, 2026 and July 14,

2026 (exact dates TBD) as detailed.

B. Policy - 1st Read & Elimination

I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading:

ACA - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex

Elimination: ACA-R - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Under Title IX

Including Sex-Based Harassment

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. none

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your March 11, 2025 School

Committee Meeting and March 19, 2025 Special School Committee Meeting as detailed.

B. Parmenter Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $3,906.44 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips as detailed.

C. FHS Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $200.00 from Philip & Jari Vandermeer for supplemental supplies for FHS in memory of Richard Ayer III.

D. Oak Street Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $3,900.00 from the Oak St. PCC for field trips as detailed.

E. FHS Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $10,918.09 as follows:

• $10,545.57 Show Tix In-house Enrichment
• $ 267.00 Parents Field Trips

• 

  Agenda for School Committee

  $ 105.52 Parents In-house Enrichment

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel

X. Adjournment

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03252025-1651

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for meeting Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025

Franklin School Committee

March 11, 2025 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Capital Projects and Facilities Improvements Presentation

B. District Transportation Presentation

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Competency Determination Language in FHS Program of Studies (POS)

I recommend the suggested changes in the Competency Determination Language in the FHS Program of Studies as detailed.  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5389749/Discussion_Action_A_-_Competency_Determination_Language.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. 2025-26 User Fee Discussion

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your February 4, 2025 Budget Open Hearing Meeting and February 11, 2025 School Committee Meeting as detailed.

B. JFK Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $2,050.00 from the JFK PCC for field trips as detailed.

C. FHS Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $2550.00 for FHS as follows:

$50.00 Clair Cox - Supplemental Supplies- Athletics (in memory of Kathy Bonney)

$2500.00 Marguerite Brackley - Jim Gray Scholarship

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Adjournment

Agenda doc also contina remote participation info ->

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5388334/SCAGENDA_3-11-25.pdf

Meeting packet contains other docs released for this meeting, additional will be added here after the meeting

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/march-11%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/770110

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for meeting Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for Feb 11, 2025 meeting at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee
February 11, 2025 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers


Call to Order    Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I.    Routine Business

A.    Review of Agenda
B.    Payment of Bills    Mr. Callaghan
C.    Payroll    Mr. McNeill
D.    FHS Student Representative Comments
E.    Superintendent’s Report

II.    Guests/Presentations
A.    none

III.    Discussion/Action Items

A.    FY26 Budget Vote
I recommend approval of the FY26 Budget in the amount of $80,395,338 as discussed.

B.    2025-26 School Calendar - DRAFT
I recommend adoption of the draft 2025-26 School Calendar as discussed.

IV.    Discussion Only Items

A.    2025-26 School Committee Meeting Calendar

V.    Information Matters

A.    School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
B.    School Committee Liaison Reports

VI.    Consent Agenda

A.    Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your January 28, 2025 meeting as detailed.
B.    Keller Recurring Field Trip - RW Zoo
I recommend approval of the request of Cailin Colohan, Ally Bowser & Val Gemski to take 5th graders to Roger Williams Zoo, Providence, RI on June 5, 2025 as detailed.
C.    Keller Recurring Field Trip - Stadium Theater
I recommend approval of the request of Lisa Paulhus to take 4th graders to the Stadium Theater, Woonsocket, RI on March 20, 2025 for the Math Maniac Show as detailed.
D.    FHS Gifts
I recommend the acceptance of $225.00 in memory of Richard Ayer III as follows: $ 50.00 Luke Yanka    Unified Sports Supplies
$175.00 Robert & Margaret Kelliher-Gibson Supplemental Supplies
E.    Lifelong Learning Music Academy Scholarship
I recommend the acceptance of $1200.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for a Lifelong Learning Music Academy Scholarship as detailed.
F.    Music Gift
I recommend the acceptance of $720.00 from music parents for field trips for the Music Department as detailed.
G.    FHS Gift
I recommend the acceptance of $95.05 from Ohiopyle Prints, Inc. for in house enrichment at FHS as detailed.
H.    FHS Athletic Gift
I recommend the acceptance of $150.00 from Chris & Veronica Diorio for supplemental supplies in memory of Kathy Bonney as detailed.

VII.    Good of the Order

 
VIII.    Citizen’s Comments

 
IX.    New Business
To discuss any future agenda items

X.    Executive Session

As per M.G.L c. 30A, §21
A.    (3) To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigation position of the public body and the chair so declares.
B.    (2) To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel.

XI.    Adjournment

 

The agenda doc contains remote participation info -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02112025-1571

 

 

The meeting packet can be found -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/february-11%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/756881

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for Feb 11, 2025 meeting at 7 PM

3 Options to listen to the School Cmte Mtg; dive into Middle School Math, or to the FY 2026 Budget, or get the whole thing (audio)

FM #1364-65-66 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1364-65-66 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 28, 2024. 6 of the 7 members participated (6 in Chambers,  1 absent - Sompally).

1364 is the full school committee meeting in one audio file

1365 is the start of the meeting through to the end of the Middle School Math

1366 starts with the FY 2026 budget presentation and runs to the end

Quick recap

• The middle school math curriculum program is being revised to meet MA Curriculum Framework guidelines and to better meet the needs for a solid foundation in math for all students. 

• Photos of the presentation were recorded into one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/73DtDSCgcRCPiPHz9 

• Actual presentation doc posted after the meeting (normal process) https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5247238/January_28__2025_MS_Math_Update_to_SC_for_Website.pdf 

• The FY 2026 budget was presented and multiple questions from the committee to clarify the details. $80M is being requested, 3.78% more than prior year but within the guidelines offered by the Town Administrator which also assuming successful passage of the possible override

• The schools do achieve significant savings with the redistricting. 34 positions are reassigned within the district, 20 positions ultimately will be reduced. For the non-redistricted budget: it would be a >$6M increase from last year. About $3M more than level service that is being requested for this year

• The budget timeline was laid out which includes a budget hearing Feb 4, School Committee vote on Feb 11, the Joint Budget listening sessions, before the Finance Committee hearings in April and Town Council hearings in May

• What was not discussed, but is on the timeline, is the Town Council consideration of the possible override at a March meeting AFTER the listening sessions complete. The decision for yes or no on the override, and if yes, to determine a date and an amount are to be expected

• Photos of the presentation were recorded into one album ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/URuuP6RLYXmtnR3G9 

• Actual presentation doc posted after the meeting (normal process) https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5256280/28Jan2025_FY26_Super_Rec_Budget_to_SC.pdf 

• The decision to release the Parmenter facility to the Town was approved. Consideration of the alleged Parmenter family requirement for the land to be kept in school use was made but based upon Town Attorney advice that the deed does not include such a provision, the decision was made to proceed. Vote on this was 6-0-1 (1 absent, 6 for)

• Three sets of policy modifications were made per DESE request to bring language of the policy into compliance with current requirements. Vote on this was 6-0-1 (1 absent, 6 for)

• Motion to enter into executive session for contract negotiations, not to return to open session was made and approved. The vote on this was 6-0-1 (1 absent, 6 for)

#1364 = The full meeting recording runs about 4 hours & 13 minutes, so let’s listen in. https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1364-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-01-28-25-full-mtg/

#1365 = The start through the Middle School Math Curriculum  1 hour & 42 minutes

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1365-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-01-28-25-start-thru-middle-sch-math/

#1366 = The FY 2026 budget through to the end of the meeting  2 hours & 33 minutes
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1366-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-01-28-25-fy-2026-budget-to-end-og-mtg/

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

Franklin TV video available for replay ->  (full meeting)

https://www.youtube.com/live/HYxJEgzxVww?&t=31  

Jump to the Start of Middle School Math Curriculum presentation & discussion

https://www.youtube.com/live/HYxJEgzxVww?&t=599 

Jump to the Start of FY 2026 Superintendent’s Recommended budget presentation & discussion

https://www.youtube.com/live/HYxJEgzxVww?&t=6047

The agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01282025-1531 

Meeting packet (other docs as they are released after the meeting will get posted here) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/january-28%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/750840 

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PHnEHNKly-gag8T04ftDUSmm2JWyBc-G/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"

3 Options to listen to the School Cmte Mtg; dive into Middle School Math, or to the FY 2026 Budget, or get the whole thing (audio)

School Committee gets details on middle school math curriculum changes, FY 2026 budget, & approves Parmenter release to the Town (video)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. 6 of the 7 members were present in Council Chambers for the just over 4 hour session. 

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

The agenda released for the meeting ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01282025-1531 

Additional documentation will be posted beginning Wednesday to the meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/january-28%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/750840

Quick recap:

• The middle school math curriculum program is being revised to meet MA Curriculum Framework guidelines and to beter meet the needs for a solid foundation in math for all students. Photos of the presentation were recorded into one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/73DtDSCgcRCPiPHz9
• The FY 2026 budget was presented and mutlipe questions from the committee to clarify the details. $80M is being requested, 3.78% more than prior year but within the guidelines offered by the Town Administrator which also assuming successful passage of the possible override
• The schools do achieve significant savings with the redistricting. 34 positions are reassigned within the district, 20 positions ultimately will be reduced. For the non-redistricted budget: it would be a >$6M increase from last year. About $3M more than level service that is being requested for this year
• The budget timeline was laid out whcih includes a budget hearing Feb 4, School Committee vote on Feb 11, the Joint Budget listening sessions, before the Finance Committee hearings in April and Town Council hearings in May
• What was not discussed, but is on the timeline, is the Town Council consideration of the possible override at a March meeting AFTER the listening sessions complete. The decision for yes or no on the override, and if yes, to determine a date and an amount are to be expected
• Photos of the presentation were recorded into one album ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/URuuP6RLYXmtnR3G9
• The decision to release the Parmenter facility to the Town was approved. Consideration of the alleged Parmenter family requirement for the land to be kept in school use was made but based upon Town Attorney advice that the deed does not include such a provision, the decision was made to proceed. Vote on this was 6-0-1 (1 absent, 6 for)
• Three sets of policy modifications were made per DESE request to bring language of the policy into compliance with current requirements. Vote on this was 6-0-1 (1 absent, 6 for)
• Motion to enter into executive session for contract negotiations, not to return to open session was made and approved. The vote on this was 6-0-1 (1 absent, 6 for)

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PHnEHNKly-gag8T04ftDUSmm2JWyBc-G/view?usp=drive_link

School Committee gets details on middle school math curriculum changes, FY 2026 budget, & approves Parmenter release to the Town (video)

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for Meeting January 28, 2025

Franklin School Committee 

January 28, 2025 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Middle School Math Update

B. Superintendent’s Recommended FY26 Budget Presentation

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Relinquish Parmenter School

I recommend relinquishing possession of the Parmenter Elementary School to the Town of Franklin on August 31, 2025 in accordance with the MSBA notification timeline of school closure.

B. Policy - Second Readings/Adoption

I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:

1. GBEB - Employee Conduct

2. JKAA - Physical Restraint of Students

3. JB - Equal Educational Opportunities

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. 2025-26 School Committee Meeting Schedule-DRAFT

B. ACCEPT Annual Report

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your January 14, 2025 meeting as detailed.

B. FHS Scholarships

I recommend the acceptance of $5,250.00 for FHS Scholarships as follows:

$250.00 from Johanna Jobin for the Jacqueline Schaeffer Scholarship

$5,000.00 from Thomas Wagner for the Thomas Wagner Scholarship

C. District Wide Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $225.00 from BJ’s Wholesale Club for District Wide in-house enrichment as detailed.

D. Music Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $3,102.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for In-house enrichment as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

 

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

A. As per M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21 (2) To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective

bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel

X. Adjournment

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01282025-1531

Documents released for this session will be posted to the packet folder as they are released ->  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/january-28%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/750840

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for Meeting January 28, 2025

School Committee recognizes FHS Cheerleaders, approves temporary naming for redistricting, gets update from Franklin TV (audio)

FM #1354 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1354 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 14, 2024. 6 of the 7 members participated (6 in Chambers,  1 absent - Sompally).

Quick recap

• FHS Cheerleaders recognized for winning multiple championships, approved for travel to the National Championship

• Superintendent's report included multiple updates on redistricting efforts underway

• FHS school update provided insights in the school year thus far

• FHS Program of Studies update raised some clarification questions and at least one surprise that the community service hours added to the graduation requirements are not being monitored this year due to the budget cut that removed the individual who would have done that tracking. Community hours were being done by students, no one single person was tracking to ensure all the students were doing so this school year

• Franklin TV provided an update on the programming provided to the community including the live broadcast of this meeting (across town, 2 school concerts were also broadcast and the FHS girls basketball game was also broadcast). revenue is dropping due to cable cutting, proposal at State Legislature on potential alternate revenue for cable operations, new Federal administration may attempt to dismantle the Federal authorization for cable broadcasting

• Discussion action items

• approved after much discussion as amended the notification on the temporary names for the schools as part of the redistricting

• Capital budget modified from initial preview and approved

• 3 policies for first reading approved to move to second reading

• Update on educational expenses for the student from the emergency shelter. Quarterly reimbursement from DESE only used to offset the costs of educating these students. Reimbursement at rate of $104/per day/per student. The override had nothing to do with the education of these students. FPS does not use the operational budget to educate the student from the emergency shelter

• Grants to the amount of $1.6 M were preview by the committee (document not part of the public set released prior to the meeting). Over what period these grants covered was not mentioned out loud.

• Round of subcommittee updates

• Motion to enter executive session, not to return to public meeting, passed 6-0-1 (1 absent)

The recording runs about 3 hours & 24 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1354-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-01-14-25/

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

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

The agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/fsc.pdf 

Meeting packet (other docs as they are released after the meeting will get posted here) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/january-14%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/742564

My full set of notes in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JdupV2TntAObJjwWAik_BBpoPfpLPHVH/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 Committee recognizes FHS Cheerleaders, approves temporary naming for redistricting, gets update from Franklin TV (audio)