Audio recording of the January 13, 2026 Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting in 3 parts (audio)

FM #1635-36-37 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1635-36-37 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 7 PM. All 7 members participated for this 4 hour plus session. 

 

• 1635 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and everything else except  (approx. 1 hour 28 mins)

• FHS Program of Studies discussion (see 1636) 

• Teaching & Learning presentation & discussion (see 1637)  

• 1636 - segment from the meeting covering the FHS Program of Studies (approx. 51 mins)  

• 1637 - segment from the meeting Teaching & Learning presentation & discussion  (approx. 2 hrs. 3 mins)

  

Audio 1635 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1635-fps-sch-cmte-mtg-p1-of-3-01-13-26/

Audio 1636 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1636-fps-sch-cmte-mtg-p2-of-3-01-13-26/

Audio 1637 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1637-fps-sch-cmte-mtg-p3-of-3-01-13-26/

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Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/school-committee-approves-trip-program.html 

audio segment 1635 has this portion of the meeting

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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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Franklin School Committee opens the new year with 3 meetings

The key agenda items for two subcommittee meetings and the full School Committee meeting are shared below. The agenda PDF doc also contains remote participation info

1 - Franklin Public School Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting

Monday, January 12 Time: 6:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01122026-2082 

Agenda:

● Establish Mission Statement / 2026 Goals

● 2026 Engagement & Activity Brainstorming

● Newsletter Planning

2 - Franklin School Committee - Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, January 13 Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132026-2087 

Agenda:

II. Review of Minutes

III. Overview of Policies & Procedures

IV. Approved Policies

A. none

V. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee

A. IHAIA - Middle School Pathway Exploration

VI. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item

A. BL: Remote Participation

B. GBEBD - Online Fundraising and Solicitations- Crowdfunding

C. Signage on State Property (State Champions)

D. AEB - Recognition of Accomplishments

E. Facility Rental Policies (KF, KF-E1, KF-E2, KF-E3, KF-E4, KF-E5)

3 - Franklin School Committee

Tuesday, January 13 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132026-2086 

Agenda:

II. Guests/Presentations

A. FHS Galapagos Field Trip

B. FHS 2026-27 Program of Studies Update – Dr. Weber

C. Office of Teaching & Learning District Assessment Presentation – Dr. Rogers

D. Franklin Childcare Presentation – Patty Gay

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. FHS Galapagos Islands Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Jason Chetlan to take FHS Students to the Galapagos Islands from 2/13 - 21/2027 as discussed. 

B. 2026-27 FHS Program of Studies

I recommend approval of the 2026-27 FHS Program of Studies as discussed. 

C. Policy - First Reading

I recommend moving Policy IHAIA - Middle School Pathway Exploration to a second reading as discussed. 

D. ECDC 2026-27 Tuition Rate

I recommend approval of the ECDC 2026-27 tuition rate as discussed

Franklin School Committee opens the new year with 3 meetings

3 School Committee meetings on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2025

2 School Committee subcommittees are scheduled to meet at 6 PM in the 3rd floor Conf room (Budget) and the 3rd floor Training room (Policy).

3 School Committee meetings
on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2025

The full School Committee is scheduled to meet at 7 PM in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor.

I'll "follow the money" and record/report on the Budget subcommittee meeting. 

Franklin TV will broadcast the full School Committee meeting from Council Chambers. I'll participate to report on the meeting.

That provides a detailed update on 2 of the 3 meetings. If someone is willing to take notes on the Policy meeting, I can work with them to share those notes.

Agenda documents include remote participation info:

Budget -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12092025-2047

Policy -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12092025-2046

full School Committee ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12092025-2043

Franklin School Committee reorganizes, gets the scoop on what their about to do (video)

The Franklin School Committee met for the first time sine the Biennial Election Nov 4 brought 3 new members to the group. Superintendent Lucas Giguere opened the session to conduct the re-organization votes. Griffith was nominated for Chair and unanimously voted in. Callaghan nominated for Vice-Chair and also unanimously voter in.

Town Clerk Nancy Danello swore in the publicly and officially.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea9CmNWJI1s

The agenda doc can be found ->  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6138802/SCAGENDA11-18-25.pdf 

Pictures captured during the session are in one photo album ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/TKFnfsbkzprJ5xSj9

Franklin School Committee (L-R): Hansen, Griffith, Callaghan, O'Sullivan, Mausolf, Charles, Karunakaran

Franklin, MA: Agenda for School Committee Meeting, Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - 7 PM

Franklin School Committee 

October 28, 2025 = 7:00 P.M

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order                                         Mr. Callaghan

Announcements from the Chair

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. Policy - First Readings

I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:

IKF - Graduation Requirements

IKFE - Competency Determinations

B. Superintendent’s Goals

I recommend approval of the Superintendent’s Goals as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. October 1 Report

B. ACCEPT Quarterly Report

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

School Committee Meeting

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your October 14, 2025 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Athletics Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $2,000.00 from the Gridiron Club for Supplemental Supplies as detailed.

C. FHS Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $2,457.00 from the Theater 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 (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

X. Adjournment

Agenda doc also includes remote participation info -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10282025-1977 

Meeting packet folder (contains documents of the meeting released before or after the session) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/october-28%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/859754

School Committee gets updates on after school clubs and from the Food Pantry (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, October 14 in Council Chambers with all 7 members present and participating.

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

The agenda doc -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10142025-1948

Quick recap:

• FHS club fair held, 35 clubs presented, looking to finalize what's active with signups and payments to confirm membership. If not all to operate there are additional proposals being developed that could be implemented in lieu of some that didn't make it. High school has a late bus confirmed, awaiting word from bus company on one for the middle school
• Middle school working on confirming advisors and also setting survey to determine student club interest. Hopeful of get the matching done during November
• Franklin Food Pantry presentation by Laura Doherty and Tina Powderly. Much work to create awareness, address stigma, expand available of food for those who need it. Lots of coordination, collaboration underway with School District, more to come. Empty Bowls will continue, looking also to expand and offer bowl workshop outside of the high school to community. Looking into why middle school student who were part of the back pack program don't continue with it into high school
• Good of the order raised the following items
• Consideration of removing restriction on citizen comment about something on the agenda, esp. now as it is at the end of the meeting; could be an opportunity to gain immediate feedback on something discussed during the meeting
• A public education slot to share info on current topics, to help address the misinformation still bantered about in the social media channels
• Do something to help the new Town Council get up to speed quickly, perhaps to include a tour of the schools, many don't seem aware of the details of daily operations
• entered into Executive Session not to return to open meeting

My full set of notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dKcjoQ-fFsLF7j1sNbpxy6QuusaqtBZG/view?usp=drive_link

Food Pantry slides (photos captured during meeting)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/BwjzVA9dhMdwNGYR9

Agenda for Franklin School Committee - October 14 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee 

October 14, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

A G E N D A

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

 

Call to Order                                 Mr. Callaghan

Announcements from the Chair

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

Agenda for Franklin School
Committee - October 14 at 7 PM

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Club Update

B. Franklin Food Pantry

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. none

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 September 30, 2025 School Committee Meeting as detailed. 

B. Lincoln 3-5 Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $800.00 from the Lincoln St 3-5 PCC for field trips as detailed. 

C. Student Activity Club Approval

I recommend approval of the Student Activity Clubs as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA, Van Drivers, Cafeteria, ESP/LPN and Secretaries units as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

XI. Adjournment

Agenda doc -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10142025-1948

2025-26 Meeting Packet Materials

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/october-14%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/857413

Franklin (MA) School Committee holds meeting on Tuesday (video)

The Franklin  TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38uXznSNhM8

The Agenda doc -> 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09092025-1902

The meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/september-9%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/850533

Franklin, MA: School Committee meeting agenda for Tuesday, Sep 9, 2025 session at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

September 9, 2025 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

 

Call to Order                     Mr. Callaghan 

Announcements from the Chair

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. Portugal/Lisbon Trip Presentation

B. New Administrator Introductions

C. 2025-26 District and School Improvement Plans

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Portugal/Lisbon Field Trip Approval

I recommend approval of the request of Chris Penza to take FHS students to Portugal and Lisbon from April 17-25, 2027 as discussed.

B. 2025-26 District Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the 25-26 District Improvement Plan as discussed.

C. 2025-26 ECDC School Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the 25-26 ECDC School Improvement Plan as discussed.

D. 2025-26 Elementary School Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the 25-26 Elementary School Improvement Plan as discussed.

E. 2025-26 Franklin Middle School Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the 25-26 FMS School Improvement Plan as discussed.

F. 2025-26 Franklin High School Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the 25-26 FHS School Improvement Plan as discussed.

Franklin, MA: School Committee meeting agenda
for Tuesday, Sep 9, 2025 session at 7 PM

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 August 26, 2025 School Committee meeting as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Adjournment

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09092025-1902

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for meeting August 28, 2025

Franklin School Committee 

August 26, 2025 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

Announcements from the Chair

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/New Presentations

A. New Hires Update

B. 2025-26 Family Handbooks Presentations

III. Discussion/Action Items

A.   2025-26 ECDC Family Handbook Approval

I recommend approval of the 2025-26 ECDC Family Handbook as discussed.

B.   2025-26 Elementary Family Handbook Approval

I recommend approval of the 2025-26 Elementary Family Handbook as discussed.

C.   2025-26 Middle School Family Handbook Approval

I recommend approval of the 2025-26 Middle School Family Handbook as discussed.

D.   2025-26 FHS Family Handbook Approval

I recommend approval of the 2025-26FHS Family Handbook as discussed.

E. Horace Mann Campus Naming

I recommend that the Franklin School Committee designate the school land located on Oak Street and Panther Way encompassing the Early Childhood Development Center, Franklin Middle School, and Franklin High School as the Horace Mann Campus as discussed.

F. Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee creation

I recommend the creation of the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee as discussed.

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 August 12, 2025 School Committee meeting as detailed.

School Committee agenda for
meeting August 28, 2025

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

X. Adjournment

Meeting agenda (includes remote participation info) ->  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5979277/SCAGENDA_8-26-25.pdf

Meeting packet folder (items released for the meeting, in some cases, a day or two after the meeting) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/august-26%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/846929

Franklin, MA: School Committee - agenda for meeting Aug 12 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee 

August 12, 2025 - 7:00 P.M.

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

Announcements from the Chair

Franklin, MA: School Committee -
agenda for meeting Aug 12 at 7 PM

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills

C. Payroll

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Summer Learning Review - Paula Marano & Patty Gay

B. Summer Move Update - Colin Boisvert

C. 2024 Annual Report Draft Review

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. None

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 June 24, 2025 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B.   FEF Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $167,557.47 from the dissolution of the Franklin Education Foundation for in-house enrichment as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Adjournment

Meeting agenda doc includes remote participation info ->

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122025-1851

Meeting packet folder contains the docs released before and after the meeting ->

https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/august-12%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/842818