Franklin, MA: Agenda for School Committee meeting Tuesday, Feb 24 at 6 PM

Franklin School Committee 

February 24, 2026 - 6:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order Dr. Griffith

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 Dr. Griffith

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. none

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Discussion Action A – FY27 Budget Vote

I recommend approval of the FY27 School Budget in the amount of

$72,341,254.00 as discussed.

FY 2027 line item detail - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/2310ad24-dbbf-4303-850c-7485da4d9089/FY27-Line-by-Line-Item.pdf?disposition=inline

Budget book - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/33c4075e-72ac-4309-b0a3-964a9339868e/FY27-Franklin-Budget-Book.pdf?disposition=inline

B. Discussion Action B – 2026-27 School Calendar Vote

I recommend adoption of the 2026-27 School Calendar as discussed.  https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/00dac9d1-b44e-4e39-bd5c-4dbdf132deda/Discussion-Action-B---26-27-School-Calendar.pdf?disposition=inline

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. ACCEPT Annual Report Documents

B. School Committee 26-27 Schedule  https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/2857b878-73e3-4260-b216-f08a15c8524b/26-27-SCSchedule-DRAFT.pdf?disposition=inline

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 10, 2026 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B.   FMS Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $13,500.00 from the FMS PCC for Field Trips as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/01da4d8e-0539-4f0b-afc7-81a97a61d796/SCAGENDA-2-24-26.pdf?disposition=inline

Packet folder contains other docs released before (or after this session)

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/february-24%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/25691390

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, MA Agenda for School Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2027

Franklin School Committee 

January 27, 2026  7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Dr. Griffith

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 Dr. Griffith

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Superintendent’s Recommended FY27 Budget

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Policy - Second Reading/Adoption

I recommend adoption of Policy IHAIA - Middle School Pathway Exploration as discussed. 

B. Policy - First Reading

I recommend moving Policy BL - Remote Participation to a second reading as discussed. 

C. ECDC 2026-27 Tuition Rate (from last meeting)

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

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Monthly Financial Report (from last meeting)

B. School Healthcare

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 13, 2026 meeting as detailed. 

B.   FHS Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $2,760.72 for In-house enrichment as follows: Jostens/The Mascot Shop $ 240.93

Grinn & Barrett Enterprizes, Inc. $2,519.79 

C.   FHS Scholarships

I recommend the acceptance of $6,000.00 for scholarships as follows: Thomas Wagner $5,000.00

Roberta DeBaggis Trahan $1,000.00 

D.   Lincoln & Washington St. Recurring Field Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Mary MacMurray to take music students to the Veteran’s Auditorium, Providence, RI on May 22, 2026 as detailed. 

E.   Lincoln St. Recurring Field Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Katherine Nayler to take 4th & 5th graders to Roger Williams Zoo, Providence, RI on 5/29/26 (Gr 4) & 6/12/26 (Gr 5) as detailed. 

F. New Student Activity Account

I recommend approval of the new Student Activity Account (ACHIEVE) as detailed. 

G. FHS GIft

I recommend the acceptance of $1,100.00 from the FHS PCC for Supplemental Supplies as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

A. 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

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/

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

Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found ->

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

1-13-26 Superintendent's Report to School Committee

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/2bffecf5-a348-467c-bf10-6b238a5d4577/1-13-26-Superintendents-Report-to-School-Committee.pdf?disposition=inline

2026-27 FHS Program of Studies Presentation

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/9b101140-9f6a-41fe-aed3-7049f5df6797/2026-27-FHS-Program-of-Studies-Presentation.pdf?disposition=inline

Final January 2026 Assessment Presentation

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/f93932c6-c93c-4de1-94be-d429f0ef6199/Final-January-2026-Assessment-Presentation.pdf?disposition=inline

FPS Child Care Presentation 1_13_2026

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/05d7d3a4-1581-482d-8807-b0fe22ba8d87/FPS-Child-Care-Presentation-1_13_2026.pdf?disposition=inline

_SC Galapagos Presentation

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/5fadd50c-2e04-4b19-8e85-df8622bc8aa8/Discussion_Action_A_-_Galapagos_Islands_Trip.pdf?disposition=inline

audio segment 1635 has this portion of the meeting

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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 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