School Committee approves elementary report card changes, letter of support for alternate cable fee revenue (video)

The School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday evening, April 29, 2025. 

 

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/ZUcSpIZK3Ms?&t=175

Among the key agenda items were the following:

 

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Elementary Report Cards

I recommend approval of the proposed changes to the Elementary Report Card as discussed.   

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5568674/Discussion_Action_A_-_Elem._Report_Cards.pdf

B. Letter of Support

I recommend approval of the letter of support for an Act to Modernize Funding for Community Media Programming as discussed.  

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5568677/Discussion_Action_B_-_Letter_of_Support.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Campus Naming Discussion

Meeting agenda doc -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5568671/SCAGENDA_4-29-25.pdf

Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/april-29%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/792078

 

FYI - My notes will catch up eventually. I was in the Finance Committee meeting held at the same time covering the FY 2026 budget hearings.

 

Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting - 3 part audio for ease of listening to what you want (audio)

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, April  8, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers.1 remote (Sompally). 

The audio for the meeting is split into 3 segments for ease of listening

Part 1 - #1426 = the beginning and ending of the meeting (approx. 43 minutes)

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1426-school-cmte-mtg-beginending-04-08-25-p1-of-3/

Part 2 - #1427 = the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) update (approx. 52 Minutes)

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1427-school-cmte-mtg-04-08-25-p2-of-3-ecdc-update/

Part 3 - #1428 = the Elementary schools redistricting update (approx. 1 hour & 16 minutes)

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1428-school-cmte-mtg-04-08-25-p3-of-3-elementary-schools-update/

Quick recap:

ECDC update - Kimberly Taylor, Principal

Photos of the slides as presented -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/qYDXR58de1BmRCaa6 

Elementary update ->

       grade level                  3-5                K-2

Washington                 Even Chalman         Stefani Wasik

Lincoln                             Brad Hendrixson        Keri Busavage

Photos of the slides as presented -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/Cd9aV25fJ3eYrB8Z7 

Discussion/ actions items -

School Choice Vote - I recommend to not accept School Choice students for the 2025-2026 School Year as discussed. For this year with redistricting underway, not at this time, open for more a stabile world; So moved, second, passes via roll call 7-0

Foreign Exchange Student Vote - I recommend to not accept Foreign Exchange students for the 2025-2026 school year as discussed. Not the same as school choice; so moved, second, passes via roll call 7-0

Policy- 2nd Reading - Adoption/Elimination I recommend adoption / elimination of the following policies as discussed: 2nd Reading: ACA - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Elimination: ACA-R - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Under Title IX Including Sex- Based Harassment Per president executive orders; Via roll call 6-1 (Griffith - no)

ECDC update - Kimberly Taylor, Principal

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

Franklin TV video for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/3rgXaYFUtNA?&t=100 

The meeting agenda can be found ->   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082025-1669 

Documents released for this agenda after the meeting can be found -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/april-8%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/784309 

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QCIHgtiYGE6hjPEpDLKBhP2B1oYReHbu/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"

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

This Chalkboard Chat condenses both the April 8 Policy Subcmte & full School Cmte meetings (audio)

FM #1425 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1425 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion in the Studio on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap both the Policy Subcommittee and School Committee meetings of April 8, 2025. 

 

We cover 

Policy Subcmte mtg - All About Horace

School Cmte Mtg

ECDC update - Kimberly Taylor, Principal

Elementary update -> 

          grade level                      3-5                    K-2

Washington                     Even Chalman             Stefani Wasik

Lincoln                                    Brad Hendrixson                Keri Busavage

Discussion/ actions items -

School Choice Vote 

Foreign Exchange Student Vote 

Policy- 2nd Reading 

The recording runs about 48 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1425-chalkboard-chat-04-09-25/

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

Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   

Policy Subcmte Mtg

Policy Subcmte meeting audio -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/school-committee-policy-subcommittee.html 

The Policy Subcmte meeting agenda can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082025-1668 

The Town Council memo as discussed -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CCDx8c4zn4ZVUr0EYQy1snpygRVLzxHO/view?usp=drive_link 

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14gUGQ0N6s5bMiGwhbHegsRcxfkZUCirY/view?usp=drive_link 

School Committee Meeting Info

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/3rgXaYFUtNA?&t=100

The meeting agenda ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082025-1669 

Documents released for this agenda after the meeting can be found -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/april-8%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/784309 

My notes captured in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QCIHgtiYGE6hjPEpDLKBhP2B1oYReHbu/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"

This Chalkboard Chat condenses both the April 8 Policy Subcmte & full School Cmte meetings (audio)

School Committee gets update on ECDC and Elementary Redistricting progress (video)

The School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, April 8 at 7:04 PM. All 7 members participating, 6 in Chambers, one remnote (Sompally) hence a roll call required for all votes.

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/3rgXaYFUtNA?&t=100

The meeting agenda ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082025-1669 

Quick recap:

• ECDC update - Kimberly Taylor, Principal

Photos of the slides as presented -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/qYDXR58de1BmRCaa6

• Elementary update ->

          grade level                      3-5                    K-2

Washington                     Even Chalman             Stefani Wasik

Lincoln                                    Brad Hendrixson                Keri Busavage

Photos of the slides as presented -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/Cd9aV25fJ3eYrB8Z7

Discussion/ actions items -

• School Choice Vote - I recommend to not accept School Choice students for the 2025-2026 School Year as discussed. For this year with redistricting underway, not at this time, open for more a stabile world; So moved, second, passes via roll call 7-0
• Foreign Exchange Student Vote - I recommend to not accept Foreign Exchange students for the 2025-2026 school year as discussed. Not the same as school choice; so moved, second, passes via roll call 7-0
• Policy- 2nd Reading - Adoption/Elimination I recommend adoption / elimination of the following policies as discussed: 2nd Reading: ACA - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Elimination: ACA-R - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Under Title IX Including Sex- Based Harassment Per president executive orders; Via roll call 6-1 (Griffith - no)

My full set of notes taken during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QCIHgtiYGE6hjPEpDLKBhP2B1oYReHbu/view?usp=drive_link

Oak St 5th Grade wins a plow name with "Mac N' Freeze"

Oak St 5th Grade wins a
plow name with "Mac N' Freeze"

"Congratulations to the 5th grade class at Oak Street Elementary School in Franklin, for their winning snow plow name "Mac N' Freeze!" @FranklinPSNews"

Video clip -> https://t.co/DqyRJoMRiN

Shared from -> https://x.com/MassDOT/status/1900269415582638562

Tri-County Carpentry students collaborate on Franklin art project

"Tri-County Carpentry students had a fantastic time teaming up with local artist Amy Adams for an incredible community project with Franklin Elementary School!  

Mrs. Adams reached out to our students to create wooden fish for the elementary students to paint and display at the Franklin Community Sculpture Park. Using their CAD/CAM skills and the CNC router, our students designed and crafted a variety of fish shapes from pine boards. After some meticulous sanding, the school of fish was ready to swim over to Mrs. Adams.  

Tri-County Carpentry students collaborate on Franklin art project

Mrs. Adams, a passionate artist dedicated to her community, has been collaborating with Franklin Elementary students for years. This project was a wonderful opportunity to bring people together and inspire creativity. 

Our Tri-County Carpentry students are so proud to have been a part of this amazing initiative. Well done, Dylan Fairchild, Jackson Kullich, Austin LeBlanc, and Gideon Vazquez! 

#TriCountyCarpentry #CommunityProject #FranklinElementary #WorkHardTodayCounts"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BZFRVxYQr/

Franklin School Committee hears concerns from teachers before vote to approve FY 2026 budget (video)

The Franklin School Committee conducted their meeting Tuesday, Feb 11, 2025 at Council Chambers with all 7 members present.  The major item on the agenda was the vote on the Superintendent's Recommended budget for FY 2026.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay here -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfqefUMtloU&t=51

The agenda doc can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/School-Committee-35/?#_02112025-1571 

Quick recap:

• The Keller Student Council stepped forward to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to open the meeting
• During the Superintendent's report, there was recognition of 4 FHS musicans who were selected to the All-State Music Fesitval; Emma Anderson (French horn), Ace Eagerman (string bass), Alex Fioavanti (?) and Emily Lou, (violin)
• During the discussion prior to the vote on the budget, a number of teachs from elementary, middle, and high school stepped up to comment
• on the decline of funding over the years
• the impact on the students and their educational development
• affects on college prep with a limit on foreign language options less than optimal
• and not talked off impacts to the new schedule at both elementary & middle levels while individual classes size is maintained within guidelines,the teacher work load increases
• The committee did vote 7-0 on the proposed budget, I assume it is possible to make further adjustments (as hoped for by some of the teachers) given the position we are in for this budget cycle
• The budget as approved does assume a successful  override althoughthat decision remains before the Town Council at a March meeting, after the listening session are completed. Date and amount of override to be determined
• School calendar for the 2025-2026 year was approved. It does start after Labor Day this year to enable the move to be completed. Resumption of pre-Labor Day start is expected for the next school year
• Discussion on a draft of the School Committee meeting calendar covered multiple topics mostly around the local election in November and to prepare for a new committee to be able to transition into their new role more easily than prior
• Motion to enter into Executive session, not to return to public meeting for contract negotiation discussions

My notes in one PDF doc

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xUU7zppEaNgj9xN442EdbZnFvnqI3VSM/view?usp=drive_link

slide from brief update on the FY 2026 school budget