Audio of the School Committee Policy Subcmte Meeting June 9, 2026 (audio)

FM #1765 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1765 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. All 3 members (Dave Callaghan (Chair), Al Charles, Reis Hansen) participated in the session held in the 3rd floor training room. Dr Tina Rogers and Paula Marano also participated.

Quick recap:

• discussion on new policy from DESE on seclusion and isolation needs to amend our current policy for implementation effect Aug 2026

• grant also received to help with training personnel for implementation. Only 1 of many districts to receive a grant 

• suggestion to remove one line that seems to be duplicate with the paragraph below 

• suggestion on wording around a timeline for submitting a complaint for investigation by the district motion

• discussion on intentional use of technology, work being done during the summer. also an update on AI tonight. Student data privacy agreement (SDPA) needed by district before a software tool is introduced, otherwise as in case with Google Maps (an exception) parents need to sign off on

• discussion on SchCmte meeting agenda, order, and guidelines; adding committee comments, possibly removing 'good of the order' to use more kitchen English to make it more easily accessible

• Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0 

The recording runs about 53 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1765-school-cmte-policy-subcmte-mtg-06-09-26/

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School Committee Subcommittee assignments

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons 

The meeting agenda can be found -> 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06092026-2355 

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QDlmPF_aMWfY7xcOtUNWNnGE9m740rYv/view?usp=drive_link 

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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"

Bi-County Collaborative Awarded More Than $420,000 in State Grants to Strengthen Literacy Instruction Across All Grade Levels

Bi-County Collaborative is pleased to announce that it has received more than $420,000 in competitive state grants to expand access to high-quality English Language Arts (ELA) instruction and professional development for teachers.

BICO was awarded $294,000 through the state's PRISM II grant program to support early literacy instruction in grades K-3, and an additional $127,500 through the PRISM III program for literacy instruction in grades 4-12.

From left, Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, BICO Professional Development and Curriculum Specialist Ann Buckley, DESE ELA/Literacy Content Specialist Octavia Nixon, Department of Early Education and Care Early Literacy Practice Specialist Jennifer Crandell, Bi-County Collaborative Executive Director Jeanne Sullivan, and DESE ELA/Literacy Content Specialist Lori McNally at the Literacy Launch event at the Easthampton Public Library on Aug. 18. (Photo Courtesy Bi-County Collaborative)

These substantial awards, part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration's multiyear investment in literacy education, will allow BICO to purchase brand-new, high-quality instructional materials for students in all grade levels and provide extensive professional development for educators.

"This funding is transformative for our Collaborative," said Ann Buckley, the Professional Development and Curriculum Specialist for BICO. "It ensures our students have access to rigorous, high-quality instructional materials, while also giving our teachers the time, resources, and coaching they need to strengthen instruction. Ultimately, it's about equity and making sure every student, regardless of background or disability status, has access to the same level of opportunity."

With the PRISM II grant, BICO will roll out HMH Into Reading as its new K-5 ELA curriculum. The PRISM III grant will fund the adoption of StudySync for grades 6-12. Both selections were made last year after a collaborative vetting process involving BICO educators, with support from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and its high-quality instructional materials curriculum evaluation networks.

The grant funds will also cover costs for staff participation in professional development and curriculum planning, including substitute coverage and teacher stipends for work beyond the school day; support instructional coaching from The New Teacher Project; and provide long-term investment in curriculum materials, with funding supporting a four-year adoption cycle.

Through these initiatives, BICO will strengthen early literacy instruction, enhance high school literature studies, and close achievement gaps by ensuring equitable access to world-class materials and teaching practices.

"These grants represent a significant investment in our students and educators, and we are extremely grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for this funding," said Executive Director Jeanne Sullivan. "They will allow us to expand access to the very best instructional tools and practices, while also providing the time and support teachers need to make them successful in the classroom. This work strengthens literacy from the earliest grades through high school and will have a lasting impact on achievement and equity across our Collaborative."

Franklin English Language Education Department Hosts Family Event at Franklin Public Library

Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning and English Language Director Dr. Tina Rogers is proud to announce that Franklin Public Schools' English Language Education Department recently hosted a family event at the Franklin Public Library.

On May 21, students and families joined together to connect with each other and learn more about community and school programs, including Franklin's English Learner Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC).

English Language Education
Teachers made this event possible

ELPAC serves as a bridge to bring families, schools and communities together in meaningful ways and encourages family engagement. The program fosters a shared commitment to student success.

“Through open communication, translation support and culturally inclusive practices, Franklin Public Schools is committed to creating welcoming environments where families feel valued, connected, and empowered to support their children's education,” said Assistant Superintendent Rogers.

During the event, students taught someone else how to say “hello” in their native language and learned how to say “hello” in another language.

"My favorite part about teaching is connecting with my students and their families," said Sonia Vaz-Brune, English Language Education Teacher. "I loved being able to see everyone smiling, talking, and making new connections. These events always remind me how much I love this job!"

Attendees played games, colored bookmarks, took pictures in a photo booth, and decorated notebooks.

Every student went home with at least one library book. Franklin Public Library also donated books for students to take home.

Youth Service Librarian Caleigh Keating shared exciting student events happening at the Library during upcoming school half-days on June 13, 16, 17 and 18. All students and community members are welcome to attend.

“I’m grateful to be part of a district that not only values equity and inclusion but also demonstrates these principles through real action,” said English Language Education Teacher Johanna Townsend.

On May 21, students and families joined together
with Franklin Public Schools educators and community leaders
 to connect with each other and learn more about town
and school programs. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

“We’d like to thank Laura Doherty, Associate Director of the Franklin Food Pantry, and Laura Du, Client Service Manager, for joining our event and sharing information and resources with families,” said Assistant Superintendent Rogers. “And a tremendous thank you to Library Director Felicia Oti and Youth Services Librarian Caleigh Keating from the Franklin Public Library. We appreciate the support and collaboration. This event would not have been possible without their help.”

“We had an amazing time at this fun-filled event for families,” said Franklin Public Schools Superintendent Lucas Giguere. “Everyone who attended shared laughs and learned about one another. Franklin Public Schools is committed to creating an inclusive and safe environment for our students and families.”

Additional photos can be found -> https://www.franklinps.net/article/2237683

2 FHS teachers on the joy of teaching & the hard things about budget issues (audio)

FM #1401 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1401 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of my conversation with Leah Wahrhaftig-Jeri and Katherine Kellett, both teachers at Franklin High School. We had our conversation at the Franklin TV Studio on Monday, March  3, 2025.  

Katherine Kellett, Teacher - English

Leah Wahrhaftig-Jeri, Teacher - World Language

• We cover their road to Franklin and FHS

• We talk about the joy in teaching

• And the issues faced with continued budget cuts

• Only one language to be offered at the middle school

• Reduces the total of language classes High School graduates can carry forward to college

• Text book & curriculum cuts challenge the appropriate delivery of curriculum

• Loss of shared intellectual capital with colleagues cut due to budget

• Language lab is a resource heavily utilized and will no longer available (per budget)

• Struggle to attract and retain substitute teachers

• Ripple effects for curriculum coverage that is lost and how that affects students and the next year’s teachers for that subject

The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Leah and Katherine on teaching in challenging budget times

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1401-2-franklin-high-school-teachers-03-03-25/

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Franklin High School page -> https://www.franklinps.net/o/fhs 

Franklin School District budget page -> FY 2026 https://www.franklinps.net/documents/about-us/school-district-budget/fy2026-budget/728831 

Joint budget listening sessions archive -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/joint-budget-listening-sessions-fy-2026.html 

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

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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

A couple of Ben Franklin's gift books to the Town

Voices of Franklin: Asks why we are telling students that "they are far less important than the bottom line?"

I’m Helen Hoffenberg and I have been an educator in Franklin for the last 18 years teaching English at FHS. 

I’ve worked under 6 different department heads, 5 different principals, 5 different superintendents and with dozens of amazing colleagues that have since left our community. Although the insane turnover rate of highly qualified teachers is an important discussion point, I’m going to use this moment to talk about the Franklin Arts Academy- an amazing program that is currently being phased out due to budget cuts. 

Fifteen years ago I helped create this program that aims to teach core subjects like English, History, and Science to brilliant and creative students. Actually, they are artists, and they have thrived in this program for 15 years. 

Unfortunately, this group of often marginalized students will no longer have a specific space that helps them foster and apply these important critical and creative skills to the content, further putting them at a disadvantage. 

Ironically, my current FAA class sizes fall within the 18-22 students recommended by the School Committee while my English 11 Honors classes have 25 or more students in each class.  The FAA program has been paramount in distinguishing FHS as a progressive school that cares about all students and all learning styles.

In fact, ten years ago we applauded the FAA during a NEASC visit yet here we are phasing out the program and, essentially, those students, telling them that they are far less important than the bottom line. 

Helen Hoffenberg 

FHS English Teacher

Guidelines for your submission

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin:  Asks why we are telling students that "they are far less important than the bottom line?"

Reminder: NEW Language Opportunities with Lifelong Community Learning classes; register now

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NEW Language Learning Opportunities Coming in October, register now

Happening Soon. Register Now

NEW Opportunities Coming In October Don't Miss Out REGISTER TODAY For additional details visit: www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

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Lifelong Community Learning: Intro: to English as a Second Language

For You or Someone You May Know

‌ Lifelong Community Learning Introduction to English as a Second Language Adults 18+ for you or someone you may know REGISTER Starting October 3, 2019 8 Tuesdays 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Franklin High School Improve your conversational English language comprehension. This introductory class focuses on conversational English and is designed to assist adult learners who want to improve their English language comprehension in a welcoming environment. Lifelong Community Learning, 218 Oak St., Franklin, MA 02038 LCL@franklinps.net www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

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