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

FM #1586 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1586 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. All 7 members of the newly elected committee were present. 

Quick recap:

• Supt Giguere opens the session, solicits nominations for Chair. 

• One made by Callaghan for Griffith. Vote on the nomination passes 7-0

• Nominations asked for Vice Chair. One made, Griffith nominates Callaghan. Vote on the nomination passes 7-0

• Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption. Superintendent recommends adoption of the following policies as discussed: 

• IKF - Graduation Requirements

• IKFE - Competency Determinations

• Discussion on the adjustments to the grad requirements and competency which fine tuned the language for clarity. Moved to accept as discussed, passes 7-0

• Discussion Only Items, informational for new members and for the weather as winter approaches for all

• A. Inclement Weather Notice

• B. Review of District/Superintendent’s Goals

• C. ACCEPT Quarterly Update

• Spent time on the rationale and objectives for each of the subcommittees or liaisons for the SchCmte to assist the new members as which ones to select. Chair will make alignment and reveal for next meeting so they can begin scheduling meetings as needed

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

The audio runs about 2 hours

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1586-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-11-1825/

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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  

The meeting packet folder with other docs released for this session ->

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/november-18%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/862192 

My notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xlF11yc5sLUZBOhYoY_95dGb6zI68i0e/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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

 

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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!

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

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

Franklin, MA: Agenda for School Committee meeting Tuesday, Nov 18, 2025 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

November 18, 2025 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Mr. Giguere

Organizational Meeting

Town clerk will Officially swear in new School Committee Members

Election of Chair 

Election of Vice Chair 

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills TBD - Deferred to 12/9/25

C. Payroll TBD - Deferred to 12/9/25

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. None

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption

I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed: IKF - Graduation Requirements

IKFE - Competency Determinations

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Inclement Weather Notice

B. Review of District/Superintendent’s Goals

C. ACCEPT Quarterly Update

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 October 28, 2025 meeting as detailed.

B.   Lincoln St. 3-5 Gift

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

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Adjournment

The agenda doc also has remote participation info

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6138802/SCAGENDA11-18-25.pdf

School Committee conducts their last session of their elected term - 10/28/25 (audio)

FM #1570 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1570 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. All 7 members of the committee were present. 

Quick recap:

• Recognition of Erin Gallagher & David McNeill not returning

• Pledge students, a nice touch

• Policy first readings

• Graduation requirements

• Competency determinations

• Superintendent’s Goals, aligned with District’s Goals

• October 1 report, enrollment trends

The audio runs about  1 hour 33 minutes. Let's listen in ->

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1570-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-10-28-25/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay -> 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtitdxM_a2A  

The agenda doc -> 

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

The packet folder also contains other docs released before or after the meeting

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/october-28%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/859754   

My full set of notes in one PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-utM6sD6UggBNAMgWnQsG0g_lfmqo-on/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 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"

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

Agenda for the Franklin School Committee - Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Oct 14 at 6 PM

Franklin School Committee

Policy Subcommittee Meeting

DATE: 10/14/25 TIME: 6:00 - 7:00 PM

AGENDA

"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."

I. Attendance -

II. Distribution of Approved Policies

A. none

Ill. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee

A. None

IV. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item

A. IKF: Graduation Requirement (new)

B.  IKFE: Competency Determination (new)

The agenda doc contains remote participation info ->  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10142025-1949

 

Agenda for the Franklin School Committee -
Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Oct 14 at 6 PM

MasterPeace Service Dog Graduation - June 14, 2025 (video)

Part of Corey Silva's remarks at the MasterPeace Service Dog Graduation on Saturday, June 14

"Mike Masters, affectionately known as “The DogFather,” co-founded MasterPeace Dog Training in Franklin with his wife Fran in 2001. What they envisioned as a fun ten-year retirement project became so much more. Mike was a passionate dog owner, trainer, and competitor—most notably with his service dog Paxton, a Spinone Italiano. His passing was a tremendous loss to both the service and agility dog communities.

Dogs adored Mike, and the feeling was mutual. He began teaching agility in the 1990s, when the sport was just beginning in the U.S. Many top competitors holding multiple MACH titles began their journey with Mike’s guidance.

Even more remarkably, Mike was training his own service dogs as far back as the early 1980s—long before service dogs were widely understood or accepted. In one memorable story, he removed himself from his wheelchair and crawled up a flight of stairs to show a skeptical landlord why his service dog, Mariah, was essential for operating the elevator.

After Mariah, Mike went on to self-train two more Golden Retrievers and Paxton, his “heart dog.” He also helped many others with disabilities train their own service dogs here at MasterPeace. His legacy lives on today through the MasterPeace Service Dog Program.

So while I never got to meet Mike, I became a part of his community here. I built my own service dog curriculum from everything I could find—books, mentors, experience. I leaned on the knowledgeable trainers around me, especially Kelly Taylor, who teaches many popular classes on Saturday mornings. That work led to a conversation with Fran and Patty about creating a formal program for owner-trainers here at MasterPeace.

Mike has been the spiritual mentor and inspiration that guided this program into existence. 

Today we celebrate the achievements of two service dog teams.

Grisel and Luna

You’ve worked with me diligently over the last two years—even before this program officially launched. Luna’s service dog tasks include deep pressure therapy, interrupting repetitive behaviors, retrieving medication with water, and bringing her leash. Together, you’ve earned the AKC Canine Good Citizen, the MasterPeace Home Helpmate title, and passed the MasterPeace Public Access Test. My favorite of Luna’s accomplishments, however, was watching her overcome her fear of automatic doors and loud noises through countless training sessions at Stop & Shop and Forge Park Station.

Isabel and Nalah

You’ve worked so hard over these last two years and were among the first to attend our inaugural Service Dog 101 Workshop. Nalah’s service dog tasks include deep pressure therapy, retrieving medication with water, and her leash, and locating a seat for you. Together, you’ve also earned the AKC Canine Good Citizen, the MasterPeace Home Helpmate title, and passed the MasterPeace Public Access Test. Nalah is our first nosework dog turned service dog—a transition made possible by the beautiful bond you two share. I hope she inspires more teams to follow that path.

To conclude, I want to say how special it has been for me to witness owner trainers train their own service dogs. I’ve learned firsthand that the act of training your own service dog is therapeutic in itself. The bond that forms through that process is like nothing else.

I often liken dog training to a passage from one of my favorite books, The Little Prince. In it, the prince tames a wild fox, and the fox says:

“To me, you are still nothing more than a little boy who is just like a hundred thousand other little boys. And I have no need of you. And you, on your part, have no need of me. To you, I am nothing more than a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world…”

The bonds you’ve built with your dogs here at MasterPeace are just that—unique in all the world."

Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWy8wl0hvsY

Additional photos of the event at MasterPeace -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/e8bkJJxau2s2YH527

Service Dog Graduation Ceremony - Saturday, June 14 - MasterPeace Dog Training

Service Dog Graduation Ceremony -
Saturday, June 14 - MasterPeace Dog Training

This Saturday, June 14 at 11:30 AM, MasterPeace Dog Training will be hosting its first-ever Service Dog Graduation Ceremony. We’ll be celebrating the incredible journey of our first two graduates, Luna and Nalah, who have completed over two years of intensive training and are now fully certified service dogs.

This event also commemorates the life and legacy of Mike Masters the co-founder of MasterPeace Dog Training who was a disabled man with a service dog. This ceremony marks the 10th anniversary of his passing, and we are honored to dedicate it in his memory.

Franklin TV: Graduation(s)

Tri-County & Franklin High

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 06/08/2025

On Thursday it was Tri-County’s big night. Then, next night, Franklin High. Again, we worked with Wrentham Cable8 and NorthTV to assemble crew and connections to the entire Tri-County region of 11 cities and towns. Then, next day, we were on the Panther football field for Franklin High. In years past the prep and installation of cameras and gear could take two days. We’ve refined the technology and our approach to ‘big events’ technical prep/setup to take under 4 hours.

Franklin TV: Graduation(s)

These days it also ‘takes a village’ to deliver large event coverage. Thanks go out to our crew(s) for making it all happen: Chris Flynn, Chris Leverone, Meredith Roberts, Taylor Tremblay, Chris Cadorette, Jared Ware, Liz Harkins, Brian McCoy, Marc Berman. Willian Stewart, Colin Boisvert.

Across the various Town Services: DPW, Building Management, Police, etc. The attitude is always “Let’s make it happen for the kids’. Need that mountain moved?

No problem. Where would you like it placed, and when do you need it there?

And – as always –

Thank you for watching

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm

And staying informed at Franklin●news

To watch the Tri-County graduation -> https://www.youtube.com/live/M-VKJmzZee4?&t=494

To watch the FHS graduation -> https://www.youtube.com/live/hHkoraIICto?&t=872

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

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