Franklin Public Schools Secures $150K, Innovation Grant to Redesign, Modernize Middle School Library

Franklin Public Schools has secured $150,000 in state earmarked funding and a competitive innovation grant to support the redesign and modernization of the Franklin Middle School library and STEM space.

The funding, secured with the advocacy of state Rep. Jeff Roy, will help transform the current library into a Library and Innovation Commons.

The district also received an Inventionland Education Innovation Grant, which will support efforts to create a learning environment focused on creativity, innovation, makerspace experiences, group collaboration, and project-based learning.

The earmarked funding and grant will allow the district to redesign the space into a modern learning hub for students while also serving as a welcoming space for school and community engagement.

"Through the advocacy of Representative Roy and the support of the Inventionland Education Innovation Grant, we have a meaningful opportunity to reimagine the Franklin Middle School library as a dynamic learning environment for students," said Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Tina Rogers. "Our goal is to create a flexible space where students can collaborate, explore ideas, and engage in hands-on learning that connects across subject areas."

Over the coming months, students and staff will be invited to share input as the district develops plans for the redesigned space to ensure the new Library and Innovation Commons supports both classroom instruction and student-driven learning.

District administrators credit Elizabeth Morrison, Director of English Language Arts and Social Studies, and Eric Stark, Director of STEM, for their leadership in advancing the project.

"Creating spaces that encourage curiosity, creativity, and collaboration is an important part of supporting innovative teaching and learning," Dr. Rogers said. "We are grateful for the support that is helping make this work possible."

Franklin Fire Department Awarded $21,649 Through State Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant

TOWN OF FRANKLIN | 355 E. Central St, Franklin, MA 02038 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 2, 2026 Media Contact: Elizabeth Kalaijian Communications Director Town of Franklin (508) 553-4886 ekalaijian@franklinma.gov   Franklin Fire Department Awarded $21,649 Through State Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant FRANKLIN, Mass. — The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce it has been awarded $21,649.08 through the Massachusetts Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program, administered by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) and the Department of Fire Services (DFS). This funding is part of a statewide initiative by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, which awarded a total of $5 million to 307 fire departments across Massachusetts to support the purchase of critical safety equipment. The Franklin Fire Department will use the funds to purchase gas- or battery-powered scene lighting and structural firefighting gear to enhance on-scene visibility, improve safety and strengthen operational readiness. "We're grateful to EOPSS and DFS for their continued support," said Fire Chief Chuck Allen. "This funding helps ensure our personnel have the equipment they need to operate safely and effectively." Visit the Town of Franklin website for news and community updates: News and Announcements —Stay informed and connected with the Town of Franklin— Town of Franklin | 355 E Central St, | Franklin, MA 02038 US

"Congratulations to the Franklin Performing Arts Center for receiving a Destination Development Capital Grant"

via Senator Becca Rausch

"Congratulations to the Franklin Performing Arts Center for receiving a Destination Development Capital Grant. These funds will cover roof renovation costs for THE BLACK BOX, a world-class stage that spotlights talented local actors and engaging Massachusetts stories. 

Thanks to the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism for your continuing support of our vibrant creative economy. "

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B2y32iXcf/

Franklin Fire Dept receives $21K in competitive grant

Franklin Fire Dept receives $21K in competitive grant

The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce that we have been awarded $21,649.08 towards equipment through a competitive grant.

Thank you to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services and Eopss MA for this grant funding.

Shared from -  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AtnfS7gaE/

BFCCPS PCO announce 4th & final Grant Award

The PCO proudly announces our fourth and final Faculty Grant recipient, Julie Bradley!  She was approved for a $593.50 grant (partial funding) towards a Movement Regulation Station.

"This grant will support the implementation of a Movement Regulation Station in the Physical Education gym to promote students’ physical, emotional, and behavioral well-being while maintaining active engagement in learning. 

The station will include low-impact movement options such as a walking pad, a stationary or under-desk bike, slam balls, and balance and resistance tools. 

These resources allow students to remain physically active when they require a brief self-regulation break or when safety considerations limit participation in traditional PE activities."

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18UmMANgZ8/

BFCCPS PCO announces 3rd Faculty Grant Recipient

via BFCCPS PCO:

"The PCO proudly announces our third of four Faculty Grant recipients, Rebecca Nestor! She was approved for a $593.50 grant (partial funding) towards triple beam balances for density instruction.

"As we examined our MCAS test results this year, we continue to see students struggling with the concept of density. This struggle spans multiple classes and remains consistent over consecutive testing cycles. Density is a critical foundation for understanding broader Earth science concepts, including how differences in density drive convection currents and influence the behavior of oceanic vs. continental crust.

BFCCPS PCO announces 3rd Faculty Grant Recipient

Currently, our science department is unable to provide consistent lab-based density instruction. We own six triple beam balances; however, all six are broken and nonfunctional. Without working measurement equipment, students cannot accurately determine mass, calculate density, or observe the relationship between density and material properties. Teachers are forced to rely on simulations or teacher-led demonstrations, which do not provide the direct experience students need to master this topic.

Because density is an abstract and mathematically driven concept, students learn best when they can physically experiment, measure, and record results themselves. Access to working balances will allow students to collect real data, observe patterns, and apply those concepts to models of Earth systems."

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18DJwQcQkk/

Finance Committee gets a good discussion on policies, and an update on the grant process yielding $112M over 10 years (audio)

FM #1696 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1696 in the series. 

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The Committee meeting opened with 6 members present, 2 absent (1 open position reportedly to be filled soon).

Quick recap:

• a healthy and engaging discussion on the policies, to be resumed at one of the budget hearings in April before making a recommendation on changes (if any) to the Town Council

• Presentation on the grant process and the yield of $112M over 10 years, an average of $10M/year

• Future Agenda Items / Next meeting Dates:

• a. April 6, 7, 8 & 9, 2026 - Anticipated Finance Committee Budget Hearings

• b. May 28, 2026 - FY27 Budget discussion - first look at health care numbers as open enrollment would have closed Apr 30

• c. June 3, 2026 - FY27 Budget discussion and vote to recommend budget with changes (if any) for the Town Council to vote on at their June 10 session

The recording runs almost 2 hours, let’s listen

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1696-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-03-11-26/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/UZl8H4Koptg?&t=476

Agenda (updated 3/11/26) - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2189

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oxC1JQgvl3PoNs-2qaHf9vacux3JvsZY/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo album of the grant presentation slides shared 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/kLdsxaJEHqXjYEzT7 

Summary of grants over 10 years

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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. 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"

BFCCPS' PCO 2nd Faculty Grant Award Announcement

BFCCPS' PCO 2nd Faculty Grant Award Announcement

"The PCO proudly announces our second of four Faculty Grant recipients, Janine Bartsch! She was approved for a $488.50 grant towards 5-grade biography books.

"Fifth Grade needs biography books on very specific people for a long-term biography project. They ask for my help every year. I spend my normal operating budget on other fictional books kids really want to read. I want to get a grant that will cover the purchase of the biography books the fifth-grade team needs. Outside the fifth-grade biography project, the books can be enjoyed year-round by the rest of the school."

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DZz1E3t5F/

Farmers Market awareness for BFCCPS Capstone Projects via Grant

Farmers Market awareness for BFCCPS Capstone Projects via Grant

"The PCO proudly announces our first of four Faculty Grant recipients, Beth Kaplan!

She was approved for a $325 grant to rent a booth at the Franklin Farmer's Market for our Capstone students.

"I am requesting a grant for $325 to rent a booth at the Franklin Farmer's Market to support the Community Service Pillar of our school.

This grant would allow us to rent a table for the Grade 8 students to use for their Capstone projects- both to provide awareness of their causes and to raise funds to support those causes. "

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1SaSTDLJWB/

Finance Committee gets a good discussion on policies, and an update on the grant process yielding $112M over 10 years (video)

The Franklin Finance Committee met on Wednesday as scheduled March 11, 2026. 6 members were present, 2 absent (1 open position reportedly to be filled soon).

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/UZl8H4Koptg?&t=476

Agenda (updated 3/11/26) - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2189

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oxC1JQgvl3PoNs-2qaHf9vacux3JvsZY/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap

• a healthy and engaging discussion on the policies, to be resumed at one of the budget hearings in April before making a recommendation on changes (if any) to the Town Council
• Presentation on the grant process and the yield of $112M over 10 years, an average of $10M/year
• Future Agenda Items / Next meeting Dates:
• a. April 6, 7, 8 & 9, 2026 - Anticipated Finance Committee Budget Hearings
• b. May 28, 2026 - FY27 Budget discussion - first look at health care numbers as open enrollment would have closed Apr 30
• c. June 3, 2026 - FY27 Budget discussion and vote to recommend budget with changes (if any) for the Town Council to vote on at their June 10 session

Photo album of the grant presentation slides shared 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/kLdsxaJEHqXjYEzT7

FUMC gets $75k grant to build downtown Franklin’s first community-based commissary kitchen

Rev Jacob Juncker

Via Franklin United Methodist Church:

"Exciting news!

We've received a $75,000 grant to build downtown Franklin’s first community-based commissary kitchen!

This new space will be a hub for learning, collaboration, and community meals.

Stay tuned for more updates! #FranklinCommunity #CulinaryInnovation

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DVtQwV6DzTj/"

Additional info on the capital work underway at FUMC

https://franklinumc.org/2026/02/12/february-12-2026-history-is-made/

Agenda for the Franklin Finance Committee Mtg - Weds, March 11, 2026 at 6 PM

Finance Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 = 6:00 PM

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments 

- Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Finance Committee cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments.

The Finance Committee may ask town staff to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the town staff from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. Approval of Minutes

a. February 25, 2026

4. Presentations/Discussion

a. Review Town Financial Policies

i. 2024-2025 Financial Policies

5. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive Series”

a. Municipal Grant Process Overview   

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8636/Municipal-Grant-Process-Overview

b. Historical Grant Data Summary   

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8637/5b-Historical-Grant-Data---Summary

6. Future Agenda Items / Next meeting Dates:

a. April 6, 7, 8 & 9, 2026 - Anticipated Finance Committee Budget Hearings

b. May 28, 2026 - FY27 Budget discussion TBD

c. June 3, 2026 - FY27 Budget discussion TBD

7. Finance Committee Member Comments

8. Adjourn

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2176

Franklin gets MassTrails Grant for the SNETT

via Senator Becca Rausch:

"Trails connect our Commonwealth in beautiful and unexpected ways, bringing people closer to neighborhoods, parks and downtowns. Congratulations to Town of Bellingham MA, Town of Franklin MA, and Town of Wrentham, Massachusetts for receiving MassTrails Grants to help develop and improve the Charles Headwater Greenway, the SNETT Rail Trail, and many more outdoor spaces. "

From MassTrails Award listing (spreadsheet)

"This project will provide benches periodically along the 2.8 mile section of the SNETT and offer a convenient place to rest and enjoy the outdoors.  These benches will be similar to the DCR benches already in place on the SNETT Trail located from Center St out to the Rt 126 tunnel.  $16,263"

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

Gov Healey press release ->   https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-awards-75-million-in-grants-for-trail-improvements-across-the-state

Franklin Enhances Municipal Safety Measures with MIIA Grant

Funds will support town’s risk management efforts

The town of Franklin was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA), the town’s property and casualty insurance provider, to support the installation of Samsara GPS modules that improve the town’s ability to track and manage fleet operations thereby enhancing the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of its public works operations.

With real-time GPS tracking, the town can monitor winter operations more closely and calculate salt and calcium usage with greater precision, ensuring materials are applied as economically and effectively as possible.

The technology also provides diagnostic information that enables faster identification and repair of town vehicle performance issues, reducing environmental impact and preventing more costly repairs. Additionally, integration with Franklin’s new fuel system enables more accurate fuel tracking and reporting, allowing the town to better understand and reduce its environmental footprint over time.

visit www.emiia.org 
and www.mma.org

“This grant is helping us improve how we manage operations, respond to maintenance needs, and make informed decisions about future vehicle investments,” said Jay Stearns, Franklin’s Fleet Manager. “With these new tools, we’re better equipped to serve residents, operate efficiently, and reduce our environmental impact.”

For the 2025 fiscal year, MIIA awarded $1 million to fund over 150 grant requests from members for public safety activities and equipment. Municipalities were able to conduct HVAC evaluations, purchase confined space safety equipment, and conduct boiler and water loss prevention measures, among many other initiatives.

 

“This grant is about real-world impact – helping municipalities reduce claims, safeguard municipal assets, and protect workers,” said Stan Corcoran, MIIA Executive Vice President. “Helping our members build safer communities is central to MIIA’s mission, and we’re pleased to support Franklin as it strengthens efforts to prevent losses and protect both employees and residents.”

MIIA is a membership service of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. As a mission-driven, member-led nonprofit, MIIA focuses on providing Massachusetts municipalities and other governmental entities with insurance coverage alternatives, quality risk management, and wellness programs.

For over four decades, MIIA has proudly supported its members in their efforts to build stronger communities, foster safer work environments, and implement programs that promote the health and well-being of their employees. For more information, visit www.emiia.org and www.mma.org.

Town of Franklin Enhances Municipal Safety Measures with MIIA Grant

Funds will support town’s risk management efforts

 

The Town of Franklin was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA), the town’s property and casualty insurance provider, to support the installation of Samsara GPS modules that improve the town’s ability to track and manage fleet operations thereby enhancing the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of its public works operations.

MASS Interlocal
Insurance Association (MIIA)

With real-time GPS tracking, the town can monitor winter operations more closely and calculate salt and calcium usage with greater precision, ensuring materials are applied as economically and effectively as possible.

The technology also provides diagnostic information that enables faster identification and repair of town vehicle performance issues, reducing environmental impact and preventing more costly repairs. Additionally, integration with Franklin’s new fuel system enables more accurate fuel tracking and reporting, allowing the town to better understand and reduce its environmental footprint over time.

“This grant is helping us improve how we manage operations, respond to maintenance needs, and make informed decisions about future vehicle investments,” said Jay Stearns, Franklin’s Fleet Manager. “With these new tools, we’re better equipped to serve residents, operate efficiently, and reduce our environmental impact.”

For the 2025 fiscal year, MIIA awarded $1 million to fund over 150 grant requests from members for public safety activities and equipment. Municipalities were able to conduct HVAC evaluations, purchase confined space safety equipment, and conduct boiler and water loss prevention measures, among many other initiatives.

“This grant is about real-world impact – helping municipalities reduce claims, safeguard municipal assets, and protect workers,” said Stan Corcoran, MIIA Executive Vice President. “Helping our members build safer communities is central to MIIA’s mission, and we’re pleased to support Franklin as it strengthens efforts to prevent losses and protect both employees and residents.”

MIIA is a membership service of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. As a mission-driven, member-led nonprofit, MIIA focuses on providing Massachusetts municipalities and other governmental entities with insurance coverage alternatives, quality risk management, and wellness programs.

For over four decades, MIIA has proudly supported its members in their efforts to build stronger communities, foster safer work environments, and implement programs that promote the health and well-being of their employees. For more information, visit www.emiia.org and www.mma.org.