FM #1807 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1807 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 7:00 PM. 6 of the 7 members were present; 1 participated remotely (O'Sullivan) (hence all votes were via roll call), 1 member absent (Callaghan).
Quick recap
New administrators and Central office personnel were introduced and photos taken to share with the community
Human Resources provided a hiring update, in a better position now with 17 openings than the prior 3 years, some of the openings are in the process of being fulfilled
Review of the changes to the school handbooks for the high school, middle school, elementary and ECDC. Mostly minor changes at the lower levels, some key changes for the upper grades
Later in the meeting, the handbooks were approved so they will be distributed electronically to all the parents and families
Update on Transportation, only 40 on the waitlist, approx 280 had been on the waitlist, some having moved within the district or into the district but the majority simply missed the registration deadline in June
bus schedules and routes are posted to the Schools page https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/transportation/
bus passes will be distributed by the schools when they open, elementary students will get a tag for their backpacks, middle and high school will get the standard pass
Update on facility projects, some completed across the district some still in process, some funded but scheduled for later in the school year or next summer due to potential disruption of the school operations
Committee entered Executive Session not to return to open meeting
Let’s listen (approx. 2 hours & 30 minutes)
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1807-school-cmte-mtg-08-25-26/--------------
Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOqCiAbY_s4
The agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08252026-2467
My complete set of notes captured during the meeting
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HWfAJ6oObFg475FYzqh8NS-TjQ3poSit/view?usp=drive_link
Photo album of the handbook updates https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ggp9R1C5182HgZY58
Photo album of the Transportation update
https://photos.app.goo.gl/HwiGhfnd4DcgfNQn8
Photo album of the Facility updates
https://photos.app.goo.gl/8RnTJnVhvbCK9oMt6
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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"
FM #1804 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1804 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM. 6 members of the Committee participated, 6 in person, 1 remote.
Quick recap
The Superintendent Report provides updates on multiple items; planning for Sept, transportation, hiring status (positions open, a better view to be provided next time), work on facilities progressing. Ms Melotti out on maternity leave, Dr Bob Dutch back to fill in while she is out, important school start dates on webpage - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars/
Joint presentation and updates on summer learning from Student Services and Lifelong Learning. Slides shown were captured in one photo album https://photos.app.goo.gl/7BGZeLN2QWEezqFw7
Annual report submission approved, minor formatting remains to be done by the Town as the annual report book is prepared for publication
The 2nd reading on the restraint policy was approved as amended by the Policy Subcmte meeting prior
Consent agenda was also approved. All votes, by the way, were via roll call and passed 7-0
Let’s listen (approx. 39 minutes)
audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1804-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-08-11-26/--------------
Franklin TV video is available - https://www.youtube.com/live/VMpYB91A8Fw?&t=27
The Agenda document - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112026-2448
My notes captured during the meeting in one PDF
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hvmIVrFX0EwMzsGCAbVXWcNqeu2T-DO8/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"
"We're Hiring! Join The Pantry's Operations Team
Demand for food assistance in our community is at an all-time high, and we are working hard to continuously meet that rising need. To support our growing operations and ensure we can get more food to more people, we are looking to hire two paid positions:
Program Expansion Manager: This role will support our new expansion initiatives aimed at increasing access for individuals and families across our community.
Support Services Coordinator: This role will support the daily operations of The Pantry through active, hands-on work and closely collaborate with our wonderful team of volunteers.
If you are interested in either position, please review the job descriptions by clicking on the links above and emailing a cover letter and resume to Lisa Ryan, Star HR Consulting, lisa@starhrconsulting.com."
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| The DPW is hiring students 18+ for summer help |
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| Full details at tinyurl.com/KPShiring |
The Town Council meet for the first time in 2026 for another long 4 hour session with all 9 members present in Council Chambers.
Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/live/07Ywvi5WtP8?&t=487
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| The combination of the Washington St renovations, Middle School roof, and the Police Station would be approx. $50M |
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| Franklin Food pantry is looking to hire a Volunteer Engagement Manager |
