Frankie shares the memories on last day of School Resource Officer

Today was a hard day, especially for Dad.

Today was his last day as an SRO for the Town of Franklin. Due to recent budget cuts he and I, along with Officer Ayer and Ben Franklin have been taken out of the schools and reassigned to the patrol division. After 8 years of supporting the students, staff and families of FPS as an SRO, we got to see students graduate from 8th grade this week that Dad welcomed into the FPS system on their very first day of Kindergarten.

He had been there almost every day of their school career to welcome them, listen to them and make them feel safe 💙 we spoke with a mom of 2 middle schoolers who thanked us for giving her the reassurance everyday that her kids would be safe while at school!

Frankie shares the memories on
last day of School Resource Officer

She then told Dad she is from NewTown CT. It brought Dad to tears to hear this💙💙. The students that came up to Dad and I today to thank us, hug us and cry with us was overwhelming.

To hear students and staff/administration talk about us during their speeches was amazing. Thank you to all the students/staff/parents that came up to us, gave me a pat, a hug or shook Dads hand, hugged him and cried with him, we THANK YOU for all of your support over the years and we look forward to seeing you about the town.

You can view additional photos here -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DLD8BmgP7IB/

Notice of Temporary Office Relocation for Franklin Recreation

Notice of Temporary Office Relocation
 for Franklin Recreation

The Franklin Recreation Department will be temporarily relocating its office to Parmenter Elementary School (235 Wachusett Street) beginning Monday, June 23, 2025.

To accommodate the move, please note:

• The Recreation Office will be CLOSED on Friday, June 20
• The relocation will occur on Friday, June 20, following the last day of school at Parmenter on June 18

All programs and services will continue without interruption:

• Pre-School Summer Camp will begin as scheduled on Monday, June 23 at Parmenter
• King Street Summer Camp will also begin June 23 at King Street Memorial Park
• The gym at 275 Beaver Street will remain open for select programming

We remain committed to providing the highest quality programs and services during this transition. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the Recreation Department at 508-613-1666 or visit: https://www.franklinma.gov/331/Recreation

Thank you for your continued support!

https://www.facebook.com/FranklinRecreationDepartment/posts/pfbid02cYhKyqsLvLv2q4P4rQKgm1CyKYNGBQzrKh7T4H8xWuFwaGTe9sYK2MckDufHUK9Fl

Town Council hears of clean audit and renewal of AAA rating among items on a varied and busy meeting (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday evening, May 7 starting a few minutes after 7 PM with all 9 Councilors present.

The Franklin TV recording is available for review -> https://www.youtube.com/live/BjLJUaJedMc&t=389

The agenda and released documents for this session ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072025-1719

Quick recap:

• Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides some updates on the early voting, last day to register, etc. for the FY 2026 override special election June 3
• School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan provides some updates on the redistricting efforts, how the savings will lay the foundation for the future assuming the override does pass
• Citizens comments:
• J Callaway-Tripp, thanks for the Parmenter property deed adjustment; Future use of whatever the property be designated for, requesting a Town wide vote as it did back in the early 1950's; Request a town committee to determine the future of the property
• M Minnichelli quotes Yogi Berra, reminding that we should set a target, the 10% is a state requirement
• J Nutting speaking for the override
• Sherlock spoke to the FinCom budget hearings (watch, listen, read almost complete) and Pen to Picture event May 10 at the Library
• J Cohen asking for help in speaking for clarity on the issues around the override, stopping building is not the same as voting on the override
• Recognition
• Police Department - Swearing in of New Police Officer, Tyler Hosley
• Police Department - Recognition of New Town of Upton Chief of Police, Chief Nicholas Palmieri, former Sergeant of the Franklin Police Department

2 minute recess 

• Public hearing
• New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine. Attorney and applicant participated remotely. Applicant had started ABCC application without legal assistance, withdrew it from ABCC and with legal guidance resubmitted. No real changes to application operational details; Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
•  Public hearing
• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District. No comments or questions from public or Council, had also been approved by Planning Board  Motion to move to 3nd reading, second, passes 9-0
• License Modification - Change of Manager of a Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License: The Chateau Restaurant of Franklin, Inc. d/b/a The Chateau, Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
• Presentation: 
• FY24 Financial Audit - Scott McIntire, CPA, Managing Director, CBIZ, we have a clean audit result this year. Scott compliments to the Town for preparing and executing in the audit, Entirely new set of staff to conduct this audit, a clean audit opinion. This reflects an evaluation of the internal controls of the Town operations
• Jamie also updated that the recent bond application resulted in renewal of our AAA rating, a major accomplishment to continue this
• What does the triple AAA mean? The lowest interest rate is available to use and will save us millions of dollars; Beaver St interceptor project is at 1.5% interest, in today's market it would be about 4%
• Legislation for action
• Resolution 25-28: Extension of the Time Period for the Automatic Reverter Contained in the Deed of Former Town-owned Land Off Panther Way Previously Conveyed to the Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund; Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-927: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of The Code Of The Town of Franklin, Definitions (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen) - Second Reading;  & Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-928: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 3, Use Regulation Schedule, Part II Principal Uses (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen)  - Second Reading; Both measures Motion to approve, second; Discussion, there has been interest expressed; Passes 9-0 via roll call
• TA Report highlights
• Budget hearing May 21-22, will be continued to June 4 to do the votes that night after the
• override results are available
• How does development affect the budget? Jamie will do his best to address, will be beneficial for community discussion as part of the hearing 5/22. Jamie will be attending the ZBA meeting at the request of the chair and members. Will be part of other discussions on the 444 East Central St item for as long as it goes
• Best Western no longer housing emergency shelter as of July. Budget issues were not being created by that State item. The Town has not spent a dollar on that
• Bids came in on budget for the cupola, hopefully work will start June/July when contractor will be available
• Cricket field being built and opening here on Pond St (behind Kennedy)
• Sculpture Park new features there
• Porchfest will also feature a Cornhole competition June 7

My notes collected in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YrOYu85-re20L0v7tmmAvCY2e54ir5sY/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin Elementary School Students Partner with Franklin Food Pantry

Parmenter’s Character Education Council
, a group of fourth and fifth graders

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Gerald M. Parmenter Elementary School Principal Evan Chelman are proud to announce a successful partnership between students and the Franklin Food Pantry.

“What’s truly powerful about this partnership with Parmenter Elementary School is that it brings elementary-aged students into The Pantry to witness firsthand the reality of food insecurity in their community,” said Franklin Food Pantry's Associate Director Laura Doherty.  “Not only does the partnership give students the opportunity to volunteer but allows them to envision themselves shopping at The Pantry and understand that accessing food assistance is nothing to be ashamed of — we’re a welcoming and safe community resource for all.”

Parmenter’s Character Education Council, a group of fourth and fifth graders, recently visited The Pantry. In addition to providing The Pantry with much-needed food donations, the students’ visit offered a meaningful opportunity for them to tour the facility and learn about food insecurity within the Franklin community.

“The experience helped reduce the stigma surrounding food insecurity by fostering understanding and empathy,” said Doherty. “Our hope is that students leave knowing it’s okay to ask for help — and that The Pantry is a safe, welcoming place where anyone can access healthy food when needed.”

The Pantry is a nonprofit organization that relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses and foundations to carry out its mission: to alleviate food insecurity and compassionately empower the Franklin community through resources and collaboration.

“If children in our community are in need of healthy food, we want them to know that we are here with open arms and they should never be embarrassed about it,” said Doherty. “Everyone needs help sometimes.”

There are many meaningful ways to support The Pantry, from donating and volunteering to hosting food drives.

“The kids saw what it would be like to shop here if they were food insecure,” said Doherty. “We focused on how food insecurity is nothing to be ashamed of. The Pantry is like a regular market, except the food is available at no cost. It’s important that we get kids involved at a young age. By involving and informing young people, our hope is that they’ll share our mission with their friends and family, and approach us without hesitation if they need our support."

Principal Chelman drove the students and their donations to The Pantry.

“Thank you, Laura, for the incredible work you do at the Franklin Food Pantry and for warmly welcoming Parmenter’s Character Education Council into the facility this year,” said Principal Chelman. “And thank you to Jessica Ulm of the Parmenter PCC (Parent Communication Council). We relied on Jessica to be a liaison between The Pantry and the school. The experience had such a positive impact on our students — they were not only excited about the donations but also truly moved by what they learned. And I have to admit, I loved getting to drive the van!”

Each student member of Parmenter’s Character Education Council applied to join and was selected by a team of teachers as a role model for Parmenter's core values: caring, inclusion, respect, courage, leadership and effort.

“Students give up their lunch and recess time to meet and discuss projects, create plans and make materials,” said Parmenter fifth-grade teacher and Council Advisor Michaela Geary. “Throughout the year, we have planned different community service projects including Treats for Troops, a candy drive after Halloween for troops serving overseas; World Cancer Day, a fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund; the Winter Gear Drive, to benefit Cradles to Crayons; and the recent Food Drive for the Franklin Food Pantry.

“For the food drive, students created posters, organized the donations, loaded the van with donations and then unloaded the van when we arrived at the Food Pantry,” said Geary. “Upon returning from the tour, students were excited to share what they had learned with the school. We will be speaking about our trip at the next whole school meeting.”

Click here to learn how you can get involved with The Pantry.

 

Additional photos can be found on the Schools page -> https://www.franklinps.net/article/2191244

 

Tom Mercer & I condense the April 30 Council meeting to 30 minutes for you (audio)

FM #1439 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1439 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Friday, May 2, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of April 30, 2025. 

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session:

• SchCmte Chair Callaghan updates on SchCmte business

• Town Clerk Nancy Danello with an update on the special election

• Proclamations:

• Police Department - Promotions = . Sergeant John Godino

• Police Department - Swearing in of New Court Prosecutor / Detective = . Tara Lagoa

• Proclamation: Franklin High School Theater Group

• Proclamation: Bryan Taberner, Director, Department of Planning and Community Development

• Appointments

• Agricultural Commission = Matthew Stoltz

• Disability Commission = Kelly Quinlan

• PUBLIC HEARING - a. Transfer of Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Dolores Costa as the Manager - Franklin Hospitality Group, LLC d/b/a The Tavern on Central

• Resolution 25-29: Transfer of Care, Custody, Management and Control of Town-owned Property Containing the Building Known as “Gerald Murdock Parmenter Elementary School” from the Franklin School Committee to the Franklin Town Council, for Municipal Purposes - Motion to approve, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)

• Update that for the Town Council Budget Hearings scheduled for May 21, 22  Town Administrator will propose that they continue the second hearing to June 4 to enable possible adjustments. The budget as presented assumes the override passes. If it doesn't, cuts would be forthcoming

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided updates on Previous Requests:

• 300 Fisher Street - very dormant

• Chestnut Street Apartments - The exterior is complete, the interior has not been finished, in the owners control currently

Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Town Council meeting. Approx. 31 minutes Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1439-town-council-quarterbacking-05-02-25/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/laeIcVjRlgU?si=4VVLHqNRh28zvyuM&t=134 

The agenda and released materials for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04302025-1709 

Photos of the recognitions -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/PKZgCKJM8vAYTVoK7 

My notes can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mo8xvhuHCvkPLQ_Fi54OMbtkQ2WulsJK/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"

Tom Mercer & I condense the April 30 Council meeting to 30 minutes for you (audio)

Town Council recognitions for Police promotions, FHS Theatre, and retirement of Bryan Taberner (video)

The Franklin, MA Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, May 1.  8 of the councilors were present, 1 absent (Dellorco) in Council Chambers for this session.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/laeIcVjRlgU?si=4VVLHqNRh28zvyuM&t=134

The agenda and released materials for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04302025-1709 

Quick recap:

• Chair Callaghan updates on SchCmte business; elementary report card changes approved, support letter for Franklin TV and cable access funding approved for Franklin.News; School budget lays out a foundation for success
• Town Clerk Nancy Danello with an update on the special election, ballots received, absentee sent, vote by mail needs to be requested. Drop ballots off at the Town Hall. May 16 opens early voting during office hours
• Web site updates announcements on the upcoming election. Bridge banners coming soon. Robo call coming May 7. Visited all the Senior housing locations. Mailing to all the households with notification on the election.
• Police Department - Promotions
• i. Sergeant John Godino
• Police Department - Swearing in of New Court Prosecutor / Detective
• i. Tara Lagoa
• Proclamation: Franklin High School Theater Group
• Proclamation: Bryan Taberner, Director, Department of Planning and Community Development
• Appointments
• Agricultural Commission
• i. Matthew Stoltz
• Disability Commission
• i. Kelly Quinlan; both appointments approved via 8-0-1 (1 absent) votes
• PUBLIC HEARING - a. Transfer of Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Dolores Costa as the Manager - Franklin Hospitality Group, LLC d/b/a The Tavern on Central
• Motion to approve, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)
• Resolution 25-29: Transfer of Care, Custody, Management and Control of Town-owned Property Containing the Building Known as “Gerald Murdock Parmenter Elementary School” from the Franklin School Committee to the Franklin Town Council, for Municipal Purposes
• Motion to approve, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)
• Update that for the Town Council Budget Hearings scheduled for May 21, 22  Town Administrator will propose that they continue the second hearing to June 4 to enable possible adjustments. The budget as presented assumes the override passes. If it doesn't, cuts would be forthcoming
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided updates on Previous Requests:
• 300 Fisher Street - very dormant, EPA removed soil etc pre pandemic, delayed by staffing issues pre the changes in DC
• Chestnut Street Apartments - The exterior is complete, the interior has not been finished, in the owners control currently There are 2 deeded apartments for local veterans

Photos of the recognitions -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/PKZgCKJM8vAYTVoK7

My notes can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mo8xvhuHCvkPLQ_Fi54OMbtkQ2WulsJK/view?usp=drive_link

Town Of Franklin Resolution 25-29: Parmenter Deed recording

MEMORANDUM

Date:    April 25, 2025 

To:     Town Council

From:    Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

            Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator 

RE:     Parmenter Deed recording

The Council will consider recording the deed to the 20 +/- acre site of the former Parmenter School.

On January 28, 2025 the Franklin School Committee voted unanimously to dispose of the site and turn it over to the Town in accordance with state law.

The proposed Deed seeks to name the parcel as the “Gerald Murdoch Parmenter Memorial Complex” thus memorizing his name in perpetuity. If any structure is built upon the parcel, it will always contain the name of Mr. Parmenter. If the current school building is not demolished, it will also maintain the name. The Town Council has naming rights on all town owned public property and can always consider further naming recognition in the future.

We have attached the original deed, which despite some claims in town, did not memorialize that there was to be a schoolhouse permanently on the property. The Town Attorney will answer any legal questions.

We hope to have a Police Station Building Committee meeting later this June or July to provide new updates on the site selection process for a new Police Station. The consultant has now evaluated over 100 sites within town for the station and will provide updates on those options. The Parmenter site, in addition to Davis-Thayer, are being surveyed and analyzed to see what parts of each parcel are buildable and what constraint there may be on the parcels. These sites have been suggested in the past as they are of no new cost to the taxpayers and they are both strategically located to attend to law enforcement’s needs.

The Police Station Building Committee has not selected a site and will likely not select a site until the end of this calendar year, or possibly in 2026.

We expect open houses of the station in the Summer and Fall of 2025.

Town Of Franklin Resolution 25-29: Parmenter Deed recording

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

TOWN OF FRANKLIN RESOLUTION 25-29

Transfer of Care, Custody, Management and Control of Town-owned Property Containing the Building Known as “Gerald Murdock Parmenter Elementary School” from the Franklin School Committee to the Franklin Town Council, for Municipal Purposes

WHEREAS, the Town owns improved property containing a building known as Gerald Murdock Parmenter Elementary School, located at the southwesterly corner of the intersection of Wachusetts and King Streets and shown on Franklin Assessors’ Map 297 as parcel 50, Title reference: Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Book 2968 Page 219 (hereinafter: “Property”) for school purposes; and

WHEREAS, “Property” was gifted to Town by Ernest B. Parmenter and Maud A. Parmenter for the construction of an elementary school to be named in memory of their son Gerald Murdock Parmenter, a Franklin resident who distinguished himself during World War Two, and

WHEREAS, GL Chapter 40, Section 15A sets out the procedure to be followed when Town-owned property is no longer needed for the specific municipal purpose for which it is held; and

WHEREAS, the Franklin School Committee has determined that Property is no longer needed for school purposes and, as provided in said statute, has given written notice of its determination to the Franklin Town Council by memorandum dated January 15, 2025, a true copy of which is attached hereto as “Exhibit 1”,

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Franklin, acting by and through its Town Council, hereby transfers the care, custody, management and control of “Property” from the Franklin School Committee to the Franklin Town Council, for municipal purpose(s) as provided in GL Chapter 40, Section 15A, declares that “Property” shall henceforth be formally named and known as “Gerald Murdock Parmenter Memorial Complex,” and directs that a true copy of this resolution be recorded at Norfolk County Registry of Deeds.

This resolution shall become effective according to the Provisions of the Town of Franklin Home Rule Charter.

Copied from the Town Council agenda item -> 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5388/9a-Parmenter

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for meeting April 30, 2025 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
April 30, 2025 = 7 PM

1.    ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a.    This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b.    Chair to identify members participating remotely.
c.    Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2.    CITIZEN COMMENTS

a.    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, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3.    APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a.    April 16, 2025

4.    PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a.    Police Department - Promotion

i.    Sergeant John Godino

b.    Police Department - Swearing in of New Court Prosecutor / Detective

i.    Tara Lagoa

c.    Proclamation: Franklin High School Theater Group
d.    Proclamation: Bryan Taberner, Director, Department of Planning and Community Development

5.    APPOINTMENTS

a.    Agricultural Commission

i.    Matthew Stoltz

b.    Disability Commission

i.    Kelly Quinlan

6.    PUBLIC HEARINGS
a.    Transfer of Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Dolores Costa as the Manager - Franklin Hospitality Group, LLC d/b/a The Tavern on Central,
Located at 391 East Central Street, #5, Franklin, MA 02038
i.    License Transaction # 7a.

7.    LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a.    Transfer of Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Dolores Costa as the Manager - Franklin Hospitality Group, LLC d/b/a The Tavern on Central, Located at 391 East Central Street, #5, Franklin, MA 02038

8.    PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled.

9.    LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a.    Resolution 25-29: Transfer of Care, Custody, Management and Control of Town-owned Property Containing the Building Known as “Gerald Murdock Parmenter Elementary School” from the Franklin School Committee to the Franklin Town Council, for Municipal Purposes (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-29 - ⅔ Majority Vote)

b.    Resolution 25-30: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($40) & Recreation ($1,415)
(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-30 - Majority Vote)

Gerald M Parmenter Elementary School

10.    TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

a.    FY26 Town Administrator Budget
b.    Previous Requests:

i.    300 Fisher Street
ii.    Chestnut Street Apartments

 11.    SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a.    Capital Budget Subcommittee
b.    Economic Development Subcommittee
c.    Joint Budget Subcommittee
d.    Police Station Building Committee
e.    GATRA Advisory Board

12.    FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

 

13.    COUNCIL COMMENTS
 

14.    EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled
 

15.    ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

 

The full agenda doc includes remote participation info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04302025-1709 

Sign up for, or sponsor a hole, at the Parmenter PCC golf tournament - May 1

Sign up for the Parmenter PCC golf tournament

 "Parmenter’s 3rd and final golf tournament is just around the corner! Join us Thursday, May 1st at Easton Country Club!  

Or, sponsor a hole!  

Please see the attached flyers for more information.  

Thank you for supporting our awesome school! "

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

Sponsor a hole at the Parmenter PCC golf tournament - May 1

Interactive Seafood Event at Parmenter Elementary!

From Evan Chelman, Parmenter Principal

 

"Today, Parmenter Elementary students had the amazing opportunity to explore the wonders of our local waters through an interactive seafood event! 

Students got to meet, touch, and learn about different types of fish and shellfish that swim right in our local waters.  

The event was a perfect complement to our district-wide lunch menu, featuring freshly baked, locally sourced fish! A huge thank you to Red’s Best and fisherman Gus Sanflippo, who caught the fish just two days ago aboard his vessel, the Lily Jean, in Gloucester, MA.  

Special thanks to Aaron Lenart, RD, Assistant Food Service Director, for educating our students and making this event both fun and educational!  This event helped connect students with the source of their food and teach them about sustainability in our local waters."

I was invited to observe and report on this event. The kids had a variety of responses to the seafood and very appreciative of the experience.

Additional photos can be found -> https://www.franklinps.net/o/gmpes/live-feed#8679990

School Committee gets details on middle school math curriculum changes, FY 2026 budget, & approves Parmenter release to the Town (video)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. 6 of the 7 members were present in Council Chambers for the just over 4 hour session. 

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYxJEgzxVww

The agenda released for the meeting ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01282025-1531 

Additional documentation will be posted beginning Wednesday to the meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/january-28%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/750840

Quick recap:

• The middle school math curriculum program is being revised to meet MA Curriculum Framework guidelines and to beter meet the needs for a solid foundation in math for all students. Photos of the presentation were recorded into one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/73DtDSCgcRCPiPHz9
• The FY 2026 budget was presented and mutlipe questions from the committee to clarify the details. $80M is being requested, 3.78% more than prior year but within the guidelines offered by the Town Administrator which also assuming successful passage of the possible override
• The schools do achieve significant savings with the redistricting. 34 positions are reassigned within the district, 20 positions ultimately will be reduced. For the non-redistricted budget: it would be a >$6M increase from last year. About $3M more than level service that is being requested for this year
• The budget timeline was laid out whcih includes a budget hearing Feb 4, School Committee vote on Feb 11, the Joint Budget listening sessions, before the Finance Committee hearings in April and Town Council hearings in May
• What was not discussed, but is on the timeline, is the Town Council consideration of the possible override at a March meeting AFTER the listening sessions complete. The decision for yes or no on the override, and if yes, to determine a date and an amount are to be expected
• Photos of the presentation were recorded into one album ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/URuuP6RLYXmtnR3G9
• The decision to release the Parmenter facility to the Town was approved. Consideration of the alleged Parmenter family requirement for the land to be kept in school use was made but based upon Town Attorney advice that the deed does not include such a provision, the decision was made to proceed. Vote on this was 6-0-1 (1 absent, 6 for)
• Three sets of policy modifications were made per DESE request to bring language of the policy into compliance with current requirements. Vote on this was 6-0-1 (1 absent, 6 for)
• Motion to enter into executive session for contract negotiations, not to return to open session was made and approved. The vote on this was 6-0-1 (1 absent, 6 for)

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PHnEHNKly-gag8T04ftDUSmm2JWyBc-G/view?usp=drive_link

School Committee gets details on middle school math curriculum changes, FY 2026 budget, & approves Parmenter release to the Town (video)

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for Meeting January 28, 2025

Franklin School Committee 

January 28, 2025 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

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. Middle School Math Update

B. Superintendent’s Recommended FY26 Budget Presentation

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Relinquish Parmenter School

I recommend relinquishing possession of the Parmenter Elementary School to the Town of Franklin on August 31, 2025 in accordance with the MSBA notification timeline of school closure.

B. Policy - Second Readings/Adoption

I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:

1. GBEB - Employee Conduct

2. JKAA - Physical Restraint of Students

3. JB - Equal Educational Opportunities

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. 2025-26 School Committee Meeting Schedule-DRAFT

B. ACCEPT Annual Report

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 January 14, 2025 meeting as detailed.

B. FHS Scholarships

I recommend the acceptance of $5,250.00 for FHS Scholarships as follows:

$250.00 from Johanna Jobin for the Jacqueline Schaeffer Scholarship

$5,000.00 from Thomas Wagner for the Thomas Wagner Scholarship

C. District Wide Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $225.00 from BJ’s Wholesale Club for District Wide in-house enrichment as detailed.

D. Music Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $3,102.00 from the Franklin Music 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 (2) To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective

bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel

X. Adjournment

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01282025-1531

Documents released for this session will be posted to the packet folder as they are released ->  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/january-28%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/750840

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for Meeting January 28, 2025