Franklin School Committee approves contracts & takes action on policies in short meeting (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. 6 of their 7 members participated, 5 in Chambers, 1 remotely so all votes were via roll call.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -  https://www.youtube.com/live/QlvJl3dksVE?&t=90 

The meeting agenda  -  https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06232026-2374

My meeting notes in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sGhFpmgdY19KlxeJaUDB2zFewLPN1wuS/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap:

• After opening the meeting, the Committee entered Executive Session for about 15 minutes returning to open session. In open session, they voted to approve Cafeteria Workers, Secretaries and Van Drivers Unions Contracts by a 6-0-1 roll call vote (1 absent)
• Voted to send policy JKAA - Prevention Criteria for use of Physical Restraint, Seclusion and Time-outs for Students to a second reading, via 6-0-1 roll call vote (1 absent)
• Voted the elimination of policy CL - Administrative Reports via 6-0-1 roll call vote (1 absent)
• Voted the approval of the FSC Meeting, Conduct & Discussion Structure manual via 6-0-1 roll call vote (1 absent)
• Voted the approval of the Consent Agenda via 6-0-1 roll call vote (1 absent)
• Some updates from the existing subcommittees, some done for the school year, Horace Mann Legacy to meet on 2nd Monday beginning July (except October)

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/

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

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 

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

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"

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 ???

Tuesday, June 9

12:00pm Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

5:00pm Tuesday Night Cruise (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

7:00pm "Embrace Your Quilty Creativity” (Emma's Quilt Cupboard)

For additional details on Library events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9195/May-2026-Newsletter?bidId=

***  Town Meetings today   ***

Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, June 9 Time: 6:00 PM

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

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, June 9 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06092026-2356 

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Board of Trustees Meeting

Tuesday, June 9 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06092026-2349 

---------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

2 School Committee meetings on Tuesday, Policy at 6 PM; full Committee at 7 PM

Two School Committee meetings scheduled for Tuesday. The Policy Subcommittee meets at 6 PM, then the full committee meets at 7 PM. The agenda docs for both meetings are listed here

• Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, June 9 Time: 6:00 PM

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

• Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, June 9 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06092026-2356 

Call to Order Dr. Griffith

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 Dr. Griffith

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. FPS Operations and Facilities Update

B. FPS District AI Committee Progress Update

III. Citizen’s Comment

IV. Discussion/Action Items

A.   ACCEPT Board Appointment

I recommend the appointment of Superintendent, Lucas Giguere to serve as the Franklin representative to the 2026-2027 ACCEPT Board of Directors as discussed.

B.   Policy – 2nd Reading/Adoption

I recommend the adoption of Policy IMGB – Therapy/Emotional Support Dogs as discussed.

C.   Superintendent’s Evaluation Report

I recommend the approval of the Superintendent’s Report as discussed.

V. Discussion Only Items

A. Monthly Financial Report

VI. 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 May 26, 2026 meeting as detailed.

B.   FHS Scholarship

I recommend the acceptance of $1000.00, a Fidelity Charitable donation honoring the Fernando P. Baglioni Memorial as detailed.

C.   Lincoln 3-5 Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $2,972.72 from Shutterfly for supplemental supplies as detailed.

D.   FHS Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $15.94 from Ohiopyle for supplemental supplies as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order VIII.

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Executive Session

A. As per M.G.L. c. 30A, § 213. (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

XI. Adjournment

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

This Chalkboard Chat shares insights into the FY 2027 budget and implications (audio)

FM #1652 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1652 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chair Paul Griffith.  We had our discussion via Zoom on Monday, February 2, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting January 27, 2026.

Our conversation covered the following topics:

Budget, and budget implications

Budget hearing Feb 10, budget vote Feb 24

Health care costs proposed to move to Town Account 910

Simplification, ensure all depts now have apples to apples budget comparison

Hold harmless, Chap 70 local contribution under re-evaluation

Special education reimbursement, cost advantages of in house programs

Policy updates

Remote participation

Middle school awareness of pathways

ECDC tuition re-voted to correct an oversight

Our conversation runs about 49 minutes. Let’s listen

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1652-chalkboard-chat-02-02-26/

The YouTube video of our conversation -> https://youtu.be/dh4BqY7UvtI

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

School Committee page (with contact info) - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee 

School Committee subcommittee assignments - 

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

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-UxhayAn6s 

The agenda can be found - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/8d6ca562-53e6-4ea4-a1af-54dc11571527/SCAGENDA-1-27-26.pdf?disposition=inline 

FY 2027 budget presentation doc -

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/f0eb6e5e-b914-4650-9811-892c46570b5f/FINAL---FY27-Superintendents-Recommended-Budget-%282%29.pdf?disposition=inline 

Released documents will be posted to the 'packet folder' - https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/january-27%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/24906664 

My notes in one PDF file -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/140kTZI5bmwVFlufRsU54cNneJ2BytZ-c/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 scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2027

Franklin School Committee 

January 27, 2026  7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Dr. Griffith

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 Dr. Griffith

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Superintendent’s Recommended FY27 Budget

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Policy - Second Reading/Adoption

I recommend adoption of Policy IHAIA - Middle School Pathway Exploration as discussed. 

B. Policy - First Reading

I recommend moving Policy BL - Remote Participation to a second reading as discussed. 

C. ECDC 2026-27 Tuition Rate (from last meeting)

I recommend approval of the ECDC 2026-27 tuition rate as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Monthly Financial Report (from last meeting)

B. School Healthcare

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 13, 2026 meeting as detailed. 

B.   FHS Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $2,760.72 for In-house enrichment as follows: Jostens/The Mascot Shop $ 240.93

Grinn & Barrett Enterprizes, Inc. $2,519.79 

C.   FHS Scholarships

I recommend the acceptance of $6,000.00 for scholarships as follows: Thomas Wagner $5,000.00

Roberta DeBaggis Trahan $1,000.00 

D.   Lincoln & Washington St. Recurring Field Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Mary MacMurray to take music students to the Veteran’s Auditorium, Providence, RI on May 22, 2026 as detailed. 

E.   Lincoln St. Recurring Field Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Katherine Nayler to take 4th & 5th graders to Roger Williams Zoo, Providence, RI on 5/29/26 (Gr 4) & 6/12/26 (Gr 5) as detailed. 

F. New Student Activity Account

I recommend approval of the new Student Activity Account (ACHIEVE) as detailed. 

G. FHS GIft

I recommend the acceptance of $1,100.00 from the FHS PCC for Supplemental Supplies as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

A. 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

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, January 22, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

• This shares the FPS School Committee Policy Subcmte mtg 1/13/26
   -   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/audio-recording-for-school-cmte-policy.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  

• Enjoy hearing Pauly G and The Vibe featuring Billy Joel's "The Stranger" Album released on September 29, 1977.  The Stranger delivered four Top-25 hits on the Billboard charts: "Just the Way You Are" (No. 3), "Movin' Out" (No. 17), "Only the Good Die Young" (No. 24) and "She's Always a Woman" (No. 17).    "Just The Way You Are"  won Grammy awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.   
• The Vibe Billy Joel Playlist Hour airs all live Stranger and later years hits plus a surprise cover.  Turn it up Billy Joel and his amazing band.

Find the playlist ->  https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

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