FM #1850 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1850 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, November 3, 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, Paula Marano, and Elizabeth Morrison also participated.
Quick recap:
Discussion on the audit done to confirm what other policies need to be adjusted based upon the recent Freedom to Read Act changes. Using the MASC policies as a guideline, reviewed the proposed changes, approved the 3 to bring to the full Committee for first reading. Internal work on the underlying procedures is still underway ideally to be completed by the time the policies are approved
Next up, Patricia Middelman, Treasurer of SEPAC (Special Education Parents Advisory Council) is present to talk about ensuring coverage for special education needs in any policy discussions. The group is coming back to life and will be attempting to have representation at Policy and School Committee meetings going forward.
(Editor’s note: this is not just any old group. Per Mass General Law, districts that receive funding for special education are required to have such a group. It had been very active then the past couple of years it went quiet as leadership/membership changed (parents of special ed students aged out of the program).
Next up, continuation of the fiscal policy discussion. Complete set would be sent to the Budget Subcommittee for their review and comment, then back to this committee for any final edits before bringing to the full committee likely in December
Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0, folks move to Chambers for full School Committee meeting
The recording runs about 50 minutes, so let’s listen in.
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1850-school-cmte-policy-subcmte-mtg-11-03-26/--------------
The meeting agenda can be found ->
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2558
My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KQwwtCt2nwHOX2ny8ANnYDcVwCxGGsHZ/view?usp=drive_link
School Committee Policy manual - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/policy-manual
School Committee Subcommittee assignments
https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons
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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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