What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 ???

Tuesday, December 9

• FHS Cheerleaders fundraiser from 5 PM to 9 PM (Chipotle Mexican Grill)

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

7:00pm FBRTC Rail Trail Cmte Mtg (Franklin TV and Radio)

Library & Senior Center events

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/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** Town Meetings today   **

Franklin School Committee - Budget Subcommittee

December 9, 2025, 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12092025-2047 

Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting

December 9, 2025, 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12092025-2046 

Design Review Meeting-CANCELED

December 9, 2025, 7:00 PM

Friends of the Franklin Public Library Meeting

December 9, 2025, 7:00 PM

Franklin School Committee

December 9, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12092025-2043 

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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

3 School Committee meetings on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2025

2 School Committee subcommittees are scheduled to meet at 6 PM in the 3rd floor Conf room (Budget) and the 3rd floor Training room (Policy).

3 School Committee meetings
on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2025

The full School Committee is scheduled to meet at 7 PM in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor.

I'll "follow the money" and record/report on the Budget subcommittee meeting. 

Franklin TV will broadcast the full School Committee meeting from Council Chambers. I'll participate to report on the meeting.

That provides a detailed update on 2 of the 3 meetings. If someone is willing to take notes on the Policy meeting, I can work with them to share those notes.

Agenda documents include remote participation info:

Budget -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12092025-2047

Policy -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12092025-2046

full School Committee ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12092025-2043

Franklin School Committee reorganizes, gets the scoop on what their about to do (video)

The Franklin School Committee met for the first time sine the Biennial Election Nov 4 brought 3 new members to the group. Superintendent Lucas Giguere opened the session to conduct the re-organization votes. Griffith was nominated for Chair and unanimously voted in. Callaghan nominated for Vice-Chair and also unanimously voter in.

Town Clerk Nancy Danello swore in the publicly and officially.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea9CmNWJI1s

The agenda doc can be found ->  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6138802/SCAGENDA11-18-25.pdf 

Pictures captured during the session are in one photo album ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/TKFnfsbkzprJ5xSj9

Franklin School Committee (L-R): Hansen, Griffith, Callaghan, O'Sullivan, Mausolf, Charles, Karunakaran

Finance Committee has gets a fiscal discussion but runs out of time to get into the Technology deep dive (audio)

FM #1555 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1555 in the series. 

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The Committee opened with 3 new members getting sworn in. The Committee also formally organized itself with votes to select George Conley as Chair, Natalie Riley as Vice-Chair and Lauren Nagel as Clerk

Quick recap:

• The agenda could not be completed in the time allotted before the Town Council meeting at 7:00 PM. The planned 'deep dive' on Technology was the major item as it will be rescheduled to their Nov 5 meeting.

• During Citizen Comments, M Minnechelli spoke on the economics of development proposals, i.e. 444 E Central, and the need for some body, perhaps FinCom to weigh in to help clarify the numbers that are being mentioned which are conflicting and perhaps erroneous. 

• The Town Administrator advised not weighing in on the specifics of 444 East Central as the public hearing is underway. However an understanding of the overall economics of development would be a good topic for a future meeting

• Much of the discussion revolved around the fiscal issues currently being faced not just by Franklin but by most communities in the State. The "perfect storm" report by the MMA was referenced. The work underway at the State level to take a new look at local contributions for Chap 70 could affect our "hold harmless" situation. The Federal cuts will affect Mass revenues, and some of that will also affect our State funding.

The MMA "perfect storm" report -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/19iUBj6jDGQuWo8XDCfhwefqnK9WlALK1/view?usp=drive_link 

The Town Administrator memo of Aug 7 was refreshed as many appear to have not read it, or understood the implications -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UnddsW97syeHkkVjNOgRlOkKgHgOGiS0/view?usp=drive_link 

The recording runs just about 68 minutes, let’s listen

Audio link ->   https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1555-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-10-22-25/

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Franklin TV broadcast is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMhCNMRndj0 

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10222025-1961 

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/11PCj1OfVixPiPgZ8jrk5-HD7VjH3vuEu/view?usp=drive_link 

Explore the MMA’s new report,
"A Perfect Storm: Cities and Towns Face
Historic Fiscal Pressures", to understand why

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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!

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

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, Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - 7 PM

Franklin School Committee 

October 28, 2025 = 7:00 P.M

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order                                         Mr. Callaghan

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 Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. none

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Policy - First Readings

I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:

IKF - Graduation Requirements

IKFE - Competency Determinations

B. Superintendent’s Goals

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

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. October 1 Report

B. ACCEPT Quarterly Report

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

School Committee Meeting

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your October 14, 2025 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Athletics Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $2,000.00 from the Gridiron Club for Supplemental Supplies as detailed.

C. FHS Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $2,457.00 from the Theater 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 (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

Agenda doc also includes remote participation info -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10282025-1977 

Meeting packet folder (contains documents of the meeting released before or after the session) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/october-28%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/859754

Agenda for the Franklin School Committee - Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Oct 14 at 6 PM

Franklin School Committee

Policy Subcommittee Meeting

DATE: 10/14/25 TIME: 6:00 - 7:00 PM

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may, in fact, be discussed, and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

I. Attendance -

II. Distribution of Approved Policies

A. none

Ill. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee

A. None

IV. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item

A. IKF: Graduation Requirement (new)

B.  IKFE: Competency Determination (new)

The agenda doc contains remote participation info ->  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10142025-1949

 

Agenda for the Franklin School Committee -
Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Oct 14 at 6 PM

Town Council responds to budget adjustment by adding back 3rd ambulance, (video)

The Franklin, MA Town Council met at 6 PM on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 as scheduled. All 9 Councilors participated in Council Chambers. The public meeting ran just over 3 hours. The Council entered Executive Session to review another 5 topics. Once into Executive Session they did not return to open meeting.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E1pOkLizKc

Agenda doc can be found -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132025-1852

My full set of notes in one PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UPwTkHaZv3OVhfIpt5HqxFs-k7-sfa5S/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap:

• In the first of 2 long updates, discussions, the Council ultimately approved the restoration of the 3rd ambulance by adjusting the expense budget by $114K, authorizing the hiring of 2 firefighter/paramedics, and including half of the anticipated ambulance revenue in the budget to balance for the $231,152 shortfall in State funding that came after the State finalized their budget in July
• In the 2nd, key decision, the Council voted 7-2 to NOT accept a private donation to provide funding for the health & wellness nurse at the Senior Center. There are 2 actions out of this: one for the Town Administrator to find another  way to fund and restore the position, and 2 - to draft a policy for the Town on donations and acceptable uses. As noted during the discussion, the School District has such a policy, the Town does not
• Per legal advice, the Town Council can not rescind the 40b approval vote for the 444 East Central development. Residents are encouraged to continue to participate in both the Zoning Board of Appeals and Conservation Commission meeting as the project moves through the process. There is no short cut to this long process.
• Franklin Ridge project is likely to put shovel in the ground before year end (a delay from what was announced earlier this year). In another year, the operator will begin outreach and info session for the resident application process. Federal income guidelines will be followed but 70% of the units to be prioritized for Franklin residents

Additional items will be added to the recap with the publication of the meeting audio and also covered in the Town Council Quarterbacking session when shared in a couple of days.

Franklin School Cmte: Policy Subcmte Mtg - 06/24/25 (exclusive audio)

FM #1475 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1475 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. 2 members participated in this virtual session; Chair O’Sullivan and member McNeill, Callaghan was absent.  Supt Giguere, Ops Director Boisvert, Jana Melotti and Dr Rogers represented the Central Office.

Quick recap:

• Primary discussion on this agenda is fees, recommendation to keep the current 3 tier approach with the minor adjustment of moving wrestling from Tier 3 to Tier 2, from $350 to 600, Tier 1 remains at $1000. Fees can't be reduced due to the shortage of revenue from failed override

• Athletic fees approved by 2-0-1 vote (Chair O'Sullivan & McNeill present, Callaghan absent)

• Transportation fee discussion background on how the $387 was calculated to be the base charge with a cap. 2.5% escalation built into the prior schedule. Attempting to increase/keep ridership up as part of the redistricting; 2492 registered, 2466 for past year, 16 on waitlist

• Motion to accept new fee schedule, $387, cap at 3 riders (1161) Second, passes 2-0-1

• Question on research for boosters supporting stipends for after hour clubs, etc. Research into policy, state law on what is possible, what are the rules of the road via info for support from boosters. How do we all work together on this? Yes, that can be liked into

• Question on police detail for building rentals, are we comparable to other towns? Can we scale requirements based on attendance? Yes, that can be liked into

• Motion to adjourn, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)

The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1475-school-cmte-policy-subcmte-mtg-06-24-25/

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The meeting agenda can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06242025-1792 

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i6scbz2f-uqM-vwN3dIzVzXwlL8Jh7wn/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.

Franklin School Cmte: Policy Subcmte
Mtg - 06/24/25 (exclusive audio)

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"