- 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
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Town Council responds to budget adjustment by adding back 3rd ambulance, (video)
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
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
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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. 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) |
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"
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 ???
Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting (virtual only)
Tuesday, June 24 Time: 6:00 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06242025-1792
Design Review Meeting (virtual only)
Tuesday, June 24 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/429?fileID=5164
Franklin School Committee (Virtual only)
Tuesday, June 24 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/School-Committee-35/?#_06242025-1793
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Franklin, MA: Agenda for School Cmte Mtg - Virtual Only - scheduled for June 24, 2025
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Franklin, MA: Agenda for School Cmte Mtg - Virtual Only - scheduled for June 24, 2025 |
A. DECA trip to VAI recommend approval of the request of Emily Rosborough to take DECA students to Arlington, VA from November 21 - 23, 2025 as detailed.
B. Girls Basketball Trip to MEI recommend approval of the request of John Leighton to take the Girls Basketball team to Augusta and Portland, ME from December 26 - 27, 2025 as detailed.
C. Disposition of Student Activity AccountsI recommend approval of disposition of student activity accounts as discussed.
D. Recommendation to open FMS Student Activity Accounts and close Existing MS Activity AccountsI recommend opening of Franklin Middle School Student activity accounts and closing the existing middle school student activity accounts as discussed.
E. User FeesI recommend approval of the FY25-26 User Fees as discussed
A. Approval of MinutesI recommend approval of the minutes from your June 10, 2025 School Committee meeting as detailed.B. Review of Executive Session Minutes for DeclassificationI recommend review of executive session minutes for declassification as discussed.C. SurplusI recommend declaring the attached list of curriculum resources and supplies as surplus
Franklin, MA: School Cmte - Policy Subcmte - meeting agenda for virtual only session June 24 at 6 PM
“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.”
A. EB - Safety ProgramB. EBB - First AidC. EBC - Emergency PlansD. EBCD - Emergency Closings
A. None
A. Review of FY26 User Fees
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 ???
Franklin Housing Authority Meeting
May 13, 2025, 4:30 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132025-1733
Design Review Meeting
May 13, 2025, 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132025-1732
Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting
May 13, 2025, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132025-1737
Franklin School Committee Meeting
May 13, 2025, 7:00 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132025-1735
Friends of the Franklin Public Library Meeting
May 13, 2025, 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM
No agenda posted
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting - May 13 - 6 PM
“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.”
A. ACA - Nondiscrimination on the basis of SexB. Elimination: ACA-R - Nondiscrimination on the basis of Sex Under Title IX including sex based harassment
A. FF - Naming FacilitiesB. KCDA - Memorial Commemorations
A. User Fees 2025B. EB - Safety Program C. EBB - First AidD. EBC - Emergency PlansE. EBCD - Emergency Closings F. BIA - New School Committee Member Orientation
Saturday, April 12, 2025
This Chalkboard Chat condenses both the April 8 Policy Subcmte & full School Cmte meetings (audio)
FM #1425 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1425 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion in the Studio on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap both the Policy Subcommittee and School Committee meetings of April 8, 2025.
We cover
Policy Subcmte mtg - All About Horace
School Cmte Mtg
ECDC update - Kimberly Taylor, Principal
Elementary update ->
grade level 3-5 K-2
Washington Even Chalman Stefani Wasik
Lincoln Brad Hendrixson Keri Busavage
Discussion/ actions items -
School Choice Vote
Foreign Exchange Student Vote
Policy- 2nd Reading
The recording runs about 48 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1425-chalkboard-chat-04-09-25/
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Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net
Policy Subcmte Mtg
Policy Subcmte meeting audio -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/school-committee-policy-subcommittee.html
The Policy Subcmte meeting agenda can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082025-1668
The Town Council memo as discussed -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CCDx8c4zn4ZVUr0EYQy1snpygRVLzxHO/view?usp=drive_link
My full set of notes taken during the Policy Subcmte meeting can be found in one PDF ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14gUGQ0N6s5bMiGwhbHegsRcxfkZUCirY/view?usp=drive_link
School Committee Meeting Info
Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/3rgXaYFUtNA?&t=100
The meeting agenda -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082025-1669
Documents released for this agenda after the meeting can be found ->
My notes captured in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QCIHgtiYGE6hjPEpDLKBhP2B1oYReHbu/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"