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 -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/april-8%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/784309 

My notes captured in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QCIHgtiYGE6hjPEpDLKBhP2B1oYReHbu/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.

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"

This Chalkboard Chat condenses both the April 8 Policy Subcmte & full School Cmte meetings (audio)

School Committee Policy Subcommittee recommends consideration of "Horace Mann Campus" (audio)

FM #1423 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1423 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. All 3 members participated, Chair O’Sullivan, members Callaghan, McNeill.  Supt Giguere, Ops Director Boisvert, and Dr Rogers representing the Central Office.

Quick recap:

• Supt Giguere sets the stage with some background on how this topic has developed during the redistricting efforts first updated in Dec 2024, then in Jan 2025 to act on the notification to Police, Fire, and DESE on the temporary naming of the new schools operating in the buildings that remained operational in the District

• Some members of the community have misunderstood the delay in allowing the new middle school community to work to develop their identity “as the Schools doing away with Horace” which was not or ever the case, however

• Mercer - Horace Mann is a central source of civic pride and if you wrap the district around H Mann then the community will come along

• J Johnston with the story of H Keller and some of the not so good aspects of her background; Remington was president of Thompson Press and a 20 year SchCmte Member along with other committees in service of the community, definitely worthy of remembering. H Mann you know, he was all for total equality and public education, he wanted teachers trained for their position and not just someone who could do it

• Proposal for the 'campus' i.e. all of the complex including the High school to be designated as such to get ahead of the other conversations so that the Town business doesn't get distracted by this naming convention iitem

• Subcmte discussion on approval for the Central Office to move forward with the Horace Mann campus and potentially a committee to foster the honoring as it goes forward. So moved, passes 3-0 via roll call

• Transportation conundrum - previously a bus/busses included a stop on their routes to drop kiddos off at the Y, with the redistricting such could not easily be done; would likely require adding back a bus on a different slot and results in a cost estimated as low as 45K and as high as $85K. Discussion around options but none prevailed and the “conundrum” remained

• Given the timing (needing to close this session to get to the full committee meeting), the topic on a letter to support the alternative funding being discussed within the Legislature was mentioned briefly, Callaghan to add some stats from the Franklin TV deck presented earlier to the draft in hand and review further in another session

• Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0 

The recording runs about 54 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1423-school-cmte-policy-subcmte-mtg-04-08-25/

 

 

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The 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 meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14gUGQ0N6s5bMiGwhbHegsRcxfkZUCirY/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"

School Committee Policy Subcommittee recommends consideration of "Horace Mann Campus" (audio)

Franklin School Committee: Agenda for Policy Subcommittee Meeting - April 8, 6 PM

Franklin School Committee
Policy Subcommittee Meeting
DATE: 4/8/25    TIME: 6:00

 

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 -

Agenda for Policy Subcmte Mtg

II.    Distribution of Approved Policies

A.    none

Ill.    Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee

A.    ACA - Nondiscrimination on the basis of Sex
B.    Elimination: ACA-R - Nondiscrimination on the basis of Sex Under Title IX including sex based harassment

IV.    Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item

A.    FF - Naming Facilities
B.    KCDA - Memorial Commemorations
C.    Transportation Update
D.    Letter of Support for An Act to Modernize Funding for Community Media Programming.
E.    User Fees 2025-26

 

The agenda doc contains remote participation info -> 

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5504672/4_8_25_Policy_Subcommittee_Agenda_.pdf 

Speaker Announcement: State Reps. to Join Policy Webinar

Join us April 3rd at 6 pm via zoom!

Dear Neighbor, I am excited to announce that State Representatives Andy Vargas, Meghan Kilcoyne, and Manny Cruz will join our Statewide Policy Agenda Webinar next Thursday, April 3rd at 6:00 PM on Zoom. As primary sponsors of our priority bills, we are thrilled join our policy webinar and share why they decided to champion these important pieces of legislation.  In addition to hearing remarks from our bill sponsors, we will take a detailed look at our priority bills, discuss AHMA's strategy for getting them passed, and end with a Q&A session.  I hope to see you there and share our exciting legislative priorities! Register Today Sincerely, Mike Kriesberg Policy and Advocacy Manager at Abundant Housing MA Become an AHMA member today! AHMA is a membership organization that is open to everyone. We stand up for abundant housing for all in communities across Massachusetts. We drive policy at the state and local level by identifying pro-housing changemakers, building the power of local organizers, and connecting a statewide network. Become a member today and join our statewide coalition. Together, we can make Massachusetts for everyone. Join our network!   Abundant Housing Massachusetts 50 Milk Street 16th floor Boston, MA 02109 United States

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)

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, January 14, 2025 ???

Tuesday, January 14

• Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library) 

6:00pm Family Game Night (Franklin Public Library)

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

**  Town Meetings today   **

Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Event Date:  Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - 6:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_school_committee_meeting_10.pdf

Design Review Meeting

Event Date:  Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/design_review_meeting_-_1-14-2024.pdf

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Event Date:  Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/fsc.pdf

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Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

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 Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

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