Healey-Driscoll Administration Releases Statewide High School Graduation Framework

"State leaders released on Monday the broad outlines of new educational standards students would be required to meet to graduate from high school, including mandatory courses, senior projects or portfolios, and financial literacy.

The proposed seven-part “framework” aims to replace the 10th grade test requirement voters did away with last year. But the framework included exam-like “end-of-course assessments.” The potential for new testing drew immediate criticism from the Massachusetts Teachers Association, which helped lead the drive to repeal the prior MCAS testing standard.

Governor Maura Healey and other proponents of the plan presented it as a necessary step for the state to maintain its number one ranking in the nation on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, a status jeopardized by a decadelong decline in achievement."

Boston Globe article on new high school graduation framework

portrait of a graduate

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/01/metro/mcas-replacement-test-high-school-graduation/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Governor Healey's press release -> https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-releases-statewide-high-school-graduation-framework

Franklin recently approved it's own graduation and competency requirements in lie of the State having this developed and finalized (which will still take time for the State to complete).  Meeting recap can be found ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/franklin-school-committee-reorganizes_22.html

Franklin, MA: Agenda for School Committee meeting Tuesday, Nov 18, 2025 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

November 18, 2025 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Mr. Giguere

Organizational Meeting

Town clerk will Officially swear in new School Committee Members

Election of Chair 

Election of Vice Chair 

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills TBD - Deferred to 12/9/25

C. Payroll TBD - Deferred to 12/9/25

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. None

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption

I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed: IKF - Graduation Requirements

IKFE - Competency Determinations

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Inclement Weather Notice

B. Review of District/Superintendent’s Goals

C. ACCEPT Quarterly Update

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 October 28, 2025 meeting as detailed.

B.   Lincoln St. 3-5 Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $800.00 from the Lincoln St 3-5 PCC for field trips as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Adjournment

The agenda doc also has remote participation info

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6138802/SCAGENDA11-18-25.pdf

School Committee conducts their last session of their elected term - 10/28/25 (audio)

FM #1570 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1570 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. All 7 members of the committee were present. 

Quick recap:

• Recognition of Erin Gallagher & David McNeill not returning

• Pledge students, a nice touch

• Policy first readings

• Graduation requirements

• Competency determinations

• Superintendent’s Goals, aligned with District’s Goals

• October 1 report, enrollment trends

The audio runs about  1 hour 33 minutes. Let's listen in ->

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1570-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-10-28-25/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay -> 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtitdxM_a2A  

The agenda doc -> 

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

The packet folder also contains other docs released before or after the meeting

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/october-28%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/859754   

My full set of notes in one PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-utM6sD6UggBNAMgWnQsG0g_lfmqo-on/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 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"

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

What (if any) life skills would you add to this listing ??

"Some things never go out of style — and they shouldn’t.

Because while the world keeps speeding toward “instant” and “automated,” there’s a different kind of confidence that comes from knowing you can actually do things for yourself.

It’s not about being old-fashioned.

What (if any) life skills would you add to this listing ?? 

It’s about being capable, resourceful, and ready for real life.

Share this if you agree"

I have shared this and did so for 2 reasons:

1 - on the initial read it all seems good

2 - maybe you would add something to this listing?

Comment, or email me with a suggestion to add to this listing

Thanks

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DNT1gxKuMtZ/

Franklin Public Schools Message on Override Outcome 6/11/24

Dear Franklin Community,

Thank you to the Franklin voters who took the time to vote today. Unfortunately, the requested Proposition 2 ½ override did not pass, and we must implement program and service cuts as previously communicated.

While this outcome presents significant challenges, we remain dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education. We will continue to prioritize our resources and make the most of the approved budget to ensure our students have every opportunity to succeed.

Respectfully,

Lucas Giguere

Superintendent

Franklin Public Schools

If you didn't hear about the results, they can be found here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/06/unofficial-results-franklin-ma-special.html

Franklin Public Schools Message on Override Outcome 6/11/24

First 2024 meeting of the Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee gets understanding timeline for end of year report can be met (audio)

FM #1126 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1126 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the FPS Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee meeting held on Jan 3, 2024. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room. 

Participating in the room: D Callaghan, A Charles, Supt. Giguere, Dr. Dutch, Dr. Rogers, Mike D’Angelo. Participating remotely: E Gallagher

Quick recap:

• District did issue an RFP with pricing separately, once qualifications were confirmed, Fran Locker & Assoc selected for visioning and planning aspects to work with Kaestle Boos report as baseline

• D’Angelo provides info on building work around the Town, all the schools built; Across the three complexes, Remington Jefferson roof needs to be placed; fire alarm system, heating/cooling systems all need to be replaced (except interior air handlers); Similar story for the other two complexes, eventually

• Built out a ten year projection for the facilities across the district with details on the items for replacement, etc. McKibben demographics updated with 2020 census info, presentation coming to School Committee. Educational visioning exercise (Locker & Assoc), tour of buildings scheduled to view educational spaces and utilizations. Kaestle Boos (KBA) report then gets updated with the additional pieces, (visioning), and facilities costing

• Timeline still good to get the report/analysis done before end of this school year

The meeting runs about 45 minutes so let’s listen to the FPS Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee meeting held on Jan 3, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1126-fps-comprehensive-school-facility-planning-mtg-01-03-24

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School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

Meeting Agenda doc  ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/comprehensive_facilities_planning_subcom-1_3_24.pdf 

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

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

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"

First meeting of the Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee gets understanding timeline for end of year report can be met (audio)

Superintendent Giguere discusses redistricting, the budget process, school successes & more in this conversation (audio)

FM #959 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 959 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Franklin School Superintendent Lucas Giguere. We had our conversation in person in the Superintendent’s office in the Municipal Building on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. 

At a high level our topics were:

• Redistricting

• Budget process, Portrait of a Graduate

• School district successes

• Hiring process

The recording runs about 39 minutes. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-959-fps-supt-lucas-giguere-03-07-23

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Superintendent’s page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent 

Storymap with the three options ->

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/9db1fa2830964554ba24ddb4558556fa

Handout available at the Redistricting Forum 03/07/23  -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l9KQNRFUxKCutPmNMJSMWGmf0dIMKROa/view?usp=share_link

Redistricting Advisory Committee page ->

https://www.franklinps.net/school-committee/2023-redistricting-advisory-committee 

  

Dec 2022 conversation -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/my-conversation-with-superintendent.html

Nov 2022 conversation -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/conversation-with-franklin-ma-school.html 

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

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

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) School Superintendent Lucas Giguere