School Committee welcomes new administrators, approves handbook changes, gets updates on hiring, transportation & facility projects (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, August 25 in Council Chambers. 6 of the 7 members were present; 1 participated remotely (O'Sullivan) (hence all votes were via roll call), 1 member absent (Callaghan).

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOqCiAbY_s4

The agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08252026-2467 

Quick recap:

• New administrators and Central office personnel were introduced and photos taken to share with the community
• Human Resources provided a hiring update, in a better position now with 17 openings than the prior 3 years, some of the openings are in the process of being fulfilled
• Review of the chnages to the school handbooks for the high school, middle school, elementary and ECDC. Mostly minor changes at the lower levels, some key changes for the upper grades
• Later in the meeting, the handbooks were approved so they will be distributed electronically to all the parents and families
• Update on Transportation, only 40 on the waitlist, approx 280 had been on the waitlist, some having moved within the district or into the district but the majority simply missed the registration deadline in June
• bus schedules and routes are posted to the Schools page https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/transportation/
• bus passes will be distributed by the schools when they open, elementary students will get a tag for their backpacks, middle and high school will get the standard pass
• Update on facility projects, some completed across the district some still in process, some funded but scheduled for later in the school year or next summer due to potential disruption of the school operations
• Committee entered Executive Session not to return to open meeting

My complete set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HWfAJ6oObFg475FYzqh8NS-TjQ3poSit/view?usp=drive_link

Photo album of the handbook updates https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ggp9R1C5182HgZY58

Photo album of the Transportation update

https://photos.app.goo.gl/HwiGhfnd4DcgfNQn8

Photo album of the Facility updates

https://photos.app.goo.gl/8RnTJnVhvbCK9oMt6

I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project Advisory: Overnight Ramp Closures at I-495/I-90 Interchange August 10-13

I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project Advisory: Hopkinton, Westborough Overnight Ramp Closures at I-495/I-90 Interchange August 10-13

What is Happening?

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing overnight ramp closures at the I-495/I-90 interchange to facilitate construction operations.

The I-90 eastbound ramp to I-495 northbound (Exit 106) will be closed nightly starting Monday, August 10 through Thursday, August 13 from 11:00 PM each night to 5:00 AM the following morning. During this overnight closure, the following detour will be in place:

• Take I-495 southbound to Exit 54A (West Main Street, Hopkinton) to reverse direction back to I-495 northbound. 

Additionally, the I-90 westbound ramp to I-495 northbound (Exit 106B) will be closed overnight on Monday, August 10 from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM the following morning. During this overnight closure, the following detour will be in place: 

• Take Exit 106A (I-495 southbound), down to Exit 54A, and back onto I-495 northbound. 

The I-495 northbound ramp to I-90 East and West (Exit 58) will be closed nightly starting Monday, August 10 through Thursday, August 13 from 11:00 PM each night to 5:00 AM the following morning. During this overnight closure, the following detour will be in place:

• Take I-495 northbound to Exit 59B (Route 9 westbound) to reverse direction onto I-495 southbound to access I-90 East and West. 

Appropriate signage, law enforcement details, and messaging will be in place to guide drivers through the work area.

Drivers traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution.

All scheduled work is weather dependent and/or may be impacted due to an emergency.

About the Project

The purpose of the I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project is to provide a safe and efficient interchange of the interstate highways I-495 & I-90. The project will replace the interchange, eliminate the old toll booth area and weaving areas, improve ramp spacing, acceleration, and deceleration lanes, and add an auxiliary lane from I-495 Northbound to Route 9. New bridges will be constructed on I-495 over I-90, on I-495 and I-90 over the MBTA/CSX/Amtrak lines, on I-495 Northbound over Flanders Road, and on Fruit Street. 

Stay Informed

If someone you know would like to subscribe to receive project updates, meeting notices, and traffic impact advisories, they can do so here.

To report a noise complaint, please call the project hotline: (508) 676-3551

Project email: 495-90Improvements@state.ma.us

Project website: www.mass.gov/massdot/495-90interchange

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM   Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock 

Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)  

• This hour features FPS 2025-26 School year wrap up with Supt Lucas Giguere & Operations Director Colin Boisvert    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/lucas-colin-close-out-2025-26-school.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

• This segment features Episode 318 - Sip, Sense, and Savor: Unlocking the Mindful Glass with Carrie Boyle   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode_01010734106.html
   

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Lucas & Colin close out the 2025-26 School Year & talk summer projects (audio)

FM #1768 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1768 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my discussion with School Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Operations Director Colin Boisvert. We recorded our conversation in the FPS Central office conference room on Monday, June 15, 2026.  

Key topics

• Closing out the 2025-2026 school year

• School budget complete, summer work back to ‘normal’

• Summer projects across the schools to get ready for September

• Reflections on last summer, plans for summer 2026

The recording runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen to our conversation.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1768-franklin-public-schools-2025-26-school-year-closeout-06-15-26/

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

School budget page -  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/about-us/school-district-budget(2)/fy2027-budget/860340 

One page summary - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/2a015b07-c2a9-4913-ab84-2c2b384961b1/FY27-FPS-1-pager-Budget-Request.pdf?disposition=inline 

Facilities presentation - (add link when available) 

Community calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar 

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

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"

Reis & Stephen recap the June 9 School Committee meeting (audio)

FM #1767 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1767 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee members Reis Hansen and Stephen Karunakaran.  We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. 

Our conversation covered the following topics from the School Committee meeting of June 9, 2026:

• Strawberry Stroll, Kickball Tournament, field day, and other events coming up

• Superintendent review and evaluation process

• Facility updates to get to the redistricting, and next steps this summer

• Working group report on artificial intelligence

Our conversation runs about 47 minutes. Let’s listen

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1767-chalkboard-chat-06-16-26/

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

School Committee page (with contact info) - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee 

School Committee subcommittee assignments - 

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons 

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/hgHgIZ5L_iY?&t=235 

The agenda document https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06092026-2356  

The presentations documents should be posted in a couple of days to this folder   https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/june-9%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/28109200 

Photos of the Facility presentation

https://photos.app.goo.gl/t3rkbwCxnDm6A9Wy6 

Photos of the AI discussion presentation

https://photos.app.goo.gl/TqNxhuTk8og7WqRp8 

My notes from the meeting in one PDF  https://drive.google.com/file/d/10XRFLsUqujf3Z3QPzGOKU6cEOS-mWuoS/view?usp=drive_link  

Capital campaign fund raising link - https://givebutter.com/FPSCaptialCampaign2026

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

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"

Come along with us as we go inside the Lift Station of the Beaver St Interceptor Project (BSI) (video)

Our thanks to Doug Martin, P.E., Water and Sewer Superintendent for the Town of Franklin (MA) for providing us access and helping explain the workings of this new pump/life station. Thanks also to Mike Ammendolia, Construction Supervisor for Methuen Construction which built the pump/life station. This project consists of the replacement and repair of Franklin's largest piece of sewer infrastructure, originally constructed in 1914. The cost for this pump/life station installation was about $8M or about 25% of the total $30M project. The project is being financed by a SRF loan from the State of MA and the sewer user fees. Additional info on the BSI Project can be found on the Town of Franklin project page https://www.franklinma.gov/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project My thanks also to Chris Leverone and Joe Landry for capturing the video footage. And especially to Chris for handling the bulk of the editing.

Video link - https://youtu.be/uH48wRHdIFA

25' Underground and inside the new BSI Lift Station on Beaver St

Additional photos of the Lift Station

 https://photos.app.goo.gl/efvzmzzGno4KbMiU8

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Updates ~ Sunday (5/3) Through Friday (5/8)

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert: Friday (5/8) 7 AM to 3 PM

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project

On Friday (5/8) the Contractor will be paving the area in front of the Shell Gas station on RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be lane closures on RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

Beaver Street Pump Station

At the Franklin Recreation Center, construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with the installation and testing of internal building components and pumps.  Access to the recreation center will NOT be affected during this time.

For additional info on the project, visit the page - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Lauren makes the case for how Brightlight Business Co can help (audio)

FM #1722 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1722 in the series. 

Brightlight Business Co

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Lauren Mottley, owner of Brightlight Business Co. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Monday, April 20, 2026. 

We cover the following topics

• Lauren’s “Franklin story”

• How the “Brightlight” name came to be

• How the company is positioned to help

• How to get started

The conversation runs about 41 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1722-brightlight-business-co-04-20-26/

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

Brightlight Business Co - https://brightlightbusinessco.com/ 

Brightlight business LinkedIn page - linkedin.com/company/brightlight-business-co 

Brightlight Instagram page - https://www.instagram.com/brightlight_businessco/ 

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

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"

Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Construction Updates ~ Sunday (4/12) Through Friday (4/17)

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert: Sunday Night (4/12) through Thursday Morning (4/16), 7 PM to 5 AM and Friday (4/17) 7 AM to 3 PM

The Contractor will continue installing the sewer force main within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be evening lane closures on RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

Beaver Street Pump Station

At the Franklin Recreation Center, construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with the installation and testing of internal building components and pumps.  Access to the recreation center will NOT be affected during this time.

For additional info visit the project page - https://franklinma.gov/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM   Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock 

Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)  

• This segment shares my conversation with Town of Franklin’s Water/Sewer Superintendent, Doug Martin, and Assistant Superintendent, Jake Standley to get an update on DPW Water & Sewer projects  ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/doug-jake-provide-updates-on-sewer.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

• This segment features Kim & Mark in Episode 302 talking with "The Umami King Tim Hanni MW"  ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode.html

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Community Preservation Committee Meeting - Agenda for May 5, 2025

Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
May 5, 2025 = 7:00 PM

Agenda: (revised)

1. Approval of Minutes
a. August 20, 2024

b. December 18, 2024

2. 2025 (FY26 Budget) Annual Public Hearing

a. Anyone may suggest a Community Preservation Act project.
b. To file a suggestion, idea or proposal, please visit our online permitting
system, or attend in person and make a suggestion. Legal review is required through the Town Attorney for eligibility.
c. All ideas are welcome via online, in person or a simple email to the Town Administrator at jhellen@franklinma.gov

3. FY26 Proposed Budget & CPA Update

a. Overall Budget Update
b. Current Project updates
c. FY26 Budget Approval - Resolution 25-25
d. FY26 Project Slate - Resolution 25-26

i. Schmidt Farm Debt/Interest - $323,750
ii. Maple Hill Debt/Interest - $252,818
iii. School Playgrounds (Redistricting) - $181,623
iv. Open Space & Recreation Plan Supplement - $14,600
v. Sports Fields Wall Padding Replacement - $40,000
vi. Repair 1949 Fire Engine - $20,000
vii. Library Historic Hall Repairs - $80,000

e. FY26 Project - Resolution 25-27
i. Franklin United Methodist Church - $105,245

4. Set a date for October 2025 meeting

5. Adjourn
 

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info -> 
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05052025-1717

 

cupola at the Franklin Historical Museum

 

Discussion on curriculum, middle school math, and universal design for Franklin Schools (audio)

FM #1402 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1402 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Dr. Tina Rogers, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning; Dr. Timothy Frazier, Director of Curriculum ELA & SS; and Eric Stark, Director of Curriculum STEM. We had our discussion in person in the Franklin Public Schools Central District offices on Thursday, March 6, 2025. 

 

We cover 

• Middle School math curriculum changes

• Universal design, and tiered support

• Overall curriculum evaluation plan and processes

• Excitement of synergies coming with the redistricting

The recording runs about 50 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1402-franklin-public-schools-curriculum-disucssion-03-06-25/

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

Teaching & Learning contact information

https://www.franklinps.net/page/teaching-and-learning

The Middle School math update presentation to the School Committee Jan 28, 2025

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5247238/January_28__2025_MS_Math_Update_to_SC_for_Website.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

• 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"

Discussion on curriculum, middle school math, and universal design for Franklin Schools (audio)