Franklin Public Schools Celebrate Dedicated Retiring Employees

Franklin Public Schools recently bid farewell and showed appreciation to 23 employees retiring this school year.

"Each of our retirees has helped shape the Franklin Public Schools community through years of service, care, and commitment to students, families, and colleagues," said Superintendent Lucas Giguere. "Their work has strengthened our schools in ways that will continue well beyond their final year with us. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and wish them all the best in this next chapter.”

Franklin Public Schools recently showed appreciation to 23 employees who are retiring this school year. From left to right, Robert Vacca, Lisa Vetrano, Ann O'Keefe-Williams, Susan Childers, Kerry Richardson, Lisa Daly, Lauren Green, Jolene Cronin and Charlene Harn. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

Each of the employees' supervisors honored them publicly with statements, and each received certificates and a commemorative pin from the district.

The Franklin Education Association (FEA) also presented each retiring employee who was an FEA member with a certificate.

One retiree, Debbie Pittman, passed away on May 14, after 30 years of service to Franklin Public Schools and just two weeks shy of the farewell event.

"Debbie Pittman dedicated more than 30 years to the Franklin Public Schools community as our accounts payable clerk," recalled School Business Administrator Jana Melotti. "But to those who had the privilege of working alongside her, Debbie was so much more than her title. She was a source of kindness, support, and grace.

Even throughout her long and courageous battle with cancer, Debbie carried herself with remarkable strength and dignity. Her resilience and dedication reflected the incredible person she was. She was always willing to help, offer guidance, and support those around her. That selfless spirit made her deeply respected and loved by so many colleagues and friends."

The following district employees have retired this school year or will be retiring at the end of June:

• Donald Banks, Van Driver, 16 years of service
• Susan Childers, HR Assistant, 27 years of service
• Jennifer Clifford, Van Driver, 11 years of service
• Tricia Constantine, Reading Teacher, 18 years of service
• Linda Cournoyer, Speech/Language Therapist, 13 years of service
• Jolene Cronin, Grade 5 Teacher, 27 years of service
• Lisa Daly, School Nurse,15 years of service
• Kathleen Doherty, Educational Support Professional, 24 years of service
• Lauren Green, Educational Support Professional, 26 years of service
• Charlene Harn, Educational Support Professional, 25 years of service
• Kelly Hurley, Solutions Site Director, 7 years of service
• Debbie Irvine, Assistant School Business Administrator, 1 year of service
• Karen Leenhouts, ABA Tutor, 20 years of service
• Laura Manocchio, Educational Support Professional, 14 years of service
• Ann O'Keefe-Williams, Grade 4 Teacher, 32 years of service
• Debbie Pittman, Accounts Payable Clerk, 30 years of service
• Kerry Richardson, School Nurse, 14 years of service
• Janet Turner, Data Reporting Specialist, 8 years of service
• Keith Turner, Grade 6 Science Teacher, 30 years of service
• Robert Vacca, Grade 8 Social Studies Teacher, 30 years of service
• Lisa Vetrano, Grade 6 Math Teacher, 23 years of service
• Leisa Winrich, Special Education Teacher, 26 years of service
• Marianne Zogby, DLI Teacher, 17 years of service

"Each individual on this list of retiring employees exhibited their daily dedication to our students every morning they woke up and commuted to work," said Franklin Public Schools Director of Human Resources Ken Storlazzi. "Their steadfast professionalism and on-the-job efforts are truly appreciated."

School Committee recognizes Seal of Biliteracy students and retirees (audio)

FM #1747 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1747 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM. All 7 members of the Committee participated, 6 were present in Chambers, 1 participated via Zoom. 

Quick recap

• 17 students were recognized for achieving the Seal of Biliteracy in one or more languages other than English

• A number of school department retirees from the Central Office or individual schools were recognized for their years of service

• Superintendent Giguere presented his evidence as part of his evaluation. The subcommittee will collect additional feedback from committee members and prepare the final evaluation for review at a future meeting

• The committee entered Executive Session, not to return to open meeting, to discussion negotiation strategy

Let’s listen (approx. 2 hours)

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1747-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-05-26-26/

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School Committee, principals, and retirees

School Committee and Biliteracy students

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uf-sv9TG2GU?&t=67 

The agenda doc can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05262026-2332 

My notes can be found in one PDF file

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CM6UX_yg5qKduMZqiXqjYZNFCGQ4-K8T/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 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"

School Committee recognizes Seal of Biliteracy students and retirees (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 in Council Chambers with all 7 members participating (1 remotely).

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uf-sv9TG2GU?&t=67

The agenda doc can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05262026-2332

Quick recap

• 17 student were recognized for achieving the Seal of Biliteracy in one or more languages other than English
• A number of school department retirees from the Central Office or individual schools were recognized for their years of service
• Superintendent Giguere presented his evidence as part of his evaluation. The subcommittee will collect additional feedback from committee members and prepare the final evaluation for review at a future meeting
• The committee entered Executive Session, not to return to open meeting, to discussion negotiation strategy

My notes can be found in one PDF file

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CM6UX_yg5qKduMZqiXqjYZNFCGQ4-K8T/view?usp=drive_link

School Committee and Biliteracy students

School Committee, principals, and retirees

Aging Boldfully: Look Back Then Move Forward (video)

Susan Rohrbach recaps and expands upon the first three episodes of her new Aging Boldfully. Tony DaSilva joins Susan in the discussion.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8VolPWolDU

Aging Boldfully: Look Back Then Move Forward (video)

 

Pamela Cusack, President of Salon Elan, Inc says Thanks to the Community

Pamela Cusack, President of Salon Elan, Inc says "Thanks" to the community. Pam is retiring after 30 years doing business.

Pamela Cusack, President of Salon Elan, Inc says Thanks to the Community

Town Council Chair Tom Mercer condenses the 2+ hour meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)

FM #1514 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1514 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of September 17, 2025.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• Announcements from the Chair

• Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides update on biennial election status

• School Cmte Chair Dave Callaghan provides an update on school opening and traffic issues being worked

• 2 Police Dept new hires effectively back filling for positions authorized within the reduced Police Dept staffing were sworn in and pinned by family members

• 2 public hearings were opened separately; one for the 2 commercial kitchen bylaws to enable the operation of a commercial kitchen within a residence if on septic (not on town sewer); and second, a set of 6 bylaws to create the Crossing Neighborhood zoning district. It would be similar to the Downtown zoning with a couple of exemptions. Councilor Frongillo recused himself from these discussions and votes as his father's business operates in the proposed zoning area

• In legislation for action 

• all 8 of the zoning changes moved to a second reading

• The Council voted to formalize the early in person voting schedule for the November election as announced

• A couple of water & sewer extensions were approved

• A definition of a collection container was accepted and authorized to extend the current use by religious organizations to non-profits, in particular the American Legion and VFW

• A presentation on Solicitation Permits by Police Chief Thomas Lynch and Deputy Police Chief James West was made to provide some info on the process in response to an incident earlier this year. 

• In the Town Administrator's Report 2 key items were covered; 

• Qne - a series of personnel moves; B Taberner's replacement was announced, M Kinhart and M D'Angelo are retiring, Breeka Li Goodlander to return from pregnancy leave in mid-Oct; 

• Second - the Assessors revealed new growth will be about $271,000 shorter than projected earlier this year. This will need to be adjusted somehow before the tax rate hearing in Nov/Dec. It seems to be reflecting the slowdown in growth due to interest rates, uncertainty, and the 'nimby-factor', etc.

The conversation runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1514-town-council-quarterbacking-09-18-25/

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Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQsgBfKN8cY 

The agenda and docs released for this session can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09172025-1911 

My notes in a single PDF can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MNwWCGlCOgPnqbmMecTz5TqaesbmSt4z/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 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"

Town Council Chair Tom Mercer condenses the 2+ hour meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)

Tom Mercer condenses the 4.5 hour 9/03/25 Council meeting to less than 30 mins (audio)

FM #1506 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1506 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, September 4, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of September 3, 2025.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Discussion items: 

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Hunger Action Month

b. Police Department

i. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Police Sergeant Michael Campanelli

ii. Promotion Recognition: Police Sergeant Joseph MacLean

c. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Fire Chief James McLaughlin

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Fire Chief  - Chuck Allen

b. Community Preservation Committee - Richard Johnson    

c. Cultural Council

i. Ryan Hanley

ii. William Lee

iii. Caryn Parnell

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Food Pantry Update: Tina Powderly, Executive Director

b. Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office Update: Patrick McDermott, Norfolk County Sheriff

c. Legislative Update: Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Jeff Roy

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-50: Adoption of Local Initiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy (Tabled from July 23, 2025 Town Council Meeting) 

b. Bylaw Amendment 25-942: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic - Second Reading 

c. Resolution 25-56: Acceptance of Gifts - Veteran’s Services ($750), Senior Center ($100)  

d. Resolution 25-57: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4  

The conversation runs about 29 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1506-town-council-quarterbacking-09-04-25/

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

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5ILK2Y6yTw 

The agenda doc ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09032025-1891  

My notes captured in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/12XGRErMbkxyGIwR7fA0nqhhzqnrsJ-mV/view?usp=drive_link 

Background on “assessment center”  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/assessment-and-selection/other-assessment-methods/assessment-centers/

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

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"

Tom Mercer condenses the 4.5 hour 9/03/25 Council meeting to less than 30 mins (audio)