Joint School Cmte & Town Council meeting to hear from DESE about Chapter 70 (audio in 2 parts)

FM #1707-1708 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1707-1708 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session. 

The meeting was held in conjunction with the Franklin School Committee (all 7 members also present) for both to participate with the presentation by the Dept of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) to cover Chapter 70 & hold harmless.

 

• 1707 - The Opening, and the DESE presentation & discussion  (approx. 2 hr 45 mins)   https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1707-town-council-mtg-p1-of-2-03-18-26/

• 1708 - After a brief recess, the remainder of the Council meeting  (approx. 55 mins) https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1708-town-council-mtg-p2-of-2-03-18-26/

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Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin TV video) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/joint-meeting-of-town-council-school.html

The DESE presentation document

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ZXyBdwq4EvQANLOM5qceeoId0ssrKQPU/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=101938843903614700481&rtpof=true&sd=true

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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!

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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"

The April 2026 Franklin School Committee Newsletter is here. Did you miss any of these items?

The April 2026 Franklin School Committee Newsletter is here

"Your April School Committee Newsletter is here! 

Stay informed & connected.

Read the entire Newsletter here:  https://aptg.co/xtRgLb"

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, April 2, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule 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 Thursday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events  (Repeats Saturday at 3:00 PM)

• This session of the radio show shares the School Cmte Budget Subcmte Mtg March 24, 2026 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/school-committee-budget-subcmte-reviews.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  

• The Turntable Show features Tom Petty & Heartbreakers From The Vault's Anthology, recently released December 4, 2025.  The LP is delivered on stunning blue vinyl and available to the Tom Petty Nation fan club.   The double album includes many newly released recordings of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers live.  Listen to Pauly G and the Vibe dive deep into the vaults of the best live sound and music selected by Tom Petty.  
• The Vibe Tom Petty Playlist Hour features the award winning, fan favorite, and one of the best TP&HB album's "Damn The Torpedoes".   Turn it up and enjoy the Album Experience!

Find the playlist ->  https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

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

Town of Franklin releases the proposed FY 2027 Budget

View this in your browser

FY27 Budget Now Available Friday, March 27, 2026 The Town of Franklin's Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Budget has been submitted by the Town Administrator and is now available for public review. Residents are encouraged to explore the proposed budget to better understand how Town resources are allocated to support core municipal services, infrastructure, and community priorities. View Budget Materials: FY27 Operating Budget FY27 Operating Budget Materials Budget Timeline Printed copies of the FY27 Budget are also available for public review at the Franklin Senior Center, Municipal Building (Town Clerk's Office and Town Administrator's Office), and the Franklin Public Library. Budget Hearing Schedule: Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing Dates Monday, April 6, 2026 at 6 p.m. | Council Chambers Topic: General Government Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 6 p.m. | Council Chambers Topic: Schools Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 6 p.m. | Council Chambers Topic: Public Safety and Department of Public Works Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 6 p.m. | Council Chambers (if necessary)  Town Council Meeting - Budget Hearing Dates (agendas to be posted) Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 6 p.m. | Council Chambers Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 6 p.m. | Council Chambers All residents are welcome to attend budget hearings in person. Meetings may also be viewed live on the Franklin Town Hall TV YouTube channel, Comcast Channel 9, or Verizon Channel 29, or accessed by phone or Zoom. Meetings are recorded and available for replay on Franklin TV. Learn About the Budget Process The Town has provided additional resources on the budget development process: Budget Process Budget Process Flowchart Residents can also tune in to two episodes of the Franklin MAtters Podcast with Town staff members, which provide an overview of the Town's budget cycle and explain the process in greater detail: Listen: Podcast Episodes Community participation is an important part of the budget process. Residents are encouraged to review the materials, attend public hearings, and share feedback to help inform decision-making and shape the Town's priorities for the coming fiscal year. View it on website

School Committee Budget Subcmte reviews updates on key slides, discusses approach for budget hearings (audio)

FM #1698= This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1698 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Budget Subcmte Meeting held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 6 PM. All 3 members participated in person in the 3rd Floor Training Room. 

Subcommittee Chair Paul Griffith, Ruthann O’Sullivan and Nadia Mausolf. 

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Business Administrator Jana Melotti participated. 

Quick recap:

• The meeting provided a discussion on updates to some of the key information and preparation for the budget hearings with the Finance Committee & Town Council

• Discussion also on the talking points to continue to tell the full story

The recording runs about 43 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1698-franklin-ma-school-cmte-budget-subcmte-03-24-26/

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School Committee Budget Subcmte agenda -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03242026-2200 

Copies of the update slide pages

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11QvzNNhI9VJuL3xIS96iWAhi6A_bvJJh/view?usp=drive_link

Full deck from the January School Committee meeting

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/c4d59008-f976-47e4-98c1-b1a251bb5690/FINAL---FY27-Superintendents-Recommended-Budget-%282%29.pdf?disposition=inline 

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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"

School Committee gets update on Lifelong Learning (video)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, March 24 at 7 PM. This was a change from prior meetings (starting at 6 PM) to enable their budget subcommittee to meet at 6 PM before the full session at 7. 

All 7 members of the Committee were present in Chambers

The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uQe3rLUq6e8?&t=87

The agenda for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03242026-2201

My full set of notes taken during the meeting in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZuJSdiqLK1QBa9NdcjVsk5KVX7AH2MX3/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap:

• Students scheduled for the pledge got to the meeting for the incorrect 6 PM start and will be rescheduled to another meeting
• Superintendent's report
• substitute nurses being looked for
• Winter sports round up
• earmark funded for middle school library (still needs to make through the budget cycle)
• Innovation labs grant also awarded
• FHS family science night April 9 from 5 to 8 pm
• Lifelong learning update
• For Solutions, the students to teacher ratios; K - 1 to 10, others grades are 1 to 12, 1 to 13
• Footlighters program hiring for, trying to fulfill that position, complications in the hiring process had hindered the hiring to date. Still being worked
• Over 900 adults taking part, a wide variety of offerings from sports to arts, etc.
• Funding question, Lifelong learning is effectively another revolving fund, fee based and those fees can only be used within the program
• Discussion/Action Items
• A.   Student Opportunities Act Plan Vote
• B. Endorsement of Request for Statement of Interest for Development of Strategic Plan
• both passed by 7-0 votes
• Subcommittee updates
• Citizen comment - I stepped up to say thanks for the participation at the Q&A and to provide 2 future dates for their calendars
• April 18, Favorite Poem Reading at the Library 
• On May 2, the 3rd annual Jane Jacobs walk, meet at the TV studio walk about 1 mile or so, return to the studio. Discussions of housing, zoning, which are all budget related. It is a generally good discussion with insights shared

Photo album of the slides presented for Lifelong Learning

https://photos.app.goo.gl/adaJ3sZeYK5ih5t28

School Committee gets insights the recipes and kitchens on food service (audio in 2 parts)

FM #1694-95 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1694-95 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM. All 7 members of the committee were present in the virtual session conducted via Zoom. 

Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Asst Supt Tina Rogers, Asst Supt Paula Marano, School Business Administrator Jana Melotti participated. Colin Boisvert and Aaron Lenart, RD presented on the Food Services operations. 

The audio is shared in 2 parts

• Part 1 1694 - the beginning and end of meeting (48 minutes)

• Part 2 1695 - just the Food Services update and discussion (1 hour 20 minutes)

Quick recap:

• Recognition for Chloe Bowser, FHS sophomore, selected as one of 12 essays for the commissioning for the USS Massachusetts March 28, plaque on the sub, for Chloe and Franklin

• Presentation on Food Services, self sufficient with fee based services, able to utilize almost $1M over 3 years for capital upgrades of ovens, refrigerators, etc. to support the food preparation and delivery operations

• Grants also used to cover specific food program and in one case the start up costs for the new District Chef

• pictures of the presentation slides in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/KKTXdScdVsxVK6mg7

• Consent agenda approved

• March 18 Town Council meeting includes a presentation from DESE on Chapter 70 funding, School Committee also scheduled for a public meeting to enable participation that night

Part 1 - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1694-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-03-10-26-p1-of-2/

Part 2 - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1695-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-03-10-26-p2-of-2/

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Mentioned during the presentation was a fish display at
Parmenter School last year (May 2025) (which I was able to attend)

The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/CBHC618gXFE?&t=230 

The agenda can be found - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03102026-2175  

My notes via Bluesky thread in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xZdhJ_TR0vgcoX-NAP_06FKpj1LndhMW/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"