Showing posts with label school committee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school committee. Show all posts

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Franklin School Committee meeting goes long on the School Improvement Plans (audio)

FM #1828 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1828 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 7:00 PM. 6 of the 7 members were present in Council Chambers, 1 participated remotely.

School Committee meeting goes long on the School Improvement Plans (audio)

Quick recap

  • While the District Improvement Plan was reviewed last meeting, this session gets to the next level down, the school level plans. They started with ECDC, the Elementary k-2, then 3-5, then middle school and high school. Each administrator(s) presented the key 4 four goals. After all the initial presentations were made, the committee then in reverse order asked questions or commented on what was presented (high school, middle school, 3-5, K-2 and ECDC)

  • Copy of the plan not yet posted to the FPS District page. (added here 9/24/26 - 9 PM) - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/5b12806e-2945-46d2-9cfc-544fd50bd75c/2026-27-FPS-DIP_SIP-Master-%282%29.pdf?disposition=inline

  • The plan was ultimately approved as submitted and discussed by 7-0 vote. There was an amendment proposed to modify a goal or two but after clarification and discussion the amendment was withdrawn

  • The Interacting with Law Enforcement Officers Engaged in Civil Law Enforcement (PROTECT Act) was up for first reading. Due to the timing (DESE submitted guidance just before school opened) and this was supposed to be in place before school started. The second reading was voted to be waived to move the measure into policy quickly


Let’s listen 

Audio link - 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1828-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-09-22-26/


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


Franklin TV video is available for replay -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w99jBCX0p60 


The agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09222026-2519 


My full set of notes captured during the session

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KmZTifWEAGaFdkbTDEdKZGAgwcisDfq9/view?usp=drive_link



Photos of the slides presented can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/K41YzLZdDQicN6TH7


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


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 meeting goes long on the School Improvement Plans (video)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday Sep 22, 2026. 6 of the members were present in Chmabers, 1 participated remotely.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w99jBCX0p60


Quick recap
  • While the District Improvement Plan was reviewed last meeting, this session gets to the next level down, the school level plans. They started with ECDC, the Elementary k-2, then 3-5, then middle school and high school. Each administrator(s) presented the key 4 four goals. After all the initial presentations were made, the committee then in reverse order asked questions or commented on what was presented (high school, middle school, 3-5, K-2 and ECDC)
  • Copy of the plan not yet posted to the FPS District page. It will be added here when available
  • The plan was ultimately approved as submitted and discussed by 7-0 vote. There was an amendment proposed to modify a goal or two but after clarification and discussion the amendment was withdrawn
  • The Interacting with Law Enforcement Officers Engaged in Civil Law Enforcement (PROTECT Act) was up for first reading. Due to the timing (DESE submitted guidance just before school opened) and this was supposed to be in place before school started. The second reading was voted to be waived to move the measure into ploicy quickly
My full set of notes captured during the session

Photos of the slides presented can be found in one album


Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, September 23, 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 Wednesday, September 16, 2026



8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

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

Sunday, September 20, 2026

Agenda for the Franklin School Committee meeting Tuesday, Sep 22, 2026 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee
September 22, 2026 - 7 PM
Meeting Agenda

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 


I. Call to Order Dr. Griffith

II. Announcements from the Chair
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Moment of Silence

V. Routine Business
A.  Review of Agenda
B.  Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan
C.  Payroll Dr. Griffith
D.  FHS Student Representative Comments
E.  Superintendent’s Report

VI. Guests/Presentations
A.  School Improvement Plan

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. Discussion/Action Items
A. District and School Improvement Plan
I recommend the approval of the District and School Improvement Plan as presented.
B. Discussion/Action Item B: Policy 1st Reading
Interacting with Law Enforcement Officers Engaged in Civil Law Enforcement (PROTECT Act)

IX. Discussion Only Items
A. Information Matters

X. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend the approval of the Minutes from your School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Horace Mann Legacy Donation
I recommend the acceptance for a donation of $10.00 for in-house enrichment.
C. Washington St. 3-5 Scholastic Balance Transfer
I recommend acceptance of the balance transfer of $2522.98 from the scholastic balance to the Washington 3-5 gift account.
D. Lincoln K-2 2nd Grade Field Trip Transportation Donation
I recommend acceptance of the donation of $2250.00 to cover costs for the transportation of the 2nd graders for the oak knoll wildlife sanctuary.

XI. Committee Comments

XII. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items 

Adjournment

The agenda doc contains remote participation info

Thursday, September 17, 2026

School Committee gets insights & provides feedback on the District Improvement Plan (audio in 3 parts for ease of listening)

School Committee gets insights & provides feedback on the District Improvement Plan (audio in 3 parts for ease of listening)
FM #1823-1824-1825 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1823-1824-1825 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 7:00 PM. All 7 of the members were present in Council Chambers.



Quick recap

  • District Improvement plan updates by Central office departments

    • Part 1 (includes meeting opening)

      • Teaching & Learning

      • Student Services

    • Part 2

      • Business/Finance 

      • Human Resources

      • Lifelong Community Learning

    • Part 3 (includes meeting closing)

      • Operations (Transportation & Food Services)

      • Technology


Let’s listen to


Part 1 =  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1823-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-09-08-26-part-1-of-3/



Part 2 = https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1824-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-09-08-26-part-2-of-3/



Part 3 = https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1825-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-09-08-26-part-3-of-3/



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


Franklin TV video available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtMItnThh5E 


The meeting agenda can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09082026-2487  


Note: the draft District Improvement Plan likely won't be available online until after approval at the next School Committee meeting. Last year's plan can be found online - https://heyzine.com/flip-book/24ecc9f7e5.html#page/1 


A photo album of the screens shared is available in the interim

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Z7UrvSTy2mRHLPEC6 




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


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"


Tuesday, September 15, 2026

This Chalkboard Chat summarizes 3 School Committee meetings for you (audio)

FM #1821 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1821 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chair Paul Griffith.  We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Thursday, September 10, 2026. 


Our conversation covered the following topics from the School Committee meetings of August 11, August 25, and September 8, 2026.


Across the 3 meetings we covered the following topics:

  • Lifeline learning activities for summer

  • Hiring status

  • Transportation update

  • Handbook and policies updated

  • District Improvement Plan reviewed, feedback provided


Our conversation runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen

Audio link - 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-11821-chalkboard-chat-09-10-26/




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


August 11 meeting recap & links

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/school-committee-gets-multiple-updates_0343394204.html 


August 25 meeting recap & links

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/school-committee-welcomes-new_01995812623.html 


September 8 meeting recap & links

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/school-committee-gets-insights-on.html 


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 



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


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"


Thursday, September 10, 2026

SchCmte Policy subcommittee tackles fiscal policies, promotes PROTECT Act item to full committee (exclusive audio)

FM #1817 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1817 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. All 3 members (Dave Callaghan (Chair), Al Charles, Reis Hansen) participated in the session held in the 3rd floor training room. Superintendent Giguere, Dr Tina Rogers, and Dr Bob Dutch also participated.

SchCmte Policy subcommittee tackles fiscal policies, promotes PROTECT Act item to full committee (exclusive audio)

Quick recap:

  • Discussion on the recent release of new model policies, procedures and guidance by the Healey-Driscoll Administration today to help K-12 schools and child care programs respond to civil immigration enforcement, protect confidential information and implement the PROTECT Act ahead of the 2026–2027 school year. The District already had internal procedures covering such circumstances, this release brings it to a policy level with minimal wording changes to agree with the standards. Recommendation to move policy as discussed (include track changes in the doc)for first reading to the Sch Cmte, motion to move second, passes 3-0 

  • Next up a series of fiscal policies and take the opportunity to build out a review of these, esp. since the budget timeline has changed. It will take time to roll through these and make modifications before bringing them to the full committee. They have the time to do so without rushing. The superintendent adds a comment to better clarify the transparency involved discussion around how the community is involved. "greatest educational return." Discussion on the fine line between advocating for school needs vs. recognition of town fiscal funding reality

  • Up for next time; policy on access to school grounds during the school day, encouraging use of the facility outside of school hours, and the freedom to read act is being reviewed to see what policies may be required for update

  • Meeting adjourns, folks move to Chambers for full School Committee meeting


The recording runs about 51 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1817-school-cmte-policy-subcmte-mtg-09-08-26/



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


The meeting agenda can be found -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09082026-2485 


My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IF18b3caQKDgzNkfSalZUMrtwHb2uCQ3/view?usp=drive_link 


Gov Healey’s press release on the guidance that drove the first discussion item

https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-releases-new-guidance-to-implement-protect-act-in-schools-and-child-care-programs


School Committee Policy manual - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/policy-manual 


School Committee Subcommittee assignments

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


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


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"


Wednesday, September 9, 2026

School Committee gets insights & provides feedback on the District Improvement Plan (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Sep 8, 2026. All 7 members were participating in Council Chambers. The meeting was delayed starting as a new Zoom link needed to be created and shared. 

Franklin TV video available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtMItnThh5E


Note: the draft District Improvement Plan likely won't be available online until after approval at the next School Committee meeting. Last years plan can be found online - https://heyzine.com/flip-book/24ecc9f7e5.html#page/1

A photo album of the slcreens shared is available in the interim

Quick recap
Each of the Central Office departments presented their goals and measureable markers aligned with the strategic objectives which while the remain essentially the same as last year have measurable steps outlined to assess progress
  • Teaching and Learning
  • Student Services
  • Business and Finance
  • Lifelong Learning
  • Operations (including Food Service)
  • Technology
The Consent Agenda was approved as outlined by a 7-0 vote

My notes in one PDF can be found