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/

Video link - https://youtu.be/l46DPWd-lGs

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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 

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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"

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.

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/

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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"

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

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 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

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

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 ???

Tuesday, September 8

Trash and recycling collection will be delayed one day due to the holiday.

Those normally on Monday, are now scheduled for Tuesday, etc.

Santa Fe Burrito fund raiser for FHS Boys Soccer

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/fhs-boys-soccer-fund-raiser-at-sante-fe.html

12:00pm Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

4:00pm FSPA Open House (38 Main St)

5:00pm Tuesday Night Cruise (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

6:30pm Friends of the Franklin Library September Board Meeting (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm FBRTC Rail Trail Cmte Mtg (Franklin TV and Radio)

For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10676/September-2026-Newsletter?bidId=

*** Town Meetings today ***

Franklin Public Schools Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, September 8 Time: 6:00 PM

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

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, September 8 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09082026-2487 

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Find the full Community event calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx

The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

The agenda for the Franklin School Committee meeting, Tuesday, Sep 8, 2026 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee 

September 8, 2026 -  7:00 P.M

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Dr. Griffith

Announcements from the Chair

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. 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

II. Guests/Presentations

A. District Improvement Plan

III. Citizen’s Comments

IV. Discussion/Action Items

A.

V. Discussion Only Items

A.

VI. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend the approval of the Minutes from your School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Girls Basketball Maine Tournament trip

I recommend approval of the request of John Leighton to take the Girls Basketball team to August and Portland, Maine on December 28-30, 2026, for a tournament as detailed.

C. Ecotarium Transportation Donations

I recommend the acceptance of $200.00 to cover the costs associated with transportation for the Washington Street School Field Trip to the Ecotarium.

VII. Committee Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09082026-2487 

Agenda for the Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Sep 8 at 6 PM

Franklin School Committee

Policy Subcommittee Meeting

DATE: 9/8/26 TIME: 6:00 PM

I. Attendance -

II. Review of Minutes

III. Approved Policies

A. JKAA- Seclusion and Timeout Policy.

IV. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee A.

V. Discussion & Revisions on Policies From Previous Policy Meetings

A. none

VI. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Items

A. ACL: Interacting with Law Enforcement Officers Engaged in Civil Law Enforcement (PROTECT Act)

B. Fiscal Policies

1. Policy DA - Fiscal Management Goals

2. Policy DB - Annual Budget

3. Policy DBC - Budget Deadlines & Schedules

4. Policy DBG - Budget Adoption Procedures

5. Policy DBD - Budget Planning

C. Access to Buildings & Grounds

D. IJOAA - Field Trips

E. MASC Updated Policies

The agenda doc contains remote participation info

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

first Franklin School Committee Newsletter of the 2026-2027 school year is ready for you to read

"The first Franklin School Committee Newsletter of the 2026-2027 school year is out now! 

Read updates on the preparation that was completed to start the school year.  

Read the full newsletter  here:https://aptg.co/QRRnV9"

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

FM #1807 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1807 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 7:00 PM. 6 of the 7 members were present; 1 participated remotely (O'Sullivan) (hence all votes were via roll call), 1 member absent (Callaghan).

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 changes 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

Let’s listen (approx. 2 hours & 30 minutes)

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1807-school-cmte-mtg-08-25-26/

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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

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 

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

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 gets multiple updates on summer learning, transportation, etc. in 1 hour meeting 08/11/26 (audio)

FM #1804 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1804 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM. 6 members of the Committee participated, 6 in person, 1 remote. 

Quick recap

• The Superintendent Report provides updates on multiple items; planning for Sept, transportation, hiring status (positions open, a better view to be provided next time), work on facilities progressing. Ms Melotti out on maternity leave, Dr Bob Dutch back to fill in while she is out, important school start dates on webpage - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars/ 

• Joint presentation and updates on summer learning from Student Services and Lifelong Learning. Slides shown were captured in one photo album https://photos.app.goo.gl/7BGZeLN2QWEezqFw7 

• Annual report submission approved, minor formatting remains to be done by the Town as the annual report book is prepared for publication

• The 2nd reading on the restraint policy was approved as amended by the Policy Subcmte meeting prior

• Consent agenda was also approved. All votes, by the way, were via roll call and passed 7-0

Let’s listen (approx. 39 minutes)

audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1804-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-08-11-26/

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Franklin TV video is available - https://www.youtube.com/live/VMpYB91A8Fw?&t=27 

The Agenda document - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112026-2448 

My notes captured during the meeting in one PDF 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hvmIVrFX0EwMzsGCAbVXWcNqeu2T-DO8/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"