School Committee gets updates on Franklin TV, Oct 1 enrollment, approves FHS student trip to Greece in 2028 (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. 5 of the 7 members were present in Council Chambers, 2 absent (O'Sullivan, Karunakaran).

Franklin TV video is available fro replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EShcxo9UUCw

The agenda document can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10272026-2581

Quick recap:

• Presentation by Franklin TV's new Executive Director, Liz Harkins. Photos of the presentation in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/7q258GY4iAQTGcbq5
• Presentation on proposed high school trip to Greece in 2028 (approved later in the meeting). Photos of the presentation in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/3jJzPgUFzV1FsrGf6
• Policy ECAB Access to Buildings & Grounds moved to second reading as discussed. motion to approve, second, passes 5-0-2 (2 absent)
• the Oct 1, 2026 enrollment report and discussion    https://photos.app.goo.gl/gPpPP37KQVtYHXc59
• meeting change from May 11 to May 4, 2027, presentation on Horace Mann coincidentally on HM birthday; policy subcommittee also moves from May 11 to May 4
• Entered Executive Session for contract negotiation, did return and approved the addition of Applied Behavioral Analyst (ABA) Tutors to the ESP contract; vote on the motion 5-0-2 (2 absent)

My notes from this session in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xlmiR4mJG0SM5ybaiv14_mEMqqy3TUAQ/view?usp=drive_link

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, October 27, 2026 ???

Tuesday, October 27

• Get your spot for the FHS Theatre Company Boosters November Calendar Raffle  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/10/get-your-spot-for-fhs-theatre-company.html
• Last time to Order your KoC Thanksgiving Pie(s)  Please visit our website www.kofc1847.org/payments-thanksgiving-pie-sale

8:00am Early voting (Town Clerk's Office)

9:00am Advance Removal of Early Voted Ballots (3rd Floor Trng Room)

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

4:00pm Tri-County Football fund raiser (Chipotle Mexican Grill) 

4:00pm 7th Annual Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

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

***  Town Meetings today ***

Franklin School Committee

Tuesday, October 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10272026-2581 

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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

Agenda for Franklin School Committee meeting Tuesday, October 27 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee 

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Oct 27, 2026 =7:00 P.M.

Meetings are recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon channel 29 Any individual who also wishes to record this meeting must notify the Chair

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. Franklin TV

B. FHS Greece Trip 2028

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. Discussion/Action Items

A. FHS Greece Trip 2028 Proposal

1. I recommend approval of the FHS Students Greece trip as detailed.

B. Access to Buildings & Grounds

1. I recommend moving Policy ECAB Access to Buildings & Grounds to second reading as discussed.

C. ABA Tutor Accretion into the ESP Contract

1. I recommend accretion of the ABA tutors into the ESP Contract as discussed.

IX. Discussion Only Items

A. October 1 Annual District Enrollment Report

B. Information Matters

C. May School Committee Meeting Change - From May 11, 2027 to May 4, 2027 @ 7:00 pm

D. Monthly Financial Report (September)

X. Consent Agenda

A. Minutes

1. I recommend approval of the minutes from your Oct. 13, 2026 Meeting as detailed.

B. AP Rhode Island School of Design Field Trip Proposal

1. I recommend approval of the AP French and Spanish Students field trip to RISD as detailed.

C. Championship Signage Gift

1. I recommend the acceptance of $500.00 from The Conlan Family for Championship Signage as detailed.

D. Championship Signage Gift

1. I recommend the acceptance of $25.00 from Dave Callaghan for Championship Signage as detailed.

E. Championship Signage Gift

1. I recommend the acceptance of $2,000.00 from Clay Reeder, CR Custom Builders for Championship Signage as detailed.

F. Championship Signage Gift

1. I recommend the acceptance of $250.00 from Peter Scaccia for Championship Signage as detailed.

G. Championship Signage Gift

1. I recommend the acceptance of $500.00 from Chris & Cheryl Sullivan and family for Championship Signage as detailed.

H. Championship Signage Gift

1. I recommend the acceptance of $50.00 from Roberta & Roger Trahan for Championship Signage as detailed.

I. Championship Signage Gift

1. I recommend the acceptance of $500.00 from Tavern on Central for Championship Signage as detailed.

J. Championship Signage Gift

1. I recommend the acceptance of $2,000.00 fromThe Powderly Family for Championship Signage as detailed.

K. Best Buddies Donation

1. I recommend the acceptance of $500.00 from Claudia Brennick for the Best Buddies Student Activity Account as detailed.

XI. Committee Comments

XII. New Business

A. To discuss any future agenda items

XIII. Executive Session

A. As per M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21 (3) To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares.

XIV. Adjournment

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10272026-2581

Audio recording of the School Committee Policy Subcommittee meeting Oct 13, 2026 available (audio)

FM #1838 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1838 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. All 3 members (Dave Callaghan (Chair), Al Charles, Reis Hansen) participated in the session held in the 3rd floor training room. Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Dr Tina Rogers also participated.

Quick recap:

• discussion on the school grounds, community access allowed but not during school hours; The safety of students and schools takes priority; had been in policy discussion before but unsure of what happened as it never made it to the full committee, cross refs confirmed; vote to move to full Cmte passes 3-0; discussion also on press release and map of where signs are or will be posted to inform the community of access and NOT during school hours

• review of policy on field trips to create a more standard approach across the levels; links to other policies for extended and overnight field trips; recurring trips get approved by SchCmte also, some by special vote, some in Consent agenda; looking to tighten the language to make it clear; separate the exception clause to make it stand alone more appropriately and not confuse the sentence where it currently is; motion to bring to first read, second, passes 3-0

• new business 

• possible in spring a review of the documents required for enrollment confirmation of Franklin residency and have updates periodically, as needed (life changes) with the internal documents aligned with the procedures and process as well as confirming residency

• auditing the READ act to see how policies align and if any changes are needed, confirming internal procedures also align with the existing or expected policy

• next up, fiscal policy resource kit as part of review of the policies, helpful for passing along info to new members of the committee; setting expectations; discussion on review of these policies, the oldest not reviewed, minor wordsmithing required; will pick up DBD next time, motion to adjourn, passes 3-0

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

The recording runs about 53 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1838-school-cmte-policy-subcmte-mtg-10-13-26/

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The meeting agenda can be found -> 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2558 

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KQwwtCt2nwHOX2ny8ANnYDcVwCxGGsHZ/view?usp=drive_link 

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 

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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"

School Committee gets update on student recognition sign project, sets Superintendent's goals (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, October 13 in Council Chambers. 5 members were present in Chambers, 2 participated remotely so all vtoes were via roll call.

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

The agenda doc - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2559 

Quick recap:

• Update on the student recognition sign project, project team here to present an update, slides being captured via pix and the album will be shared shortly
• recognition of donors on the back of the sign, front touting the teams and champions
• pre bid meeting soon, bids due Oct 22
• target to complete Dec 2026 or when fund raising complete no donation is too small
• Superintendent goals
• feedback around the committee, some wanting more details on student metrics (this is coming as part of the progress reporting) 
• some liking the long range planning aspect as important to continue to carry the conversation forward 
• also suggestion that this might be a time for weighting the goals 
• long term planning properly set up can in turn generate individual goals year by year
• Supt will update doc as the year progresses with links to the evidence 
• vote on the motion to approve goals as presented, via roll call (with 2 remote) passes 7-0

Sign update slides captured as pictures - https://photos.app.goo.gl/XNsdT3YEp4W9eEzEA

Superintendent's Goals

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YUU7cyLgHXLemLgJ6

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VjCwnGIj_tWJdnufN3hZU175Sogt1ebI/view?usp=drive_link

The October edition of the Franklin School Committee Newsletter is ready for you to read

The Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy Subcommittee is pleased to share updates from recent School Committee meetings and information relevant to our school community.

Read the full article here: https://aptg.co/GL_H_K

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 ???

Tuesday, October 13

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

4:00pm 7th Annual Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

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

7:00pm Canceled -> FBRTC Rail Trail Cmte Mtg (Franklin TV and Radio 102.9 FM)

7:00pm Postponed -> Yankee Quilters Guild: "We Speak in Stitches” (Emma's Quilt Cupboard)

***  Town Meetings today ***

Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, October 13, 2026  Time = 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2558 

250th Anniversary Celebration Communications Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, October 13, 2026  Time = 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2553 

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, October 13, 2026  time = 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2559

---------

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

School Committee meeting & Policy Subcmte meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Oct 13

Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, October 13, 2026  Time = 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2558 

 

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, October 13, 2026  time = 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2559

Agenda for the Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Wedsneday, Oct 7, 2026

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting

(Members of the Town Council, School Committee, and Finance Committee)

Agenda & Meeting Packet

October 7, 2026, 6:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building: Council Chambers

355 East Central Street, 2nd Floor

Agenda

1. Call the Meeting to Order

2. Approval of Minutes

a. August 13, 2026

3. Vote on Joint Budget Subcommittee Goals

4. Discussion of Franklin Finances 101 Educational Video Series

5. Kitchen Table Discussion: FY27 Financial Baseline

6. Revenue Ideation - Initial list of revenues to research

7. Future Agenda Items/Next Meeting Date

a. Revenue Ideation follow up

b. Massachusetts Municipal Association A Perfect Storm and Navigating the Storm reports

8. Adjournment

Agenda document contains remote participation info

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/11250/2026-10-07-JBSC-agenda-packet

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.

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/

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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

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

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

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

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:

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

• This hour features part of the 09/08/26 School Cmte meeting covering Business/Finance, Human Resources & Lifelong Community Learning    (P2 of 3)   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/school-committee-gets-insights-provides.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 324 - Inside the Mind of a Master Sommelier with Michael Meagher       https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/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