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

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

School Committee gets updates on Facilities, AI, and evaluates the Superintendent on Tuesday(video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled in Council Chambers on Tuesday, June 9 at 7 PM. 6 of the 7 members were present, 1 absent (O'Sullivan).

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/hgHgIZ5L_iY?&t=235


Quick recap
  • Presentation and discussion on Facilities focused on school projects completed as part of the redistricting, and those left remaining, some of which are funded, some are pending funding and some are for future
  • Presentation and discussion on the potential intentional implementation of AI as an educational tool as well as how to use AI being taught to the students. The work over the last four months has developed 4 main principles to guide the further discussion and planning. Additional updated will be made as progress is made
  • Superintendent evaluation was discussed and approved. The doc with the feedback, goals and accomplishments is to be posted to the Schools page soon
  • The Committee entered into Executive Session not to return to open meeting for contract negotiations approx. 10:30 PM
Photos of the Facility presentation

Photos of the AI discussion presentation

The working 4 guiding principles as presented
The working 4 guiding principles as presented



Tuesday, June 9, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 ???

Tuesday, June 9

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

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

7:00pm "Embrace Your Quilty Creativity” (Emma's Quilt Cupboard)


For additional details on Library events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events
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/9195/May-2026-Newsletter?bidId=
For additional details on Senior Center events ->   


***  Town Meetings today   ***

Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, June 9 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06092026-2355 


Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, June 9 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06092026-2356 


Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Board of Trustees Meeting

Tuesday, June 9 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06092026-2349 


---------


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

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)
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."

Monday, June 8, 2026

Max helps to recap 3 Town Council meetings in this Quarterbacking session (audio)

FM #1759 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1759 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meetings of May 12 (with School Committee) and the 2 budget hearings (May 20, May 21). Yes, we skipped over the May 13 Council meeting. Oops!



We focus on two questions:

  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

  • Joint meeting with School Committee, strategic plan

  • Budget discussions, questions and answers 

  • Final numbers coming up for the June 10, and then June 17 session

  • June is full of events


The conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1759-town-council-quarterbacking-06-02-26/


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


Franklin TV videos for replay 






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


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"


Saturday, June 6, 2026

2 School Committee meetings on Tuesday, Policy at 6 PM; full Committee at 7 PM

Two School Committee meetings scheduled for Tuesday. The Policy Subcommittee meets at 6 PM, then the full committee meets at 7 PM. The agenda docs for both meetings are listed here

  • Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, June 9 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06092026-2355 


  • Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, June 9 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06092026-2356 



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. FPS Operations and Facilities Update
B. FPS District AI Committee Progress Update

III. Citizen’s Comment

IV. Discussion/Action Items
A.   ACCEPT Board Appointment
I recommend the appointment of Superintendent, Lucas Giguere to serve as the Franklin representative to the 2026-2027 ACCEPT Board of Directors as discussed.
B.   Policy – 2nd Reading/Adoption
I recommend the adoption of Policy IMGB – Therapy/Emotional Support Dogs as discussed.
C.   Superintendent’s Evaluation Report
I recommend the approval of the Superintendent’s Report as discussed.

V. Discussion Only Items
A. Monthly Financial Report

VI. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your May 26, 2026 meeting as detailed.
B.   FHS Scholarship
I recommend the acceptance of $1000.00, a Fidelity Charitable donation honoring the Fernando P. Baglioni Memorial as detailed.
C.   Lincoln 3-5 Gift
I recommend the acceptance of $2,972.72 from Shutterfly for supplemental supplies as detailed.
D.   FHS Gift
I recommend the acceptance of $15.94 from Ohiopyle for supplemental supplies as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order VIII.

IX. New Business
To discuss any future agenda items

X. Executive Session
A. As per M.G.L. c. 30A, § 213. (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

XI. Adjournment

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walks us through the changes to the updated FY 2027 budget (audio)

FM #1751 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1751 in the series.


This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We recorded our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Thursday, May 28, 2026.  


Key topics

  • Updates to the FY 2027 budget

  • Health care overview

  • Final stretch for budget approval

    • Finance Cmte Jun 3

    • Town Council Jun 10

    • Town Council Jun 17


The recording runs about 1 hour & 5 minutes. Let’s listen to our conversation.

Audio link - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4PJREAiffxNX7eUUsa18hn




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


Summary memo on budget changes - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/05/town-administrator-memo-to-finance.html 


Town of Franklin page -  https://www.franklinma.gov/ 


FY 2027 budget page - https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577 


Community calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar 



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


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"


Monday, June 1, 2026

This Chalkboard Chat catches us up on 4 meetings in about 40 minutes (video or audio)

FM #1750 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1750 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chair Paul Griffith.  We had our discussion via Zoom on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from four recent meetings:


Our conversation covered the following topics:

  • Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting - April 16

  • Joint Town Council & School Cmte meeting May 12

  • School budget discussion at budget hearing #1 - Wednesday, May 20

  • School Committee meeting - May 26


Our conversation runs about 43 minutes. Let’s listen


Video link - 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8PqOzGMMeg



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


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 


The Franklin TV video is available for replay - 

  


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


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, May 28, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, May 28, 2026 ???

Thursday, May 28


  • Curbside trash/recycling pickup schedule delayed one day due to holiday; what was Wednesday will be picked up Thursday

2:00pm Middle School Reunion (Franklin Middle School)

4:30pm School of Fish updated (Franklin Sculpture Park)

6:00pm The Little Shop | Food & Wine Tasting (Little Shop of Olive Oils)


For Library events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events
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/9195/May-2026-Newsletter?bidId=
For additional details on Senior Center events ->   



***   Town Meetings today   ***

Communications Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, May 28 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05282026-2333 


ZBA Meeting- NO Meeting

Thursday, May 28 Time: 7:30 PM



----------


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