Audio recording of the January 13, 2026 Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting in 3 parts (audio)

FM #1635-36-37 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1635-36-37 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 7 PM. All 7 members participated for this 4 hour plus session. 

 

• 1635 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and everything else except  (approx. 1 hour 28 mins)

• FHS Program of Studies discussion (see 1636) 

• Teaching & Learning presentation & discussion (see 1637)  

• 1636 - segment from the meeting covering the FHS Program of Studies (approx. 51 mins)  

• 1637 - segment from the meeting Teaching & Learning presentation & discussion  (approx. 2 hrs. 3 mins)

  

Audio 1635 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1635-fps-sch-cmte-mtg-p1-of-3-01-13-26/

Audio 1636 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1636-fps-sch-cmte-mtg-p2-of-3-01-13-26/

Audio 1637 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1637-fps-sch-cmte-mtg-p3-of-3-01-13-26/

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

Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/school-committee-approves-trip-program.html 

1-13-26 Superintendent's Report to School Committee

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/2bffecf5-a348-467c-bf10-6b238a5d4577/1-13-26-Superintendents-Report-to-School-Committee.pdf?disposition=inline

2026-27 FHS Program of Studies Presentation

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/9b101140-9f6a-41fe-aed3-7049f5df6797/2026-27-FHS-Program-of-Studies-Presentation.pdf?disposition=inline

Final January 2026 Assessment Presentation

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/f93932c6-c93c-4de1-94be-d429f0ef6199/Final-January-2026-Assessment-Presentation.pdf?disposition=inline

FPS Child Care Presentation 1_13_2026

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/05d7d3a4-1581-482d-8807-b0fe22ba8d87/FPS-Child-Care-Presentation-1_13_2026.pdf?disposition=inline

_SC Galapagos Presentation

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/5fadd50c-2e04-4b19-8e85-df8622bc8aa8/Discussion_Action_A_-_Galapagos_Islands_Trip.pdf?disposition=inline

audio segment 1635 has this portion of the meeting

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

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"

Chalkboard chat condenses the 4 hour Jan 13, 2026 School Cmte meeting to an hour (video & audio)

FM #1627 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1627 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee member Reis Hansen.  We had our discussion via Zoom on Friday, January 16, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting January 13, 2026.

Our conversation covered the following topics:

Early insights on role as school committee member

Subcommittee work on Policy & Horace Mann Legacy

Meeting recap

Recognition of cheerleaders

FHS trip to Galapagos for 2027 was approved

FHS 2026-27 Program of Studies Update

how courses are added, selection by students  

Office of Teaching & Learning District Assessment Presentation

The role of teaching & learning

The use of data to provide support and interventions as needed

MCAS still used just not a requirements for graduation

Franklin Childcare Presentation

The planning underway for initial opening for 9 student with 2 teachers

For school dept personnel first, then Town employees

Further expansion possible for community over time

Can provide revenue to sustain program 

We close with a discussion on screen time and use of technology in the classroom

    based upon a resident comment

Our conversation runs about 72 minutes. Let’s listen

Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnBKBSydGU4

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1627-chalkboard-chat-01-16-26/

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

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 

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaXy2prDrCI 

Agenda ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132026-2086 

Meeting packet folder (copies of the presentation are not yet available, once posted they should be in this folder) ->  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/january-13%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/24614180 

Pictures of the slides shared captured in one album for 

The Galapagos trip presentation ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/amcYuXHUxJfRbu6Y7 

The FHS Program of Studies -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/p5zRxxEXyke76hV66 

Teaching & Learning update -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/LotQq5wCQJ8qJmUy9 

Little Solutions Childcare update ->    https://photos.app.goo.gl/JoMPxdB2v7a2TMV26 

 

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

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 approves trip, program of studies, & hears updates on Teaching Learning, childcare (video)

The Franklin School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Jan 13, 2026 with all 7 members present in Council Chambers to cover a very full agenda in almost 4 1/2 hours.

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaXy2prDrCI

Agenda ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132026-2086 

Superintendent's Report

1-13-26 Superintendent's Report to School Committee

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/2bffecf5-a348-467c-bf10-6b238a5d4577/1-13-26-Superintendents-Report-to-School-Committee.pdf?disposition=inline

II. Guests/Presentations

A. FHS Galapagos Field Trip

 _SC Galapagos Presentation  https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/5fadd50c-2e04-4b19-8e85-df8622bc8aa8/Discussion_Action_A_-_Galapagos_Islands_Trip.pdf?disposition=inline

B. FHS 2026-27 Program of Studies Update – Dr. Weber

 2026-27 FHS Program of Studies Presentation  https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/9b101140-9f6a-41fe-aed3-7049f5df6797/2026-27-FHS-Program-of-Studies-Presentation.pdf?disposition=inline

C. Office of Teaching & Learning District Assessment Presentation – Dr. Rogers

Final January 2026 Assessment Presentation  https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/f93932c6-c93c-4de1-94be-d429f0ef6199/Final-January-2026-Assessment-Presentation.pdf?disposition=inline

D. Franklin Childcare Presentation – Patty Gay

FPS Child Care Presentation 1_13_2026  https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/05d7d3a4-1581-482d-8807-b0fe22ba8d87/FPS-Child-Care-Presentation-1_13_2026.pdf?disposition=inline

 

Pictures of the slides shared captured in one album for 

• The Galapagos trip presentation ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/amcYuXHUxJfRbu6Y7
• The FHS Program of Studies -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/p5zRxxEXyke76hV66
• Teaching & Learning update -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/LotQq5wCQJ8qJmUy9
• Little Solutions Childcare update ->    https://photos.app.goo.gl/JoMPxdB2v7a2TMV26

Meeting packet folder for all docs released for this meeting ->   https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/january-13%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/24614180

Camille and Steve talk about poetry and how it helps us (audio)

FM #1429 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1429 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Camille Bernstein about poetry and her project for April as Poetry Month. We recorded this conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studio Wednesday, April 9, 2025. 

We cover the following in our wide ranging conversation

• The origins of her project

• Poetry was responsible for meeting her husband

• Words and how they matter

• Poetry as a centering aspect of life

The recording runs about 45 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1429-cbernstein-poetry-04-09-25/

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

The link to sign up for the April poem a day project https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1yf-G9LvPeAvF5B7FJdDSyBpr8eGNNkcfJbBTYl6xYtk/edit 

Link to "Today”, the Billy Collins' poem that Camille reads -> 

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/40824/today-56d21ebdad746 

You can find my poetry online at quietpoet.com

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

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"

Camille and Steve talk about poetry and how it helps us (audio)

School Committee gets MCAS update, FHS theatre update, approves capital budget & varsity ski co-op (audio)

FM #1330 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1330 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024. 6 members participated in Council Chambers, 1 absent (Griffin)

Quick recap:

• 3 coaches recognized as MIAA coaches of the year, (basketball, unified track, & swim coach); Ice hockey players down across states, approved for 8th grade waiver for varsity program, For the girls, to be clear, not boys, 13 skaters and 2 goalies currently

• Review of free/reduced application with a Franklin threshold, folks could apply, especially for winter sports if they have not participated in fall sports

• On guest presentations, theater program at FHS - Virginia Bernstein speaking to the student program (Outsiders, first show); Yellow Boat, a competition show, part of the annual program. 13 teachers volunteered to help out, Not just about putting on a play, grit plus. "Theater is not a luxury it is a vital part of the educational program" Thanks around from Cmte members and to the volunteer teachers! "This is a portrait of a graduate! She is articulate and advocating for her program"

• Dr Rogers, Dr Frazier, Mr Stark present an update on the MCAS results for the District. Difference between formative and summative data points. 1 slides is full of logos an indication of the investments made in the academic support tools used in the schools; Sullivan and Jefferson met/ exceeded standards. And an opportunity to remind that MCAS is not going away, it will remain, the vote did take away MCAS as a graduation requirement. How does the data play into the curriculum refresh cycle? It does play. For instructional directions for sure, and may for curriculum decisions, depending upon timing and budget.

• Discussion Action Items - I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:

• ● ACA – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex

• ● ACA-R – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex under Title IX Including Sex-Based Harassment; Moved to second reading, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)

• Varsity Ski Co-Op - I recommend approval of the request of FHS Athletics for a Co-Op Varsity Skiing with Nipmuc Regional High School as detailed. Parent participating as volunteer for this trial co-op program. Motion to approve, second, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)

• Capital Requests - I recommend approval of the Capital Requests as detailed. Previewed in the budget subcmte meeting earlier today, these are initial, could be modified and prioritized as needed; also a further iteration will have refinement for this figures. Finally, a vote on the capital request as detailed, motion to approve, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)

• Student handbook review with DESE, self assessment prior, minor revisions and information for parents for code of conduct infractions, motion to approve second, passes 6-0-1 (1absent)

• Discussion only item, inclement weather update, on the schools page, reminding what we'll do during this winter, safety at the forefront, it may be a challenge for families but is is acknowledged, usually would make by 5:30 AM, try to do so the night before if possible

• Committee entered Executive Session for contract negotiation strategy not to return to open meeting

The recording runs about 2 hours & 30 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1330-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-11-26-24/

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

Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/__1gVQEZ10M?si=1GxkAYdlZPEpCOeB&t=68 

Agenda for this session -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5044643/SCAGENDA_11-26-24.pdf 

Meeting packet (other docs as they are released after the meeting will get posted here) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/november-26%2C-2024-sc-meeting-packet/726241 

My notes in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kq3_uhkW1YicIGxzV01n7EfGeSnhDwAg/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo album of the MCAS slides shared ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/pfBg1HiVMKfPduAb9 

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

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"

1 slides is full of logos an indication of the investments made in the academic support tools used in the schools