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

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, August 25 in Council Chambers. 6 of the 7 members were present; 1 participated remotely (O'Sullivan) (hence all votes were via roll call), 1 member absent (Callaghan).

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 

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 chnages 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

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

School Committee gets multiple updates on summer learning, transportation, etc. in 1 hour meeting (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, August 11 in Council Chambers. All members participated, one (O'Sullivan) remotely.

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 

Quick recap

• 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 formating 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
  

My notes captured during the meeting in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hvmIVrFX0EwMzsGCAbVXWcNqeu2T-DO8/view?usp=drive_link

A real, interactive railroad crossing signal now installed at the Children's Museum of Franklin

All aboard for something NEW! 

This week, we officially cut the ribbon on the newest addition to our Transportation Area - a real, interactive railroad crossing signal, generously designed and created by @thembta!

Children can now experience an authentic railroad crossing while learning how these important signals help keep everyone safe around the tracks.

We’re incredibly grateful to the MBTA for partnering with us to create an exhibit that sparks curiosity, encourages imaginative play, and inspires future engineers, conductors, and transportation professionals.

A special thank you as well to our friends at @vendetti_motors, whose generous support made our Transportation Exhibit Area possible.

Since opening less than a year ago, we’ve welcomed nearly 60,000 visitors from more than 600 communities, and partnerships like this continue to make the Museum an exciting place to discover, imagine, and grow together.

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DalWeLrka9R/

Children's Museum of Franklin and MBTA Celebrate New Transportation Exhibit Feature with Ribbon Cutting

Children's Museum of Franklin is excited to welcome the community to a special ribbon-cutting celebration for a brand-new interactive feature in the Museum's Transportation Area, generously designed and created by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, July 8 at 1:00 PM at Children's Museum of Franklin and will feature representatives from the MBTA, local officials, community leaders, Museum supporters, and families.

an early view of the train table
when the Museum opened Sep 2025

“On behalf of the MBTA, I want to thank Children’s Museum of Franklin for partnering with us to bring this customized railroad crossing signal to the Museum,” said MBTA Chief Operating Officer Ryan Coholan. “We hope this hands-on exhibit helps visitors better understand how crossing signals keep people safe and we hope to see it inspire the next generation of train engineers, signal experts, conductors, and other transit professionals.”

"Transportation has always been one of the most beloved themes at the Museum, especially with our incredible view of the MBTA’s commuter rail from the exhibit area" said Erin Gallagher, Executive Director & Co-Founder of Children's Museum of Franklin. "We're incredibly grateful to the MBTA for creating a feature that helps children make meaningful connections to the world around them through play."

Since opening in September 2025, Children's Museum of Franklin has welcomed nearly 60,000 visitors from more than 600 towns across Massachusetts, Rhode Island and beyond. The Museum’s beloved Transportation Area was made possible by the generous support of Vendetti Motors.

About the Children's Museum of Franklin

Children's Museum of Franklin is a nonprofit, hands-on museum on a mission to empower children and families to discover, imagine, and grow together through play and exploration. Through interactive exhibits, engaging programming, and a commitment to accessibility and belonging, the Museum creates opportunities for joyful learning for visitors of all ages.

Visit the Museum online for additional info - https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/

Have you registered for the school bus for September? Deadline - Thursday, June 18

Have you registered for the school bus
for September? Deadline - Thursday, June 18

Register by Thursday, June 18 to guarantee your student’s FPS bus transportation for FY26-27.

Bus registration info found on the FPS page =

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/transportation/

Shared from =  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KypT313dM/

Catch up with on the latest news via the School Committee Newsletter !!!

Via the Franklin School Committee:

"The latest Franklin School Committee Newsletter is out now! 

Read updates on schools, budgets, transportation & upcoming events in May. 

Read the school Committee Newsletter here: https://aptg.co/NZVhGY"

Registration for Franklin Public School's Transportation is open

Registration for Franklin Public School's Transportation is open

Registration for the 2026-27 School Year is now open!  

Please email schoolbus@franklinps.net if you did not receive an email with instructions for registration or are having any difficulty.

Registration & info - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/transportation/

MBTA looking for your input on its transit priorities for the next 25 years

"The MBTA is asking riders and residents to weigh in on a sweeping long-term investment plan that will guide transit priorities across the state through 2050.

Focus 2050

The plan, dubbed “Focus 2050,” is the latest update to the agency’s Program for Mass Transportation, a state-required blueprint that outlines capital needs and investment priorities over the next 25 years.

Officials say the effort is aimed at building a safer, more reliable, and more accessible transit system while preparing for future challenges such as climate change and shifting travel patterns.

“The public, our riders, communities and the businesses we serve can help shape decisions and priorities for the T,” MBTA General Manager and interim Transportation Secretary Phil Eng said in a statement. “Feedback is invaluable on what is most meaningful to improve their quality of life.”

Continue reading the article online with this shared link -

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/04/13/metro/mbta-seeks-public-feedback-on-next-priorities/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Check out the info provided and the options for sending the MBTA your feedback

https://www.mbta.com/projects/planning-the-future-the-mbta

Download the one page summary (embedded below) -

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RBl7TvI1P1-DKju4iASHcaW2j_vMi9pA/view?usp=drive_link

Boston Globe: "Massachusetts is national outlier in how it funds special ed transportation, report says"

OIG report on funding special ed transportation

"Massachusetts makes it difficult for local schools to pay for transportation for special education students because the state relies on an overly complicated reimbursement system that ties up funding, according to a study released this week by the state inspector general.

The report described Massachusetts as a national outlier that is one of only six states that uses this funding formula, which places a significant financial burden on local school districts.

The state requires local schools to pay upfront for special education transportation costs and then seek to be partially reimbursed by the state the following year.

At a time when school budgets are tight and inflation is soaring, a year’s delay in repayment leaves school districts without funds “for other critical uses,” the report said."

Continue reading the article with this "share link"

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/24/metro/inspector-general-massachusetts-special-ed/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

You can go directly to download the report (PDF)

https://www.mass.gov/doc/special-education-transportation-study/download

Boston Globe: "The budgets for the bus go up and up"

"Massachusetts is set for another year of statewide municipal budget strain. With high inflation pushing up costs, and Prop 2½ constraining how much cities and towns can raise taxes, this spring will likely lead to tense town hall meetings across the state.

One budgetary strain stands out in particular: the skyrocketing cost of transporting schoolchildren. There are steps the state could take to ease this growing burden, and as more towns renegotiate their bus contracts and face massive jumps in costs, lawmakers should take a closer look at remedying this fiscal land mine.

FPS buses in the Holmes yard on Panther Way

In Fall River, school bus transportation costs ballooned from $8 million a year in 2021 to nearly $16 million in 2025. In 2024, Dartmouth was hit with a 26 percent increase in school transportation costs, with only one company bidding for the work. Last year, despite cutting eight buses from its fleet, Marlborough paid 8 percent more in the first year of its new transportation contract.

First: The industry of school bus transportation has changed dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Rich LaBrie, a consultant at Alliance Education Associates who specializes in school transportation. Pre-pandemic school bus drivers were, on average, older than other trucking professionals, rarely afforded health benefits, and generally worked only part-time."

Continue reading with this "shared" link -   https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/10/opinion/school-bus-costs/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Franklin Police ran “Operation Magic School Bus” on Wednesday; be aware, they'll be back

Franklin Police ran “Operation Magic School Bus”

OPERATION MAGIC SCHOOL BUS

This morning we executed “Operation Magic School Bus” in partnership with Holmes Busing.

We’ve noticed an increase in complaints online regarding motor vehicle violations surrounding school buses picking up kids in the morning. Operation Magic School Bus paired an officer in an unmarked patrol cruiser with a bus driver. We followed behind their routes and enforced school bus violations.

To those who choose to violate our school bus laws willingly, carelessly, or negligently, just know the Magic School Bus Unit is out there.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17zh66X6Z4/

School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan condense the Sep 30 meeting in this Chalkboard Chat (audio)

FM #1530 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1530 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion via Zoom on Friday, October 3, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the School Committee meeting of September 30, 2025. 

 

We cover 

• Supt Report: continue to make adjustments to the traffic, 

• Transportation website has an update for the school arrivals/Dismissals  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6062062/Start_of_School_Traffic_Information.pdf

• New page FEF legacy program, online form to accept donations ... 

• Additional info being added as the program gets fleshed out   https://www.franklinps.net/page/the-fef-legacy-program 

• Student Clubs & Activities Approval 

• Procedural vote on account cleanup for inactive clubs, more next time for an update on current or new clubs. Amt of about $250 or so... https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6059572/Discussion_Action_A_-_Student_Clubs-Activities.pdf   Will be transferred to use of other clubs.  Vote on motion, passes 7-0

• Adjourning to executive session not to return to open meeting, Moved, passes 7-0

The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1530-chalkboard-chat-10-03-25/

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Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   

Chalkboard Chat (audio)

Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39AoKQewDIA  

The Agenda doc -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6059542/SCAGENDA_9-30-25.pdf  

The packet folder also contains other docs released before or after the meeting

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/september-30%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/855018  

My notes captured during the meeting -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NAnlr9uiozVLd9MK1ROfdltU9uOqsUwe/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"