Town Council recognitions for Police promotions, FHS Theatre, and retirement of Bryan Taberner (video)

The Franklin, MA Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, May 1.  8 of the councilors were present, 1 absent (Dellorco) in Council Chambers for this session.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/laeIcVjRlgU?si=4VVLHqNRh28zvyuM&t=134

The agenda and released materials for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04302025-1709 

Quick recap:

• Chair Callaghan updates on SchCmte business; elementary report card changes approved, support letter for Franklin TV and cable access funding approved for Franklin.News; School budget lays out a foundation for success
• Town Clerk Nancy Danello with an update on the special election, ballots received, absentee sent, vote by mail needs to be requested. Drop ballots off at the Town Hall. May 16 opens early voting during office hours
• Web site updates announcements on the upcoming election. Bridge banners coming soon. Robo call coming May 7. Visited all the Senior housing locations. Mailing to all the households with notification on the election.
• Police Department - Promotions
• i. Sergeant John Godino
• Police Department - Swearing in of New Court Prosecutor / Detective
• i. Tara Lagoa
• Proclamation: Franklin High School Theater Group
• Proclamation: Bryan Taberner, Director, Department of Planning and Community Development
• Appointments
• Agricultural Commission
• i. Matthew Stoltz
• Disability Commission
• i. Kelly Quinlan; both appointments approved via 8-0-1 (1 absent) votes
• PUBLIC HEARING - a. Transfer of Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Dolores Costa as the Manager - Franklin Hospitality Group, LLC d/b/a The Tavern on Central
• Motion to approve, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)
• Resolution 25-29: Transfer of Care, Custody, Management and Control of Town-owned Property Containing the Building Known as “Gerald Murdock Parmenter Elementary School” from the Franklin School Committee to the Franklin Town Council, for Municipal Purposes
• Motion to approve, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)
• Update that for the Town Council Budget Hearings scheduled for May 21, 22  Town Administrator will propose that they continue the second hearing to June 4 to enable possible adjustments. The budget as presented assumes the override passes. If it doesn't, cuts would be forthcoming
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided updates on Previous Requests:
• 300 Fisher Street - very dormant, EPA removed soil etc pre pandemic, delayed by staffing issues pre the changes in DC
• Chestnut Street Apartments - The exterior is complete, the interior has not been finished, in the owners control currently There are 2 deeded apartments for local veterans

Photos of the recognitions -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/PKZgCKJM8vAYTVoK7

My notes can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mo8xvhuHCvkPLQ_Fi54OMbtkQ2WulsJK/view?usp=drive_link

FHS Spring Jazz 2025 Concert (video)

The FHS Spring Jazz concert conducted Wednesday, May 1, 2025 is available for replay via Franklin TV -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEiVmAuOawk

2nd budget hearing confirms what happens if override fails for Police, Fire, DPW (video)

The Franklin, MA Finance Committee met as scheduled for their 2nd in the series of Budget hearings for the FY 2026 budget cycle. The meeting took oplace in the 3rd floor conference room and as usual was broadcast to Comcast/Verizon subscribers, as well as to Zoom & YouTube. All 8 members participated.

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

The agenda doc for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04292025-1699

Quick recap:

• Police Chief TJ Lynch started his update. Basically the same as last year with some minor adjustments. If the override were to fail, he would loose 2 officers. He is hiring to backfill for retirees and transfers. When as ked to elaborate on that, he provided the details on the 5 recent departures, with one being sworn in at Council meeting and one still to be hired.
• Deputy Chiefs Klich & Barberi provided the update in lieu of Chief McLaughlin out this week on vacation. 
• Similar to the police update, very little change in totals. If the override fails, they would lose the staffing for the 3rd ambulance. The 3rd ambulance responded to over 100 calls last year and resulted in over 70 hospital transports during its 40 hours of weekly coverage. The community would notice the difference in slower response times as mutual aid would be providing more coverage than they do today
• Discussion on vehicle replacement both costs increasing and lead times lengthening. A new ambulance ordered in 2022 is scheduled for delivery in August. The Tower truck ordered in 2023 is scheduled for delivery this summer. The current Tower would stay in the fleet and move to back up status, as would the older of the ambulances when the new one arrives.
• Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW director and Kathy Mooradd, Administration and Budget manager presented initially. Doug Martin, Water/Sewer Superintendent stood up along the way to cover water and sewer updates.
• Similar to the police and fire updates, a level funded budget being presented. Note, not a level service budget. The dollar remains about the same but the materials cost across the DPW departments account for 65% of the total budget (35% of the personnel cost). The same amount of money is getting less to work with. A failed override will also be noticeable but not right away. Water will still run, sewers will still operate, other maintenance and road repairs, etc. will be delayed or take longer.
• There were other budget items discussed; Building & inspection, MECC dispatch. The meeting total only runs 90 minutes so it should be easy enough to catch up to. The audio and transcript will come out also (audio Thursday, transcript on the weekend).

My notes captured during the meeting via Twitter

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ocIK4PjauaMMklMFVxkybmp4eTf5716K/view?usp=drive_link

All 6 FHS teams in action on Monday posted wins: baseball, softball, girls (video) & boys lacrosse, girls & boys tennis

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Monday, April 28, 2025

Baseball = Franklin, 11 @ Stoughton, 1 

– Final (5 inn.) – Franklin’s offense roared to life with a season-high 11 runs, turning a 4-0 lead into a commanding victory with seven runs between the fourth and fifth innings. The Panthers plated a pair in the first and two more in the third, including an RBI triple from Ryan Connelly, to stake a 4-0 lead. That lead doubled with a four spot in the fourth with both Jack Sullivan and Patrick Luizzi driving in a pair. Sullivan tacked on two more RBI in the fifth and Zach Winer had a sac fly to push the lead to double digits. Sullivan (four RBI, two runs) and Sean Kryzak (three runs) each had three hits, Luizzi (two RBI, run) had two), and Winer (two RBI, run), Connelly (RBI), DJ Silverstein (run), Cole Sidwell (two runs) and Joey Goguen each had one hit. Winer earned the win on the mound with one run charged on two hits and two walks, striking out five in four innings; senior Greg Bono struck out a pair in a scoreless inning in relief. Andrew Beder had a hit and an RBI for the Black Knights.

Softball = Stoughton, 0 @ Franklin, 12 – Final (6 inn.)

– Junior Sophia Sacramone dazzled in the circle and Franklin jumped out to a big lead early and never looked back in a big win over Stoughton. Sacramone tossed a one-hitter without issuing a walk, striking out eight in six shutout innings for the Panthers. Franklin provided plenty of offense for Sacramone, pushing across four runs in the bottom of the first, highlighted by an RBI double from Marley Allen, and then tacked on two more in the second when Allen hit a two-out, two-run double to right. Franklin added five more in the fifth and one more in the sixth to close out the win. Allen (three RBI, run) and Addi Weiss (two RBI, two runs) each had two hits for the Panthers, Ava Florest drove in a pair, and Josie Drucker chipped in with an RBI.

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 12 @ Sharon, 10 – Final

Josh Perry, HockomockSports.com Managing Editor, provides the game recap ->

"For the second year in a row, Sharon went into halftime against perennial league power Franklin holding onto a lead. Sharon has never beaten the Panthers but on Monday afternoon at Gary Hall Stadium the Eagles looked in complete control after jumping out to a 6-1 first half lead and going into the halftime break up by four.

All Sharon needed to do was keep playing its style, at its pace, and not allow the visitors to go on a run, but there is a reason that Franklin has been at the top of the league for so many years.

The 11-time defending Kelley-Rex division champions came storming back in the second half. Franklin went on a 10-1 run between the second, third, and fourth quarters and turned a five-goal deficit into a four-goal lead. Sharon added a couple late goals, but Franklin remained perfect in Hock play with a 12-10 win.

“We told the offense that if they’re not going to start shooting, then the defense will,” first-year Franklin coach Chris Baker said about his message to the offense at halftime. “They’re a great Hock team. Every team in the Hock, this is how it is this year. If you sleep on anybody, you’re in trouble.”

Continue reading the article   (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-lacrosse-storms-back-in-second-half-to-stun-sharon/

For a photo gallery from this game  (subscription required)     https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2024-2025/Spring-2025/Sharon-Franklin-Boys-Lacrosse-04-28-25

Girls Lacrosse = Sharon, 1 @ Franklin, 20 – Final 

– Franklin won its seventh straight game and allowed three or fewer goals for the fifth time this season, staying perfect in league play. Fourteen different Panthers recorded a point on Monday, including Maeve Grasso with her first goal of the season and sophomore Tori Cahill scoring her first varsity goal.

Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/live/O_cAw_J9ku4?&t=959

Boys Tennis = Stoughton, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final

– Franklin took care of business at home, taking all five matches in straight sets against visiting Stoughton. Seniors Danny Reis (first singles), Aaron Ramaswamy (second singles), and Gabe Terry won in singles action for the Panthers, freshmen Deklan Morin and Anish Bokil teamed up for a 6-0, 6-1 win at first doubles, and seniors Jack Sebell and Charlie Souza rolled to a 6-3, 6-1 win at second doubles.

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 3 @ Stoughton, 2 – Final

– Franklin took two wins in singles action and added one more in doubles play to secure a 3-2 win on the road at Stoughton. Senior Izzy Trull dropped just one game in an impressive 6-0, 6-1 win at second singles while junior Isabelle Simino battled to a 6-3, 7-6 win at second singles. The senior tandem of Brooke Daniels and Sydney Tolonen continued to roll with a 6-0, 6-2 victory at first doubles. Jacqueline Boutros took a win at first singles (4-6, walkover) for Stoughton while the Black Knights’ second doubles team of senior Jina Kim and freshman Tynami Tang prevailed with a hard-fought 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 win.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-04-28-25/

 

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Voices of Franklin: Watch "Franklin Together" on YouTube

Franklin's own troubadour Jamie Barrett sings his message

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJcsApo2mo8

The FY 2026 budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=500

The FY 2026 Override info for the June 3 vote -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/1089/Fiscal-Year-2026-Override-Information

Voices of Franklin: Melanie Hamblen supporting the June 3 Override to save town services

Voices of Franklin: Melanie Hamblen

Video link -> https://youtube.com/shorts/SCRUN85Ig14

The FY 2026 budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=500

The FY 2026 Override info for the June 3 vote -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/1089/Fiscal-Year-2026-Override-Information

FHS baseball tops Catholic Memorial 5-1 on Tuesday (video)

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Baseball = Franklin, 5 @ Catholic Memorial, 1 – Final 

– Franklin claimed the lead right off the bat and senior Zach Winer and junior DJ Silverstein combined to deliver a great pitching performance as the Panthers snapped Catholic Memorial’s three-game win streak with a 5-1 win on the road. Winer set the tone early, giving himself some help with a one-out home run in the top of the first, and senior Ryan Connelly came through with a two-out RBI single as the Panthers built an early 2-0 lead. CM cut the deficit in half with a run in the fourth inning, 2-1, where the game stayed until Franklin tacked on three insurance runs in the top of the final inning. Winer (3-for-3, two RBI, two runs, three stolen bases) came through with a one-out RBI single to make it 3-1, and both Winer and junior Sean Kryzak (walk) came home to score on an error. On the mound, Winer surrendered just one unearned run on one hit and five walks, striking out four in five innings. Silverstein came on in relief and tossed two scoreless innings, giving up just one hit — a one-out single in the bottom of the seventh, but induced a ground ball for a double play four pitches later.


Softball = Franklin, 0 vs. Walpole, 4 – Final 

– Junior Sophia Sacramone had a strong pitching performance and accounted for the Panthers’ lone hit offensively but Franklin suffered a 4-0 setback to star pitcher Sharlotte Stazinski and reigning Division 2 state champions Walpole. The Timberwolves scored once in the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh innings to build their lead. Sacramone had a two-out single in the bottom of the sixth to break up Stazinski’s no-hitter. In the circle, Sacramone allowed just two hits on five hits and one walk, striking out seven in five innings.

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0n6oaW6ffE&t=435

 

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-22-25/

 

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Inside the trade deficit, what it really means (video)

The first 8 minutes of this is enough to get the gist .... great explanation comparing to credit card transactions

 

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5ojbEIX8Nw

"Renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs tore into Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats, branding them “Mickey Mouse economics” and accusing the former president of unleashing chaos on global markets.

In a scathing take down, Sachs said Trump’s trade logic was so flawed that “he wouldn’t pass a basic econ class,” slamming the former president’s obsession with trade deficits as “childish and dangerous.” Sachs blamed Trump’s economic policies for triggering a $10 trillion loss in global wealth, warning that the U.S. is now flirting with authoritarianism under “one-man rule by emergency decree.”

Dismissing Trump’s talk of foreign nations “cheating” the U.S., Sachs countered: “It’s not a trade issue—it’s a spending problem.” The blistering critique comes amid rising fears that Trump’s return to power could reignite economic instability worldwide."

Town Council starts with recognitions before conducting business (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled Wednesday, April 16, 2025 with all nine members present for a 3 hour recogntions and business session.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/C9jXhRmTTlI?&t=94

The agenda and released documents can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04162025-1682 

Quick recap:

• School Committee Chair D Callaghan provided an update on recent meeting updates including the potential naming of the "Horace Mann Campus"
• per Town Clerk, notification of election coming via mail re: the override election June 3. Postcard with QR code to register to vote, also includes a vote by mail application. Only one card to head of household not one per every voter
• Proclaimations and recognition for 
• the FHS Cheerleaders
• the FHS boys basketball team
• members of the Dean College Athletic Training first responders who saved the life of an individual at a recent athletic event
• Appointment of the 2025 election workers was approved by unanimous vote
• Public hearing conducted on 2 related bylaw changes to allow Shared-Use Commercial Kitchens in commercial zones. The Planning Board had approved also, these measures were moved to a second reading (at a future meeting)
• Presentation and update on work being done by  Franklin Police Department Mental Health Clinician Division - Kallie Montagano, Clinician Program Manager
• Followed by an update on the Franklin Crisis Action Team by Deputy Administrator Amy Friguiletti. Housing and temp shelter the top issue the FCAT group sees
• Resolution 25-18: June 3, 2025 Election Early & Mail in Voting was approved unanimously. The scheduled early voting dates will be added to the Community calendar
• A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District - Referral to the Planning Board was approved unanimously. Apparently, the Town slipped in knowing that this had a 5 year life expectancy and was due to be updated. Only minor changes required but the due process is being initiated now with this referral
• Approval for acceptance of gifts from the Robert Catalano family and estate was unaninmous. It also led to a discussion on how the funds such as these are used. Mostly for programs but if there is something specifically funded, the Council would like to be notified.

My full set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nIb72BBNqBkuEgMCgS9ggo5T5UR8A7BD/view?usp=drive_link

Photo albums of the recognitions ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/NFs8QPA39vzy5tzn8

members of the Dean College Athletic Training first responders who save the life of an individual at a recent athletic event

MICCA showcase recordings - WOW!!! (video)

via Ruthann O'Sullivan:

Good morning! 

I wanted to congratulate our FHS musicians on their performance at the 2025 Gold Medal MICCA Showcase concert.  Performing were the FHS Wind Ensemble, Repertory Orchestra and String Orchestra.  See YouTube link below. This performance was held at the Groton Hill Music Center on Sunday.  It was not only a beautiful venue in which to perform, but it was also an opportunity for the top music programs in the state to hear each other perform and support each other.  It is always a proud moment to be invited to such an elite event.  

It is my hope that we can use this as a reminder of the special music program we have in Franklin.  I've said it before, but this program is not a luxury to have in our schools, it is a necessity. While looking at the program linked above, it is interesting to take note of the schools who earned gold medals.  For the most part, these schools are also some of the highest achieving schools academically.  This is not a coincidence. 

Please continue to fight to protect what we have.  These performances are a result of a supported program K-12.  We have an enormous responsibility to maintain this gem for future generations.  

Our Director, Diane Plouff, received this email from an attendee from Ashland following the performance.

Ms. Plouffe,

 

I attended the MICCA Gold Medal Showcase this afternoon. I heard the FHS Orchestra's performance and was stunned! The emotion and precision with which the students performed moved me, particularly the first piece they performed. I would appreciate it if you would send me the names of the pieces performed today.

 

Please pass along my congratulations! Your students performed remarkably!

 

Diane Umholtz

Vice President

Ashland Music Association

The playlist of performances ->  https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9Bs1M9EbM8ggqeQTlauFyOPSRosxzmdE&si=UN96TWL7eVwJaH2R

FHS baseball team posts a win on Friday (video)

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, April 11, 2025

Baseball = Franklin, 7 vs. Bridgewater-Raynham, 6 – Final

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aC6rNcXHUI

 


Boys Tennis = Franklin vs. Bishop Feehan, 4:00


Girls Tennis = Franklin @ Bishop Feehan, 3:30

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-04-11-25/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

FHS girls & boys lacrosse top Taunton on Thursday (video)

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, April 10, 2025

Boys Lacrosse = Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 18 – Final
– Senior Jack O’Connor and sophomore Charlie Ballarino each scored four goals to lead Franklin to a big league win at home over visiting Taunton. Thomas Quinn and Seamus Conlan each tacked on two goals and both Drew McCarthy and Flynn Baker secured four ground balls.


Franklin TV video of the game -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQkDmYG_b8M

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 18 @ Taunton, 1 – Final

 

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-10-25/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

 

School Committee gets update on ECDC and Elementary Redistricting progress (video)

The School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, April 8 at 7:04 PM. All 7 members participating, 6 in Chambers, one remnote (Sompally) hence a roll call required for all votes.

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/3rgXaYFUtNA?&t=100

The meeting agenda ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082025-1669 

Quick recap:

• ECDC update - Kimberly Taylor, Principal

Photos of the slides as presented -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/qYDXR58de1BmRCaa6

• Elementary update ->

          grade level                      3-5                    K-2

Washington                     Even Chalman             Stefani Wasik

Lincoln                                    Brad Hendrixson                Keri Busavage

Photos of the slides as presented -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/Cd9aV25fJ3eYrB8Z7

Discussion/ actions items -

• School Choice Vote - I recommend to not accept School Choice students for the 2025-2026 School Year as discussed. For this year with redistricting underway, not at this time, open for more a stabile world; So moved, second, passes via roll call 7-0
• Foreign Exchange Student Vote - I recommend to not accept Foreign Exchange students for the 2025-2026 school year as discussed. Not the same as school choice; so moved, second, passes via roll call 7-0
• Policy- 2nd Reading - Adoption/Elimination I recommend adoption / elimination of the following policies as discussed: 2nd Reading: ACA - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Elimination: ACA-R - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Under Title IX Including Sex- Based Harassment Per president executive orders; Via roll call 6-1 (Griffith - no)

My full set of notes taken during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QCIHgtiYGE6hjPEpDLKBhP2B1oYReHbu/view?usp=drive_link

Jamie Barrett shares a memory of 5 years ago (video)

Via Jamie Barrett:

 

"Wow! How has it been 5 years already?! 

 

So, at the start of the pandemic, I came up with this crazy idea in an effort to help build community- ask folks to give me one word and I would string them together to create the lyrics for a new song. 

 

Did you give me a word to use? Did it come out like you thought it would, or was it completely different? 

 

LMK below in the comments! 

 

Here’s the end result: https://youtu.be/HVP2eDzQGnQ"

 

FHS Robotics Team (video)

Go behind the scenes at Franklin High School and meet the Robotics team!

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

Watch "2025 State Finals Award Ceremony" on YouTube

The METG State Finals Awards Ceremony was broadcast by METG Saturday evening and availabel for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/1t_QXd8zO6k?

The FHS Theatre Company came away with some awards but not the big prize. When you consider that under their cicumstances, getting to the finals was "the big prize", there is plenty to be proud of.

Mental Health: Amanda Ayer & David Gove (video)

Dr Anne Bergen: 

"Welcome to Mental Health, the crisis of our time. 

My name is Anne Bergen. I am the host of this series of programs brought to you by Franklin TV whose mission is really to bring important topics relevant to the community out so we can inform the residents aware of issues that are very very important. 

The issue we have to address is mental health."

Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNf1U5CtzVo

Mental Health: Amanda Ayer & David Gove (video)

Use of Opioid Settlement Funds to bring Art Pharmacy to Franklin "another first of many" (video)

The Art Pharmacy Community Conversation was held at THE BLACK BOX on March 5, 2025. Cory Shea, Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy opened the event with 3 panelists who made brief presentations and then participated in a Q&A session.

Panelists:

• Michael Bobbitt, Mass Cultural Council

• Emily Devlin, Art Pharmacy

• Amy Friguiletti, Deputy Town Administrator

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKvpBwHdyNE

The audio version (minus the Q&A section) can also be found online here ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/use-of-opioid-settlement-funds-to-bring.html

Use of Opioid Settlement Funds to bring Art Pharmacy to Franklin "another first of many"

School Committee recognizes Boys Basketball & Cheerleaders; hears of High School & Middle School updates (video)

The School Committee met as scheduled Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in the Council Chambers. 6 of the 7 members were present in Chambers, one participated remotely (Gallagher). All votes were recorded via roll call.

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/RwZ6HFEvzx8?&t=95

The meeting agenda can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03252025-1651 

Documents released for this agenda after the meeting can be found ->

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/march-25%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/776268

Quick recap:

• During the Superintendent's Report recognition was made of the Boys Basketball team for their first State D1 Championship. Recognition also made of the Cheerleaders with their National Championship muliple years doing so
• One team is still in competition, that is the FHS Theatre Co is scheduled to perform in the finals on Friday, with results known on Saturday evening. Tickets available via the website metg.org
• France, England & Scotland Field Trip - Nikki Hafele - an EF Tour proposed for 2026, approved via roll call by 7-0 vote
• Franklin High School Update - Dr. Weber, H McVay - an update on the course selection process and student choices within that, discussion also around budget and range of offerings as well as the trend of choices seems to be changing
• Middle School Reorganization Update - Mr. Williams; Evolution of the master schedule, mention of the must haves, can haves and nice to haves...
• A unique year to do a middle school experience for all three grades, but thereafter would be for the incoming new 6th grade as they get welcomed from the future 2 elementary sending schools
• Policy - 1st Read & Elimination - I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading: ACA - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Elimination: ACA-R - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Under Title IX Including Sex-Based Harassment; Motion to move to second, passes via roll call 7-0
• Motion to enter Executive Session not to return to public session, passes 7-0 via roll call

My notes captured in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PEGYx0qPwSu93ymlY0Xn7y57Rd0_s-kY/view?usp=drive_link

FHS boys basketball State D1 Champs pose with School Committee

FHS cheerleaders multiple times National Champs pose with School Committee

Watch, Listen, Read: The 6th Joint Budget Listening Session - Wednesday, March 19

This combines the video, audio, and transcript for the 6th of the 6 listenting sessions in advance of the possible override decision/discussion for the FY 2026 budget.

This is the sixth of 6 listening sessions scheduled through March 12, 2025 in advance of a decision on an override (yes, or no), when? and for what amount. The decision discussion is committed to be on the agenda for the March 19 Town Council meeting.

** Watch

video link ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3yEVAe0NHU 

** Listen

audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1404-joint-budget-listening-session-6-03-12-25/

** Read 

Transcript prepared by Otter.ai and edited for speaker name accuracy. As the audio time stamp is also included you can synch the transcript to either the video or audio to catch the full spoken word.  PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CHnwgdsqQ-HtVC0RC_bgGQy2vUz34mdX/view?usp=drive_link

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

Listening Session #6 agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Joint-Budget-Subcommittee-6/?#_03122025-1620

Updated FY 2026 budget document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4593/2025-03-05-Town-Council-Preliminary-Budget-Presentation-v2 

Citizen discounts and exemptions -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4418/Local-and-State-Assistance-Programs-PDF 

You can find the collection of video, audio, and transcripts for ALL the Listening Sessions here ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/joint-budget-listening-sessions-fy-2026.html 

Joint Budget Subcommittee recommends to the Town Council a $3.862 M override for Tuesday, June 3