School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee meeting audio for March 16, 2026 session (audio)

FM #1691 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1691 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee meeting held on Monday, March 16, 2026. 

The meeting agenda had placed the session in the 3rd floor conf room so I was there. Subcommittee Chair Al Charles, member Nadia Mausolf and Operations Director Colin Boisvert were remote. Member Stephen Karunakaran was caught in another meeting and didn’t make it. Future meetings are intended to be virtual unless otherwise noted. 

The agenda topics:

● Website Usage Metrics

● Quarterly Community Engagement Update

● Senior Center Visit / Monthly Q&A Session

● Strawberry Stroll Planning

● Newsletter Planning

The recording runs about 44 minutes, so let’s listen to the Community Relations Subcommittee meeting of March 16, 2026.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1691-schcmte-community-relations-subcmte-mtg-03-16-26/

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School Committee Subcommittee assignments

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons 

Subcommittee agenda

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03162026-2181 

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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 www.franklin.news or  Franklinmatters.org/

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!

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ALERT: 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting 7 PM - Thursday, March 19th, Zoom only

Hi all,

Our 350 Mass Franklin Node meeting will be held tomorrow night, March 19th, from 7 to 9 PM.  Please join us by Zoom as it will be a Zoom only meeting. Here's a link:

Meeting Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09 

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274 Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

Our focus will be on:

Continuing to flesh out our ideas for the node summer booth opportunities to build on what we decided at our last meeting. We concluded we'd find an appropriate dollhouse to be able to put various energy components on: solar, heat pump, battery storage, (we should also include insulation). That will help explain to adults the point of our Save Money with Clean Heat petition. 

If we're going to offer that conversation to only adults, we'll need to think about kids activities. 

To refresh your memories, here are the last meeting's minutes so you can review our discussion and remind yourselves of what research some of you promised to do. 

Thank you and see you tomorrow night at 7 PM!

With gratitude,

Carolyn and Steve

508-335-0848 Carolyn cell

From Participation to Purpose: Stories of Civic Engagement & Civic Careers (virtual event)

From Participation to Purpose: Stories of
Civic Engagement & Civic Careers (virtual event)

As a part of this year's Massachusetts Civic Learning Week, a virtual panel was designed for educators and students (but open to all!) and encourages panelists to share their "civic journey". 

Two of the four panelists are from Franklin: Cobi Frongillo and Jen Knight-Levine!

From Participation to Purpose: Stories of Civic Engagement and Civic Careers 

This session will engage middle and high school students and teachers in a discussion about pathways that panelists have taken to civic engagement. Four individuals representing a range of pathways and professions will participate in a moderated Q & A panel session to share their own educational experiences that helped pave the way for successful civic engagement. 

Teachers and students are invited to work together ahead of the panel to come up with interview style questions they would like to see the participants respond to during the session, with opportunities available for classes to directly ask questions during the panel. 

This moderated panel and Q&A session will provide middle and high school students and teachers with valuable perspectives on the skills and experiences that lead to meaningful civic involvement.

Registration is here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/from-participation-to-purpose-stories-of-civic-engagement-civic-careers-tickets-1979737827134?aff=odcleoeventsincollection. 

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 ???

Digging out from the snow underway .........

Schools (Franklin Public, Tri-County, BFCCPS, etc.) closed

Library, Senior Center, Municipal & Recreation Buildings closed

Curbside trash/recycling not happening today. Those scheduled for Monday are planned for Wednesday pickup, Tuesday on Thursday, Wednesday on Friday, Thursday on Saturday, and Friday on next Monday...

Elizabeth's Bagels closed Tuesday Feb 24

The Community Closet will be closed today (February 24) as we dig out from the Blizzard of ’26. We will be open next Tuesday, March 3, from 12-2p. Sorry for any inconvenience. Appointments can be made for later in the week.

Find the storm collection - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/storm-collection-feb-22-23-2026.html

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 ???

***  Town Meetings today   ***

Massachusetts Strategic Health Group Meeting ????

Tuesday, February 24 Time: 1:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02242026-2151 

Franklin School Committee Meeting - confirmed as Remote Only

Tuesday, February 24 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02242026-2148 

 

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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

ALERT: 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Zoom Meeting Thursday night, Feb. 19, at 7 PM

Hi all!

Our 350 Mass Franklin Node meeting will be held this Thursday night, Feb. 19th, from 7-9 PM. It will be exclusively a Zoom virtual meeting.

Meeting Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09 

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274 Passcode: 350ma

Meeting Thursday night, Feb. 19, at 7 PM

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

Our meeting's focus will be on:

• making our booth interactive and attractive for the spring/summer events.
• tomorrow night's 7 PM "When it Happens, Knowing What to do Bystander Training" being held at FUSF, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. Attendance is encouraged, and we will share experiences at Thursday night's meeting.  Use this link to sign up: https://mobilize.us/s/7DtQ0s

Thank you, and hoping to see you by Zoom Thursday night at 7 PM!

With gratitude,

Carolyn, Rand and Steve

508-335-0848 Carolyn cell

BFCCPS Information Session on Saturday, Feb 7 now virtual due to weather

Due to weather predictions for tomorrow, Saturday February 7th please note that the previously planned Information Session is moving to a virtual format.  

BFCCPS Information Session on
Saturday, Feb 7 now virtual due to weather

**There is no in-person event at our school campus tomorrow.**

We apologize for any inconvenience, but wanted to communicate this change in plans as soon as possible for the safety of our student tour guides and you all of our prospective community members.

Families who have RSVP'd and families who have applied for enrollment have received meeting details via email.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/17CuGctB3U/

School Committee votes to move health care costs to Town budget line 910 (video)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met briefly (approx. 30 mins) in a remote only session on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. All 7 members participated along with key members of the School District Central office.

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/IrOomkcGoyU?&t=62

Agenda for this session -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02032026-2116 

Recap:

• Supt Giguere talks of the health care accounting change, there is no impact to the employees on either Town or School, purely an accounting change. Food service and lifelong learning employees are paid from those revolving funds and charges would also go to the revolving funds for those associated health care cost for those employees. Coordinating with Town Finance to confirm minimum impact.
• "I recommend approval to move the School Health Insurance, Medicare, and Long-Term Disability expenses and associated funding from the School Department 300 to the Town Benefits Department 910 as detailed."
• So moved, seconded Discussion
• This move allows for an apples to apples comparison with all of the Town departments
• Jana explains the accounting for Lifelong learning and Food services, process very similar today and with this move.
• MOA currently set for a five year term, could be a re-evaluation if required at time, not likely to revert, shared interest between Schools and Town to keep going forward
• Ruthann comments on hope for future that the allocation for schools would be more predictable
• Question on if the Town needs to add personnel to do this? No.
• There are constant shifts among the individual personnel on both sides, Town and School...Moving forward with the GIC we should have more info sooner to help with the planning for future budgets to help with planning
• Midyear retirement and other health care moves would be handled as normal (as done today on both sides)
• Shift of costs that are not health care directly related are prohibited by both sides; the account 910 should be only health care period. Covers the revolving accounts which may have some 'excess' (by design, there should be a year's worth) those excess amounts can't move
• Vote on the motion via roll call Passes 7-0, Motion carries
• Motion to adjourn, so moved, second Passes via roll call, 7-0

My notes taken during the meeting in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mitbhEmUXwhXRlMnpOxL28kB4QqI6B5e/view?usp=drive_link

School Committee votes to move health care costs to Town budget line 910 (video)

An Invite From Congressman Auchincloss to register for a Virtual Update with Q&A - Dec 15

Hi neighbor, On Monday, December 15, I'll be hosting a Virtual Update and Q & A. This is an opportunity for you to raise questions and hear updates on what I'm doing to represent the district's values & priorities. Details about the Q&A are below. I hope you'll be able to join me.  Congressional Update and Q&A with Congressman Jake Auchincloss     Monday, December 15 7:15 – 8:15 PM RSVP for the Zoom link HERE *By registering for this event, you grant our office permission to send you future communications and updates.   Jake Auchincloss

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, October 30, 2025 ???

Thursday, October 30

Thanksgiving Pie Fundraiser     (order online for pickup Nov 25)

8:00am In Person Early Voting (Town Clerk's Office)

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

Library & Senior Center events

5:00pm Halloween Cemetery Tour (Union Street Cemetery)

5:30pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (Prezo Grille and Bar)

7:30pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

8:30pm Planning Board Candidate Night (virtual meeting)

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/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**   Town Meetings today   **

Historical Commission (updated 10/28/25)

Thursday, October 30 Time: 6:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10302025-1981

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, October 30 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/519?fileID=6730 

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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

Planning Board Candidate Discussion - Oct 30 at 8:30 PM (virtual only)

Planning Board Candidate Discussion -
Oct 30 at 8:30 PM (virtual only)

Get to know the Planning Board candidates! BEN For Franklin is proud to host a brief virtual candidate discussion THIS THURSDAY at 8:30 PM. 

Zoom link: event ended - video to be available shortly

The discussion will be recorded by Franklin Matters and available on YouTube after the event.

350 Mass Greater Franklin node mtg Thursday, September 18, 7-9 PM, ZOOM ONLY

Dear Greater Franklin node member,

Our 350 Mass Greater Franklin node meeting will be held Tomorrow night, September 18th, 7:00-9:00 pm.  This will be a Zoom only meeting, link below. 

Meeting Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09
Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274    Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

350 Mass Greater Franklin node mtg

TOPICS:

* Updates on climate related legislative priorities

* Please read the linked articles which will form part of our discussion.

* Other

Linked Articles:

Boston Globe article: NE Offshore Wind article

Boston Globe article: Enbridge Gas Pipeline is back--again!

Map of pipeline

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PrWcUKvi9Hz9iXeGKHLko7_Q4O7Xvmd4/view?usp=sharing

Hoping to see you on Zoom Tomorrow night at 7 PM!

With gratitude,
Carolyn, Rand and Steve

508-335-0848 Carolyn cell

Time to get your Franklin (MA) Questions Answered: Weds, Sep 17, 11:00 AM at the Senior Center or via Zoom

 What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

                How come .... ?

Join Steve Sherlock, volunteer Community Information Director  for Franklin Matters, Franklin Public Radio for an informal and informative Q&A session. 

What is the session about?

• Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have.

Time to get your Questions Answered

When: Wednesday, Sep 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form, or check with the Library/ or Senior Center front desk, or email me:  https://forms.gle/Nh8RxkMtG1J1DGwj9

Zoning Board of Appeals adds a 1 agenda item meeting to Thursday, Sep 4, 2025

Thanks to the notification service implemented by the Town of Franklin's new web page, alerts on the meeting added to the calendar and to the agenda posted for the 5 PM session were received on Tuesday.

You can find the agenda on the Town page -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/Zoning-Board-of-Appeals-31/?#_09042025-1895

or view the agenda here:

Zoning Board of Appeals adds a 1 agenda item meeting to Thursday, Sep 4, 2025