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 

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

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

Book & virtual author & conversation & liquid beverages & snacks at Pour Richard's Aug 17

Book & virtual author & conversation &
sip & snack at Pour Richard's Aug 17

book: The Correspondent
author: Virginia Evans
location: Franklin, MA
host: Pour Richard’s
date: August 17th
time: 2-5PM

In partnership with Pour Richard’s Wine Shop in Franklin, MA we are excited to have you join us for a dayTREAT! What is a dayTREAT?

A little taste of one of our weekend retreats or summer camps! Join us at Pour Richard’s Wine Shop in Franklin, MA for an afternoon of BOOKISH BLISS! YOUR TICKET INCLUDES: AUTHOR CHAT with Virginia Evans. In this virtual chat and Q&A, she will be discussing her debut book, The Correspondent. WELCOME GIFT of The Correspondent and some Book a Break Goodies. BOOKISH CRAFTS to create on site and take home after the event. PLOT TWIST: you came for books, but Pour Richard’s is serving up swoon-worthy sips and snacks that might just steal the show. A little taste here, a new favorite there… suddenly your reading break comes with a charcuterie pairing.

TICKET DETAILS -> https://www.bookabreak.org/retreats/p/book-a-break-daytreat-ka7rl

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DM-TAh0xPaX/

Congressman Auchincloss Extends An invitation for Virtual Update and Q&A session Monday, July 21

Hi neighbor, On Monday, July 21st, I'll be hosting a Virtual Update and Q&A to discuss the future of health care. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and hear how President Trump's policies through the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" will impact health care and Medicaid coverage in Massachusetts, and how we can respond. Health Care Edition: Congressional Update and Q&A with Rep. Jake Auchincloss and special guest Michael A. Curry, Esq.  President & CEO, Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers Monday, July 21st 7:15 pm – 8:15 pm  RSVP for the Zoom link HERE   Sincerely, Jake Auchincloss WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Street Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110

Ali Rheaume to present session virtually on Disability Awareness - Aug 27, 2025

Via Ali Rheaume

Ali Rheaume to present session virtually
on Disability Awareness - Aug 27, 2025

I'll be presenting this and highly encourage attending to learn more about:

• handicap parking
• handicap restroom stalls
• supporting people who navigate disability
• socializing with people navigating disability

Register free: https://biama.org/event/guest-lecture-series-disability-awareness-virtual/

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ZtTduj8Ax/

Franklin, MA: Agenda for School Cmte Mtg - Virtual Only - scheduled for June 24, 2025

Franklin School Committee 

June 24, 2025 - 7:00 PM

~~VIRTUAL ONLY~~

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

Announcements from the Chair

Pledge of Allegiance

 

Franklin, MA: Agenda for School
Cmte Mtg - Virtual Only -
scheduled for June 24, 2025

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. none

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. DECA trip to VA

I recommend approval of the request of Emily Rosborough to take DECA students to Arlington, VA from November 21 - 23, 2025 as detailed. 

B. Girls Basketball Trip to ME

I recommend approval of the request of John Leighton to take the Girls Basketball team to Augusta and Portland, ME from December 26 - 27, 2025 as detailed. 

C. Disposition of Student Activity Accounts

I recommend approval of disposition of student activity accounts as discussed. 

D. Recommendation to open FMS Student Activity Accounts and close Existing MS Activity Accounts

I recommend opening of Franklin Middle School Student activity accounts and closing the existing middle school student activity accounts as discussed. 

E. User Fees

I recommend approval of the FY25-26 User Fees as discussed

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. none

V. Information Matters

A. none

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your June 10, 2025 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Review of Executive Session Minutes for Declassification

I recommend review of executive session minutes for declassification as discussed.

C. Surplus

I recommend declaring the attached list of curriculum resources and supplies as surplus

 

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

Agenda doc -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5789326/SCAGENDA_6-24-25.pdf

Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/june-24%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet---virtual-only-(link-in-agenda)/822105

Franklin, MA: School Cmte - Policy Subcmte - meeting agenda for virtual only session June 24 at 6 PM

FRANKLIN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Policy Subcommittee Meeting

DATE: 6/24/25 TIME: 6:00 – 6:30 PM

A G E N D A

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may, in fact, be discussed, and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

I. Attendance -

II. Distribution of Approved Policies

A. EB - Safety Program

B. EBB - First Aid

C. EBC - Emergency Plans

D. EBCD - Emergency Closings

III. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee

A. None

IV. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item

A. Review of FY26 User Fees

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5788592/6_24_25_Policy_Subcommittee_Agenda___1_.pdf

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node to meeting virtually Thursday, May 15

Hey, everybody! 

Apologies for the late reminder, but it's been a busy week! 

Our 350 Mass Greater Franklin node meeting will be held TONIGHT, May 15, 7:00-9:00 pm. This will be a Zoom only meeting.

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274 Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

Our node is currently focusing on setting up legislative meetings for members who live in Franklin, Milford, and Mendon. North Attleboro meetings have already happened. 

Does anyone receiving this email want to be part of a legislative meeting to encourage legislators to cosponsor the 350 Mass priority legislation? 

If interested, please reply to Carolyn on this email so I can keep track. carolyncbarthel@gmail.com

This legislative session is CRITICAL to Massachusetts making the transition from gas to renewable energy and we need everyone's help to succeed! 

We'll update organizing for legislative meetings, briefly share town updates, some campaign updates and Governor Healey's legislative proposal from Monday, and leave the floor open for topics members want to discuss.

See you TONIGHT ON ZOOM!

With gratitude,

Carolyn

Congressman Auchincloss invites you for a Virtual Update and Q&A - March 24

Hi neighbor, On Monday, March 24, 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. Virtual Update and Q&A with Congressman Jake Auchincloss Monday, March 24, 2025 7:15pm – 8:15pm RSVP for the Zoom link HERE *By registering for this event, you grant our office permission to send you future communications and updates. Sincerely, Jake Auchincloss WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Street Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110

ALERT: Different Mar 20, 2025 meeting instead of 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node mtg

Hey, 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node members,

We're going to do things a little differently this Thursday's meeting time as it's the season for campaign launches!

This Thursday is the launch of the 350 Mass Save Money With Clean Heat campaign from 7:00-9:00pm on Zoom.

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node

This is ordinarily our bi-monthly meeting only on Zoom anyway, so I think it's advantageous to use it to become familiar with the campaign.

Perhaps you saw in the Climate Weekly newsletter that the Make Polluters Pay campaign launch was last Sunday in Boston. Here is today's Climate Weekly:

Last Sunday, 350 Mass, Mass Power Forward and our whole coalition gathered to launch the 2025-2026 Make Polluters Pay campaign! For decades, big fossil fuel companies have made trillions of dollars while destroying our shared environment. It's time to make polluters pay. Thank you to the volunteers who planned the event and our speakers, including Iselle Barrios of the Massachusetts Youth Climate Coalition (MYCC) and Tristan Thomas of Alternatives for Community and the Environment (ACE).  Watch a recording of the launch and learn more about the campaign at the Polluters Pay website.

IN ANY CASE, I'd like to propose everyone register for and attend this Thursday's Save Money with Clean Heat launch instead of having a regular node meeting.

The registration for the Save Money with Clean Heat campaign launch Zoom is here. See you on Zoom!

With gratitude,

Carolyn

Boston Globe: "In re-filed bill, Healey takes second swing to allow cities and towns to raise taxes on hotels, meals, cars"

"Governor Maura Healey on Friday filed legislation geared toward cities and towns that would cement the option for hybrid public meetings, and allow local leaders to raise the tax rate on hotel stays, meals, and cars in their borders.

The sprawling proposal, which Healey previewed to municipal leaders at the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s annual conference in Boston last week, mirrors parts of legislation that Healey filed a year ago, which died in the Legislature.

Among those provisions she’s reintroducing are three tax proposals that her administration last year estimated could collectively generate more than $150 million in new annual tax revenue for towns and cities.

Boston Globe: "In re-filed bill, Healey takes second
swing to allow cities and towns to
raise taxes on hotels, meals, cars"

They include a provision that would allow towns and cities to collect a 1 percent tax on meals in restaurants and local stores, up from the current 0.75 percent maximum. Healey’s bill would also create an option for cities and towns to charge an additional 5 percent on the motor vehicle excise fee residents pay."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required) ->

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/01/31/metro/healey-municipal-bill-taxes/

or 

Link to legislation document -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/healey-files-mea/download

Link to Gov Healey's press release -> https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-files-municipal-empowerment-bill-to-enhance-ability-of-local-leaders-to-deliver-high-quality-services-for-their-communities

Come to 350 Mass Greater Franklin node meeting Thursday, Nov 21 (virtual meeting)

Hi, everyone!

Our 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node meeting will be tomorrow night at 7 PM! Our meeting will be a Zoom only meeting from 7:00-9:00pm. Please join us!

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

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274    Passcode: 350ma
Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

Take a look at a full rundown of the climate bill that passed last week and we'll discuss at the meeting. 

We could also talk about a useful article in this authoritarian time. 

Come to 350 Mass Greater Franklin node meeting Thursday, Nov 21  (virtual meeting)

I'm not entirely sure what else we should talk about at tomorrow's meeting, so I want to encourage you to send me an email with suggestions.

Come learn what more you can do!  

For more news about ongoing and upcoming events, please sign up for the Climate Weekly email. Also, check out upcoming events on the 350 Mass website.

WE NEED YOUR THOUGHTS AND VOICES, JOIN US!

With gratitude,

Node Co-coordinators 

Carolyn Barthel and Steve Derdiarian

508-335-0848 Carolyn's cell