Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
FM #1364-65-66 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1364-65-66 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 28, 2024. 6 of the 7 members participated (6 in Chambers, 1 absent - Sompally).
1364 is the full school committee meeting in one audio file
1365 is the start of the meeting through to the end of the Middle School Math
1366 starts with the FY 2026 budget presentation and runs to the end
Quick recap
The middle school math curriculum program is being revised to meet MA Curriculum Framework guidelines and to better meet the needs for a solid foundation in math for all students.
The FY 2026 budget was presented and multiple questions from the committee to clarify the details. $80M is being requested, 3.78% more than prior year but within the guidelines offered by the Town Administrator which also assuming successful passage of the possible override
The schools do achieve significant savings with the redistricting. 34 positions are reassigned within the district, 20 positions ultimately will be reduced. For the non-redistricted budget: it would be a >$6M increase from last year. About $3M more than level service that is being requested for this year
The budget timeline was laid out which includes a budget hearing Feb 4, School Committee vote on Feb 11, the Joint Budget listening sessions, before the Finance Committee hearings in April and Town Council hearings in May
What was not discussed, but is on the timeline, is the Town Council consideration of the possible override at a March meeting AFTER the listening sessions complete. The decision for yes or no on the override, and if yes, to determine a date and an amount are to be expected
The decision to release the Parmenter facility to the Town was approved. Consideration of the alleged Parmenter family requirement for the land to be kept in school use was made but based upon Town Attorney advice that the deed does not include such a provision, the decision was made to proceed. Vote on this was 6-0-1 (1 absent, 6 for)
Three sets of policy modifications were made per DESE request to bring language of the policy into compliance with current requirements. Vote on this was 6-0-1 (1 absent, 6 for)
Motion to enter into executive session for contract negotiations, not to return to open session was made and approved. The vote on this was 6-0-1 (1 absent, 6 for)
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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3 Options to listen to the School Cmte Mtg; dive into Middle School Math, or to the FY 2026 Budget, or get the whole thing (audio)
Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, January 31, 2025
Boys Basketball = King Philip, 42 @ Franklin, 56 – Final
– King Philip came out and put Franklin on upset alert with a strong first quarter but the Panthers responded with a big second quarter and led the rest of the way. Jack Assini (13 points) scored nine points in the first and Tommy Kilroy (11 points) had five to help the Warriors stake a 17-8 lead after eight minutes but Franklin’s offense roared to life with a 23-point second quarter to earn a 31-26 halftime lead. Zach Allen, who ended with a career-high 15 points, gave the Panthers a big boost with eight points, including a pair of triples, while Wyatt Herndon (nine points) added two trifectas to get Franklin in front. Caden Sullivan (13 points), Jake Olmstead, and Justice Samuels (11 points) each had five points in the third to keep the hosts ahead, 46-40, going into the fourth and Franklin’s defense took over from there, limiting the Warriors to two points in the fourth. KP senior Brandon Nicastro was the third Warrior in double figures with 10 points.
Girls Basketball = Franklin, 42 @ King Philip, 54 – Final
Josh Perry || HockomockSports.com Managing Editor provides the game recap ->
"Throughout the first half of Friday night’s Kelley-Rex title showdown in the Wooden Gym, King Philip felt like it was on the verge of being able to pull away and put some distance between itself and Franklin, but the Panther kept finding ways to answer back.
In the third quarter, that changed. The Warriors went on a 16-0 run and outscored Franklin 18-3 overall to turn a three-point game into a comfortable 20-point cushion.
Although the Panthers responded with 16 points in the fourth, KP never looked that troubled over the final eight minutes and celebrated a 54-42 victory. It was KP’s first win over the Panthers since December 2013, a stretch of 22 games, and it moved the teams into a first-place tie with four league games remaining."
Continue reading the article online (subscription required)
Franklin Town Administrator voted by statewide municipal colleagues to serve as President
The Town of Franklin is pleased to announce that our Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen, has been voted by his colleagues throughout Massachusetts as the 2025 President of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) Board of Directors. The MMA Board of Directors are made up of municipal leaders, including Town Managers, Mayors, City Councillors, Select Board and Finance Committee members from throughout Massachusetts.
“I am deeply honored that my colleagues throughout Massachusetts chose and voted to have me serve as MMA President this year”, said Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. “Make no mistake, this appointment is less about me personally, but more so recognizes the deep respect that municipal officials across the entire state have for the Town of Franklin. This is a reflection of the creativity, innovation and leadership every single member of our town and school staff have across Massachusetts. This is a team win; the entire town and school staff and Franklin Town Council should be exceptionally proud of their continuous work to distinguish Franklin.”
Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen (left) will serve as president of the MMA and Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove (right) will serve as vice president. (MMA Photo)
Mr. Hellen was appointed at a Board of Directors meeting last weekend at the Connect 351 annual conference of municipal leaders in Boston. Over a dozen officials from Franklin attended the conference, including Massachusett Municipal Councillors Association (MMCA) member and Franklin Town Councillor, Melanie Hamblen.
“I am really proud that Franklin has a leadership role in the MMA and a seat at the table with respect to state policy impacting local government” said Town Councilor, Melanie Hamblen, who serves as a member of the MMCA and on many committees, including the Nominating Selection Committee for City Councillors to the MMA Board of Directors. “It is clear many communities across Massachusetts view Franklin as a role model given the leadership the Town has demonstrated over the years. Few people have as much passion, dedication and commitment to public service as Jamie. I am personally very happy for him and our community to be recognized in this way.”
As President of MMA, Mr. Hellen will serve a one year term through next year's annual conference in 2026. The main responsibility of the President is to Chair the monthly Board of
Directors meetings, as well as facilitating the Local Government Advisory Council (LGAC) with Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. Each LGAC meeting features top state officials, such as state cabinet secretaries to collaborate on policy decisions at the state level that affect cities and towns.
Mr. Hellen will serve as the 49th President in MMA history. Many longtime residents may also recall that Mr. Hellen’s predecessor, Jeff Nutting, also served as the 33rd MMA President in 2009. The President role rotates between Municipal Mayors, Managers, City Councillors and Select Board members annually. Mr. Hellen will serve as the 15th Town Manager/Administrator in history.
“I’ve been fortunate to serve this community for over four decades on both the Town Council, School Committee and many other town boards. It is never lost on me how fortunate this town has been with respect to leadership and management in our town administration, department heads and school administration” said Tom Mercer, Chair of the Franklin Town Council. “Jamie stepped in for Jeff right away, even before Day 1, and this recognition shows how respected the Town of Franklin is across Massachusetts. The entire community should be really proud of the dedication and success we have had from both Jeff and Jamie over the past 25 years.”
If you prefer to give by check, please make your check payable to St. Mary Parish (mention the St. Mary Parish Fire Fund). You can mail it to; St. Mary Parish, 1 Church Square, Franklin MA, 02038 or drop it by the Rectory.
Thank you in advance for your kind and generous financial support of this effort.
May God continue to bless you.
🎯Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2 are the target dates for our first Masses in our primary worship space “upstairs.”
We’re so excited for our 5th “FPAC in NYC” concert at The Green Room 42 in NYC on February 16th at 9:30 PM! We can’t wait to reveal our lineup of singers…
5th “FPAC in NYC” concert
Join FPAC performers, alums, and guests as they celebrate the Franklin Performing Arts Company! Hosted by your Broadway buddy Ben Cameron (Wicked, Footloose, Aida)! Directed by FPAC Artistic Director Raye Lynn Mercer with Music Direction by Caleb McCarroll.
FPAC has a long history of bringing Broadway talent to Franklin, Massachusetts for roles in musicals and plays, special concerts, and more.
The February 16th show brings the Franklin Performing Arts Company to New York City! The Broadway stars, FPAC favorites, and emerging artists featured in the lineup have all graced THE BLACK BOX stage in Franklin.
"President Trump issued an executive order to find out what education funds he can legally rescind based on curriculum he doesn’t like. Existing law already answers that question —nothing."
In the middle of school budgeting where Federal Funds do play a role
Note page 28 of the FY 2026 FPS Superintendent Budget as presented Jan 28, 2025 reflects a total of approx. $250K from Federal Funds (Title I, II, III, IV) which is insignificant on an $80M budget. It is money but not much.
Registration for our 2025 season will be opening very soon, but before that we have a fantastic opportunity for our players to be coached by our very own head coach Todd Kiley and his FHS Panther Football Staff and Players.
Please note that you will register directly through the link that is on the flyer.
Spots are very limited so please do not hesitate signing up as the intention is to keep camp numbers low so that the athletes are coached at a low ratio of athletes to coaches.
Please reach out with any questions. We hope to see everyone at camp in July.
