Franklin School Committee hears concerns from teachers before vote to approve FY 2026 budget (video)

The Franklin School Committee conducted their meeting Tuesday, Feb 11, 2025 at Council Chambers with all 7 members present.  The major item on the agenda was the vote on the Superintendent's Recommended budget for FY 2026.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay here -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfqefUMtloU&t=51

The agenda doc can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/School-Committee-35/?#_02112025-1571 

Quick recap:

• The Keller Student Council stepped forward to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to open the meeting
• During the Superintendent's report, there was recognition of 4 FHS musicans who were selected to the All-State Music Fesitval; Emma Anderson (French horn), Ace Eagerman (string bass), Alex Fioavanti (?) and Emily Lou, (violin)
• During the discussion prior to the vote on the budget, a number of teachs from elementary, middle, and high school stepped up to comment
• on the decline of funding over the years
• the impact on the students and their educational development
• affects on college prep with a limit on foreign language options less than optimal
• and not talked off impacts to the new schedule at both elementary & middle levels while individual classes size is maintained within guidelines,the teacher work load increases
• The committee did vote 7-0 on the proposed budget, I assume it is possible to make further adjustments (as hoped for by some of the teachers) given the position we are in for this budget cycle
• The budget as approved does assume a successful  override althoughthat decision remains before the Town Council at a March meeting, after the listening session are completed. Date and amount of override to be determined
• School calendar for the 2025-2026 year was approved. It does start after Labor Day this year to enable the move to be completed. Resumption of pre-Labor Day start is expected for the next school year
• Discussion on a draft of the School Committee meeting calendar covered multiple topics mostly around the local election in November and to prepare for a new committee to be able to transition into their new role more easily than prior
• Motion to enter into Executive session, not to return to public meeting for contract negotiation discussions

My notes in one PDF doc

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xUU7zppEaNgj9xN442EdbZnFvnqI3VSM/view?usp=drive_link

slide from brief update on the FY 2026 school budget

FHS girls swim team take 1st & boys take 2nd in MIAA South Sectionals

via HockomockSports.com Staff, we can additional info on the MIAA South Sectional Swim meet results:

"Swimmers from the Hockomock League made a splash at the MIAA South Sectional meets over the weekend at MIT, especially on the girls side.

Hock swimmers took first place in eight of the 11 events on the girls side, three more boys swimmers were sectional champs, and the Franklin girls team earned a convincing win to secure its second South sectional title in the past three seasons.

Senior Harika Birali was the lone individual winner for the Panthers with a first-place finish in the 100 yard backstroke, and then teamed up with senior Kseniya Baghdasaryan, sophomore Ava Pecora, and senior Taylor O’Neil to win the 400 free relay. Despite just the two first place finishes, Franklin had a top seven finish in all but one race as its depth earned crucial points throughout the meet to finish with 229 points — well ahead of second place Dover-Sherborn."

Continue reading the article (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-girls-swimming-claims-south-sectional-crown/

Click here for a photo gallery from the Hockomock League Boys Swim Championship Meet

Click here for a photo gallery from the Hockomock League Girls Swim Championship Meet

For individual event results, a PDF for the FHS girls and boys via HockomockSports.com

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y85XtY2-4LO6ea9wZ75_RJWodNCEazYX/view?usp=drive_link

FHS girls swim team take 1st& boys take 2nd in MIAA South Sectionals

FHS girls and boys basketball teams top Milford on Tuesday

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

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 82 @ Milford, 67 – Final 

– The dynamic duo of seniors Caden Sullivan and Jake Olmstead proved to be unstoppable as the pair combined for 59 points to power the Panthers to a win on the road over Milford, clinching the Kelley-Rex division title outright for the third straight season. Olmstead tied a career-high — set a week ago — with 31 points while Sullivan hit 12 shots from the field, including four three-pointers, for 28 points. It marked the eighth game of the season that Sullivan has scored 25 or more points. The Panthers poured in 20 points in the first quarter and had a double-digit lead by halftime (38-26). A 23-point third quarter, including 11 from Olmstead, helped Franklin increase its lead to 61-46 going into the final frame. Senior Joseph Conlan was also in double figures for Franklin with 14 points. Senior Andrew Rivera led the Hawks with 17 points while senior Gustavo Coutinho and sophomore Matt Da Silva each scored 16 points.

Girls Basketball = Milford, 29 @ Franklin, 59 – Final 

– Franklin made sure there would be no upset in the penultimate league game of the season, jumping out to a 32-8 halftime lead over a shorthanded Milford squad and maintaining a first-place tie with KP. Chloe Fales and Mallory Santos combined for 13 points in the first quarter, as Franklin opened up an 18-4 lead. Lauryn DiGiorgio scored five in the second, as the Panthers again held Milford to just four points in the second. DiGiorgio scored another seven in the third, as Franklin scored 18 as a team to continue building on its lead. Fales led all scorers with 15, DiGiorgio scored 13, and Santos had 10 points. Emily Jansons had a career-high 11 to lead the Hawks, who were missing three starters. Amelia Maloney added five points in the loss.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-11-25/

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

How to Access Online Resources with your Franklin Library card

As you have noticed, I share pertinent articles from other legitimate media sources.

When I do that for the Boston Globe and NY Times, you can access the full article in the newspaper with a Franklin Public Library card. If you don't already have one, might be a good idea to get one.

There are a whole listing of online resources available with a library card. You'll need to go the Library page, Online resources, and then follow that link which will prompt you for your library card to get access. A few clicks but those clicks save you the subscription fee.

How to access the Online Resources step by step with the Boston Globe newspaper shown as an example:

Go to the Library page ->  https://franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library 

Select “Online Resources” as indicated by the red arrow

Select “Online Resources” as indicated by the red arrow

Scroll alphabetically, or chose the alpha section to the one you want

Scroll alphabetically, or chose the alpha section to the one you want

On the next screen enter your Library card # and then enjoy the online access to this resource

On the next screen enter your Library card # and then enjoy the online access to this resource

While these steps are the easy one two three for most of the databases, there are a few that require some extra steps. If you need help getting access please contact the library through the website contact forms (https://www.franklinma.gov/235/Contact-Us) or call the main line at 508-520-4941

Download this info as a one page PDF to remember or to share

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16jrK4oH3oAR7R0dcAtVHBbMBQzW__089/view?usp=drive_link

Introducing Our Postpartum Support Group!

Your Donation in Action:  Introducing Our Postpartum Support Group!  Dear Neighbor, We are thrilled to announce a new program within SAFE's systems of care. We recognized a critical gap in postpartum support for new and expectant mothers—there were no free clinical options in Norfolk County. Thanks to supporters like you, the SAFE Coalition is bridging that gap by launching the only free postpartum clinical support program, designed to nurture, connect, and empower mothers in our community.  This Program Features:  Peer Support & Therapy: Share experiences, insights, and coping strategies with other moms.  Expert Guidance: Sessions feature local lactation and feeding consultants, postpartum doulas, and therapists.  Participant-Led Discussions: Each session is shaped by your needs, drawing on practical, therapy-based approaches to support emotional well-being.  Expressive Arts: Explore hands-on, creative activities that help participant's express emotions, reduce stress, and support healing.  Meet the Facilitator: Dr. Stephanie Heath We're excited to have Stephanie leading our new Postpartum Support Group. As a clinical social worker specializing in maternal mental health, she brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to every session, ensuring that moms receive the supportive and personalized care they need. We believe in creating an accessible, supportive, and healing space where moms can come together, find community, and navigate the ups and downs of pregnancy and the postpartum period. If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, we encourage you to sign up for our next session beginning March 5th.    Your continued support allows SAFE to close these critical gaps in care—thank you for being part of our mission to nurture the well-being of mothers in our community. With gratitude,  Jennifer Levine CEO | Co-Founder Our Contact Information SAFE Coalition 31 Hayward St., Suite 2C Franklin, MA 02038-0434 508-488-8105 http://www.safecoalitionma.org

USAFacts: What are tariffs and how do they work?

• The US collected $77 billion in tariffs in 2024, making up 1.6% of federal revenue. Tariffs haven’t comprised more than 2.0% of total annual revenue since the 1960s. 
• Congress holds constitutional authority over tariffs but has delegated much of it to the president through legislation. Customs and Border Protection enforces tariff collections based on the type of goods, quantity, and country they come from. 

• 

  USAFacts: What are tariffs and how do they work?

  As of October 2024, the average tariff rate for bringing goods into the US is 3.4%. However, it varies based on the product, cost, quantity, and relationship with the exporting country. 
• The US follows World Trade Organization rules that standardize tariffs across member nations, but 14 free trade agreements and special exceptions allow for lower rates with specific partners. 
• When the US raises tariffs, US companies importing international goods pay those tariffs. This can indirectly raise prices for American consumers.

Continue reading more about tarrifs from USAFacts ->

https://usafacts.org/articles/what-are-tariffs-and-how-do-they-work/

Who is behind USAFacts? -> https://usafacts.org/about-usafacts/

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Wednesday, Feb 12, 2025

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Wednesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 9 AM)

• This segment features my conversation with Erin & Meg to get an update on the Children's Museum of Franklin -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/erin-meg-share-their-excitement-as.html

10:00 AM 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone    All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.

• Mark & Kim talk about "Interview with Karen MacNeil"
   -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode.html

11:00 AM 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 3 PM)

• This features my Town Council Quarterbacking session with Chair Tom Mercer as we condense the Council meeting of  2/05/25 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/tom-mercer-i-condense-town-council.html

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY

7:30 am     Mental Health: Joanne Spillane
8:30 am     Addressing Hate in School Sports
10:00 am     Vera Meyer: Glass Harmonica
11:30 am     Cooking Thyme: Lasagna
12:00 pm     Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers
12:30 pm     Cooking with Linda: Stir Fry
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:00 pm     New England Candlepins: Summer '19 Show 2
3:00 pm     Candlepin New Generation: Show 11
4:00 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Pt 1
5:00 pm     Concerts on the Common: Heartland Radio
8:00 pm     Shelley Otis: Harpist

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY

7:00 am     Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 3 01-15-19
8:30 am     Public School Event: Remington Winter Music 2022
10:00 am     Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament
11:00 am     Lifelong Music: Strings School 01-22-25
12:30 pm     FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Attleboro 02-05-25
3:00 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Pt 1
5:00 pm     Hockomock League Swim Championships Day 1 2025
8:30 pm     Hockomock League Swim Championship Day 2 2025

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY

8:00 am     Town Council 02-05-25
2:00 pm     Town Council 02-05-25
7:00 pm      Joint Budget Subcommittee  REM-JEFF SCHOOL (No Zoom)

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

The countdown begins for Dean College "Global Day of Giving" on Feb 19

Global Day of Giving is just a week away

But you can get in early... Make your gift now and be counted on the big day (February 19, 2025). Whether you want to support Student Activities, Study Away, the Dean Fund, scholarships or Athletics - you can help them get a running start! Click below for your early access! Give now

Dean College - Institutional Advancement | 99 Main Street Dean Hall | Franklin, MA 02038 US

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 ???

Tuesday, February 11

1:00pm The Underground Railroad (Franklin Senior Center)

6:00pm Family Game Night (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Musical Bingo (Raillery Public House)

7:00pm FBRTC Rail Trail Cmte Mtg (Franklin TV and Radio Studio)

**   Town Meetings today   **

6:00 PM Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting        

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02112025-1569 

7:00 PM Design Review Meeting            

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/277?fileID=3598 

7:00 PM Franklin School Committee Meeting            

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/School-Committee-35/?#_02112025-1571 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

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 Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

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-calendars

Knights of Columbus Scholarship Program 2025

The Knights of Columbus 1847 St Mary Parish Franklin is accepting applications for The Robert Simmler PGK, Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council Scholarships. They are offering two scholarships, one in the sum of $3000 and the second $1000 scholarship.  

The applicants must be a registered member of St Mary’s Parish in Franklin and must be graduating from High School in Spring 2025 and progressing onto their first year of study at a 2- or 4-year college/university.  All interested applicants please submit a completed scholarship application postmarked on or before the application deadline of March 28, 2025

The application form is available from the banner on the St Mary parish website www.stmarysfranklin.org  or on the Knights of Columbus website https://www.kofc1847.org/  

Please fill in ALL information accurately and clearly, and then submit the completed application to

Knights of Columbus Scholarship Program 2025

Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council 1847

St Mary’s Parish c/o Michael Swan 

38 Madison Ave. 

Franklin MA 02038

The scholarship recipients will receive payment upon completion of their 1st semester of studies and upon proof of enrollment in the 2nd semester.

If more information is needed, please contact Mike Swan: 508-404-4792