Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for meeting Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025

Franklin School Committee

March 11, 2025 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance 

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. Capital Projects and Facilities Improvements Presentation

B. District Transportation Presentation

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Competency Determination Language in FHS Program of Studies (POS)

I recommend the suggested changes in the Competency Determination Language in the FHS Program of Studies as detailed.  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5389749/Discussion_Action_A_-_Competency_Determination_Language.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. 2025-26 User Fee Discussion

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your February 4, 2025 Budget Open Hearing Meeting and February 11, 2025 School Committee Meeting as detailed.

B. JFK Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $2,050.00 from the JFK PCC for field trips as detailed.

C. FHS Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $2550.00 for FHS as follows:

$50.00 Clair Cox - Supplemental Supplies- Athletics (in memory of Kathy Bonney)

$2500.00 Marguerite Brackley - Jim Gray Scholarship

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Adjournment

Agenda doc also contina remote participation info ->

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5388334/SCAGENDA_3-11-25.pdf

Meeting packet contains other docs released for this meeting, additional will be added here after the meeting

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/march-11%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/770110

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for meeting Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025

Faranklin School Committee newsletter for March 2025 is available

The Franklin School Committee newsletter for March 2025 is now available! 

School Committee newsletter for March 2025

February was a budget-heavy month with key updates on the FPS FY26 budget, the town's structural deficit, insights from the Legislative Forum with Senator Rausch and Representative Roy, and the Town Administrator's Preliminary FY26 Budget. 

Stay informed on upcoming community listening sessions, the newly approved 2025-2026 school calendar, and exciting spring events. 

Read it here:  

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5382574/20250306_-_Franklin_School_Committee_Newsletter_-_March_6__2025.pdf

Historic Happenings at the Franklin Historical Museum for March 2025

Sunday, March 9 -- Second Sunday Speaker Series:  

Historical Commission Chair, Alan Earls, will lead a presentation and discussion about the 100+ year story of Clark Cutler, McDermott, the very successful local maker of (mostly) non-woven textiles at the Franklin Historical Museum. Originally founded in 1911 to manufacture horse blankets, Clark Cutler became a pioneering supplier of “grass” for the newly popular amusement, Miniature Golf, developed patented vibration reduction material still used in industrial processes today, and became a key supplier to the global auto industry. If you or a family member worked at the company, please bring your stories! Museum is open from1-4, program starts at 1:15. FREE

Sunday, March 16 -- “Third Sunday” Music at the Museum program => POSTPONED   to SUN MAR. 30

Franklin Historical Museum

Our March Third Sunday "Music at the Museum" program has been POSTPONED to March 30. The program offers a deep (but accessible!) dive into 12-tone or serial composition -- a very influential aspect of "modern" music that emerged in Vienna about a century ago and was widely championed by composer Arnold Schoenberg.  Over time, the technique increased greatly in popularity and eventually became widely influential on Mid 20th-century and later composers. Many important composers who had originally actively opposed the technique, such as Aaron Copland and Igor Stravinsky, eventually adopted it in their music and its influence even appears at times in popular music. Historical Commission Member and Music Educator Randy LaRosa will lead the discussion of the mysteries and pleasures of this musical philosophy that continues to challenge and inspire creatives. Museum open 1-4, program starts at 1:15. FREE

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10AM-1PM (except as noted above) and Sunday afternoons from 1:00PM-4:00PM. 

When visiting the museum, please consider donating a non-perishable item for the Franklin Food Pantry.    Questions? Contact Alan Earls at 508 560 3786.    

Visit us online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.com

Children's Museum Update: You can help them open their doors this spring

We just left the @franklindowntownpartnership meeting and, feeling energized and excited, headed straight to the building to check in. Over the next week, this background is going to transform - sheetrock will go up and the old garage bay will be replaced with massive windows. Erin wants to go into construction; Meg says no. 😂😂

Shortly after that, exhibits will begin to arrive. Can you believe it?! 

This is where it gets exciting, vibrant, and the momentum will build. This is where YOU come in. We can’t open until we meet our funding needs. 

Please consider a donation and share onwards with your network or your organization. 

Children's Museum Update Erin & Meg

YOU have the potential to create powerful impact in your community, to create opportunities for generations of kids and families, to establish legacy for YOUR family.

Learn more at childrensmuseumfranklin.org/open and join us to OPEN THE DOORS!

With gratitude,
Erin and Meg

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DG3owjCRpdN/

The presentation document shared at the Downtown Partnerhsip meeting Thursday  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BQ_rjKfA1bMD54-YdW5LlKtRJdQnW2hk/view?usp=drive_link

If you missed the conversation with Erin & Meg in February, you can listen to it here ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/erin-meg-share-their-excitement-as.html

Lunch: Local Grass Fed Beef from Weatherlow Farms in Westport, MA served with Roasted Bok Choy, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Carrots

https://youtube.com/shorts/SRwB08bsGgU

To watch the video on how it was made click: https://youtube.com/shorts/SRwB08bsGgU

Franklin High School featured Local Grass Fed Beef from Weatherlow Farms in Westport, MA served with Roasted Bok Choy, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Carrots!

We used the top round cut to make our scratch made Beef Ramen Bar for lunch today!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/19zNQPgdDh/

Franklin Police Leadership camp registration is now Open

Franklin Police Leadership camp registration is now Open

Great news for parents of middle school kids, registration for the Franklin Police Leadership Camp is now open!  

Camp will run from July 28th to August 1st this year.  

Please follow this link https://www.franklinma.gov/FormCenter/Police-7/Franklin-Police-Leadership-Camp-2025-113? or scan the QR code on our flyer to sign your camper up.  

Registration will be limited and as always seats are first come first serve.

Help GlenPharmer celebrate turning 5 🥳 !!!

5 ways to celebrate with us 👀

Copyright © 2025 GlenPharmer Distillery, LLC, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 860 West Central Street Franklin, MA 02038

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Social Security to Reinstate Overpayment Recovery Rate to 100%

The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced it will increase the default overpayment withholding rate for Social Security beneficiaries to 100 percent of a person’s monthly benefit. The Office of the Chief Actuary estimates this change will result in an increase in overpayment recoveries (i.e., a program savings) of about $7 billion in the next decade.

“We have the significant responsibility to be good stewards of the trust funds for the American people,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “It is our duty to revise the overpayment repayment policy back to full withholding, as it was during the Obama administration and first Trump administration, to properly safeguard taxpayer funds.”

The agency strives to pay the right person the right amount at the right time, and issues correct payments to most beneficiaries. When an overpayment does occur, the agency is required by law to seek repayment.

SSA to Reinstate Overpayment Recovery Rate to 100%

As of March 27, the agency will begin mailing notices about the new 100 percent withholding rate, rather than the recent adjustment of just 10 percent. The withholding rate change applies to new overpayments related to Social Security benefits. The withholding rate for current beneficiaries with an overpayment before March 27 will not change and no action is required. The withholding rate for Supplemental Security Income overpayments remains 10 percent.

Continue reading about this change ->

https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-to-reinstate-overpayment-recovery-rate/?

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, March 8, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It ia available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Time/Day	Saturday
7:00 AM	Jazz Journey 1 - Hines
8:00 AM	Jazz Journey 2 - Hines
9:00 AM	Wine - Lenzi/Simone
10:00 AM	Frank's Music - Falvey
11:00 AM	Music
12:00 Noon	Music
1:00 PM	Wine - Lenzi/Simone
2:00 PM	FM Radio - Sherlock
3:00 PM	FM Gov - Sherlock
4:00 PM	FM News - Sherlock
5:00 PM	Frank Musings/Presents - Falvey
6:00 PM	Turntable - Vibe/PaulyG
7:00 PM	Turntable - Vibe/PaulyG
8:00 PM	Blues - Derick/Remissong
9:00 PM	Blues - Derick/Remissong
10:00 PM	Music

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday

Watch, Listen, Read: Joint Budget Listening Session #4 - 03/04/25

This combines the video, audio, and transcript for the 4th of the 6 listenting sessions in advance of the possible override decision/discussion for the FY 2026 budget.

This is the fourth 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=iCbOgOSGCAI 

** Listen

audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1393-joint-budget-listening-session-4-03-04-25/  

** 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/1p--f1IFeDVCerj94dprC1nLinoGqMreR/view?usp=drive_link

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

The agenda doc ->  https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02122025-1560

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 

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, March 7, 2025 ???

Friday, March 7

• "Look Up" Gallery (during open hours)

10:00am  Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

3:45pm "Look Up" Gallery - Opening Event (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm FHS Jazz Cafe (Franklin High School)

7:00pm Friday night West Coast Swing Lesson (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)

8:00pm Friday night West Coast Swing Dance (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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

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

Rise Up Reminders: "Look Up Gallery" Opening Event - March 7 - 3:45 PM

Hey everyone,

Two quick reminders:

1. I'll be hosting an event at the Franklin Library, Friday, March 7, 3:45-4:45 PM to view my art gallery and celebrate Brain Injury Awareness Month. I'd love to have you join!!

2. There is NO Rise Up in March. We will resume in April, which will most likely be an outdoor gathering at the Sculpture Park for a special Accessible Earth Day event... stay tuned! 

Be well!

Rise Up Reminders: "Look Up Gallery" Opening Event - March 7 - 3:45 PM

Franklin PorchFest 2025 - Call for Bands and Porches: Register NOW Thru April 30!

Porchfest is coming back to Franklin, MA!! PorchFest an outdoor music event that will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM with a rain date of June 8th. 

Franklin PorchFest 2025

Come spend the day in Franklin’s beautiful Cultural District while listening to live music. Sole performers and full bands of all genres will be performing on porches and patios throughout the district. This walkable event is also the perfect opportunity to check out our local shops and restaurants. Public bathrooms will be available. 

If you would like to host a band or performer on your Porch or if you have a band or are a performer and would be interested in performing at Franklin PorchFest, go to Franklin PorchFest and register for the event.  All the information you need to register is on our website Franklin PorchFest. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 

Franklin PorchFest is made possible with investment funds granted from the Mass Cultural Council through the Franklin Cultural District and Town of Franklin. 

Save the date! Bands and Porches register now, we look forward to seeing you June 7th!  Web page -> https://franklin.porchfest.info/