School Committee recognizes Boys Basketball & Cheerleaders; hears of High School & Middle School updates (video)

The School Committee met as scheduled Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in the Council Chambers. 6 of the 7 members were present in Chambers, one participated remotely (Gallagher). All votes were recorded via roll call.

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/RwZ6HFEvzx8?&t=95

The meeting agenda can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03252025-1651 

Documents released for this agenda after the meeting can be found ->

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/march-25%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/776268

Quick recap:

• During the Superintendent's Report recognition was made of the Boys Basketball team for their first State D1 Championship. Recognition also made of the Cheerleaders with their National Championship muliple years doing so
• One team is still in competition, that is the FHS Theatre Co is scheduled to perform in the finals on Friday, with results known on Saturday evening. Tickets available via the website metg.org
• France, England & Scotland Field Trip - Nikki Hafele - an EF Tour proposed for 2026, approved via roll call by 7-0 vote
• Franklin High School Update - Dr. Weber, H McVay - an update on the course selection process and student choices within that, discussion also around budget and range of offerings as well as the trend of choices seems to be changing
• Middle School Reorganization Update - Mr. Williams; Evolution of the master schedule, mention of the must haves, can haves and nice to haves...
• A unique year to do a middle school experience for all three grades, but thereafter would be for the incoming new 6th grade as they get welcomed from the future 2 elementary sending schools
• Policy - 1st Read & Elimination - I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading: ACA - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Elimination: ACA-R - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Under Title IX Including Sex-Based Harassment; Motion to move to second, passes via roll call 7-0
• Motion to enter Executive Session not to return to public session, passes 7-0 via roll call

My notes captured in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PEGYx0qPwSu93ymlY0Xn7y57Rd0_s-kY/view?usp=drive_link

FHS boys basketball State D1 Champs pose with School Committee

FHS cheerleaders multiple times National Champs pose with School Committee

Listen to how the FHSTC performance of the Yellow Boat got to sail to the State Finals (audio)

FM #1413 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1413 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with key members of the Franklin High School Theatre Co’s production of The Yellow Boat.

• Virginia Bernstein (Ginny)

• Eden Donovan

• Aiden Sheppard

We had our discussion in person in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, March 24, 2025. 

 

We do a round of introductions so they can provide some info about themselves then we get into talking about

• Theater and what it means to them

• The impact of the budget cuts and the recovery with “Yellow Boat”

• The production process (auditions, casting, rehearsals, etc.)

• Competition (on the road vs. hosted)

• Learning and sharing key aspects of life with the performance

The recording runs about 38 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1413-fhs-theatre-co-yellowboat-03-24-25/

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Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild (METG) schedule for finals

https://metg.org/high-school-festival/2025-finals.html 

The finals will be announced Saturday, March 29 beginning at 8 PM

Origin Theatrical link to The Yellow Boat

https://origintheatrical.com.au/work/8527 

Follow the FHS Theatre Co on Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/fhstc/

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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. 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 Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

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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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Listen to how the FHSTC performance of the Yellow Boat got to sail to the State Finals (audio)

BEN's Bulletin: Budget and Stobbart's

Seeking opportunities for smart new growth!

BEN's Bulletin (03/24/25)   Weather and agendas are heating up! With Franklin's budget constraints, it is increasingly important for the community to find smart opportunities for new tax revenue that doesn't place further strain on the Town's expenses.  Interested in what's happening at the state level? Join our partner organization Abundant Housing Massachusetts for their Statewide Policy Webinar next Thursday. As always, please join our monthly meeting (every third Thursday at 7pm) at Franklin TV or virtually at the following link: meet.ben4franklin.org. Key Agenda Items This month, we're sharing expanded thoughts on the proposed housing development at 444 E Central Street ("Stobbart's") as well as providing the regular BEN's Take on upcoming meetings. Click HERE for live links to the agenda items.   Stobbart's Nursery (444 E Central Street) On Thursday, the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will have a public hearing on a proposed 264-unit "Friendly 40B" affordable housing development, across five buildings and a clubhouse, on the site of Stobbart's Nursery on E Central St. The project was endorsed by the Franklin Town Council and advances Master Plan goals. Here are a few quick reasons why BEN believes the project would make Franklin stronger: Promotes affordability Increases the supply of smaller units, which are in high demand and offer more attainable housing options for young professionals, seniors, and working families. 25% of units are deed-restricted as affordable, ensuring more residents can live and work in Franklin without being priced out. Supports neighborhood vibrancy and community connections Brings new residents to support businesses along East Central Street, strengthening the increasingly mixed-used commercial corridor. Location near other housing developments and the future bus route transforms the stretch into a connected and accessible neighborhood. Strengthens Franklin's financial health Generates significantly more tax revenue than single-family homes without the added infrastructure costs (road maintenance, etc.). Provides much-needed revenue to help Franklin address budget challenges and maintain high-quality public services.  MYTH-BUSTING: Many opposed to new homes cite the costs of education and emergency services. In fact, projects like these generate substantially more revenue than incremental additional service costs. Ensures sustainable growth and preservation Develops housing in an already built-up and serviced area, preventing further sprawl and preserving open spaces. Transit- and commercial- accessible location reduces car traffic and promotes pedestrian activity. What We're Consuming How Mass. can streamline homebuilding (Boston Globe) State commission on housing production targets single-family zoning, other sweeping reforms (Boston Globe) Finding the Fit: How Parking Policies Shape Our Neighborhoods and Determine Housing Outcomes (Metropolitan Area Planning Council) Recovery Playbook: Back to Downtown & Main Street (Jonathan Berk) Reach out with any comments or questions. Thanks! The BEN Brigade Know someone else who may be interested in this content? Please share! Newsletter Sign Up Ben 4 Franklin, 23 Hutchinson St, Franklin, MA Send free email today

Franklin Food Pantry responds to questions on changes to Federal nutrition programs

Many of our supporters have asked about changes to federal nutrition programs and the impact on the Franklin Food Pantry. While we can’t predict the future, we want to reassure you that thanks to our dedicated staff, committed Board, and incredible volunteers, we are confident that we are in a position to adapt and find solutions to whatever comes our way. 

Franklin Food Pantry responds to questions
on changes to Federal nutrition programs

Your continued support is as important as ever. 

Together we will make sure our neighbors continue to receive the care and resources they need. 

Together, we’re stronger — and together, we’ll keep making a difference. 

❤️ #FranklinFoodPantry #CommunityStrong #TogetherWeCan #EndHunger

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/18qpoSEUCq/

For more information about The Pantry (including contributing to the cause) visit->    https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Massachusetts Solar for All Website Now Live!

Learn more about MASFA programming and sign up for email updates

Now Live: MASFA Website! Dear Friend of MassCEC, We're thrilled to share more information about the upcoming Massachusetts Solar for All (MASFA) program through a new website available on mass.gov! MASFA will provide a range of solar PV opportunities for low-income and disadvantaged communities across the Commonwealth. Though program design is still being finalized, details on the intended program offerings are now available on the website; more information will be shared as the various program components roll out over the coming months.   MASFA Website If you have any questions about the program, feel free to reach out to solar@masscec.com. To receive more information on MASFA as it rolls out, please sign up for the DOER mailing list below. MassCEC will soon begin soliciting contractors to provide supporting technical services and other support for this programming, which will be listed here. Prospective providers should also sign up for updates as these opportunities go live. Sign up for the MASFA mailing list About MASFA: Massachusetts has received a $156 million, five-year award from the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") to launch the MASFA program, which aims to expand access to clean and affordable solar energy to LIDAC communities in Massachusetts. The MASFA Coalition, consisting of MassCEC, Department of Energy Resources, Massachusetts Community Climate Bank, and Boston Housing Authority, will utilize federal funds to develop and administer core residential solar PV initiatives in low-income and disadvantaged communities. These include zero-interest solar loan and solar lease initiatives for single-family homes, third-party and direct ownership initiatives for solar systems on public and private affordable multifamily housing properties, and low-income community shared solar initiatives that deepen community solar benefits to eligible subscribers.  Thank you, MassCEC Massachusetts Clean Energy Center The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the clean energy and climate solution innovation that is critical to meeting the Commonwealth's climate goals, advancing Massachusetts' position as an international climate leader while growing the state's clean energy economy. Copyright © 2024 All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 294 Washington St Suite 1150 Boston, MA 02108 617-315-9300

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SAVE THE DATE: Nick Strong Foundation schedules golf tournament June 16

2nd Annual Nick Strong Golf Tournament

"2nd Annual Nick Strong Golf Tournament.  

Save the date June 16th, 202.  

Registration TBD

Shared from -> https://t.co/dMU23HukQS