FM #1451 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1451 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers, 1 remote (Gallagher).
The audio for the meeting leaves out the approx 30 minute executive session that the committee spent on negotiation strategy. A brief sound bit highlights the gavel to go into and then the gavel is heard again as they return.
Quick recap:
Recognition of the FHS student Theater group
Presentation update on the traffic study and mitigation efforts underway
Link to presentation in the notes section below
NO projects to address the traffic flow will be completed before the Sep 2025-2026 school year.
Currently the traffic queues will more than double in September
Alternatives are being reviewed before making decisions on which projects would be beneficial for traffic as well as at minimal expense
Additional updates will be sent to families during the summer by the respective school principals
“It is not going to be perfect on day 1”
BICO Board Appointment 2025-26
ACCEPT Board Appointment 2025-26
Both positions were approved to be fulfilled by Supt Gigeure in a 7-0 vote via roll call
Discussion Only Item
Horace Mann
Question/option to ask "How do we as a district choose to honor Horace Mann?"; Campus is one way, are there others? We also need the community to embrace Horace Mann not just the schools
Seeming to get consensus on campus and collaboration with others but recognize the need to give them a clear direction and objectives to return with a plan to implement
Superintendent’s Evaluation - Presentation of Evidence
In a new flip book format
Subcommittee to coordinate feedback from full committee for a future discussion item
FY26 Budget Executive Summary - Structural Deficit
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1451-school-cmte-mtg-05-13-25/
--------------
Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/TPngAPt1WHs?&t=110
The meeting agenda can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132025-1735
Documents released for this agenda after the meeting can be found ->
Traffic presentation -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5645253/Traffic.pptx.pdf
My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ffAYwvHayzSws0D2bV8xmM0Fsn6c71za/view?usp=drive_link
FPS override summary (2 pages)
-------------
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 out. 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!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
