Note: This was shortened for publication here. View the full set of content -> https://clt1481579.benchurl.com/c/v?e=1A297F5&c=169B6B&t=0&l=8D3B5715
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Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Annual Report of the Town of Franklin School Committee - FY 2024
With the Biennial Election coming up November 4, 2025, the nomination papers are available beginning Aug 4, 2025 for candidates to take, obtain the appropriate number of signatures to get on the ballot.
We are sharing the section of the Annual Report for the Town of Franklin 2024 to help explain what each role entails.
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Message from School Committee Chair…
The Franklin School Committee is responsible for hiring and evaluating the Superintendent, setting the budget, and establishing policy. To achieve these goals, the Committee uses the school district’s strategic objectives, core values, and the Portrait of a Graduate as guiding principles in decision-making. We are committed to supporting the Strategic Plan of the Franklin Public Schools, which aims to promote each student’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical potential in a safe, nurturing, and respectful environment.
The Franklin School Committee holds open sessions twice a month throughout the year. Additionally, subcommittees and task forces convene regularly to serve the community.
Here’s an overview of their important work:
Budget
This subcommittee reviews, proposes, and considers all matters related to the school budget. It also participates in the town-wide Joint Budget Subcommittee and is dedicated to educating the public about the budget process in an open and transparent way.
Community Relations
Focused on communication, this subcommittee reviews, proposes, and considers matters related to school issues and creates events to ensure effective communication with the community.
Policy
Responsible for reviewing, proposing, and considering policies and procedures within the Franklin Public Schools, this subcommittee also maintains the Policy Manual.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Task Force
This task force sets annual wellness goals for the district, reviews and collects data, and sponsors professional development programs for students, faculty, parents, and the community.
Parent Communication Council Liaisons
These liaisons, along with the Superintendent and other central office administrators, share important information regarding policies and issues before the school committee. This monthly meeting is an opportunity to gather feedback and insights from the community.
MASC Liaison
This liaison advocates for public school issues at the state level.
Members of the Franklin community are deeply proud of their public schools and understand the essential link between a flourishing town and excellent education. As we navigate dramatic changes in our world, we are dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of our public schools. Our goal is to ensure excellence for every child in our diverse society by fostering a culture that promotes belonging, safety, and security.
With the unwavering commitment and leadership of the School Committee, along with the Town's support, the Franklin Public Schools will continue to thrive and uphold the community’s high standards and pride.
Sincerely,
Dave Callaghan
Chair of the Franklin School Committee
Franklin School Committee 2023-2024
- Dave Callaghan, Chair
- David McNeill, Vice Chair
- Al Charles
- Erin Gallagher
- Paul Griffith
- Ruthann O’Sullivan
- KP Sompally
You can download the School Committee section (PDF) the Annual report ->
or dig into the full Town of Franklin annual report here ->
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| Annual Report of the Town of Franklin School Committee - FY 2024 |
Reminder: Register now for the Odd Fellows Cornhole tournament scheduled for Aug 17, 2025
On August 17, 2025, the public is invited to join the Franklin Odd Fellows for an afternoon of fun and good cheer starting at 1 PM at the Bellingham Sportsman Club at 360 Lake St., Bellingham, MA 02019. This will be a fundraiser event with profits going to the Massachusetts Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation.
The cost for registration is $25 per player. The tournament format will be Switchholio – 4 game round robin where players get a new partner for their first 4 games and get ranked on an individual basis to form the standings.
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| Hold the date: Aug 17 for the Odd Fellows Cornhole tournament |
The Sportsman Club is an outdoor venue with an indoor lounge, cash bar, ATM and TV. The Odd Fellows will provide a buffet lunch to all present - and a cash payment will be made to the first, second and third place teams.
Many thanks to the Sportsman Club for use of their facility for this event. Register and prepay at: https://franklinmassoddfellows.org/cornhole
Download the flyer as a reminder or to share -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S_NJj8tDfLngoAQ_iPji1c8gbi8niT7K/view?usp=drive_link
Discussion of VA and State Survivor Benefits for Franklin, MA - Sep 15 at 9 AM
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| Discussion of VA and State Survivor Benefits for Franklin, MA - Sep 15 at 9 AM |
Coffee and Pastries will be provided!
The event is open to Veterans, Service Members, Spouses & their Children.
Julia Dhar: How to have constructive conversations | TED (video)
"We need to figure out how we go into conversations not looking for the victory, but the progress," says world debate champion Julia Dhar.
In this practical talk, she shares three essential features of productive disagreements grounded in curiosity and purpose.
The end result? Constructive conversations that sharpen your argument and strengthen your relationships."
Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFZtNN6eNvQ
The three takeaways
- Choose curiosity over clash
- expect development of your ideas through discussion
- anchor in common purpose
Amtrak “key signal bungalow” may take several weeks to repair
A downed Amtrak wire set fire to a “key signal bungalow” near Hyde Park Station last week , causing damage that continues to cause delays on three commuter rail lines and may take several weeks to repair, the commuter rail operator said.
“Amtrak maintenance crews are working closely with the MBTA and Keolis to assess the damage and make necessary repairs,” Keolis said in a statement about the wire that came down on Friday. “Fairmount Line, Franklin/Foxboro Line, and Providence/Stoughton Line passengers should anticipate delays and plan accordingly.”
While repairs are made, trains will run on a different schedule, Keolis said.
On the Franklin/Foxboro Line, inbound trains to Boston will bypass Forest Hills, Ruggles, and Back Bay Stations, Keolis said.
All inbound trains from Forge Park/495 station in Franklin will originate at Franklin station after 9 AM.
Boston Globe coverage -> https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/08/05/metro/commuter-rail-service-disruptions-downed-wire/?s_campaign=8315:varf
MBTA updates -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/alerts
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| Amtrak “key signal bungalow” may take several weeks to repair |
Scammers are using fake websites in a twist on jury duty scams
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves.
It is 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:
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| Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday |
8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)
- This shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian about the events at the Franklin Public Library during August 2025 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/07/mitzi-i-review-all-big-events-and.html
9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points. (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)
- Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi have a discussion with Viticulture Leader Brenae Royal -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/08/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode.html
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
Franklin TV schedule for Wednesday, August 6, 2025 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY
7:30 am Mental Health: Shannon Nesbitt
8:30 am FSPA Spring 2025 Show 4
10:00 am Sons & Daughters of Italy: Paolo DiGregorio
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Grillin'
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Trifles
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 3
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 10
3:30 pm 4th of July 2025: GQ & The Lady
5:30 pm More Perfect Union: Teachers Unions
8:30 pm Concerts on the Common: Mike Tarara
Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY
7:00 am All-Town Showcase 2024: Band
8:30 am Public School Concert: Elementary Music Pt. 2 06-04-18
10:00 am SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins
11:00 am FHS Spring Jazz 2025
12:30 pm Franklin Fury Softball v Dedham 07-23-25
3:30 pm FHS Track and Field: v North Attleboro 05-09-23
6:00 pm FHS Varsity Swimming v Milford 01-03-25
8:30 pm FHS Varsity Baseball v Bridgewater Raynham 04-11-25
Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY
8:00 am Town Council 07-23-25
2:00 pm Town Council 07-23-25
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
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| Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA |
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Franklin Town Clerk walks us through the timeline for the Biennial Election Nov 4, 2025 (audio)
FM #1488 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1488 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with Town Clerk Nancy Danello and Deputy Town Clerk Dyan Fitzgerald about the 2025 Biennial Election to be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Our conversation covers:
Candidate nomination papers available as of August 4 during office hours in Clerk’s Office
- Appointment requested
Candidate nomination papers due back by Sept 15
Withdrawal if needed, completed by Sep 22
Last day to register to vote is October 25
Early voting schedule to be published later
Office closed on Tuesday November 4 to run the election at Franklin High School gymnasium
November 4 election voting hours from 6 AM to 8 PM
Unofficial results expected around 9 PM
November election
Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers for a 2 year term of office for the Town Council and School Committee.
For a 4 year term: Town Clerk, Planning Board, Board of Assessor, Board of Health
Our conversation recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen in
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1488-town-clerk-on-the-biennial-election-2025-07-31-25/
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Town Clerk page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/333/Town-Clerk-Elections-Division
November election timeline -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6245/Important-dates-to-remember-
Seats up for election in November -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6240/Seats-Available
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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 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!
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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"
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, August 5, 2025 ??
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| Library & Senior Center events |
5:00pm Youth track & Field meet (Franklin High School)
6:00pm Table Top (Franklin Public Library)
For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->
** NO Town Meetings today **
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| What's happening today in Franklin? |
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 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-calendar
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar
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