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 ->

Annual Town Report of the School Committee  - FY 2024
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. 

Hold the date: Aug 17 for the Odd Fellows Cornhole tournament
Hold the date: Aug 17 for the Odd Fellows Cornhole tournament
The tournament director will use the standings to generate your partner for a double elimination playoff bracket. Pre-registration is encouraged to hold your place, but it is not necessary to be able to participate as cash, check or Venmo will be acceptable payment at the door. Last year’s event went well, but we’re looking for more teams this year. No need to come with a partner as you will be listed as an individual player when you register. 

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


Discussion of VA and State Survivor Benefits for Franklin, MA - Sep 15 at 9 AM

Discussion of VA and State Survivor Benefits for Franklin, MA - Sep 15 at 9 AM
Discussion of VA and State Survivor Benefits
for Franklin, MA - Sep 15 at 9 AM

Join us Monday, September 15, 2025 at 9:00 AM for a discussion of VA and State Survivor Benefits.


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."


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.



Amtrak “key signal bungalow” may take several weeks to repair
Amtrak “key signal bungalow” may take several weeks to repair

Scammers are using fake websites in a twist on jury duty scams




Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By BCP Staff

Scammers are still pretending to be the police, calling to say you've missed jury duty and need to pay. 

But in a new twist, some scammers are now telling you to visit a website to enter your personal information — all so they can steal it and your money.

    

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:
 
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday
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)  

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)  



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 


Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA
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

    • Candidate nomination papers available
      Candidate nomination papers available
      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 

    • 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 ??

Library & Senior Center events
Library & Senior Center events
Tuesday, August 5

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?
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

Town of Franklin, MA: Road Work Announcement! Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Road Work Announcement! Tomorrow, August 5, 2025.

Town of Franklin, MA: Road Work Announcement! Tuesday,  August 5, 2025
Town of Franklin, MA: Road Work Announcement! Tuesday,  August 5, 2025

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

2025 International Overdose Awareness Day - August 31, 2025

Last year, 1,763 people died from overdose in Massachusetts.

Join us for International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31 to remember and honor loved ones we’ve lost to overdose.

Community Vigils
SAFE will host community vigils from 5 to 6 PM at two locations:
  • Franklin Town Common (200 Main St.)
  • Wrentham Town Common (1 Franklin St.)
We encourage attendees to bring photos of loved ones to place on a special memorial display table at the vigils.


Volunteers needed to help with International Overdose Awareness Day - August 31, 2025
Volunteers needed to help with International
Overdose Awareness Day - August 31, 2025
Memorial Flag Displays

In addition to the vigils, SAFE will collaborate with community members to place memorial flags across the county:
  • ​Franklin Town Common
  • Wrentham Town Common
  • Norfolk Town Hill lawn
  • Medway Town Hall lawn
Those interested in helping can sign up using the form below.

Together we can reduce substance use disorder stigma, increase understanding and awareness, remember those who died of overdose, and prevent drug-related harm.


Community Baby Shower for expectant mothers and babies on Monday September 8, 2025

Community Baby Shower for expectant mothers and babies on Monday September 8, 2025
Community Baby Shower for expectant
mothers and babies on Monday September 8, 2025
The Metacomet Public Health Alliance nurses (serving the towns of Franklin, Norfolk and Wrentham) are hosting a Community Baby Shower for new and expectant mothers and babies on Monday September 8, 2025 from 2-4 PM at Wrentham Fiske Library. 

The community baby shower is very similar to a health fair and will include local vendors such as the SAFE coalition, WIC, Families in Bloom (lactation consultant), and our local police and fire departments. Educational information will be provided by the vendors which includes perinatal mental health, infant CPR and choking, nutrition information and more! 

In addition to the vendors and resources, there are plans for coloring and other activities for young children who attend with their caregivers.  

Download the  flyer as a reminder or to share -> 


Youth Track & Field Meet - Aug 5 at 5:00 PM

Youth Track & Field Meet - Aug 5 at 5:00 PM
Youth Track & Field Meet - Aug 5 at 5:00 PM
The LAST youth track meet is tomorrow August 5th! 
Volunteers can arrive @ 4:30 to help set up before registration at 5pm. 
Admission is $5 for unlimited events! We can't wait to see you all there!! 
https://t.co/EiTiQpaOdN