Franklin, MA: School Committee - agenda for meeting Aug 12 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee 

August 12, 2025 - 7:00 P.M.

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

Announcements from the Chair

Franklin, MA: School Committee -
agenda for meeting Aug 12 at 7 PM

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills

C. Payroll

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Summer Learning Review - Paula Marano & Patty Gay

B. Summer Move Update - Colin Boisvert

C. 2024 Annual Report Draft Review

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. None

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. None

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 June 24, 2025 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B.   FEF Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $167,557.47 from the dissolution of the Franklin Education Foundation for in-house enrichment as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Adjournment

Meeting agenda doc includes remote participation info ->

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122025-1851

Meeting packet folder contains the docs released before and after the meeting ->

https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/august-12%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/842818

Biennial Election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing - Aug 8, 2025

Town Clerk Nancy Danello posted an updated report as of August 8, 2025 showing candidate nomination papers have been taken for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk, and Planning Board at this point.

There is 

1 candidate for 2 spots on the Planning Board

5 candidates for 7 spots on the School Committee

1 candidate for 1 spot for the Town Clerk

13 candidate for 9 spots on the Town Council

Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing

Board of Assessors and Board of Health no action yet.

This will likely be fairly dynamic until September 15 when the signatures required are returned and validate. The Ballot doesn't get finalized until Sep 22.

The PDF download ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YqLUACG02mAmtQf4sEFcj92tqt-xUi3d/view?usp=drive_link

The PDF display:

Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (8/11) through Friday (8/15)

BEAVER STREET ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE!!

Continuing on Monday (8/11) thru Friday (8/15)  Beaver Street will be closed at the MBTA train tracks during the day between 7 AM to 4 PM.  

Those needed to access 242 to 290 Beaver Street will be able to use Rt. 140 only.  This includes access to Franklin Glass, Panera Fresh Dough Facility and Franklin Recreation. 

Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Construction Updates

Access to all other locations on Beaver Street, including the Town of Franklin Recycling Center, Beaver Street Recreation Area, and the businesses on Master Drive will be accessed from Grove St.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with construction of the exterior building structure and internal building component installation.

Shared from ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Annual Report of the Town of Franklin Board of Health - 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. The Board of Health doesn't actually have a 'report' so we include the Health Dept report as this is the activity the Board provides oversight for.

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

Mission Statement

The Franklin Health Department is charged with protecting the public health and well being of the community, in accordance with federal, state and local laws and regulations. The duties of the health department cover a wide range of public health control and prevention activities, including: disease surveillance; the promotion of sanitary conditions in housing, recreational facilities, and food establishments; elimination of nuisances; the protection of the environment; and numerous other responsibilities.

Board of Health

The three-member elected Board of Health is the policy making arm for the health department. The board members assist in the drafting of public health bylaws and regulations. The board also presides over administrative hearings concerning health department licensed and permitted activities. The board members are utilized for consultation on issues relative to public health as well.

• Chair, Bridget Sweet 
• Vice Chair, Jeff Harris 
• Member, Kim Mu-Chow

Staff

The current Health Department staff is as follows:

• Cathleen Liberty, Director of Public Health Ginny McNeil, Health Agent
• Alisha Deptula, Public Health Nurse
• Cassia Monterio, Regional Shared Coordinator

Community Resources Provided

The Health Department continues to hold fall and spring health fairs at the library to provide health resources to the community.

The public health nurse spent countless hours attending to the occupants at the EA Emergency Shelter providing nursing and other services. A coalition of key stakeholders was created to provide community resources to the occupants at the EA Emergency Shelter and a dashboard was created to provide information regarding the EA Emergency Shelter to the community.

 

An interactive website has been created to offer the community updated information on opioid misuse data that can be found on the health department website.

The public health nurse and the fire department continue to offer hands only CPR training for the community.

Communicable Disease

As mandated by the State Department of Public Health, local health departments must report, investigate and track all communicable disease occurrences in their jurisdictions. The public health nurse investigates communicable diseases that occur in the Town of Franklin.

The following depicts the reportable illness activity from July 1, 2023 through July 1, 2024 in number of confirmed cases:

Calicivirus/Norovirus     1

Campylobacteriosis         4

Giardiasis                         1

Group A streptococcus 2

Group B streptococcus 2

Haemophilus influenzae 1

Hepatitis B                 1

Hepatitis C                 4

Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis 1

Influenza                         309

Legionellosis                 1

Novel Coronavirus         568

Pertussis                         8

Salmonellosis                 3

Tuberculosis                 19

Vibrio sp.                     1

 

Hours of Operation

The Franklin Health Department office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 8:00AM to 4:00PM, Wednesday from 8:00AM to 6:00 PM and Friday from 8:00AM to 1:00PM.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the Board of Health members and the Town Administrator for giving me the opportunity to serve as the Director of Public Health for the Town of Franklin and for their continued support.

Respectfully submitted,

Cathleen Liberty, 

Director of Public Health

You can download as reference the Health Department section in the Annual report -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-CKuwS8WkBMPGKlKJMDFvmMdJBZQfXtP/view?usp=drive_link

or dig into the full annual report here ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JGxfeanVhITZ9jSTGf6tgDMtVlI000Ju/view?usp=drive_link

Annual Report of the Town of Franklin Board of Health - FY 2024

Book & virtual author & conversation & liquid beverages & snacks at Pour Richard's Aug 17

Book & virtual author & conversation &
sip & snack at Pour Richard's Aug 17

book: The Correspondent
author: Virginia Evans
location: Franklin, MA
host: Pour Richard’s
date: August 17th
time: 2-5PM

In partnership with Pour Richard’s Wine Shop in Franklin, MA we are excited to have you join us for a dayTREAT! What is a dayTREAT?

A little taste of one of our weekend retreats or summer camps! Join us at Pour Richard’s Wine Shop in Franklin, MA for an afternoon of BOOKISH BLISS! YOUR TICKET INCLUDES: AUTHOR CHAT with Virginia Evans. In this virtual chat and Q&A, she will be discussing her debut book, The Correspondent. WELCOME GIFT of The Correspondent and some Book a Break Goodies. BOOKISH CRAFTS to create on site and take home after the event. PLOT TWIST: you came for books, but Pour Richard’s is serving up swoon-worthy sips and snacks that might just steal the show. A little taste here, a new favorite there… suddenly your reading break comes with a charcuterie pairing.

TICKET DETAILS -> https://www.bookabreak.org/retreats/p/book-a-break-daytreat-ka7rl

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DM-TAh0xPaX/

Franklin Area Moms (FAM) Night Out - Aug 27

Franklin Area Moms (FAM) Night Out - Aug 27

Today, women face unique financial circumstances. That’s why FAM is excited to invite you to our upcoming event, where you’ll learn about strategies to help you achieve your financial goals - straight from the professionals! 

This event is open to both current and prospective FAM members!

SPECIAL GUESTS: 

Greg Safford from Edward Jones and Ally Davis from Capital Group/American Fund

Food & Libations Provided

🍷Each attendee will be given 2 drink tickets

🍕A charcuterie board and pizzas will also be provided (i.e. a light dinner)

Agenda:

7:00pm – 7:30pm: 

Mixer, getting everyone settled

7:30pm: Presentation starts

• Gregg will start with a general welcome message and explain our roles

• Ally will present the woman focused seminar: A Key to Financial Wellbeing

• Greg will deliver his talking points (529’s, sharing the Financial Fitness website, Q&A, etc.)

• Wrap up

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DNDoUA8M5FT/

Local Planet Fitness Launches Community Sneaker Drive To Benefit Massachusetts Youth

Sneaker recycling drive runs Aug. 9-Sept. 8 at MA clubs, with all proceeds benefiting area Boys & Girls Clubs 

WHAT:  Planet Fitness locations across Massachusetts are teaming up with GotSneakers to launch a sneaker recycling campaign from August 9 through September 8, 2025. The initiative encourages members and community residents to donate their gently used sneakers to help support local Boys & Girls Clubs while promoting sustainability.

Gently used sneakers can be dropped off in collection bins at participating Planet Fitness locations (noted below) throughout the month-long campaign. Once collected, the sneakers will be processed by GotSneakers, a national organization that recycles and reuses footwear to reduce landfill waste and promote sustainability. All proceeds from the donations will directly benefit local Boys & Girls Clubs, helping to fund essential programs and services for youth.

Local Planet Fitness Launches Community
Sneaker Drive To Benefit Massachusetts Youth

Planet Fitness is proud to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America as part of the brand's national philanthropic initiative, Judgement Free Generation®, which aims to advance youth wellbeing and empower the next generation to create kinder communities. Since 2016, together with its franchisees, members and partners, Planet Fitness has contributed more than $10.5 million to support pro-kindness initiatives.

WHEN: August 9 through September 8, 2025

WHERE: *1

Planet Fitness – Franklin -> 

https://www.planetfitness.com/gyms/franklin-ma

166 Grove St

Franklin, MA 02038

About Planet Fitness

Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the world by number of members and locations. As of June 30, 2025, Planet Fitness had approximately 20.8 million members and 2,762 clubs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico, Australia and Spain. The Company's mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. More than 90% of Planet Fitness clubs are owned and operated by independent business men and women.

*1 - there are a number of other Massachusetts locations, check for one closest to you ->   https://www.planetfitness.com/clubs/ma

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, August 9, 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 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 Saturday

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, August 8, 2025 ??

Friday, August 8

Library & Senior Center events

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:00pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm Kendo (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

5:30pm Paradise Flyer (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

9:00pm Dom DeBaggis (live music) (3 Restaurant)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->        

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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

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

Town Clerk provides "Interested in Running for Office Guide"

Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides a guide to consider running for election.

A step by step guide:

Meet Eligibility Requirements: 

You must be a registered voter in Franklin, at least 18 years old, and a US Citizen.

Decide on the Office you are interested in: 

Franklin holds elections for elected town positions every two years in November.

Obtain Nomination Papers:

Nomination papers for the upcoming election on November 4, 2025, became available on Monday, August 4th, 2025, at the Town Clerk's Office.

It is advisable to check the Town Clerk's website or contact us directly for current hours and to schedule an appointment to obtain the papers.

Collect Signatures:

You'll need to gather signatures from a specific number of qualified Franklin voters on your nomination papers to get on the ballot. For Town Council positions, at least 100 signatures are required. For all other boards and committees 50 signatures are required.

It is recommended to collect more signatures than the minimum required, as some signatures may be disallowed during the certification process.

Town Clerk provides "Interested in Running for Office Guide"

Submit Nomination Papers:

Signed nomination papers must be submitted to the Town Clerk's Office for certification. The deadline for the November 2025 election is Monday, September 15th, 2025, by 4:00 PM.

Understand Campaign Finance Laws: 

Massachusetts has comprehensive campaign finance laws, including limits on contributions and regulations on spending. Familiarize yourself with these laws through resources like the Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) website www.ocpf.us

Important Notes:

All local elections are non-partisan and ballots do not display party affiliations.

For the most up-to-date information, it's always best to contact the Town Clerk's Office directly at 508-520-4900 or townclerk@franklinma.gov

Remember, this is a general guide, and it's essential to stay informed about all applicable deadlines and requirements set forth by the Town of Franklin and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12Vtt4azzjAcxjCxjXoMWIpi38JY3un6h/view?usp=drive_link

Mary O'Neill and Randy Jay surprised with recognition

A carefully orchestrated surprise recognition was conducted before the Franklin Commission on Disability meeting on Thursday, August 7. The meeting was held at the Peter L Brunnelli Community Center (Central Park Terrace).

Mary O'Neill, was taken by surprise with the gathering of more than the Commission members and with the presentations of proclamations by State Rep Jeff Roy and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

Among the many things Mary is known for it is her inspiration and persistence that produced the "Kindness Matters" signs seen around town.

Mary was recognized for 14 years leading the Commission

Randy was recognized for 8 years serving as Clerk.

Some photos of the event can be found in the album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/7UgtTdLxSvgHy7KF8

Recap of the formal meeting that followed will be available in a day or so

(audio not share worthy quality)

Biennial Election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing - Aug 7, 2025

Town Clerk Nancy Danello released an updated report as of August 7, 2025 showing candidate nomination papers have been taken for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk, and Planning Board at this point.

Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing

Board of Assessors and Board of Health no action yet.

This will likely be fairly dynamic until September 15 when the signatures required are returned and validate. The Ballot doesn't get finalized until Sep 22.

The PDF download ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VSTb1kW35DmG-m6B3YqqimllmmIyNF_V/view?usp=drive_link

The PDF display:

Melissa & Brandon talk about the G&C Plumbing Teacher back to school giveaway (audio)

FM #1490 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1490 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Brandon Sheck, Operations Manager + Co-Owner/Vice President and Melissa Merlino, Social Media & Community Outreach Specialist. We had our discussion on Friday, August 1, 2025 in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.

 

We talk about 

• G&C originated in Franklin, located in Bellingham

• Focused on residential business for all aspects of plumbing

• Teacher Giveaway, open thru August 14 for Franklin or Bellingham based teachers

The recording runs about 18 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1490-gnc-teacher-giveaway-08-01-25/

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

Melissa & Brandon talk about the G&C Plumbing
Teacher back to school giveaway (audio)

G&C web page -> https://www.gandcplumbing.com/ 

Teacher Award info and nomination page -> https://www.gandcplumbing.com/back-to-school-giveaway/ 

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

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!

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

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