This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. 5 members participated in this virtual session, 2 were absent (Gallagher, Griffith).
Quick recap:
Superintendent’s report, end of school year officially June 18, schools closed out in memorable ways, thanks to PCC 's et al for making it possible.
Boxes labeled, classrooms cleared… Summer relocation work underway, all packing was completed, walkthrough underway to confirm readiness for transition, thanks to Colin for all the effort in this. The preparation and communication was organized
Transportation registration closed, 16 already on waitlist, routes scheduled for posting in August; special education van can be purchased via earmark along with local funding to keep fleet current
Question: On the waitlist, when would they find out? During route creation over the next couple of weeks. The SchCmte will get an update on the routes before the initial routes are posted
SPED vans backstory; had 3 in trouble and were adjusting to cover with reallocations, the next in line is now covered with the earmark, etc. to bring us more current on cycle
Discussion/ action items
- DECA trip to VA - I recommend approval of the request of Emily Rosborough to take DECA students to Arlington, VA from November 21 - 23, 2025 as detailed. Moved, second, passes 5-0-2 (2 absent) via roll call
- Girls Basketball Trip to ME - I recommend approval of the request of John Leighton to take the Girls Basketball team to Augusta and Portland, ME from December 26 - 27, 2025 as detailed. Moved, second, passes 5-0-2 (2 absent) via roll call
- Disposition of Student Activity Accounts - I recommend approval of disposition of student activity accounts as discussed Moved, second, passes 5-0-2 (2 absent) via roll call
- Recommendation to open FMS Student Activity Accounts and close Existing MS Activity Accounts - I recommend opening of Franklin Middle School Student activity accounts and closing the existing middle school student activity accounts as discussed. Moved, second, discussion - Lots of details involved in the reorganization. Vote on the motion, passes 5-0-2 (2 absent) via roll call
- User Fees -I recommend approval of the FY25-26 User Fees as discussed - Policy Subcmte met earlier tonight. Athletic fees remain at 3 tier structure with one sport changing tier (wrestling) to tier 2 at $600. Transportation fees, $387 with a 3 student cap per family. Unfortunate consequences of failed override User fees also have an escalation clause built in; an attempt to maintain cost control Modeling fee structure planned as part of the new budget cycle in the fall. Moved, second, passes 5-0-2 (2 absent) via roll call
Consent Agenda
Moved, second, passes via roll call 5-0-2 (2 absent) No citizen comments
New business
July 22, Aug 12, Aug 26
New hire updates, reorg progress Handbooks schd for 26th
Cautiously optimistic about where they are
Motion to adjourn, passes via roll call same 5-0-2 vote as others
The exclusive recording runs about 35 minutes
--------------
Agenda doc -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5789326/SCAGENDA_6-24-25.pdf
Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/june-24%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet---virtual-only-(link-in-agenda)/822105
My full set of notes -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v8oaOo2GNU5NVOEr2H4pEu43SNUBKReC/view?usp=drive_link
-------------
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"
