Franklin Matters Radio

This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of September 20, 2026.

• The outlook for the week ahead September 20 through September 26, 2026
• The look back at the week that was September 13 through September 19, 2026

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The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly

https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/09/7-meetings-on-tap-this-week-leading-to.html

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

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"

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 7:00 PM. All 7 of the members were present in Council Chambers.

Quick recap

• District Improvement plan updates by Central office departments
• Part 1 (includes meeting opening)
• Teaching & Learning
• Student Services
• Part 2
• Business/Finance
• Human Resources
• Lifelong Community Learning
• Part 3 (includes meeting closing)
• Operations (Transportation & Food Services)
• Technology

Let’s listen to Part 3

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Franklin TV video available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtMItnThh5E

The meeting agenda can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09082026-2487

Note: the draft District Improvement Plan likely won't be available online until after approval at the next School Committee meeting. Last year's plan can be found online - https://heyzine.com/flip-book/24ecc9f7e5.html#page/1

A photo album of the screens shared is available in the interim

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Z7UrvSTy2mRHLPEC6

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

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"

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 7:00 PM. All 7 of the members were present in Council Chambers.

Quick recap

• District Improvement plan updates by Central office departments
• Part 1 (includes meeting opening)
• Teaching & Learning
• Student Services
• Part 2
• Business/Finance
• Human Resources
• Lifelong Community Learning
• Part 3 (includes meeting closing)
• Operations (Transportation & Food Services)
• Technology

Let’s listen to Part 2

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

Franklin TV video available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtMItnThh5E

The meeting agenda can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09082026-2487

Note: the draft District Improvement Plan likely won't be available online until after approval at the next School Committee meeting. Last year's plan can be found online - https://heyzine.com/flip-book/24ecc9f7e5.html#page/1

A photo album of the screens shared is available in the interim

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Z7UrvSTy2mRHLPEC6

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

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"

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 7:00 PM. All 7 of the members were present in Council Chambers.

Quick recap

• District Improvement plan updates by Central office departments
• Part 1 (includes meeting opening)
• Teaching & Learning
• Student Services
• Part 2
• Business/Finance
• Human Resources
• Lifelong Community Learning
• Part 3 (includes meeting closing)
• Operations (Transportation & Food Services)
• Technology

Let’s listen to Part 1

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

Franklin TV video available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtMItnThh5E

The meeting agenda can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09082026-2487

Note: the draft District Improvement Plan likely won't be available online until after approval at the next School Committee meeting. Last year's plan can be found online - https://heyzine.com/flip-book/24ecc9f7e5.html#page/1

A photo album of the screens shared is available in the interim

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Z7UrvSTy2mRHLPEC6

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

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"

This session shares the exclusive audio from the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee Meeting held on Monday, September 14, 2026. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room.

The recording runs about 90 minutes, so let’s listen in.

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Meeting agenda

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09142026-2500

My notes in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JBG7tGJHNGX8qAaOMWUGBDQb-NCa6Xr3/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"

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chair Paul Griffith. We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

Our conversation covered the following topics from the School Committee meetings of August 11, August 25, and September 8, 2026. Across the 3 meetings we covered the following topics:

• Lifeline learning activities for summer
• Hiring status
• Transportation update
• Handbook and policies updated
• District Improvement Plan reviewed, feedback provided

Our conversation runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen

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August 11 meeting recap & links

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/school-committee-gets-multiple-updates_0343394204.html

August 25 meeting recap & links

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/school-committee-welcomes-new_01995812623.html

September 8 meeting recap & links

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/school-committee-gets-insights-on.html

School Committee page (with contact info) - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee

School Committee subcommittee assignments -

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons

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

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"

This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of September 13, 2026.

• The outlook for the week ahead September 13 through September 19, 2026
• The look back at the week that was September 6 through September 12, 2026

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

The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly

https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/09/full-week-of-meetings-features-packed.html

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

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"

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin Fire Dept 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Services. Franklin Firefighters Local along Franklin Police Dept conducted the services at the headquarter fire station, downtown Franklin, September 11, 2026.

Speakers in order

• Master of Ceremony - Josh Impey
• Chaplain Bob Poitras
• State Representative Jeff Roy and State Senator Becca Rausch
• Deputy Police Chief West, and Police Chief TJ Lynch
• Fire Chief Charles Allen

• Musical performances of the National Anthem, Amazing Grace, and Taps performed by Franklin High School students guided by Dianne Plouffe

The conversation runs about 40 minutes. Let’s listen in

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Link to photo album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/7vj3TE2SjyY9rf5LA

Franklin TV also did record the video. When that is available, the link will be added here

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

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"

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Friday, September 4, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of September 2, 2026.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened?
• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• Approval of Police Chief James West
• Excess sewer capacity sold to Medway, Millis
• Town properties, presentation by Kate Hinckley GIS, then discussion on the key decisions; siting the Police Station, then what to do with Davis Thayer, Parmenter, 275 Beaver St, etc.
• Office hours at Library, more like this coming

The conversation runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen in

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Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uMeOjqTdAEw?si=qSIBaHW_AgOh6RCn&t=57

The modified agenda for this session (modified to remove the Executive Session)

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2482

My full set of notes captured during the meeting in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-5-_8ZH8wT7D-xz8WH0fdzhWQCW2jIg9/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"

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. All 3 members (Dave Callaghan (Chair), Al Charles, Reis Hansen) participated in the session held in the 3rd floor training room. Superintendent Giguere, Dr Tina Rogers, and Dr Bob Dutch also participated.

Quick recap:

• Discussion on the recent release of new model policies, procedures and guidance by the Healey-Driscoll Administration today to help K-12 schools and child care programs respond to civil immigration enforcement, protect confidential information and implement the PROTECT Act ahead of the 2026–2027 school year. The District already had internal procedures covering such circumstances, this release brings it to a policy level with minimal wording changes to agree with the standards. Recommendation to move policy as discussed (include track changes in the doc)for first reading to the Sch Cmte, motion to move second, passes 3-0
• Next up a series of fiscal policies and take the opportunity to build out a review of these, esp. since the budget timeline has changed. It will take time to roll through these and make modifications before bringing them to the full committee. They have the time to do so without rushing. The superintendent adds a comment to better clarify the transparency involved discussion around how the community is involved. "greatest educational return." Discussion on the fine line between advocating for school needs vs. recognition of town fiscal funding reality
• Up for next time; policy on access to school grounds during the school day, encouraging use of the facility outside of school hours, and the freedom to read act is being reviewed to see what policies may be required for update
• Meeting adjourns, folks move to Chambers for full School Committee meeting

The recording runs about 51 minutes, so let’s listen in.

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The meeting agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09082026-2485

My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IF18b3caQKDgzNkfSalZUMrtwHb2uCQ3/view?usp=drive_link

Gov Healey’s press release on the guidance that drove the first discussion item

https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-releases-new-guidance-to-implement-protect-act-in-schools-and-child-care-programs

School Committee Policy manual - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/policy-manual

School Committee Subcommittee assignments

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons

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

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"