Franklin School Committee approves contracts & takes action on policies in short meeting June 23, 2026 (audio)

FM #1781 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1781 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 7:00 PM. 6 members of the Committee participated, 5 in person, 1 remote, and 1 absent. 

Quick recap

• After opening the meeting, the Committee entered Executive Session for about 15 minutes returning to open session. In open session, they voted to approve Cafeteria Workers, Secretaries and Van Drivers Unions Contracts by a 6-0-1 roll call vote (1 absent)

• Voted to send policy JKAA - Prevention Criteria for use of Physical Restraint, Seclusion and Time-outs for Students to a second reading, via 6-0-1 roll call vote (1 absent)

• 
  Voted the elimination of policy CL - Administrative Reports via 6-0-1 roll call vote (1 absent)

• Voted the approval of the FSC Meeting, Conduct & Discussion Structure manual via 6-0-1 roll call vote (1 absent)

• Voted the approval of the Consent Agenda via 6-0-1 roll call vote (1 absent)

• Some updates from the existing subcommittees, some done for the school year, Horace Mann Legacy to meet on 2nd Monday beginning July (except October)

Let’s listen (approx. 39 minutes)

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1781-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-06-23-26/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay -  https://www.youtube.com/live/QlvJl3dksVE?&t=90  

The meeting agenda  -  https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06232026-2374 

My meeting notes in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sGhFpmgdY19KlxeJaUDB2zFewLPN1wuS/view?usp=drive_link 

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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: Saturday, July 25, 2026 ???

Saturday, July 25

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Revolutionaries in White: A Look Across Three Centuries of Bridal Fashion

5:30pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (Skyroc Brewery)

5:30pm Community Cookout (Franklin United Methodist Church)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

***  NO Town Meetings today ***

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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

Voices of Franklin: Open Letter to the Parents of E-biking Children in Franklin

Dear Parents of an E-biking kid,

I write this short letter today out of concern for the safety of your children. During the past few days, I have observed groups of kids riding their E-bikes together on the sidewalks of Chestnut Street. I have noticed they are moving at a relative high rate of speed, and going both with and against the direction of car traffic. 

My main concern is this: the leaders of the group seem to be older kids who are more skilled and comfortable on the bike, while the followers seem to be less experienced and less confident, but still moving fast trying to keep up! These less experienced followers are moving faster than they probably should be, and I doubt they are able to pay attention to turning cars and the bikes around them.

I have also seen a group of kid e-bikers moving pedestrians off the sidewalk to let them pass; not the way it should be, and more opportunities for accidents.

When we lived in New Jersey, I belonged to an organization called the David D. Hammar Foundation, which organized annual bike rides to raise attention and funding around bike safety for kids and adults. David Hammar was killed by a motor vehicle while riding his bike during early morning hours in September 2006. His death is a solemn reminder of how serious the consequences of sharing a road with bikes and cars can be.

Parents, please pay attention to your kids cycling skills, abilities, and learn who they are cycling with. Talk to them about good, safe and fun biking practices. And of course, make sure they are riding with helmets on! Let's keep the summer fun and free from tragedy!

Mark Minnichelli

Franklin

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

i495 Northbound Exit to Kings St "Yield Sign" changed to "STOP Sign" - effective 7/24/26

via Franklin Police

"Please familiarize yourself with the recent traffic pattern changes at the I-495 Northbound off-ramp and King Street intersection. Motorists exiting I-495 Northbound and turning right onto King Street are now required to come to a complete stop before proceeding.

These changes are part of ongoing efforts to improve safety at the intersection. We would like to thank the Town of Franklin Officials and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) for their collaboration and commitment to enhancing roadway safety for everyone."

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bbbj4LuUw/

Jillian let's us in on what's happening at the Senior Center this August 2026 (audio)

FM #1780 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1780 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Jillian Rochat, Activities Coordinator. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• All the key event highlights for August 2026

• Nominations for Stella Jeon Silver Spirit Award opens August 3 

• 2 more dates for the summer concerts in August; the 3rd and the 10th

• First Senior Center Art Gallery - Sep 24

• Senior Expo scheduled for Oct 2

The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. 

The recording runs about 27 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1780-franklin-senior-ctr-august-2026-highlights-07-22-26/

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TO sign up for the Senior Center Art Gallery contact Jillian Rochet at  508-528-4945 or via email at jrochat@franklinma.gov 

Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging 

August 2026 newsletter -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10349/August-2026-Newsletter?bidId= 

The newsletter archive page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/585/Connection-Newsletter 

Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false 

Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945

 

My Active Center -> https://myactivecenter.com/ 

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

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 it!

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

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

Geometry Geniuses, a drop off program at the Children's Museum - July 27

Summertime fun with drop-off days at the

Children's Museum

"Looking for summer fun for your elementary-aged kiddos? Hands-on drop-off programs are coming up at the Museum, including Geometry Geniuses this week!"

to register - https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/register

For additional drop-off days, check out their webpage

https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/

Math Night with Mathnasium! at the Bellingham Library Monday, July 27

Ready to spark your child’s excitement for math? 

Join us at the Bellingham Library on Monday, July 27th at 4:00 PM for Math Night with Mathnasium! Kids will dive into exciting, hands-on math activities, enjoy plenty of goodies, and compete for a grand prize. It’s the perfect way to start getting ready for the new school year while building math confidence and making new friends. 

Spots are limited—register at the link in our bio or visit: [Register Now](https://bellinghamlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/math-night-with-mathnaseum/)

Friday Trash Collection Will Continue Saturday, July 25

Update from Waste Management:

"Friday's trash collection was incomplete. A truck is scheduled to complete the route on Saturday (7/25/26). 

See affected areas highlighted in BLUE on the attached map. 

We apologize to the residents of Franklin for the inconvenience."

Shared from - https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/172

Boston Globe: "What ER doctors want parents to know about e-bikes and e-scooters"

"Last year, my 15-year-old lobbied for an e-scooter. It would get him to school faster, give him a taste of independence, and, of course, his friends had them. He didn’t yet have a driver’s license, and he was still mastering the art of carrying his laundry downstairs. But we said yes, with the usual conditions: Wear a helmet. Follow the rules of the road.

In the ensuing months, micromobility devices — e-bikes, e-scooters, and similarly lightweight vehicles that operate at roughly 20 miles per hour, though some can exceed those speeds — made troubling news.

In August 2025, a pedestrian was struck by an electric bike near Copley Square, later dying from those injuries. In late 2025, a Stoneham child died in an electric dirt bike crash. Kids who aren’t mature enough to control high-speed vehicles, plus drivers unaccustomed to navigating around these devices on the road — it’s a dangerous combination.

As crashes mounted, lawmakers took notice. This spring, Governor Maura Healey proposed the Ride Safe Act, regulating where and how different micromobility devices can operate. Earlier this month, House Democrats introduced similar legislation, acknowledging that while e-bikes and e-scooters offer speed and convenience, they also pose growing safety risks."

Continue reading the article via this shared link -  https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/07/24/lifestyle/er-doctors-parents-e-bikes-e-scooters/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Heirloom Tomato & Sherry Tasting (hmmm...) scheduled for Pour RIchard's - Sat, Aug 1

"Here's a fun one. Join us Saturday, August 1 from 1–4 PM for a casual Heirloom Tomato & Sherry Tasting | a deep dive into acidity, sweetness, salinity, umami, and the surprisingly excellent friendship between peak-season tomatoes and sherry.

Come when you want, taste at your own pace, ask overly specific questions about tomato varieties and oxidative aging, and bring your friends. No need to make a whole thing of it. (We already did.) 🤓🍅

Saturday, August 1 | 1–4pm

Casual, drop-in tasting. Bring friends. Come hungry for knowledge... and tomatoes."

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/Da028QglBAA/

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday, July 27 through Friday July 31

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert: Monday (7/27) - Friday (7/31) 7 AM to 3 PM

Starting Monday, 7/27, the contractor will work along the Route 140 gutter line to repair the pavement and driveway aprons. The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time, lane closures will occur as needed on this section of RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

Pond Street Easement - No Traffic Impact

Starting Tuesday, 7/28, through Thursday, 7/30, a second contractor will line a sewer manhole within the Pond Street Easement.  There will be no traffic impact for this work.

For all the info on the project visit the projec page -

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, July 25, 2026

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: (see image)

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, July 24, 2026 ???

Friday, July 24

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:00pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm David Rak (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm Zucchini Race - check-in (Franklin Town Common)

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

For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9890

***  NO Town Meetings today ***

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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

Save the Date: September 26th is Franklin’s 24th Annual Harvest Festival

Mark your calendar: Franklin’s 24th Annual Harvest Festival is set for Saturday, September 26 from 12 noon to 5 PM. Rain date is Sunday, September 27, 2026. 

Organized by Franklin Downtown Partnership, the Harvest Festival is their largest event. More than 150 vendors will fill Main Street and extend to Dean College and Franklin Public Library. Enjoy live music, food, kids’ activities, unique art and crafts, merch and services from local shops, and community groups. More details will be coming in September.

Due to the popularity of the event, vendor booths will only be available to FDP members. The Partnership invites Franklin crafters to join and participate in the festival. Registration for FDP members will open the last week of August. 

Business owners are invited to be a sponsor of the Harvest Festival. Please email the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com to learn about sponsorship opportunities, or register on the FDP website at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Thank you to our event sponsors:

• Platinum – Dean Bank, G&C Plumbing & Heating
• Gold – Dean College, Glen Meadow Apartments
• Silver – Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication, Inc., Enclave of Franklin, Notturno Home Services
• Bronze – ABI New England, Franklin Kitchen Center, Simon’s Furniture

Follow the FDP on Instagram and Facebook for info, updates, and activities:

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  and  

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, green space, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Town of Franklin Awarded State Grant to Update Hazard Mitigation Plan

The Town of Franklin is pleased to announce it has received a $30,000 Hazard Mitigation Grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Federal Funds & Infrastructure Office (FFIO) within the Executive Office for Administration & Finance (ANF). The grant is a joint award with the Town of Bellingham and will support updates to both communities' Hazard Mitigation Plans.

Hazard mitigation planning is a proactive process that helps communities identify strategies to reduce risks from natural hazards before disasters occur. Updating the plan will help ensure Franklin remains prepared for future emergencies while maintaining eligibility for certain Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs.

"Updating our Hazard Mitigation Plan is an important step in helping Franklin prepare for future natural hazards and the impacts of a changing climate," said Planning & Community Development Director Morena Zelaya. "This grant allows us to evaluate current risks, engage the community in the planning process and identify strategies that will help protect our residents, infrastructure and community resources for years to come."

The updated plan will assess Franklin's vulnerability to flooding, high winds, winter storms, brush fires, geologic hazards, extreme temperatures and drought. It will also examine the impacts of climate change and identify actions to strengthen community resilience.

The project will be completed in coordination with the Town of Bellingham as part of a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) project. Federal law requires municipalities to update their Hazard Mitigation Plans every five years to remain eligible for FEMA hazard mitigation funding.

Franklin's current Hazard Mitigation Plan was adopted in 2020. The updated plan will incorporate the latest hazard data, assess changing risks and identify mitigation strategies for the years ahead.

Residents will have opportunities to provide input during the planning process. Additional information about public engagement opportunities will be shared as the project progresses.

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The current Hazard Mitigation Plan can be found on the Town page (PDF)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/601/Hazard-Mitigation-Plan-2020-Update-PDF

Franklin Farmers Market vendors & live music for Friday, July 24

You have the question. 

We have the answers thanks to the good folks at the Franklin Farmers Market !!!

(and to Concerts on the Common for the live music)

And don't forget the zucchini race today !!

Economic Development Subcommittee discusses new growth with Board of Assessors (video)

Economic Development Subcommittee met as scheduled on Thursday, July 23 in Council Chambers. Chair Michael LeBlanc, members Max Morrongiello and Stephen Molloy participated.

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/PJlxSRZebX0?&t=91

The meeting agenda and released documents - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232026-2422 

Quick recap:

• Director of Assessors Kevin Doyle read a prepared statement for the record outlining the assessment process
• Questions from the committee members
• the focus of the discussion on new growth is due to its impact on the financial revenue available above 2.5% (and the levy limit)
• really to better understand the valuation process and how to make improvements as possible
• question on a possible timeline for a permit through to the assessment and re-evaluation; response included mention of a subscription to aerial photos of the Town 3x during the year to help identify what is happening around Town, trying to get an answer on an avg time line but it is not forthcoming
• the two approaches for commercial valuations come within 5-10% plus or minus of each other; course 101 from the Dept of Revenue provides the basics
• 2 properties in the same neighborhood should calculate to the same, based upon the tables (I.e. property card records) and MA process
• is there an audit to see that we are covering what should be? Effectively, no - audits wouldn't necessarily be fair and equitable for all
• question about the Senior means exemption, will get the info asked for
• question on an ownership change, if the new owner transaction brings that amount into new growth, does that really overstate our assessed value? as the old owner's assessed value goes away from the total assessed value? or does it? We understand the question, we need to get back to you on the right answer
• Another example - residence valued at $900k, renovation of $40k, new assessed value comes at $1M but the $100k increase is 'only' $14k of new growth and the balance is the market value; Answer: don't confuse the market value with the cost of the renovation, it is not a straight linear line

My full set of notes captured in the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E5RSt7sJdi_34C3soFiPJHoNlikm8ioc/view?usp=drive_link

Reps. Auchincloss, Ciscomani Intro Bipartisan Alzheimer’s Early Detection Act

Today (7/22/26), Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) introduced the bipartisan Alzheimer’s Early Detection Act to allow pre-Medicare-eligible adults to access blood-based biomarker testing that detects pre-symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease before cognitive symptoms appear. Alzheimer’s disease is usually diagnosed in those over the age of 65, after symptoms appear and progressively get worse. By 2050, 13 million Americans are expected to suffer from Alzheimer’s, costing an estimated $1 trillion every year in medical and caregiver expenses. 

The life expectancy after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is four to eight years. This legislation would require commercial health plans and Medicaid to cover biomarker testing for early detection, risk stratification, diagnosis, treatment, and management of Alzheimer’s disease for adults over 50. 

Biomarker testing for Alzheimer’s disease in adults over 50 is an evolving area that combines blood-based tests, brain imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis to detect biological changes linked to the disease. The Alzheimer’s Early Detection Act helps advance early detection and provides access to life-altering testing to help alleviate the emotional and economic burden of Alzheimer’s on patients and families. 

“Few families in America are untouched by Alzheimer's,” said Rep. Auchincloss. “My mission is to make my children's generation the first one with the medical tools to prevent this cruel and costly disease. Early detection is critical to that mission.”

“Early detection can change the way families approach Alzheimer’s disease by providing patients and their loved ones with critical information sooner,” said Rep. Juan Ciscomani. “This issue is deeply personal to me. Like most Americans, several people close to me are currently battling with this horrendous disease.  I have seen firsthand the importance of ensuring families have the information, resources, and support they need before a diagnosis becomes a crisis. No family should have to navigate Alzheimer’s alone, and every American deserves the opportunity to better understand their health risks and access care as early as possible.”

“As science continues to improve early detection of Alzheimer's disease, coverage must keep pace so more Americans can benefit as soon as possible,” said Erika Sward, Chief Advocacy Officer, UsAgainstAlzheimer's. “UsAgainstAlzheimer's applauds Representatives Auchincloss and Ciscomani for introducing their bipartisan legislation to allow for pre-Medicare coverage of biomarker testing, which will help more Americans receive timely diagnoses, make informed decisions about their care, and better prepare for the future.” 

“Alzheimer's disease doesn't wait, and patients shouldn't have to either,” said Casey McPherson, AfPA Executive Director, Alliance for Patient Access. “Early detection is critical, and with new tests it is possible to give patients and families more time to plan, access treatment, and participate in their own care decisions. By cutting the red tape and eliminating unnecessary hurdles, this legislation ensures patients get the biomarker testing their clinicians recommend without unnecessary delay. Thank you to Representative Auchincloss for pushing this effort forward to expand timely access to early diagnosis.”

“Currently available blood tests accurately indicate Alzheimer’s pathology in the brain at the symptomatic and even pre-symptomatic stages of the disease,” said Paul Aisen, MD, Senior Scholar, USC Schaeffer Institute. “Studies show treatment with current therapies slows the disease, delaying loss of function by months to years; the earlier treatment starts, the greater the benefit (so delays in diagnosis must be avoided). The disease typically begins in the brain when people reach their 50s or early 60s; we must enable timely, accurate diagnosis for all.”

Read the full bill text - https://auchincloss.house.gov/imo/media/doc/early_alzheimers_detection_act_bill_text.pdf