FM #1817 - School Cmte - Policy Subcmte Mtg - 09/08/26
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. -------------- 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"