55:08A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the public’s passionate advocacy for the Franklin High School dance team. The team, despite being formed only four months prior, achieved a third-place finish at the state level. Parents and students urged the board to officially recognize the team as a competitive entity and allocate appropriate funding. One parent praised Coach Kalia Wallace for her pivotal mentorship and commitment, emphasizing that the team cannot continue to thrive without proper financial support. A sophomore team member, Zoe Wilson, recounted their accomplishments and emphasized the need for the team to transition from a club to a fully funded program. Her sentiment was echoed by other students and community members who stressed the positive impact the team has on participants’ confidence and the broader community.

1:13:47In parallel, the meeting addressed serious allegations against a Franklin High School basketball coach. Christina Duncan, a speaker at the meeting, accused Coach Daryl Robinson of being a “serial abuser,” questioning why the district allowed him to retain his position despite multiple complaints. Duncan’s comments drew attention to the alleged emotional harm experienced by the team members and called for immediate action, voicing concern over the potential escalation of abuse. Her statements were supported by other community members, including Jim Johnston, who suggested that nepotism might be influencing the coach’s position, urging the board to address these perceptions and ensure fairness within the district.

31:27The board meeting also touched on the appointment of Hennessy Miles as the new principal of Franklin High School. Miles expressed her pride in her appointment and her commitment to serving the Franklin community, emphasizing the importance of representation and collaboration in education. The board and community members expressed their support for Miles, highlighting the significance of her leadership role.

0:00Financial challenges facing the district were another key topic. The superintendent reported a 3% cut in state aid, amounting to nearly $650,000, along with a decrease in Medicaid-related semi-revenue. The board was informed about the impact of federal funding changes and the district’s preparedness to manage a potential 15% cut in federal funding. The superintendent outlined plans to work with budget managers and the finance committee to identify efficiencies and alternative revenue sources.

The meeting also celebrated recent achievements and upcoming events within the district. The board recognized the successful performance of the middle school’s production of “Shrek Jr.” and announced the high school’s forthcoming musical, “Cinderella,” inviting community members to attend. Additionally, the board acknowledged the fundraising efforts of the Warrior Waves, who raised $12,000 for the Special Olympics, and the donation of sensory items for students at Hillcrest by the Triple B Foundation.

1:13:47Concerns regarding the district’s inclusion model were raised during the public comments section. A bilingual speech-language pathologist sought clarity on the district’s approach to providing related services in classrooms, particularly given the significant pre-K population at Franklin Park. The board was urged to support teachers and staff during this transition and to consider the mixed opinions about the inclusion model’s implementation.