Franklin schools set Sept. 2 opening as district finishes summer moves, hires and transportation tweaks

The Franklin School Committee was told Aug. 26 that Franklin Public Schools will open the 2025–26 year in stages, with grades 1–12 and age‑22 students starting Sept. 2, kindergarten on Sept. 3 and the district’s two early‑childhood development center (ECDC) locations opening Sept. 4 (Oak Street) and Sept. 5 (Pond Street). Superintendent (district) summarized staffing, move logistics and testing of district notification systems and asked families for patience as remaining work wraps up.

The superintendent said the district staged openings so staff and systems could be ready. "Our goal is to really set the foundation with our students when they arrive, making sure that their shelter, their schedule, their understanding of the building and how things operate is really the first thing we do," the superintendent said.

Why it matters: tens of thousands of student contacts, dozens of classroom moves and updated transportation routes affect families' first days and the timing of safety drills and schedules. District staff detailed hiring progress, bus‑stop updates and remaining facility work that could touch recess and traffic patterns.

District staffing and logistics: The superintendent reported that the district processed and hired "over 56 staff members" this summer and said principals and assistant principals worked throughout the move process. The report noted that many classrooms were relocated and staff unpacked boxes after the summer move; staff and administrators conducted multiple safety trainings in buildings where new staff will work.

Transportation and bus stops: Colin Boivier, online and overseeing transportation, said updated bus stops and times would be posted by the end of the week and the district expected only minor adjustments after initial routes were released. "Nothing major is going to change but, you know, a stop up a stop might be updated, a time might be updated, a stop might be added or moved slightly," Boivier said. He also said drivers will distribute bus ID cards in the first week and the transportation team will address late registrations in the opening weeks.

Traffic and site notes: The committee discussed expected early‑year vehicle congestion at drop‑off points, especially on Lincoln Street, and a directional change at the high school from Panther Way onto Oak Street. The superintendent and local speakers pointed to a recent Franklin Matters post with a map and advised families and student drivers to review signage.

Facilities work and schedule notices: Facilities staff reported painting and playground work were nearly complete and scheduled to continue on weekends to avoid student disruption. The district said it will send an email notification test Sept. 22 and a test call Oct. 16 at 4 p.m., and that ThriveShare will be used to manage message delivery.

Open items and contingencies: Officials reminded the public that a small number of vacancies remained (the superintendent said the district had "2 cheat year openings" and was down to "10 ESPs" after recent hires) and that contingency staffing plans were in place. The district said it will continue to monitor bus routes, adjust stops if GPS locations proved incorrect and follow up on parent communications.

Ending: Staff and committee members described positive energy among educators and administrators in the days before school. Parents and committee members were encouraged to watch district communications and the Franklin Matters post about drive patterns at the high school.