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Franklin principals restart clubs program; $128 activity fee, late buses expected
Summary
High school and middle school principals told the school committee they have restarted club advising, held a club fair with over 35 groups, and set a $128 district activity fee; late buses are confirmed for the high school and likely for the middle school pending vendor confirmation.
Dr. Maria Weber, principal of Franklin High School, and Craig Williams, principal of Franklin Middle School, updated the school committee on efforts to reboot student clubs across the district after recent declines. Weber said staff solicited advisers and ran a club fair that featured more than 35 clubs; advisers are now connecting with students and collecting payments. ‘‘The fee is consistent for across grades is a $128 this year,’’ Weber said, adding that some clubs may charge additional costs for competitions or transportation.
Weber outlined the timeline for confirming club runs: payments are expected by Nov. 1, reminders will follow and the district will determine which clubs will operate by Nov. 15. Williams said middle-level clubs will rely on a student interest survey to launch clubs the week of Oct. 27 or Nov. 3, with a Dec. 1 activity-fee deadline at the middle level.
Committee members pressed for clarity about participation and access. Speaker 12 said high school late buses are confirmed and the middle school bus is ‘‘very likely’’ pending confirmation from a bus company; an update was promised by the end of the week. Multiple members said late buses have historically reduced participation barriers and urged the district to monitor trip lengths and access after clubs are underway.
Weber and Williams acknowledged staffing limits: Weber said seven historically offered high school clubs currently lack advisers, and Williams noted the district must balance adult bandwidth while trying to offer a diverse set of clubs. Committee members suggested creative staffing solutions (for example, one adviser covering two small clubs) and asked the administration to report back on transportation costs and post-implementation participation.
The committee heard several endorsements: members praised the club-fair turnout and encouraged outreach to families to pay fees and express interest early. The district will use internal communications (morning announcements, school newsletters, building screens and the website) to promote club sign-ups.
