UPDATED: Framingham Public Schools Wants To Re-Brand With New Logo

Share, email, print, bookmark SOURCE reports.

CORRECTION: The original report published on July 9, said the budget for the project was $20,000. The budget for the consultant was about $10,000. SOURCE regrets the error.

Left to right, image shows the original town seal, the FPS version of the town seal, and the new city seal.

[broadstreet zone=”53230″]

FRAMINGHAM – Framingham Public School District wants to unveil a new logo for the 2021-2022 school year.

The public school district hired a consultant who has created two possible new logos.

The first viewing of the two logos was at the School Committee meeting at the end of June.

The project is under the direction of the district’s spokesperson Rochelle Santos.

UPDATED: About $10,000 was budgeted for the consultant, said Superintendent Bob Tremblay

The goal is for the re-branding and new logo to roll out this summer, but the public can provide input on which of the two logos they like.

[broadstreet zone=”54526″]

WHY IS FRAMINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS SEEKING A NEW LOGO?

For many years, Framingham Public Schools has been visually represented by a modified version of the Town Seal. Now that the Town Seal has been replaced by a new City Seal, FPS needs a new visual identity, said the district in an email to School Committee members and City Councilors this week.

While it is possible for FPS to utilize the new City Seal in a similar fashion (adding Framingham Public Schools to the outer edge), the District is seeking a unique visual identity including a logo, defined colors, and fonts so that all marketing, recruitment, and district material can have a consistent look and feel, said the district in the email.

In the new city seal, the historical elements include a braided straw symbolic of Framingham’s prominence in the straw bonnet and hat industry in the 1800’s; wheel with train tracks as spokes representing the importance of transportation; May Hall which is part of Framingham State University’s campus and represents Framingham’s educational history; and the different milestone years in the town / city’s history, said the district.

[broadstreet zone=”59945″]

While the School District honors and appreciates Framingham’s history, a unique visual identity was sought to reflect the District’s mission, vision, and core values while serving all or any of the following purposes:

tie to education and our commitment to supporting the social-emotional health and wellbeing of our students;
inspire and encourage passion and experience with extracurricular activities like arts and athletics;
reflect the variety of programs and pathways to the future;
showcases Framingham Public Schools’ dedication to creating an environment that’s welcoming and accepting of all students, and celebrates each student’s uniqueness and in Framingham, that especially includes appreciating our diversity.

[broadstreet zone=”59983″]

The district gave five reasons on why the rush for a new logo:

The current District ‘logo’ which utilizes the old town seal is being phased out and needs to be replaced – ideally with something that is unique and community-supported.
For the start of the 2021-2022 school year, the District is opening a new Welcome Center. The Framingham Public Schools Parent Information Center (PIC) is shifting from a one-time registration experience to a community hub where families can access a range of support services from our many school and community partners. This expansion presents a need for banners, directional signage, printed collateral, and posters to help guide and welcome FPS families.
The District plans to launch an updated website before school starts for the 21-22 school year. An updated logo, color palette, and fonts will guide the process, resulting in a modernized website with improved accessibility. Updated school websites will follow.
Woodrow Wilson Elementary School has been renamed Harmony Grove Elementary School and while there won’t be a unique logo immediately to represent the new name, we can utilize the District logo font to help guide an interim branding effort over the summer in advance of the start of the 21-22 school year.
Human Resources and the Office of Equity need new, refreshed recruitment material to attract teachers and staff at different events. This is long overdue and would be used throughout the year.

Residents can vote through July 23 – VOTE HERE

[broadstreet zone=”59984″]

CONCEPT 1

This concept offers an abstract and semi-futuristic ‘FPS’ built into one mark. (see inspiration below)
Harmonious and different colors represent diversity.
The blank space in the mark is representative of an F.
The blank space also reflects pathways offered to students; that our students come here from various places; that many of our families commute to work in different places; and lastly, that people come to Framingham from larger cities for diversity, education, and a sense of community. Additionally, this concept with its T map inspiration offers a historical tie-in to transportation which has always been an element of the Town, now City Seal. (see inspiration below)

CONCEPT 2

This version and its circular shape were inspired by the spoke and wheel / train tracks from the Framingham City Seal.
Utilizing the wheel shape and incorporating several ‘F’s, this represents Framingham being a school district on the move.
Being ‘on the move’ offers a connection to our progressive, forward-thinking, and innovative approach to education and all that we offer our students and families.
Harmonious and different colors represent diversity.
The dot in the middle represents each individual student surrounded by a safe, inclusive environment.