FRANKLIN—Franklin Southampton Charities donated $32,250 to the Franklin Public School system to support the music, robotics and special education programs.

S.P. Morton Elementary received $12,000 of it to rebuild the music program, said Marice Minor, coordinator of testing with the system. The money will be used to purchase classroom instruments, music sheets, band uniforms and supplementary materials for a performing band. It will also help out with music-related field trips.

The robotics program received $16,250 to pay for registration and travel to regional competitions, as well as to purchase materials and equipment needed to construct the robot and the playing field, said Minor. It will also be used to purchase robotic equipment, parts, as well as office supplies.

The system’s special education department received $4,000 to help send elementary students with disabilities to Graz n’ Acres Therapeutic Riding Center in Sedley, Minor said.

“The therapeutic riding program utilizes horses and their environment to help physically, mentally and emotionally disabled students build confidence and improve muscle strength, flexibility, concentration, memory and socialization skills,” she said.

“The money will provide 10 therapeutic riding sessions for Franklin City Public Schools’ students.”

On Monday, the Franklin City Public School Board unanimously approved adding the $32,250 to the budget for these purposes.

Elliot Cobb Jr., chairman of the Grants Committee, said that they try to help out every year they can.

“We just want to do our part to help the public schools get better,” he said. “We think education is critical to the city of Franklin, and we want to do our part to help the schools educate the kids, so they can go out and get a job and improve their lives.”