Franklin Matters: School Committee begins search process for new Superintendent

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

School Committee begins search process for new Superintendent

My coverage of the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Aug 23 was interrupted by my own work commitment. (Yes, I do this part time in my spare time and sometimes my work for a global company takes priority).

I did catch up to the Franklin TV recording of the meeting to view the remainder of the ECRA presentation and then the balance of the committee meeting.

The Committee decided to

have Central Office do some reference checks on the two companies that presented.
find out why MASC did not show up and have them try again at the next meeting
adjust the next meeting agenda to split the school improvement plans (FHS and middle schools one night, elementary schools, the next)

ECRA Group – John Connolly

Dr Carolyn Burke, Dr. Art Bettencourt, Executive Director, Dr Sally Diaz - NESDEC

"4. Action Items
a. I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading at the next School Committee meeting:

DJE – Bidding Requirements
DKC – Expense Reimbursements
JJF – Student Activity Accounts
JJF-R – Student Activity Accounts
JJFG – Disposition of Student Activity Accounts"

motion to move to a second reading, seconded, passed 7-0

b. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2705.29 from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies at Parmenter Elementary School.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report

Enrollment Update

enrollment down in Elementary and up in middle and high school as expected
3 days of academic training conducted last week for administrators, budget balancing exercise was revealing and worthwhile
worked on the District and School improvement plans

new staff orientation begins, instructional expectations being set
total of 41 new staff starting this year, one of the smaller groups in several years
a really engaged group, wide range of experience some new and some with 10-15 years elsewhere

Transportation update
2681 to be bussed as of 8/20/16
160 signed up in the prior 14 days, 50 on waiting lists (primarily on FHS buses)
1832 in 'pay to ride'; 849 are bus eligible
reduced ridership brought about consolidation of some routes
responding to changes and requests as soon as possible
probably additions can be made towards the end of September as bus counts normalize

School Committee Sub-Committee Reports