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
ECRA Group – John Connolly

Dr Carolyn Burke, Dr. Art Bettencourt, Executive Director, Dr Sally Diaz - NESDEC
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: 
  1. DJE – Bidding Requirements
  2. DKC – Expense Reimbursements
  3. JJF – Student Activity Accounts
  4. JJF-R – Student Activity Accounts
  5. 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 

  • Community Engagement

Policy sub committee to meet on Monday, Sep 19 to address the dress code policy

274 backpacks were prepared and 170+ distributed already
Y and Elks coordinated with the School District
backpacks going to schools in the Hockomock area
thanks to the community for stepping up to make a difference for the kids

7. Motion to Adjourn 
– Dr. O’Malley 
approved, 7-0


Note from the earlier sections of the meeting can be found here:


You can view the Franklin TV video

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