Reminder: "Finding the Light" in Franklin through Dec 18

"Greetings art lovers!  

Beginning on holiday weekend, Nov 27- December 18, I will leave a piece of art at an undisclosed location for the Franklin community members to find.  

This collection is called "Finding the Light" and it is part 2 of last year’s kick off. 

I created this series during my Artist in Residence role for Natick 2021. I had just lost my father. This prompted me to imagine how many others are coping through pain and loss around the holiday season, sparking the need to share "light".   

In that same spirit, I mean for it to be uplifting, bring hope, joy and giving around the holidays.  

Come to this page for clues and an image to help you find it easily. The clues may be released early each week, but the art will be placed on Sunday mornings. "

Shared from Amy Adams Facebook page 

https://www.facebook.com/PaintingVenus/posts/pfbid0exj6oVK1Amc8xaEQAQrRetqorqAH9fdtGaDuxVmWjHpbZNcaxtiLodBrcyQFSSE3l

Find the clues online ->  https://www.facebook.com/PaintingVenus

"Finding the Light" in Franklin through Dec 18

School Committee hears options for hiring their next superintendent - 02/08/22 (audio)

FM #725 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 725 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee superintendent search workshop held on Tuesday, February 8, 2022.

The meeting was conducted in person in the 3rd floor training room: all of the committee members were in the 3rd floor training room.

MASC Field Director Tracy Novick provides the insights on the superintendent replacement  options and answers questions along the way. Lisa Trainor, FPS Human Resources Director also participates along with the full School Committee.

The recording of the public meeting runs about 56 minutes 

The link to the meeting agenda is included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to the workshop of Feb 8, 2022

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-725-school-cmte-superintendent-search-workshop-02-08-22

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Meeting agenda doc ->   

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/events/scagenda_2-8-22_workshop.pdf  

My notes captured during the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/recap-school-committee-hears-options.html 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

School Committee hears options for hiring their next superintendent

Recap: School Committee hears options for finding their next superintendent

Quick Recap:

• The School Committee met in a workshop prior to their regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb 8, 2022 to discuss the basics around finding a replacement for Superintendent Sara Ahern who is leaving at the end of the school year
• Tracy Novick, Field Director for the district from the MASC provided her insights on the process and options and answered questions along the way
• Short story - the School Committee if they think they have an internal candidate, they can schedule for a regular meeting, a discussion item laying out that such a discussion, and decision may be reached. If the internal candidate is willing, they can proceed to negotiations and settle. If the candidate is not desiring the role, the Committee can then move to a search. 
• The search can be done internally with a consultant or search firm. Either way approx. 3 months is usually needed to do it properly. Cost for a search consultant or firm can start at about $10.5K and go up from their depending upon the menu of options chosen
• Stay tuned to this, the Committee needs to move quickly as the district is required to have a certified/qualified superintendent to operate. If the process is not completed in time, an interim superintendent would be needed to cover until a search is completed

Recording should be available within a couple of days

The Twitter thread can be mostly found in one PDF (a couple of tweets missed the doc, but can be found with the hash tag #schcomss0208)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OfPUB5JrmuiaLZF5TQIgiTOps8il9-0Z/view?usp=sharing 

Agenda doc (no remote participation)

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/events/scagenda_2-8-22_workshop.pdf

• Live reporting underway for the School Committee superintendent search meeting tonight #schcomss0208 Tracy Novick here  (yay!) to lead the overview representing MASC on this key topic
• If you are transparent, say what you want and then do it, that works; problems arise when you don't follow through #schcomss0208 the public needs to follow along without getting surprised
• Districts having a bench is a good thing, about 1/3 of hires are from within, rather than going for a search. #schcomss0208 public process of hiring, posted agenda, quorum of committee, them up to the committee to do so;
• If you are transparent, say what you want and then do it, that works; problems arise when you don't follow through #schcomss0208 the public needs to follow along without getting surprised
• Underway about 15 which may not be all of them; #schcomss0208 no dwindling of applications for open positions, some in central admin didn't jump last year, some are this year. Position here wouldn't see the competition other open spots have, geographic/size district etc.
• There are ways to expedite a search (i.e. have some one do the prescreen and provide final candidates) MASC does that, but not why they are here tonight. #schcomss0208 a search firm will staff the detail work, confirming requirements, profile, application process, etc.
• Search firm can be a firm fee or a menu of items, can range from $10,500 and up... #schcomss0208 brought timeline could be 3 months for a regular search process. If search is not done in time, then an interim is required as one is needed
• Community needs to be part of the search process or at least be comfortable with the candidate selected #schcomss0208 waivers tend to come up from a retiree returning
• Even if an internal candidate is available, then it can be a consideration to be part of the search process to ensure getting "the" best candidate. #schcomss0208
• Q on other community examples? would need to check with her colleagues, she is unfortunately blanking at the moment. #schcomss0208 if there is a strong internal candidate, it will be "known" and some applicants will know also and not apply
• Consultant would provide the sorted listing of candidates to the subcommittee in executive session for review and discussion to select the 'semifinalists'; when the search comm comes to finalists then it becomes a public process #schcomss0208
• Search committee can conduct the discussion/whittling in a posted executive session meeting. #schcomss0208
• Meeting about to adjourn

Recap: School Committee hears options for finding their next superintendent

Franklin School Committee - Superintendent’s Search Workshop - Feb 8 - 6 PM

Franklin School Committee

February 8, 2022 - 6:00 PM

Municipal Building – Training Room

Agenda

Call to Order  - Mrs. Spencer
1. Superintendent’s Search Workshop
2. Adjournment

Agenda doc (no remote participation provided)

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/events/scagenda_2-8-22_workshop.pdf

Superintendent’s Search Workshop - Feb 8 - 6 PM

Superintendent Ahern one of four finalists for Barnstable position

The Franklin radar picked up this notice via the Twitter stream:

"The Barnstable Superintendent Search Subcommittee and the Barnstable School Committee on Friday announced four finalists for Barnstable Public Schools' new superintendent. 

The final candidates are, in alphabetical order: 

Sara Ahern, current superintendent of the Franklin, MA Public Schools, who earned her Doctorate of Education in Educational Administration at Boston College and a Master's of Science from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. "

Continue reading the article online ->
https://www.barnstablepatriot.com/story/news/2021/12/17/four-finalists-chosen-next-barnstable-public-schools-superintendent/8937362002/

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1472178152394960906

 

Superintendent Ahern provides an update to the SchComm in October 2021

"pleased to announce that Mr. Paul Peri will be the next principal of Weston High School"

Mr Peri will be missed in Franklin. Dr. Midge Connolly, Superintendent of Weston (MA) schools made the announcement Monday.

"Dear Weston Community,

I am pleased to announce that Mr. Paul Peri will be the next principal of Weston High School. Mr. Peri will begin officially on July 1, 2020 but will be working with us throughout the spring as he transitions to Weston from Franklin, a community that he has been with for many years. Mr. Peri began his career in Franklin as a middle school teacher and then became the vice principal and principal of Remington Middle School. He then served as principal at Franklin High School for the past six years. Mr. Peri earned his undergraduate degree from Muhlenberg College and his Master’s degree in Education Administration from Endicott College.

During his time at Franklin High School, Mr. Peri has focused on improving the school culture and climate for staff, students, and parents/guardians. He has done so through increased love, laughter, care, support, communication and celebration, as great efforts have been made to increase school spirit and staff morale. Against this backdrop of culture, there has been a continuous focus of building and improving relationships among all stakeholders for the ultimate goal of doing what is best for students. Specific accomplishments include focused work on social and emotional learning, cultural proficiency, assessment and standards-based grading, development of a robust student advisory program, alignment of curriculum and lesson planning, and a successful NEASC accreditation visit."

Continue reading the news item online
https://www.westonschools.org/blog/2020/02/10/11231/

Prior article on Mr Peri's selection as a finalist
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/if-weston-selects-peri-franklin-will.html

Paul Peri (Twitter profile picture)

In the News: Hellen proposed to replace Nutting; Bob's Store in Franklin to close

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Town Council will discuss on Wednesday the possibility of Deputy Town Administrator Jaime Hellen taking over for Town Administrator Jeff Nutting once Nutting retires next year. 

A letter sent to town officials in September indicated that Nutting would be retiring no later than June 30. Nutting’s suggestion is to bring Hellen into the captain’s chair. 

A search committee was organized earlier this year to decide how the town would go about choosing a new town administrator, but the group decided it would best for Hellen to take over the top job. 

“After some discussion, they (the search committee) openly decided that he should be the next TA (town administrator),” Nutting said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181127/franklin-town-council-to-discuss-promoting-hellen-to-replace-retiring-administrator-nutting

The Search Committee meeting at which the discussion and recommendation was made, was recorded and is available for replay
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/11/town-administrator-search-subcommittee.html

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

"The Bob’s Stores location at the Horace Mann Plaza will soon be closing, although it’s not clear exactly when. 

A large red banner reading “Store Closing - This Location Only” appeared on the Bob’s Stores facade at 303 East Central St., shortly before Black Friday. Store employees referred requests for comment to Bob’s corporate offices in Meriden, Connecticut, but calls placed there by The Daily News were not returned. 

Town officials from Franklin did not have information as to why the store is closing."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181128/bobs-store-in-franklin-to-close

"everyone says hello to each other, even if they are a complete stranger”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"For high school students planning to attend college, there is a lot of pressure to find the school that fits. To help these students find their perfect school, the Franklin Town Library hosted its first “mini college fair” on Saturday. 

“One of the big focuses, was that students wanted more exposure to schools all around the country,” said Caleigh Ross, youth services librarian. “That is why I reached out to a bunch of people I knew from Franklin that went to some of these schools.” 

The mini college fair, put together by the Teen Advisory Board, featured: Colgate University, University of Vermont, Saint Anselm’s College, Duke University, Virginia Tech, James Madison University, Elon University, Washington and Lee University, College of Charleston, University of Mary Washington, Indiana University, Wheaton College (Illinois), Illinois Wesleyan University, Miami University of Ohio, University of Chicago, Creighton University, Grinnell College, Denison University, Claremont McKenna College, Seaver College of Pepperdine University and Willamette University."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170527/franklin-students-look-for-college-that-fits

where do you want to go to college?

Where did the class of 2016 go to college?
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/06/where-will-fhs-class-of-2016-go-next.html

Remains confirmed as "those of 20-year-old Michael Doherty"

"Press Release from the Norfolk County District Attorney. 

No signs of foul play in
Death of Franklin’s Doherty

The Office of Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey has received information from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner that the remains found Saturday afternoon (May 20) in Franklin, Mass., are indeed those of 20-year-old Michael Doherty, the subject of an extensive search by local law enforcement since being reported missing on May 14, 2017. 

While the OCME has not yet issued a final report, preliminary information from that office indicates that no signs of trauma or foul play were evident. The cause and manner of death remain undetermined pending additional testing. 

“Our first thought is with Michael’s family and friends,” District Attorney Morrissey said. “To them we extend our sincere condolences. I would be remiss if I did not thank the Franklin Police, regional and state law enforcement and so many in the community for their days and days of sustained searching in difficult terrain. The result was not what we had hoped.”

Franklin Police Department

“They put their heart and soul into it”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"One day after searchers discovered a body they believe is a missing Franklin college student, residents said a sense of sorrow hung over the neighborhoods near woods where the body was found. 

“It’s just a really sad ending to a terrible week,” said Faith Lennon, who was landscaping outside her Eldon Drive home Sunday. 

On Saturday, two civilians found the body of a white male believed to be Michael Doherty in dense woods near Interstate 495. Doherty, a Xaverian Brothers High School graduate and Duke University student, had been missing since he left a house party on Phyllis Lane around 1:30 a.m. May 14. Throngs of searchers spent the past week looking through land that residents said was thickly vegetated and wet in places."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170521/after-body-found-franklin-residents-reflect-on-weeklong-search

Michael's body may have been found

On Sunday May 14, 2017 the Franklin Police Department received a report of a missing person. The parents of 20 year old Michael Doherty, of Franklin, reported their son had not returned home after gathering with friends the previous evening. Officers from the Franklin Police Department immediately began an investigation and a search for Michael. Over the last six days countless man hours have been spent in the efforts to locate Michael, and bring him home to his family. 

At approximately 14:30hrs (5/20/17) two civilians out searching in dense woods and thick underbrush near Rt. 495 located the body of a white male, believed at this time to be Michael Doherty. Positive confirmation will not be available until the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has issued its findings. 

The thoughts and prayers of all the members of the Franklin Police Department and all of the other agencies that participated in searching for Michael go out to the Doherty family in this time of great tragedy. We would also like to thank the residents who helped search, and those who provided support to all the personnel who worked tirelessly to find Michael. 

Along with the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office, and Troopers from the State Police Detective Unit, an investigation into what happened to Michael will continue. Due to the ongoing nature of that investigation, no further details will be released at this time. 

We ask that the Doherty’s privacy be respected during this extremely difficult time.

Facebook image

"they just want to find this young man”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"After Friday passed without further discoveries, police announced search efforts will resume Saturday. 

Michael Doherty, a Duke University junior and local resident, has been missing since he left a Phyllis Lane house party Sunday morning. A search has been taking place throughout the week, with many different law enforcement agencies and units - including helicopters, search dogs and boat teams - involved. 

Police said they and Franklin Fire Department personnel focused their Friday search on wooded and wetlands areas, and received help from the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council, the state Environmental Police and other agencies. State police drones were also deployed to help map the search areas and identify places of focus."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170519/doherty-search-in-franklin-will-continue-this-weekend

"The Franklin Police Department is continuing the search for Michael Doherty. Thursday afternoon Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey was in Franklin and briefed on the search efforts by Chief Thomas J. Lynch. The State Police also deployed drone assets to help more accurately map the areas to be focused on. 

Today numerous Franklin Police patrol officers, detectives, and supervisors, and Franklin Fire personnel will take part in the search into the woods and wetlands areas. These officers will be joined by team members from the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (MetroLEC), Massachusetts Environmental Police, as well as other public safety partners and assets. 

No new evidence has been discovered, and the investigation continues under the direction of the Franklin Police Detective Unit with assistance from other State and Federal agencies."

From the Facebook posting by the Franklin Police Dept
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10154320269770916&id=162770995915

From the Facebook posting by the Franklin Police Dept

"nothing suspicious had been found"

"Police did not report any progress after a brutally hot day of searching Thursday for a missing 20-year-old college student. 

Franklin’s Michael Doherty, a Duke University junior, has been missing since he left a Phyllis Lane house party at around 1:30 a.m. Sunday. 

Franklin Police Deputy Chief James Mill said the day’s search was focused around the use of K9 dogs and searchers on the water. With the heat, he said, fewer ground units were being used, and those involved were given frequent breaks. 

Though a one-mile radius around Doherty’s last-known position had been searched, Mill said, certain locations had been identified for further scrutiny, either because clues (such as Doherty’s shirt and shoes, found on previous days) had been discovered there, or because of their difficult terrain. According to Mill, Mine Brook - the marshy body of water at the center of search efforts - varies widely in its depth, and is unpredictable."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170518/franklin-no-progress-in-doherty-search

Posted by a reader to the Franklin Matters Facebook page

“We want him home”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The parents of a missing 20-year-old Franklin man spoke Wednesday of their desperate hope to see their son returned to them as the search continued for a fourth day. 

Nancy and Dan Doherty said to reporters that they were devastated and heartbroken that their son, Michael Doherty, had not yet returned. 

“(We) don’t wish this on anyone - ever - and we just want our son home,” said Nancy Doherty. 

She said their son, whom she called the love of their lives, had made many friends, some of whom had traveled to Franklin in hopes of helping with the search, though they have held off in order to not interfere with police efforts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170517/doherty-family-heartbroken-over-missing-son

Police Alert: missing 20 year old, male,  last seen in the Phyllis Lane area of Franklin

“We can’t give up hope right now”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Hours after police search dogs may have picked up a scent in the search for a missing 20-year-old Franklin man, the community came together Tuesday night for a candlelight vigil in support of his family. 

Police said a bloodhound had tracked a scent for Michael Doherty, a junior at Duke University, into Bellingham and asked people in the Maple Street area, by way of an automated phone call, to check their backyards or sheds for any sign of the missing man. Authorities said they would be bringing in additional dogs to further explore the trail. 

Other than that, there was little progress announced. 

The search on Tuesday continued until dark, authorities said, and investigative efforts will be ongoing. Police said they are not prepared to say when the search would be called off, or when efforts would shift from rescue to recovery. About 50 searchers, including the civilian Massachusetts Rescue and Recovery Canine Unit, took part."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170516/candlelight-vigil-for-missing-franklin-man

Facebook image

Live reporting: School Committee - Special Meeting - 3/23/17

Present: O'Malley, Douglas, Bergen, Schultz, Bilello, Jewell (via remote), Scofield 
Absent: none

Successfully dialed in John Jewell

the meeting is being recorded

background
received notice of Superintendent Sabolinski's retirement
HYA hired for search process
interviewed, community forums, feedback submitted
there remain contract negotiations and background check to finalize

we are down to one candidate
Mr Peter Light withdrew his application

leaves one candidate Dr Sara Ahern

motion to nominate Dr Sara Ahern pending background checks and successful negotiation

discussion?

Bergen - open process, feedback received even from those participating via the Forum recording
Dr Ahern toured several buildings, staff, Central Office, all feedback very positive, they feel we can learn and grow with her

Schultz - the second time thru, this is the right fit for us

Bilello - this has been a long process for us, gathering the community input to build the profile helped to make us responsive to what we needed to take Franklin to the next level. I think this feels so exciting to make an offer to Dr Ahern.

Scofield - I echo what the previous committee members said, on the first go round, they were good but you didn't that that feeling

Douglas - I got to speak with her individually after she met with the teachers today

Jewell - this person who we hire has to be politically savvy, and she has demonstrated that. I went back to the responses that we were looking for

O'Malley - this was not an easy process I congratulate all of you, none more so than Anne Bergen, we did all the hard work and came to the right place. An enthusiastic vote. She can lead is to the next plateau

this is a unanimous selection, the right person for the right time in our town.

I would add my appreciation of Peter Light's application, we are in a tremendous position to have a superintendent with Peter's help

going into executive session not to return to public session
motion made, seconded, vote 7-0

  

FM #129 - Community Forum - Superintendent Search Candidates (audio)

FM #129

This internet radio show or podcast is number 129 in the series for Franklin Matters. This captured the audio recording of the Community Forum held March 20, 2017.

The Forum was hosted by the School Committee to facilitate the final two candidates for the next Superintendent of Franklin Public Schools.

There was one incident during the second candidate interview session where one member of the community was asked to leave and escorted from the Council Chambers.

Without further ado, here is the recording of the meeting

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This brings the recording of the March 20 Community Forum to a close.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.

How can you help?

If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors.

If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.

Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

I hope you enjoy!

Sarah Ahern answers a question

Peter Light answers a question

******

Note: If you listen to this recording and want to provide feedback to the School Committee you need to contact Denise Miller at millerd@franklin.k12.ma.us.  She will send you a form via e-mail to provide your feedback on the candidates.

******

You can also subscribe and listen to the audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Superintendent Search: Candidate Resumes and Remaining Schedule

The resumes of the two candidates for Franklin School Superintendent are available below. The Community Forum is scheduled for Monday evening at 6:30 PM.

Based upon what occurred the last time, the candidates will appear separately. They will have an opportunity to make some opening remarks, the community will get to ask questions, and the candidate will be allowed to make a summary statement. 

There'll be a brief break between candidates and the candidate process will repeat.

The candidates are scheduled for a day of visit to the Franklin Schools with meetings scheduled with the principals and asst principals, Central Office, and the teachers and staff. Peter Light is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21. Sara Ahern is scheduled for Thursday, March 23.

The School Committee will make their site visits to the respective candidate districts between March 27 and March 31. 

Those who participate in the Community Forum and visits will be provided a link to a survey to submit feedback on the candidates.

All the information will be gathered by the School Committee and lead to their discussion and decision at an April 4th meeting of the Committee.











The audio recording of the special School Committee meeting Wednesday, March 15 can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/03/fm-128-special-school-committee-mtg.html

Franklin High School in a snow covered sunrise