Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Dec 13, 2022 - Agenda

Franklin School Committee 

December 13, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order Mr. McNeil

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills

C. Payroll

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Lifelong Learning Presentation - Patricia Gay, Director LLI

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Policy 2nd Reading / Adoption

I recommend Adoption of the following policies as discussed:

● KF-E3 - Facilities Fee Schedule

● JLCCD - Managing Life-Threatening Food Allergies in the Education Setting

● JLCCD-E - Protocol & Guidelines for Management of Life-Threatening Food Allergies in FPS

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. ACCEPT Annual Report

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the Minutes from you November 22, 2022 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Scholarships

I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,250.00 for FHS Scholarships as follows:

a. $1,000.00 Roberta Trahan

b. $250.00  Sean Jobin

C. FHS Gifts

I recommend acceptance of 2 checks totaling $1,170.85 as follows:

a. $1,000.00 for Student Activity Account - In house Enrichment from FEF & General Dynamics

b. $170.85 - Supplemental Supplies - from Ohiopyle

D. Executive Session Minutes

I recommend approval of the Executive Session Minutes from the November 22, 2022 School Committee Meeting as detailed.

E. New Club: National Art Honor Society

I recommend approval of the request of Amy Edson to create the new club: National Art Honor Society as detailed.

 

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

The agenda doc and remote participation info ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_12-13-22.pdf

The meeting packet folder with docs released for this meeting (although not always available before the meeting)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/december-13-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Dec 13, 2022 - Agenda

Reminder: A Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony - Dec 11 at 7 PM

Seating in the Temple is limited so Franklin.TV will broadcast and live stream the event. 

• You should be able to find it on your "All Access" channel either Comcast 8 or Verizon 26
• You can also find it on All Access YouTube Channel as "Live"  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCahhxS6rENnYA3iH0pgf0jA

Via Temple Etz Chaim: 

"December 11, 2022 at 7:00 PM. Come attend a special presentation at 900 Washington St in Franklin. 

Rabbi Alpert will be among those presenting."

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/ClkUpqvoKBf/

A Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony - Dec 11 at 7 PM

FHS girls and boys indoor track teams top North Attleboro in opening meet on Thursday

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, December 8, 2022. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below. 

Boys Indoor Track = North Attleboro, 36 @ Franklin, 64 – Final 

– Franklin’s depth proved to be key as the Panthers took two of the top three spots in eight individual events, including sweeps in the 2 Mile and the 600M, to take down North Attleboro. Jonathan Pink clocked in at 11:13.06 to win the 2 Mile, followed by Luke Paragona and Sean Giuliano, while Jake Vaccarezza won the 600M in 1:33.84 with Fraser Baird and Jake Lorenzo rounding out the top three. Franklin also got wins from Harry Gurney (55M hurdles, 9.24), Luke Sidwell (300M, 37.74), and Will Boozang (1 Mile, 5:01.03). North Attleboro’s Nathan Shultz continued his dominance in the winter, taking first in a pair of events: the high jump in a league-best 6-06.00 and the 55M dash in 6.76. The Rocketeers also got wins from Kyle Conroy (long jump, 18-04.75), Mark Etienvre (shot put, 50-04.00), and Connor Peterson (1000M, 2:48.29).

Girls Indoor Track = North Attleboro, 22 @ Franklin, 77 – Final 

– Franklin opened the season with a dominant showing, winning eight events, sweeping two of them and scoring in all of them, while taking both relays to beat North Attleboro. Lily DeForge, who set the school record in the shot put, won the event in 35-01.50 followed by Elizabeth Hopkins and Darby Nicholson while Sarah Dumas (9.01, Barra Pfluke, and Cailyn Bruno swept the 55M hurdles. Dumas also won the 55M hurdles (9.01) and other winners for the Panthers were Abigail Griffith (high jump, 5-00.00), Mackenzie Mann (2 Mile, 14:04.79), Sophia Cuneo (55M dash, 7.94 and 300M, 45.50), and Ella McLaughlin (600M, 1:54.14). North’s Julia Simpson (1000M, 3:34.51) and Katie Galcoczy (1 Mile, 6:07.87) each won for the Rocketeers.

For other results around the Hockomock League  -> 

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-08-22/

FHS Panthers

Franklin School Committee - Committee scheduled to meet in Executive Session - Dec 13

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee - Stipend Committee

December 13, 2022 - 4:00 PM

Municipal Building 3rd Floor Conference Room

A G E N D A

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

1. Call to Order

2. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to

collective bargaining with the FEA/RN unit as an open meeting may

have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School

Committee and the chair so declares.

b. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to conduct collective bargaining

sessions with the FEA/RN unit.

The agenda doc can be found on the FPS page ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/stipend_agenda_-_12-13-22.pdf

Stipend Committee scheduled to meet in Executive Session - Dec 13

Davis Thayer Collection (audio)

From June 2020 when the Davis Thayer Facility Analysis started in earnest through to current meetings, this is the collection of meeting notes and audio recordings including key interviews with Superintendent Ahern, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, and Town Council Chair Tom Mercer over this period.

Why have this collection? The discussions and information gathered during this period are available for the current discussion on redistricting. The Kaestle Boos Assessment report and McKibben demographics study still have valid date for this aspect of the important discussion.

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

Franklin Public Schools Page on the Davis Thayer Facility Analysis

https://www.franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis

• Kaestle Boos Assessment Report  https://www.franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis/files/facilities-assessment-report
• McKibben Demographics study   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/2-25-20_demographics_presetation_0.pdf

Current Redistricting Advisory Committee page ->

https://www.franklinps.net/school-committee/2023-redistricting-advisory-committee

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

Nov 2022 - Talk Franklin & Town Council Quarterbacking cover Davis Thayer among other items https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/town-council-meeting-recapped-more-as.html

Nov 2022 - Town Council discussion on how to handle Davis Thayer, decides on representative stakeholder approach https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/town-council-recognizes-carloni_22.html

Nov 2022 - Redistricting Advisory Committee kick off meeting 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/redistricting-advisory-committee-holds.html

Sep 2022 - Space Subcommittee recommends to School Committee

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/space-needs-subcmte-to-recommend-vendor.html

July 2022 - Talk Franklin discussion on Davis Thayer, deed processing underway, decision expected in Fall on how to approach the future of the building

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/from-heat-to-proposed-friendly-40b.html

July 2022 - Town Council Quarterbacking discussion on the Town taking ownership of building from School Committee https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/town-council-quarterbacking-072022-ok.html

June 2022 - Recap: School Committee hears Davis Thayer highlights

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/recap-school-committee-hears-davis.html 

May 2022 - Council impatient with progress on Davis Thayer

• TC Quarterbacking  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/town-council-quarterbacking-with-tom.html
• Council meeting audio https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/town-council-hears-from-congressman.html 

Jan 2022 - Snow discussion with Supt Ahern includes Davis Thayer discussion

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/snow-day-conversation-with-franklin.html

Oct 2021 - School Dept update to Town Council includes discussion on Davis Thayer

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/recap-town-council-hears-about-school.html

Feb 2021 - FM #461 SchComm - Davis Thayer Facility Analysis Meeting - 02/03/21 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/fm-461-schcomm-davis-thayer-facility.html

Feb 2021 - FM #459 - School Committee Meeting (P2 of 3): Davis Thayer segment (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/fm-459-school-committee-meeting-p2-of-3.html 

Jan 2021 - Davis Thayer Facility Analysis Subcommittee to recommend closure of building to full School Committee (1/30/21)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/davis-thayer-facility-analysis.html 

Jan 2021 - FM #448 School Comm - Davis Thayer Facility Analysis Mtg - 01/28/21 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/fm-448-school-comm-davis-thayer.html

Jan 2021 - FM #442 Davis Thayer FA Subcomm - 01/20/21 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/fm-442-davis-thayer-fa-subcomm-012021.html 

Jan 2021 - FM #438 SchComm Davis Thayer FA Mtg - 01/14/21 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/fm-438-schcomm-davis-thayer-fa-mtg.html

Dec 2020 - FM #412 Davis Thayer Facility Analysis - Mtg - 12/09/20 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/fm-412-davis-thayer-facility-analysis.html

Nov 2020 - FM #398 Davis Thayer FA Insights- 11/19/20 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-398-davis-thayer-fa-insights-111920.html

Oct 2020 - FM #379 School Comm Davis Thayer FA Mtg - 10/29/20 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-379-schoolcomm-davis-thayer-fa-mtg.html

Jun 2020 - FM #307 Davis Thayer Facility Analysis Statement - 6/23/20 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/fm-307-davis-thayer-facility-analysis.html

Jun 2020 - FM #298 Davis Thayer Facility Analysis - 6/11/20 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/fm-298-davis-thayer-facility-analysis.html

Davis Thayer School sign from May 2019

Pantherbook: FHS boys hockey preview (audio)

Pantherbook - 2022 Winter Sports Preview: @FHSPantherHocke
Ft. SR captains @SicchioRyan and @JaroszBen. W/ @_Ryan_Martin

Audio link ->  https://youtu.be/mYfAiR6wPiE

Shared from -> https://t.co/PPSnuQt6L4 

Pantherbook: FHS boys hockey preview (audio)

What did you consent to do? Use of social media tools getting riskier - links to 3 articles

Lensa is not a good thing, but if you submitted photos, it's too late now

"This week, millions came face to face with AI-generated versions of themselves thanks to the app Lensa, which uses machine learning to spit out illustrations based on photos you provide. People took to social media to reflect on how the portraits made them feel — and who stands to lose when AI art goes mainstream.

“I think I have a fairly decent self-image, but I looked at the images and I was like, ‘Why do I look so good?’” said James, a Twitch streamer who declined to give his last name to keep his social media presence separate from his day job. “I think it shaved off a lot of my rough edges.”

Continue reading the article (subscription maybe required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/12/08/lensa-ai-portraits/

Lensa - article 2

"Sure, that drunk selfie you posted on Instagram might be personally embarrassing. Now imagine that selfie is also training fuel for an artificial intelligence system that helps put an innocent person in jail.

Welcome to the age of artificial intelligence. What you do with your face, your home security videos, your words and the photos from your friend’s art show are not just about you. Almost entirely without your true consent, information that you post online or that is posted about you is being used to coach AI software. These technologies could let a stranger identify you on sight or generate custom art at your command."

Continue reading the article (subscription maybe required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/12/09/chatgpt-lensa-ai-ethics/

If you didn't know how you were being tracked, this lends some insight to the systems involved:

"Tens of thousands of websites belonging to government agencies, Fortune 500 companies and other organizations host Twitter computer code that sends visitor information to the social media giant, according to research first reported by The Cybersecurity 202. 

And virtually none of them have used a Twitter feature to put restrictions on what the company can do with that data, said digital ad analysis firm Adalytics, which conducted the study.

The presence of Twitter’s code — known as the Twitter advertising pixel — has grown more troublesome since Elon Musk purchased the platform."

Continue reading the article (subscription maybe required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/12/08/twitter-data-tracker-inhabits-tens-thousands-websites/

So how can you protect your privacy in this new social media world? Two quick easy steps:

• Don't fall to any one of the meme's (What Game of Thrones character are you?) or tools like Lensa
• Install DuckDuckGo (https://duckduckgo.com) on your browser to prevent the tracking cookies from doing their thing

Lensa interpretations of reporter Tatum Hunter. These images were
created by AI. They were not taken by a camera.

   

Armenian Weekly: "Camp Haiastan planning expansion for Under the Trees project"

"Since last spring, Camp Haiastan has been working on designing an expanded Under the Trees. Anyone who has attended Camp Haiastan knows this area as the place where the entire Camp gathers for daily announcements and the Lord’s Prayer before meals. This area is also the Camp’s primary vantage point of Uncas Pond, Hye Hope Pavilion, the basketball courts and the lower Camp entrance. 

Anyone sitting Under the Trees can see nearly everything that is happening at Camp Haiastan. It is also a place many campers use to just relax, gather in small groups, play board games, read or observe their natural surroundings. “The Camp has grown significantly since the original Under the Trees area was constructed, and the area needs expansion and renovation,” notes executive director Kenar Charchaflian.

With the help of Kyle Zick Landscape Architecture (KZLA) of Boston, a series of designs was developed and reviewed by the Camp’s Infrastructure Committee led by Board member Michael Bahtiarian. The Committee chose a design that fits the needs and character of Camp Haiastan and presented the selection at the 70th anniversary gala in July.  

The new design will double the size of the Under the Trees area. In addition, it will not only save and secure the existing trees, but also plan for the future by planting new ones. Much like the current Under the Trees, the stone patio will include a new Armenian eternity symbol. The area closer to the Summer Office will have rounded benches, while the section closer to the Rec Hall will be square and have two new platforms and multiple benches. 

KZLA has designed the new Under the Trees to seat as many as 150 campers and counselors. The area will be surrounded by new plants and vegetation as well as walking paths. Lighting will be added below benches to allow the space to be used at night. Other infrastructure improvements will be made as this project necessitates them, including rainwater drainage, irrigation and burying utilities."

Continue reading the article online ->  https://armenianweekly.com/2022/12/05/camp-haiastan-planning-expansion-for-under-the-trees-project/

 

Expanded Under the Trees 3D image by KZLA

Franklin's Event Outlook: Dec 9, 2022 to Dec 15, 2022

The monthly library book & bag sale, events for kids and adults as the holiday season is spread around this weekend and into next week. Food truck, music, concert performances, movie night... seems like something for everyone!

Friday, December 9

12:00pm - Library Book Sale ($1/book) (Franklin Public Library)

5:00pm - Joey D's Wingz & Thingz (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:30pm - Heath Nisbett (live music)  (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:30pm - Polar Express Movie Night (family fun, ticketed event) (Franklin Senior Center)

7:30pm - Dean Faculty Dance Showcase (ticketed event) (Dean College, Main Stage) 

Saturday, December 10

9:00am - Library Book Sale ($1/book) (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

12:00pm - Papalias (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

1:00pm -  Library Bag Sale (books by the bag)  (Franklin Public Library)

5:30pm -  Mike Malone  (live music)  (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:30pm - Dean Faculty Dance Showcase (ticketed event) (Dean College, Main Stage)

7:30pm - The Rescignos: Franklincense (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)  

Sunday, December 11

10:00am - Toy Drive & Photos with Santa (Franklin Police Dept) 

12:00pm - Kid's Christmas Party (family fun) (Teddy Gallagher's) 

1:00pm -  Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1’:15pm - NoteAble Blend (women’s barbershop quartet) (Franklin Historical Museum)

2:00pm - Mrs Claus (reads & poses for photos) (Franklin Historical Museum)

3;00pm - 8th Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols for Advent and Christmas (St Mary's Parish) 

Tuesday, December 13

7:00pm -  FBRTC Meeting (monthly meeting) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm -  Yankee Quilters (monthly meeting) (Emma’s Quilt Cupboard)

Wednesday, December 14

7:00pm - St Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group (virtual meeting( (St Marys' Parish)

Thursday, December 15

8:30am - Town Council Office Hours (monthly Q&A session) (Senior Center)

6:30pm - Holiday Wreath Workshop (ticketed event) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm - An Introduction to Hanukkah (virtual event) (Franklin Public Library)

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

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Community Calendar

Finance Committee gets some financial good and bad news before taking a deep dive into the Schools budget (audio)

FM #895 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 895 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, Dec 7, 2022. 

Seven members of the Finance Committee participated (2 absent); 6 present in the Council Chambers, 1 remote. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Assistant Administrator Alecia Alleyne, Comptroller Chris Sandini and Treasurer/Collector Kerri Bertone. 

Quick recap:

• Out to bid for the bond for the Schmidt’s Farm resulted in maintaining the Triple AAA rating, receiving 7 bids, and yielded a 3.44% rate (good)

• Stabilization funds review shows the market impact as many of the totals declined vs. the prior year and there were no authorized withdrawals. These are called unrealized losses (not so good)

• The electric rate contract for the Town results in an increase of $200K impact for this fiscal year. DPW snow and ice presentation scheduled for the 12/14/22 Town Council meeting. Some facility projects and repairs being held due to the increases being seen to avoid a significant financial impact. Do use a utility consultant on the electricity contract, spent about a month watching rates before settling on this deal. Storm water fee implementation in July 2023 will also have an effect on the Town budget (not so good)

• School budget “deep dive” - Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Business administrator Miriam Goodman, School Committee Chair Denise Spencer and School Committee member and Budget subcommittee Chair David McNeill presented. Asst Superintendent Paula Marano and School Committee members Elise Stokes and Dave Callaghan were also in the audience for support.

• Chair Conley opened with the major question with declining enrollment and rising budget how is that explained? The remainder of the presentation and discussion attempted to answer the question from multiple points of view. I can not do justice and simplify it. The discussion is too complex. The audio and video of the meeting is available for you to listen and follow along

• I can say that the School Committee and Central office can do better in helping to explain the cost drivers. They do cover a bunch of the details in their main meetings and subcommittee meetings but have not been successful in articulating the story, hence the questions remain 

The meeting recording runs 2 hours and 35 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting Dec 7, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-895-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-12-07-22

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

Meeting agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/12-07-2022_finance_committee_agenda.pdf

My notes ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gVLpYnd6sOfNA7Phl0p176OhHViQsL7e/view?usp=share_link 

Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee 

YouTube recording =>   https://youtu.be/o4vY1ekbk10

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/q6YyoS5wPbe7m86j6

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

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"

L-R: Budget subcommittee Chair David McNeill, School Committee Chair Denise Spencer,  Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Business administrator Miriam Goodman