Franklin Matters: School Committee hears of the ECDC Improvement plan and need for space (video & audio)

Thursday, October 12, 2023

School Committee hears of the ECDC Improvement plan and need for space (video & audio)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday evening at 7 PM in the Council Chambers. All 7 members were present for this penultimate session for this group. (With Nov 7 election, 3 members will return and there will be 4 new members).

Quick recap:

Superintendent's report. FHS game for thanksgiving at Fenway Park, tickets through Red Sox. Professional dev 10/18 and an early release day, Nov 7 full professional dev (election day)
Anticipating approx. 40 students from the migrant housing enrolled in school by end of this week. State providing funding to compensate
Hiring, a few positions; open 1 special Ed, 7 special Ed aids, (other info being shared)
Joint Budget Subcmte meeting Weds 10/11 at 5:30 PM, planning on an update on the currentFY24 budget. Some info to be shared with SchCom before meeting (as it will be public during the evening session). Anticipating quarterly disbursement from State on migrant funding
ECDC School Improvement Plan up next. Andy Bernabei, new principal, came in from Marlboro. Appreciated the help from his staff in making his transition. (Copy of presentation likely added to School page on Weds) new curriculum at ECDC (Note: as of Thursday morning, presentation copy not yet available)
Coordinate with Library and Senior Center for resources and event space. Looking to develop the relationship with Dean as well. Did meet with FHS to coordinate with students in early childhood program
Did add 2 classes last year, another this year at ECDC, have hired all the positions required. It is good educationally as well as financially, never mind required by law
Rolling enrollment at preschool has some real challenges with capacity and delivering appropriate services. The space issues will be addressed during the strategic long range facility planning process.
Has used a 2 step process, visit and play, a couple months later come back for the evaluation; this tends to bring students in with appropriate prep and usually less special Ed plans required. Do have sufficient peer students for the IEP students, do have afternoon capacity
In recognition of listening, they did explore providing lunch for the students who do both morning and afternoon sessions, survey revealed about 70 families expressed interest so it is being provided by the complex kitchen (157 students in total attendance)
School Cmte entered executive session not to return to open meeting for negotiation reasons