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

Closing out with Sara Ahern - 06/21/22 (audio)

FM #824 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 824 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin Public Schools Superintendent Sara Ahern. We had our conversation in person, in her office at the Municipal building, among boxes being packed as she readied to leave this role for her next chapter.  She is scheduled to take some time off before starting as Superintendent in Barnstable on July 1

We talk about 

• Her accomplishments over her time here

• Portrait of a Graduate probably the key item

• Multiple central office and district positions filled, leaving in good stead

• Inflection points

• Space needs & redistricting discussion started

• Budget always a challenge, perhaps more so with the ARPA funds expiring in 2024

The recording runs about 34 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Sara

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-824-closing-out-with-fps-supt-sara-ahern-06-21-22

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

Barnstable Public Schools - Superintendent’s page (to be updated with Sara’s information in July, 2022)  https://www.barnstable.k12.ma.us/domain/42 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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"

Closing out with Sara Ahern - 06/21/22 (audio)

FY 2023 School Budget hearing (audio & transcript) - 03/22/22

FM #757 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 757 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the School Committee meeting held Tuesday, March 22, 2022. 

The bulk of the meeting was the official public hearing for the FY 2023 school budget. 

Superintendent Sara Ahern, Asst Supt Lucas Giguere, and Business Manager Miriam Goodman were the primary presenters for the overview of the budget. School Committee Chair Denise Spencer then read the budget major lines, recording ‘holds’ along the way which then lead to the question period by the committee and then the public. The budget will come to the Committee at the Apr 12 meeting when they will vote on it.

NEW: A transcript of the recording is available. The transcript is part of a pilot by Franklin Matters using the transcription service provided by Otter.ai https://otter.ai/ 

The meeting opened at 7 PM and ran approx. 2 hours and 35 minutes.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-757-school-cmte-mtg-fy-2023-budget-hearing-03-22-22

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

Meeting packet folder ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/march-22-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet 

 

Budget tab (with this proposed budget and prior budgets) ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget

Meeting transcript ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZJGhMT7D0A5kkrWVSB-fvrQgwril-lDX/view?usp=sharing

My notes -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18oZq9R2K7-viFx3WMI5-lcDumfgBdpZf/view?usp=sharing 

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/VgonZCSdb6Jn3EYz9

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

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"

 

FY 2023 School Budget hearing (audio & transcript) - 03/22/22

Not just for Newcomers: Meeting to feature Hellen and Ahern - March 23

We are pleased to announce that Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator, and Dr. Sara Ahern, School Superintendent, will be speaking at our March meeting. Our town budget, construction, commercial and residential development are just some of the topics that Jamie will address. There’s also a lot going on in the school system for Sara to discuss. There will be no shortage of topics . . . come bring your questions!  It’s an informal meeting and a great opportunity to practically have a one on one conversation with these community leaders.

We welcome you to come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends March Monthly Meeting.  Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, March 23 at 7:30, one week later than our usual 3rd Wednesday of the month.  Hot and cold appetizers and beverages are provided.  No need to be a newcomer to the area . . . and no need to RSVP. 

Come join us and have fun while you make connections in your community.  We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. We are a member driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas.  

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us. We run our meetings September through May, typically meeting the 3rd Wednesday of the month. We also hold many fun and varied events throughout the year to stay connected.

Look for us on our Meetup and Facebook pages for more information.

https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends https://facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersFriendsClub

Hellen and Ahern (with Miriam Goodman in the middle) presenting to the Joint Budget Subcommittee March 10, 2022

Recap: Town Council views 4 police new hires, discusses Dean neighborhood parking issue; hears about diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the schools

Quick recap:

• Four new hires for the Police Dept. were introduced to the community when they were sworn in publicly at the Town Council meeting Wednesday night. They were pinned by family members
• Chief TJ Lynch provided a recap of the Dean College & West St neighborhood parking issues and Lt Riley provided an update on the recent efforts to quantify the problems. Ultimately, this was referred to the Economic Development Subcommittee for further evaluation on a possible increase of parking fees
• Supt Sara Ahern and Asst Supt Lucas Giguere provided a summary of the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts underway across the Franklin Public Schools. A slightly longer version of the presentation was held at the School Committee meeting on Feb 8
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen was reviewed and provided feedback as "exemplary" during the prior two year period, primarily during the pandemic
• The fiscal policies were modified slightly, one with the inclusion of the debt stabilization policy developed during 2021, and two with some adjustments on where the funds would be applied (operational budget vs. stabilization fund in the case of the hotel receipts)

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Mpct8CqasejeCXmb9

The meeting agenda ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-02-16_town_council_mtg_agenda.pdf

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion presentation -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dei_presentation_february_8_2022_5.pdf

My notes taken via Twitter ca be found in this ThreadReader PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BUPP_QA4NIPHPYYXADRbh3x0pAKn8RiB/view?usp=sharing

 

Town Council views 4 police new hires being sworn in

Wicked Local: "On World Read Aloud Day, locals share their favorite stories"

Franklin area folks like Library Director Felicia Oti, State Rep Jeff Roy, Superintendent Sara Ahern, Cultural Council member Pushpa Jangareddi, Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo, and yours truly provided some stories that were their favorite read-aloud for this article put together by Heather McCarron:

"Often they begin with "Once Upon a Time," but there are other beginnings, too, like "Once there was a tree," and "All children, except one, grow up." 

No two are exactly alike, but they all have something in common: A way of creating memories of childhood and family traditions. 

Most people have special memories of being read aloud to -- moments spent in havens of love and comfort, immersed in  myriad stories where bears can talk, boys can fly, and frogs can turn into princes with a kiss. 

Today it's World Read Aloud Day, a world-wide effort started by the non-profit LitWorld 13 years ago as part of its mission "to strengthen kids and communities through the power of stories." Sponsored by Scholastic, World Read Aloud Day calls attention to "the importance of sharing stories by challenging participants to grab a book, find an audience, and read aloud," according to scholastic.com."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/country-gazette/2022/02/02/its-world-read-aloud-day-do-you-have-favorite-story/9304861002/ 

among the favorites: book one

among the favorites: book two

Superintendent Ahern accepts Barnstable position effective July 1, 2022

Weds, Jan 12, 2022 at 7:31 PM

Dear Franklin Families,

I am writing to let you know that the Barnstable School Committee voted me as their successful candidate far Superintendent earlier this evening, with an anticipated start dale of July 1, 2022. I accepted the position, pending contract negotiations. This was a position that I pursued for personal reasons.

Please know how mixed my feelings are. I am very excited about this personal and professional opportunity. On the other, I am already mourning a departure from Franklin - a place where I am so proud of the students, faculty, staff, administration. and families. I truly cherish the relationships I have developed with people in this community.

From day 1 here, I have marveled every day at the dedication of FPS faculty and staff. Franklin families are so supportive of educators, the schools, and their children. I have also always felt that Franklin supports its children in a multitude of ways. Franklin Is an amazing place and I have such gratitude towards Franklin.

Please know how loyal I will remain lo Franklin In the months ahead. being sure to attend to the needs of Franklin Public Schools students, about whom I care so much.

Fondly,

Sara Ahem

Via FHS PCC (@FHS_PCC) tweeted on Wed, Jan 12, 2022:  "Email from Sara Ahern https://t.co/Hbrw1lHnws"

Barnstable School Committee meeting Jan 12, 2022 at which this discussion and decision was made

http://streaming85.townofbarnstable.us/CablecastPublicSite/show/9811?channel=1

Barnstable Schools page -> https://www.barnstable.k12.ma.us/Page/1

Franklin Observer coverage of decision -> https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/60102/dr-ahern-approved-barnstable-superintendent-post

Superintendent Ahern accepts Barnstable position effective July 1, 2022

Snow day conversation with Franklin Public Schools Superintendent Sara Ahern - 01/07/22 (audio)

FM #694 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 694 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin Public Schools Superintendent Sara Ahern. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about 

• School mid-year status, on first snow day

• Her personal status

• Much to do

• Working with new School Committee

• FY 2022 Budget adjustment

• Administrative searches underway

• Capital budget being readied

• FY 2023 budget in preparation

• Davis Thayer surplus decision remains along with the master facility plan work ahead of them

The recording runs about 21 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Sara

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-694-franklin-public-schools-supt-sara-ahern-01-07-22

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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 www.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"

 

FPS Superintendent Sara Ahern updates the School Committee at a meeting in Oct 2021

Superintendent's Letter to Franklin Community - Response #2 to School Committee Discourse

Superintendent's Letter to Franklin Community - 

Response #2 to School Committee Discourse

Outlining Immediate Actions in Response to School Committee Discourse

November 4, 2021

Dear Franklin Community,

I am writing to follow up on actions taken and planned after last week’s disruption at the Franklin School Committee meeting as well as student representative comments related to bullying and harassment at school. We have been processing the impact and have been working to solidify a safe and respectful environment for civic discourse and promote healing.

We recognize that gathering student feedback is instrumental in appropriately addressing student needs. Members of the administration met with students about becoming a “No Place for Hate School” and had a productive dialogue that assessed morale and drove hope for a better FHS for all. In attendance were student representatives from A World of Difference, the Diversity Awareness Club, and the Sexuality and Gender Alliance. Additionally, we also reviewed historical bullying and harassment data. Our data leads us to suspect that incidents are being under-reported. We also listened for more information about perceptions of inaction.

In response, we have done or are doing the following things:

● On November 2nd, all K-12 school adjustment counselors and school psychologists participated in a professional development webinar series on supporting LGBTQIA+ students and understanding legal rights. We have also disseminated DESE guidance to counselors and principals issued on October 28, 2021 related to the Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity. This will be an agenda item for an upcoming administrative meeting.

● We are developing an after school resource group for high school students to gather and talk about their experiences with bias-based incidents as well as actions that can be taken to make for a more equitable experience at school.

● We are accelerating the process of hiring a Director of Equity and Student Supports. We anticipate initiating this search within the next few weeks.

● We are accelerating plans to survey all students in Franklin High School for their perceptions of school climate and culture. We are in the process of preparing this survey with a highly regarded third-party resource (Panorama) and expect to be able to survey students the week after Thanksgiving. We anticipate surveying middle school students in the near future as well. This data will give us a greater understanding of the perspective of the student body and areas of focus for action. It will also serve as a baseline by which we can measure our improvement efforts.

● In response to potential under reporting and perception of inaction, we will revise our online reporting language and clearly define its use. Additionally, we will prioritize communicating the reporting, investigation, and response process.

● The high school administration is holding class meetings to start the beginning of quarter 2. Respectful, inclusive behavior of all will be a theme. They will also use this time to invite additional students to participate in the development of a series of activities for the school community towards becoming a “No Place for Hate School”. These activities will activate a school-wide effort that integrates productive dialogue and active learning on the topics of bias, bullying, and allyship.

 

The community can expect stronger protocols and processes during the School Committee meetings. The Chair of the School Committee will communicate the expectations for respectful civic discourse as well as the processes for handling disruptive behavior for both in person and virtual participants. These expectations will be readily available once enacted by our incoming Chairperson.

Our actions will not be limited to those above, but these actions are the ones most immediately tied to the meeting last week. We will continue to keep the community informed of our efforts to affirm diversity, promote equity and accountability, and foster inclusion throughout the year.

With continued respect for all in Franklin, 

Sara Ahern

Superintendent of Schools

Franklin Public Schools

Shared from  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/news/superintendents_letter_to_franklin_community_11.4.2021.pdf 

Memo to FHS Community: Upcoming FHS State Tournament Varsity Athletic Contests

Dear Franklin Families,

We are writing to inform you of concerns due to recent fan behaviors during our varsity games. In recent weeks, there have been several instances of students exhibiting unruly, inappropriate, disrespectful, unsafe, and unsportsmanlike behavior during games. This includes behavior among middle and elementary students. This behavior is unacceptable. Disrespectful fans will be asked to leave the event. Fans are also not allowed to exit and re-enter the event.

We have noticed that many younger students are attending games unaccompanied by an adult. Dropping children off at games unattended poses significant safety concerns.

Effective immediately, all non-Franklin High School students, including Franklin middle school and elementary school students, must be accompanied and supervised by an adult throughout the duration of all varsity games. Unaccompanied children will need to be picked up by their parents / guardian.

At Franklin High, we pride ourselves on demonstrating sportsmanship and integrity on the field/court, and it is expected that our fans exhibit the same behavior off the field/court (see FHS Spectator Code of Conduct).

Fan cheering and team support are welcomed parts of sporting events and can directly impact our athletes. Appropriate cheering, done in good taste, can contribute to a positive game environment. Inappropriate cheering, or excessive jeering, has an adverse effect on the players, the game, other fans, and does not represent our school or community values. We have all been enjoying cheering on our outstanding teams this season and wish for their continued success.

We ask that parents/guardians talk to their children about their behavior during sporting events, and we are hopeful that this issue will subside with this new rule in place. We appreciate your cooperation.

Thank you,

Joshua Hanna, 

Principal Franklin High School 

Sara Ahern, 

Superintendent of Schools

Important: 
Purchase your tickets to the Franklin MIAA tournament games using the GOFAN app below.

• Ticket Purchasing Process -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkZqTY5d6Bg
• GOFAN Ticket Website -> https://gofan.co/app/school/MA14576

Memo to FHS Community: Upcoming FHS State Tournament Varsity Athletic Contests

PDF Copy of this memo can be found online ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/news/upcoming_fhs_state_tournament_varsity_athletic_contests.pdf