FM #321 FPS Superintendent Sara Ahern on Reopening Status - 7/31/20 (audio)

FM #321 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 321 in the series.

This session shares my conversation with Superintendent Sara Ahern regarding the school fall re-opening status. Our conversation was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Sara provides an overview on the task force and process to work on the preliminary plan. The preliminary plan is due to be submitted to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) by close of business on Friday, July 31. (It was submitted after we recorded this conversation with the preference to open with 'remote learning' in September).

The show notes contain links to the School Committee meeting agenda and reference documents as well as the audio from the meeting covering the preliminary plan and discussion.

Our conversation runs about 11 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Sara on the preliminary plan and process.

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H6nSl5dK



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School Committee agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda_26.html

School Committee meeting packet
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/july-28-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin Public Schools - Re-opening page
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-public-schools-re-opening-plan.html

Re-opening Plan presentation doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/reopening_school_presentation_for_sc_7_28_2020_updated_with_new_info.pdf

My real time reporting via Twitter summarized
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/school-committee-recap-re-opening-fully.html



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FM #321 FPS Superintendent Sara Ahern on Reopening Status - 7/31/20 (audio)

DESE released guidance on 'Courses Requiring Additional Safety Considerations' and 'Remote Learning'

July 24 - DESE Releases Guidance on:

• Courses Requiring Additional Safety Considerations https://t.co/2uxffPxv0K
• Remote Learning - https://t.co/7FvkM0WLm3 

pic.twitter.com/M1FH8HTlWB  — M.A.S.S. (@massupt) July 24, 2020

DESE released guidance on 'Courses Requiring Additional Safety Considerations' and 'Remote Learning'

You can get a copy of Remote Learning



Courses Requiring Additional Safety Considerations:

DESE guidance for school re-opening planning on Transportation and Facilities/Operations

New guidance just released by DESE for school re-opening planning.


Transportation

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uDU352EwOD12AtjP71zvgOnkniqgV0VY/view?usp=sharing




Facilities and Operations

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11uD1Qqh6nfF1_bOLrZKysfSvd55aHVTA/view?usp=sharing

DESE guidance for school re-opening planning on Transportation and Facilities/Operations

In the News: "Those timelines can be vitally important"

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest for Franklin: (Franklin is one of the districts found non-compliant)

"As a former school committee member with more than a decade of experience advocating for twin sons with special needs, Jennifer Curran is not used to feeling powerless in dealing with schools. 

But when school officials in her small western Massachusetts town of Granby presented Curran in May with a document requesting that she relinquish federally protected rights for her sons’ special education services during school closures, Curran assumed it was part of a new, and troubling, pandemic reality. She signed the paperwork. 

“I felt like I had no choice,” she said. 

Now, the state says Granby and at least 10 other Massachusetts school districts, including Beverly, Malden, and Norfolk, violated state and federal special education laws by asking parents this spring to absolve school districts of key special education responsibilities, including, in some cases, the provision of vital services (such as speech therapy and one-on-one reading help), and, in others, the requirement to follow a strict timeline governing how quickly a child must be assessed for a disability and provided an instruction plan."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/07/22/metro/dozens-massachusetts-districts-faulted-asking-parents-sign-away-special-education-rights/

In the News: "Those timelines can be vitally important"

DESE: "What happens when a student or staffer gets sick at school this fall?"

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest for Franklin:

"A kid sniffles on a school bus. A parent’s throat is sore. A teacher’s spouse feels sick. 

As schools reopen in the fall, previously common and insignificant situations will carry new prospects of danger. To guide districts’ responses, the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education this week released protocols for when students, staffers, or families experience symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 — a 19-page plan that makes clear how complicated and challenging the new school year will be. 

“Even as we remain vigilant, and public health metrics in Massachusetts remain positive, the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in school will not be zero,” the guidance reads. “No single strategy can ever be perfect, but all strategies together will reduce risk.” 

The guidance includes detailed instructions for various scenarios, which all stress the importance of assessing symptoms, isolating the sick, disinfecting spaces, testing, and staying home while awaiting test results and notifying the school. It says schools should promptly notify the families of any “close contacts” — anyone who came within 6 feet of the infected person in recent days for more than 10 minutes — so that family member can self-isolate and get tested too.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/07/21/metro/what-happens-when-student-or-staffer-gets-sick-school-this-fall/

Link to DESE guidance doc:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mo6FG3G2KJIAJ9Arct4uWHP4s0TEMCiK/view?usp=sharing

Or view the doc here

DESE: "What happens when a student or staffer gets sick at school this fall?"

In the News: DESE requests no announcement of final decisions on re-opening plans

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

"Parents who are eager to know whether Massachusetts students will return to classrooms this fall will likely have to wait until at least early August for any final decisions. 

Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Jeffrey Riley sent additional guidance on fall reopening plans to school districts on Friday and asked officials not to make any announcements to families at this time.

“While you continue working to flesh out these models, I am requesting that you hold off on announcing any final decisions about what reopening will look like for the fall in your district until early August,” Riley wrote. 

In late-June,school districts received Initial Fall School Reopening Guidance, which asked them to prepare a reopening plan that addresses three possible learning models for the fall: a full return to in-person learning with new safety requirements, a hybrid of in-person and remote learning and the continuation of remote learning."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200715/massachusetts-school-districts-asked-not-to-announce-fall-decisions-until-august/1?rssfeed=true

The DESE request was discussed during the Franklin School Committee meeting Tuesday. My notes and the audio for this meeting can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/fm-312-franklin-ma-school-committee.html

The re-opening FAQs can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/dese-fall-reopening-frequently-asked.html

In the News: DESE requests no announcement of final decisions on re-opening plans

DESE: Fall Reopening Frequently Asked Questions, as of July 10, 2020

Department of Elementary & Secondary Education
Fall Reopening Frequently Asked Questions, as of July 10, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions – All Audiences

1. What is the overall goal for K-12 education in academic school year 2020-21?
Our goal is the safe return of as many students as possible to in-person school settings, to maximize learning and address our students’ holistic needs.

2. Why are DESE and the medical community recommending in-person learning?
After weeks of discussion with many stakeholders, including members of our Return-to-School Working Group, infectious disease physicians, pediatricians, and other public health experts, and given low transmission rates of COVID-19 in the state, there is a clear consensus that in-person learning is the preferred model. While remote learning has improved over the course of the school closures, there is no substitute for in-person instruction when it comes to the quality of students’ academic learning. In-person school plays an equally important role in supporting students’ social-emotional needs, including their mental and physical health, and mitigating the impacts of trauma.

3. What safety measures will be in place for students and staff? 
It is important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics has affirmed that children, particularly younger children, are less likely than adults to be infected with COVID-19. Furthermore, if they become infected, it appears children may not have the same transmission potential as adults. The health and safety requirements for school reopening use a combination of strategies that, taken together, will substantially reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in schools. This combination approach includes masks/face coverings, physical distancing, handwashing/sanitizing, and staying home when sick.

4. What are the guidelines for safe distancing requirements between students?
Medical experts advising DESE have stated the greater the physical distancing the better, but that the minimum acceptable distance is three feet, when in combination with face coverings and other measures. Establishing a minimum physical distance of three feet between students when face coverings are worn is informed by evidence and substantiated by guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization.

5. Who needs to wear a mask or face covering, and when do they have to be worn?
Students in second grade and above, and adults, including educators and staff, are required to wear a mask/face covering that covers their nose and mouth at all times, except for designated breaks, which should occur throughout the day. Breaks should occur when students can be six feet apart and ideally outside or at least with the windows open. Students in kindergarten and grade 1 are strongly encouraged to wear masks or face shields. Masks/face coverings must be worn by everyone on the bus during school bus transportation. Teachers and parents should reinforce mask-wearing.

6. Are there exceptions to wearing masks or face coverings?
Exceptions to mask/face covering requirements must be made for those for whom it is not possible due to medical conditions, disability impact, or other health or safety factors. Face shields may be an option for students with medical or behavioral challenges who are unable to wear masks/face coverings.

7. Can parents send children to school without a mask/face covering if they do not have access to one?
Masks/face coverings should be provided by the student/family, but schools should make available face masks for students who need them.
Superintendent/Principal Frequently Asked Questions

Health and Safety

1. When, if ever, should students and staff be tested for COVID-19? Is there routine testing?
Current Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidance states that anyone who shows any COVID-19 symptoms, even if mild, should be tested. Medical experts recommend close contacts of those who test positive also get tested.

2. What are the health and safety guidelines for teachers?
All adults, including educators and staff, are required to wear a mask/face covering that covers their nose and mouth at all times, except for designated breaks, which should occur throughout the day. Allow adequate space for teachers to ensure safe physical distance from students.

Facilities and Operations

3. Is ten students the maximum number in one class in the fall (as provided in the Initial Summer School Guidance issued on June 4, 2020)?
No, our guidance has evolved since the Initial Summer School Guidance. For the fall, there are no required maximums on cohort or group sizes, so long as schools adhere to physical distancing requirements.

4. How do we measure how many desks can fit into a classroom?
When masks are worn, three feet is the minimum distance allowed from “seat edge” to “seat edge.” Desks should face in the same direction. There is no maximum number for group size, so long as schools adhere to the physical distancing requirements. Six feet of physical distance is required between students who are not wearing face coverings, e.g., when eating or taking a mask break. Please see guidance about unmasked kindergarten and first grade students below.

5. Can students in kindergarten and first grade who are unmasked sit together on the rug?
Students in kindergarten and first grade should be encouraged to wear a mask/face covering, or a face shield if masks are not tolerated. Schools should aim to keep kindergarten and first grade students six feet apart but lesser distances are acceptable (but no less than three feet). This is permissible given the lower susceptibility of the age group. Schools should consider reconfiguring space to discourage prolonged close contact and encourage activities that allow children to spread out. Programs may design their own strategies to implement this recommendation – such as spacing chairs at tables, designing games and group activities where children may engage in play that can be spaced apart (for example, by using visual cues, like hula hoops or tape on the floor), and increasing outdoor time.

6. When students are in the cafeteria or in classrooms or other spaces to eat, what is the space requirement?
During meals, because masks are not worn, six feet of physical distancing is required. To provide adequate distancing, there may need to be multiple meal breaks for smaller cohorts of students or enable some students to eat in the classroom and some in other spaces as feasible (e.g., cafeteria, hallways if permitted, etc.).

7. Do we have to keep classroom windows open?
To increase facility ventilation, we encourage schools to keep classroom windows open, if feasible, as much as possible throughout the school year.

8. Can we use our cafeteria for meals if we provide adequate spacing in lines and at tables?
Students must be six feet apart in the cafeteria or any eating space, as it is assumed that masks/face coverings will not be worn during meals. If the cafeteria cannot provide adequate spacing, consider alternative ways (e.g., stagger meal times, have students eat in classrooms instead of the cafeteria, or use common areas) to promote physical distancing during meals. If serving food in the cafeteria, develop staggered schedules that minimize mixing of cohorts, enforce six feet physical distancing protocols, adjust food preparation and service procedures to minimize shared items, and support compliance with health and safety. It is preferred for those without masks not to sit facing each other.

Models of Learning

9. Do districts need to create three plans or just the plan they intend to start with this fall?
DESE is requiring districts to develop one plan that addresses all three models for learning (in-person, hybrid, and remote) this school year. The plan should prioritize getting as many students back to school in-person safely as possible, following a comprehensive set of health and safety requirements. The plan should also describe how the district would implement a remote learning and hybrid school model (a combination of in-person and remote learning). Across each of these models, the district or school also needs to address how special populations, including students with disabilities and English language learners, will receive necessary services and accommodations.

10. When are school and district plans for reopening due? Will there be a template to submit the plan?
Districts and schools will be required to submit a reopening plan to DESE by July 31 that addresses the three models outlined in the previous question. A template will be distributed the week of July 13.

Resources

11. What is a “level service plus” budget?
A “level service plus” budget includes additional funds on top of a district’s projected budget to manage additional costs associated with health and safety preparations. While the FY21 budget is still being developed by the Legislature, the Commonwealth is making additional funding sources available directly to schools and districts to support reopening.

12. What federal funding is available to assist districts and schools?
To date, the following federal grants have been made available to cities and towns for educational expenses related to COVID-19:
a. $193.8M from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund to districts, largely based on the Title I formula
b. A portion of the $502M from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CvRF) already allocated
c. Additional $202M from CvRF ($225 per pupil) to support school reopening, specifically
d. $25M for remote learning technology grants from CvRF and ESSER
Moreover, the Executive Office of Education (EOE) and DESE applied for additional competitive federal grants and are waiting determination.

Policies

13. Is DESE mandating changes to school days/calendar changes?
DESE reserves the right to do so, but not at this time. Please move forward with planning accordingly.

14. Will there be changes to assessment requirements (MCAS)?
Not at this time beyond decisions already made. Please move forward with planning accordingly.

15. What should educators and other staff who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 do when the school re-opens?
Educators and other staff who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 will want to consult with their health care providers about whether and under what circumstances a return to in-person school settings would be medically inadvisable.

16. How is the guidance different for private schools?
This guidance applies to all public elementary and secondary schools in Massachusetts, including charter schools. Private, independent, and parochial schools may use DESE documents as a guide.

17. What can a district do to avoid disruptions that occur if parents change their mind about whether their child will attend school remotely or in-person?
Many superintendents have surveyed parents/caregivers about their intention to return to school. It is recommended that districts and parents/caregivers continue to be in close communication. When parents/caregivers communicate early that a child is returning to school, it allows for more thoughtful planning by their child’s school. More information may follow.

18. Should Pre-K classes follow DESE guidance or EEC guidance?
In general, public preschools should follow DESE guidance. However, if public preschools enroll children whose families receive subsidies administered by EEC, they should seek guidance from their EEC regional office.

19. Are school districts responsible for students who are choosing remote learning?
Yes, school districts are responsible for students who are engaging in remote learning. Remote learning models shall include the following requirements: (1) procedures for all students to participate in remote learning, including a system for tracking attendance and participation; (2) remote academic work shall be aligned to state standards; (3) a policy for issuing grades for students’ remote academic work; and (4) teachers and administrators shall regularly communicate with students’ parents and guardians, including providing interpretation and translation services to limited English proficient parents and guardians, consistent with 603 CMR 27.08.

20. What do I do if I have other questions not answered here?
District/school-based personnel may email reopeningk12@mass.gov.


Frequently Asked Questions by Parents

Models of Learning

1. Can parents choose whether to send their children to school or keep them learning remotely?
Parents/caregivers can choose to send their children to in-person school or keep them at home learning remotely. In-school attendance is highly encouraged to promote student academic progress because there is no substitute for the attention and engagement possible with in-person learning.

2. If my child starts the school year remotely can I send them back to in-person learning?
Yes, parents can choose to send their children back to school to in-person learning if they started the year remotely. Parents and school districts are highly encouraged to be in close communication about any changes. When parents/caregivers communicate early that a child is returning to school, it allows for more thoughtful planning by their child’s school. More information may follow.

3. What is the difference between homeschooling and remote learning?
Remote learning means learning provided by the school district that happens outside of the traditional classroom because the student and teacher are separated by distance. Remote learning may be synchronous or asynchronous. Remote learning may include but is not limited to online learning (603 CMR 27.08). Parents may also choose to homeschool their children, a type of private education. For a child of compulsory school age, the homeschooling program must be approved in advance by the superintendent or school committee of the district of residence.

Health and Safety
4. After in-person instruction resumes, does a student need to submit a doctor’s note if they need to be out for personal health reasons?
State law dictates that school committees set local attendance policy. Given the current health crisis, DESE does not recommend requiring a physician’s note for attendance-related purposes for personal health reasons. If the student’s parents/caregivers are seeking home or hospital educational services, the regular home/hospital process (http://www.doe.mass.edu/prs/ta/hhep-qa.html) must be followed, including the completion of the Physician’s Affirmation of Need for Temporary Home or Hospital Education for Medically Necessary Reasons, which requires a physician’s signature. Additional requirements for return will be in place for a student or staff who has tested positive for COVID-19.

5. What is the proper handwashing technique?
When handwashing, individuals should use soap and water to wash all surfaces of their hands for at least 20 seconds, wait for visible lather, rinse thoroughly, and dry with an individual disposable towel.

6. What is the proper hand sanitizing technique?
Hand sanitizer should be applied to all surfaces of the hands and in sufficient quantity that it takes 20 seconds of rubbing hands together for the sanitizer to dry. Hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent ethanol or at least 70 percent isopropanol content can be used.

7. Is hand sanitizing an acceptable replacement for handwashing? Is handwashing (not hand sanitizing) necessary?
While handwashing with soap and water is the best option, alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60 percent ethanol or at least 70 percent isopropanol) may be utilized when handwashing is not available. As has always been the case, hands should be washed whenever hands are visibly soiled and after using the bathroom.

8. What do I do if I have other questions not answered here?
Parents/caregivers may email questions to COVID19K12ParentInfo@mass.gov.




Link to DESE doc
http://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/on-desktop/2020-0710fall-reopening-faq.docx

Parmenter school sign for summer 2020

Tracy Novick: "COVID doesn't care"

Great summary by Tracy Novick of the recently released guidelines for school districts on how to prepare for September.

• If you managed to read through the 27 pages, good. Check out this summary.
• If you haven't got there yet, check out this summary:

"COVID-19 doesn't care about your politics.
It doesn't care about the economy or small businesses or the GDP.
COVID-19 doesn't care about learning loss.
It doesn't care about language acquisition or student growth or meeting state standards.
COVID-19 doesn't care about socio-emotional learning.
It doesn't care about your mental health or your social connections or student support.
COVID doesn't care.

We can want, desperately, to have things back to normal, to have children back in classrooms, to have families back to work, to begin to repair what we've lost by schools being closed.

But COVID doesn't care."

Continue reading Tracy's summary
http://who-cester.blogspot.com/2020/06/covid-doesnt-care.html

The DESE guidelines can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/in-news-screening-children-for-covid-19.html

the dogwood tree in my backyard, a pleasant sight this time of year

In the News: "Screening children for COVID-19 symptoms will be the responsibility of parents"

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

"Massachusetts released guidelines to superintendents Thursday with a goal of getting students back into classrooms this fall after the coronavirus pandemic forced districts to turn to remote learning in March.

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley released the guidelines after weeks of discussion with members of the state’s Return-to-School Working Group, infectious disease physicians and pediatricians.

“Districts and schools should begin planning for a fall return that includes multiple possibilities, with a focus first and foremost on getting our students back into school buildings,” Riley said.

The suggestions are “initial guidance for school reopening this fall that prioritizes getting our students back to school in person -- safely, following a comprehensive set of health and safety requirements.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200625/what-will-massachusetts-schools-look-like-in-fall-education-commissioner-says-masks-will-be-required-but-temperature-checks-will-not

"Today, @MASchoolsK12 released initial guidance for school reopening this fall that prioritizes getting students safely back to school in person, following a comprehensive set of health and safety requirements.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3dBlFZ4"

Initial guidance  http://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/return-to-school/guidance.docx

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MassGovernor/status/1276190504145817601?s=09



Video update link = https://youtu.be/PGkn0y0m0VU

Tracy Novick: "The pit in my stomach"

Tracy Novick is a member of the Worcester (MA) School Committee, and a field director for the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC). While she has a bunch of disclaimers as she opens her article, from her observations she asks some questions on how to re-open schools:

"Please make no mistake: having our kids out of school is absolutely catastrophic to their education, and, in many cases, to their physical and mental health. In some cases, this has been exponentially increased by the lack of timely response, or mismanagement, or other leadership lacks.

I'm not under any illusions on how destructive this time is to many.

I also spend a good bit of time in and around schools, and schools of different types. I know what it's like in a suburban high school at lunchtime, and what it's like at an urban elementary school at recess. I've been in the closets that pass for offices for speech therapists and myriad of other support staff, the auto bays and shops of a vocational school at work, the flood of students running for buses at the end of the day.
I've also been in a lot of bathrooms.
I don't of course know it all, but know what a lot of that looks like in schools in Massachusetts right now.

I don't know how we do it without kids touching each other and breathing on each other and their teachers. I mean that, genuinely. I have tried and tried to figure out how you'd do it."

A worthy read, to continue follow this link:
http://who-cester.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-pit-in-my-stomach.html

Tracy's MASC profile page  https://www.masc.org/about-us-3/staff/67-about-us/staff/707-tracy-novick  (her profile needs to be updated as she got re-elected to the Worcester School Committee in Nov 2019).

Tracy Novick: "The pit in my stomach"

In the News: stay-at--home advisory extended to May 4; State ed board grants emergency powers

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

stay-at-home advisory, closure of nonessential businesses extended through May 4

"Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday announced the extension of the state’s stay-at-home advisory and mandatory closure of nonessential businesses through May 4.

“This order also extends the 10 person limit on social gatherings until May 4 as well,” Baker said.

The original advisory took effect on March 24 and was scheduled to expire on April 7. It instructs all residents except for employees of essential businesses to stay home, with an exception for excursions to get needed items such as groceries or medicine."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200331/gov-baker-extends-stay-at-home-advisory-closure-of-nonessential-businesses-through-may-4

State ed board grants emergency powers to Commissioner Riley

"The day before school districts are due to submit new plans required under a 2019 funding reform law, Education Commissioner Jeff Riley said he expects a legislative fix soon.

The April 1 deadline for superintendents to submit plans detailing steps they’ll take to close persistent achievement gaps was set before Massachusetts schools, under orders of Gov. Charlie Baker, shuttered their classrooms for a period that will last several weeks in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19.

It’s one of various dates and other provisions laid out in statute and regulations that education officials are now looking to adjust."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200331/state-ed-board-grants-emergency-powers-to-commissioner-riley

Per Pupil Spending Increased per US Census Bureau (2017 data)

The US Census Bureau announced

"There are around 48.6 million children enrolled in public elementary and secondary education in the United States. But how much are we spending on their education? 

The nation spent a total of $694.3 billion on public school systems in fiscal year 2017, up 4.4% from FY 2016, according to Census Bureau statistics released today. 

It was the largest yearly increase in total expenditure since 2008."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2019/05/largest-annual-increase-public-school-spending-since-2008.html

U.S. School Spending Per Pupil Increased for Fifth Consecutive Year, U.S. Census Bureau Reports

Franklin is not a large school district with only approx 5,400 in-district students and per the 2018 numbers from the MA Dept of Elementary and Secondary Education spending $12,504 in-district and $13,310 for the total 5948 students.

http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/profiles/finance.aspx?orgcode=01010000&orgtypecode=5&

DESE: Franklin - Per Pupil Expenditures, All Funds

"that’s not a one-time problem, either"

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

"Amid an effort to reform the state’s school funding system, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is getting a new leader. 

Chairman Paul Sagan, appointed by Gov. Charlie Baker in 2015, announced to his colleagues Tuesday morning in Malden that it was his last meeting and he was stepping down at the end of his four-year term. 

Baker subsequently nominated Katherine Craven, who has served on the 11-member board since 2014, as the new chair, and tapped Matthew Hills to take the newly vacant seat. A former chair of the Newton School Committee, Hills is a managing director at LLM Capital Partners in Boston."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190326/katherine-craven-tapped-to-replace-paul-sagan-as-chairman-of-education-board

What is the role of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education?

"The mission of the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) is to strengthen the Commonwealth's public education system so that every student is prepared to succeed in postsecondary education, compete in the global economy, and understand the rights and responsibilities of American citizens, and in so doing, to close all proficiency gaps. 

BESE's responsibilities include approving learning standards, voting on charter school applications, deciding when to intervene in the state's lowest-performing districts, and hiring the commissioner. The Board includes the secretary of education, a student (the president of the State Student Advisory Council), and nine members appointed by the governor. Those members must include a parent representative, a labor representative, and a business representative."

From the Board web page  http://www.doe.mass.edu/bese/

Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)

"backlog at our career and technical training centers"

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

Investments in Voc Tech match needs of students, industry

"Lawmakers, a former top Baker administration and city manager, and a one-time lieutenant governor joined advocates Monday to call for an increase in funding for vocational-technical education and passage of a bill to expand access to those programs. 

The Alliance for Vocational Technical Education said that 20 percent of Massachusetts high school students are enrolled in a career and technical education (CTE) program, but that 3,200 students across the state are on waiting lists to get into such programs, which focus on career training. 

Massachusetts Competitive Partnership CEO Jay Ash said the business leaders he talks to “all have the same thing to say” when he asks them about the future of their business and the state’s economy."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190319/voc-tech-investments-pair-needs-of-students-industry

Tri-County Regional Voc Tech

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School: Tiered Focused Monitoring Review

Heather Zolnowski, Executive Director of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School was informed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education of an upcoming Tiered Focused Monitoring (TFM) Review that will be taking place this school year. As part of this TFM Review, Department staff will visit the charter school during the week of November 12, 2018. 

Such visits are routinely conducted by the Department to satisfy federal and state requirements for the periodic review of specific education programs and services in schools throughout the Commonwealth. The Department is reviewing several programs during a single visit in order to use Department and school staff's time most efficiently and to encourage strong connections among the programs.

The Department's TFM Review will involve reviewing charter school procedures and individual student records, interviewing administrators and a Special Education Parent Advisory Council member, and surveying parents of students with IEPs. After the onsite visit, a report will be prepared for the Executive Director and Board of Directors, with detailed findings.

Using a scale of ratings ranging from "Commendable" to "Not Implemented," the report will rate the implementation of each requirement reviewed by the Department. Where requirements are found not implemented or only partially implemented, the district [or charter school] must propose to the Department corrective action to bring those areas into compliance with statutes and regulations. Districts and schools are encouraged to incorporate the corrective action into their district and school improvement plans and professional development plan. 

The school district [or charter school] will be provided with technical assistance from the Department in developing a corrective action plan. Both the Department's report and the corrective action plan are public information and will be available to the public upon request. TFM Review Final Reports are also available on the Department's Internet website at: http://www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/review/cpr/reports/.

Any member of the public may request to be interviewed by telephone by a member of the Department's visiting team. Those wishing to be interviewed should call the charter school leader's office at (508) 541-3434 no later than 11/9/2018 to leave their name and phone number, or they may call the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education at (781) 338-3704. 

A member of the visiting team will contact each person desiring an interview within two weeks after the completion of the onsite visit. If an individual is not comfortable communicating in English or requires some other accommodation, the Department will make arrangements to communicate appropriately with the individual.

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School: Tiered Focused Monitoring Review

In the News: STEM learning at the YMCA; snow/ice budget status; candidates for new DESE commissioner

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

"STEM learning doesn’t usually come to mind when thinking about the YMCA, but in Franklin, they’re changing the rules. 

The Bernon Family Branch of the Hockomock Area YMCA is taking a stab at STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) with a new technology lab, club and after-school program. 

“We saw an opportunity to take a lead,” said Executive Director Scott Martin. “We found a way to offer this to kids who did not have access to it before.” 

With programming to 3D print design, the YMCA’s tech lab is a vibrant place to keep the mind engaged, but still have fun."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180116/franklin-ymca-branch-debuts-stem-program

"With two months remaining in the winter season, snow and ice budgets from nearby municipalities are being chipped away because of the persistent cold. 

Though all towns have access to emergency funds in the events of the budget runs dry, the monetary concern is still there. 

Franklin
Total: $950,000
Spent: $500,000
Remaining: About $400,000 

“It’s New England, we’ve come to expect this,” said Deputy Town Administrator Jaime Hellen. “Our team is prepared and we’re ready to tackle any challenge. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180116/snow-ice-budgets-melting-away

"The superintendent and receiver of the Lawrence school system and educators from New York and Texas are the finalists to become the next education commissioner in Massachusetts, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced Monday. 

Lawrence receiver Jeff Riley, Penny Schwinn, chief deputy commissioner of academics for the Texas Education Agency, and Angélica Infante-Green, deputy commissioner of the Office of Instructional Support P-12 in New York State Education Department, will be interviewed next week by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. 

The board hopes to recommend a candidate to Education Secretary James Peyser later this month.

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180116/state-three-finalists-for-education-commissioner

"Educators were quick to caution against making direct comparisons"

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

"Just half of Massachusetts students in grades three through eight met or exceeded expectations on the new “next generation MCAS test” in math and English — the first time the test has been administered. 

Massachusetts education officials released the spring 2017 test results on Wednesday. 

Educators were quick to caution against making direct comparisons between a student’s performance on the new test and the original, nearly 20-year-old, MCAS. 

Scoring for the new test falls into four categories: Exceeding Expectations, Meeting Expectations, Partially Meeting Expectations and Not Meeting Expectations. 

As a result, some students who scored “proficient” on last year’s MCAS test may find they only scored “partially meeting expectations” on the new, tougher exam."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171018/just-half-of-massachusetts-students-meet-mcas-test-expectations

The full Franklin 2016 School District profile can be found here (PDF file)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZ3F3OG4wZHFwcDQ/view?usp=sharing

or on the MA DESE page here  http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/

Charter School MCAS 2.0 scores

Franklin District MCAS 2.0 scores

if the screen grabs are too much of an eye test, try the online interactive version at MA DESE
http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/statereport/nextgenmcas.aspx


An second article on the MCAS 2.0 results was also posted by MDN
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171018/local-students-fare-well-on-new-mcas-exams