Franklin School Committee spends 85 minutes in Executive session, hears District Improvement Plan and approves (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Sep 10, 2024.  All seven members participated in the meeting, one remotely (Gallagher).

The meeting had an Executive Session to review a grievance and discuss negotiation strategy. While it was anticipated to be short, the session did extend 85 minutes before the meeting resumed in public session.

• The District Improvement Plan was presented and approved (by a 7-0 via roll call vote)
• Redistricting update - proposed district alignment scheduled to be shared via a "Storymap" before the next meeting and then explained fully during the Sep 28 meeting with a vote to approve the alignment of the new schools scheduled for the first October meeting. Email and multiple methods of communication to share the storymap
• The appointment of Rose Turco to represent the Schools to the Franklin TV Board of Directors was approved (by a 7-0 via roll call vote)
• Hiring update filled 57 positions, 4 teacher vacancies, 8 additional resignations (since the August 27 meeting). Mostly from buildings subs and ESPs. Not usual to have this many early in the school year. Instability of budget is a factor in the leaving and hiring process
• Consent agenda was approved  (by a 7-0 via roll call vote)

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQzZjD3f45k   Note: the SchCmte enters Executive Session at about 17:50 and return to open session at 1:42:00

The agenda doc ->

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4809590/SCAGENDA_9-10-24.pdf

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/september-10%2C-2024-meeting-packet/701015

The photo album capturing the slides shared can be found ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/FcT4bkT37XE4sqK28

My notes captured in one PDF can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BKsnE9XEkWJGWXtfDt2V_fNS-FOe84jd/view?usp=drive_link

School Committee approves Pledge agreement to focus on getting override passed (video)

The Franklin, MA School Committee met on Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM (3 mins late starting). The Council Chamber was packed and the crowd dispersed as the evening progressed. 

Franklin TV video recording is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/live/eDKY6IjM1GU?si=j7JVUIWwZf1f6sXn&t=218

Quick recap:

• Multiple Parmenter students led the pledge of allegiance
• FHS "Seal of Biliteracy" students were recognized
• School retirees were recognized for their years of service
• The Franklin Education Foundation is going to close out as an organization and turn over their remaining funds to a new "revolving account" for the School District to continue the grant program. Details remain to be worked out on the final amount of the contribution and within the District on how the grant process will work
• District Improvement Plan updated 
• Superintendent evaluation data provided to the Committee in preparation for their formal review scheduled for June 18
• Discussion and vote on the override pledge document. Questions remain on exactly how much the schools will get in years 2 and beyond as the pledge doc is inconsistent in providing the info. As the successful override is the primary matter of focus, the Committee did vote to approve the pledge (5 for, 1 no, 1 abstain). The funding for FY 2026 and future can be addressed after the override is determined
• Preview of the proposed fee schedule to be implemented if the override fails. Staffing cuts were also provided in a summary format, as there are multiple scenarios where a position cut could trigger a chain reaction where the person fulfilling that position ends up bumping someone else to remain employed per seniority and certification as set within the contracts
• Committee entered executive session not to reutrn to open meeting just before 11 PM

Agenda doc ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_5-28-24.pdf

Meeting packet folder -> (other docs released for this meeting, some of them available after the meeting) 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-28-2024-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cLsuju5KNR_O8vnKbIvZ_Sbm-l9gAbZ3/view?usp=drive_link  (Photo albums created during the meeting are linked to in the full PDF of my notes)

FHS Seal of Biliteracy award winners

school district retirees

School Committee poses with Roberta & Pandora of the FEF

Town Council approves Request for Expression of Interest to be issued for Davis Thayer, refers zoning change to Planning Board (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 7:00 PM. The agenda document can be found on the Town page -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-03-13_town_council_agenda_0.pdf

Franklin TV recorded and live broadcast the session to Zoom, Comcast/Verizon, & YouTube. The YouTube video is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm3tlPhSrWw

Quick recap:

• Citizens comments were active, one person speaking against the potential reinstatement of the suspended DPW Director. The others speaking for. The matter might have been on the Executive Session agenda. We'll know for sure some time later
• The minutes for the Feb 28, 2024 session were approved
• The  Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905 for Zoning Map Changes From Single Family Residential III To Business, An Area On Or Near King Street was moved to refer to the Planning Board by an 8-1 vote. Pellegri cast the one "No" vote
• Resolution 24-14: Direction for Issuance of Request for Expressions of Interest for Purchase / Lease and Redevelopment of Former Davis Thayer Elementary School, 137 West Central St was passed by an 8-0-1 vote. Jones recused himself from the discussion as his residence is an abutter to the property
• The results of the Request for Expressions of Interest are non-binding. Input is due back May 31. At which time the Advisory Committee will spend time in June/July to review and bring back their recommendation to the Council for approval and possible further action
•  Resolution 24-15: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Public Library ($4,817.48). "This donation is especially meaningful as it marks the final gift from the Franklin Library Association, which after 150 years of operation, has closed its doors"
• The Council entered Executive Session to not return to public meeting with a 9-0 vote via roll call. 

My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F_0S4RpGVb3mVuf_kutMg_uvXuW8zrvO/view?usp=drive_link

School Committee hears of summer learning, approves MOU with Cafeteria workers (audio)

FM #1036 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1036 in the series. 

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 as scheduled.  Five members were present (2 absent). The 5 provided quorum to enable official business. They did break for an Executive Session, and returned to open meeting to authorize a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the cafeteria workers “as discussed" (in the executive session) before closing the session. 

Let’s listen to the School Committee meeting of August 8. The time they left the room for their Executive Session was shortened for airplay and replaced by a brief audio bit. The total meeting audio runs about 49 minutes.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1036-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-08-08-23

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School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

Franklin TV Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/iSxi_lTYFe4

You can find the full agenda doc

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_8-8-23.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QjbZCZ5vs2CHatsKM6MEUOBGdNiTFRs5/view?usp=drive_link

The Superintendent’s report and presentation are supposed to be posted to the packet folder the day after the meeting. As we go to post this, they are not yet public.  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/august-8-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet 

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

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

 

How can you help?

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

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

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

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

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"

an update on summer learning was shared

School Committee hears of summer learning, approves MOU with Cafeteria workers (video)

The School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. The Franklin TV video is available for replay. For their second meeting in a row, they accomplished business (including an Executive Session) in under an hour. 

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/iSxi_lTYFe4

You can find the full agenda doc

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_8-8-23.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QjbZCZ5vs2CHatsKM6MEUOBGdNiTFRs5/view?usp=drive_link

 

an update on summer learning was shared

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - August 8, 2023 - 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

August 8, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Ms. Spencer

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. McNeill

C. Payroll Ms. Spencer

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. 2022-23 Annual Report Draft

B. Summer Curriculum Review

C. Summer Learning Program Review

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. none

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. none

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 your July 25, 2023 meeting as

detailed.

B. ECDC Surplus Books

I recommend declaring the list of books as surplus for ECDC as detailed.

VI. Good of the Order

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session - to return to open session only for the purpose of adjourning

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, Section 21 (a) (3) for the purpose of discussing

strategy as it relates to collective bargaining with the Franklin Cafeteria Union, as

an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the

Committee, as declared by the Chair.

X. Adjournment

The agenda doc (including remote participation info)

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_8-8-23.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - August 8, 2023 - 7 PM

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda for June 13, 2023 Meeting

Franklin School Committee 

June 13, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Ms. Spencer

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. McNeill

C. Payroll Ms. Spencer

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

 

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Civics Projects Presentation

B. Oak Street Elementary School Highlights

III. Discussion/Action Items

A.   Revised FY24 Budget Vote

I recommend approval of the revised FY24 Budget in the amount of   $71,989,431.00 as discussed.

B. Superintendent’s Evaluation

I recommend your approval of the Superintendent’s composite evaluation for the 2022-2023 school year as discussed.

C.   School Committee Norms & Protocols

The Chair recommends adoption of the amendments in the School Committee Norms & Protocols as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. none

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 your May 23, 2023 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B.   Music Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $489.00 from Music Parents for in-house enrichment for the Music Department as detailed.

C. ASMS Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,043.70 from the ASMS PCC for in-house enrichment as detailed.

D. Surplus Books

I recommend declaring the attached list of math, science & ELA books as surplus.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Executive Session

To approve the minutes from the May 23, 2023 Executive Session of the School Committee.

XI. Adjournment

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-13-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Meeting agenda doc (includes remote participation info) ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_6-13-23.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for June 13, 2023

Redistricting vote fails by 6-1 vote at Franklin School Committee Meeting (audio)

FM #994 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 994 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the School Committee members, school district personnel along with some of the public in the Council Chambers. Some members of the public participated via Zoom conference bridge.

Quick recap:

• The School Committee met on Tuesday night at their regular meeting. They heard an update from the Keller Elementary School, an update on the District Improvement Plan, and voted 6-1 on an amendment to the original redistricting motion, to effectively do nothing for redistricting

• The 6 votes all talked of the need for the master facility plan, but although that was included in the original proposal before them, the minor adjustment now was passed on in favor of doing nothing

• The entered Executive Session and did return to approve a contract reached with ESP/LPN bargaining unit before closing out the full meeting

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to the School Committee meeting of May 9, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-994-fps-school-committee-mtg-05-09-23 

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Agenda document -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-9-23.pdf 

Keller presentation document

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/keller_school_may_9_school_committee_presentation.pdf 

District Improvement Plan update ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/sc_5_9_23_strategic_objective_1_-1.pdf 

Redistricting Analysis Report

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/redistricting_analysis_recommendation_report_2022-23.pdf 

Packet folder contains the documents released for this meeting 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-9-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin TV video replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/W-9CbY5MeDY?feature=share

My notes captured during the meeting (in one PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qB4ZIFXY9R4zNJ5hxoHrLnt242ECaUsN/view?usp=share_link 

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

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"

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda

School Committee hears about the "Power of Moments", then spends time questioning the redistricting proposal (audio)

FM #979 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 979 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the School Committee members, school district personnel along with some of the public were in the Council Chambers. Some members of the public participated via Zoom conference bridge.

Quick recap:

• Heard from an update from Remington on their “Power of Moments” approach

• Listened to and questioned the proposal for redistricting effective in Sep 2024 with an option for some affected by it to move to their ‘new’ school in Sep 2023. The Committee is scheduled to vote on the proposal at their May 9 meeting

• Approved the middle school trip to the Grand Canyon and nearby national parks scheduled for April 2024

• Approved the consent agenda

• Entered executive session to continue negotiation with ESP/LPN bargaining unit and did not return to open session

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting April 25, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-979-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-04-25-23

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Agenda document -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_4-25-23.pdf 

Remington’s presentation document

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

Redistricting Analysis Report

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/redistricting_analysis_recommendation_report_2022-23.pdf 

Packet folder contains the documents released for this meeting 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/april-25-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes captured during the meeting (in one PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pV6xJrcvwMGU1jMVzWjckHnVz1Abg37k/view?usp=share_link 

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

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

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

 

How can you help?

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

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

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

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

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

School Committee hears about the "Power of Moments", then spends time questioning the redistricting proposal (audio)