Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - Dec 14, 2021

School Committee Meeting

Municipal Building - Council Chambers 

(Virtual Link in Agenda)

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy  BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Recognition of recent School Committee Members – Dr. Ahern

B. Lifelong Learning Presentation – Pattie Gay, Interim Director of Lifelong Learning
Institute    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/lli_presentation_december_2021.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items 
A. Dissolve Transportation Sub Committee
I recommend dissolving the Transportation Sub Committee as discussed.
B. DECA Field Trip for State Competition
I recommend approval of the request of Miguel Carmo to take students to the
DECA State Competition in Boston, MA from March 10-12, 2022 as detailed.
C. New York City Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Paul Cadenhead and Miguel Carmo to
take NBHS (National Business Honor Society) students to NY City on April 9, 2022
to visit the Stock Exchange, Wall Street and the World Trade Center as detailed.

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. 2022-2023 School Committee Meeting Schedule - DRAFT   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/22-23_scschedule-draft.pdf

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Supt. Evaluation, Budget,
Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force,
School Wellness Advisory Council, SEPAC, DEI Committee)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the November 23, 2021 School
Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Athletics Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $33.00 from Campus Box Media for
Supplemental Supplies for the Athletics Department as detailed.
C. Districtwide Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $295.00 from BJ’s Wholesale Club for
in-house enrichment districtwide as detailed.
D. Jacqueline A Schaeffer Theatre Arts Scholarship
I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.00 from Sean Jobin for the
aforementioned FHS scholarship as detailed.
E. Vincent & Alma DeBaggis Scholarship
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from Roberta Trahan for the
aforementioned FHS scholarship as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Ms. Spencer

IX. Payroll Ms. Stokes

X. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A §21(a)(2) to conduct collective bargaining with nonunion personnel as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the Chair so declares.

XI. Adjournment 

Agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_12-14-21.pdf

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-14-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda -  Dec 14, 2021

Recap: School Committee hears update on MCAS results; votes to implement optional mask for vaccinated students; votes on MOU for FEA

Quick Recap:

• MCAS performance declined during the pandemic, work ongoing to meet students where they are and bring them to the level appropriate for them
• Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion job description approved. The position will be posted and anticipated to be hired for approx. March 2021 or July 2021 depending upon potential candidate and timing
• Optional mask for FHS vaccinated students/faculty approval received from DESE (one of 11 districts thus far), plan for implementation approved by 4-3 vote; most voting against seemed to be looking to delay start until Jan 2022
• Open Meeting Complaint acknowledged but no action required. Complainer alleged violation but meeting had been gaveled to a break and then returned to open meeting after the disturbance was resolved (my twitter notes acknowledged such a comment from a Zoom participant during the meeting in question)
• Entered Executive Session and returned to ratify the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Franklin Education Association (FEA) by 7-0 roll call vote and close the meeting

 
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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting in the Council Chambers. 
 
The Twitter hashtag #schcom1123 can be found online The thread begins with  

 https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1463296814686294016

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/H3Hjwh8VK1tmddqR9

 

• Meeting packet folder ->  https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-23-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet…  Meeting agenda doc ->  https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_11-23-21.pdf…   #schcom1123

Superintendent's report

• no citizen comments this evening, next to Supt report, Mamma Mia was well done! kudos to the cast, crew, etc.  #schcom1123;  Congrats to fall athletic teams; football Thanksgiving vs. KP; robotics did well at WPI in soccer championship there
• parent teacher conf happened recently; more in person at elem, more remote at middle, even more at FHS; 2nd round for elementary in March; acknowledge Critical Conversations event last Thursday - thanks to those participating #schcom1123
• slides and resources to be shared soon, will share once available - #schcom1123 approx. 80 between online and in person. role of student representatives - per state law, ex officio and no voting; generally FHS students are student class officers
• lucky to have the SAFE resource here in the community; #schcom1123 DESE offering some funding via grant for hate crime work, apps due 12/8

MCAS presentation

• next up, MCAS presentation - doc shared earlier, putting it in context as this is not a 'normal' report  https://drive.google.com/file/d/19XOmQtVz2_MPrymgtUgQkIclhH3xgqMy/view?usp=sharing…  #schcom1123
• internet apparently went out, still live via Franklin TV - should be back soon; meeting continues #schcom1123
• student growth metric (SGP) is a concern; esp. in Gr 10 math where Franklin was lower than State (altho DESE says difference is insignificant) #schcom1123
• "recording in progress" announcement says the system is back #schcom1123 areas of strength slide high participation rate (i.e. 95 to 100%) vs about 90% at state
• areas for growth slide - achievement gaps being addressed, esp across all the high needs students #schcom1123 Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) an assessment system being used to help drive approach to meet needs of students
• NWEA assessment tool piloted last spring, implemented in the fall for grades K-8  #schcom1123 working to ensure educators have the same base of understanding on the assessments and resources, tools
• round of #schcom1123 member questions, comments; interested to see next years results - while participation was high, it was a decline from prior years; MAP = measurement of academic progress, learning math remotely was difficult, lack of manipulatives, etc.
• Dr. Tina Rogers and Dr. Linda Ashley - first time before committee in roles created after Dr Edwards retired; the positions were budget neutral; Stokes acknowledging their working together as apparently evident in this presentation and collaboration #schcom1123
• can you further expand on 'scaffolding'? gradual approach to support during the learning process at each grade level with the curriculum #schcom1123 just in time, providing support so they don't get stuck

Discussion/Action items

• moving to Discussion/Action items - A. Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Job Description - "I recommend approval of the new position of Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as discussed.  https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_new_position_dei.pdf… #schcom1123
• job description approval allows for start of search, possible start for Mar 2022 altho may not be able to fulfill until Jul depending upon field, requirements, and candidate commitments #schcom1123
• some of the work of the individual would be addressing individual equity actions, or policy changes within district, or perhaps recommendations for #schcom1123 action; restorative process is already in place and developing, would assist with this as well
• motion and seconded, after discussion vote -> 7- 0 for  #schcom1123
• next up mask proposal for FHS, numbers verified by vaccination records; #schcom1123 FHS has 35% of the district population, had 10 cases year to date; not socially distanced in some cases, nor masked in others; unvaccinated students are still req'd to wear masks
• there are methods and stats to go back to masks if req'd #schcom1123 1 - attestation from parent/guardian, 2 - child is permitted to remove, 3 - permission granted to share info with faculty/staff; mask wearing does not indicate vaccine status; compliance through …
• progressive approach; in Hopkinton, about 40% still work masks in their implementation period; #schcom1123
• B. Proposal for Optional Mask Wearing by Vaccinated Students/Staff at FHS related to Policy EBCFA Face Coverings I recommend approval of the proposal for optional mask wearing by vaccinated students/staff at FHS as discussed.   https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_mask_proposal.pdf…  #schcom1123
• no plans currently for pool testing; only 26% participated last time; not enough to be effective for the work required to process; #schcom1123 positivity reported on Thur evening, could turn a pause on by Monday; Mr Hanna provides input on FHS 'feeling' …
• comfortable with option based upon choice; Supt - mask compliance has wanned during the year; hard to enforce when it is so spread; #schcom1123 need to take care and be kind across the board
• on compliance for those needing masks for those non-vaccinated; varies by case, starts with conversation; in a private setting; in rare case when the convo and call home didn't resolve, then escalation needed #schcom1123
• there has been an uptick but not yet seen at FHS, #schcom1123 could consider postponing start until Jan 22 to get by holidays
• only 11 districts with this type of waiver, comms among the 11 on what to do how to, etc. underway, Hopkinton was first and they have provided info; #schcom1123 DESE doesn't yet include boosters as part of the calc; may come on later (due to timing)
• boosters only or 18+, hence not much part of the FHS students population; CDC hasn't changed definition of vaccinated yet either #schcom1123 data would be input into the system, and appear in faculty student lists and info
• expressing concern on teachers taking on the added burden of mask enforcement; would be more comfortable with this after the holiday; students are traveling everywhere; #schcom1123
• suggestion that trial period and policy start could get postponed if uptick continues; another leaning toward postponing to Jan 22; Hanna jumps into to advocate no pause on behalf of the students #schcom1123 we'll do what is asked of us
• it could set us up in a confusing place; when there are too many changes, it is harder to keep the moment going #schcom1123 via roll call passes 4-3 (Bernstein, Charles, Whitmore voted no; Callaghan, McNeill, Spencer and Stokes voted yes)

Open Meeting Law Complaint Response

• moving to discussion only items: Open Meeting Law Complaint Response - Ms. Denise Spencer - there is no transcript due to break in the meeting; hence no further action needed or required, copy sent to complainer, and to Attny General #schcom1123

new business

• new business - workshop on finances; lifelong learning update; #schcom1123 

Consent agenda

• Consent agenda - I recommend approval (see listing) https://franklinmatters.org/2021/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-meeting_01900743034.html…  motion, seconded, motion amended to remove transfers from the action - approved 7-0

Executive Session and return to open

• motion to enter executive session, and to return in Open Session.  approved 7-0  #schcom1123
• meeting re-opens at 9:56 PM - motion and second to ratify the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Franklin Education Association (FEA); passed via roll call vote 7-0. No details on memo provided. Motion to adjourn, seconded, passed via roll call 7-0

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

Recap: School Committee hears update on MCAS results; votes to implement optional mask for vaccinated students; votes on MOU for FEA

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - Nov 23, 2021

Franklin School Committee 

November 23, 2021

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 7:00 P.M.

Meetings are recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29.  Any individual who also wishes to record this meeting must obtain explicit permission from the Chair

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

Members of the public are now welcome to attend committee meetings in person. Additionally, in an effort to ensure citizen engagement, citizens will be able to continue to view the public meeting using Zoom. We will use the Zoom Webinar feature. You may view the meeting with the link or phone numbers below. Participants wishing to speak during the Citizen’s Comments portion of the agenda may be asked to raise their hand to be recognized by the Chair. The webinar host may invite the attendee to unmute for comment at the Chair’s direction.

Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments

D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. MCAS Data Presentation: Dr. Tina Rogers and Dr. Linda Ashley

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/mcas_-sc_presentation.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Job Description

I recommend approval of the new position of Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_new_position_dei.pdf

B. Proposal for Optional Mask Wearing by Vaccinated Students/Staff at FHS related to Policy EBCFA Face Coverings

I recommend approval of the proposal for optional mask wearing by vaccinated students/staff at FHS as discussed.   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_mask_proposal.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Open Meeting Law Complaint Response - Ms. Denise Spencer

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)

B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC; Substance Abuse Task Force; School Wellness Advisory Council; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee)

VI. New Business

A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from the November 9, 2021 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Transfers

I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.

C. Athletics Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $461.82 from All-American Publishing for supplemental supplies for the Athletics Department as detailed.

D. Annie Sullivan Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,100.00 from the Annie Sullivan PCC for in-house enrichment as detailed.

E. Parmenter Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,227.12 from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Ms. Spencer

IX. Payroll Ms. Stokes

X. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to litigation as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the public body and the Chair so declares.

b. 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.

c. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to conduct 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, and to return in Open Session.

XI. Adjournment

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-23-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

Meeting agenda doc ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_11-23-21.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee  - Meeting Agenda - Nov 23, 2021

Recap: Town Council reorganizes (sort of); hears about open meeting law, etc. appoints 4 to Cultural Council; closes with Executive Session

Quick Recap:

• Town Clerk Nancy Danello sworn in (2nd time, first time on election night), then she swears in the Town Council
• Council reorganizes by nomination and vote to retain Mercer, Dellorco, and Jones as Chair, Vice-Chair and Clerk respectfully; so while they have officially re-organized, there is no change in the leadership at this time
• Appointments of four individuals to Cultural Council approved
• Overview of Open Meeting, Law, Ethics, etc. provided by Attny Mark Cerel. As many times as I have seen this overview (8 times, I think?), it is good to review, something different catches my attention each time.
• Council entered Executive Session to discuss the latest on the Prospect St property situation and did not return to open session

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter. I participated in the meeting in the Council Chambers. 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc1110

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc1110&src=typeahead_click 

Agenda document -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-agenda.html

• getting ready for the Town Council meeting to begin shortly - agenda doc and remote connection info -> https://franklinmatters.org/2021/11/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-agenda.html…  #tc1110
• Motion to nominate Mercer as Chair, seconded, approved 9-0; motion to nominate Dellorco as Vice-Chair; seconded, approved 9-0 motion to nominate Jones, seconded, passes 9-0 #tc1110
• motion to adopt procedure manual -> ADOPTION OF TOWN COUNCIL PROCEDURE MANUAL: Resolution 21-67       https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3._21-67_adoption_of_council_procedures.pdf…  #tc1110  subcommittee will review and propose revisions possible  -  seconded, passes 9-0
• meeting protocol statement read by Chair Mercer; meeting options, Zoom, cable Verizon/Comcast, and live stream - Citizen comments; Rev Juncker and Rabbi Alpert step forward to make Interfaith Council as they did at #schCom1109 meeting  #tc1110
• statement on #LoveFranklin can be found -> https://franklinmatters.org/2021/10/a-call-to-our-community-lovefranklin.html…  #tc1110 (BTW - I am a signer of this statement, one of the 365 community members)
• J Callaway-Tripp after an atrocious election, congratulations, I hope you do wonderful things #tc1110
• approval of minutes from 10/06/21 meeting, motion, seconded, passes 9-0  #tc1110
• APPOINTMENTS a. Franklin Cultural Council: Venus Senjam - motion, seconded, passes 9-0  #tc1110 Cormier-Leger, Frongillo, Jones - thanks to these candidates, good candidates
• APPOINTMENTS b. Franklin Cultural Council: Patrick Kinner#tc1110 - motion, seconded, passes 9-0 c. Franklin Cultural Council: Shelley Green - motion, seconded, passes 9-0d. Franklin Cultural Council: Jacob Juncker - motion, seconded, passes 9-0
• LICENSE TRANSACTIONS a. Residence Inn Boston Franklin, License Modification, Change of Manager, Officers/Directors/ LLC Managers & Change of ownership Interest, 4 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA 02038  #tc1110  motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0
• License modification -> b. Shaw's Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw's, License Modification, Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers, 255 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038  #tc1110 motion, seconded, passes 9-0
• license modification - c. 99 Restaurants of Boston, LLC d/b/a The Ninety-Nine, License Modification, Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers, 847 West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038  #tc1110 motion, seconded, passes 9-0
• Farmers Market license - D. La Cantina Winery Company, Farmer-Winery, Farmer’s Market License, 355 Union Street, Franklin, MA 02038 #tc1110 motion, seconded, passes 9-0 3rd time for the Market at Fairmount Fruit Farm (11/20/21)
• Presentation: Open Meeting Law, Public Records, Ethics and Conducting a Public Meeting - Mark Cerel, Town Attorney Memo - > https://drive.google.com/file/d/15Ft8UZqacUKK2AT_rieHgQl4NFNR0-Xu/view?usp=sharing…  Presentation Doc - >   https://drive.google.com/file/d/15KP9W1fQTC5rOiiO_OBi6HFZv_PHtG0t/view?usp=sharing…  #tc1110
• starting with page 11 of the presentation doc - this is the short story version - each of these topics could take more time to review thoroughly #tc1110 applicable for open meeting law when a quorum is together;
• in open meeting law, public has right to be present but not an absolute right to participate, subject to the chair of the public body; there are consequences for enforcement #tc1110 no blanket immunity for speech, potential liability for any comments if derogatory, threatening
• shifting to public records law - includes all forms of documents including electronic  - the document itself is the public record regardless of the device it located on; i.e. a personal device. #tc1110 there are town business email accounts for Town Council/School Committee …
• to help with the separation of the town business and personal business. There are public records officers defined within Municipal operations, most requests are from outside for some other purpose - we don't have a lot of requests as the website is so stocked with docs. #tc1110
• the easiest answer; if you are thinking about posting it, don't; #tc1110 shifting to ethics - this is a criminal statue  - Town Council members are considered "municipal employees" and covered by all "statutory prohibitions and restrictions"
• identify the potential conflict sooner than later and recuse yourself at the outset. #tc1110 Ethics Commission can be helpful and then be an investigator and hearing leading to decisions for civil and criminal as required
• next up - conducting public hearings - #tc1110 differences in liability between legislative role (most resolutions) and administrative (i.e. alcohol license or violations) - be careful about what you do
• a. Resolution 21-65: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 - $18,500.22 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-65 - Majority Vote) - motion, seconded, passes 9-0 #tc1110
• b. Resolution 21-66: Gift Acceptance: Veterans Service Department ($3,295.00) and Fire Department ($965.00) (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-66- Majority Vote) #tc1110 motion, seconded, passes 9-0
• Town Administrator's Report - thanks and congratulations to the successful candidates; cafe will be closed at Senior Center, deep cleaning to be done, also expanding tax workoff to include the cafe; #tc1110  Nov 18, at FHS auditorium also Zoom feature
• future agenda items; accessory dwelling units for Economic Development; Civil discourse pledge should be taken up; Housing Authority coming Nov 17 as the feature presentation; #tc1110 Councilor Comments - grade 6 youth football game coming this weekend, best wishes
• need to leaf pickup to assist other seniors to help them with taking the leaves to the transfer station/Beaver St #tc1110 vandalism at FHS bathrooms, work closely with Superintendent and their staff, etc. incidents are taken seriously. dealing with minors and legal process …
• mental health related issues, a lot of grief and difficulty out there today, not completely surprised. #tc1110 Frongillo touting talk on Mon on "Strong Towns" (info to be shared later) 9:30 AM
• thanks to the voters; Pellegri tapping on to the Chandler comments about the vandalism; has suggestions on how to stop it; #tc1110 Jones touting Mamma Mia performances this weekend (Fir/Sat) (see the community calendar for details)
• Thanks to the voters, awesome to see all the folks come out; wish the veterans the best; Nov 18 is an important event, #tc1110 good story on an issue raised last night, SAFE Coalition has a plan underway for the individual today; congratulate all the newly elected
• thanks also to all those who stepped up to run, even if they were not successful, there are other opportunities to stay involved #tc1110 do need to enter Executive Session - prospect St - not to return to open meeting ; vote to enter, vote via roll call - passes 9-0

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

Town Clerk Nancy Danello sworn in by justice of the peace