Recap: Town Council recognizes Library Assoc; starts setting goals (audio)

Quick Recap:

• The Franklin Library Association was recognized for their most recent donation to the Library and for their history of doing so
• The Town Council started their goals discussion. Some items were added to the drafted listing. Some clarification on the existing items and those added will be made and brought back for a vote
• The goals broadly will direct the focus of attention for the Council and the Town Administration for the next two years. Next January, there will be an opportunity to adjust as needed. The goal doc also becomes the guide against which the performance of the Town Administrator is marked to
• The meeting closed with the Council entering into Executive Session with Chair Mercer recusing himself for participation due to a potential conflict of interest with the Schmidt farm and a family members' residence. Chair Mercer explains this in our "quarterbacking" session

-------

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting via the Zoom conf bridge. 

 

The Twitter hashtag #tc0105 can be found online The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1478878744702070790

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

https://photos.app.goo.gl/QWUBS4wWochJ5pMH8

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-693-town-council-meeting-01-05-22

• Next up #tc0105 with Town council meeting agenda doc  https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-5-town-council-meeting-agenda
• Meeting agenda doc has a broken Zoom link, need to manually enter the numbers to join #tc0105
• Meeting opens shortly after 7, #tc0105
• Chair Mercer reads normal protocol statement. DCR announcement read about the land transfer being swapped with the State (state forest goes, recycling center comes) #tc0105

Citizen Comments

• C Cass observing Jan 6 at Town Common at 5 PM DPW Director waste management delayed due to COVID-19 absences. 30% out due to close contacts, be safe due to storm, staff limited   #tc0105
• Motion to approve mins  both sets passed with unanimous votes, #tc0105 

Recognition

• Recognition of Franklin Library Assoc. FLA in existence for 150 years, from the Rays, and down the years. #tc0105 

Town Council goals

• Town council goals session, TA Hellen takes lead also reference not the capacity issue raised during CPC meeting Tuesday
• goals doc can be found #tc0105 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._1_and_2_ta_memo_2022-2023_goals.pdf
• Clerk reads the goals as drafted #tc0105
• Maybe an update on NuStyle in May/Jun time frame. Clarification on other items may be included, maybe others are not? SNETT extension? Composting? Add some language to complete streets line, mitigate our ToF carbon footprint? Inline with state goals #tc0105
• TA Hellen to investigate further and may in future add a goal #tc0105 consideration of additional charging stations, will need more than what we have now and the group just put in at Franklin Village. Quincy just got $100m consent order for storm water mitigation
• There is work moving toward electric vehicles, the pilot worked well, and town employees are willing to move forward. Beaver st interceptor should be #1 #tc0105 add the historical museum study  discussion on plan vs develop Washington and Beaver St sidewalks feasible …
• Could look to develop a list vs delivering, what is achievable? Esp when it is tied to funding. Consideration of improvement to Town Common? Good discussion for the capital budget. Consider Maple Hill trail plan? #tc0105

Subcommittee reports

• Subcommittee report, EDC met earlier this evening, to start work with the zoning project next meeting Feb 2, forum Mar 7 #tc0105

Legislation

• Resolution 22-01, moved, seconded, passes 9-0 #tc0105   - Resolution 22-02, moved, seconded, passes 9-0   - Resolution 22-03, moved, seconded, passes 9-0. Details contained in the agenda doc  https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-5-town-council-meeting-agenda

Council Comments

• Nothing more from TA Hellen; Charter? Presentation being out together,. Birchwood open, Escape into Fiction moving to new location, #tc0105 thanks for helping with the Owen family.  Best wishes to former councilor Bissanti get well soon.
• Pellegri announces that the Food pantry will be moving to the former Edwin's; if any contribution available, Food pantry has been busy and appreciates donations. #tc0105 multiple comments on turn out for Owens family.

Executive session

• Motion to enter executive session, chair recuses himself, Dellorco assumes chair role, motion passes 8-0-1 1 abstain  not to resume to open session via roll 
• That's all for tonight, catch you next time! #tc0105

Town Council recognizes Library Assoc

FM #679 - Franklin, MA: School Committee Mtg - 12/14/21 (audio)

FM #679 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 679 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, December 14, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: six of the School Committee members were in the Council Chambers along with some of the public, one member was remote (M Whitmore) along with some members the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The recording of the public meeting runs about one hour and thirty minutes. The School Committee enters Executive Session and does not return to a public 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 this segment of the School Committee meeting Dec 14, 2021

 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-679-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-12-14-21

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

Meeting agenda doc ->   

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

School Committee Meeting packet folder ->  

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

My notes captured during the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/recap-school-committee-hears-lifelong.html

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

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 Mtg - 12/14/21 (audio)

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

 
-------
 
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