Busy week for School Committee meetings

Yes, this is a busy week for School Committee meetings. If you happen to see one or more of them around, thank them for what they are doing!

• Monday, Apr 11 - 8:15 AM

Special meeting School Committee - open meeting to go to directly to Executive session for negotiations (not a meeting for public attendance, needed to be posted to enable full committee participation)  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/agenda/special-school-committee-meeting

• Tuesday, Apr 12 - 6 PM

School Committee workshop - Superintendent's evaluation

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_4-12-22_workshop.pdf

• Tuesday, Apr 12 - 7 PM

School Committee meeting - key vote on budget

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_4-12-22.pdf

Packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-12-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

• Wednesday, Apr 13 - 5 PM

School Committee special meeting - interview candidate for superintendent  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_4-13-22_special_mtg.pdf

• Thursday, Apr 14 - 6:30 PM  CANCELED

The 5th annual Legislative Forum   https://www.franklinps.net/district/events/86366 

Thursday, Apr 14  - the 5th annual Legislative Forum

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - Feb 8, 2022

Franklin School Committee

February 8, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

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. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Presentation

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. 2022-2023 School Calendar
I recommend approval of the 2022-23 School Calendar as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_22-23_school_calendar.pdf
B. Policy - 1st Reading
I recommend moving Policy GDQD - Suspension and Dismissal of Support Staff
Members to a second reading.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_1st_read_0.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. COVID Status Update   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/back_to_school_status_update_oct-present_2.pdf
B. 2022-2023 Joint Budget Subcommittee Charge   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/2022_-_2023_joint_budget_subcommittee_charge.pdf

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Supt. Evaluation, Budget,
Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Space Needs & Facilities
Assessment Sub Committee)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, (SATF) Substance Abuse Task Force, (SWAC) School Wellness Advisory Council, SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council), DEI Committee (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion).

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 January 25, 2022 School
Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Music Gifts
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $4,116.00from music parents for
in house enrichment as detailed.
C. FHS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,910.16 from Grynn & Barrett
Enterprises, Inc. for supplemental supplies for FHS 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 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.
b. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective
bargaining with non-union personnel.
c. Executive session pursuant to M.G.L. c.30A, §21(a)(1) to consider an Open
Meeting Law complaint against public officers, namely the members of the
School Committee, filed with the Committee by Kyle Thompson and dated
February 3, 2022.

XI. Adjournment 

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_2-8-22.pdf

Meeting folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-8-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet 

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - Feb 8, 2022

Town Council Meeting - Feb 2, 2022 - audio recording in 3 parts

FM #718-719-720 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 718-719-720 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, February 2, 2022. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel, the Police retirement and promotion individuals, along with their guest and family members were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just almost three hour meeting ( 2:48 actual meeting time - excludes recess) into three (3) logical segments:

• First - covers the opening, citizen comments and the recognition of Pricilla Cornetta; and the promotions of three Police Dept individuals (~51 mins) 2 minute recess called (which actually lasted in 6 minutes) https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-718-town-council-meeting-02-02-22-p1-of-3

• Second - covers the Old South Meeting house discussion and subcommittee report (EDC Plus) (~ 42 minutes)  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-719-town-council-meeting-02-02-22-p2-of-3

• Third - covers the Legislation for Action, Council Comments and the public meeting closes with the Council entering Executive Session not to return to open meeting (~ 1:14 ) https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-720-town-council-meeting-02-02-22-p3-of-3

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Feb 2, 2022

Part 1 ->

Part 2 ->

Part 3 ->

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Town Council Agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_2-2-22_2.pdf

My notes for the meeting ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/recap-town-council-discusses-old-south.html

 

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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 www.Franklinmatters.org   or www.franklin.news 

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

 

Town Council Meeting - Feb 2, 2022 - audio recording in 3 parts

Recap: Town Council discusses Old South Meeting House, formalizes Joint Budget Committee among key items

Quick recap:

• The Council meeting began with a number of citizen comments about the student behavior and parking issues in the neighborhood around Dean College
• Recognition of Priscilla Cornetta, founder of Friends of Franklin, along with three promotions within the Franklin Police Dept
• Two alcohol license transactions were approved
• Discussion on the Old South Meeting House results in steps to be taken to put out an RFP to see if someone would buy it from the Town
• Approval of the Town Council procedures with some technical updates to bring into alignment with Mass general law and some to put into writing what actually had been the process, along with some minor modifications to bring enable better meeting management
• Formalization of the Joint Budget Committee composed of representatives from the Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee with an "'advisory" role. This should help with sharing the details on cost drivers among the key groups and community in developing the budget

My Town Council meeting notes taken via Twitter and captured along with the photos shared from the meeting in one PDF document

The audio recording will be available in a day or so.

View the notes via the embedded document (below) or via this link ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MtKjMop-hOxx9-WcdZt9Lwy3bTmNl8I9/view?usp=sharing

Photos captured during the meetings (sone shared via Twitter, some not shared) can be found in one album ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/jWU9Ht8xtBRdFa2T8

 

Recognition of Priscilla Cornetta, founder of Friends of Franklin

School Committee Meeting - 01/11/22 Two parts audio: (1) students services discussion, etc. and then (2) remainder of meeting

FM #698 & #699 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 698 & 699 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, January 11, 2022.

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 (E Stokes) along with some members the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the almost two hour 30 minute into two (2) logical segments:

• First - covers the opening, much of this segment is on the student services presentation and Q&A  (~1:23 mins) Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-698-school-committee-mtg-student-services-01-11-22-p1-of-2

• Second - covers the Superintendent's report, Discussion action items, Discussion only items, Consent agenda and then votes to enter Executive Session, not to return to open meeting. (~ 1 hour and 5 minutes) Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-699-school-committee-meeting-01-11-22-p2-of-2

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 Jan 11, 2022

 

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Agenda doc can be found ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agenda

s/scagenda_1-11-22.pdf 

School Committee Meeting packet folder ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/2021-22-meetingpackets 

My notes captured during the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/recap-school-committee-hears-about-1.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"

School Committee Meeting - 01/11/22 Two parts audio

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

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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

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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)