School Committee Approves FEF close out, hears summer update from Lifelong Learning, formally accepts $1M from Town (audio)

FM #1259 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1259 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. 5 members participated, all in chambers, two were absent (Charles, McNeill).

Quick recap:

• School dates for opening new year 

• Aug 26, teachers report, 

• Aug 27 Professional development day, 

• Aug 28 First day for 1st - 12 grades, 

• Aug 29 First day for K, 

• Aug 30 No school (Labor Day weekend)

• Sep 3 - pre-K first day

• Staffing update - 19 hired thus far, some still open, some resignations still coming in

• Redistricting status update - work progressing, principals announced, asst principals announcement forthcoming, work on the district alignment progressing, still working toward a release target of Sept/Oct. The boundary line info would go to the School Committee for review first, no word on the formal closing of the prior redistricting committee or the set up of a new process to continue the work during the school year to prepare for Spe 2025

• New website published as of July 1. Mobile client available for download to Apple or Android devices. Links still being fixed, content generally there and items being added as identified. Notifications not yet turned on

• Lifelong Learning Summer program update - photos of the presentation were captured during the meeting in one photo album; the Lifelong Learning program is fee based and thus self funded, the fees taken in cover the expenses incurred

• Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) votes - two votes were taken to start the process of formally closing out the FEF (a 501(c3) organization) and rolling over the remaining funds they have (approx. $150K) to enable the District to continue their work with such funds; details remain to be worked out on the ‘grant application’, approval, and communication process

• FY 2025 budget update - some curriculum development work accomplished during summer but less than previous years due to budget cuts, the last of the additional funds approved by the Town Council ($1M from the debt stabilization account, one time funds) was accepted by the Committee by a 5-0 vote during the meeting

The recording runs about 66 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1259-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-08-13-24/

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

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://youtu.be/qA_oBUUMs0A?si=BWM0ekJVTq2Qffuc&t=95

The Franklin TV video is NOT available for replay ->  (It was recorded and successfully broadcast to Comcast, Verizon, and via Zoom but not to YouTube) When available the link will be added

Agenda doc  -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_school_committee_meeting_6.pdf     

Meeting packet folder -> (docs released for this meeting, some of them available after the meeting)  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/8%2F13%2F24-sc-meeting-packet/685844 

My notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gr8uvNEdDqoW8Irw8pjg3McXgxhRi4ai/view?usp=drive_link 

Lifelong Learning Summer Update )pix of slides shared) -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FfeYoJc8S5UhAsVJ8 

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

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 Approves FEF close out, hears summer update from Lifelong Learning, formally accepts $1M from Town (audio)

Franklin, MA: Franklin School Committee - Agenda for Aug 13, 2024

Franklin School Committee 

August 13, 2024 - 7:00 P.M.

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Agenda

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Summer Learning Update

B. 2024 Annual Report Draft Review

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. FEF VOTES

I recommend: That Franklin Public Schools, a department of the Town of Franklin, Massachusetts, hereby agrees, subject to authorization of the Supreme Judicial Court pursuant to the provisions of Section 11A(d) of Chapter 180 of the Massachusetts General Laws, as amended, to accept the funds, assets and property of the FRANKLIN EDUCATION FOUNDATION, Inc. (the "Foundation") to be used for the purposes of supporting and benefitting the Franklin Public Schools that are under the direction of the Franklin School Committee, including without limitation, the promotion of the development of innovative curriculum, and to support key system-wide activities, such as enrichment experiences through programs, equipment and services, that enhance the quality of public education in Franklin schools; and to expend or use said funds, assets and property solely in furtherance of said stated purposes and in accordance with the authorization of the Supreme Judicial Court.

B. I recommend That the Superintendent of Schools is authorized to take all actions required or desirable to carry out the foregoing vote, including but not limited to signing an Assent to the Foundation's Motion for Entry of Interlocutory Order and, upon receipt of the donation, signing an Affidavit of Receipt. 

C. Policy First Reading / Elimination

I recommend eliminating Policy JJEA-Crowdfunding and moving GBEBD-Online Fundraising and Solicitations, Crowdfunding to a second reading as detailed. 

D. One-Time Funds Acceptance

I recommend the acceptance of one million dollars from the Town as one-time funds as detailed.

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 June 27, 2024 Special Meeting and July 9, 2024 regular meeting as detailed.

B. Remington Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $94.17 from Shutterfly for in-house enrichment for RMS as detailed.

C. Parmenter Gift

I recommend acceptance of the donation of school supplies (valued at

$1,000.00) from the Kids in Need Foundation for Parmenter Elementary School as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII.  Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Adjournment

The agenda doc also contains remote participation information -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_school_committee_meeting_6.pdf

Franklin, MA: Franklin School Committee - Agenda for Aug 13, 2024

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

Franklin , MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for May 28, 2024 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

May 28, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Retiree Recognition

B. District Improvement Plan Update

C. Superintendent’s Evaluation - Presentation of Evidence

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. FEF Vote

I recommend acceptance of funds from the FRANKLIN EDUCATION FOUNDATION, Inc. (the “Foundation”) and establishing an account to be used to support and benefit the Franklin Public Schools that are under the direction of the Franklin School Committee, including, without limitation, the promotion of the development of innovative curriculum and to support key system-wide activities, such as enrichment experiences through programs, equipment, and services, that enhance the quality of public education in Franklin schools.  

B. Elementary Report Cards

I recommend approval of the proposed changes to the Elementary Report Card as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_elementary_report_cards.pdf

C. Policy First Readings

I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed: EFD - Meal Charge Policy

EFD-R - Meal Charge Policy and Procedures

D. Override Pledge MOU

I recommend approval of the Override Pledge MOU as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_override_pledge_mou.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Review of Fee Schedule  -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/fees

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 14, 2024 School Committee Meeting as detailed.

B. Jefferson Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $28.50 from Box Tops for Jefferson field trips as detailed.

C. Parmenter Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $350.00 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips as detailed.

D. Keller Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $300.00 from O’Connor Portraiture for supplemental supplies as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session/Adjournment - not to return to open session

A. As per M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21 (a) (2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel

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 

Only regular School Committee in July is also Supt Lucas Giguere's first one (audio)

FM #830 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 830 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jul 19, 2022. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers. 

School Committee Chair Denise Spencer opens the meeting at 7:08 PM. This was the first official meeting for new Superintendent Lucas Giguere.

The show notes contain a link to the agenda and to my notes.

The recording runs just about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to the only regular meeting scheduled for this month by the Franklin School Committee on July 19, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-830-school-committee-meeting-07-19-22

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

Meeting agenda

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_7-19-22_workshop.pdf 

Meeting recap and video link -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/franklin-school-committee-welcomed-supt.html

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

My notes in this ThreadReader PDF ->  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wbcgzkEbC38sNzE1z_2PBtFtfBfI6tBU/view?usp=sharing 

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

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"

(L-R) Business Manager M Goodman, Supt L Giguere, Dir Student Svcs P Marano

Franklin School Committee welcomed Supt Giguere and heard the FEF story in their brief meeting

Quick: Recap:

• The School Committee meeting met briefly (37 minutes) on Tuesday for their only July scheduled regular meeting
• Superintendent Lucas Giguere has hit the ground running per his update in the Superintendent's report. This was his first formal meeting as Superintendent filling in for Sara Ahern who departed for Barnstable
• Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) board members Pandora Carlucci and Roberta Trahan presented on the FEF history, their fund raising efforts, changes due to the pandemic and hope to return to a more normal operation eventually. The School District did get a grant this year and how those funds were used was shared during the session
• Very little action was reported among the subcommittee meetings due to the 'vacation'/summer schedule
• All action items were approved via the Consent Agenda although not in the bulk format the process usually affords them. They were split individually to allow committee members to abstain from individual meetings they missed, and then continued this individual approach

Minutes voting via roll call (updated)

A. Approval of Minutes

(i) I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 14, 2022 School

Committee Meeting as detailed.  (6-0-1) Spencer abstain

(ii) I recommend approval of the executive session minutes from the June 14,

2022 School Committee Meeting as detailed.  (6-0-1) Spencer abstain

(iii) I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 27, 2022 School

Committee Meeting as detailed. (7-0) 

(iv) I recommend approval of the executive session minutes from the June 27,

2022 School Committee Meeting as detailed.  (6-0-1) Callaghan abstain

My notes taken via Twitter can be found in one PDF doc

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wbcgzkEbC38sNzE1z_2PBtFtfBfI6tBU/view?usp=sharing

The Franklin TV video is available for viewing -> https://youtu.be/-4mgHYeNMLA

(L-R) Business Manager M Goodman, Supt L Giguere, Dir Student Svcs P Marano

(L-r) R Trahan, P Carlucci

FEF grant funded item 1

FEF grant funded item 2

FEF grant funded item 3

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda - Jul 19, 2022 - 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

July 19, 2022 -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 Ms. Spencer

C. Payroll Ms. Stokes

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Franklin Education Foundation Update - Mrs. Carlucci & Mrs. Trahan

III. Discussion/Action Items - None

IV. Discussion Only Items - None

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

(i) I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 14, 2022 School

Committee Meeting as detailed.

(ii) I recommend approval of the executive session minutes from the June 14,

2022 School Committee Meeting as detailed.

(iii) I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 27, 2022 School

Committee Meeting as detailed.

(iv) I recommend approval of the executive session minutes from the June 27,

2022 School Committee Meeting as detailed.

B. Declare Surplus

I recommend approval to declare the list of Jefferson Elementary School books as

surplus as detailed.

C. Jefferson Gifts

I recommend acceptance of 2 checks totaling $2,217.14 as follows:

Jefferson PCC - Field Trips $1,813.14

Jefferson 5th Grade Celebration Committee - Supplemental Supplies $404

D. Music Gifts

I recommend acceptance for two checks totaling $3,239.48 as follows:

$ 846.48 Students Field Trip

$2,393.00 Gate MS Spring Concerts In-house enrichment

E. Scholarship

I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,015.00 from the Class of 1972 for a

scholarship as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_7-19-22docx_2.pdf

Meeting packet folder -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/july-19-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda - Jul 19, 2022 - 7 PM