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

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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 

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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/ 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

Franklin Education Foundation celebrates birthday with 25 days of giving

The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) this month marks 25 years of supporting Franklin schools. To commemorate the milestone, the FEF is looking back at the numerous programs its efforts have helped make possible – from the first Empty Bowls project at Franklin High to the purchase of ukuleles for fifth-grade music students. Birthday festivities include a special fundraising campaign to propel the organization into its next quarter-century. 

Since its founding in 1997, the FEF has awarded grants to educators seeking to innovate in ways that fall out outside of traditional school budgeting processes. FEF volunteers screen applications and work with district administrators to select projects deemed most worthwhile in that particular grant-review cycle. To date, the FEF has provided in excess of $350,000 for such projects.

“The Franklin Education Foundation was established to provide district-wide fundraising of benefit to all schools under the leadership of the Franklin School Committee,” said Pandora Carlucci, one of the organization's co-founders. “Grant proposals selected for funding covered the costs of creative, innovative, educational programs that were not included in the traditional school budget.”

Left to Right: Roberta Trahan, Mary Kroon, Lisa Brady, Dave McNeill, Phil Sweeney, Pandora Carlucci, Rick Lacroix, and Krishna Shetty

To fund the grants, the FEF has relied on donors large and small. Generous individuals and businesses have enabled the foundation to fund projects in each of the town’s schools. Examples include an ecology project in which students conducted field research on the well-being of aquatic and terrestrial habitats surrounding Franklin High School, assistance to seventh-graders at Annie Sullivan Middle School with astronomy studies, books for Remington Middle School students to study ancient Greek myths, and math boxes so that students at Kennedy Elementary School could practice math concepts at home with their parents.

To continue its efforts in support of these sorts of programs, the FEF is asking for the community’s financial support this month. In the spirit of the Day of Giving tradition, the organization is conducting a campaign lasting 25 days as part of its 25th birthday celebration. Franklin residents are asked to make a gift via the foundation’s website at franklined.org/get-involved/donate This 25 days of giving fundraising campaign kicks off May 4, which is the birthday of Horace Mann, the Franklin native who championed quality public education for all.

With the support of the community, the FEF can build on its achievements and help educators and students continue to thrive.  

Franklin Education Foundation celebrates birthday with 25 days of giving

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) newsletter

The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) newsletter is shared here for your reading pleasure.   https://drive.google.com/file/d/10xF8dIlKw2-rHVjNws_HL7DxC-Xq3hNT/view?usp=sharing

Visit FEF on the web to donate and find out where your donation goes ->   https://www.franklined.org/

 

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF)

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) scheduled for Framers Market Friday, Sep 3

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) (@FranklinEdOrg) tweeted on Mon, Aug 30, 2021:

FEF will be at the Farmers Market on Friday, September 3, from 2 PM to 6 PM on the Town Common.

We look forward to saying hello to all who have supported FEF over the years and to those still learning about FEF. 

Please stop by and enroll as a Friend of FEF. All are welcome!

Shared from Twitter: (https://twitter.com/FranklinEdOrg/status/1432323282817146885?s=03

Franklin Ed.org scheduled for Framers Market Friday, Sep 3

FM #544 - What does the Franklin Education Foundation do? - 05/06/21 (audio)

FM #544 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 544  in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Pandora Carlucci and Joni Magee, Board members of the Franklin Education Foundation (FEF). We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about how the FEF supported the Franklin education with supplemental grants to teachers for educational enhancements. The grants total more than $400,000 since 1997.

Pandora was one of the founders of the FEF. 

The recording runs about 26 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Pandora and Joni. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7bb1628c-d589-4617-9b5d-d82a463ebd07

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Franklin Education Foundation =  https://www.franklined.org/

About page = https://www.franklined.org/about 

Volunteer = https://www.franklined.org/get-involved/volunteer 

Donate = https://www.franklined.org/get-involved/donate 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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"

 

FM #544 - What does the Franklin Education Foundation do? - 05/06/21 (audio)

Support Franklin Education Foundation so they can support the teachers

Franklin Ed.org (@FranklinEdOrg) tweeted on Fri, May 07, 2021:

Today is the last day of Teacher Appreciation Week, and FEF would like to finish our week-long fundraiser on a high note!  Any support you could give would be greatly appreciated for what these grants provide for our teachers and students.

More Info:

https://t.co/MUuskhs2X3

Shared from: https://t.co/cZBXYQfEi7

Support Franklin Education Foundation so they can support the teachers

Reminder: - May 4 - Day of Giving

The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) invites the community to join in a day of giving on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, as Franklin celebrates the birthday of public-school advocate, Horace Mann, and the amazing work of our local educators. 

Since 1997, FEF has funded hundreds of educational grants totaling well over $300,000, to inspire innovative and sustainable programs, and to further support excellence in education within Franklin Public Schools. The educational grants support engaging, diverse and sustainable preK-12 learning opportunities and resources including a Franklin Family Resource Guide, Box City, Family Astronomy Night, Franklin High School Empty Bowls Project which are just a few of the many amazing projects that have benefitted students, families, educators and the community-at-large over the decades.

 However, none of these innovative programs and resources would be possible without the financial support of area businesses, organizations, families and individuals. The Franklin Education Foundation is entirely dependent on the generosity of sponsorships, financial donations, and in-kind donations. We welcome contributions all year long and hope you will consider participation in our day of giving to the Franklin Education Foundation to support innovative programs that truly enhance student learning in Franklin Public Schools. 

Contributions can be made directly to the Franklin Education Foundation website under the donate tab https://www.franklined.org/get-involved/donate, or by mailing a check to Franklin Education Foundation at P.O. Box 531, Franklin, MA 02038. 

You can learn more about the Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) on their website at https://www.franklined.org/. For more information about FEF please contact FEF co-chair, Pandora Carlucci at pandora.carlucci@gmail.com. 

The Franklin Education Foundation thanks you for your continued support.

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) - May 4 - Day of Giving

 

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) - May 4 - Day of Giving

The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) invites the community to join in a day of giving on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, as Franklin celebrates the birthday of public-school advocate, Horace Mann, and the amazing work of our local educators. 

Since 1997, FEF has funded hundreds of educational grants totaling well over $300,000, to inspire innovative and sustainable programs, and to further support excellence in education within Franklin Public Schools. The educational grants support engaging, diverse and sustainable preK-12 learning opportunities and resources including a Franklin Family Resource Guide, Box City, Family Astronomy Night, Franklin High School Empty Bowls Project which are just a few of the many amazing projects that have benefitted students, families, educators and the community-at-large over the decades.

 However, none of these innovative programs and resources would be possible without the financial support of area businesses, organizations, families and individuals. The Franklin Education Foundation is entirely dependent on the generosity of sponsorships, financial donations, and in-kind donations. We welcome contributions all year long and hope you will consider participation in our day of giving to the Franklin Education Foundation to support innovative programs that truly enhance student learning in Franklin Public Schools. 

Contributions can be made directly to the Franklin Education Foundation website under the donate tab https://www.franklined.org/get-involved/donate, or by mailing a check to Franklin Education Foundation at P.O. Box 531, Franklin, MA 02038. 

You can learn more about the Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) on their website at https://www.franklined.org/. For more information about FEF please contact FEF co-chair, Pandora Carlucci at pandora.carlucci@gmail.com. 

The Franklin Education Foundation thanks you for your continued support.

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) - May 4 - Day of Giving