Showing posts with label MASC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MASC. Show all posts

Sunday, November 23, 2025

SchCmte Chair Paul Griffith helps condense and elaborate on what happened at the SchCmte Mtg of Nov 18, 2025 (audio)

FM #1587 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1587 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with the new Chair of the School Committee Paul GriffithWe had our discussion via Zoom on Thursday, November 20, 2025. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting Nov 18.


Quick recap:

  • Supt Giguere opens the session, solicits nominations for Chair. 

    • One made by Callaghan for Griffith. Vote on the nomination passes 7-0

    • Nominations asked for Vice Chair. One made, Griffith nominates Callaghan. Vote on the nomination passes 7-0

  • Pledge students from the Washington 3-5 school. 5 students in one class had originated in one of the other 5 elementary schools

  • Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption. Superintendent recommends adoption of the following policies as discussed: 

    • IKF - Graduation Requirements

    • IKFE - Competency Determinations

    • Discussion on the adjustments to the grad requirements and competency which fine tuned the language for clarity. Moved to accept as discussed, passes 7-0

  • Discussion Only Items, informational for new members and for the weather as winter approaches for all

    • A. Inclement Weather Notice

    • B. Review of District/Superintendent’s Goals

    • C. ACCEPT Quarterly Update

  • Spent time on the rationale and objectives for each of the subcommittees or liaisons for the SchCmte to assist the new members as which ones to select. Chair will make alignment and reveal for next meeting so they can begin scheduling meetings as needed

  • The importance of the MASC Workshop providing the first hour of training on the do's and don't of a School Committee member


Our conversation runs about 40 minutes. Let’s listen

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1587-chalkboard-chat-11-20-25/



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SchCmte Chair Paul Griffith helps condense and elaborate on what happened at the SchCmte Mtg of Nov 18, 2025 (audio)
SchCmte Chair Paul Griffith helps condense and elaborate
on what happened at the SchCmte Mtg of Nov 18, 2025 (audio)


School Committee page (with contact info) ->  https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee 


School Committee newsletter with brief biographical info on the 7 members in addition to other school news -> https://5il.co/3sh1v 


Franklin TV video of the Nov 18 meeting is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea9CmNWJI1s 


The agenda doc can be found ->  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6138802/SCAGENDA11-18-25.pdf  


The meeting packet folder with other docs released for this session ->

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/november-18%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/862192 


My notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xlF11yc5sLUZBOhYoY_95dGb6zI68i0e/view?usp=drive_link 


Pictures captured during the session are in one photo album -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/TKFnfsbkzprJ5xSj9

 

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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

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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!

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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"


Wednesday, November 19, 2025

MASC conducts Workshop for Franklin School Committee - Nov 18, 2025 (audio)

FM #1584 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1584 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee MASC Workshop held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The meeting was conducted in the 3rd floor training room. 


All seven School Committee members were present along with Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Asst Supt for Student Services Paula Marano, and Asst Supt for Teaching & Learning Dr. Tina Rogers. 


Tracy Novick, the MASC Field Director responsible for Franklin, gave the presentation and led the discussion.  

 

The show notes contain a link to the presentation copy so you can follow along.


The recording runs about 67 minutes, so let’s listen to the School Committee MASC Workshop of Nov 18, 2025. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1584-fps-school-cmte-masc-workshop-11-18-25/


MASC conducts Workshop for Franklin School Committee  - Nov 18, 2025 (audio)
MASC conducts Workshop for Franklin School Committee  - Nov 18, 2025 (audio)

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MASC Presentation document (actually from the 2023 session but there doesn’t appear to be any changes) -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iS3oQAk96xVk-SKYLo8iAgashzFASHvT/view?usp=drive_link 


My notes in this ThreadReader PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qzoj4tuEa1bx6_vRCHPOOB0yOMlFN3YG/view?usp=drive_link 


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


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


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

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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"


Tuesday, November 18, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 ???

Tuesday, November 18

What's happening in Franklin, MA
What's happening in Franklin, MA


12:00pm Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

6:00pm Table Top (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Cmte Monthly Mtg (Franklin TV Studio)


For additional details on Library events -> 
Library & Senior Center events
Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   



**    Town Meetings today   **


Franklin School Committee MASC Workshop

Tuesday, November 18 Time: 5:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11182025-1982 


Franklin School Committee

Tuesday, November 18 Time: 7:00 PM

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6138802/SCAGENDA11-18-25.pdf 


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Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Franklin School Committee: School Committee MASC Workshop - Nov 18 at 5:30 PM

Franklin Public Schools
Franklin School Committee
School Committee MASC Workshop
November 18, 2025 - 5:30- 6:30 PM

Municipal Building – 3rd Floor Training Room


AGENDA

Franklin School Committee
Franklin School Committee
"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."

● MASC Workshop



The agenda shows no remote participation option for this session



Saturday, October 5, 2024

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for meeting Tuesday, Oct 8 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee
October 8, 2024  7:00 PM
Municipal Building – Council Chambers

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. MS School Improvement Plan
B. FHS School Improvement Plan

III. Discussion/Action Items
A.   MS 2024-25 School Improvement Plan Approval
I recommend approval of the Middle Schools’ 2024-25 School Improvement Plan as presented.
B. FHS 2024-25 School Improvement Plan Approval
I recommend approval of the Franklin High Schools’ 2024-25 School Improvement Plan as presented.
C.   2025-26 Elementary Boundary Line Vote
I recommend approval of the 2025-26 Elementary Boundary Line as presented.
D. 2025-26 Davis Thayer Consideration Vote
I recommend consideration be given to the 25 former Davis Thayer students and their siblings enrolled in FPS K-5 elementary schools during the 2025-26 school year.
E.   MASC Resolutions
I recommend adoption of the following MASC Resolutions as discussed:
1. Increase Compulsory Attendance Age
2. Safe Storage Of Firearms
3. Aligning Taxing Authority With The Required Local Contribution
4. Fully Adjusting Chapter 70 Aid For Inflation
5. Equitable Funding For Non-Regional School Districts With High Transportation Costs

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. Staffing Update
B. Transportation Update

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 September 24, 2024 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. JFK/Parmenter recurring Field Trip - Veteran’s Auditorium
I recommend approval of the request of Mary MacMurray to take Music students to the Veteran’s Auditorium, Providence, RI on May 21, 2025 (JFK) and May 23, 2025 for a concert as detailed.
C. JFK Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,325.00 from the JFK PCC for field trips as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business
To discuss any future agenda items

X. Executive Session
A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21 3. To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental
effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares

XI. Adjournment

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info -> 

Sunday, April 28, 2024

NEPM: "Massachusetts schools need more funds, some point to flaw in education finance law"

Why are so many school districts faced with funding issues this year? 

There is a common thread and it points to a flaw within the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) funding model. Yes, the model that was redesigned in 2019 to add more funding to the schools in need but some have identified a technical issue in the formula as summarized in this article:
"Fix the funding flaw

A not common alliance is calling on education officials to fix a calculation in Chapter 70. That group, Novick’s MASCA, the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts created a FAQ to explain how inflation of the last two years, between 7% and 8 % is a factor.

"... the [Chapter 70] law caps the annual inflation adjustment of the foundation budget at 4.5 percent," the FAQ said. "As a result, districts did not receive funds to cover a significant portion of inflation that they had to pay for in expenses.”

The way the Chapter 70 formula originally worked, the FAQ said, “that would not be a long-term problem because the lost inflation would automatically be added back into the foundation budget in the following year. But a technical change made almost a decade after the law was passed inadvertently changed that. Now when the cap reduces aid below the level needed to keep pace with inflation, that reduction is locked in forever and reduces future aid.”

Thanks to Mass Municipal Association for the pointer to the article ->
https://twitter.com/massmunicipal/status/1783926637169442860

NEPM: "Massachusetts schools need more funds, some point to flaw in education finance law"
NEPM: "Massachusetts schools need more funds, some point to flaw in education finance law"

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

In this Chalkboard Chat, we recap 3 meetings on 1 busy night (audio)

FM #1140 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1140 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Franklin School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan and Vice Chair Dave McNeill. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. 


The School Committee had their regular meeting and two subcommittee meetings before that on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. We take one meeting at a time to provide a recap. 


The recording runs about 43 minutes so let’s listen to my “chalkboard chat” with School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan and Vice Chair Dave McNeill. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1140-chalkboard-chat-callaghan-mcneill-01-16-24


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Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net 


Contact info for Dave McNeill -> mcneilld@franklinps.net


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


1/16/24 meeting Agenda doc  ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/1-9-24-agenda 


Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-9-2024-school-committee-meeting-packet 


Franklin TV video for replay ->  not yet available but will be found in the YouTube playlist

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNyv0AkVasIR_a80hAfFnQoFngebCICow 


Audio & notes for the budget subcommittee meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/school-committee-budget-subcommittee.html 


Audio & notes for the MASC superintendent review workshop

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/school-committee-takes-masc-workshop-on.html 


Audio & notes for the regular meeting -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/school-committee-hears-about-oak-st-fhs.html 



The “Chalkboard Chat” image was the result of a joint collaboration with Mickayla Callaghan. Thank you!


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


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"


In this Chalkboard Chat, we recap 3 meetings on 1 busy night (audio)
In this Chalkboard Chat, we recap 3 meetings on 1 busy night (audio)