Recap: School Committee - approves Superintendent's goals; hears safety presentation; delays vote (again) on MASC resolutions;

Quick Recap:

• Superintendent's goals approved by 5-2 vote; some wanted to delay for next committee, next committee will be doing evaluation and has opportunity to adjust in conversation with Superintendent as needed. Goals were actually a slight modification to those set last year for a two year period (this is mid-point), minor adjustment to incorporate faculty feedback into overall education process
• Insightful safety presentation covering protocols and process established, a process of review and evaluation and adjustment that is ongoing
• MASC resolutions previewed last time and scheduled for vote this time were delayed again to next meeting for some to be better prepared
• Entered executive session on negotiation and did not return to open meeting

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session

 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom1012
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom1012&src=typeahead_click 
 
Agenda document -  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/agenda/school-committee-meeting-27 
 
Meeting packet folder - 
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-12-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet 

 

 

• Getting ready for #schcom1012 meeting to begin shortly. https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/agenda/school-committee-meeting-27 
• #schcom1012 meeting begins, will go to executive session at end of meeting and not return to open session. Keenan not present at this time, apparently expected to be remote so roll call process in place for meeting

Citizen comment & FHS Update

• Review of agenda, no changes Citizen comment opens; #schcom1012 citizen speaking on mask policy; Nipun Goel FHS senior class president, update on prom this Fri. College Applications in full gear, drama performance next week, hope for mask policy to end soon
• Ravin Chaudhury, junior class president with updates; calendar fund raiser coming, PSATs on Saturday, Elisha Project volunteer work on past Saturday #schcom1012
• Citizen comment on MAss VAX program recap, maybe we have exhausted the folks who want the vaccine, inaccurate numbers quoted; Mark Bisson, current candidate for school Committee, questions on dashboard and implications #schcom1012

Superintendent Report

• Chap 70, $30/student is an increment to the amount of total, there were not 100 laid off, they did receive notices and many were called back for September. #schcom1012 ECDC parking lot paving underway, updates as required. Visiting author in school virtually in Nov
• Food services update, supply chain affecting meals, may not always be what was planned but they will be healthy #schcom1012 MetroWest survey this fall, did not happen in 2020 due to COVID, info to parents, etc. coming. Informative data for health planning purposes

Safety presentation

• Next up, safety presentation; follow along with the doc here https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/safety-presentation #schcom1012
• Slides captured from screen views #schcom1012
• Overview of safety protocols, transient vs valid; cross functional team coordinates with other safety folks across district and in Town #schcom1012 training and refreshers, threat assessment key; internal dashboard to be developed to enable resource access
• SRO - school resource officer; #schcom1012 after action report, what was done, what could be better, etc. table top drills, a walk thru of an incident to trial the process and steps to take, drills fire and safety good to practice.
• Review of terms for type and nature of incident #schcom1012
• Community and relationships matter esp. during incidents, #schcom1012 diversity matters here too
• Franklin Freedom Team webpage https://franklinfreedomteam.org press release was shared in July 2021 https://franklinmatters.org/2021/07/franklin-launches-freedom-team-to.html #schcom1012

Superintendent goals

• Next up, superintendent goals; presentation doc for review #schcom1012  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/goals-pres 
• Top level goal areas in standard areas #schcom1012 goals proposed essentially cover a two year period
• Virtual coffee with parents, one coming up the 19th; parent education forums on key topics; #schcom1012
• Some of the goals specifically tied to the district and school improvement plans #schcom1012 more opportunities for teacher/staff interaction with Central Office
• #schcom1012 additional details from faculty/staff survey results provided to SchCom not meant as a separate item but by way of action and update as an example of goals Motion to approve, second, discussion Pfeffer wants to postpone to leave for next committee ...
• After further discussion, goes to vote, passes 5-2 (Pfeffer and D'Angelo vote no). These are a revision of 2 year goals delaying approval throws the cycle off, new committee can adjust if required. #schcom1012

Discussion - Action Items

• Pfeffer raises questions on MASC process; suggestion to postpone to further prepare for the questions and issues associated. #schcom1012 motion amended to postpone to next time passes 7-0 motion to move other items to next meeting, passes 7-0 both via roll call
• Next up, policy revised up for discussion now https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/d-c-pol-1st-read #schcom1012 move to 2nd reading, second, passes 7-0 via roll call
• Policy removal, https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/d-d-pol-elim covered in other areas, i.e. collective bargaining passes 7-0 via roll call #schcom1012

Discussion Only

• Reopening update #schcom1012 https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/bts-update moving up in vaccine rates, not likely to be at 80% by Oct 15, currently mandate extended to Nov 1, Horace Mann working thru a cluster of cases. 75% vax at FHS
• ESSER grant submitted, no word yet but anticipate that it will be approved as it was submitted within the guidelines. #schcom1012 community relations, wonderful event at Harvest Festival, lots of folks and info. Policy meeting Oct 21, then to candidates night at Senior Ctr
• Joint PCC meeting at end of month; substance abuse forum to be scheduled (Nov 17 to be confirmed). #schcom1012 School wellness meeting last week, next Nov 9
• New business, maybe policy, Oct 1 enrollment, MCAS update #schcom1012 Consent agenda, motion to accept, second, passes 7-0 via roll call
• Motion to enter executive session, not to return to public meeting, second, passes 7-0 via roll call That's all for tonight, catch you next time #schcom1012

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

School Committee - approves Superintendent's goals

Recap: School Committee meeting hears of graffiti incident, DLI updates, ESSER III grant draft plans, and approves facial covering policy

Quick recap:

• Graffiti incident at FHS discussed, Superintendent Ahern updated on Principal Hanna's response and work still underway
• School topics (Davis Thayer, budget, etc.) scheduled for Town Council meeting Oct 6
• New communications person, Lily Rivera introduced
• Digital Learning Integrationists (DLI) provided updates on their work supporting teachers and learning technology
• The draft plan was previewed for use of the ESSER III (Federal funding) to be made available
• MASC delegate approved, review of MASC resolutions conducted, vote on them scheduled for next meeting. Odd situation may occur, if Denise Spencer doesn't get re-elected Nov 2, with the MASC conference scheduled for Nov 3, the conference would not have a Franklin representative
• Facial covering policy approved, this wont be the last update, more are likely as the pandemic continues
• Minutes from Sep 14 split from Consent agenda and approved; the remaining items of the Consent agenda also approved; both votes via roll call

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting live in the Council Chambers.

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom0928

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0928&src=typeahead_click

School Committee agenda:

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-9-28-21 

School Committee packet folder (all the doc for the meeting)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/september-282021-school-committee-meeting-packet 

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/K2gPhcDTS3vYmPbG7

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

• getting ready for the School Committee meeting at 7:00 PM. In the Chamber for this one, live tweeting and recording audio #schcom0928
• meeting packet, including agenda doc and remote connection info -> https://franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/september-282021-school-committee-meeting-packet #schcom0928
• Meetings are recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29 - you can also find the live stream on the Town page -> https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream  #schcom0928

Citizens Comments

• I stepped up to share about the Franklin Area Nonprofit Network (FANN) in an effort to reach out to the PCC organizations. The FANN vision "Franklin will be a community where nonprofit organizations work together for the greater good of its residents. " #schcom0928
• Citizen comment on disappointing curriculum night experience was paperwork instead of info sharing and teacher info sharing #schcom0928
• Citizen comment on when will get out of this? #schcom0928

FHS Student updates

• Superintendent introduces the new FHS representatives. MacKenzie Atwood a senior (returning this year) production of Mama Mia Nov 12-13; speaks to the recent act of hateful graffiti found on a back door of the school #schcom0928 she can't feel safe in the halls.
• "While we have made progress ... but more needs to be done, it has been met with more hatred" #schcom0928
• Shaw Downing with an update on PSAT's, needing proctors to conduct the testing. Back to school night Thursday, Home coming Oct 7, register before req'd #schcom0928

Superintendent's report

• Superintendent's report - key follow up to Kenzie's info; Principal Hanna sent note to FHS community today (copy to share later) #schcom0928, it was not a FPS student but they were found. "It puts a voice to the hurt" thank you for sharing and having the courage to do so
• Principal Hanna reaching to the appropriate clubs to respond to the FHS community. Half day on Friday, PDD for staff. #schcom0928 Supt report link to be posted Weds (while be shared after it is available)
• Supt Ahern and Business Admin Goodman to participate in the Town Council meeting next week to talk school topics among budget. School transport and buses an issue, late buses not available now. hence club and activities potentially hindered. #schcom0928
• curriculum night was a question to be in person or remote, hoped in person would be better; COVID protocols needed to be followed, to address # of folks in a room, shorter duration and smaller groups #schcom0928 middle/FHS coming later
• materials prepared for consistency in delivery, further opportunities? yes, all year long - teachers are responsive to requests; conferences coming in Nov #schcom0928
• "this highlights how important our diversity, equity and inclusion work is" different experience for a SchCom member at the curriculum night, it was informally organized and allowed for moving around. #schcom0928

Guests/Presentations

• Lily Rivera introduced by Supt Ahern, Lily tells of her early weeks working in this role (shared with the Town) for communications and marketing #schcom0928
• next update from the Digital Learning Integrationists (DLI) team can provide insights on what they do #schcom0928
• Slide with DLI team members #schcom0928
• presentation copy can be found online (of course!) #schcom0928
• https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/school_committee_digital_learning_presentation_2021.pdf 
• cooking with Google - info on Google tool suite basics (link in presentation doc shared earlier) #schcom0928
• They also have a page on the FPS website rich with links and resources -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/digital-learning  #schcom0928
• working on a single sign-on tool to make things easier to access appropriately #schcom0928
• maker spaces are all in some space in or near the Library in each of the schools #schcom0928

Discussion/Action Items

• Franklin TV Board Appointment - I recommend the appointment of Rose Turco to the Franklin TV Board of Directors. - motion seconded, passes via roll call 7-0 #schcom0928
• MASC Delegate - I recommend the Committee appoint Denise Spencer to serve as the Committee's delegate to the annual MASC Annual Meeting of Delegates as discussed.  motion seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call #schcom0928 (risk of delegate due to conf and election timing)
• ** Policy - Waiving 1st reading - I recommend waiving the First Reading of Policy EBCFA Face Coverings as discussed. motion, seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call #schcom0928
• ** D. Policy Adoption - I recommend adopting policy EBCFA - Face Coverings as discussed  #schcom0928 - minor changes, and inclusion of non-compliance section - motion, seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call - (community) input included in the policy;
• policy discussion on masks not over yet, DESE guidance still incomplete and lacking; we can be stronger than DESE but not more lenient, hard to plan for policy changes in these circumstances #schcom0928
• MASC resolution discussion tonight, vote comes later: doc with resolution can be found -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/resolutions21.pdf  #schcom0928

Discussion Only Items

• next up - ESSER III funding plan -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/esser_iii_funding_proposal.pdf  #schcom0928
• beginning slide 4, an accounting of the COVID funding received thus far #schcom0928 page 7 gets into the ESSER III funding to be spread over next couple of years; putting plan together in consideration of other funding sources
• page 10 highlighted items are an area of funding possible via ESSER funds; some although ranked high don't really qualify for this funding; #schcom0928 Air conditioning is a project beyond the scope of this funding
• page 11 also has two highlights for areas of possible funding #schcom0928 page 15 has the five priority areas broken out by the stakeholder groups - Page 17 has the start of the proposed ESSER funding requests
• page 18 closes out the proposal with two more line items - "Our Challenge - Develop a plan between FY 22 and FY 24 to sustain investments that are needed in the long-term"  #schcom0928
• The survey can also be used as input for other needs discussions. #schcom0928 a job description would come to committee for review before posting once needed
• next up - back to school status update -> doc located here https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/back_to_school_status_update_september_24_2021.pdf… #schcom0928 gradually approx. 80% across Franklin, how to determine which of these are FPS vs. elsewhere
• data collection currently focused on FHS, currently 75% with more clarification on the numbers being worked. Middle school problematic as not all of them are currently eligible; close contacts will get complicated as this goes forward without masks (i.e 3' to 6') #schcom0928
• test and stay up and running - no testing without consent, forms on website, top of page easy to find #schcom0928 MCAS scores coming out this week, more full evaluation forthcoming once received and understood. Math a standout area of concern
• what happens if we don't get to 80%, then the whole school stays masked until such time. #schcom0928 to check on testing form if submitted, contact the school nurse; out of school exposure does not qualify for test/stay

Information matters

• Info matters - budget handout prepared by budget subcommittee; booth at Harvest Festival (Zone 5 - Rockland Trust parking lot, near Emmons St) #schcom0928
• Policy next meeting, Oct 6; 6 to 7:30 PM likely in training room; next meeting Oct 21 
• Joint PCC did meet yesterday; no field trips for fall, maybe for spring; equitable funding and resources desired. Substance taskforce, looking for SAFE hosting #schcom0928
• SWAC first meeting next week; ad-hoc committee to schedule meeting; Hock Y still serving free food, daycare available; other support groups for specific illnesses; #schco0928
• moving to consent agenda - separate the minutes for Sep 14, motion to approve, second, passes via roll call 6-0-1 (1 abstain -Judy)
• motion to accept consent agenda, second, passes 7-0 via roll call #schcom0928
• motion to adjourn, seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call, that's all for tonight  #schcom0928

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

Digital Learning Integrationists (DLI) team

MASC-SchoolCommittee: shares the @MASchoolsK12 updated COVID-19 protocol flowchart

MASC-School Committee (@MASCSchoolComm) tweeted at 6:02 AM on Wed, Sep 01, 2021:

Please note that @MASchoolsK12 released an updated COVID protocols flowchart on 8/30. 

It can be found here: https://t.co/HonZlqYOTo #MAEdu

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1433007267914428419?s=03

View the update protocol flowchart ->  https://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/on-desktop/flowcharts.pdf

updated COVID protocols flowchart

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - Agenda - Oct 13, 2020

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

 

 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

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.    Superintendent Evaluation Evidence Presentation 2019-2020  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/suptevalevidence_presentation_to_sc_10-13-20.pdf
B.    District Improvement Goals 2020-2021  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_initiatives_to_sc_2020-2021.pdf

III.    Discussion/Action Items
A.    District Improvement Plan
I recommend adoption of the 2020-2021 District Improvement Goals as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_dip.pdf
B.    Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption
I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:
A.    EEAEC - Student Conduct on School Buses
B.    EEAJ - Motor Vehicles Idling on School Grounds  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_0.pdf
C.    Reduction of Pay to Ride Fees
I recommend approval of the Pay to Ride bus fee to be set at $130 for the 2020-2021 school year as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_pay_to_ride.pdf
D.    MASC Resolutions (#1, 4-6)
I recommend adoption of the following MASC resolutions as discussed:
A.    Resolution #1: MCAS and High Stakes Testing
B.    Resolution #4: Lowering the Voting Age for Municipal Elections
C.    Resolution #5:Supporting Increased Federal Support and Stimulus Funding for Public K-12 Education
D.    Resolution #6: Retention of Medicaid Revenue   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_resolutions.pdf

IV.    Discussion Only Items
A.    Resolution #2 COVID-19 State Funding
B.    Resolution #3 School Committee Anti-Racism Resolution

V.    Information Matters
A.    School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, 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)

VI.    New Business
A.    To discuss any future agenda items

VII.    Consent Agenda
A.    Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your September 22, 2020 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
B.    Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the Executive Session Minutes from your September 22, 2020 School Committee meeting to be released as detailed.
C.    Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $980.00 from the Franklin Community (coordinated by Heather Sansoucy & Kristen Gillen) for supplemental supplies at Parmenter Elementary School as detailed.

VIII.    Payment of Bills    Dr. Bergen
IX.    Payroll    Ms. D’Angelo

X.    Executive Session
Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3), move to go into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation and collective bargaining with the FEA/RN Unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the School Committee and the chair so declares, and not to reconvene in an Open Session.

XI.    Adjournment

Documents released for the meeting can be found in the meeting packet folder on the Schools page   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-13-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

 

 

Franklin, MA:: School Committee Meeting - Agenda - Oct 13, 2020