School Committee hears options for hiring their next superintendent - 02/08/22 (audio)

FM #725 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 725 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee superintendent search workshop held on Tuesday, February 8, 2022.

The meeting was conducted in person in the 3rd floor training room: all of the committee members were in the 3rd floor training room.

MASC Field Director Tracy Novick provides the insights on the superintendent replacement  options and answers questions along the way. Lisa Trainor, FPS Human Resources Director also participates along with the full School Committee.

The recording of the public meeting runs about 56 minutes 

The link to the meeting agenda is included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to the workshop of Feb 8, 2022

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-725-school-cmte-superintendent-search-workshop-02-08-22

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Meeting agenda doc ->   

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/events/scagenda_2-8-22_workshop.pdf  

My notes captured during the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/recap-school-committee-hears-options.html 

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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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School Committee hears options for hiring their next superintendent

MASC-School Committee Resolutions all passed at the conference

The 9 MASC resolutions discussed at the last School Committee meeting were all approved at the MASC conference held recently.

Via Denise Spencer, Franklin School Committee, and MASC representative tweeted on Saturday, Nov 6, 2021:

Nothing I would rather be doing today than representing @FranklinPSNews at the annual MASC Delegate Conference. Thank you @MASCSchoolComm for the hybrid method this year!  #MASCMASS21   https://twitter.com/DSpencerFSC/status/1456975802990354437 

D Spencer remotely participating in MASC Conference

The MASC twitter account posted the following updates on the resolutions:

Resolution 9, supporting Senate bill 294, which calls for regulations prohibiting the use of Native American mascots, passes the Delegate Assembly (note following:)

https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1456997554537775105 

Resolution 9, supporting Senate bill 294

Resolution 8 supporting petitioning Congress for $30B to improve the electrical supply infrastructure and providing electric school buses and charging stations passes the Delegate Assembly https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1456994055905218565 

Resolution 5 supporting legislation encouraging “the use of restorative, therapeutic and educational approaches to incidents whenever possible over the use of zero-tolerance policies” passes the Delegate Assembly  https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1456989004126117888 

Resolution 4 supporting 20 minutes of recess which cannot be excluded from the structured learning time and cannot increase the total number of hours required in the school year passes the Delegate Assembly

https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1456985996575260673 

Resolution 2 supporting legislation for free broadband for preK (amended from K)-12 students and further support federal initiatives and legislation expanding such access passes the Delegate Assembly

https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1456984455499898883

Resolution 1 calling for dedicated funding for school-based health clinics passes the MASC Delegate Assembly  https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1456984032370171905 

Passed without further deliberation by the 2021 MASC Delegate Assembly:

• Resolution 3, calling for full funding of IDEA

https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1456981114321522693 

• Resolution 6, calling for a commission to research and analyze for an alternative to MCAS 

• Resolution 7, calling for restoration of school committee oversight in receivership districts

https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1456981115550457857 

MASC School Committee group views video from @TeamProject351 on student experiences during pandemic

MASC-SchoolCommittee (@MASCSchoolComm) tweeted Fri, Nov 05, 2021:

Today's #MASCMASS21 general session on student voice opened with a new video featuring #MAEdu high school students describing their experiences living and learning through the pandemic.

Thank you @TeamProject351 & @UpperCapeTech!

Video => https://t.co/GzuEwqGtrg  or https://youtu.be/Y7UAG2FIhDM

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1456626353906782214

Sound familiar?

 

"Youngkin’s seeming confusion around controversial racial issues highlighted his conflicting roles. In Washington, while at Carlyle, he was the responsible corporate citizen practicing worthy philanthropy. In the Republican party, where that sort of non-partisan moderation is not only suspect but mocked as a source of evil, he has had to demonstrate that he is not tainted.

Soon enough, Youngkin waded into the murky waters of racial politics. He offered himself as the defender of schoolchildren from the menace of critical race theory, even though the abstruse legal doctrine is not taught in any Virginia public school. Yet he suggested that his opponent, former governor Terry McAuliffe, would impose its creed on innocent minds, depriving parents of control. “On day one, I will ban critical race theory in our schools,” Youngkin has pledged.

But his brandishing of critical race theory, nonexistent in the schools’ curriculum, has been apparently insufficiently frightening to finish the job. Perhaps not enough people know what the theory is at all. He needed one more push, searched for one more issue and produced one more ad."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required) 

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/oct/30/glenn-youngkin-republican-racial-culture-war-virginia

The MASC statement on CRT  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/massachusetts-association-of-school.html

Recap: School Committee meeting interrupted by audience; MASC resolutions discussed, mask policy approved, Executive Session closed meeting

Quick Recap:

• The FHS student updates were interrupted by some members of the audience, a shouting match ensued, and a break in the meeting was gaveled by the Chair
• As the meeting back to business, they heard a presentation from the Science National Honor Society, status update on re-opening, and the Oct 1 enrollment report (with lots of details) 
• The MASC resolutions were discussed, and while most passed, the exact vote outcome was not clear (all seven members were in the Chambers and roll call was not required)
• Given the DESE decision to extend the mask policy was announced Tuesday afternoon, the policy proposal had been reworded to provide room for implementation of future changes. The decision to apply for the waiver (as FHS has reached 82% vaccination rate) was approved. The masks don't go away immediately. The next school committee will hear of the proposed implementation plan before it is set in motion. Given what has been happening around with other districts, a cautious approach is quite likely with more of a relaxed implementation after the holidays (assuming the number of COVID cases remains low)
• Recognition of the three members not returning (they are not running for re-election) was moved from meeting opening to just before the Executive Session. They received a plaque and a token of appreciation
• The Committee entered executive session not to return to public meeting and the broadcast/live stream ended

 

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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 Zoom/live stream 

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom1026

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom1026&src=typed_query 

 

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_10-26-21_0.pdf

 

Meeting packet folder - >  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-22-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one folder  https://photos.app.goo.gl/8pD4yEPwTQjcSLhh7

 

• Getting ready for live tweeting/ reporting on the Franklin  #schcom1026 meeting
• Meeting packet folder contains agenda doc, connection info, and anything else released 4 this meeting. Superintendent's report gets added on Weds https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-22-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet… #schcom1026
• In a time warp? #schcom10126 we'll find out soon…
• Something of a time warp in that the live stream started before some folks were allowed into the Zoom session (at least me) #schcom1026
• Motion to move the recognition of departing members to end of meeting, moved, seconded, (to conclude all business) before executive session #schcom1026 passes (likely 7-0; to be confirmed as members are viewed)

Citizen Comments

• Citizen comment on 'protected students' who is  who determines? Shouldn't be a division looking for definition. #schcom1026 
• Husband of candidate Videra reads the section left out of the statement from the candidate forum quote from The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
• Parent with comment on student lunch time and recess time, Franklin has done nothing in the 8 years she has been complaining about, then shifts to sex talk for 9 year olds, "the hate you give" being read earlier than recommended #schcom1026
• Parent speaking on the DESE extension and lack of initiative for FPS to go on their own, #schcom1026 no survey done of parents to see where they fall on this 
• Parent talking about possible coercion for vaccine to kids as discussed by SchCom at prior meeting
• Resident complains about the lack of Franklin TV for making the #SchCom1026 videos available.
• FHS students plugging production of "Mamma Mia" Nov 12-13; trunk or treat this weekend in FHS parking lot; National Honor society project to run theater clinic for elementary students; #schcom1026 Medway doing regular testing in lieu of masks
• FHS seniors coming back and now starting to feel stress as college apps are being done, hard transition; enforcing masks, students not following be considerate of those around and their well-being #schcom1026
• Spirit week, include photos to add soul to the school, gym decorated, corner colors by class, cabaret last week, Dalton award from Globe for sports, #schcom1026 student responds to protected student question, everyone is protected
• Meeting takes a break as parent objects to FHS student comment on harassment and voices are raised #schcom1026
• Chair gaveled for break after request for silence was not adhered to, zoom muted, live stream audio switch to radio. Assume it will come back some time #schcom1026

Break/Return

• Someone on Zoom complaining about violating open meeting, actually no. Once gaveled for a break, they are not in an official meeting, when they gavel back the meeting will resume. #schcom1026
• Gaveling back to order. #schcom1026
• Everyone was respectful in their comments, that same respect should be accorded the FHS students. #schcom1026

Superintendent Report

• Next up Superintendent Report, Professional development schedule for Nov 2; congrats to FHS for Dalton award, leaving room for parking at the gym for election #schcom1026 FDA working towards making vaccine available when approved in a local clinic
• With round of committee option to comment or question the report, confirms that all seven are indeed in the Chambers this evening #schcom1026

FHS Science National Honor Society

• FHS students presenting on national honor society for science #schcom1026  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sci-nhs
• Screen grabs on science nights conducted by group pre-COVID #schcom1026
• YouTube channel created during COVID to share the experiments #schcom1026
• Working with elementary school to develop a science project for their curriculum #schcom1026 ad-hoc comments on promotion of DEI setting a good role model for younger students given tonight's events

MASC resolutions

• Next up discussion action item; MASC resolutions for delegate representation at conf next week, motion on resolution 1  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/d-res  #schcom1026 vote not clear but would pass (Pfeffer no, someone else no, possible abstain also)
• MASC resolution 2 Pfeffer also speaks to no on this, (the resolution would enable MASC to lobby on our behalf for these) #schcom1026 vote likely 6-1 
• Resolution 3 - Pfeffer also speaks to no, Keenan where is the prioritization on these? How does that come to play? Superintendent adds some clarification around funding and priorities and funding sources, res 4 would require time on learning change for recess #schcom1026  Vote on res 3, likely 6-1 
• #schcom1026 resolution 4 Pfeffer also speaks to no due to her lack of understanding of the wording; vote likely 6-1 
• Resolution 5 - Pfeffer likes this one! Zero tolerance policy should be avoided whenever possible, use restorative practice, vote 7-0
• Resolution 6 an alternative to MCAS, vote 7-0
• Resolution 7 SchComm and receivership; Pfeffer speaks to no on this (?) Discussion on this as intending to restoration of local control - vote 6-1 likely #schcom1026
• Resolution 8 - Pfeffer too altruistic statement, chances of getting in her opinion slim to none, voting no; vote hard to say but likely not passed
• Resolution 9 - voting 6-1 #schcom1026

Policy discussion/approvals

• Policy for approval  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/d-b-pol-2ndrd #schcom1026 vote 7-0
• Policy for approval  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/d-c-pol-1strd move to second reading vote 7-0
• Policy on face coverings   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/d-e-pol-adoption #schcom1026 FHS at 82% would allow for approval of waiver to DESE motion to waive 1st reading, assume waiver approved would come back with implementation plan vote 7-0
• Motion on policy to approve, passes 7-0 #schcom1026, implementation plan would still come back to Committee for approval (likely post election)
• Reopening report/ Oct 1 enrollment report
• Reopening report; smaller increase in vaccination rates, info is accurate, DESE has time delay in reporting, ours is direct access; #schcom1026   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/10-22-status-update
• Oct 1 enrollment update   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/october_1_enrollment_report_2021.pdf
• Update on McKibben study and look back, lunch is free, may have deterred folks from applying previously, free lunch #s, more English learners in district this year; increase in diversity among student population #schcom1026 page 5 indicates resident students going elsewhere
• Page 6 will be updated after another report is filed, timeline on charter expansion includes in recap, 33 students from FHS last year did attend an online school in MA #schcom1026
• Policy subcom has been busy, joint PCC last meeting today attended by Pfeffer, good work being done by group, equitable spending across the elementary schools being looked at #schcom1026 adventure continues; SWAC touts upcoming forum on Nov 16 for community, flyer coming, hybrid

New business / recognition

• New business; Nov 9, organization meeting, vote on leadership and subcommittees; MCAS update later in Nov, update on waiver and next steps for facial covering implementation (assuming waiver accepted) #schcom1026 consent agenda approved, passes 7-0
• Recognition of departing #schcom1026 members, last two years were most challenging, pandemic, budget, facility analysis; Keenan first, Pfeffer next, Bergen next
• Photos to be added, plaque, token of appreciation given to the three members in recognition #schcom1026
• Keenan: Appreciate the patience, we haven't always agreed but is has been an honor and a privilege, it takes a lot to whomever is elected, keep it civil and kind, #schcom1026 "it is easier to listen the more civil and kind it is"
• Pfeffer: to do this properly we need to ask questions, examine the costs and manpower, how does the school get money? how does the town get money? New members should be given a copy of Roberts Rules of Order #schcom1026
• Bergen: thanks to the community for the honor of serving, thanks for your patience in the world of Zoom, tech is not one of my strengths; showed concern for staff as well as the students; wrote a few closing remarks - the Portrait of a Graduate is an impressive accomplishment
• Schools and town services are affected by the budget shortfall it is up to the residents to decide, we provide an objective transparent view of the budget and issues, legislative forums among others outreach efforts #schcom1026
• Rigorous academic education as well as physical emotional well-being, what Horace Mann knew, opioid problem hasn't gone away, emotional health issues are growing around us, a community issue, #schcom1026 we need to understand the toll it takes on us and the children
• In my time, 9 superintendents, never had one dealt with the challenges that Dr Ahern has in her term, it has not been done by her alone, along with her central office staff and the principals across the district, the whole staff bus drivers, custodians, etc. #schcom1026
• Thanks to Chris Sterns and Franklin TV for making the meetings happen, thanks, Horace Mann would be proud of us today. #schcom1026 
• MJ interjects to give thanks, Judy jokes that she'll go to the Planning Board next. MJ acknowledges knowing Dr Bergen and working with her

Executive session / not to return to open meeting

• Motion to enter executive session, not to return to open meeting, to discuss negotiation and legal issues Via roll call passes 7-0
• That's all for tonight (yup, late to this, what a night!) #schcom1026
• Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

The YouTube version of the meeting can be found https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/what-happened-at-franklin-school.html

FHS Science National Honor Society provides update

school mask mandate is extended through "at least January 15, 2022"

MASC-SchoolCommittee (@MASCSchoolComm) tweeted Tue, Oct 26, 2021:

Commissioner Riley has announced that the state #MAEdu school mask mandate is extended through "at least January 15, 2022." 

Please see attached documents for more information. https://t.co/2TC9w7Mp93

Today, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) announced that after consulting with medical experts and state health officials, Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley notified school districts in the Commonwealth that he will extend the mask requirement in all K-12 public schools through at least January 15, 2022.

 

The Department, in collaboration with medical experts and state health officials, will continue to evaluate and consider other criteria that could be used in the future to lift the mask requirement based on public health data.

 

“Massachusetts is a national leader in vaccination rates for adults and eligible children, and in anticipation of the vaccine becoming available in the coming weeks for children ages 5 to 11 years old, this extension of the mask requirement will allow time for the elementary school population to receive the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Education Secretary James Peyser. “This will be another big step forward in our efforts to keep school safe for our kids.”

 

“Masks remain a simple and effective measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep students in school safely,” said Commissioner Riley. “Together with the Test and Stay program, high vaccination rates, low transmission rates in schools and all the hard work in keeping our students safe, our kids are able to stay in school where they belong and can flourish.”

 

School officials will continue to be able to lift the mask requirement if they can demonstrate that at least 80 percent of all students and staff in a school building are vaccinated after submitting documentation to DESE. Lifting the mask mandate through the vaccination threshold is a local decision made by school and district leaders if they choose to take advantage it.

 

The following mask requirements will remain in effect:

• Public school students ages 5 and older in all grades and staff are required to wear masks indoors in schools, except when eating, drinking or during mask breaks
• All visitors are also expected to wear a mask in school buildings, regardless of vaccination status
• Masks are not required outdoors
• It is strongly recommended that students younger than 5 also wear a mask in school
• Students and staff who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons, and students who cannot wear a mask for behavioral reasons are exempted from this requirement

All districts are required this school year to provide in-person learning to all students. Since the start of the year, approximately 920,000 public school students have been learning in schools with minimal disruptions. In addition to masking, this progress has been possible thanks to school communities working together to participate in the state’s COVID-19 testing program, combined with high vaccination rates among eligible populations.

 

Massachusetts has become a national model for surveillance and rapid testing in schools. More than 2,200 public and private schools have opted into either one or multiple forms of testing that the state is providing free to all schools. DESE and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services launched a groundbreaking Test and Stay program for students identified as close contacts in school, allowing students to be tested daily and remain in class if they test negative. This innovative approach has saved students across the Commonwealth more than 48,000 days of in-person learning this school year.

 

In August, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education gave the commissioner the authority to require masks for public school staff and students (ages 5 and above) in all grades through at least October 1, 2021. The commissioner said he would revise the requirement as warranted by public health data.

Press Release link ->  https://mailchi.mp/doe.mass.edu/press-release-i6d5p52m94

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1453047563679113221?t=M3ibA_AbhgZE472tEIjmDw&s=03

school mask mandate is extended through "at least January 15, 2022" 

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - Oct 26, 2021

Franklin School Committee

October 26, 2021 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

remote connection info in agenda doc

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. Recognition of Departing School Committee Members
B. Science National Honor Society Students - Rachael Yuan, Nipun Goel with Joe Chung, Advisor & Jenn Curley, Advisor  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sci-nhs

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. MASC Resolutions
I recommend adoption of the MASC Resolutions as follows:

1. Resolution 1: Dedicated Funding For Schoolbased Clinics And Services

2. Resolution 2: Homework Gap And Wifi/Internet Access

3. Resolution 3: IDEA Full Funding Act

4. Resolution 4: Recess

5. Resolution 5: Zero-Tolerance Policies

6. Resolution 6: Alternative To MCAS

7. Resolution 7: School Committees And Receivership

8. Resolution 8: Electric School Buses

9. Resolution 9: Prohibiting The Use Of Native American Mascots

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_resolutions.pdf

B. Policy - Second Reading / Adoption
I recommend adoption of policy GCF - Professional Staff Hiring as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_2nd_read-adoption_0.pdf

C. Policy First Reading
I recommend moving policy GCRD - Tutoring for Pay to a second reading at the next School Committee meeting as discussed

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

D. Policy - Waive first Reading
I recommend waiving a first reading and adopting policy EBCFA - Face Coverings as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_policy_waive_1st_reading.pdf
E. Policy Adoption
I recommend adoption of policy EBCFA - Face Coverings as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_e_-_policy_adoption.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. Back to School Status Update – October 22, 2021

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/back_to_school_status_update_october_22_2021.pdf

B. October 1 Enrollment Update

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/october_1_enrollment_report_2021.pdf

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, 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 the October 12, 2021 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
C. Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $480.00 from Franklin Music parents for in-house enrichment as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Atty. Pond-Pfeffer

X. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to litigation as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the public body 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 the Non-Union Personnel as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

XI. Adjournment 

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_10-26-21_0.pdf

Meeting packet folder - >  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-22-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - Oct 26, 2021

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