Have you wondered where to start at tackling climate change? Time to Energize Franklin!

Household-level climate action is critical to reach our climate goals. Join Energize Franklin to discover what actions our neighbors and friends in Franklin have taken to lower our community’s collective climate impact! Then be inspired to participate and share a testimonial!

Energize Franklin is a website through the MassEnergize non-profit organization. https://community.massenergize.org/FranklinMA

Or follow the QR Code to get to the webpage

QR Code for Energize Franklin

Energize Franklin web page

In this Making Sense of Climate episode we go from Franklin's flood plain, to the water cycle, to dealing with climate grief (audio)

FM #954 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 954 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist via the Zoom conference bridge Tuesday, February 21, 2023.  We were joined by the Town of Franklin Conservation Agent Breeka Li Goodlander and as you’ll hear, we had a great discussion.

In this episode we covered the following topics: 

• Welcome Breeka Li to episode

• Breeka Li provides her "road to Franklin Conservation Agent"

• Open Space & Recreation update process underway

• Franklin is basically a flood plain source for the Charles River

• Role of wetlands, fragility of cycle, point source, non-point source

• Climate grief, Skype a scientist

• The remedy for grief is to take action, to make a difference

This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  

Our recording runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted and Breeka Li.  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-954-making-sense-of-climate-24-02-21-23

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Links to articles referenced

Franklin Conservation page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation 

Open Space & Recreation Plan update ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/pages/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan-update 

Breeka Li’s Linkedin page ->  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bgoodlander/ 

The “Book of the Dead” that Breeki Li mentioned can be found https://therevelator.org/species-extinct-2022/ 

See the page that collects all the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

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

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 Making Sense of Climate episode we go from Franklin's flood plain, to the water cycle, to dealing with climate grief (audio)

Reminder: School Committee meeting features a full agenda for Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Among the items on the School Committee meeting Tuesday evening are the following for Guests/Presentations:

A. Retiree Recognition 

B. District Improvement Plan Update 2021-2022   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_outcomes_to_sc_2021-2022.pdf 

C. Superintendent’s Evaluation – Presentation of Evidence  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/superintendents_evaluation_evidence_2021-2022.pdf

 And longer list than recently seen of Discussion Action items

A. Superintendent’s Contract
The Chair recommends approval of a 3 year contract with Lucas Giguere as Superintendent of Schools - July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_outcomes_to_sc_2021-2022.pdf
B. Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption
I recommend adoption of policy ADF - Wellness Policy as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_2.pdf
C. Boys Basketball Trip
I recommend approval of the request of CJ Neely to take the Boys Basketball team to Orlando, Florida from December 26-30, 2022 to participate in the 2022 KSA Events Basketball Tournament as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_basketball_trip_-_orlando.pdf
D. Performing Arts Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Dianne Plouffe to take students to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida from April 15-19, 2023 to perform as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_performing_arts_trip.pdf
E. Spain Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Emily Chaisson & Laura Keenan to take students to Malaga & Granada, Spain from April 14-22, 2023 as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_e_-_spain_trip.pdf
F. Proposed MASC Resolution Regarding Sanctuary Laws for Trans Students
I recommend the School Committee adopt the proposed MASC Resolution regarding sanctuary laws for trans students for formal consideration by the 2022 Massachusetts Association of School Committees Delegate Assembly in November as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_f_-_resolution.pdf

Agenda doc with remote connection info ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-24-22.pdf

Meeting packet folder with documents released for this meeting ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-24-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 24, 2022 - 7 PM

Medical Experts, Legislators, and Community Organizations Urge Baker to Curb COVID Transmission Amidst Contagious Variants, Holiday Season

Sign-on letter and public health policy proposal for Governor Baker proposes data-driven solutions to reduce COVID-19 transmission in schools, workplaces, and frontline communities  

This afternoon (12/15/21), Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham) and a dozen state legislative colleagues delivered a letter to Governor Baker urging the administration to adopt a slate of data-driven public health policies set forth in a Massachusetts COVID-19 Action Plan, crafted and endorsed by a coalition of over 100 public health and medical professionals and 36 community organizations, to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. This broad support comes amidst a winter surge of the Delta variant, detection of the Omicron variant in Massachusetts, and increasing virus transmission during the holiday season.   

On Monday morning, Governor Baker announced an effort to distribute 2.1 million rapid COVID-19 tests to high-risk municipalities, but noted that his administration has no intention to reinstate Massachusetts’ statewide mask mandate during a winter surge of the Delta variant, which has caused a doubling of COVID hospitalizations over the last month. Schools have experienced a notable spike in outbreaks, and stark racial and socioeconomic disparities of vaccination rates continue to persist in Massachusetts, with the proportion of people with 2 doses ranging from 52.1% to over 95% across Massachusetts towns.   

“Experts confirm that testing is not enough,” the letter said. “Our constituents and communities need a multi-pronged approach to combat COVID-19 and protect public health, especially through these colder months.” 

The Massachusetts COVID-19 Action Plan provides a comprehensive public health policy proposal for the Commonwealth’s schools, workplaces, health care providers, local health boards and frontline communities, drafted by Dr. Julia Koehler, Dr. Julia Raifman, and Dr. Regina LaRocque in partnership with numerous public health leaders and community organizations. To avoid crises of hospital resources, acute and chronic disease, deaths, long-term disability, and orphaning of children, the statewide coalition is encouraging the Baker Administration to:  

• Establish a statewide indoor masking policy in line with CDC recommendations, mandating county-based mask wearing predicated on local COVID-19 transmission risk 
• Fund and staff daily mobile vaccination clinics in frontline communities disproportionately represented in COVID-19 cases  
• Curb viral spread in workplaces through statewide workplace safety standards as well as paid sick time for employees experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, potential exposures, or temporary adverse effects from vaccination  
• Protect against foreclosures, evictions and rent increases to decrease home crowding  
• Reduce in-school transmission through universal masking and providing sufficient funding and staffing for contact tracing, opt-out pool testing, and remote learning options for infected children  
• Support frontline communities and local boards of public health through culturally relevant outreach, technical and infrastructural assistance to boards of health and community health centers, and financial support for struggling residents, regardless of immigration status 

“Protecting children from COVID-19 and answering parents’ concerns about vaccines in a culturally appropriate way is critically important, because it’s not true that children don’t get very sick from COVID,” said Dr. Julia Koehler, Pediatric Infectious Disease specialist and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. “Children also get long COVID, and there are now concerns that children might have more severe disease from Omicron than from previous variants.”  

"The omicron variant is projected to take over in Massachusetts by January,” said Dr. Regina LaRocque, an infectious disease physician and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. “It's absolutely essential for everyone in the state to have boosted vaccination, but we can't rely on vaccines alone to control this surge. We must use all of the tools at our disposal to protect people." 

"Mask policies are the opposite of lockdowns or school closures,” said Dr. Julia Raifman, assistant professor at Boston University School of Public Health. Mask policies help us continue to come together to reduce spread at work, in schools, and in public spaces more safely during surges. Mask policies are especially important while we continue to do the work to communicate about and deliver vaccines to the 11 Massachusetts Equity Communities with 40% or more of the population not yet vaccinated. I am so glad to see Governor Baker deliver free rapid tests to equity communities and hope he will also expand on the work Project N95 has done to deliver free, high quality masks to essential workers and low-income schools." 

"While I am pleased that the Baker Administration committed to free at-home rapid COVID-19 testing in our most vulnerable communities, we must go further," said Senator Becca Rausch. "Our Commonwealth’s public health experts and frontline workers know exactly what we must do to safeguard our communities’ health and curb COVID-19 transmission. We have the plan; now we need swift action to keep our kids in schools, our families safe, and our businesses open.”  

“The nurses and healthcare professionals of the Massachusetts Nurses Association support a multi-pronged approach to combating the latest COVID-19 surge that ensures patients are able to safely use essential healthcare services,” said Katie Murphy, practicing ICU nurse and Massachusetts Nurses Association president. “The Commonwealth must protect essential services such as behavioral health, hold hospitals accountable for improving conditions and staffing appropriately, and implement policy changes that reduce disparities in healthcare, education, food and housing access.” 

“COVID-19 devastated Chelsea a year and a half ago, due to lack of preparedness, action, and response to the pandemic as it arrived in Massachusetts,” said Cristina Alonso, Health Equity Specialist for La Colaborativa. ”We now have the data, information to prevent transmission, and capacity on-the-ground to save lives in our community as Omicron and the winter holidays approach. It is our responsibility to take action now to protect our most vulnerable communities.”  

In addition to the public health and medical experts who signed onto the Massachusetts COVID-19 Action Plan, the following 36 community organizations also endorsed the policy proposal:  

• Agencia ALPHA 
• Allston Brighton Health Collaborative 
• Boston Immigrant Justice Accompaniment Network 
• Brazilian Women’s Group 
• Community Action Agency of Somerville, Inc.  
• Center to Support Immigrant Organizing 
• City Life/Vida Urbana 
• Comité TPS Massachusetts 
• Equity Now & Beyond 
• Families for COVID Safety (FamCOSa) 
• The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts 
• GreenRoots 
• Groundwork Lawrence 
• Haitian Americans United, Inc.  
• La Colaborativa 
• La Comunidad, Inc., Everett 
• Immigrant Service Providers Group/Health 
• Immigrants’ Assistance Center, Inc. (IAC) 
• Jamaica Plain Progressives 
• Lundberg Health Advocates 
• Massachusetts Climate Action Network 
• Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health 
• Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless 
• Massachusetts Jobs with Justice 
• Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition 
• Massachusetts Nurses Association 
• Massachusetts Public Health Association 
• Massachusetts Voter Table 
• Metrowest Worker Center - Casa 
• New England United 4 Justice 
• St. Mark Community Education Program 
• Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice 
• True Alliance Center, Inc.  
• Union of Minority Neighborhoods 
• United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1445 
• We Got Us Empowerment Project 

Senator Becca Rausch represents the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, comprised of Attleboro, Franklin, Millis, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley, and Wrentham. Senator Rausch serves as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture and the Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. 

Letter to Gove Baker ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wt00R8mNnv4jYUBAiM9IftU5gFysodOy/view?usp=sharing

Action Plan -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oNhQXu1z-KJlHTCGvjPvFRONaEjd1rhp/view?usp=sharing 

Curb COVID Transmission Amidst Contagious Variants, Holiday Season

Climate Action in Boston, Friday, October 29

Greetings from the Greater Franklin Node of 350 Mass.  We are notifying climate activists and concerned citizens about an action in Boston, this Friday afternoon, October 29th. We encourage you to attend if possible.

 

Across the country, leading climate justice groups are teaming up to target financial institutions that are funding the fossil fuel industry. A key organizer is the Youth Climate Finance Alliance.  Young people are rising up across the world to demand an immediate end to the funding of fossil fuel expansion. As they say on their website, "We're calling out greenwashed climate commitments, uplifting frontline fights, and demanding an end to the harm. If we can stop the flow of money, we can stop the flow of oil."

 

The day of action for a Fossil Free Future includes a protest in Boston targeting Chase Bank. Here are the details: 

• Start time: 3:45 pm, near Liberty Mutual, 157 Berkeley St Boston.
• Rally with youth and indigenous speakers.
• March to Chase - Downtown Crossing (arriving 4:30-4:45).
• Bank action led by youth.
• Action complete by 5:30.

Register  here for the Boston event.

 

Thank you for participating, considering it, and spreading the word.

 

Ralph Halpern

ralph.halpern@comcast.net

781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017 (c)

Climate Action in Boston, Friday, October 29

FM #500 - School Committee Meeting - 03/23/21 - P3 of 3 - Discussion action items to Closing

FM #500 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 500 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Mar 23, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee members, Central Office personnel, and key guests were in the Council Chambers; the remainder, along with the public, were remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just almost three hour meeting into three logical segments:

• First - covers the school budget public hearing (approx. 1 hour and 27 minutes)
• Second - pick up the regular meeting and Jefferson presentation (approx. 43 mins)
• *** Third - from the discussion action items through to the end of the public meeting (approx. 39 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting.
Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Mar 23, 2021

Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d2c99e57-3641-47ac-a1a7-58ab749ad3a9

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

Agenda doc   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-3-23-21 

Budget presentation  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy22_public_budget_hearing_presentation_1.pdf 

Budget information   https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy2022-budget 

Jefferson presentation doc  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/jefferson_presentation_to_the_school_committee_3-23-21.pdf 

Meeting packet folder https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/march-23-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes from the meeting  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/recap-school-committee-meeting-mar-23.html 

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

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 #500 - School Committee Meeting - 03/23/21 - P3 of 3 - Discussion action items to Closing

FM #459 - School Committee Meeting (P2 of 3): Davis Thayer segment (audio)

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Feb 9, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a virtual format: all of the School Committee members, Central Office personnel, along with the public were remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just over two hour and twenty minute meeting into three logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the Annie Sullivan presentation (approx. 41 minutes)
• *** Second ***  Discussion - Action items covering the Davis Thayer closing discussion and vote (approx. 43 mins)
• Third - from Discussion Only items through to the end of the public meeting (approx. 59 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet nor is the pool testing outline)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Feb 9, 2021

Audio file = https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/8a6ecf5d-28f9-472f-8ba0-ad4f10d7ebe3/fm-459-schoolcomm-mtg-20210209-p2of3.mp3

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

Agenda doc
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/franklin-ma-school-committee-meeting.html

Meeting packet folder 
https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-9-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/school-committee-votes-to-close-davis.html

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

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/ 

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 #459 - School Committee Meeting (P2 of 3): Davis Thayer segment (audio)

School Committee votes to close Davis Thayer (without allowing public comment) and hears about pool testing

Quick Recap:

• With the weather (snowing), the meeting was conducted fully remote 
• No surprise on the Davis Thayer (DT) vote to close the school. Putting emotions aside, it was the proper decision to come to. The SchComm could have handled the discussion better; at least allowing community comment. Not Tuesday night however
• They didn't address some of the timing questions raised by one member that could have been answered by the three ad hoc members (but wasn't). This lead to a weird amendment to change the timing on the closure. The amendment failed by a 5-2 vote. The same 5-2 vote was the formal decision to close the building
• The district will now be busy putting together the transition plan to move the DT students and faculty (most will but maybe not all, how many remains to be seen?) to the Keller/Sullivan complex for September
  
• There was discussion on putting together a 'steering committee' or something to ensure communication during the transition does go to all stakeholders (a novel concept, given the current performance by this committee)
  
• Oh, and yes, there is still a pandemic running around. Pool testing will be piloted and hopefully put into place with more then the 50% of the parents that initially said they would. If that goes well, then there could be a return to in person schooling before September. Stay tuned
• Glossed over in the other items, there is no realistic hope of getting K-1 back in person anytime soon (at least before pool testing).
• Legislative Forum scheduled for March 2
  

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/GHCbJtDX2PjXdaDg7
 

----
 
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  #schcom0209
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0209&src=typeahead_click

• Real time reporting for School Committee meeting underway #schcom0209
• Meeting packet including the agenda and docs released for this session https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-9-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet #schcom0209
• #schcom0209 all 7 SchComm members now present. FHS student representatives provide an update. 4 seniors directing 1 act plays, rehearsal started this week, small cast per COVID performance guidelines. Looking to February break

Superintendent report

• Superintendent report: 'Franklin freedom team' forming to address hate and bias, meeting monthly. More to come as the team work progresses. Unified basketball also part of Fall II season. #schcom0209 Leadership workshop for women. More details in Supt. report when published
• Congrats to FHS student art work (shared via Franklin Matters https://franklinmatters.org/2021/02/3-fhs-student-works-selected-for-maea.html?m=1) #schcom0209 spotlight for Annie Sullivan coming next

Annie Sullivan

• Annie Sullivan presentation copy https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/asms-presentation #schcom0209
• Some slides to be shared here, follow the link provided for the full presentation copy https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/asms-presentation #schcom0209
• A sample of the morning announcement played via video clip with audio. #schcom0209
• #schcom0209 creative use of landing page for the school to get started
• Slides #schcom0209 (6th grade)
• And for 7th grade an example: #schcom0209
• #schcom0209 (slide)
• #schcom0209 (two slides)
• #schcom0209 and for 8th grade
• #schcom0209 and that is a day at Annie Sullivan

Davis Thayer discussion - Action Item

• #schcom0209 next up the discussion action items first the retirement of the Davis Thayer elementary school - doc with summary here -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_retirement_of_dt.pdf
• As hoc subcommittee chair Stokes basically reading the report as linked to https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-retire-dt #schcom0209 stopping for other members to comment or SchComm members to comment/question, public invite likely coming later
• #schcom0209 FYI up over 170 participants via Zoom now
• #schcom0209 getting to the recommendations, one to close the school building for FY 2022 (i.e. Sep 2021) and two to study and set up a master plan. Motion to approve, seconded. Discussion before vote, SchComm members up first. Keenan raises question about timing and focus ...
• Keenan maybe missed that several of the options discussed timing and were put aside, discussion on amendment to the motion. Questions should get addressed before proceeding. Recommendation from subcommittee was unanimous #schcom0209
• Spencer speaking not as a mom (son at DT) but a SchComm member working for the student of all Franklin. #schcom0209 recommendations for redistricting to address the location issues of district outline
• Stokes also not speaking as DT mom, working for all Franklin students; Bergen for closure listing multiple reasons #schcom0209 economic efficiency, need the money for counseling, etc for SEL needs. School transition will work. Change is never easy
• possible amendment for changing the time for closure, so moved and seconded, vote fails 5-2 (Keenan and Spencer voting no) #schcom0209 Master plan includes more than redistricting, huge policy direction change, will take time (MSBA project timeline takes years)
• Supt answers the question raised on timing, worried about staff retention, #schcom0209 roll call vote 5-2 (Keenan and Spencer no) as before on amendment School approved for closure, no public comment before vote
• Motion to dissolve ad hoc subcommittee, seconded, roll call vote 7-0 #schcom0209 Moving to discussion only items

Reopening

• https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/reopening_schools_status_update_feb_9_2020-2021.pdf
• Franklin now in yellow, #schcom0209 concerned with attendance patterns at FHS, those not going in with cohort are putting others who'd prefer to be there frustrated. $475K for COVID funding, 6 weeks of pilot pool testing Bandwidth increased to 10GB. Letter 2 Gov Baker ...
• To advocate for teacher vaccinations change in priority. #schcom0209 Q when do we think full in person? Awaiting new guidance from CDC and DESE to update in re: transportation, fall at this time maybe spring, but pool testing needed still in planning process

Pool testing

• Closer now with pool testing close but details need to be worked. #schcom0209 combined with vaccinations could bring back in spring sometime.
• Selected slides from presentation, not yet posted to schools page (but will be) #schcom0209
• More slides #schcom0209
• #schcom0209 concerned about administration logistics with the pool testing, preK-1 would have adult do testing, 2-12 would self administer under observation. 6' is still a barrier to bring students into school. Additional PPE and staffing a concern; volume a concern too
• Q on if we don't get much more than the 50% family participation, is that going to affect the educators position in regards to safety? Need to out more pressure on Gov Baker to adjust the priority for teachers #schcom0209 Q who will do transportation to the lab? Details ...
• Still being worked in the logistics planning. Site based leader to coordinate, plan not shared as details not shared as not all conversations have been had yet meeting Weds to continue, #schcom0209 Q have we started plan for teacher vaccinations?
• Hearing that it may not be in our preview, may be decided by the State and their rollout plans. #schcom0209 we have capacity here and could do it, just need the supply. Maybe more like 1700 tests/week (still a lot of samples).
• #schcom0209 recommendation for a communications task force/steering committee or ? something to ensure appropriate stakeholders are involved and all parties are given updates regularly. Now opening for public comments.

public comments (by this time 1/4 of the Zoom participants had left the meeting)

• 1- Q on UV upgrade and parts backordered, what's status? 2 - Disappointed that comments were listened to before decision and vote made. 3 - should have addressed timing better for the DT decision, I don't know of a plan yet as a staff member. #schcom0209
• 4 - Q what are you going to do to transition in a positive way? No plan yet. We're promised monthly updates and there were 2, wasn't two way communications. Stop talking at us, talk with us, these are our kids. #schcom0209

Information Matters

• March 3 budget Subcommittee meeting, forum on Mar 2, #schcom0209 policy meeting Feb 25, SWAC met this morning new webpage up. Nutrition resources, new bee hive coming next meeting Mar 16.
• Next meeting, #schcom9209. Budget coming March 9 Consent agenda motion to approve, second, via roll call passes 7-0 Motion to adjourn, second vote via roll call passes 7-0 Catch you all next time!

 

School Committee votes to close Davis Thayer (without allowing public comment) and hears about pool testing

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

 Franklin School Committee 

January 26, 2021 - 7:00 P.M.

 

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.    7:30 Guests/Presentations
A.    HMMS School Highlight -- Ms. Rebecca Motte and Mr. Craig Williams

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/hmms_school_highlight_1-26-2021.pdf

 
B.    FHS Program of Study Update – Josh Hanna, Principal FHS

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/fhs-presentation
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/prog-studies-21-22

 

C.    Homework & Homework Policy – Dr. Joyce Edwards

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/homework-presentation-12621
 

III.    8:15 Discussion/Action Items
A.    2021-2022 School Calendar
I recommend approval of the 2021-2022 School Calendar as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-21-22-calendar

 

IV.    8:20 Discussion Only Items
A.    Reopening Status Update (January 22, 2021)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-status-update-12221

 

V.    8:40 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, Franklin Racial & Social Justice Task Force)
 

VI.    9:00 New Business
A.    To discuss any future agenda items
 

VII.    Consent Agenda
A.    Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the January 12, 2021 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B.    Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/consent-action-b-transfers-4
C.    Remington Middle School Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,324.00 from Read-A-Thon for in-house enrichment at Remington Middle School as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/consent-c-rms
D.    Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,327.97 from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/consent-d-parm-0
 

VIII.    Payment of Bills    Dr. Bergen

IX.    Payroll    Ms. Pond-Pfeffer
 

X.    Executive Session
A) Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A §21(a)(2) to conduct strategy session in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel.
 

XI.    9:15 Adjournment 

 

Meeting packet folder containiing the doc released for this agenda

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-26-2021-school-committee-packet

 

 

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

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 20, 2021

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR   
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29.  This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS   
Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES   
a. December 2, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS   
a. Bill Murphy

5. APPOINTMENTS    
None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm   
    a. PH Franklin d/b/a Public House - New All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License, 480 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin MA 02038
    b. Street Acceptances - Crystal Drive, Woodhaven Drive, Dena Drive, Skyline Drive, Charles Drive, Baron Road, Cobblestone Drive, and Woodstock Circle

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS   
PH Franklin d/b/a Public House - 480 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin MA 02038, New All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS    
None Scheduled

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS   

• a. Capital Budget Subcommitte
• b. Budget Subcommittee
• c. Economic Development Subcommittee
• d. Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Report
• e. Stormwater Ad Hoc Committee Report
  

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION    

10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION  

Resolution 21-06: Order of Acceptance of Skyline Drive and Charles Drive as Public Ways and Related Drainage and Utility Easements (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-06 - Majority Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 21-07: Order of Acceptance of Baron Road, Cobblestone Drive and Woodstock Circle as Public Ways and Related Drainage Easements (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-07 - Majority Vote)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 21-08: Order of Acceptance or Crystal Drive, Woodhaven Drive, and Dena Drive as Public Ways, and Lot 21, Detention Area Lot (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-08 - Majority Vote)

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Bylaw Amendment 21-865: Chapter 153, Stormwater Management Article I, General Provisions - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 21-865 to a second reading - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Bylaw Amendment 21-866: Chapter 153, Stormwater Management Article II, Soil Erosion and Sediment Control - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 21-866 to a second reading - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION  
Bylaw Amendment 21-867: Chapter 153, Stormwater Management Article III, Post Construction Stormwater Management - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 21-867 to a second reading - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Bylaw Amendment 21-868: Chapter 185, Zoning Article V, Special Regulations - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 21-868 to the Planning Board - Majority Roll Call Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT   
COVID-19 Update

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS    
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS    
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION   
None Scheduled

ADJOURN    

Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda folder https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-20-town-council-agenda

 Agenda doc (PDF) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/01-20-2021_town_council_agenda.pdf

 

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 20, 2021