Showing posts with label advisory. Show all posts
Showing posts with label advisory. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Cmte Pauses until after Expression of Interest generate returns (video)

The Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Nov 25 at 7 PM. They got an update on the "Expression of Interest" (EOI) and given little other work to do immediately determined to suspend meetings for a few months until the EOI provided some information, assuming someone did reply to the EOI.

Agenda:
1. Town Administrator Updates
  • a. Expression of Interest
  • b. Appraisal
  • c. Kaestle Boos Study
2. Continued discussion of potential future uses and Open Houses


The Artsy Box creation by Molly Dee brightens up the corner near Davis Thayer
The Artsy Box creation by Molly Dee brightens up the corner near Davis Thayer

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Reminder: Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee Meeting - July 18, 2023

Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee Meeting - July 18, 2023

The Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee will meet on July 18, 2023 at 7 PM. 

You may access the agenda and links for the meeting here:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/dt_meeting_agenda_-_july_18_2023.pdf

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/davis-thayer-reuse-advisory-subcommittee-meeting-july-18th-2023

Reminder: Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee Meeting - July 18, 2023
Reminder: Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee Meeting - July 18, 2023

Saturday, July 15, 2023

Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee - agenda for meeting July 18, 2023 at 7:00 PM

Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee
Agenda & Meeting Packet
July 18, 2023 - 7 PM

Agenda:
1. Town Clerk Oath of Office

2. Member Introductions

3. Legal Overview: Open Meeting, Public Records and Ethics Laws   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/mark_memo_presentation_-_ethics_0.pdf


5. Overview and discussion on the current study by Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc.
a. Historical Materials & Studies on Davis-Thayer
ii. Franklin School Department Studies
2. School Department Davis-Thayer Website (2021)   https://www.franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis

6. Discussion on meeting schedule -
a. Next Meeting Date August 15th, 7:00PM


This is a meeting of the Franklin Town Council Sub-Committee; under the Open Meeting Law, this subcommittee is a separate "public body" from the Town Council. Therefore, unless the Town Council has separately notified and posted its own meeting, Councilors who are not members of this subcommittee will not be permitted to speak or otherwise actively participate @ this meeting, although they may attend and observe. This prohibition is necessary to avoid the potential for an Open Meeting Law Violation


Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Cmte page ->

Sunday, May 21, 2023

DCR Recreational Advisory: Southern New England Trunkline Trail - May 22

DCR Recreational Advisory: Southern New England Trunkline Trail

WHAT:
On Monday, May 22, 2023, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will conduct landscaping work along the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) bike path from Prospect Street to Grove Street in the Town of Franklin from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM to accommodate landscaping work. The path will remain open, users should be cautious around equipment and work areas.

WHERE:
Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) bike path from Prospect Street to Grove Street in the Town of Franklin

WHEN: Monday., May 22, 2023 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Shared from -> https://t.co/ay3l0tFAdL

Southern New England Trunkline Trail
DCR Recreational Advisory: Southern New England Trunkline Trail - May 22

Saturday, May 13, 2023

Franklin Public Schools: "current district attendance boundaries remain the same"

I am writing to inform you about the results of the School Committee's charge to conduct a redistricting analysis during the 2022-23 school year. On April 25th, 2023, the Superintendent's Redistricting Analysis Report was presented to the Franklin School Committee. This report serves as a comprehensive reference to the entire redistricting analysis process.

On May 9th, 2023, the Franklin Public School Committee voted 6-1 to approve Option 1, which proposes that "current district attendance boundaries remain the same while a School Facilities Master Plan is conducted. ASMS/Keller spaces will continue to be used flexibly. Both administrative teams at the complex will continue to work together to utilize the available space to accommodate the needs of all students."

We understand that the decision to redistrict affects families, students, staff, and the larger community. Therefore, we strived to conduct a thorough and transparent analysis process. Throughout the process, we aimed to engage our community through various outlets. This comprehensive approach allowed us to tune into our community and gather information necessary for our School Committee to make an informed decision regarding redistricting.

I would like to thank the Redistricting Analysis Advisory Committee members for generously volunteering their time during the 2022-2023 school year. Our consultant and administrative working group greatly appreciated their perspectives, ideas, and suggestions. We also want to express gratitude to those who participated in our community forums, completed surveys, and provided valuable contributions via email to the redistricting analysis working group.

In the upcoming 2023-24 school year, Franklin Public Schools will collaborate with the Franklin Facilities Department to begin a school facilities master plan. The aim is to establish a blueprint for long-term plans that will enable our facilities to meet the educational requirements of our students in line with our educational vision. As referenced in the Redistricting Analysis Report, the process of developing and implementing a plan can take multiple years.

As more information becomes available, we will be sure to provide any updates. Respectfully,
 
Lucas Giguere 
Superintendent of Schools

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Space Needs Subcommittee doesn't reach consensus on recommendation to full committee (audio)

FM #960 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 960 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the School Committee - Space Needs Subcommittee meeting held in the 3rd floor conference room on Monday, Mar 20, 2023.


SubCmte Chair - Al Charles; committee members - Denise Spencer, Elise Stokes; Central office support - Supt Lucas Giguere, Business Manager Miriam Goodman


The meeting reviewed the feedback from the 114 responses to the survey after the two information sessions (1 in person, 1 virtual). The group worked through the feedback and did not find a consensus on which of the options or variations thereof to recommend to the School Committee. 


There is another meeting added next week to work through the questions and hopefully come together on a recommendation for the committee. The current schedule calls for a presentation/recommendation at the April 25 meeting with a School Committee vote at their May 9 meeting.


The recording runs about 1 hour and 20 minutes, so let’s listen to the Space Needs discussion on Mar 20, 2023.  Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-960-fps-space-needs-subcmte-03-20-23



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Meeting agenda =>  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/spaceneedssubcom-3_20_23.pdf 

  

My notes for the meeting =>  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XdeOXUQdqmbouFAJXZQQetgUZNoKcxuu/view?usp=share_link 


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

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"


Space Needs Subcommittee doesn't reach consensus on recommendation to full committee (audio)
Space Needs Subcommittee doesn't reach consensus on recommendation to full committee (audio)

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Less than 20 participate in Redistricting Forum; hear overview & get answers to questions (audio)

 FM #955 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 955 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin Public Schools Redistricting Forum conducted in person at the FHS Media Center on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. 


This is the first of 2 forums for public input, this being in person, the next (scheduled for March 13) will be a virtual meeting. The same material is to be presented at both meetings.   


Quick Recap

  • Review of the objectives and timeline

  • Presentation on 3 options depicted in a new “storymap”

  • Feedback solicited from the less than 20 participants, mostly clarification questions around the choices and rationale for such

  • Survey form to collect feedback distributed as the meeting closed. If the survey doesn’t provide enough room for your input use the redistricting email to submit that redistrictinganalysis@franklinps.net 

  • Next steps - 

    • Second public forum scheduled for Mar 13 with same material

    • Next advisory meeting Mar 21 to prepare for School Committee presentation 

    • School Committee presentation scheduled for Apr 25 

    • School Committee vote scheduled for May 9


The meeting audio recording runs about 89 minutes. Let’s listen to Redistricting Forum held at FHS on March 7, 2023


Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-955-fps-redistricting-forum-1-03-07-23



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Agenda doc for Mar 7, 2023 meeting ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/redistricting_advisory_subcom_3_7and13_23.pdf


Storymap with the three options ->

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/9db1fa2830964554ba24ddb4558556fa


Handout available at the Forum -> 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l9KQNRFUxKCutPmNMJSMWGmf0dIMKROa/view?usp=share_link

Redistricting Advisory Committee page ->

https://www.franklinps.net/school-committee/2023-redistricting-advisory-committee 


My notes in one Twitter threader document   

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nWZR-XL2N79-p8duC_8vwbSMZTiTveEJ/view?usp=share_link 


The photo album shared via Twitter of the pix taken of the meeting and presentation slides  https://photos.app.goo.gl/VbZgf8aFb41P9F9B6 


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

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"


Less than 20 participate in Redistricting Forum; hear overview & get answers to questions (audio)
Less than 20 participate in Redistricting Forum; hear overview & get answers to questions (audio)

Friday, March 3, 2023

FPS: Redistricting Analysis Update and Community Forum Letter to Families Feb 27, 2023

February 27, 2023

Dear FPS Families,

This past September, we shared information regarding the redistricting analysis process during the 2022-2023 school year to help us identify the Franklin Public School District's short and long-term needs. The decision to conduct this analysis was driven by the following:
●  The 2021 closure of Davis Thayer initiated an expansion of the Helen Keller Elementary School attendance boundary. While we continue to use space flexibly, we seek to maintain a long-term balance among schools.
●  A facilities assessment conducted by Kaestle Boos in 2020, at the time of the Davis Thayer analysis, recommended multiple scenarios of how to utilize space across the district. This assessment did not account for shifts in space usage required for specialized programs and how we utilize space to adequately support student learning. Thus, requiring additional analysis to inform decision-making through this lens.
●  According to the Franklin Public Schools Population and Enrollment Demographics Study, the total enrollment is forecasted to decline until approximately 2027 and then gradually increase.

These factors influenced the decision of the School Committee to have a formal and comprehensive analysis conducted.

Recognizing that redistricting impacts our families, faculty, and greater community, conducting a thorough analysis before proposing any solutions is necessary to inform future decision-making. To ensure this was a community-informed process, we assembled a Redistricting Analysis Advisory Committee composed of parents/guardians, building-based staff representatives, and community members. This committee met monthly with the contracted redistricting consultant Applied Geographics (AppGeo) from November through February to review district data, outline guiding principles, preview communication materials, and provide input/feedback on proposed scenarios. More information and meeting presentations are available on the Redistricting Analysis webpage.

Also, an internal working group composed of FPS staff and a School Committee representative meets regularly with AppGeo to inform and structure the process, which we have outlined below.

FPS - Redistricting Analysis Process
FPS - Redistricting Analysis Process

As we enter the public input stage, we are pleased to extend opportunities to learn more about the proposed scenarios and collect feedback from the community. The feedback provided during our upcoming public forums and input survey will inform the district's recommendation to the School Committee for a vote in the spring of 2023. The decision to implement any recommendations, including potential changes to current boundaries, is a School Committee decision.

The community is invited to attend the Redistricting Analysis Public Forums, which will be held on:

Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Franklin High School Media Center
Monday, March 13, 2023, at 6:00 PM, virtually via Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89705686636?pwd=a3p5N1VCMm9LZ1AzTWdpUktMWU1ldz09  Meeting ID: 897 0568 6636 Passcode: 930061
Please note both forums will present the same information.

The following options will be presented in March.

Option 1 - Proposes that current district attendance boundaries remain the same while a Master Facilities Plan is conducted. ASMS/Keller spaces will continue to be used flexibly. Both administrative teams at the complex will continue to work together to utilize the available space to accommodate the needs of all students.

Option 2 - Proposes a change to district attendance boundaries in an attempt to balance enrollment while also maintaining geographic contiguity and undertaking a Master Facilities Plan, which may result in further redistricting based on the outcome.

Option 3 - While the current district attendance boundaries remain the same as Option 1, there is a consideration for including a "Buffer Zone" for designated areas of the former Davis Thayer attendance boundary, which could allow families to opt-in to Oak Street and/or Parmenter Elementary School for specific zones as a special consideration.
ASMS/Keller spaces will continue to be used flexibly. Both administrative teams at the complex will continue to work together to utilize the available space to accommodate the needs of all students. When necessary, small group instruction for Keller students may occur in nearby Sullivan spaces—understanding that the results of a Master Facilities Plan could reassign attendance boundaries for students in future years.

Buffer Zone Considerations in Option 3:
1. The District will not provide transportation, and parents/guardians of students who request to transfer must transport their child to and from school.
2. Requests are taken on a first-come, first-served basis based on room availability.
3. Families approved for the voluntary buffer zone opt-in may be subject to a reassignment of their district boundary pending the results of a Master Facilities Plan.

The feedback provided during our upcoming public forums and input survey will inform the District's recommendation to the School Committee, which will be presented to the School Committee and later voted on in May 2023.

If you are unable to attend one of our informational sessions and still wish to provide feedback, we encourage you to utilize the story map paired with the input survey that will be launched by March 7th, to understand the proposed options and provide feedback accordingly. The deadline for survey responses is March 15th, 2023.

We have created a Redistricting Analysis webpage that hosts informational resources (such as a Frequently Asked Questions sheet) and outlines our efforts thus far. I encourage individuals to review the redistricting analysis webpage and email redistrictinganalysis@franklinps.net with any questions. All emails are directed to our internal working group for the redistricting analysis.

We look forward to connecting with our community to answer questions and collect feedback on the proposed options on March 7th and March 13th.

Respectfully, 

Lucas Giguere 
Superintendent of Schools


Saturday, February 4, 2023

Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting scheduled for Feb 7, 2023 at 6 PM at FHS Media Center (hybrid)

Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting
FHS Media Center (link in Agenda)
February 7, 2023 - 6:00 PM

A G E N D A
"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
● Resetting Redistricting Expectations
● Revising Guiding Principles
● Upcoming Timeline of events
● Story Map Review
● Adjourn

Agenda doc includes remote connection info ->

Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting scheduled for Feb 7, 2023 at 6 PM at FHS Media Center (hybrid)
Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting scheduled for Feb 7, 2023 at 6 PM at FHS Media Center (hybrid)



Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Redistricting Advisory Cmte reviews 4 scenarios, raises others, additional meeting added to timeline (audio)

FM #918 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 918 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Franklin Public Schools Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting held in hybrid format with folks at the FHS Media Center on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 as well as some members who participated remotely.   


Given this was a working session, the major whole group sections of the meeting audio is what is shared here. There is one break in the audio when 

  • The breakout discussion was held at each table


The break is indicated by about 4 seconds of music (replacing about 25 minutes of table discussion) then the group discussion resumes. I had anticipated a readout from each table (similar to what was done in previous meetings. That was not the case tonight.) The group discussion resumed with next steps, an additional meeting announced (some confusion around which date) but confirmation the slides, agenda, etc would be sent to the committee members with the survey form for their feedback.


Quick Recap

  • 4 scenarios were presented based upon the building blocks from prior session. A fifth was acknowledged as not an option, albeit disputed by at least one member of the committee (closing another school)

  • Additional scenarios were presented as the realizations occurred on what was happening in each of the scenarios. Those raising such scenarios were advised to write it up for the feedback, in the survey to be sent to the Committee 

  • The next session will cover these scenarios with demographic projections and the additional scenarios raised (2 middle schools, moving 5th grade to join 608 grades)

  • As there was no readout from each of the table discussions it was hard to tell what the sense of the scenarios was. Stay tuned for the next meeting; either Feb 2 or Feb 7 was mentioned, whichever it is will be confirmed


The edited meeting audio recording runs about 57 minutes. Let’s listen to whole group discussion position of Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting


Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-918-fps-redistricting-advisory-cmte-mtg-01-17-23



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Jan 17, 2023 agenda->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda_redistricting_advisory_meeting_1-17-23.pdf 


Redistricting Advisory Committee page ->

https://www.franklinps.net/school-committee/2023-redistricting-advisory-committee 


My notes in one Twitter threader document   

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a37aoQ-Uh9CvpFgXJA7kdkjB5hHt45-F/view?usp=share_link 


The photo album shared via Twitter of the pix taken of the meeting and presentation slides  https://photos.app.goo.gl/dz7Un9eCmvqokEYy6 


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

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"


Redistricting Advisory Cmte reviews 4 scenarios, raises others, additional meeting added to timeline (audio)
Redistricting Advisory Cmte reviews 4 scenarios, raises others, additional meeting added to timeline (audio)