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| School Committee meetings Jan 21 & Jan 22 |
FM #1354 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1354 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 14, 2024. 6 of the 7 members participated (6 in Chambers, 1 absent - Sompally).
Quick recap
FHS Cheerleaders recognized for winning multiple championships, approved for travel to the National Championship
Superintendent's report included multiple updates on redistricting efforts underway
FHS school update provided insights in the school year thus far
FHS Program of Studies update raised some clarification questions and at least one surprise that the community service hours added to the graduation requirements are not being monitored this year due to the budget cut that removed the individual who would have done that tracking. Community hours were being done by students, no one single person was tracking to ensure all the students were doing so this school year
Franklin TV provided an update on the programming provided to the community including the live broadcast of this meeting (across town, 2 school concerts were also broadcast and the FHS girls basketball game was also broadcast). revenue is dropping due to cable cutting, proposal at State Legislature on potential alternate revenue for cable operations, new Federal administration may attempt to dismantle the Federal authorization for cable broadcasting
Discussion action items
approved after much discussion as amended the notification on the temporary names for the schools as part of the redistricting
Capital budget modified from initial preview and approved
3 policies for first reading approved to move to second reading
Update on educational expenses for the student from the emergency shelter. Quarterly reimbursement from DESE only used to offset the costs of educating these students. Reimbursement at rate of $104/per day/per student. The override had nothing to do with the education of these students. FPS does not use the operational budget to educate the student from the emergency shelter
Grants to the amount of $1.6 M were preview by the committee (document not part of the public set released prior to the meeting). Over what period these grants covered was not mentioned out loud.
Round of subcommittee updates
Motion to enter executive session, not to return to public meeting, passed 6-0-1 (1 absent)
The recording runs about 3 hours & 24 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1354-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-01-14-25/
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Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWsDrfRwZuM
The agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/fsc.pdf
Meeting packet (other docs as they are released after the meeting will get posted here) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/january-14%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/742564
My full set of notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JdupV2TntAObJjwWAik_BBpoPfpLPHVH/view?usp=drive_link
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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| School Committee recognizes FHS Cheerleaders, approves temporary naming for redistricting, gets update from Franklin TV (audio) |
The Finance Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. 7 of the 9 members were present in Council Chambers.
Many of the Town department leaders were present and participating as needed. School Superintendent Lucas Giguere participated as did Interim School Business Administrator Jana Melotti along with consultant Dr Bob Dutch.
The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/yzii8AGsv7k?&t=234
The agenda doc also contains supporting information -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/finance_committee_meeting_agenda_-_january_15_2025.pdf
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| Dr Dutch & Jena Melotti presenting on Chap 70 "hold harmless" |
A. Review of AgendaB. Payment of Bills Mr. CallaghanC. Payroll Mr. McNeillD. FHS Student Representative CommentsE. Superintendent’s Report
A. FHS HighlightsB. FHS Program of StudiesC. Franklin TV/CableD. Capital Budget Proposal E.
A. Capital Budget ApprovalI recommend approval of the Capital Budget Proposal as presented.B. District NotificationsI recommend approval of the required notification to state and local organizations with the school complex naming conventions as detailed.C. Policy - First ReadingsI recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:
- GBEB - Employee Conduct
- JKAA - Physical Restraint of Students
- JB - Equal Educational Opportunities
A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21, (2) To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with FEA, ESP, Van Drivers, Cafeteria & Secretaries or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with FEA, ESP, Van Drivers, Cafeteria & Secretaries.B. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21, (2) To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel
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| Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for meeting Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025 |
Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Finance Committee cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Finance Committee may ask town staff to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the town staff from correcting a misstatement of fact.
a. November 6, 2024 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-11-06_finance_committee_meeting_minutes_0.pdf
a. Town Administrator FY25 Capital Plan Memohttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/04a._fy25_capital_improvement_plan_memo.pdfb. Five-Ten Year Department Capital Planshttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/capital_-_dept_requests_5_year_plans_0.pdfc. Backup materials & quoteshttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/quotes.pdf
a. Town Administrator Memohttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._opioid_settlement_funds.pdfb. Draft Expenditure Resolutionhttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._1_-_resolution_25-02_-_opioid_funding.pdf
a. Public School “Hold Harmless” Presentationhttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6a._hold_harmless_2025.pdfb. State House News Service Articlehttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6b._with_new_term_dawning_spilka_eyes_k-12_funding_reform_primary_care_overhaul_senate_statehousenews.com_.pdf
a. FY25 Q2 Year to Date Department Expense reporthttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7a._ytd_budget_expenditures_encumb_option_-_summary_final.pdfb. FY25 Q2 Local Receipts reporthttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7b._local_receipts_enterprise_revenues_budget_to_actual_report_-_12-31-2024.pdfc. Stabilization Account Reporthttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7c._stabilization_fund_balances_-_three_year_comparison.pdf
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| Joint Budget Subcmte Listening Tour |
a. Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Tour & FY26 Budget Update Tourhttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/jbsc_flyer_fixed_old_site.png
FM #1330 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1330 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024. 6 members participated in Council Chambers, 1 absent (Griffin)
Quick recap:
3 coaches recognized as MIAA coaches of the year, (basketball, unified track, & swim coach); Ice hockey players down across states, approved for 8th grade waiver for varsity program, For the girls, to be clear, not boys, 13 skaters and 2 goalies currently
Review of free/reduced application with a Franklin threshold, folks could apply, especially for winter sports if they have not participated in fall sports
On guest presentations, theater program at FHS - Virginia Bernstein speaking to the student program (Outsiders, first show); Yellow Boat, a competition show, part of the annual program. 13 teachers volunteered to help out, Not just about putting on a play, grit plus. "Theater is not a luxury it is a vital part of the educational program" Thanks around from Cmte members and to the volunteer teachers! "This is a portrait of a graduate! She is articulate and advocating for her program"
Dr Rogers, Dr Frazier, Mr Stark present an update on the MCAS results for the District. Difference between formative and summative data points. 1 slides is full of logos an indication of the investments made in the academic support tools used in the schools; Sullivan and Jefferson met/ exceeded standards. And an opportunity to remind that MCAS is not going away, it will remain, the vote did take away MCAS as a graduation requirement. How does the data play into the curriculum refresh cycle? It does play. For instructional directions for sure, and may for curriculum decisions, depending upon timing and budget.
Discussion Action Items - I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:
● ACA – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex
● ACA-R – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex under Title IX Including Sex-Based Harassment; Moved to second reading, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)
Varsity Ski Co-Op - I recommend approval of the request of FHS Athletics for a Co-Op Varsity Skiing with Nipmuc Regional High School as detailed. Parent participating as volunteer for this trial co-op program. Motion to approve, second, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)
Capital Requests - I recommend approval of the Capital Requests as detailed. Previewed in the budget subcmte meeting earlier today, these are initial, could be modified and prioritized as needed; also a further iteration will have refinement for this figures. Finally, a vote on the capital request as detailed, motion to approve, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)
Student handbook review with DESE, self assessment prior, minor revisions and information for parents for code of conduct infractions, motion to approve second, passes 6-0-1 (1absent)
Discussion only item, inclement weather update, on the schools page, reminding what we'll do during this winter, safety at the forefront, it may be a challenge for families but is is acknowledged, usually would make by 5:30 AM, try to do so the night before if possible
Committee entered Executive Session for contract negotiation strategy not to return to open meeting
The recording runs about 2 hours & 30 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1330-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-11-26-24/
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Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/__1gVQEZ10M?si=1GxkAYdlZPEpCOeB&t=68
Agenda for this session -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5044643/SCAGENDA_11-26-24.pdf
Meeting packet (other docs as they are released after the meeting will get posted here) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/november-26%2C-2024-sc-meeting-packet/726241
My notes in one PDF ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kq3_uhkW1YicIGxzV01n7EfGeSnhDwAg/view?usp=drive_link
Photo album of the MCAS slides shared ->
https://photos.app.goo.gl/pfBg1HiVMKfPduAb9
-------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
 |
| 1 slides is full of logos an indication of the investments made in the academic support tools used in the schools |
