Citizen Comment - about "punitive exclusionary consequences on disabled student"

If you listened/watched the School Committee meeting Tuesday (12/14/21), one of the parent comments was hard for me to follow but could be summarized as:

"Parent with policy issue, allowing schools to use punitive exclusionary consequences on disabled student for having symptom of a disability that they knowingly failed to support while claiming to be instituting restorative practices"

Did get a handout from the parent to share here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ftw_dHiDqx1j4j8OgwNPLxOpYU9JiCkw/view?usp=sharing

 

Citizen Comment - about "punitive exclusionary consequences on disabled student"

Citizen Comment - Maxwell Morrongiello

"I’m here today, because at the next meeting the Council will have an opportunity…an opportunity to lower the property tax burden faced by middle- and low-income families. According to the Massachusetts Budget Policy Center, property taxes are a regressive tax. They explain on their website that households with the highest 1 percent of incomes pay less than 3 percent of their income in property taxes on average, while those with the lowest incomes tend to pay over 5 percent. This simply isn’t fair and is a burden on those who can least afford it. 

Towns like Brookline, however, have found a solution! They have a blanket residential exemption, that exempts a fixed amount of the property values of all single-family homes. If Franklin were to do the same thing, say, exempt the first $100,000 dollars of property value, and then raise the total tax rate, they can make the tax code more progressive while keeping a balanced budget. Under such a plan, modest homeowners will see a tax cut, while wealthier households will contribute a more equitable share. 

My understanding is that this is allowed by Prop 2 ½ which affects the only amount of total revenue a town can raise, not the tax rate itself. In addition, Franklin already does this with the community preservation act, and more narrow exemptions.

I ask not that the council adopt such a tax rate at the tax hearing next month. It is simply too soon and needs buy-in from the community. In addition, it would need to be assessed how this would affect people in apartment buildings who rent, as well as businesses who would be ineligible for an exemption. 

I ask instead that the council adds a motion to the agenda of the tax hearing to assign a committee to study this proposal, with the intention of it being implemented the following year. I urge the council to act to foster a community discussion around this issue, promote equity and fairness, and most importantly support a tax cut to Franklin Residents who need it."

Maxwell Morrongiello
Franklin Resident

Spoken at the Town Council meeting of Nov 17, 2021. Copy of text received via email

Recap: newly elected School Committee organizes; gets started with light agenda and Executive Session

Quick Recap:

• The new School Committee organized itself by voting in Denise Spencer as Chair and Elise Stokes as Vice-Chair
• Multiple Citizen Comments, a variety this time; Rev Juncker and Rabbi Alpert spoke representing the Interfaith Council; parent for challenging text like "Bluest Eye"; parent speaking against vaccination; J Maciel questions equity of comment time between School Committee and Town Council meetings, vs. student representative comments who get to speak more than residents
• minor business conducted in this first session, approving policy with minor wording changes for consistency of text 
• moved to Executive Session, via roll call vote, not to return to public session
• Note - confirmed post meeting that the committee members were all sworn in before the meeting commenced

----

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

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom1109

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom1109&src=typeahead_click 

 

• getting ready for the #schcom1109 meeting to begin shortly. Live tweeting from the Council Chambers this evening
• Meeting agenda ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_11-9-21_org.pdf   Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-9-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet   #schcom1109
• Working out some tech difficulty to get the meeting broadcast going. As you may be aware, there were three simultaneous broadcasts of FHS playoff games, 2 are underway, the 3rd did end in time for this to assume its channel spot #schcom1109
• nomination of Spencer for Chair, seconded; passes 7-0 #schcom1109
• Zoom appears to have sound, cable may not, motion for Stokes for Vice Chair, second, passes 7-0 #schcom1109
• pause to check on audio status, Zoom can hear, Cable cannot; meeting starts on Zoom then goes to the Studio for broadcast via Verizon/Comcast... confirmed as working now  #schcom1109
• open soon for Citizen Comments, Chair reading statement and guidelines on comment policy; #schcom1109
• expectation of conduct set for Council Chambers; slide to be added #schcom1109
• Franklin Interfaith Council - Rev Juncker and Rabbi Alpert stand to talk for their statement in support for #LoveFranklin  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/a-call-to-our-community-lovefranklin.html 
• parent speaking for challenging books, like the Bluest Eye, as good for education in understanding the situation  #schcom1109 challenge and empower the students, invest in the amazing staff so they can continue this work
• parent speaking against the vaccine for kids quoting FDA statements #schcom1109 challenging Supt to speak to answer the science on this matter
• J Maciel requests a podium, requesting change in meeting order agenda; @schcom1109 where is the equity with Sch comments of 3 mins; Town Council mtg allows 5; runs out of time
• FHS student comments; sports team deep in a playoff run; Mamma Mia this weekend, Fri/Sat; auditions for Central District submitted; #schcom1109; already time to order caps/gown by 11/19
• Field hockey won today, Volleyball also won today; girls soccer playing now, still 0-0 at last report; #schcom1109 winter sports start after Thanksgiving; conference Fri/Mon, off Thu due to Veterans Day; pep rally shirts on sale (until 8 PM tonight)
• FHS student acknowledges work to do to ensure a safe environment for all students, not just most; the Peace display was heartening; #schcom1109 admonish SchCom to live up to the awesome role they have, with a positive attitude
• Supt Report - doc to be posted to schools page on Weds; updates/reminders on policy and meeting process; appreciation week for school psychologists; #schcom1109 Parmenter mural work (pix to be included) ; also to be part of a More Perfect Union show on Portrait of a Graduate
• Moving to Discussion/Action - tutoring for pay, largely from conflict of interest law; i.e. tutoring by teachers of students;   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_policy_9.pdf  #schcom1109
• comment on consistency of language within the text; discussion on use of 'school resources' - possible clarification on district social media accounts vs. personal account; motion amended, seconded, passes 7-0  #schcom1109
• discussion only items; approval received yesterday to get waiver on masks; discussion on how to proceed among other districts; #schcom1109 ? on how to monitor the unvaccinated individuals; FHS welcomes option; working on plan for next couple of weeks on metrics to determine
• plan once approved by #schCom1109 would be effective, time TBD right now; logistics and details to be worked
• next to Information Matters; School Wellness met today, next mtg on Dec 7; MASC resolutions passed; requesting ideas on what subcommittees are desired; Nov 18, at FHS critical conversations also to be live streamed; panel discussion on substance use, and mental health #schcom1109
• from panel to break out sessions; "hidden in plain site" room available for review/Q&A; discussion cards on how to have the difficult conversation; flyer to be shared tomorrow via multiple channels #schCom1109
• next meeting; workshop at 6, handbook for introduction to Committee; meeting begins at 7; MCAS results and updates; #schcom1109 job description for Director of Diversity, Equity and inclusion
• consent agenda - split for returning members and new members - both accepted; one 2-0, other 7-0 #schcom1109 to enter executive session, not to return to public meeting, vote to enter passes 7-0
• vote via roll call, passes  #schcom1109

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

expectation of conduct set for Council Chambers

newly elected School Committee

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

 

----

 

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

Franklin, MA Town Council Meeting - Wednesday, September 15, 2021 - Three Part Audio Segments

FM #605-606-607 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 605-606-607 in the series. 

This shares the three part audio segments of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel, the Police retirement and promotion individuals, along with their guest and family members were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just about two hours and forty-five minutes ( 2:45 total elapsed time) into three (3) logical segments:

• First (#605) - covers the opening, citizen comments, Police retirement and promotions. The break after the police ceremonies was excluded from this audio.  (~40 mins)

• Second (#606) - covers three appointments, one license transaction and the SAFE Coalition presentation by Jennifer Knight-Levine (~ 58 minutes) 

• Third (#607) - covers the DelCarte invasive species update by Conservation Agent Jennifer Delmore, Legislation for Action, Council Comments and meeting close. (~ 58 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Sep 15, 2021

Part 1 (#605) -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5563727f-a24f-4aa8-b4e2-9901951bd693

Part 2 (#606) -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ab9ec365-5692-4151-883f-04fe5e8014cd

Part 3 (#607) -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c0a7f4f2-5afb-4d2d-9daf-64422c92b1f1

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

Agenda document 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/09-15-2021_town_council_agenda.pdf 

My notes from the meeting  -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/recap-introduction-retirement-promotion.html 

Town Council Quarterbacking session (a short recap with Council Chair Tom Mercer) -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/fm604-town-council-quarterbacking.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 www.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"

 

Slide from the SAFE Coalition presentation by Jennifer Knight-Levine

Town Council Meeting - 09/01/21 - Audio in 2 parts

FM #598 & 599 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 598 & 599 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, September 1, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel, many of the Police promotion and new hires, along with their guest and family members were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just over 3.5 hour session (total elapsed time) into 2 logical segments:

• First - covers the opening, Police promotions, new hires and the Public hearing on the downtown zoning item. The break after the police ceremonies was excluded from this audio.  (~59 mins)

• Second - covers the balance of the meeting, entry to Executive Session, and then the return to open meeting 40 minutes later  (~1 hour and 8 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of Sep 1, 2021

Part 1 = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/69af8744-8945-4f07-9192-beec01e71403

Part 2 = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/da222513-19e9-462b-a3d0-794a3699828f

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

Agenda document 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/9-1-21_town_council_agenda.pdf 

My notes from the meeting  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/recap-town-council-meeting-090121.html

Photos of the Police promotions and swearing in can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/VJ494vDqhnX1SEDbA

Town Council Quarterbacking session (a short recap with Council Chair Tom Mercer) -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/fm-597-town-council-quarterbacking.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 www.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"

 

Victoria McVicar, New Hire Introduction & Ceremonial Swearing in