Community Relations Subcommittee - meeting 2/01/22 (audio)

 FM #715 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 715 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee meeting held on Tuesday, February 1, 2022.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the subcommittee members were in the 3rd floor training room, at least one other member the public joined via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Denise Spencer, Al Charles, Camille Bernstein, Superintendent Sara Ahern, Communications/Marketing Specialist Lily Rivera

The recording of the public meeting runs just 55 minutes 

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

Let’s listen to the Community Relations subcommittee meeting of Feb 1, 2022

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-715-school-cmte-community-relations-subcom-mtg-02-01-22

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Meeting agenda doc ->   

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/community_relations_sub_comm_agenda_2-1-22.pdf 

My notes captured during the meeting (via ThreadReader)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mrr40dEwuavAiGdmLea1BHLwsKz-9tnl/view?usp=sharing 

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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

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"

Community Relations Subcommittee - meeting 2/01/22 (audio)

School Committee: Community Relations Subcommittee - Feb 1, 2022 - 6 PM

Community Relations Sub Committee

Municipal Building - Training Room (Virtual Link in Agenda)

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

● Review Community Relations Subcommittee goals

● Legislative Forum - Date, Questions

● How do we maximize the reach and impact of our communications? Which activities should we continue, stop, start? What are the more effective communication channels?

● Confirm schedule for upcoming meetings

Agenda with remote info ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/community_relations_sub_comm_agenda_2-1-22.pdf

Community Relations Subcommittee - Feb 1, 2022 - 6 PM

Community Relations Subcommittee - Jan 12, 2022 - 6 PM

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

Community Relations Sub Committee

Wednesday January 12, 2022 = 6:00 P.M.

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

● Review Community Relations Subcommittee mission: to unify the Franklin community through an ongoing dialogue that broadens the community’s knowledge of FPS, increases engagement, and enhances our understanding of the community’s needs

● Legislative Forum - Date, Questions

● How do we maximize the reach and impact of our communications? Which activities should we continue, stop, start? What are the more effective communication channels?

● Confirm schedule for upcoming meetings

Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/community_relations_sub_comm_agenda_1-12-22.pdf

Community Relations Subcommittee - Jan 12, 2022 - 6 PM

"Franklin For All" Community Engagement Plan ready for your reading and review

"MAPC has developed a Community Engagement Plan to clearly delineate the approach for community engagement throughout the process. The purpose of community engagement for this project is to: 

1. Inform residents and business stakeholders (business owners, landlords, developers) about how zoning can be a tool for equitable land use to meet housing demands, develop vibrant neighborhoods, and support economic revitalization.

2. Solicit feedback on stakeholders’ visions for Franklin Center and develop a plan for rezoning the area to best achieve the overall vision.

3. Engage and educate members of relevant boards/commissions who will be tasked with approving and implementing the rezoning strategy. 

The Community Engagement Plan provides a stakeholder analysis that identifies populations or groups that may be underrepresented or hard to reach when the Town is engaging stakeholders through typical community engagement techniques. The plan includes an engagement strategy chart detailing specific approaches for each of the groups who have been identified for more proactive engagement with the aim of ensuring diverse participation. 

Project outreach will be town-wide with a special effort to reach groups who may be most impacted by zoning changes as it relates to housing affordability. It is assumed that populations and groups that are already active and engaged in Franklin will be reached through more typical engagement techniques and that additional efforts or techniques are not required to actively engage them in this planning process. In order to get in touch with historically less-engaged groups, the project team will coordinate with local conveners and/or local media as two potential outreach sources. 

In addition, the Community Engagement Plan outlines the specific tools that will be used throughout this process to conduct outreach and engagement, including print, digital, and 'on the ground ' engagement tools like focus groups and forums along with how they will be used."

The Community Engagement Plan section of the EDC meeting agenda can be found here ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JL-MAPvxDyGL2m4pZQ4scU0dRACla4x3/view?usp=sharing

The full EDC agenda doc is found here ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/1-5-22_edc_agenda.pdf

The presentation doc used in the Jan 5, 2022 meeting is available 

https://www.mapc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Frankling-for-All-Steering-Committee-Meeting-1-Presentation.pdf

What is the study area?

'Franklin Center' is the term to encompass both of the key downtown and the Franklin Crossing sections along with the brief extensions from those areas as outlined in the map.

The Community Engagement Plan section as an embedded document:
 

"Franklin For All" Community Engagement Plan

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - Sep 28, 2021

School Committee Meeting

Municipal Building - Council Chambers (Virtual Link in Agenda)

Call to Order 
Pledge of Allegiance 
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Introduce Lily Rivera, Town & School Marketing/Communications Specialist
B. Digital Learning Plan – Alison Finley, Kate Merten, Chris Penza, Marianne Zogby and John Leighton

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Franklin TV Board Appointment
I recommend the appointment of Rose Turco to the Franklin TV Board of Directors.
B. MASC Delegate
I recommend the Committee appoint Denise Spencer to serve as the Committee's delegate to the annual MASC Annual Meeting of Delegates as discussed.
C. Policy - Waiving 1st reading
I recommend waiving the First Reading of Policy EBCFA Face Coverings as discussed.
D. Policy Adoption
I recommend adopting policy EBCFA - Face Coverings as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items 

A. MASC Resolutions
B. ESSER III Funding Plan
C. Back to School Status Update – September 24, 2021

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the September 14, 2021 School Committee minutes as detailed.
B. New FHS Club Approval
I recommend approval of the new FHS Clubs: Book Club, Hiking Club and Board and Games Club as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen
IX. Payroll Atty. Pond-Pfeffer

X. Adjournment

Agenda document with remote connection info ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_9-28-21.pdf

Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/september-282021-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - Sep 28, 2021

Franklin (1) in the news for the UVGA lamps, (2) could we consider Amherst's example to help with engagement?

From the Mass Municipal Association (MMA) we find to share:

1 - "Franklin installs ultraviolet lamps to destroy coronaviruses"

"Using technology both visible and hidden, the town of Franklin has improved the air quality in its municipal and school buildings and reduced the chances of people catching COVID-19."

Continue reading online -> https://www.mma.org/franklin-installs-ultraviolet-lamps-to-destroy-coronaviruses/

2 - "Amherst launches online engagement platform"

"The town of Amherst has developed a new prong in its online engagement strategy with the launch of a new interactive platform, Engage Amherst.

The March launch comes a year after the COVID-19 pandemic forced cities and towns across the state to pivot from in-person meetings and hearings to remote, online engagement with residents."

Continue reading online -> https://www.mma.org/amherst-launches-online-engagement-platform/

Town Council Mtg 05/05/21 - in 3 parts FM #537, 538, 539 (audio)

FM #537-538-539 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 537-538-539 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: most members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, at least one member of the Council was remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the almost 3 hour minute meeting into three logical segments:

• First - covers the opening  recognition of DPW Director Cantoreggi, public hearing on stormwater bylaw wording, license transaction for LaCantina (~43 mins)
• Second - covers the Melanson & HEath audit report and the presentation by Franklin TV (~40 minutes)
• Third - covers the Town Communications update by Anne Marie Tracey through to the end of the meeting (~70 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this meeting.

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of May 5, 2021

Part 1 Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2de841ff-4455-4875-a8c9-9a743362aa8c

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Part 2 Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5356f1c6-0368-4267-8160-489e08f9762e

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Part 3 Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/66a992af-0500-4325-aaaa-0378d61a8988

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Agenda document folder
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-5-town-council-agenda

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/recap-town-council-meeting-050521.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"

 

Town Council Mtg 05/05/21 - in 3 parts FM #537, 538, 539 (audio)

 

Recap - Town Council Meeting - 05/05/21 - Cantoreggi recognized, LaCantina license changed, Franklin TV and communications updates

Quick Recap:

• DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi was recognized as a Top 10 Director across USA
• Public hearing on stormwater legislation language cleanup; Bissanti so against anything stormwater, he voted against closing the public hearing
• Addition of brewing to LaCantina license (granted in Legislation for Action) Neighbor comments on noise, parking to be addressed by Town Administrator
• Melanson Heath audit provides a real clean report with no management letter (best report in years)
• Franklin TV presentation provides insights in to how it is funded via cable fees, provides services to the Town via contract and programing for TV and radio of great value
• Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey provided an enthusiastic overview of the progress made in sharing awareness on what is happening
• Town receives notification on sale of Maple Hill property finally to start the 120 day close on right of first refusal. Stay tuned to this one

 
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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc0505
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0505&src=typeahead_click 
 
Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/L6zifqjy7rspqDPB6
 
Audio segments for the meeting will be available in a couple of days

• Getting ready for the Town Council meeting, agenda page and connection info found here https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-5-town-council-agenda #tc0505
• Meeting opens shortly after 7 PM  #tc0505
• Citizen comments for up to 5 minutes for an item not on the agenda #tc0505 Colin Cass speaking for the dog park, a section for smaller dogs exists in Medway but it is not used. Shouldn't be subtracted from the existing space, should be added to.
• DPW Director Cantoreggi recognized as a "Top 10" professional out of 30,000 across the industry. Clean water is one of his specialties. #tc0505
• 2 minute recess for photo op #tc0505

Public Hearing

• Back to order, hearing for bylaw amendment, chap 185, special regulations. #tc0505 this was also required to get approval by planning board. Motion to close hearing, roll call 8-1 to close hearing

License transaction

• La Cantina change of permit https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/7a._la_cantina.pdf from wine to wine and brewery, motion and second, pouring permit expands to include malt (beer). Clarification on Gov Baker for COVID emergency order on food requirements. Farmer series excludes food #tc0505
• Back to normal on May 29, not relevant to point in order. #tc0505  neighbor expressing concerns with problems with loud music and parking overflow in the neighborhood. Town had not heard of these problems will be setting up time to address concerns
• #tc0505 this is the right thing to do and look at the impact on the area. Additional parking now available through the Downtown Sports space. Finally get to the vote via roll call 9-0. Neighbor muted to get to the vote with reminder to contact the Town Administrator

Melanson Heath audit report

• Melanson Heath with audit results current audit for FY 2020  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/franklin_ma_fs20_-_final.pdf #tc0505 audit went well, account balances were reconciled in timely basis. Prior audit reports available on ToF page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/audits  no exceptions found
• Page 7 takes numbers to words, page 17 liability and fund balance section; net pension and OPEB, assumptions changed so results are shown here. #tc0505 page 19 general fund and stabilization funds unassigned fund balances of $11m what bond rating agencies look at
• Right in target and a healthy position. Budget vs actual page 59  3.1m of free cash used 
• Revenues over budget a decrease over prior year (motor vehicle and license permits) decent due to COVID. Expenses not as high within budget also due to pandemic albeit consistent #tc0505
• No management letter this year, small side letter but no major items  #tc0505 page 12 of PDF  Next item is Franklin TV

Franklin TV presentation

• Anticipating another percent reduction in cable fees as folks continue to cut the cord. (Slides to be added later) #tc0505 the Comcast and Verizon won't go away overnight as a way of generating revenues. i.e. working with TBB to generate programs
• Next up Anne Marie Tracey, with a great lead from Pete!

Marketing and Communications

• #tc0505 presentation doc  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/communications_and_marketing.pdf 
• Communications needs are as diverse as the communications required. #tc0505 the menu is available to meet all needs via the social media options audiences include current residents, employees as well as potential residents, business and employees
• Top pages of the town #tc0505
• Much done on the Town side is replicated on the Schools side as well #tc0505
• Capital budget round two approved tonight, coming to council in future. #tc0505 EDC meeting next Weds talking about restaurant, downtown parking, etc.

Legislation for action

• - Legislation for action  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._21-868_0.pdf  motion to approve, second, sentence added by planning board
• "watching a shell game in Brooklyn" #tc0505 brings us into compliance with the MS4 permit language. Stormwater bylaw has been on books since 2007. Recap done previously https://franklinmatters.org/2021/04/the-stormwater-story-summary-for.html 
• Finally to the roll call vote, passes 8-1 (Bissanti no) 
•  - Gift acceptance https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10b._sweeper_gift.pdf #tc0505 motion and second, passes 9-0
•  - Gift acceptance https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10c._ambulance.pdf  motion and second, passes 9-0
• Gift acceptance  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10e._gift_pd.pdf #tc0505 motion and second, passes 9-0 via roll call

Town Administrator report

• Town Administrator report, town back to green, plans to gradually reopening. Passport renewals Weds until July, hiring part time agent and photo booth services in July. Senior Ctr gradually opening too, newsletter updates, Common ground cafe possible after Memorial Day #tc0505
• Full budget hearings May 26-27  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy-22-budget-materials 
• Went for bond rating, asking what will it take to get a AAA rating, EPA working again at 300 Fisher St
• P&S received for Maple St property, clock starts today, legal review required before discussion on Maple hill ->
• Purchase price $4.5m, have time to respond to this #tc0505 

Council comments, Closing

• Kudos to acting clerk, got something in 10 minutes that it can take 10 days elsewhere. 
• Pellegri - folks are following FinComm meetings via cable not Zoom. 
• Thanks to the FinComm for the great job they did
• Thanks to the Administration and to the audit team for a great audit. Pete is doing a great job, looking forward to many more. The enthusiasm of Anne Marie, a real pleasure and joy  #tc0505 Motion to adjourn, via roll call 9-0  That's all for tonight catch you next time

 

Recap - Town Council Meeting - 05/05/21

Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting - May 11

 Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting

Virtual Meeting (Link in agenda)

Agenda

• Budget Flyer / Video distribution
• Generate ideas to support two-way communication within community

Agenda doc also contains connection info

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/community_relations_sub_comm_agenda_5_11_2021.pdf

Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting - May 11

Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting - Apr 28

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

Community Relations Subcommittee

Wednesday April 28, 2021 = 3:30 PM

Virtual Meeting

Agenda:

• Budget Flyer / Video distribution
• Generate ideas to support two way communication within community

Full agenda doc contains connection info

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/community_relations_sub_comm_agenda_4_28_2021.pdf

Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting - Apr 28

FM #511 - Talk Franklin - 04/09/21 (audio)

FM #511 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 511 in the series.

 
This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 
Grants received
        Housing, Fire dept, Popup marketing
 
Community Preservation Committee got an update on open space 
 
Economic Development SubComm
Business guide released
Ladybug trail by Franklin Downtown Partnership
 
Town Council meeting
long list of legislation items
Capital budget, street acceptances, food truck permit fee
 
Joint Budget SubComm – Apr 12
School Committee budget – Apr 13
Town Council outlook for Apr 14
 
Storm water art contest
 
ArtWalk by Cultural District
Hybrid events at THE BLACK BOX

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie.  Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e4623420-f835-4f4b-baa9-692308c55b0f

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Town of Franklin COVID-19 page = https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/vaccination-and-covid-19-data 

Town of Franklin budget page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 
Franklin Schools budget page  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget 

Town Council agenda for Apr 14, 2021
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-14-town-council-agenda

Town Council agenda for Apr 7, 2021
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-7-town-council-agenda 

DPW overview presentation doc
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/dpw_town_council_presentation_4_7_2021.pdf 

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

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 #511 - Talk Franklin - 04/09/21 (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
 

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #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

FPS: Community Relations SubCommittee Meeting - Jan 28, 2021

Franklin Public Schools

Community Relations SubCommittee Meeting

Jan 28, 2021 - 3:00 PM

Virtual Meeting (Link in agenda)

 

• Approval of January 7th Meeting Minutes
• Legislative Forum
• Generate ideas to support two-way communication
  

 

Full agenda (including connection info)  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/community_relations_agenda_january_28_2021.docx.pdf

 

 

FPS: Community Relations SubCommittee Meeting - Jan 28, 2021