Franklin School Committee Agenda for meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Dec 10 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

December 10, 2024 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

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                         Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeil

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Lifelong Learning Presentation

B. Reorganization Level-Based Presentation

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Japan 2026 Field Trip Request

I recommend approval of the requests of Vickie Baima Emily Rosborough to take students to Japan from approximately February 13 - 22, 2026, as detailed. 

B. Hawaii 2026 Field Trip Request

I recommend approval of the requests of Jennifer Curley, and Mary Balliro to take students to Hawaii from approximately April 16 - 22, 2026 as detailed. 

C. Policy – Second Reading/Adoption

I recommend the adoption of the following policies as discussed:

● ACA – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex

● ACA-R – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex under Title IX Including Sex-Based Harassment

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. none

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your November 26, 2024 School Committee Meeting as detailed. 

B. Parmenter Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $5,027.36 from the Parmenter PCC as follows:

• $2,964.36 Supplemental Supplies
• $2,063.00 Field Trips

C. JFK Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $925.00 from the JFK PCC for field trips as detailed. 

D. FHS Scholarships

I recommend the acceptance of $2,000.00 from Roberta Trahan for two FHS Scholarships as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Executive Session

A. 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

XI. Adjournment

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5082504/SCAGENDA_12-10-24.docx.pdf

Franklin School Committee Agenda for meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Dec 10 at 7 PM

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for meeting Nov 26, 2024 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

November 26, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. FHS Theatre Update

B. Office of Teaching & Learning Presentation

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Policy – First Reading

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

B. 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. 

C. Capital Requests

I recommend approval of the Capital Requests as detailed. 

D. Student & Family Handbook Revision

I recommend approval of the Student & Family Handbook revisions as detailed

below:

1. HS- Requested revisions- pages 68, 77-79.

2. MS- Requested revisions on pages 20-21, 28, 41-43.

3. Elem- Requested revisions on pages 10, 12, 13, 14.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Inclement Weather Notice

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your November 12, 2024 meeting as detailed.

B. Keller Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $8581.16 as detailed:

Keller PCC $5,950.00 Field Trips

O’Connor Studios $2,631.16 Supplemental Supplies

C. ECDC Gift

I recommend acceptance of $500.00 from the MA Special Olympics for

Supplemental supplies as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

A. 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

X. Adjournment

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5043040/SCAGENDA_11-26-24.pdf

Meeting folder for this session -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/november-26%2C-2024-sc-meeting-packet/726241

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for meeting Nov 26, 2024 at 7 PM

School Committee keeps leadership, gets update on Middle Schools, and redistricting progress (video)

The Franklin School Committee met on Tuesday, Nov 12 at 7 PM as scheduled. 6 members were present in Council Chambers, one participated remotely (Gallagher)

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZaZ-akfth8

Agenda for this session ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/fps_meeting_1.pdf

Quick recap:

• School committee voted to continue their leadership team. Griffin was nominated as well as Callaghan for Chair but Callaghan prevailed with a 5-2 (Griffin, Gallagher) vote. McNeill continues as Vice-Chair by a 7-0 vote. Both votes via roll call
• Announcement of MASS student awards for Ella Mahoney and Noah Gorgas
• Middle school presentation & update; If we had more money we could have more clubs and reach more students and their interests Hopeful with the single school next year to be able to do more for the whole population of middle schoolers, more flexibility and opportunities
• Update on the district reorganization From Colin & Lucas
• 29 of the 54 possible students for the DT exemption committed to do so, Staff placement being worked, All dependent upon the budget
• Pond St facility (former Kennedy school) would be the site for an expansion for the ECDC not a replacement of, ECDC was purpose built and will remain, but expanding capacity by using space at Pond St is what is being planned
• Clarification on ECDC expansion, it would be done in phases, the focus is to provide the education space for ECDC population, which is growing, and we won't be able to utilize the Middle school space we have used at Horace Mann
• Key stat 97% of the K-5 teachers got their first choice. There is the plus one for 2nd at North and down one on South so it is budget neutral not a $75K cost as might have been in worst case
• Consideration for moving staff and furniture with the teachers where possible, Capital planning underway, don't know enough details yet but as they rise up, they will be shared

Entered executive session not to return to open meeting

Middle school slides (to be posted to web Weds/Thur)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/mJFrSfDhaJYbojfh8

Redistricting update slides (to be posted to web Weds/Thur)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ADsFSJtAkHctX7Rq8

My notes captured in one PDF file ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r6Fpd_A-8cBzKBLdigphSMvcxcy53mfo/view?usp=drive_link

MASS student awards for Ella Mahoney and Noah Gorgas

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for meeting Tuesday, Oct 22, 2024 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee 

October 22, 2024 -  7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

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 Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. None

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Davis Thayer Family Consideration Vote 1

An attendance area exemption to the boundary line for the twenty-five (25) fifth graders transferred to Helen Keller due to the Davis Thayer closure in 2021.

Transportation will not be provided.  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4942831/Discussion_Action_A_-_DT_Consideration_Vote_1.pdf

B. Davis Thayer Family Consideration Vote 2

An attendance area exemption to the boundary line for the siblings of fifth graders moved to Keller due to the Davis Thayer closure in 2021. Transportation will not be provided.  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4942832/Discussion_Action_B_-_DT_Consideration_Vote_2.pdf

C. Davis Thayer Family Consideration Vote 3

An attendance area exemption to the boundary line for the siblings of identified former Davis Thayer students beyond fifth grade transferred to Hellen Keller due to the Davis Thayer closure in 2021. Transportation will not be provided.  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4942833/Discussion_Action_C_-_DT_Consideration_Vote_3.pdf

D. Revised 2024-2025 School Calendar

I recommend approval of the revised 2024-25 School Calendar as discussed.  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4942835/Discussion_Action_D_-_Revised_2024-25_School_Calendar.pdf

E. Policy - First Readings

I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:

● AC - Nondiscrimination

● ACAB - Harassment, Including Sexual Harassment   

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4942836/Discussion_Action_E_-_Policy.pdf

F. Superintendent’s Goals

The chair recommends approval of the Superintendent’s Goals as discussed.  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4942837/Discussion_Action_F_-_Supt_Goals.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. October 1 Enrollment Report

B. ACCEPT quarterly Report

C. HR Staffing Report

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your October 8, 2024 meeting as detailed.

B. ASMS Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the ASMS PCC for in-house enrichment as detailed.

C. Keller Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,600.00 from the Keller PCC for field trips as detailed.

D. Student Activity Account Approval

I recommend approval of the Student Activity Accounts as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

The agenda doc contains remote participation info -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4941932/SCAGENDA_10-22-24.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for meeting Tuesday, Oct 22, 2024 at 7 PM

School Committee votes to approve redistricting plan effective Sep 2025 (audio)

FM #1289 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1289 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Oct 8, 2024. 6 members participated, 1 absent (O’Sullivan).

Brief summary:

• The Committee did vote 6-0 to approve the redistricting plan.

• The Committee did vote to amend the recommendation on inclusion of the former DT students/Families in an exception, then tabled the full motion (as amended) to the next meeting. They are looking to clarify that the expansion does cover the 9 students mentioned.

The recording runs about 2 hours & 53 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1289-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-10-08-24/

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Franklin TV -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t39_TWwVqe4 

School Committee agenda -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4900497/SCAGENDA_10-8-24.pdf 

My notes captured during the meeting (I joined approx. 8:15 PM via YouTube and then in person as I came in from the debate in Medway. The Committee was still discussing the proposed redistricting plan and boundary line.) ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f3Tp-WFHqQ4EI5RxgToRDgX9qxUkIug1/view?usp=drive_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

• 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"

Franklin, MA: School Committee meeting Tuesday, Oct 8 at 7 PM

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for meeting Tuesday, Oct 8 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

October 8, 2024  7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. MS School Improvement Plan

B. FHS School Improvement Plan

III. Discussion/Action Items

A.   MS 2024-25 School Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the Middle Schools’ 2024-25 School Improvement Plan as presented.

B. FHS 2024-25 School Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the Franklin High Schools’ 2024-25 School Improvement Plan as presented.

C.   2025-26 Elementary Boundary Line Vote

I recommend approval of the 2025-26 Elementary Boundary Line as presented.

D. 2025-26 Davis Thayer Consideration Vote

I recommend consideration be given to the 25 former Davis Thayer students and their siblings enrolled in FPS K-5 elementary schools during the 2025-26 school year.

E.   MASC Resolutions

I recommend adoption of the following MASC Resolutions as discussed:

1. Increase Compulsory Attendance Age

2. Safe Storage Of Firearms

3. Aligning Taxing Authority With The Required Local Contribution

4. Fully Adjusting Chapter 70 Aid For Inflation

5. Equitable Funding For Non-Regional School Districts With High Transportation Costs

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Staffing Update

B. Transportation Update

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your September 24, 2024 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. JFK/Parmenter recurring Field Trip - Veteran’s Auditorium

I recommend approval of the request of Mary MacMurray to take Music students to the Veteran’s Auditorium, Providence, RI on May 21, 2025 (JFK) and May 23, 2025 for a concert as detailed.

C. JFK Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,325.00 from the JFK PCC for field trips as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21 3. To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental

effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares

XI. Adjournment

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info -> 

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4900497/SCAGENDA_10-8-24.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for meeting Tuesday, Oct 8 at 7 PM

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for Sep 24, 2024 meeting

Franklin School Committee 

September 24, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

 

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. 2024-25 Elementary School Improvement Plans

B. 2024-25 ECDC School Improvement Plan

C. District Reorganization Timeline & Storyboard/Elementary Boundary Line Recommendation

III. Discussion/Action Items

A.   2024-25 Elementary School Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the 2024-25 Elementary School Improvement Plans as presented.

B.   2024-25 ECDC School Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the 2024-25 ECDC School Improvement Plans as presented.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. MA Organization of Educational Collaborative (MOEC) Annual Report

B. Transportation Update

C. Staffing Update

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your September 10, 2024 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B.   JFK Gifts

I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $647.00 as follows:

$525.00  JFK PCC Field Trips

$122.00 Bunce & Nelson Families Supplemental Supplies

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21 3. To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental 

effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares

X. Adjournment

The agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4856277/SCAGENDA_9-24-24.pdf

Franklin School Committee spends 85 minutes in Executive session, hears District Improvement Plan and approves (audio)

FM #1278 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1278 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Sep 10, 2024. 7 members participated, 6 in chambers, 1 was remote (Gallagher).

Quick recap:

• The meeting had an Executive Session to review a grievance and discuss negotiation strategy. While it was anticipated to be short, the session did extend 85 minutes before the meeting resumed in public session. (Note: the executive session 85 minutes of nothing was removed from the audio and replaced with a brief musical piece to indicate the transition)

• The District Improvement Plan was presented and approved (by a 7-0 via roll call vote)

• Redistricting update - proposed district alignment scheduled to be shared via a "Storymap" before the next meeting and then explained fully during the Sep 28 meeting with a vote to approve the alignment of the new schools scheduled for the first October meeting. Email and multiple methods of communication to share the storymap

• The appointment of Rose Turco to represent the Schools to the Franklin TV Board of Directors was approved (by a 7-0 via roll call vote)

• Hiring update filled 57 positions, 4 teacher vacancies, 8 additional resignations (since the August 27 meeting). Mostly from building subs and ESPs. Not usual to have this many early in the school year. Instability of budget is a factor in the leaving and hiring process

• Consent agenda was approved  (by a 7-0 via roll call vote)

The recording runs about 1 hour & 45 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1278-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-09-10-24/

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQzZjD3f45k    Note: the SchCmte enters Executive Session at about 17:50 and return to open session at 1:42:00

The agenda doc ->

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4809590/SCAGENDA_9-10-24.pdf 

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/september-10%2C-2024-meeting-packet/701015 

The photo album capturing the slides shared can be found ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/FcT4bkT37XE4sqK28 

My notes captured in one PDF can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BKsnE9XEkWJGWXtfDt2V_fNS-FOe84jd/view?usp=drive_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"