Franklin, MA School Committee - Agenda - Sep 14, 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 - none
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Administrator Introductions
B. 2021-2022 District and School improvement Plans   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/copy_of_dip_sip_initiatives_to_sc_2021-2022.pdf   and  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip-2021-22.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. 2021-2022 District and School Improvement Plans Approval
I recommend approval of the 2021-2022 District and School Improvement plans as detailed.
B. Franklin TV Board Appointment
I recommend the appointment of Dr. Anne Bergen and Rose Turco to the Franklin TV Board of Directors.
C. Superintendent’s Evaluation
The chair recommends approval of the Superintendent’s Evaluation as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. Back to School Status Update 9-10-21   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/back_to_school_status_update_september_10_2021_0.pdf

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 minutes from the August 24, 2021 School Committee meeting as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Atty. Pond-Pfeffer

X. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the Non-Union Personnel as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

XI. Adjournment

Remote connection info in agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_9-14-21.pdf

Franklin, MA School Committee - Agenda - Sep 14, 2021

FM #591 & 592 - School Committee Meeting - 08/24/21 - audio recording in 2 parts

FM #591 & 592 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 591 & 592 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, August 24, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: the School Committee members were in the Municipal Bldg along with some of the public, other members of the public joined via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The recording runs about an hour and forty eight minutes (1 hour 48 minutes), so I split the meeting into two segments:

• First - covers the opening, the handbook updates, and re-opening status (~56 mins)

• Second - covers the citizens comments on the masking policy from DESE, the consent agenda, through to the closing of the meeting (~53 mins)

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting Aug 24, 2021

 

Part 1 -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5f222fa5-c28e-4fea-990e-c82a38fadb91

Part 2 -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/78bb69ef-d83c-49e9-9562-dd85585b60af

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

School Committee Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sc-agenda-8-24-21

 

Agenda folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-24-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

My notes captured during the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/recap-school-committee-meeting-82421.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 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 #591 & 592 - School Committee Meeting - 08/24/21 - audio recording in 2 parts

Recap: School Committee meeting - 8/24/21

Quick Recap:

• The School Committee voted to adjust the agenda removing the mask policy from discussion for now as the DESE decision on masks was made earlier during the day and takes precedence. Comment time was provided and extended to accommodate the antivaccine folks
• In regular business, the handbooks modified for this school year were approved unanimously. Health and Safety was split into a separate section to acknowledge the COVID-19 protocols, With the approval, the handbooks will be distributed to the families in advance of school opening this year.
• Chair Bergen took a couple of minutes to thank those who have taken out papers to run for School Committee, letting them know this is an apolitical position, separate from the Town in many ways, there is an 8 hour course required to provide insights on how to operate successfully and legally within the guidelines. A good thing to make folks aware of. At least one successful candidate last time was even aware of the two meeting a month commitment until after they were elected. It is better to be prepared.

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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  #schcom0824 

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0824&src=typeahead_click 

 

Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sc-agenda-8-24-21

 

Agenda folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-24-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

 

• Live reporting underway the School Committee meeting tonight. #schcom0824
• Agenda item on masking for students taken off agenda given DESE action earlier today. #schcom0824
• Citizen comment on the poor audio internal in the Chambers last week for the Policy subcommittee meeting was held #schcom0824
• Superintendent's report, doc shared the day after the meeting; new faculty orientation this week, approx. 35 participating. Q prior on surplus text where to go? Places/orgs defined. #schcom0824
• Thanks to the custodial and facility staff for their work to prep for opening, DPW for work on the grounds, Technology for their work preparing equipment for this year Motion and second to remove the policy items from agenda, passes 7-0 #schcom0824
• Accept collaborative update, superintendent represents the district req to create a fund for capital accounts, students go out of district, about 10 students participate in accept training; Pfeffer has a host of questions; Q's answered motion passes 6-0-1 (stokes recuses)
• Handbook updates provided by Giguere in coordination with the school vice principals (and legal review), health and safety in a separate section of handbooks, free lunch for all students this year. #schcom0824
• Health and safety section: https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/health-info-memo. And presentation doc https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/health-pres  #schcom0824
• Highlights in the presentation cover changes from last year to this #schcom0824 Info from DESE expected on masks and social distancing - no minimum standard to go for this year. Lunch will be hard, K-8 easier than FHS
• Testing options proposed #schcom0824 sub coverage for staff is a potential worry (as it was last year)
• Visitors will be allowed this year and monitored carefully #schcom0824 clarification on a few points around the presentation and discussion Chair Bergen provides insights on background before the comment section (20 mins)
• Parent comment on dissatisfaction with #schcom0824; parent of student with IEP and issues with mask and speech; parent says there is no room for mandate; parent upset with mask as incentive for vaccine and 80% as the requirement; parent (via zoom) (with poor connection)
• #schcom0824 parent wants to get the info out on the testing are they authorized tests? Or emergency authorized?; Parent commending SchComm for their work; parent respectfully disagrees with other speakers who claimed they included her; difference between tests/ timing of exposure
• Bridget Sweet, Board of Health Chair, acknowledges working with the School district to work with the guidelines from DESE. Asking to take heart that the BoH is doing what is best for everyone #schcom0824
• Parent asking for school work for those who are out under quarantine; #schcom0824 parent says no evidence for folks with masks and learning effects, need real metrics for when it will end; Superintendent responds on 3 points, goal the same, measures may differ ...
• 1 things are fluid, there will be updates, 2 binex now (?) is an antigen test and a nasal swab. The committee vote on the handbook as discussed, moved and second, passes 7-0 #schcom0824
• Back to school report https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/status-update-8-20-21 #schcom0824 Hockomock League still working on the sports protocol Still active in hiring, job fair had 15 candidates appeared last night, getting close to closing in on staff for this year
• Info matters - Jumped back to new hiring list, clarification how and why, can they be supported by the budget! Yes, they are backfills for existing roles Policy to set meeting, with DESE guidance to be reviewed #schcom0824 thanks to those setting up to run for SchComm
• 8 hour course required for SchComm, apolitical role, separate from town, #schcom0824 Next meeting, district improvement plan, etc. Motion on 8/10 minutes, second, passes 6-0-1 (Jen abstains) Consent agenda, motion to accept, seconded, passes 7-0
• Motion to adjourn , passes 7-0 That's all for tonight, catch you next time! #schcom0824

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

Superintendent Ahern updating the SchComm without her mask at the request of one member who couldn't hear her with the mask

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 24, 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. none

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Policy - Waiving 1st reading
I recommend waiving the First Reading of Policy EBCFA Face Coverings as discussed.
B. Policy Adoption
I recommend adopting policy EBCFA - Face Coverings as discussed.
C. ACCEPT Collaborative Capital Reserve
I recommend the approval of the creation of ACCEPT’s Capital Reserve with a balance limit of $1,000,000 for the purpose of accumulating funds for the acquisition, maintenance and improvement of capital items.
D. School Handbooks and Back to School Health and Safety
I recommend approval of the school handbooks as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. Back to School Status Update - 8-20-21
B. Summary of New Hires

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 minutes from the August 10, 2021 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
C. FHS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $901.90 from Stop & Shop for supplemental supplies at FHS as detailed.
D. Jefferson Donation
I recommend acceptance of the donation of furniture (valued at $3,350.00) from Cardi’s Furniture for the Jefferson Teacher’s Room.
E. Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,287.50 from music parents for in-house enrichment as detailed.
F. Student Activity Accounts
I recommend approval of the 2021-22 Student Activity Accounts as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Atty. Pond-Pfeffer

X. Adjournment

meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-24-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

Agenda doc with connection info ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sc-agenda-8-24-21

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 24, 2021

FM #571 - School Committee Meeting - 06/22/21 (audio)

FM #571 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 571 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 22, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee members were in the Municipal Bldg, other members joined the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. My notes taken during the meeting are also provided.

The recording runs about 1 hour and forty eight minutes (1 hour 48 minutes), so let’s listen to the School Committee meeting for June 22. 
 

Audio link -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/054ee453-9534-4cbb-8ffe-5668e76e4482

--------------
School Committee agenda document - https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-6-22-21
 
Meeting packet folder - https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-22-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

My notes captured during the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/recap-school-committee-good-work-and.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 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 #571 - School Committee Meeting - 06/22/21 (audio)

Recap - School Committee - good work and progress highlighted room for opportunity on communications remains as school year closes

Quick Recap:

• Update on the Virtual learning academy (VLA) provided. This 'virtual school' served the remote students for all the elementary schools and without explicitly saying so found disparity among the different schools by grade level and brought the students to a good place for this challenging year. Interesting stat - 270 students started the year, 220 finished (50 went into school with return of in person learning).
• Update on the District Improvement Plan for their diversity, inclusion and equity work highlights the need for additional communications as many in the community were unaware of this work being done with a cross section of stakeholder representation. For a recent example, the FHS incident report was shared only with the direct FHS community and not the broader Franklin community
• Davis Thayer transition moves to next phase as building materials, etc. get determined to move or whatever. Decision to turn building over to Town is still a future item, timeline TBD.
• Workshop planned for July session in place of regular meeting, discussion of an outside audit a possible topic to find out what we have, where we could be and plan accordingly. The 3rd party view would augment the info provided to the Committee

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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

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/F9uRGSN6ejSb3GkR8

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom0608

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0608&src=typeahead_click 

 

Agenda document - https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-6-22-21

 

Meeting packet folder - https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-22-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

 

• Real time reporting underway for the School Committee meeting, last one of this school year #schcom0622

Virtual Learning Academy update

• Presentation on the virtual learning academy https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/vla #schcom0622
• VLA started with 270 students and when in person returned they only dropped to about 220. #schcom0622
• Digital learning integrationists were invaluable to the academy. #schcom0622
• Overview of the VLA a testament to creativity, collaboration of the teachers, etc. #schcom0622
• More slides from presentation deck #schcom0622
• The VLA principal also did a guest role sharing experience from a prior role as a park ranger at the Badlands Natl Pk. #schcom0622
• What was a favorite part of school? A sample of the results #schcom0622
• 4th grade one word response to the school year #schcom0622

District Improvement Plan - goals update

• Next up district improvement goals update on SEL and related topics #schcom0622 (a cool practice to take a few collective breaths)
• Presentation deck for this update so you can follow along https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sel.
•  #schcom0622#schcom0622 SEL site reference with monthly focus points https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net
• Counseling is a growing need #schcom0622
• Staff support via professional Development #schcom0622
• Monitoring to ensure effective delivery, along with check-in #schcom0622
• Diversity update #schcom0622
• Diversity next steps #schcom0622
• SEL and school safety, some of the protocol will remain, #schcom0622
• Feedback from students received to enhance the handbook with relatable language and examples of what some of the violations would be. #schcom0622 make it in more of kid friendly language

Discussion action items

• Discussion action items, https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/d1-policy #schcom0622 motion to move to second reading, passes 7-0

Reopening status

• Next up, reopening status https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/status-update-6-18-21 #schcom0622 COVID pool testing ends with the closure of school. DESE updated requirements for summer school in regards to masks, encouraged for unvaccinated; clinic last week for middle schools, 120 first vaccines

Information matters

• Information matters, reminder in budget brochure to be shared; policy meeting July 28; workshop at July 27 meeting in lieu of regular meeting #schcom0622 Next meeting July 13, mostly routine things; raising possible outside audit for workshop discussion
• Dr Bergen comments on last day of school year. #schcom0622

Consent agenda

• Consent agenda motion to approve, seconded, desire to split them as D'Angelo was not part of the two meetings, she abstains from both of those separate votes; other three combined passes 6-0 (Spencer left) via roll call #schcom0622
• Motion to adjourn, passes 6-0 via roll call That's all for tonight, catch you next time!

  

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

good work and progress highlighted room for opportunity on communications remains as school year closes