Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda for Nov 14, 2023 meeting

Franklin School Committee

November 14, 2023 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order            Mr. Giguere

Organizational Meeting

• Election of Chair
• Election of Vice Chair

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills TBD

C. Payroll TBD

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. FHS Highlights

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Policy 2nd Reading/Adoption

I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:

HA – Negotiations Goals

HB – Negotiations Legal Status

HF – SC Negotiating Agents  

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_policy_2nd_read-adoption_3.pdf

B. Boys Varsity Lacrosse Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Lou Verrochi, Chris Baker & Kevin McCarthy to take the Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team to Long Island, NY on April 15-17, 2024 to participate in 3 Lacrosse Games as detailed.  

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_lacrosse_trip.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. BICO Quarterly Report  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/bico-quarterly_report_-_september_2023.pdf

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 of the October 24, 2023 meeting as detailed.

B. Parmenter Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $3571.70 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips as detailed.

C. Music Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $1640.00 from Music Parents for in-house enrichment as detailed.

D. Keller Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $3499.10 from the Keller 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. Adjournment

The agenda doc contains remote participation info ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_11-14-23.pdf

The meeting packet folder can be found ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-14-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda for Nov 14, 2023 meeting

Franklin School Committee closes out this session on Tuesday, Oct 24 (video)

The Franklin School Committee met on Tuesday Oct 24, 2023 as scheduled. It was the final session of this term for the four members not returning.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yFyTANzPoY

Agenda doc-> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_10-24-23.pdf

Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-24-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting, Oct 24, 2023 at 7 PM

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting, Oct 24, 2023 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

October 24, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

“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 Ms. Spencer

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. McNeill

C. Payroll Ms. Spencer

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Orlando Boys Basketball Tournament Proposal

B. Superintendent’s Goals

III. Discussion/Action Items

A.   Orlando Boys Basketball Tournament Trip

I recommend approval of the request of CJ Neely to take the Boys Basketball team to Orlando, Florida from December 26 to December 30, 2023 for the KSA Basketball Tournament as presented.

B.   Superintendent’s Goals

I recommend approval of the Superintendent’s Goals as presented.

C. MASC Resolutions

I recommend approval of the MASC Resolutions as discussed.

D. Policy - First Readings

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

HA - Negotiations Goals

HB - Negotiations Legal Status HF - SC Negotiating Agent

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. October 1 Enrollment 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 10, 2023 meeting as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

Agenda doc-> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_10-24-23.pdf

Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-24-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting, Oct 24, 2023 at 7 PM

School Committee hears of the ECDC Improvement plan and need for space (video & audio)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday evening at 7 PM in the Council Chambers. All 7 members were present for this penultimate session for this group. (With Nov 7 election, 3 members will return and there will be 4 new members).

Quick recap:

• Superintendent's report. FHS game for thanksgiving at Fenway Park, tickets through Red Sox. Professional dev 10/18 and an early release day, Nov 7 full professional dev (election day)
• Anticipating approx. 40 students from the migrant housing enrolled in school by end of this week. State providing funding to compensate
• Hiring, a few positions; open 1 special Ed, 7 special Ed aids, (other info being shared)
• Joint Budget Subcmte meeting Weds 10/11 at 5:30 PM, planning on an update on the currentFY24 budget. Some info to be shared with SchCom before meeting (as it will be public during the evening session). Anticipating quarterly disbursement from State on migrant funding
• ECDC School Improvement Plan up next. Andy Bernabei, new principal, came in from Marlboro. Appreciated the help from his staff in making his transition. (Copy of presentation likely added to School page on Weds) new curriculum at ECDC (Note: as of Thursday morning, presentation copy not yet available)
• Coordinate with Library and Senior Center for resources and event space. Looking to develop the relationship with Dean as well. Did meet with FHS to coordinate with students in early childhood program
• Did add 2 classes last year, another this year at ECDC, have hired all the positions required. It is good educationally as well as financially, never mind required by law
• Rolling enrollment at preschool has some real challenges with capacity and delivering appropriate services. The space issues will be addressed during the strategic long range facility planning process.
• Has used a 2 step process, visit and play, a couple months later come back for the evaluation; this tends to bring students in with appropriate prep and usually less special Ed plans required. Do have sufficient peer students for the IEP students, do have afternoon capacity
• In recognition of listening, they did explore providing lunch for the students who do both morning and afternoon sessions, survey revealed about 70 families expressed interest so it is being provided by the complex kitchen (157 students in total attendance)
• School Cmte entered executive session not to return to open meeting for negotiation reasons

Franklin TV video ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyKoaGXMfr8

Agenda doc  ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_10-10-23.pdf

My notes captured during session ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uzqOqkpKeV7VjHxAcrdFhc8Cfpx3qrxR/view?usp=drive_link

Packet folder for meeting docs ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-10-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1075-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-10-10-23

School Committee hears of the ECDC Improvement plan and need for space (video & audio)

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - Tuesday, Oct 10, 2023 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

October 10, 2023  7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order      Ms. Spencer

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. McNeill

C. Payroll Ms. Spencer

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. ECDC School Improvement Plan

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. ECDC SIP

I recommend approval of the ECDC School Improvement Plan as presented.

B. Establish Activity Accounts

I recommend approval of establishing activity accounts, for the purpose of

fundraising, for the following current clubs: Model UN, Southeast Asian Club,

and Board and Games Club as discussed.

C. MASC Delegate Nomination

I recommend nominating Mr. Al Charles to serve as the MASC delegate for the

Franklin School Committee as discussed.

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 September 26, 2023 meeting as

detailed.

B. JFK Gifts

I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,466.27 from the JFK PCC as

follows:

$1,225.00 JFK PCC Field Trips

$ 241.27 Christina Pamarico Supplemental Supplies

C. Parmenter Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,933.10 from the Parmenter PCC for

supplemental supplies as detailed.

VI. Good of the Order

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, Section 21 (a) (3) for the purpose of discussing

strategy as it relates to collective bargaining with the Franklin Cafeteria Union, as

an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the

Committee, as declared by the Chair.

X. Adjournment

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_10-10-23.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - Tuesday, Oct 10, 2023 at 7 PM

School Committee hears of and approves the District Improvement Plan & FHS trip to Far East in 2025 (audio)

FM #1061 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1061 in the series. 

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 as scheduled.  Six members were present (1 absent - Bernstein).

Quick recap

• Update from Superintendent Giguere on school opening, so far good, academic year has opened in heat which everyone worked through, over 800 faculty, over 4600 students

• Successfully hired all teachers, down to 11 ESPs needed, 2 open spots for interventionists, thanks to all who were part of the process

• Migrant housing update: refers to the press release, DESE also alerted District, families joining on a staggered basis, approx. 25 school age children with the families already housed, collaborating to enroll, register and get them welcomed to the schools, funding assistance to be provided, dollars remain unconfirmed. Updates to be provided as info is available

• Introductions of the new administrators from around the district

• Next up, the district improvement plan (DIP), slides not yet posted to the meeting folder, so pix will be captured for an album to be shared as we go https://photos.app.goo.gl/LxQbpaU4Ft8qPFS86   

• Committee members asked and received clarifications on points made during the DIP presentation, in the action items, the DIP was approved as presented by 6-0-1 (6 for, none against, 1 absent)

• Presentation on a proposed trip to Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand for spring of 2025. Presentation copy can be found   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_vietnam-cambodia-thailand_trip.pdf   

• motion to approve trip as presented was seconded and passed by 6-0-1

• Consent agenda was recommended for approval and it passed by 6-0-1

• A round of updates from the various subcommittees on meetings held and or scheduled (details in the video and in my notes)

Let’s listen to the School Committee meeting of Sep 12. 

The total meeting audio runs about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1061-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-09-12-23

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School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/G-8ECoHrh8M?si=r9hZow6Jim8WXGxS&t=59 

Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-12-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet 

Agenda doc & remote participation info ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_9-12-23.pdf 

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting and then in a single PDF for easy reading https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QdkJB2fxemPuN_nCWV6Dmq9tdc_QQsIh/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 franklin.news/ or Franklinmatters.org/

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"

school co

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for Sep 12, 2023 Meeting

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for Sep 12, 2023 Meeting

Franklin School Committee

September 12, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Ms. Spencer

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. McNeill

C. Payroll Ms. Spencer

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Introduce new Administrators

B. District Improvement Plan

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Vietnam/Cambodia/Thailand Trip - Chris Penza

I recommend approval of the request of Chris Penza to take FHS students to

Vietnam/Cambodia/Thailand in April, 2025 as detailed.  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NGGLzLL4kKSD0n6Z2DgyzT9ZAXb7feFs/view?usp=drive_link

B. 23-24 District Improvement Plan

I recommend approval of the 23-24 District Improvement Plan as presented.

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 August 22, 2023 meeting as

detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Adjournment

Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-12-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Agenda doc & remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_9-12-23.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for Sep 12, 2023 Meeting

School Committee approves updates to school handbooks, sets new date for FHS graduation as May 31, 2024 (audio)

FM #1045 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1045 in the series. 

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 as scheduled.  Six members were present (1 absent - Whitmore).

Quick recap

• Several updates, including personnel hiring status, were provided by Superintendent Lucas Giguere

• In the first of 2 Discussion/Actions items, the 2023-24 Student & Family Handbook Approval was received. Among the elementary and middle school changes most were housekeeping, minor corrections, updates to names and roles, etc. Most of the principals were available either in person or via Zoom for questions.

• FHS Principal Josh Hanna spent some time on the updates to the high school handbook to address the Credit Attendance policy, Updated Cell Phone / Electronic Device policy, Updated Academic Dishonesty (Artificial Dishonesty), and Clarity around Bathroom Use policy

• Principal Hanna and Supt Giguere also spent time explaining the rationale behind the graduation date change. It had initial been set as the "first Friday in June" as that was the standard, then as they looked at the calendar and how the weeks and other school events (MCAS among them) fell, it made sense to change it. The Committee approved

Let’s listen to the School Committee meeting of August 22. 

The total meeting audio runs about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1045-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-08-22-23

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School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

The agenda doc 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_8-22-23.pdf

The packet folder can be found ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-22-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet  (Note some docs are scheduled to be updated after the meeting)

YouTube link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/OKz4ioRKmxM

My notes can be found in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VFNh0WlWJbVT4gRJwod5ULotPRs-nhbV/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 franklin.news/ or Franklinmatters.org/

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"

School Committee approves updates to school handbooks

School Committee approves updates to school handbooks, sets new date for FHS graduation as May 31, 2024 (video)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Aug 22, 2023. 6 of the 7 members were present (Whitmore absent).

Quick recap

• Several updates, including personnel hiring status, were provided by Superintendent Lucas Giguere
• In the first of 2 Discussion/Actions items, the 2023-24 Student & Family Handbook Approval was received. Among the elementary and middle school changes most were housekeeping, minor corrections, updates to names and roles, etc. Most of the principals were available either in person or via Zoom for questions.
• FHS Principal Josh Hanna spent some time on the updates to the high school handbook to address the Credit Attendance policy, Updated Cell Phone / Electronic Device policy, Updated Academic Dishonesty (Artificial Dishonesty), and Clarity around Bathroom Use policy
• Principal Hanna and Supt Giguere also spent time explaining the rationale behind the graduation date change. It had initial been set as the "first Friday in June" as that was the standard, then as they looked at the calendar and how the weeks and other school events (MCAS among them) fell, it made sense to change it. The Committee approved

The agenda doc 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_8-22-23.pdf

The packet folder can be found ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-22-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet  (Note some docs are scheduled to be updated after the meeting)

YouTube link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/OKz4ioRKmxM

My notes can be found in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VFNh0WlWJbVT4gRJwod5ULotPRs-nhbV/view?usp=drive_link

School Committee approves updates to school handbooks