Recap: Economic Development Subcommittee - discussion on housing plan and requirements for home based businesses

Quick Recap:

• The housing production plan was reviewed and discussed. Key among the actions is to further obtain any and all citizen input/comment by June 25 and update this draft. The revised plan would then be approved by Planning Board and Town Council before being submitted to the State for acceptance.
• Key to specific items to address the housing would be the zoning assessment. This analysis would provide an objective 3rd party view on what we have and what we could do to allow for appropriate and affordable housing
• Discussion on home based businesses. Good to boot strap a concept, Health Dept is ok with food production as long as the ServeSafe and other related food prep requirements are adhered to. The wrinkle comes with handling the sewer waste and implementation of a grease trap which can be expensive.
• The Town is not prepared for how to address this opportunity. More research is required which they will conduct during the next couple of months and bring back to Subcommittee for further discussion.

----
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  #edc0616
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Edc0616&src=typed_query 

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/AayFgpTfmSzB3Y2w9

• EDC meeting to begin soon, awaiting quorum #edc0616
  
• Without quorum, may at least open meeting and have a discussion. #fincom0616
  
• Quorum achieved (with virtual participation of Frongillo and Bissanti), EDC meeting opens at 7:09 PM. #edc0616
  
• Chair Hamblen opens meeting, reads protocol statement, #fincom0616 First item, housing production plan for discussion if needed, plan can be found https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_housing_production_plan_-_may_2021_public_draft.pdf 
  
• Feedback sought as part of the draft review process. #fincom0616
  
• Cool to be back in Municipal Bldg, Planner Amy Love provides an overview of the plan, similar to what was presented earlier in Housing Trust meeting #edc0616
  
• My notes from that (Municipal Affordable Housing Trust) meeting, for the record, can be found https://franklinmatters.org/2021/06/recap-municipal-affordable-housing.html?m=1 #edc0616
  
• Difference in accounting between apartment and residential units, all apartments count if only a smaller # are affordable; for owned residential units only the # affordable apply to the housing rate (i.e. 6 of 30, only the 6 - if apartments, 6 of 30 all 30 count) condos ->
• Condos count as owned units so only the # would count (like other owned residential, not like apartments). #edc0616 What is considered affordable for Franklin? Major issue
  
• Development costs are hire, art zoning would need to have incentives to allow the developers to make the money back that they give up making some of the units affordable. #edc0616
  
• Multiple discussion points on affordable and how to tackle it, the new housing behind Eaton Place will help but it won't be online soon (still needs funding) #edc0616
  
• Motion to move housing plan forward to planning board and to Council for approval incorporating the changes and comments #edc0616 passes 4-0 via roll call.
  
• Moving to home occupied businesses for next part of discussion. #edc0616
  
• How do you permit a bootstrap business from a home, some i.e. kitchens can pose health concerns, others may have traffic/delivery issues for neighbors. #edc0616 permit some level of production up to which they're good, beyond that next level up. ZBA may be an option
  
• In commercial areas, need to protect the sewer system, with grease traps, when blockages occur it stops things and that is not good. Title 5 systems are built for 3 or 4 bedrooms not commercial industry business. #edc0616 who acts the agent for volume?
  
• We can't use the ZBA or planning board and their temporary benevolence, if something is good, let's make it right. #edc0616 strict guidelines on food prep, zoning is the issue in the case of chocolate bars (as the talking point example)
  
• let's provide some time to research, see what others are doing, Boston is a whole different system. #edc0616 what might work, what would be some controls, there is no capacity at Charles River. we do need to consider the big picture of affordability
  
• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 4-0 via roll call #fincom0616 

Audio file to be available in a couple of days

discussion on housing plan and requirements for home based businesses

FM #500 - School Committee Meeting - 03/23/21 - P3 of 3 - Discussion action items to Closing

FM #500 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 500 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Mar 23, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee members, Central Office personnel, and key guests were in the Council Chambers; the remainder, along with the public, were remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

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

• First - covers the school budget public hearing (approx. 1 hour and 27 minutes)
• Second - pick up the regular meeting and Jefferson presentation (approx. 43 mins)
• *** Third - from the discussion action items through to the end of the public meeting (approx. 39 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting.
Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Mar 23, 2021

Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d2c99e57-3641-47ac-a1a7-58ab749ad3a9

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

Agenda doc   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-3-23-21 

Budget presentation  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy22_public_budget_hearing_presentation_1.pdf 

Budget information   https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy2022-budget 

Jefferson presentation doc  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/jefferson_presentation_to_the_school_committee_3-23-21.pdf 

Meeting packet folder https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/march-23-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes from the meeting  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/recap-school-committee-meeting-mar-23.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" 

 

FM #500 - School Committee Meeting - 03/23/21 - P3 of 3 - Discussion action items to Closing

"We should think about public safety the way we think about public health"

"Reimagine safety
A project of the Editorial Board, in conversation with outside voices."

"But the fiercest and potentially most consequential debate is over mounting a more fundamental response to these tragically familiar incidents. The discussion has been dominated by disagreements over the meaning and merit of “defunding the police.” Some interpretations of the provocative slogan are concerning, but as we wrote over the summer, the mantra is helpful as shorthand for an essential truth: We need to reimagine public safety.

Today, community activists and law enforcement officers who see eye to eye on precious little agree on this: We rely too much on the police. From the proverbial cat stuck in a tree to an armed hostage crisis, police are the first port of call for a dizzying array of dilemmas. In the words of a former Dallas police chief, “Every societal failure, we put it off on the cops to solve. Not enough mental health funding, let the cops handle it. … Here in Dallas we got a loose dog problem; let’s have the cops chase loose dogs. Schools fail, let’s give it to the cops. … That’s too much to ask. Policing was never meant to solve all those problems.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/interactive/2021/reimagine-safety/?itid=hp_op-project-full-width

A good pre-read before participating in the Community Conversation scheduled for March 24 on Police Reform

 

For info on the Community Conversations: Police Reform visit:

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/community-conversation-on-police-reform.html

 

 

"We should think about public safety the way we think about public health"

Pantherbook: "many students feel that the topic is ignored by the town’s residents"

"For anybody who hasn’t already seen Jame’s Fredrick’s video “A Roundtable Discussion of Racism in Franklin,” it’s definitely worth a watch.

The video documents a discussion organized by Diversity Awareness Club President Ndoumbe Ndoye and Town Council Member Cobi Frongillo, where many FHS students of color met together to share their experiences growing up in predominantly white Franklin. 

Students recounted times when they had been insulted or felt unwelcome in their community because of the color of their skin.

Students have experienced both overt racism, such as use of racial slurs and hate speech, and more casual and ingrained racism."

Learn more about the discussion that raised awareness of racism in Franklin here:
https://t.co/YoT0LceNcy

Direct link to the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XwBOqz_e9Zs

FM #460 - School Committee Meeting (P3 of 3): Pool testing to meeting close (audio)

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Feb 9, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a virtual format: all of the School Committee members, Central Office personnel, along with the public were remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just over two hour and twenty minute meeting into three logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the Annie Sullivan presentation (approx. 41 minutes)
• Second - Discussion - Action items covering the Davis Thayer closing discussion and vote (approx. 43 mins)
• *** Third ***  from Discussion Only items (pool testing) through to the end of the public meeting (approx. 59 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet nor is the pool testing outline)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Feb 9, 2021

Audio file = https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/f99f9ae6-ea6d-44c8-a3d1-d3b34de0779e/fm-460-schoolcomm-mtg-20210209-p3of3.mp3

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

Agenda doc
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/franklin-ma-school-committee-meeting.html

Meeting packet folder 
https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-9-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/school-committee-votes-to-close-davis.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/ 

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 #460 - School Committee Meeting (P3 of 3): Pool testing to meeting close (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
 

----
 
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

“listening deeply enough to be changed by what you learn"

Sustained dialogue (SD). This sounds like something that would need to happen constructively to work through some difficult conversations. It is. 

 

"The Sustained Dialogue Institute helps people to transform conflictual relationships and design change processes around the world. We define dialogue as “listening deeply enough to be changed by what you learn.” 

"SD is a unique change process which (1) focuses on transforming relationships that cause problems, create conflict, and block change; and (2) emphasizes the importance of effective change over time. 

Since transforming relationships requires an ongoing effort, SD gradually develops over a five-stage process. This multistage approach serves as a guidepost for SD programs and for those in conflict to create sustainable change in their relationships and communities."

Find out more about the Sustained dialogue approach  https://sustaineddialogue.org/our-approach/

 

Find out more about Sustained dialogue https://sustaineddialogue.org/about-us/

“listening deeply enough to be changed by what you learn"

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - Agenda - Jan 26, 2021

 Franklin School Committee 

January 26, 2021 - 7:00 P.M.

 

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.    7:30 Guests/Presentations
A.    HMMS School Highlight -- Ms. Rebecca Motte and Mr. Craig Williams

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/hmms_school_highlight_1-26-2021.pdf

 
B.    FHS Program of Study Update – Josh Hanna, Principal FHS

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/fhs-presentation
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/prog-studies-21-22

 

C.    Homework & Homework Policy – Dr. Joyce Edwards

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/homework-presentation-12621
 

III.    8:15 Discussion/Action Items
A.    2021-2022 School Calendar
I recommend approval of the 2021-2022 School Calendar as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-21-22-calendar

 

IV.    8:20 Discussion Only Items
A.    Reopening Status Update (January 22, 2021)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-status-update-12221

 

V.    8:40 Information Matters
A.    School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, 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, Franklin Racial & Social Justice Task Force)
 

VI.    9:00 New Business
A.    To discuss any future agenda items
 

VII.    Consent Agenda
A.    Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the January 12, 2021 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B.    Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/consent-action-b-transfers-4
C.    Remington Middle School Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,324.00 from Read-A-Thon for in-house enrichment at Remington Middle School as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/consent-c-rms
D.    Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,327.97 from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/consent-d-parm-0
 

VIII.    Payment of Bills    Dr. Bergen

IX.    Payroll    Ms. Pond-Pfeffer
 

X.    Executive Session
A) Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A §21(a)(2) to conduct strategy session in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel.
 

XI.    9:15 Adjournment 

 

Meeting packet folder containiing the doc released for this agenda

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-26-2021-school-committee-packet

 

 

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - Agenda - Jan 26, 2021

School Committee - Jan 12, 2021 - Meeting Recap

Quick Recap:

• Excellent presentation and overview from Oak St on their in school learning. At least one parent said while that is rosy, the 'at home' situation is not so
• Superintendent Ahern updated on new pool testing option available, sessions to explain further scheduled, need to respond back to DESE if we'd use it. Need to get a good (?) number to participate to make it worth while 
• Recommends community #DoYourPart in following protocols esp. with long weekend, and Feb vacation breaks coming up
  
• K-1 survey results revealed and discussion, situation summarized as a "dilemma" with no clear path forward other than more study
• Student Opportunity Act (SOA) plan approved; a formality as there is no SOA money from the State, but DESE wants this, so be it
• School Committee voted 5-2 to suspend athletics if district goes fully remote due to increase in COVID cases (how much more red than the red we are was not provided to trigger this move)
• Hold the date for the next Legislative forum now scheduled for March 2

 

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

https://photos.app.goo.gl/bkbJCUi4RhHQz3399

----

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  #schcom0112
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0112&src=typed_query

• I am ready for real time reporting of the School Committee meeting tonight at 7 PM #schcom0112 are you?
• #schcom0112 the packet folder with agenda and docs released for the meeting https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-12-2021-school-committee-packet
• Meeting opens, more than 70 participating via Zoom, another 9 on Live Stream, and xx? on the Verizon/Comcast cable channels #schcom0112
• Pool testing info received via email before meeting will be posted to FM page and shared after the meeting. Google doc link here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s3EKa7HViWSOtO9J-SFwVGiK-_K91a46/view?usp=drivesdk #schcom0112

Citizen Comments/FHS Updates

• #schcom0112 ELL teacher traveling between Jeff/Kennedy shares during citizen comments. FHS student updates: yearbook superlatives shared, diversity club active esp after Capitol incident; AP government doing a fantasy game on media coverage
• Class of 2022 doing a flocking fund raiser, winter sports teams off to a good start. #schcom0112 

Superintendent's report 

• superintendent's report - appeal to Community "Do your part" ; rumors/videos of additional parties, can't tell if FHS participated or they are current. Pls follow safety guides!
• 2nd re: travel on weekends, re MA order, requires 72 hour window for testing upon return, or quarantine. If testing before, can't count that test upon return, you need another one. #schcom0112 weekend ahead, Feb vacation and April coming. Test 5 days after return
• Hearing of cases thru contact tracing (which is good) but there is a lag in processing, if positive test please contact schools directly so action can be taken quickly. #schcom0112 image on pool testing. Note: participation up over 140
• Explanation of pool testing process, cost of pool testing less than normal, first 6 wks covered by DESE then local funds would be applied however sourced #schcom0112 professional development day on Weds, hence half day for students.
• Asked Q on time for logistics of admin for the testing, would seem to come from instruction, is DESE considering that relative to their interest in time on learning? #schcom0112
• Item in report Dr Edwards is retiring at end of school year. Will be missed and plans underway to backfill. More recognition later this year as other retirement are acknowledged. #schcom0112

Oak St presentation

• Oak St highlights for tonight's presentation, principal and others contributing for update #schcom0112 presentation doc link here = https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/oak_street_presentation_school_committee_1.12.21_1.pdf
• Vice principal updating on SEL (2 avoid misspelling will add names later, they shd be recognized but I can't type that fast!) #schcom0112  (Added to this as promised: Principal: Brad Hendrixson; Donna Krikorian, Assistant Principal)
• #schcom0112 how to greet by name and express feelings/emotions with a mask. (Catching up on slides, Principal in this batch) finding ways to partner students with remote and in person fostering learning
• Sue Egan, REACH program at Oak (note Mrs Sherlock has subbed pre-COVID in this program) #schcom0112 appreciative if 10 days prep to put program together in COVID protocol to help the students, they came 4 days a week (only ones in building at that time)
• Jenna Perro, first grade teacher, tells of take home bags put together on Weds (during prep time) for students to take home #schcom0112
• Katherine Nayler, 4th grade teacher, speaks also of the value of the planning time on Weds as critical to what happens elsewhere in the instruction #schcom0112 developing a growth mindset, relationship building, in person and across cohorts
• Google meet open during day so students remote can reach teacher, teachers are juggling between in person and remote. #schcom0112 one math game went well, so we'll students asked to play it again. Closing meeting includes a shout out from students, "they check on us a lot"

Discussion/action items

• Moving to discussion action items, IF FHS needed to go remote, prepared action for vote if it were to occur, such that sports would not be interrupted by a delay in #schcom0112 vote https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_fhs_athletics_plan_if_remote.pdf
• This vote would actually be allowing to suspend sports if necessary. Could move in or out of model based upon prior vote. #schcom0112 Q what is the metric to make this decision? Metrics available to go other way, but since we are red now, how red do we need to be?
• Most cases are in family transmission, if found to be within school environment, that would be a criteria. #schcom0112 would be a pretty extreme circumstance for FHS. More risk now with rising #s, sports competition indoors (basketball, hockey, etc.) and higher risk
• Rather have it and not needed, than not have it and need it. #schcom0112 motion to approve plan as discussed, seconded, via roll call passes 5-2. Motion on SOA plan as discussed, seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call
• Next up, personnel update https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/personnel-update-0. #schcom0112 hiring issues as not a big available pool of candidates HR Director Lisa Traynor provides updates # of retirement increasing as it goes, hard to tell if normal or COVID specific
• If anyone looking for nursing position, there are openings and can be filled right away. #schcom0112 K-1 survey summary presentation https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/k-1-survey-summary we all have a common goal, caution not to put parties against each other

K-1 survey summary

• While dissatisfaction expressed with hybrid, there was recognition of great work being done by teachers. #schcom0112 detailed overview of survey results, work with other staff to get their feedback req'd, would also require negotiations with union. A dilemma ...
• With in person returning eventually, and the work needed to be done on that, I read between the lines not doing more on this K-1 scenario. Priority maybe getting ready for return in person with vaccine. #schcom0112 Q what more info needed? Process needs to be followed
• Distancing vs disruption is the challenge, discussion continues to be worked towards. #schcom0112 "I was hoping the results would be more clear but they are not" Issues with current hybrid can't be fully solved as is, never mind 'worsening' it with new scenarios
• Newsletter out today to help provide support for parents to help teachers on literacy, i.e independent reading practice. Also on math work and SEL single biggest request was for planning time, grade level development planned to share resources across the schools #schcom0112
• Responding to the planning time request is not going to be one and done, needs to be on going. #schcom0112 DESE just issued a webinar series for K-3 teachers. Have been cleared on learning time currently, i.e. meeting required hours.
• #schcom0112 Q are we going to see a clear plan on how to move forward? There will be work done, plans to come forward, pool testing, vaccine distribution expected, there is a lot going on. There is inequity in the buildings and inequity in service delivery in some scenarios
• rising case counts create added pressure, an increase in VLA would require additional hiring (which is already a problem) #schcom0112 suggestion, could use the data points collected this far to bring in those students 'behind' to benefit a 4 day in person?

Reopening status

• Moving to reopening status https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-status-update-1721 #schcom0112 additional staff in quarantine due to either student cases or family members. 41 of the 128 had been in buildings in prior 7 days DESE #s will differ
• MCAS testing changes this spring, staffing concerns covered earlier, FHS complex nearing completion on AC upgrade/purifiers, vaccine process starts for first responders on the 13th and 20th at the high school gym. #schcom0112 opening for public comment limited for 3 mins

Public comments

• Donna Grady, K teacher and president of teachers union. I understand the frustration around not getting an answer. We are forgetting we are in the middle of a pandemic, even in school it is not normal, #s are down now because of hybrid. When they go, they will spread #schcom0112
• "Educators do not do this to be first responders" #schcom0112 what is the overall goal? Bring back K-1, bring back all? Let's decide so it helps our discussion. Not clear on what info we need, what is it that is good for Franklin? Parmenter closed Monday, and now 4 rest of week
• "we can't help our high needs students" #schcom0112 "we are doing our best" students are making progress, same as normal time, probably not. "Logistically it is a nightmare" "while I appreciate the rosy picture of Oak St, the at home experience is not so rosy"
• "If we need to find additional planning time, don't take it from synchronous teaching time" #schcom0112 "a silver lining is that the school Committee meeting is virtual so I can participate" please continue. "Don't give up on finding a solution"
• #schcom0112 "not comfortable about the shorter distances" multigenerational families "would rather have all stay alive and stay healthy" so we can be together again "there is a way to do this without being in 5 days a week"
• #schcom0112 speak to the real effect on the staff. DESE as of Jan 6, 35/100k. 253/75k. A factor of ten more teachers with COVID per DESE #s in comparison to Franklin #s, " the numbers support their concerns" Budget Subcommittee 1/14, Community relations met last week

Information updates/closing

• Legislative forum scheduled for March 2, will be virtual. Policy meeting next on 1/21. DT Subcommittee meeting 1/14 #schcom0112 why review of the agenda before the meeting? To review or change the order or take something off
• New business, update on FHS, homework update, vote on next school year calendar. Consent agenda https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-12-2021-school-committee-packet #schcom0112 motion, seconded, passes 6-0 (1 left early)
• Motion to enter executive session, not to return to public meeting seconded, passes 6-0 via roll call. #schcom0112 That's all for tonight, catch you next time! 

 

School Committee - Jan 12, 2021 - Meeting Recap

COVID-19 vaccine discussion on wfpr.fm - Monday, Dec 28

Given the recent vaccine news from both Pfizer and Moderna, with more trial successes likely to follow, I think it would be good to put this issue front and center.

Dr. Natalia Linos could address epidemiology and immunization stats (and societal/personal consequences of not being vaccinated?).

Dr. Jeff and Dr. Walker-Jones could also address government's role in organizing the effort and also encouraging/guiding or mandating compliance, masking, vaccination, etc. The ongoing debate is that 'personal rights-v-public good' element that is quite literally 'Trumped Up' by the President's followers.

Government sets guidelines, shared standards, regulations for the public good. We drive on the right side of the road - not wherever we want. We take tests to demonstrate competence and safety. We all benefit in a reasoned and reasonable common good. This is an important discussion.

The panel is  Dr Michael Walker-Jones, Jeff Roy, Peter Fasciano, Dr Natalia Linos, Dr Greg Chiklis and Frank Falvey.

The panel discussion will be broadcast Monday, Dec 28 at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 8 PM.

COVID-19 vaccine discussion on wfpr.fm - Monday, Dec 28

FM #409 School Committee Meeting - 12/08/20 - P1 of 3 (audio)

FM #409 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 409 in the series. 

This session shares one of three segments for the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Dec 8, 2020. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the two hour and forty minute meeting into three logical segments:

• ** First ** - covers the opening through the Discussion Action Items (approx. 53 minutes)
• Second - picks up Discussion Only Items; the budget update, K-1 return alternatives, and re-opening through the School Committee members comments only (approx. 55 minutes)
• Third - picks up the community comments on re-opening and run through the remainder of the meeting (approx. 52 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet updated)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Dec 8, 2020

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/10195a5d-676f-42a4-a51a-0faafdb0fdf4

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Agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_12-8-20.pdf 

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-8-2020-school-committee-packet

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/school-committee-meeting-dec-8-2020.html 

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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/

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!

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Winter sports update summarized by Athletic Director Tom Angelo