School Committee hears of the DEI plan and Equity Audit findings (audio)

FM #866 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 866 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Oct 25, 2022. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers with all seven members present. 

School Committee Chair Denise Spencer opens the meeting at 7:00 PM. 

Key item on the agenda

Diversity Equity & Inclusion Improvement Plan reviewed including the Equity Audit findings which inform the plan

The show notes contain a link to the full agenda and to my notes & photos captured via Twitter during the meeting. 

The Committee entered Executive Session on a negotiation discussion not to return to public meeting.

The recording runs about three hours, thirty four minutes, so let’s listen to the Franklin School Committee on Oct 25, 2022.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-866-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-10-25-22

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

The agenda for this meeting can be found

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/10-25-agenda

 

The Packet folder contains the documents released for this meeting.

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-25-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

 

My notes captured via Twitter and compiled into one PDF doc ->

 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mrhwQ21akMfp7Mnm4vjMDf5ukTnkOvPA/view?usp=sharing

 

YouTube video link for this meeting -> https://youtu.be/T8qQATbsSSU

Photos from the meeting (mostly screen shots of the presentations not yet posted to the packet folder)  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ErB6FBWpuQ6DBNhH8 

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

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"

School Committee hears of the DEI plan and Equity Audit findings (audio) 

Franklin School Committee - video recording available for Oct 25, 2022 meeting

The Franklin.TV video recording of the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Oct 25, 2022 is available for for viewing on demand at YouTube.

The agenda for this meeting can be found

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/10-25-agenda

The Packet folder contains the documents released for this meeting.

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-25-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

My notes including screen shots of the presentation screen and other photos of the meeting can be found here ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mrhwQ21akMfp7Mnm4vjMDf5ukTnkOvPA/view?usp=sharing

Video link -> https://youtu.be/T8qQATbsSSU

Franklin School Committee - video recording available for Oct 25, 2022 meeting

Franklin, MA: School Committee meeting agenda for Oct 25, 2022

Franklin School Committee 

October 25, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Agenda

“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 Ms. Spencer

C. Payroll Ms. Stokes

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. DEI Presentation - Heidi Harris, Lucas Giguere, Tina Rogers & Paula Marano

B. 2022-23 DEI Plan

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Policy 2nd Reading/Adoption

I recommend adoption of policy JICH - Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Use by Students as detailed.

B. 2022-23 Diversity Equity & Inclusion Plan

I recommend approval of the 2022-23 Diversity Equity & Inclusion Plan as discussed.

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 the October 11, 2022 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Transfers

I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.

C. JFK Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $675.00 from the JFK PCC for field trips as detailed.

D. Student Activity Accounts

I recommend approval of the 2022-23 Student Activity Accounts as detailed.

E. JFK Recurring Field Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Mary MacMurray to take JFK 4th & 5th grade music students to the Veteran’s Auditorium on May 26, 2023 for a concert as detailed.

F. Parmenter Gifts

I recommend acceptance of 3 checks totaling $4424.94 from the Parmenter PCC as follows:

a. $3,236.54 Supplemental Supplies

b. $  638.40 Field Trip

c. $  550.00 Field Trip

G. Music Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,405.00 from Music Parents for in house enrichment for the Music Department as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

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 Cafeteria, Van Drivers, Secretaries, & ESP’s Units, 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 and remote connection info _>

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_10-25-22.pdf

Meeting packet folder -> holds all the released documents for this meeting as they are made available (some before meeting, some after the meeting)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-25-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee meeting agenda for Oct 25, 2022

Diversity Awareness Club "It’s just a very much, an everyone thing"

Lily Eattimo, President of the Diversity Awareness Club (DAC) at Franklin High School provides a recap of the recent "Sweet & Greet" event.

"The sweet taste of diversity.

Hi, I’m Lily Eattimo, President of the Diversity Awareness Club (DAC).

This past Tuesday, DAC hosted our “Sweet & Greet” event in the FHS Cafeteria. The event, which took place from 5-8 PM, was DAC’s kickoff event for the 2022-23 school year."

Continue reading the Sweet & Greet recap which raised $650 for the club -> https://franklinpanthers.us/clubs-activities/2022/10/13/diversity-awareness-club-sweet-greet-recap-from-club-president/

Diversity Awareness Club "It’s just a very much, an everyone thing"

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 24, 2022 - 7 PM

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

May 24, 2022 = 7:00 PM

Call to Order Ms. Spencer
Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Payment of Bills Ms. Spencer
C. Payroll Ms. Stokes
D. FHS Student Representative Comments
E. Superintendent’s Report
 
II. Guests/Presentations
A. Retiree Recognition
B. District Improvement Plan Update 2021-2022   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_outcomes_to_sc_2021-2022.pdf
C. Superintendent’s Evaluation – Presentation of Evidence  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/superintendents_evaluation_evidence_2021-2022.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Superintendent’s Contract
The Chair recommends approval of a 3 year contract with Lucas Giguere as Superintendent of Schools - July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_outcomes_to_sc_2021-2022.pdf
B. Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption
I recommend adoption of policy ADF - Wellness Policy as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_2.pdf
C. Boys Basketball Trip
I recommend approval of the request of CJ Neely to take the Boys Basketball team to Orlando, Florida from December 26-30, 2022 to participate in the 2022 KSA Events Basketball Tournament as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_basketball_trip_-_orlando.pdf
D. Performing Arts Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Dianne Plouffe to take students to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida from April 15-19, 2023 to perform as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_performing_arts_trip.pdf
E. Spain Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Emily Chaisson & Laura Keenan to take students to Malaga & Granada, Spain from April 14-22, 2023 as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_e_-_spain_trip.pdf
F. Proposed MASC Resolution Regarding Sanctuary Laws for Trans Students
I recommend the School Committee adopt the proposed MASC Resolution regarding sanctuary laws for trans students for formal consideration by the 2022 Massachusetts Association of School Committees Delegate Assembly in November as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_f_-_resolution.pdf

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 the May 10, 2022 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
C. FHS Gifts
I recommend acceptance of the following gifts totaling $3,171.04 for FHS:
a. $2,524.66 Shutterfly, LLC Supplemental Supplies
b. $64.38 Ohiopyle Prints, Inc Supplemental Supplies
c. $402.00 MA Agriculture in the Classroom, Inc. Supplemental Supplies
d. $30.00 Colleen Bond In-house Enrichment
e. $150.00 Paula Marano Scholarship
D. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $905.00 from the Parmenter PCC for Field Trips as detailed.
E. JFK Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1875.00 from the JFK PCC for field trips as detailed.
F. Oak St. Recurring Field Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Brad Hendrixson for 66 2nd Grade students to travel to Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI on May 31, 2022 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(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA/RN unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.
b. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to discuss strategy in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel.

X. Adjournment 

Agenda doc with remote connection info ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-24-22.pdf

divers

Meeting packet folder with documents released for this meeting ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-24-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 24, 2022 - 7 PM

Celebrate with PRIDE - June 26, 2022

Join the Franklin LGBTQ+ Alliance for an afternoon of celebrating.

LGBTQ+ and allies will be at the Franklin Town Commons 

performing, creating, dancing, singing, eating, and drinking. 

Come to the community party!

#FranklinCANCelebrateWithPRIDE - June 26, 2022

Donate here: https://givebutter.com/celebratewithpride

Performances: Krisanthi Pappas and an open mic (with day of sign up)

Activities: Community Art, Selfie Station, Crafts, Art Show, Ask a Sociologist

Food Trucks: Caribbean Press, Juniper Farms Ice Cream, Yai’s Kitchen

Venders: Escape into Fiction LGBTQIA+ Book Sale, Chrissy’s Beads, BFCCPS Rainbow Ribbons, Love People Gifts

Thank you to our community partners: Franklin High School’s SAGA, OUT MetroWest, MetroWest Visitors Bureau, Franklin Interfaith Council, Franklin Public Library, and Franklin Senior Center

Please check back and follow for updates and parking information.

If you are interested in volunteering or submitting art, please email FranklinLGBTQAlliance@gmail.com. 

When: Sunday, June 26, 12 - 4 PM

Follow the event on Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/events/1186629228740240

Meet-Greet with finalist for DEI Director - May 3, 2022

Franklin Public Schools has been actively conducting a search for our Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. A committee consisting of teachers, parents, district administrators and School Committee was established to conduct initial interviews. After much thoughtful discussion, the committee came to consensus that there was one candidate who rose to the top as an exceptional leader and who they recommended to move forward in the process. The group announced earlier this month that Heidi Harris is the finalist for the position. 

We encourage parents and guardians to come meet Ms. Harris on Tuesday, May 3rd from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM in the 2nd floor Council Chambers of the Municipal Building (355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA). 

Ms. Harris will be available to discuss her background and answer questions. 

Meet-Greet with finalist for DEI Director - May 3, 2022

Look for Project Rain Check on downtown sidewalks later this year (June - August 2022)

"Project Rain Check is a go! @FranklinHS  students can submit literary works now through 5/6 at 4 PM. Selected works will be part of a temporary rain activated art project.  

Great partnership with our D,E,I Committee and FHS community.

Learn more here: https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/fps-diversity-equity-inclusion/project-rain-check?authuser=0

What is a "Rain Check"?

Literary work selected will be used to create a “rain check”, which is the name of the message that will be revealed when it rains. We will utilize “invisible spray” and stencils to create the body of work. When applied to a stencil, the ground where the invisible spray was used will repel water, thus unveiling a secret art piece.  These works will be on display from June 2022 to August 2022.  FHS Students are encouraged to take a walk through downtown for inspiration on how their literary work can engage with the environment it is placed in.

Video link ->  https://youtu.be/tDIXnbufDu0

Reminder: Geography Night - FHS Cafeteria - Mar 1, 2022 - 5 to 8 PM

 The Franklin High School Diversity Awareness Club is holding a cultural fund raising night on March 1, 2022 in the cafeteria.

"Community members can immerse themselves in different cultures as they experience music, art, and try foods from all around the world!" 

Reminder: Geography Night - FHS Cafeteria - Mar 1, 2022 - 5 to 8 PM

Diversity Awareness Club schedules a Geography Night for Tuesday, March 1 at FHS Cafe

"Don't forget to join the Diversity Awareness Club's (DAC) Geography night next Tuesday (3/1) from 5-8 PM in the FHS cafeteria! 

Explore and learn more about different cultures around the world in one night"  

https://t.co/zZAqFhtnOG

Geography Night - Mar 1, 2022 from 5 to 8 PM in the FHS cafeteria

Short video contained here -> 

Don’t forget to join DAC’s Geography night next Tuesday (3/1) from 5-8pm in the FHS cafeteria! Explore and learn more about different cultures around the world in one night @FHSPantherbook @FranklinHS @FranklinMatters pic.twitter.com/zZAqFhtnOG

— Diversity Awareness Club (@DiversityFHS) February 22, 2022

Geography Night - Mar 1, 2022 from 5 to 8 PM in the FHS cafeteria

The Franklin High School Diversity Awareness Club is holding a cultural fund raising night on March 1, 2022 in the cafeteria.

"Community members can immerse themselves in different cultures as they experience music, art, and try foods from all around the world!" 

Geography Night - Mar 1, 2022 from 5 to 8 PM in the FHS cafeteria

"we can celebrate both our differences and our similarities"

The analogy of "windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors" struck me when I heard it at the School Committee meeting Feb 8 and then again at the Town Council meeting Feb 16. I was delighted to find my eyes caught a reference to this in my Twitter stream. 

Via Debbie Reese (https://twitter.com/debreese), we find that Reading is Fundamental (https://www.rif.org/) shared a re-print of the original article by Rudine Sims Bishop published in 1990.  

"Books are sometimes windows, offering views of worlds that may be real or imagined, familiar or strange. These windows are also sliding glass doors, and readers have only to walk through in imagination to become part of whatever world has been created or recreated by the author. When lighting conditions are just right, however, a window can also be a mirror. Literature transforms human experience and reflects it back to us, and in that reflection we can see our own lives and experiences as part of the larger human experience. Reading, then, becomes a means of self-affirmation, and readers often seek their mirrors in books."

You can read the full article here -> https://scenicregional.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Mirrors-Windows-and-Sliding-Glass-Doors.pdf

The Twitter thread ->  https://twitter.com/debreese/status/1495060049634467840

School Committee DEI presentation ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dei_presentation_february_8_2022_5.pdf

Audio recording of the DEI segment -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-727-school-committee-meeting-02-08-22-p2-of-3 

slide from the update on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts around the district

Town Council Meeting - 02/16/22 - Audio in 3 parts

FM #735-736-737 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 735-736-737 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel, the Police new hires, along with their guest and family members were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the three hour and 10 minute meeting into three (3) logical segments:

• First - covers the opening, the swearing in of four Police Dept new hires, the West St/Dean College neighborhood parking discussion (~55 minutes)  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-735-town-council-meeting-02-16-22-p1-of-3
• Second - covers the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) presentation and discussion by Supt Sara Ahern and Asst Supt Lucas Giguere (~ 90 minutes) https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-736-town-council-meeting-02-16-22-p2-of-3
• Third - covers the Subcommittee reports, Legislation for Action, Council Comments, and meeting close (~ 41 minutes ) https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-737-town-council-meeting-02-16-22-p3-of-3

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Feb 16, 2022

Part 1 -

Part 2 -

Part 3 -

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Town Council Agenda document  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-feb-16.html

Presentation Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Sara Ahern, Superintendent of Schools -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dei_presentation_february_8_2022_5.pdf

My notes for the meeting ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/recap-town-council-views-4-police-new.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 www.Franklinmatters.org   or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Town Council Meeting - 02/16/22 - Audio in 3 parts