Franklin Public Schools: School Committee Legislative Forum - March 2

School Committee Legislative Forum

Virtual Meeting (Link in agenda)

Tuesday, Mar 2, 2021 - 6:30 PM

Agenda Document (and connection info)    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_3-2-21-legislative_forum.pdf

Note: While the agenda doc says "Legislative Forum" (which is not very compelling or insightful), from the planning sessions that I did report on, I do recall that there would be some presentation outlining the issues the District faces, with an opportunity for questions and answers, along with time for the legislative delegation to make a statement and answer questions. 

• The audio for the 2020 forum is available   =  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-201-franklin-ma-school-committee-3rd.html
• The video of the 2019 forum is on YouTube  https://youtu.be/30Qxs4MVypA
• The video of the 2018 forum is also on YouTube  https://youtu.be/pNUSkrjzo1s

School Committee Legislative Forum - March 2

FM #430 SchComm Community Relations Mtg - 1/07/21 (audio)

FM #430 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 430 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee meeting held on Thursday, Jan 7, 2021.

The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The agenda was short and simple.

• Approval of October Meeting Minutes
• Legislative Forum - March 2, 2021
• Budget Flyer

The show notes contain the link to the meeting agenda. I did not take notes during the meeting as I participated much more than I usually do.

The recording runs about 44 minutes. Let’s listen to the Community Relations Subcommittee meeting held on Thursday, Jan 7, 2021.

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HrW1vPhS

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Meeting agenda:  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/franklin-school-committee-community.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 #430 SchComm Community Relations Mtg - 1/07/21 (audio)

Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting recap - Dec 22. 2020

Quick Recap:

• Donna Grady, FPS teacher and FEA president spoke about reframing the discussion on kids missing out. They are not, they are all in the same boat. (I would add: health is more important than education - without good health, you can't learn. And it would be good to recognize that this pandemic is a time to think about our overall learning processes. How do we learn? How can we learn? The specific topics and curriculum items mean less than the developing the capability to learn.)
• excellent presentations from ECDC and the Performing Arts dept showcasing the work and learning being done in trying circumstances. (See how we can learn when we put our minds together to do so)
• First draft of school calendar for 2020-2021 shared
• Superintendent's goals were approved. The sharing pre-meeting had caused some kerfuffle among community members who misinterpreted what they were lacking the full context. (A solution to this would be a 'cover note/memo' to better frame the doc when shared pre-meeting next time. Not sharing the doc before hand is not an acceptable solution. Although it is an 'easy way' out, it does nothing to build the trusting relationship with the community that is very much a work in progress)
• Re-opening status - lengthy discussion with SchComm Q&A and only a few community comments this time around. Plan to bring K-1 back in person still being developed. Finally a question on ESP's use as subs and what happens to that learning time? (it doesn't always get made up - and this has been gong on for some time, well before the pandemic) Staffing in the pandemic continues to be working a tightrope. If the numbers change (in the wrong direction) expect more remote learning days.

Photos captured during the meeting broadcast and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/e1BAktE3feox7Ak48

----

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  #schcom1222
https://twitter.com/hashtag/schcom1222?src=hashtag_click

• Getting ready for the School Committee meeting tonight, agenda doc is here: https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/events/scagenda_12-22-20.pdf  #schcom1222
• Meeting starts on time and the recording allows me to catch the gavel this time ( yeah!) #schcom1222 one in route to meeting (D'Angelo) other six present remotely or in person for this hybrid session
• #schcom1222 participation over 100 at this point with a good # of teachers showing up via the names 

Citizen comments

• Donna Grady, FPA teacher and FEA president speaking in citizen comments in regards to comments from prior meeting, should not be pitted teacher vs family
• Need to reframe the comment on kids missing out, they are all in the same situation, they are not missing anything. This is not normal, if we push kids to school, they won't be interacting, they'll be sitting in desks separated, we all want folks to be safe #schcom1222
• #schcom1222 we are in this together, please help us do this, we (teachers and staff) can't do this alone. We are not there yet and the situation is causing trauma, if academic progress is goal, we need to meet the basic safety goals first, staff and students are showing symptoms
• Of trauma. Kids are told they are safe when they know other students are home in quarantine. Teachers are going above and beyond. They are frustrated about not doing their best, this will take months to repair. #schcom1222 please put mental health of our staff first
• FHS representative says students understand everyone is doing their best. In person attendance dropping, many be multiple reasons for that. In a reselect process the numbers may change #schcom1222

Superintendents report

• Superintendent report: update from DESE around student mental health and connection, instructional time daily to connect with teachers 34 hours over a ten day period, 40 hours over 10 4 asynchronous. Looking for consistency district 2 district. Did complete a survey #schcom1222
• FPS meeting requirements. CARES funding deadline extended to Dec 2021, which will help to fulfill due to supply chain issues. #schcom1222 
• Not universal on snow day for last Thursday. Compliments to teachers etc for doing fun stuff last Thursday.
• This is Beth Simon's last night supporting the SchComm by doing notes. #schcom1222 not sure what funding does to the other building schedules for HVAC changes, purifiers are in or being deployed. Miss snow days but will be happy in June.

Guest/presentations

• Guest presentations: ECDC up to share updates to talking to the doc  https://franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/ecdc-update… #schcom1222 timely slide picks up points being made in comments
• #schcom1222 taking time to build relationships, yes it may not be 6' but the little ones don't understand. Pics of staff with and without masks available. BTW participation up to 135+ in Zoom, 12 more viewing live stream, some #? also via the 2 cable channels
• #schcom1222 went on a leaf hunt, and integrated leaves into various lessons there is an explanation and story for each photo on the slide. Need to set students up for success.#schcom1222 monthly newsletter went out today, folks overwhelmed, how can she best reach folks in a manner that resonates. (Video link in presentation doc)
• #schcom1222 taking registration for next school year, hopefully it will be fully in person. Helpful info on the sheet here remote learning bags coming via COVID-19 funding.
• #schcom1222 positive comments from the SchComm members on update from ECDC. This shows the amount of work and level of commitment to do this in person. Enjoy the time off.
• Next up, performing arts update from Diane Plouffe kudos to staff and students for rolling through this craziness. Rehearsal in the fall outdoor for middle school band #schcom1222
• https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/franklin_performing_arts_department_presentation_2020.pdf presentation doc being shared and talked to for this update #schcom1222 the team!
• New standards are a challenge with COVID restrictions #schcom1222 singing indoors currently not permitted
• Can you imagine elementary music without singing or sharing instruments? They are finding a way #schcom1222 a virtual chorus rehearsal on Wednesdays. No beginner lessons as lifelong learning is not operating; over 500 students signed up
• Sad looking rehearsal space, when used by students, everything is wiped down before students leave, wipes on music stands. #schcom1222
• Exploring bringing band back in, working on details for approval through the channels. Sample horn mask, bell cover in plain black, to out logo on would be too much #schcom1222 ventilation being updated over the winter break.
• Brief video clip shared of music performance with teacher performing with some students in room, some remote #schcom1222
• The "brady bunch" video is not easy to do, each 3 minute piece takes about 24 hours of prep. #schcom1222
• 60 students in middle school orchestra over 100 at FHS, expand the timing in the prior tweet by these #s to see total work required #schcom1222 
• Drama club performed Clue on stage using same precautions as athletes did before rehearsal.
• Video of 3 cohorts and then mixed with the students remote #schcom1222 
• 8 students going to all state competition
• https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/franklin_performing_arts_department_presentation_2020.pdf resharing the presentation on performing arts, lots of the links are live music performances and worth checking out #schcom1222
• Very positive comments from SchComm #schcom1222  

Superintendent goals

• Moving along to superintendent goals, after subcommittee worked on them. Did get feedback on goals, from the posting pre-meeting. There is not enough of a focus on anti-racism, it is in the district improvement plan but in …
• The broader context while not in the 2 shared it is embedded elsewhere and driving the work on this. Wants to be careful in sharing this. #schcom1222 there is a need to do more Communication, centrally and new mediums to explore. Collaboration folded in
• Looking to expand Communication channels to share with the Community, i.e. blog. (Has been 'coming soon' since just after arrival) #schcom1222  https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent
• Goal doc linked to https://franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/disc-action-supt-goals-20-21… #schcom1222 sets a foundation for future development motion and second, passes via roll call 6-0-1 (6 for, 0 no, 1 absent)

2020-2021 calendar

• First draft of calendar https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/calendar_2021-22_draft.pdf  assuming more normal in person, Juneteenth observed on Monday. Snow days will return next year, per DESE no credit for remote #schcom1222

Re-opening report

• Also for discussion the re-opening report https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/reopening_schools_status_update_dec_18_2020-2021.pdf #schcom1222 some of the 'red' status is due to timing, only .03 over the red line last week #schcom1222 priority standards for  learning and essential content
• Did close survey on the K-1 families and staff, need to process the data, 360 responses from families, so good return rate. #schcom1222 some districts going remote post holiday, we are not yet planning to do so. In person/hybrid is valuable.
• #schcom1222 looking at process of taking in reports and do contact tracing (will be complicated) will require administrator follow up, likely not as responsive; hence to have the first day as a remote learning day to allow for processing the reports from the break
• Looking at Wednesday at FHS to provide some relief with common planning time, looking to add 2 asynchronous periods for planning, could also address student stress re: screen time. Seeing increase in absences, and coverage challenges. #schcom1222
• #schcom1222 guidance has changed in the last week or so, DESE is now more aligned with the CDC and Dept of Public Health: adjusting the Communications accordingly. Flu vaccine date postponed until Feb, already 80% of students have reported compliance. Notice coming out
• Looking to do a baseline survey in Jan for all staff, using other sources of info to obtain feedback. #schcom1222 K-1 summary should be available by next meeting, did put out a call for activity monitors and subs, be vigilant during break so we can be safe when we return
• Q on sub rates and sub coverage options. Miriam provided the rates overview. Sara answered the what if questions and it depends (really it does) Elise remarks on the coverage puzzle is monumental. Not sustainable #schcom1222
• #schcom1222 some districts have K-1 in school, most are hybrid, split between fully remote vs fully in person. Development of 2 artifacts to help support teachers and families for K-1 students. Sub availability due to timing of finger prints, cori checks
• Using ESPs as subs does affect time delivering services (this happened pre-COVID-19 and the time of delivery is not easily made up if ever). #schcom1222 
• Should consider more than one day for remote coming back may not be enough time to fully access the data
• Extremely frustrating to get the COVID letters daily, students are staying home to go elsewhere over the break, but we can't. Timing on the cohort letters and knowing when the reports were noted. #schcom1222 
• Moving to info matters

Subcommittee reports

• Need to set up budget meetings #schcom1222 good showing at FinCom reported (really, not by my notes. SchCom/Central Office left info unshared when they had an opportunity to do so). People come here because of the schools, and being fiscally responsible.
• Community relations, trying to get date for meeting; date being worked for legislative forum. Policy met on 12/17 with plans for moving; facilities update lengthy errors in presentation were after analysis and did not effect results. Population trends similar #schcom1222
• #schcom1222 additional data coming mid January and get ready to summarize for SchCom date TBD 
• Joint PCC rescheduled for January. Wellness exploring hydroponic expansion beyond FHS. Working on another challenge next meeting Jan 12
• Safe Coalition update to SWAC presented earlier today, adapting and evolving to conditions. #schcom1222

Future agenda items

• Student opportunity Act plan coming up for vote. FHS update, personnel update, and Oak St elementary will be a highlight. 

Consent agenda

• Consent agenda motion to accept, second, passes 6-0-1 (6 for, 0 no, 1 absent) via roll call (D'Angelo absent) #schcom1222

Executive session

• Motion to enter executive session, not to return to open meeting, second, approved 6-0-1 (see before in thread) via roll call
• #schcom1222 that's all for tonight (and I think for meetings in 2020!) Catch you all later

Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting recap - Dec 22. 2020

School Committee Legislative Forums

The School Committee held three Legislative Forums in 2018, 2019, and 2020 to highlight the school budget issues. You can find the video, audio, and text archives in the links provided here.

2/04/20 - audio
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-201-franklin-ma-school-committee-3rd.html

Superintendent's remarks at 2020 Forum
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/files/leg-forum-2-4-20
 
2/05/19 - meeting notes (audio was not of quality to share)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/notes-from-legislative-forum-feb-5-2019.html

2/05/19 - video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30Qxs4MVypA&feature=youtu.be

2/13/18 - audio
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/02/fm-139-legislative-forum-on-school.html

2/13/18 - video
https://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=535

School Committee Legislative Forums

FPS: Community Information Night about Enrollment Forecast - March 5

February 25, 2020

Good afternoon,

We are writing to make you aware that Jerry McKibben of McKibben Associates will be presenting a district-wide enrollment forecast to the School Committee at tonight's meeting. This enrollment forecast uses the town's demographic data to predict school-age enrollment for the next ten years.

In order to provide the community with additional opportunities to hear the information and ask questions, the Facilities Analysis Subcommittee of the School Committee is holding a follow-up community information session on Thursday, March 5 from 7-8:30 PM in the Horace Mann Middle School Cafeteria. Childcare will be available.

Please use this form to RSVP, which will help our planning: https://forms.gle/MkuQfb2Q1ryWyaLNA

Kindly,

Franklin Public Schools

FM #201 - Franklin (MA) School Committee 3rd Annual Legislative Forum - 2/4/20

FM #201

This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 201 in the series, that we are now producing in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

The School Committee held their third annual Legislative Forum on Tuesday, Feb 4, 2020. In the Lecture Hall at Franklin High School, School Committee Chair Anne Bergen opened the session. Superintendent Sara Ahern provided some opening remarks before handing the microphone over to Denise Spencer who facilitated the remainder of the forum.

She introduced Senate President Karen Spilka, Senator Rebecca Rausch, and Representative Jeff Roy. Each had a few minutes for opening remarks before answering questions prepared by the School Committee and then questions from the audience. About 60 people participated for this Forum, more than each of the prior two Forums.

Without further ado, here is the recording for the meeting approx. 80 minutes

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-201-school-committee-legislative-forum-feb-4-2020

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


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I 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 this, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
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"

Denise Spencer moderating the discussion

Reminder: Legislative Forum - Tuesday, Feb 4 - 6:30 PM

The FHS Lecture Hall will be the setting for the 3rd Annual Legislative Forum held by the Franklin (MA) School Committee.

Senator Rebecca Rausch, Senate President Karen Spilka, and Representative Jeff Roy are scheduled to participate. 

The published agenda for the Forum is a waste of paper. Based upon the prior two Forums, one should expect some time for statements from each of our legislators along with questions prepared by the School Committee and an opportunity for those in the audience to ask questions.

It is a worthwhile evening to help understand the Franklin school budget issues and what help the State can provide (i.e addressing unfunded mandates is one frequent topic). Based upon prior experience, I would expect the Forum to run about 90 minutes.

The published agenda:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/scagenda_2-4-20-legislative_forum_0.pdf

Reminder: Legislative Forum - Tuesday, Feb 4 - 6:30 PM

School Committee's Legislative Forum - Feb 4 - 6:30 PM

Mark your calendars for the School Committee's Legislative Forum on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 6:30 PM at FHS. 

Click here for more details:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/sc_legislative_forum_1.pdf 

School Committee's Legislative Forum - Feb 4 - 6:30 PM

 

School Committee Budget Workshop - Agenda - Jan 14, 2020

School Committee Budget Workshop

Municipal Building - 3rd floor Training Room

6:00 PM

This meeting will not be recorded*

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

A G E N D A

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

• Call to Order 
• Budget Workshop
• Feedback – Legislative Forum Planning 
• Adjournment

* unless prohibited from recording, I will be recording this meeting for audio replay. It is a room not prepared for video recording or broadcast.

You can download a copy of the agenda from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/scagenda_1-14-20-budgetwkshop_0.pdf

For reference:
the 2018 legislative forum is available for video replay
https://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=535
 
Notes from the 2019 forum were posted here (unfortunately, the technical quality of the audio was not worthy of sharing)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/notes-from-legislative-forum-feb-5-2019.html

Left to Right: Rep Jeff Roy, Senator Karen Spilka, and MASC Exec Dir Glenn Koocher at the 2019 Legislative Forum

 

Franklin School Committee - Legislative Forum - Feb 4 - hold the date!

What: Franklin School Committee Legislative Forum

Where: Franklin High School Lecture Hall

When:  Feb 4, 2020, 6:30 PM


The current agenda doc can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/scagenda_2-4-20-legislative_forum.pdf

 

Franklin School Committee - Legislative Forum - Feb 4 - hold the date!

Tri-County to Host Community Forum on Vaping Epidemic - Nov 19

Students at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School will host a community forum next week highlighting the worsening teen vaping epidemic, with a panel of local experts who will discuss health, legal, and scholastic effects of vaping and vaping legislation.

The sophomore class of the Legal and Protective Services (LPS) career program will host the panel, “Inhaling the Facts: A Panel of Experts on the Vaping Epidemic” on Tuesday November 19 at 6 PM. The event is free and open to the public.

With the recent acknowledgement of vaping as a public health crisis and Governor Charlie Baker’s temporary ban on all vaping products statewide, students in the LPS career program have done extensive research on the matter, as it affects young people in their community. LPS students have learned about the known and suspected health risks of vaping, as well as the misinformation of products that are not regulated by the FDA.

State Representative Shawn Dooley, Dr. Lester Hartman of Westwood-Mansfield Pediatrics, Officer Paul Guarino of the Franklin Police Department, and Mary Ellen Bronner, a licensed social worker, will address the legislative and health issues related to vaping.

“In my opinion, this event will be successful if parents walk away feeling more educated about the vaping epidemic,” Teaghan LeBlanc, a sophomore at Tri-County said. “I hope that if middle schoolers learn the facts about vaping, they'll begin to realize that not vaping is their best option.”

“Teen vaping is currently at crisis levels in our Commonwealth. Teen smoking levels had reached an all-time low, but now we are seeing off-the-charts teen vaping. We must make sure we respond to this crisis swiftly but also thoughtfully and appropriately. Events like this panel are key to starting the dialogue, getting to the root of the problem, and ultimately establishing a smart, sensical policy to combat the issue,” said Representative Dooley.

Students in the LPS program are committed to public service, and the students wanted to reach out to the community with the information they have gathered in hopes of preventing younger students from picking up the habit.



What: Teen Vaping Expert Panel and Community Forum

Where: Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, 147 Pond St, Franklin, MA 02038

When: Tuesday, November 19 at 6 PM

Who: 

• State Representative Shawn Dooley
• Dr. Lester Hartman, Westwood-Mansfield Pediatrics
• Officer Paul Guarino, Franklin Police Department
• Mary Ellen Bronner, licensed social worker

Download a copy of this announcement
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczN0xiTDY1WU5TR2dvVXJMUDJudkd1T2VGMWhZ/view?usp=sharing
 
 

Tri-County to Host Community Forum on Vaping Epidemic - Nov 19

Franklin in Focus: Candidate Query - Oct 22, 2019 (audio)

FM #178

This internet radio show or podcast is number 178 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Candidate Query conducted by Franklin in Focus on Tuesday, Oct 22, 2019 at the Franklin Senior Center.

Franklin in Focus is a nonpartisan organization focused on bringing information about town issues and town government to the public, sponsored this evening with the candidates running for office in the upcoming November 5 biennial election.  https://www.franklininfocus.org/

Due to time constraints, only candidates in competitive races participated: Constable, School Committee, and Town Council.

The format will ensure that each candidate gets to speak on each of the questions asked.

• A lottery determined the order of candidate responses
• The first candidate will get 2 minutes to answer the question
• Each other candidate will get 1 minute to add to or differentiate from the prior answers
• Each candidate will get to take a lead on a question
• Each candidate will also be allowed a summary or closing statement at the end of all the questions

The Constables went first, then Town Council, and then the School Committee candidates. Constable candidates present

• Rancourt LaRosa
• Daniel McCahill

Town Council candidates present

• Ted Cormier-Ledger
• Eamon McCarthy Earls
• Deborah Pellegri
• Andrew Bissanti

School Committee candidates present

• Joanne Lussier
• Jennifer D’Angelo
• MaryJane Scofield
• David McNeil
• Timothy Keenan
• Anne Bergen

Candidates submitted information on their positions and that is available online
https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/2fc87e_9bd58224af3b417a858fd750d2faa49c.pdf

Let’s listen in to the candidate query. The recording runs approx 1 hour and 50 minutes.   
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b9f73ed5-4daf-4116-9ac3-00247079737e

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


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

Overall:

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like this, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
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"

Constable candidates present

Town Council candidates present

School Committee candidates present

Franklin Candidate Forum - Biennial Election 2019

FM #176

This internet radio show or podcast is number 176 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Candidate Forum conducted in the Council Chambers on Thursday, October 17, 2019. Town Clerk Teresa Burr opens the forum. Moderator Larry Bennedetto outlines the process and introduces the panelists who will ask the questions for the Town Council candidates in the first segment, and then the School Committee candidates in the second segment. I edited to remove the break so the two segments run back to back with a brief musical interlude.

The Town Council segment runs approx 33 minutes. The School Committee segment runs just less than that. The whole forum is just about an hour long.

Town Council candidates

School Committee candidates

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HW4Mm3yX



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


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

Overall:

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
• If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
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 application = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Reminder: How Your Town Government Works - Sep 25

How timely!

• Who determines the school start times being reviewed for a possible change?
• How do we address the systemic budget issues?
• Who makes the decision on a study to evaluate closing Davis Thayer?
• How do we maintain our roads?
• How do we control growth? 

With the local election coming in November, get some insights into the process on all these questions and more ...

Contact the Organizer

Reservations for the town government forum are recommended.
Sign up at https://FranklinGovt.eventbrite.com

Franklin 2050: The Climate Crisis - Oct 17

Climate change is real; you can see it happening all around us, not just in America but on a global scale. Improbable weather events are happening in the most unlikely places. Yet it’s hard to get one’s head around it and figure out what the solution is.

The 2019 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report is a call to action to avert the changes. The IPCC and 97% of climate scientists worldwide say the changes that are necessary to avert disaster are stark: 50% reduction in carbon emissions is needed by 2030, and net carbon effect by 2050.

But we have an Administration in denial, and mass media that’s more concerned with the latest tweet than explaining what’s going on in the climate, and what can be done about it by citizens in cities and towns in the Commonwealth.

How will the average citizen learn about what can be done to minimize the effects?

Several of us from Franklin got together along with the Franklin Democratic Town Committee, 350 Massachusetts for a Better Future, and Massachusetts Climate Action Network to plan a community-wide educational forum to examine the causes and effects policy implications, and actions to take at the town and state levels. 

It’s called “Franklin 2050: The Climate Crisis” and it’s happening Thursday, October 17 at 7:00 PM at Franklin Elks 1077 Pond Street in Franklin.

Hope to see you there in this free forum event!

Richard Halpern
Franklin, MA






Register for the event
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/franklin-2050-the-climate-crisis-tickets-65325208457

Visit the IPCC page to get more information  https://www.ipcc.ch/report/srccl/

You can also get a copy of the report directly 
https://www.ipcc.ch/srccl-report-download-page/

2019 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report

Notes from the Legislative Forum - Feb 5, 2019

The Legislative Forum hosted by the Franklin School Committee on Tuesday, Feb 5 was an informative evening. My notes taken via Twitter can be read here. I'll share the audio of the 90 minute session later this week.

Updated: Unfortunately, the technical quality of the audio was not worthy of sharing and won't be published.

Dr Anne Bergen opening the School Committee's Legislative Forum tonight at Horace Mann #schcom0205 pic.twitter.com/PmrHpHS8bU

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) February 6, 2019

Next up Supt Sara Ahern presents the proposed school budget for FY 2020 pic.twitter.com/pI9tdOEzC9

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) February 6, 2019

The class of 2032 will be registering for school next week. What will the world look like when they reach Senior year in high school? #schcom0205

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) February 6, 2019

Presentation copy will be on schools web site on Weds. $2.6M increase req'd for level service, $3.8M for some critical needs #schcom0205 pic.twitter.com/XMf3mKaTFW

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) February 6, 2019

FY 2020 Superintendent's Recommended Budget from Franklin Matters

Or from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/news/fy20_superintendents_recommended_budget.pdf

Superintendent Sara Ahern's prepared remarks can be found on this page
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/news/superintendents_opening_remarks_legislative_forum_2-5-19.pdf

Sch Com Denise Schultz up next to introduce the panel of speakers. #schcom0205 pic.twitter.com/qcfQvs0SGM

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) February 6, 2019

Rep Jeff Roy, Senator Karen Spilka and MASC Exec Dir Glenn Koocher all at one time had School Committee experience, not usual #schcom0205 pic.twitter.com/TALw3MFVzT

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) February 6, 2019

"My best memory of elementary school is recess" Senator Karen Spilka #schcom0205 in context of needing to approach the student education holistically

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) February 6, 2019

"There is a commitment to provide funding for quality education here in MA" #schcom0205 pic.twitter.com/VYQkl2Pct3

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) February 6, 2019

Are there conversations about schools having to solve all the community issues that walk in the door? Resounding yes. Not easy to do #schcom0205

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) February 6, 2019

"You don't appreciate the problems that you don't have" with the MA health care coverage, that one item helps in so many ways #schcom0205

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) February 6, 2019

DESE not receptive to reducing time on learning to provide recess or unstructured time. #schcom0205

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) February 6, 2019

Great question on how to address the inequity of education between district and charter school students. #schcom0205 all Franklin needs to respectfully have the discussion, many of the charter school students will end up at FHS

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) February 6, 2019

More tools in the toolbox for local community to resolve budgeting other than the property tax would be good to do so you don't have to do it all at the state level #schcom0205

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) February 6, 2019

Parent reporting Franklin has worst recess/lunch policy among the 15 neighboring communities. Only 20 mins scheduled for each #schcom0205

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) February 6, 2019

Rep Roy encouraging participation at the local Senate Ways and Means sessions, schedule to be posted #schcom0205

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) February 6, 2019

School Committee Chair, Anne Bergen

FPS Superintendent Sara Ahern

School Committee member Denise Schultz

Left to Right: Rep Jeff Roy, Senator Karen Spilka, and MASC Exec Dir Glenn Koocher