- The meeting focused on the next level of the District Improvement Plan which was introduced in the prior meeting. Administrators from the High school and middle schools, then the elementary schools presented how their goals are tied and support the overall goals
- As revealed during the presentations and follow on clarification, the goals are intended to be consistent across the district. The goals focus on the key efforts underway and refining within them, for example in social emotional learning (SEL)
- During the discussion the cost of the multi-tiered levels of support was raised, and the answer was impactful - "What is the cost of not providing it (such support)?"
- As the improvement plans came up for a vote to approve, the vote passed 6-0 on the plans as modified during the discussion (minor adjustment to a piece of the elementary section)
- ACCEPT Quarterly Report -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/accept_quarterly_report.pdfBICO Quarterly Report -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/bico_quarterly_report.pdf
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Franklin School Committee hears and approves of the school improvement plans from all the schools in the District (video)
Monday, September 18, 2023
2 Dave's join this "Chalkboard Chat" to recap the School Committee meeting of 09/12/23 (audio)
FM #1062 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1062 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Franklin School Committee member Dave Callaghan and Dave McNeill. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV & Public Radio studio on Friday, September 15, 2023.
Our primary topic was a recap of the School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Sep 12. We covered
the opening of schools for 2023-2024
teacher and staff hiring status
District improvement plan
budget impacts on middle school afterschool programs, etc.
International trip approval and equity issues it raises
upcoming subcommittee meetings
Info on the Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee and communications with other committees, subcommittees, to ensure all aware
The recording runs about 36 minutes so let’s listen to my “chalkboard chat” with Dave Callaghan and Dave McNeill. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1062-chalkboard-chat-03-callaghan-mcneill-09-15-23
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Contact info for Dave Callaghan callaghand@franklinps.net
Contact info for Dave McNeill mcneilld@franklinps.net
School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee
School budget -> https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget
Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/G-8ECoHrh8M?si=r9hZow6Jim8WXGxS&t=59
Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-12-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet
Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_9-12-23.pdf
My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting and then in a single PDF for easy reading https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QdkJB2fxemPuN_nCWV6Dmq9tdc_QQsIh/view?usp=drive_link
Audio recording of meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/school-committee-hears-of-and-approves_01034508177.html
The “Chalkboard Chat” image was the result of a joint collaboration with Mickayla Callaghan. Thank you!
--------------
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"
Saturday, September 16, 2023
School Committee hears of and approves the District Improvement Plan & FHS trip to Far East in 2025 (audio)
FM #1061 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1061 in the series.
The Franklin (MA) School Committee met on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 as scheduled. Six members were present (1 absent - Bernstein).
Quick recap
Update from Superintendent Giguere on school opening, so far good, academic year has opened in heat which everyone worked through, over 800 faculty, over 4600 students
Successfully hired all teachers, down to 11 ESPs needed, 2 open spots for interventionists, thanks to all who were part of the process
Migrant housing update: refers to the press release, DESE also alerted District, families joining on a staggered basis, approx. 25 school age children with the families already housed, collaborating to enroll, register and get them welcomed to the schools, funding assistance to be provided, dollars remain unconfirmed. Updates to be provided as info is available
Introductions of the new administrators from around the district
Next up, the district improvement plan (DIP), slides not yet posted to the meeting folder, so pix will be captured for an album to be shared as we go https://photos.app.goo.gl/LxQbpaU4Ft8qPFS86
Committee members asked and received clarifications on points made during the DIP presentation, in the action items, the DIP was approved as presented by 6-0-1 (6 for, none against, 1 absent)
Presentation on a proposed trip to Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand for spring of 2025. Presentation copy can be found https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_vietnam-cambodia-thailand_trip.pdf
motion to approve trip as presented was seconded and passed by 6-0-1
Consent agenda was recommended for approval and it passed by 6-0-1
A round of updates from the various subcommittees on meetings held and or scheduled (details in the video and in my notes)
Let’s listen to the School Committee meeting of Sep 12.
The total meeting audio runs about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1061-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-09-12-23
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School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee
Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/G-8ECoHrh8M?si=r9hZow6Jim8WXGxS&t=59
Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-12-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet
Agenda doc & remote participation info -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_9-12-23.pdf
My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting and then in a single PDF for easy reading https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QdkJB2fxemPuN_nCWV6Dmq9tdc_QQsIh/view?usp=drive_link
--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit franklin.news/ or Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
School Committee hears of and approves the District Improvement Plan & FHS trip to Far East in 2025 (video)
- Update from Superintendent Giguere on school opening, so far good, academic year has opened in heat which everyone worked through, over 800 faculty, over 4600 students
- Successfully hired all teachers, down to 11 ESPs needed, 2 open spots for interventionists, thanks to all who were part of the process
- Migrant housing update: refers to the press release, DESE also alerted District, families joining on a staggered basis, approx. 25 school age children with the families already housed, collaborating to enroll, register and get them welcomed to the schools, funding assistance to be provided, dollars remain unconfirmed. Updates to be provided as info is available
- Intros of the new administration around the district
- Next up, the district improvement plan (DIP), slides not yet posted to the meeting folder, so pix will be captured for an album to be shared as we go https://photos.app.goo.gl/LxQbpaU4Ft8qPFS86
- Committee members asked and received clarifications on points made during the DIP presentation, in the action items, the DIP was approved as presented by 6-0-1 (6 for, none against, 1 absent)
- Presentation on a proposed trip to Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand for spring of 2025. Presentation copy can be found https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_vietnam-cambodia-thailand_trip.pdf
- motion to approve trip as presented was seconded and passed by 6-0-1
- Consent agenda was recommended for approval and it passed by 6-0-1
- A round of updates from the various subcommittees on meetings held and or scheduled (details in the video and in my notes)
- Meeting adjourned
Agenda doc & remote participation info -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_9-12-23.pdf
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Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for Sep 12, 2023 Meeting |
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for Sep 12, 2023 Meeting
A. Review of AgendaB. Payment of Bills Mr. McNeillC. Payroll Ms. SpencerD. FHS Student Representative CommentsE. Superintendent’s Report
A. Introduce new AdministratorsB. District Improvement Plan
A. Vietnam/Cambodia/Thailand Trip - Chris PenzaI recommend approval of the request of Chris Penza to take FHS students toVietnam/Cambodia/Thailand in April, 2025 as detailed.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NGGLzLL4kKSD0n6Z2DgyzT9ZAXb7feFs/view?usp=drive_link
B. 23-24 District Improvement PlanI recommend approval of the 23-24 District Improvement Plan as presented.
Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-12-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet
Agenda doc & remote participation info -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_9-12-23.pdf
![]() |
Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for Sep 12, 2023 Meeting |
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Redistricting vote fails by 6-1 vote at Franklin School Committee Meeting (audio)
FM #994 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 994 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.
The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the School Committee members, school district personnel along with some of the public in the Council Chambers. Some members of the public participated via Zoom conference bridge.
Quick recap:
The School Committee met on Tuesday night at their regular meeting. They heard an update from the Keller Elementary School, an update on the District Improvement Plan, and voted 6-1 on an amendment to the original redistricting motion, to effectively do nothing for redistricting
The 6 votes all talked of the need for the master facility plan, but although that was included in the original proposal before them, the minor adjustment now was passed on in favor of doing nothing
The entered Executive Session and did return to approve a contract reached with ESP/LPN bargaining unit before closing out the full meeting
Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.
Let’s listen to the School Committee meeting of May 9, 2023
Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-994-fps-school-committee-mtg-05-09-23
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Agenda document -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-9-23.pdf
Keller presentation document
District Improvement Plan update -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/sc_5_9_23_strategic_objective_1_-1.pdf
Redistricting Analysis Report
Packet folder contains the documents released for this meeting
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-9-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet
Franklin TV video replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/W-9CbY5MeDY?feature=share
My notes captured during the meeting (in one PDF file)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qB4ZIFXY9R4zNJ5hxoHrLnt242ECaUsN/view?usp=share_link
--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit 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"