School Committee hears of the diversity, equity and inclusion work underway

Quick recap:

• School Committee hears multiple citizen comments on their masking options and about their endorsement of Senator Becca Rausch's re-election campaign; some positive encouragement comments also came from the audience (many of these remained for the full meeting while most of the negative commentors left)
• The key portion of the meeting was the update on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) work the district has had underway. "We don't pretend to have all the answers we are working together with humility to strive to be open"

Neither the Superintendent's Report, nor the DEI presentation were available on the FPS page as this was prepared for publication Wednesday evening. When they are, the links will be shared.

Audio recording should be available in a couple of days

Photos taken during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/1Vgd7ttTG3fTfQc28

Thread Reader produces a PDF of my notes shared via Twitter including the photos inline with the thread. You can read the thread here or in the embedded doc below https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P-X_5wIMwOddS_k3_dVNWB57dzoxxeM9/view?usp=sharing

 

School Committee hears of the diversity, equity and inclusion work underway

Recap: Town Council hears update on Human Resources, appoints three to committees, approves annual license renewals

Quick Recap:

• The annual alcohol license renewals were approved. Some were held for completion of outstanding payments, etc. A smaller number than previous times per recollection (but not verified by actual count). Also 4 licenses were approved for businesses that actually haven't started operating yet. In tough economic times, these are good indicators
• Three appointments were approved; two to the Cultural District (now at full strength) and one to the Community Preservation Committee (adding a Planning Board representative as the prior rep did not get re-elected in November)
• HR Director Karen Bratt provided the update on what her department does that she had previewed to the Finance Committee in October. A wealth of information was shared. Primary driver is the demographic change the Town is seeing as folks retire (half the department managers positions turned over in last 4 years) and one third of total Town employment changed in same period
• Insights on the health and pension plans planning process were shared. The Town working with the bargaining units does manage to hold health increases to a minimum. The Norfolk County pension liability will be paid up by approx. FY 2030 when those funds will shift to add to the outstanding OPEB liabilities. This one move revealed a couple of years ago will alleviate the giant albatross that the OPEB liability had been. The other silver lining in the meantime is that the Town is ahead of other communities facing the same challenge in funding their liabilities
• Goal setting session for the 'new' Council will be scheduled for one of their January meetings. The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is scheduled for two public hearings in January 2022 (Jan 4 and Jan 18). The public hearings will gather community input on how the forthcoming CPA funds should be used? What projects should be on the 'wish list'? and in what priority order? The input is a step to help the CPC development of the allocation of the CPA funds for eventual Town Council approval during 2022

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting in the Council Chambers. 

 

The Twitter hashtag #TC1215 can be found online The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1471269121560035336 

• getting ready for the Town Council meeting at 7, shift of location to the Chambers, agenda doc -> https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/december_15_town_council_agenda.pdf…  #tc1215
• Chair Mercer opens meeting; at just after 7 PM #tc1215
• standard protocol statement being read by Chair #tc1215 reading phone # for access to the Zoom session, also available via Comcast and Verizon cable or Live streamed from the http://Franklinma.gov webpage

Citizens comment

• Citizens comment: #tc1215 resident comment on Hillside Road not being plowed due to change in ownership of 1 Summit Rd; no success via DPW, paperwork provided to show it is a public way
• next up, approval of minutes of Nov 10, 2021, motion, seconded, passes 9-0 voice vote #tc1215

Appointments

• appointments; 3 up - Franklin Cultural District Committee: Katherine Botelho moved, seconded, passes 9-0 #tc1215
• 2 appt:  - b. Franklin Cultural District Committee: Patrick Timmons moved, seconded passes 9-0  #tc1215
• 3 - appt: https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5c._appointment_-_power.pdf…  Rick Power for CPC moved, second, passes 9-0  (replaces Halligan who was previous representative for the Planning Board)  #tc1215

License transactions

• license transactions - renewal of the outstanding liquor and all-alcohol licenses, an annual approval process;  listing - > https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._license_renewal_memo_list_motion.pdf… #tc1215 - some held per payment of outstanding fees (also a normal business process) moved, seconded, passes8-0-1(Mercer abstained)
• Q on prior motion for the chief in regards to status at Dean, no issues; compliance checks - not yet done, short staffed and unable to find staff for the OT to conduct these checks. #tc1215

HR Director presentation

• next up - Karen Bratt, HR Director presentation previously shared with Finance Committee in October 2021 ->  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/fincomm-presentation-october142021.pdf…  #tc1215
• succession planning could require additional staff for HR; #tc1215 new hire candidates testing etc. covered under HR budget; expensive to use web ads for openings; Mass Municipal is a good source for others in municipal government arena; comp plan being reviewed
• HR files are still paper based, will try to update to electronic in future (sooner than later); Norfolk County pension funding will increase thru FY 30 and then decrease, allowing for shift of funds to cover the OPEB deficit  #tc1215
• OPEB funding has been growing gradually each year via budget and 'free cash' #tc1215
• Police/Fire covered by separate MA General Law; separate from the other Town/school employees #tc1215 compensation reserve - money set aside for unexpected for salary costs, i.e. full vacation balance or collective bargaining anticipation of increases
• 11 new department heads since Jan 2016, approx. 55% of the leadership; city/towns exempt from minimum wage but it is being implemented here gradually; equal pay law of 2016 an item to watch; collective bargaining agreements cycle will come up again next Jun/Jul #tc1215
• contract docs formatted for better consistency across the agreements, all but one (Police) completed thus far; benefits fairs not held during COVID hopeful to bring them back next year. #tc1215 assist with tracking of the COVID quarantine and testing protocols
• planning for succession and working to fulfill the positions required; #tc1215 Employee assistance program available for those who need it; provided by Town insurer; drug testing assistance for CDL drivers in DPW for failures; fortunately not a frequent event here
• Franklin fortunate to have a good reputation so folks are generally eager to come here; niche positions are harder to fill; #tc1215 contractual benefits to get advance notice of retirement plans, helps us for a win/win i.e. police/fire

Subcommittees 

• EDC, Jan 5th meeting - Planning Board and MAPC 5:45 PM start #tc1215 no legislation for action tonight

Town Admin report 

• Town Admin report - ARPA funding approved through Gov Baker and now coming to us; free rides to Senior Center, via GATRA also covered with this funding; thanks to the legislative delegation; happy holidays, hard to believe that in a couple of weeks it is 2022 #tc1215
• future agenda items; #tc1215 nothing at this time; thanks to the neighbors who helped the Santa Foundation, Q on generators still at the DPW, specs designed for the generators; variety of smaller projects coming back from the burner to more front awareness;

Council Comments

• Thanks to Nancy for putting the annual report together; happy holidays, happy new year; looking forward to 2022! no word yet on complete streets or housing plan from State approval; FBRTC looking for new members; #tc1215 open mic night last Wednesday, fantastic night
• "please treat everyone with as much respect as you can"; thinking of the tornado victims; 800K lies lost to COVID, be peaceful, stay safe; #tc1215 Ohio missionaries still held captive in Haiti (more than 2 months); do due diligence to manage COVID;
• get into the season (after prayers), reinforce to do our due diligence; let's get 2022 to look forward to Jan, goal setting session coming; #tc1215 motion to adjourn, passe 9-0

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

The Human Resources presentation document was the same used for the update to the Finance Committee in October. It can be viewed below or found on the Town of Franklin page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/fincomm-presentation-october142021.pdf

Town of Franklin: Human Resources Update - 10/13/21 from Franklin Matters

Recap: Town Council hears update on Human Resources

FM #680 - Town Council Procedures Review - 12/15/21 (audio)

Quick Recap:

• A review of the procedures doc began with this session. Coordination on aspects of this to help with better consistency between School and Town meetings will be done aside with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Attorney Mark Cerel and Superintendent Sara Ahern
• No major changes foreseen at this time, better consistency in procedure and language being worked. Not all of the doc was addressed in this session. No date yet set for the next meeting
• And yes, you do hear my contribution to this session. As I do attend multiple meetings across the Town and School functions, I do see opportunity for improvements. While this is focused on Town Council meetings, it can have ripple effects to the others, especially to the Town Council subcommittee meetings

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting in the 3rd Floor Training Room. 

 

The Twitter hashtag #tcpr1215  can be found online The thread begins with

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1471253969351675914   

• getting ready for the Town Council procedures review committee meeting to begin at 6 PM agenda doc (including procedure doc) -> https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/december_15_rules_of_procedure_review_committee_meeting_agenda_0.pdf…  #tcpr1215
• the recording will be available later. May not be as active tweeting what's up during this to keep track of the discussion. This wont the only meeting on this topic; action already assigned for the 'preamble' to be coordinated with Schools to bring consistency #tcpr1215
• the consistency would help residents as they approach this Council or any meeting to have as similar a process as possible; expectations once set, can then be better managed and followed #tcpr1215
• Finding terminology inconsistencies and the discussion around which term to use is good, and helpful #tcpr1215 removing 'not' from one phrase is an option, removing 'only' is a better option in sec 18
• looking to define "Councilor Comments" better than it is (which is not well) currently... #tcpr1215
• motion to adjourn, and move to the formal Council meeting #tcpr1215

FM #680 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 680 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA Town Council Procedures Review Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, December 15, 2021.

The budget workshop was conducted in the third floor training room of the Municipal Building. Three Town Councilors (Chair Tom Mercer, Councilors Debbie Pellegri, and Glenn Jones) were present along with the Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Town Attorney Mark Cerel and Admin Assistant Alecia Alleyne. 

The recording of the public meeting runs about 53 minutes. 

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 this session of the Town Council Procedures Review Subcommittee meeting Dec 15, 2021 

*** Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-680-town-council-procedures-review-12-15-21

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Meeting agenda doc ->  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/december_15_rules_of_procedure_review_committee_meeting_agenda_0.pdf 

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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/ 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 #680 - Town Council Procedures Review - 12/15/21

FM #679 - Franklin, MA: School Committee Mtg - 12/14/21 (audio)

FM #679 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 679 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, December 14, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: six of the School Committee members were in the Council Chambers along with some of the public, one member was remote (M Whitmore) along with some members the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The recording of the public meeting runs about one hour and thirty minutes. The School Committee enters Executive Session and does not return to a public 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 this segment of the School Committee meeting Dec 14, 2021

 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-679-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-12-14-21

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Meeting agenda doc ->   

https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_12-14-21.pdf

School Committee Meeting packet folder ->  

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-14-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes captured during the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/recap-school-committee-hears-lifelong.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 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"

 

Franklin, MA: School Committee Mtg - 12/14/21 (audio)

Recap: School Committee hears Lifelong Learning update, plans for FHS masking; approved FHS business trips

Quick Recap:

• Citizen commenters returned after a brief hiatus; one told of a sad story of her student being punished for something the IEP was supposed to be addressing; another advocated for inclusion of Diwali on the list of recognized religious holidays
• Superintendent's report covered scenario if cases continued to rise, how they would revert to the face required process; communications late Wednesday did revert policy on masks back to being required as case counts rose about 4% positivity
• Recognition of former SchComm member MJ Scofield; she had not been recognized earlier as she was running again and was not successful. She has long been an advocate and volunteer for schools and sports with a long list of accomplishments
• Lifelong Learning presented an overview on their programs which are almost back to normal. They had been significantly affected by the pandemic. Even the summer programs had been adjusted for COVID precautions as opposed to the summer of 2020 when they were simply not held
• two trips were approved for FHS DECA students and National Business Honors students

 
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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting in the Council Chamber. 

The Twitter hashtag #schcom1214  can be found online. The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1470906795317239811 

 

• switching to the Council Chamber for the regular School Committee meeting; #schcom1214 agenda doc ->  https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_12-14-21.pdf
  
• meeting called to order at 7:02 PM; Executive Session at end of meeting, not to return to open session #schCom1214
  
• roll call attendance as Meghan Whitmore is participating remotely for this session #schcom1214 all 7 accounted for
  
• moment of silence in memory of the Sandy Hook students #schcom1214
  

Citizen Comments

• citizen comment; request for sex ed documentation but hadn't received response; request left with Chair; parent with student issue (speaking rapidly and hard to understand) #schcom1214 KP Sompally requests to have consideration to celebrate Diwali within the district
  
• citizen comment; M Benson speaking on mask policy at FHS; claiming contradiction among DESE and DPH statements; #schcom1214
  

FHS student updates

• FHS student update from R Chaudhury, provides multiple items - spirit week, theater auditions, middle sch auditions too; raffle calendar fund raiser; online open through Dec 31; sports news - FHS did beat KP on Thanksgiving; Unified Basketball going to FL; cheerleaders won D1;
• action today on basketball courts; masks so far going well; looking forward to break; #schcom1214
  

Superintendents Report

• superintendents report; PD last week (12/10) at building level; prof learning communities; elementary focused on assessment; middle multi-tier system of support; FHS worked on curriculum development; congrats to Unified Basketball team; traveling in Jun '22 #schcom1214
  
• Congrats to Paula Lupien, named MIAA D1 gymnastics coach of the year; #schcom1214; shifting to FHS mask policy implementation - 75% of students/40% of faculty were choosing to unmask; case numbers are climbing and keep watching; masks will busing (Federal mandate)
  
• changing definition of close contact to 6' (from 3'); no change to test/stay; can't test vaccinated students per DESE; #schcom1214 positivity 3.27% in Franklin (less than the 4 at benchmark); numbers updated Thursday; if over 4, would have a decision for the following Monday
  
• apprehensive around cases and numbers; chart shared with the updated numbers (weekly from DPH); 129 students in quarantine (largest in while); published on Monday; to be included in District newsletter on Weds #schcom1214
  
• if over 4 on Thursday, encouraged to mask on Fri but req'd for Monday; suggestion to reverse order of the info to put the newest on top; shoutout to music boosters, etc. in person concerts this month, nice way to celebrate the season; #schcom1214
  

Recognition of MJ Scofield

• recognition of MJ Scofield former member of #SchCom1214 multiple policy updated under her leadership of Policy subcom; Keller/Sullivan building project in prior period of terms; MJ speaking, acknowledges being awkward; appreciates the free time; overtime 5 superintendents …
  
• worked toward a common goal, could tell stories, but won't; negotiation sessions; pre-interest based bargaining did go long; #schcom1214 "kids always come first", keep advised of what Town Council and other board do; you're responsible for quality of ed for all students
  
• Chair Spencer acknowledges the hard work and making a world of difference; an amazing mentor; a well of historical knowledge #schcom1214
  

Lifelong Learning Presentation

• Lifelong Learning Presentation – Pattie Gay, Interim Director of Lifelong Learning Institute presentation #schcom1214 off rhythm due to the pandemic; stabilizing the dept and building back
  
• presentation copy to follow along as req'd -> https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/lli_presentation_december_2021.pdf… #schcom1214
  
• Solutions - for K through 5th grade, at each elementary school; Lifelong Community Learning - resource/programs for all ages; Kid's Corner - students K-8; music academy for all ages #schcom1214
  
• Summer programs were offered in limited capacity for 2021; high school experience offered in one day versions for incoming 9th and those in 10th who missed prior year; #schcom1214 anticipating return to full programing in summer of 2022; summer registration opens Feb 1, 2022
  
• programs aligned with district improvement plans; #schcom1214 thanks to all who helped support our program around the District/Town. Shout out to the Solutions ladies who helped raise my kids; there are great offerings in the brochure, check it out; you can meet other folks
  
• STEM and Math academy are complimentary to what is taught in school, particular during the summer, where usually regular teachers are the instructors; the college essay course is popular and helps to jump start the seniors; #schcom1214
  
• Lifelong Learning has been able to develop programs (i.e. essay and common app) to help address identified needs of the students and community #schcom1214
  
• great to be able to be back in person, enables real time opportunities to get feedback; courses do have an evaluation sheet at the end of each course; info reviewed and incorporated as needed; #schcom1214
  

Discussion Action Items

• next up -> Dissolve Transportation Sub Committee
• I recommend dissolving the Transportation Sub Committee as discussed - moved, seconded, passes 7-0  via roll call - details in doc  https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_dissolve_transportation_subcom.pdf…  #schcom1214
  
• DECA club request to travel to Boston; https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_deca_trip-web_redacted.pdf…  moved, seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call
  
• National Business Honor Students trip to NYC - https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_ny_trip-web_redacted.pdf…  #schcom1214 - date changed to Apr 2; motion seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call
  

Discussion only item

• Discussion only item - https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/22-23_scschedule-draft.pdf…  draft SchCom meeting calendar for planning/review #schcom1214 most normal 2 mtgs/month with minor exceptions
  
• Info matters - Budget meeting Thu - 12/16 at 7:30; community relations TBD; Joint PCC meeting today; COVID concerns discussed; pilot of Remington with Unlikely Story for book fair, next meeting Jan 10; SWAC next meeting Jan 4; #schcom1214 plng 4 another …
  
• critical conversations event in the Spring - informing parents on how to recognize drug packaging, etc. #schCom1214 DEI cmte met 12/08, visit FPS page (link to be added later) - appointing Elise to SEPAC as rep
  
• new business, Jan 11 - Special Ed update; action items related to the budget; re: $93,000 reduction for decision; FY 2022 capital request for SchCom to then go to the Town; #schcom1214
  

Consent agenda

• Consent agenda - https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-14-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet…  #schcom1214 motion to approve, seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call
  
• motion to enter Executive Session, not to return to open meeting, #schCom1214 motion, seconded, passes via roll call 7-0

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

Citizen comment updates:

• KP Sompally statement advocating for Diwali was shared here ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/request-to-add-diwali-as-observed.html
• Handout from parent on punishment for student for what he should be getting help for was shared here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/citizen-comment-about-punitive.html

School Committee meeting packet folder for Dec 14, 2021 includes the full Superintendent's report   packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-14-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

Superintendent's report  ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_december_14_2021.pdf
 

School Committee hears Lifelong Learning update