Massachusetts State Senate President Announces Hiring of Karen Adelman-Foster as Director of Community Engagement and Municipal Policy

Massachusetts Senate President Karen E. Spilka announced today that Karen Adelman-Foster has been hired as Director of Community Engagement and Municipal Policy in her office.

  

“Karen Adelman-Foster has extensive elected municipal experience and therefore really knows what makes municipalities tick—and what it takes to make local government effective,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland).  “Combined with her work with the greater MetroWest region, Karen will no doubt hit the ground running in engaging the communities in my district, as well as bringing their needs into focus as we craft policy on the state level.”

 

Adelman-Foster most recently worked as a Senior Communications Strategist at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), where she led external communications on the MetroCommon 2050 regional plan, co-led, with the New England Aquarium, the Community Partners for Resilience (CPR) project, coordinated the MetroWest Regional Collaborative (MWRC), and conceived and led the Regional Municipal Approaches to Diversity and Equity (reMADE) project. Before her work with MAPC, Adelman-Foster worked as a freelance writer and marketing consultant for a number of local and national clients.

 

In addition to her professional roles, Adelman-Foster served until last month as an elected member of the Natick Select Board, most recently as Chair. In this capacity, she collaborated with the Town Administrator on policy decisions and strategy on behalf of the Board, and was instrumental in establishing a new town-wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and Chief Diversity Officer position.

 

From 2006 to 2012, Adelman-Foster served as an elected member of the Natick School Committee, where she helped oversee the hiring process for the then new Superintendent of Schools. She has also served in a number of other town positions, including as a member of Town Meeting, the Finance Committee, the Charter and Bylaw Review Committee, and the Strategic Planning Review Committee.

 

Adelman-Foster, who resides in Natick, holds a BA in Political Science from Swarthmore College and an MFA in Fiction Writing from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa. Her first day in the Senate President’s office was April 4, 2022.

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Apr 12, 2022 (new order of business format)

Franklin School Committee

April 12, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

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. FY23 Revised Superintendent’s Recommended Budget

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy23_budget_for_sc_vote_presentation_0.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. FY23 Budget Vote
I recommend approval of the FY23 Budget in the amount of $70,216,996.00 as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_fy23_budget_vote.pdf

B. School Choice Vote
I recommend to not accept school choice students for the 2022-23 school year as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_school_choice_vote_0.pdf

C. Revised 2022-23 School Calendar
I recommend adoption of the Revised 2022-2023 School Calendar as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_22-23_revised_school_calendar.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 of the March 22, 2022 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
B. Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the Executive Session minutes of the March 22,2022 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
C. DECA International Competition (recurring) Field Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Miguel Carmo to take DECA students to Atlanta, GA for the International competition from April 23-27, 2022 as detailed.
D. JFK Recurring Field Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Ms. Trottier to take JFK 2nd graders to Roger Williams Park Zoo, in Providence RI on May 20, 2022 as detailed.
E. Cooperstown Field Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Zach Brown to take the FHS Baseball players to Cooperstown, NY from April 18 - 19, 2022 as detailed

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

 

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_4-12-22.pdf

Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-12-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

School Committee - Agenda - Apr 12, 2022 (new order of business format)

Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Apr 6, 2022

Policy Subcommittee Meeting

DATE: 4/6/2022  ->  6:00 -- 7:30 PM

Municipal Building - Training Room (Virtual Link in Agenda)

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.”

I. Electronic Distribution of Approved Policies

• A. EBCFA - Face Coverings
• B. JICFB - Bullying
• C. BEDB - Order of Business
• D. BEDH - Public Participation

II. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee

• A. none

III. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item

• A. none

Agenda doc and connection info ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/4_6_2022_policy_subcommittee_agenda_.pdf
 

Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Apr 6, 2022

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - March 22, 2022

Franklin School Committee

March 22, 2022 = 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Ms. Spencer 

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence 

FY23 Budget Open Hearing 

• Presentation doc ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy23_public_budget_hearing.pdf
• Budget documents link -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/1-fy-2023-budget

I. Routine Business 

A. Review of Agenda 

B. Citizen’s Comments 

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made ….  A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment ….  The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH 

C. FHS Student Representative Comments 

D. Superintendent’s Report 

II. Guests/Presentations 

A. none 

III. Discussion/Action Items 

A. Policy – 2nd Readings / Adoptions I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed: 

● BEDB – Order of Business 

● BEDH – Public Participation at School Committee Meetings 

● EBCFA – Face Coverings 

● JICFB - Bullying 

IV. Discussion Only Items 

A. none 

V. Information Matters 

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Supt. Evaluation, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Space Needs/Facilities Assessment) 

B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, (SATF) Substance Abuse Task Force, (SWAC) School Wellness Advisory Council, (SEPAC) Special Education Parent Advisory Council, (DEI) Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee). 

VI. New Business 

A.  To discuss any future agenda items 

VII. Consent Agenda 

A. Approval of Minutes 

I recommend approval of the minutes of the March 1, 2022 special meeting and the March 8, 2022 regular School Committee Meeting as detailed. 

B. Recurring Field Trip 

I recommend approval of the request of Beth Jenson & Jennifer Martinelli to take Keller 5th graders to Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI on May 27, 2022 as detailed. 

C. Budget Transfers 

I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed. 

D. JFK Gift I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,240.80 from the JFK PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed. 

E. Scholarship 

I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from Takashi & Keiko Kitanosono for a FHS Scholarship as detailed. 

F. RMS Gift 

I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,299.94 from Lifetouch/Shutterfly, LLC for in-house enrichment at Remington Middle School as detailed. 

G. Music Gift 

I recommend acceptance of a check for $230.00 from Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment for the Music Dept. as detailed. 

H. Jefferson Gifts 

I recommend the acceptance of two checks totaling $5,101.64 for Jefferson Elementary School as follows: 

Donors Choose $101.64  Supplemental Supplies 

Jefferson PCC $5,000.00  Field Trips 

VIII. Payment of Bills Ms. Spencer 

IX. Payroll Ms. Stokes 

X. 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)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with non-union personnel. 

XI. Adjournment

Agenda document ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_3-22-22.pdf

Agenda packet -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/march-22-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - March 22, 2022

Ted McIntyre helps me with Marking Sense of Climate - Part 5 - 03/15/22 (audio)

FM #753 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 753 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Mar 15, 2022.  

This is part 5 of a series on Marking Sense of Climate. Ted helps me “make sense of climate” and we hope this helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session 

The recording runs about 49 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Ted McIntyre as he helps me “make sense of climate.”

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-754-making-sense-of-climate-5-03-15-22

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Links that are our talking points for this episode

Transit system electrification
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/state-news-roundup-health-care-costs.html

NY Times article on induction cookers -> https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-induction-cooktop/ 

DOER Stretch goals (deadline extended to March 18 to submit input)

• Link to read the details ->  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stretch-energy-code-development-2022 
• Email to provide feedback  stretchcode@mass.gov 
• WBUR’s explainer ->  https://www.wbur.org/news/2022/03/17/massachusetts-energy-environmental-building-code-proposal-explainer

Good first step wind bill, but Baker objects over fees…
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/02/opinion/offshore-wind-is-future-massachusetts/?event=event12
https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/regional/2022/03/04/mass-house-offshore-wind-bill-faces-headwinds-baker/9373537002/
 
Municipal Light Plants (MLP) and the Peabody Peaker
New studies find cheaper to 'buy from market'
Hunger strikers oppose construction


Ukraine…
Debate No-fly zone etc….
Hundreds of millions to Russia every day for gas.
daily payment to Russia for EU gas
https://www.voanews.com/a/despite-sanctions-europe-continues-to-bankroll-russia-for-gas-oil/6465223.html

McKibben’s piece on “heat pumps for peace”   https://billmckibben.substack.com/p/heat-pumps-for-peace-and-freedom?s=r 

If you have a question to raise, you can use this form -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/ask-franklin-matters-you-ask-question.html
 
Original Climate link = The 13 point article we talk to -> From WBUR -> “What you need to know about the new MASS Climate law” https://www.wbur.org/news/2021/03/26/new-mass-climate-law-faq
 
Mass Climate Action Network -> https://www.massclimateaction.org/recs 
 
--------------

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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters" 

NY Times - Wirecutter - induction cook tops (Photo: Michael Murtaugh)

JAMA: "State control over health outcomes shows no signs of waning"

"The COVID-19 pandemic removed any doubt that state policies can affect health outcomes. East Coast states (eg, New York, New Jersey) that responded to the first wave of the pandemic in the spring of 2020 with strict protective measures achieved relatively quick control of community spread within as much as 8 weeks,9 and they blunted subsequent surges by reinstating those policies. 

In contrast, states that had spent decades opposing public health provisions were among the most resistant to COVID-19 guidelines and took active measures to resist restrictions. Some elected officials made a political issue out of challenging scientific evidence, embracing dubious theories, and labeling public health safeguards as infringements on personal freedom. Conservative governors used preemption to reverse efforts by mayors and school districts to control local transmission rates.

These policy choices may have been associated with increased COVID-19–related morbidity and mortality. States that rushed to curtail lockdowns in the spring of 2020 experienced more protracted surges in infections and disruptions to their economies.9 In 2021, excess deaths were disproportionately concentrated in states where resistance to COVID-19 vaccination was prevalent. 

For example, excess death rates in Florida and Georgia (more than 200 deaths per 100 000) were much higher than in states with largely vaccinated populations such as New York (112 per 100 000), New Jersey (73 deaths per 100 000), and Massachusetts (50 per 100 000). States that resisted public health protections experienced higher numbers of excess deaths during the Delta variant surge in the fall of 2021 (Figure). Between August and December 2021, Florida experienced more than triple the number of excess deaths (29 252) as New York (8786), despite both states having similar population counts (21.7 million and 19.3 million, respectively).10"

Continue reading the report in the Journal of American Medicine (JAMA) 
 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2790238

Figure.  Weekly Excess Death Rate (per 100 000) in Selected States, 2021

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - Mar 8, 2022 - 7 PM

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting

Municipal Building - Council Chambers (Virtual Link in Agenda)

Call to Order Ms. Spencer

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments

D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. FY23 Superintendent’s Recommended Budget  ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy23_superintendents_recommended_budget_0.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Policy 2nd Reading-Adoption

I recommend Adoption of Policy GDQD - Suspension and Dismissal of Support Staff Members as discussed.   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_policy_2nd_read-adoption_0.pdf

B. Policy 1st Readings

I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_1st_readings.pdf

• EBCFA - Face Coverings
• JICFB - Bullying Prevention & Intervention
• BEDB – Order of Business
• BEDH - Public Participation at School Committee Meetings

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. FY23 Budget Discussion -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/1-fy-2023-budget

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Supt. Evaluation, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy and Space Needs & Facilities Analysis Sub Committee)

B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, (SATF) Substance Abuse Task Force, (SWAC) School Wellness Advisory Council, SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council), DEI Committee (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion).

VI. New Business

A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda

• A. Approval of Minutes - I recommend approval of the minutes from the February 8, 2022 School Committee meeting and February 16, 2022 Special School Committee Meeting as detailed.
• B. FEF Gift - I recommend acceptance of a check for $12,000.00 from the Franklin Education Foundation as discussed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Ms. Spencer

IX. Payroll Ms. Stokes

X. 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)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with non-union personnel. 

c. Executive session pursuant to M.G.L. c.30A, §21(a)(1) to consider an Open Meeting Law complaint against public officers, namely the members of the School Committee, filed with the Committee by Kyle Thompson and dated February 3, 2022.

XI. Adjournment

Link to Agenda document -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_3-8-22.pdf

Link to meeting packet -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/march-8-2022-school-committee-meeting

FY23 Superintendent’s Recommended Budget

Franklin School Committee: Policy Subcommittee - Mar 2, 2022

Franklin School Committee

Policy Subcommittee Meeting

DATE: 3/2/2022 TIME: 6:00 -- 7:30 pm

I. Electronic Distribution of Approved Policies

A. none

II. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee

A. GDQD - Suspension & Dismissal of Support Staff Members

III. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item

A. EBCFA - Face Coverings

B. JICFB - Bullying

C. BEDB - Order of Business

D. BEDH - Public Participation 

Agenda doc with remote connection info
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/3_2_2022_policy_subcom_agenda_.pdf 

Franklin School Committee: Policy Subcommittee - Mar 2, 2022

School Committee Special Mtg - 02/16/22 (audio) responding to an OPML complaint and amending the mask policy

FM #732 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 732 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Special School Committee meeting held Wednesday, Feb 16, 2022. 

There are two items on the agenda, one a response to an Open Meeting Law violation claim, and the second, the school district mask policy now that DESE has ended their state rule effect Feb 28, 2022.

Scheduled for 5 PM, the meeting actually begins at 5:26 PM and runs 55 minutes.

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

Meeting agenda->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_2-16-22_special_mtg.pdf

My notes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/recap-school-committee-meeting-responds.html 

Statement in response to OPML complaint

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/franklin-school-committee-statement-in.html

Copy of "Mask Considerations" doc 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QG_vSyGZmiJ_UCGIVHVtVd4C4IHBz_ag/view?usp=sharing

Superintendent memo summarizes the new policy

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/school-committee-amends-policy-so-that.html

Photo album from the meeting (mostly screen grabs of the presentation doc)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ujrUrvLuDaJV6YdK8

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

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 Special Mtg - 02/16/22 (audio)

Recap: School Committee meeting - responds to open meeting law complaint; amends mask policy

Quick recap:

• (1) Statement in response to the Open Meeting complaint argues that there is no violation. References to the current Open Meeting Law, consultation with FPS attorney and Attorney General's office confirms position
• (2) Superintendent Ahern went through a presentation to summarize "Mask Considerations" copy provided below
• Questions and comments from the committee following the presentation, lead to a motion to amend the recommendation changing the date to March 14, it was not seconded so it died. Another motion was proposed to amend the date to March 7, it was seconded but failed by a 4-3 vote
• The recommendation ultimately passes by 7-0

Statement in response to OPML complaint

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/franklin-school-committee-statement-in.html

Copy of "Mask Considerations" doc 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QG_vSyGZmiJ_UCGIVHVtVd4C4IHBz_ag/view?usp=sharing

Superintendent memo summarizes the new policy

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/school-committee-amends-policy-so-that.html

Photo album from the meeting (mostly screen grabs of the presentation doc)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ujrUrvLuDaJV6YdK8

ThreadReader provides a PDF of my Twitter thread including the photos inline with the tweets (my notes - taken as the meeting progresses) copy here with link or embedded below:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_itSCMzPvtXrUcqaaKuCetpbHH8YhFxM/view?usp=sharing

Recap: School Committee meeting - 2/16/22

School Committee amends policy so "that masks will not be universally required" effective 2/28/22

2/16/2022

Dear Franklin Public Schools Community Members,

Earlier this evening, the Franklin School Committee voted to amend the policy on Masks and Face Coverings (Policy EBCFA) so that masks will not be universally required as follows:

• It is strongly recommended that unvaccinated or otherwise immunocompromised individuals wear masks in school buildings, and on school grounds, even when social distancing is observed.
• Individuals who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear a mask, but may do so if desired.

This language will be in effect on Monday, February 28, 2022 for all schools in Franklin, as the current DESE mask mandate will not be extended beyond that time. 

Principals will be working with their staff on communicating this change to students so that children are prepared for school on February 28, 2022. We will emphasize the importance of being kind and respecting the choices that others make. We ask that families reinforce this with children over February break and in advance of their children's return to school. Counselors are available for students who may be experiencing anxiety with this change. Please contact your child’s school.

Please Note: Masks will still be required under certain circumstances as follows:

• Masks will still be required on buses/school transportation (per federal order)
• Masks will still be required in health offices (per DPH for health facilities)
• Masks will still be required for individuals testing as COVID-positive and returning to school from isolation on day 6 or later through day 10 (per DPH and CDC protocols)
• For MIAA athletic events and some other activities, mask rules are up to host-school or venue-specific rules. Therefore, depending on the venue, a mask may be required.

The decision for moving to a mask optional approach involved the examination of numerous data points, as noted on the attached slide show.

With COVID case counts dropping, we will be moving towards a weekly summary, rather than daily communications of COVID cases affecting our schools. This will begin Wednesday, March 2. This may be unsettling for community members, especially with masks becoming optional on February 28, but the premise of our response remains the same: we have many layered mitigation strategies in our schools including ventilation. Individuals may want to consider opting to mask, may want to consider vaccinations or boosters (if unvaccinated), may sign up for rapid antigen testing, should monitor for symptoms, and may wish to sign up for symptomatic testing.

For families or faculty/staff who wish to opt-in for rapid antigen testing and/or symptomatic testing, please visit our website and click on the links to sign up. https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/back-to-school-plan-21-22/testing-quarantine-response

A community vaccine clinic for children ages 5-11 is being held at the Franklin Senior Center on February 23 from 9-10 AM or 3-5 PM. Sign ups can occur here:  https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin

Each change that we’ve experienced through the pandemic has come with mixed feelings among students, staff, and families. We have navigated each change, with new tools and successively fewer restrictions, successfully, minimizing the impact of COVID in our school community. 

I implore everyone to treat each other respectfully as we move into this next phase of our management of COVID. We will certainly be communicating this message to our students prior to and upon their return from February vacation.

Respectfully,

Sara Ahern
Superintendent of Schools

School Committee amends policy so "that masks will not be universally required" effective 2/28/22

Special School Committee Meeting - February 16, 2022 at 5 PM

*SPECIAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING 

FEBRUARY 16, 2022 AT 5 PM*

Topic: Face Coverings

Last week Governor Baker and Commissioner Riley held a press conference announcing that the Massachusetts Department of Secondary and Elementary Education will not be extending the mask mandate in school buildings past February 28th, 2022. This decision comes after consulting with medical experts and state health officials. The memorandum cites "the Commonwealth's high vaccination rates and widespread availability of COVID-19 testing for school personal and students" to support this decision. You can view the full memo here: https://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/on-desktop/2022-0209mask-requirement-update.pdf

Without a state order, the decision on masking falls to local decision making. The Franklin School Committee is holding a special meeting on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 5:00 PM to discuss masking. The agenda and links can be accessed here: https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/events/scagenda_2-16-22_special_mtg.pdf

As for Franklin High School, FHS received a waiver from the state in November because over 80% of the population at Franklin High School had been vaccinated. The School Committee amended their policy in November to allow for masks to be optional at FHS for vaccinated individuals if the 14-day % positivity rate is below 4% (the current rate is above 4%). Therefore, masks are still required at FHS currently. Optional masking at FHS will also be discussed at Wednesday's meeting.

Masking will continue to be required on all school buses, per federal order. Masking is also required, per DPH, in school health offices.

Shared from FPS page -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/events/scagenda_2-16-22_special_mtg.pdf

Special School Committee Meeting - February 16, 2022 at 5 PM

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Special Meeting - Feb 16, 2022 - 5 PM

Franklin School Committee

February 16, 2022 - 5:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Special School Committee Meeting

Agenda

Call to Order Mrs. Spencer

I. Discussion Only

A. Response to Open Meeting Law complaint against public officers, namely the

members of the School Committee, filed with the Committee by Kyle Thompson

and dated February 3, 2022.

II. Discussion/Action/Possible Vote

A. Policy EBCFA – Face Coverings  

Adjournment 

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_2-16-22_special_mtg.pdf

Policy EBCFA – Face Coverings  -> (Revised Aug 2021)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee-policy-manual/pages/ebcfa-face-coverings

Ben's guide to mask wearing - #DoYourPartFranklin