Showing posts with label policy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label policy. Show all posts

Saturday, October 17, 2020

School Committee: Policy Sub Committee Meeting - Oct 20, 2020

Policy Sub Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 20, 2020 - 6:00pm

AGENDA
 
"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."
 
 
I. Electronic Distribution of Approved Policies
1.EEAEC - Student Conduct on School Buses
2.EEAJ - Motor Vehicles Idling on School Grounds
3.Policy Distribution Folder
II.Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee
1.None
III.Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item
1.Continued Review of Policies
 
Virtual Meeting (Links in agenda)
 
 
School Committee: Policy Sub Committee Meeting - Oct 20, 2020
School Committee: Policy Sub Committee Meeting - Oct 20, 2020


Wednesday, September 9, 2020

School Committee Recap - Sep 8, 2020: midpoint of professional development, communication issues acknowledged, budget remains a concern

The School Committee meeting of Tuesday, Sep 8, 2020 can be summarized as follows:

  • The Franklin school district is at the midpoint of the professional development period before schools re-open this month. Teachers in buildings preparing, work on air quality and circulation continues. 
  • Communications to parents  on cohorts and teacher assignments acknowledged as a problem. A combination of technical glitches and fluid situation. Additional communications coming this week
  • Handbooks and associated policy changes approved for distribution. The number of pages for handbooks surprised one school committee member. A video presentation to highlight what to expect with the new school operations in this pandemic period is in development. 
  • The Early Childhood and Development Center reviewed their plans and operational adjustments.
  • The school budget remains a major item. While there are some savings being realized, there are additional costs, and concern over some of the COVID-19 funding that may expire before the pandemic is done.

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 #schcomm0908
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcomm0908&src=typed_query 

  • Ready for the real time reporting of #schcomm0908
  • Right into the superintendent's report, Midpoint of professional development for school staff, comms on cohorts going out, tech glitches acknowledged, more coming later this week, presentation in development #schcomm0908
  • Work on increase of air flow during and after school day, units got preventive maintenance done during summer, filters changed, CO2 filters adjusted, air transfer adjusted, about to bid project for further improvement, To be completed in Dec, fans in exhaust mode #schcomm0908
  • Flu vaccine is a requirement, exception will need to be supported by documents from nurse/doctor for medical, parent for religious reasons
  • #schcomm0908 no mandate for staff vaccine, day to be scheduled for staff to make it easier
  • #schcomm0908 Q on COVID-19 cases Communications, to be handled with privacy in mind, please be generous and kind with notifications, pls avoid stigma and harassment. Health dept to maintain contact tracing
  • Q on FHS could they come in early? Open to it but want to focus on getting underway first and then relook at bringing students in, #schcomm0908
  • Kelly Kelly provides an update for ECDC presentation similar to that made to parents Aug 5, classes are integrated (sped and peers), task force worked on, core values and mission important to keep in mind #schcomm0908 present doc not available on FPS page (will share when avail)
  • Note prior tweet should be Kelty Kelley (auto corrected wasn't overridden, oops) #schcomm0908 additional cleaning between sessions added, already did quite a bit given nature of program
  • Will be using outside space where possible, tent in place, easels ready, fencing to be added, drop off changed #schcomm0908 some students pay tuition, some recieve as part of IEP, some may not get peers all the time in order to get services
  • Some tuition based students are not returning, most folks did get first or second choices; if they do go remote (due to health reasons) would need to relook at tuition #schcomm0908 short personal visit with teachers before starting via Google meet planned
  • Sep 16 family orientation scheduled, 16-17-18 remote option welcome sessions planned with team members, a parent teacher conf via Google meet also scheduled to help with transition to first day of school Sep 21 #schcomm0908 approx 100 students this far
  • Playground off limits (as good as it is) due to complexity of cleaning after sessions. Being creative with the spaces they do have, will be able to use the garden when harvested and play with dirt. #schcomm0908 if guidance changes, they'll relook at it.
  • Discussion/Action items up now; #schcomm0908 https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_policy_2ndread-adoption.pdf comms back to family on mask non-compliance an issue of privacy/confidentiality. Plexiglass only in certain areas of high frequency close contact motion to approve, second, pass 7-0 via roll call
  • Handbooks up next https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_handbooks.pdf  #schcomm0908 process to review/revise began in Jun, built terminology and framework as a team before getting to details. (Kudos to that approach!!!)
  • Some of the policies already were approved during the year by #schcomm0908 section 3 new this year, section 2, section 1 school specific, middle schools have an FAQ section, all this non-COVID; school Council was leveraged during spring and currently for Communications
  • COVID specific sections, some across schools, some for both remote and hybrid, Google enterprise adding features to help management, need to set expectations and how to support them #schcomm0908 what can teachers, family and admin do to support process
  • Visitors limited even more so in these COVID circumstances, stopped for questions; Judy shocked by size of handbooks, 100+ pages for Davis Thayer. #schcomm0908 printed copies only upon request. Presentation on over view, monumental approach. Impressed by bully section
  • Handbook info to be included in presentation being put together, assistant principals were key to this effort. #schcomm0908 motion to approve second, passes 7-0 via roll call
  • Discussion only; annual report draft for #schcomm0908 for review, Dr Bergen for SchComm, Superintendent, unaudited FY 2020 budget figures. 
  • Budget update https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/budget-update  shared via link
  • Many leaves and retirements being covered by substitutes, hence a cost savings, transportation cost savings due to 45 days less than normal as well as less students (only 30%) reduction in fees for transportation also could be a revenue hit, along with sports/activity fees
  • Lifelong Learning getting hit with revenue drop, can't cover health costs. Will stay within constraints of bottom line budget (something will give but no indication yet of what) #schcomm0908 tents funded through Cares act
  • Tim: we were in a budget shortfall and will be still in the future. Judy: concern about folks not funded after Dec. There is some favorable numbers but we'll make decisions based upon info at that time. #schcomm0908 "budget situation unlike previous years"
  • Davis Thayer, ready to schedule meeting to resume work. Other subcommittees will resume as school reopens. #schcomm0908 mental health issues sky rocketing, looking to DESE and other state agencies for funding help
  • Next meeting: preview of district goals, hiring process explained, update on total staff retired, riffed, leaves, cafeteria, etc.
  • Judy - request for comments, should be part of agenda, was looked at previously and not included #schcomm0908 status of chromebooks
  • Consent agenda, motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0 via roll call
  • Motion to executive session, not to return to public meeting, passed via roll call 7-0  That's all for tonight, catch you next time!! #schcomm0908


Photos taken during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one folder
https://photos.app.goo.gl/aaVGfjybqqMDm1pu7

ECDC Principal Kelty Kelley
ECDC Principal Kelty Kelley

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

FM #337 School Comm Meeting - Policy 2 Close - 8/25/20 P3 of 3 (audio)

FM #337 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 337 in the series. 

This shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting that was held on Tuesday, August 25, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Part 3 - this segment picks up on the second Discussion Action on policy changes required to operate under the emergency order of this pandemic period. This section also includes the remaining items on the agenda through to the vote to enter Executive Session and not to return to a public meeting.

The agenda doc, including connection info
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sc-agenda-82520
 
The meeting packet with all docs released for this meeting
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-25-2020-school-committee-meeting
 
My notes taken via Twitter during the meeting are summarized here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/school-committee-recap-sports.html
 
Photos used in the Twitter thread can be found in the Google photo album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Pu8WV4CYc4kmvCvP7




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FM #337 School Comm Meeting - Policy 2 Close  - 8/25/20 P3 of 3 (audio)
FM #337 School Comm Meeting - Policy 2 Close  - 8/25/20 P3 of 3 (audio)


School Committee recap: sports authorized, digital tech position created, re-opening updates

The Franklin, MA School Committee met on Tuesday August 25 and the recap is as follows:
  • voted to approve participation in schools sports. The vote was required as the district is starting remote. "If nothing had been voted on, and they moved to hybrid, would a vote have been required?" was a question raised but not answered. The vote was 5-1-1 (5 for, 1 no, 1 absent)
  • voted to create a new position which had long been desired but had not previously made the budget. Now due to the remote and hybrid learning requirements, the digital learning integration specialist, was approved and three positions were authorized. Funding for the first half of the school year is available from the CARES Act. Funding for the second half and beyond needs to be identified. The vote was 4-2-1 (4 for, 2 no, 1 absent)
  • voted to move interim policy changes to operate under the emergency order issued by the Governor for this COVID-19 period to a second reading. Policy changes always take two readings to become final.
  • In the Superintendents Report the re-opening progress was noted and while answers remain to be provided much more info is forthcoming before school starts. Class and teacher assignments, bus schedules, chromebook pickup, etc. Stay tuned, the taskforce has been busy working and getting to finalize many details over the next couple of weeks.
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 #schcom0825
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0825&src=typeahead_click
  • Real time reporting underway for #schcom0825
  • Superintendent's report will include a re-opening update. Also addressing prior meeting item of surplus in this case old and unusable books #schcom0825 second item is longer, i.e. re-opening and first 10 days of PD for teachers
  • Teachers come back Monday 8/22 #schcom0825 multiple items on agenda for welcoming back and getting started. New teacher orientation today and next 2 days. Bus transportation in review, request via form coming Weds. Wait to make payment later
  • Working on remote only model in prep 250+ k-5 another 100+ middle school. Considering options to provide via a learning academy with FPS teachers who are choosing remote #schcom0825 last resort seats in a learning mgt system. Moves possible at marking break
  • Transition to hybrid for FHS still being worked, value in staging (gradual) move rather than all at once. Cohort won't be by grade due to class assignments with mixed grades. #schcom0825 FHS schedule being revised
  • New guidance from DESE last week re: students of teachers to come to the district, still evaluation underway. Class size being looked at may not be able to handle. #schcom0825 we are being flexible re staff assignments to accommodate where possible
  • Lifelong Learning to do daycare for teachers children, limited availability, priced for cost recovery. #schcom0825 flu vaccine requirements discussed, more info to come on date due for compliance; exception for religion and medical reasons, docs required
  • Q on whether considering later daytime start for FHS. Would be easier if remote rather than hybrid or in person. Not definite at this time. Q on daycare. At a premium, there was good interest, but only 5 enrolled currently and can't exceed 30 #schcom0825
  • Q handbook? On agenda for Sep 8 meeting. Q assignments? Being worked and should be out next week. Q on schedule? More info coming over the next couple of weeks. Q raised on mask removal circumstances? An older section that has been changing as info #schcom0825
  • FYI up to 90+ via the Zoom bridge for this meeting, another 11 on live stream via http://FranklinMA.gov page #schcom0825
  • Q on interruption in teachers environment and the resulting impact on learning. Related to another comment on DESEs recommendation for teachers in rooms #schcom0825 Q more comment on cost of childcare is raising stress for teachers
  • We are trying to apply the funding in prudent ways, there is not a great answer, need to look at cost benefits.#schcom0825 Q school based teams meeting as needed for building level fine tuning. Things are fluid and evolving
  • Mention of YMCA efforts on childcare, the link to additional info can be found on Franklin Matters https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/hockomock-area-ymca-offers-remote.html?m=1 #schcom0825
  • Next up Athletics update! #schcom0825. SchCom needs to vote as they already approved plan for starting remote. AD Tom Angelo and FHS principal Hanna to provide update
  • 8 of 12 hock teams don't have access to gym for volleyball hence move to flex season #schcom0825 AD have met, principals to meet Thursday on plan. Sports would be outside, in smaller #s, and with changes to game to improve safety (soccer, no heading of ball)
  • Q soccer changed in risk level apparently due to heavy lobbying effort, soccer is a high contact sport both boys and girls. Are there other rule changes coming? How are the refs going to monitor this? #schcom0825 there are additional rule changes to the nature of this game
  • The SEL aspects are driving the efforts to make it work albeit different. The coaches will follow the rules to the T. #schcom0825 cost and availability of busses for away games may be an issue, considering family transportation as an option to be worked out (legal?) liability?
  • Q has BoH been involved yet? No but will be. Q concern about the nature of the rule changes, can they be followed? #schcom0825 athletic fees don't cover cost of season, only about 30% of budget covered; may be an increase
  • A vote only required because we are starting remote first? Once we go hybrid, that would be an automatic yes? #schcom0825 we'll all be watching if the guidelines are to be followed, same comments are for school settings too. Can people follow the guidelines?
  • Community comments; first up an FHS junior Will Tracey  #schcom0825 ; former SchComm member Gigi Zub
  • Next up Declan Walmsey, and Sidney Hawkins #schcom0825 and Denise Lewandowski all to encourage the SchCom to vote for proposal
  • Next up Virna O'Brien, #schcom0825 advocate for the class of 2021, the class of 2020 lost a lot, but not much has been said about this class of 2021
  • Motion to approve participation in sports, seconded, passed 5-1 (1 absent) MJ voted no with apologies to every athlete #schcom0825
  • Next up interim policy for COVID-19 related items, 2nd policy on face covering, all policy docs can be found in this doc, policy in effect during emergency for COVID-19 https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_1st_reads.pdf …. #schcom0825
  • Motion to move to second reading as discussed (no questions raised) second, vote via roll call 6-0 (1 absent D'angelo) #schcom0825
  • Next up calendar revision, https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_revised_20-21_calendar.pdf … most half days to Weds (from Friday) due to cleaning process in hybrid model. #schcom0825 motion to approve, seconded, request to change name of Columbus day, will change per other work, not tonight; vote 6-0
  • Creation of new position, i.e. digital learning integration to support in remote or hybrid. #schcom0825 info in link here, funded 1H via COVID funding, will need to look at 2H of year for funding https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_digital_learning_integrationist.pdf … motion to approve, second, now Qs
  • Q how many teachers were laid off. Approx 19.5 in last budget. Request to read job description, being read by Supt Ahern (Link shared previously contains this) #schcom0825 looking into hire within where possible $70-80K/year; concern about funding for 2H
  • Budget Subcommittee had reviewed these positions and approved of them albeit there are funding challenges, #schcom0825 vote (finally) via roll call 4-2 (MJ no, risky; Judy no, shouldn't need) (1  absent)
  • Discussion only items possible presentation schedule for future meetings https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/sc_presentation_schedules_2019-present_-_2020-2021.pdf … #schcom0825 out for discussion, subject to change
  • Budget Subcommittee met last Fri, #schcom0825 Community relations, facility on hold. Policy has been busy, expecting to see student handbooks. Nothing definite on chromebook delivery. Supt review, social and racial justice task force met last week, Anne representing
  • For next meeting, annual report review, new hires, COVID addendum, handbooks; what about the hiring process? What about ECDC? What will it look like? Support for the staff. Enjoy the last week of summer! #schcom0825 new chromebooks may not be here before school starts
  • Q on the books from last time, they were disposed of. We did to seek to donate where possible but standards do change, many were damaged and not in good shape. Pfeffer not pleased. Supt Ahern would not assume that these books would be used anywhere. #schcom0825
  • Consent agenda, motion to approve, second, vote via roll call 6-0 (1 absent) #schcom0825 
  • Motion to enter executive session not to return to public meeting; second vote via roll call 6-0
  • That's all for tonight, catch you next time!
The agenda doc, including connection info

The meeting packet with all docs released for this meeting

Photos used in the Twitter thread can be found in the album

School Committee recap: sports authorized, digital tech position created, re-opening updates
School Committee recap: sports authorized, digital tech position created, re-opening updates


Sunday, August 23, 2020

Franklin, (MA): School Committee Meeting Agenda - 8/25/20

Call to Order
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. Tom Angelo, FHS Athletic Director Josh Hanna, FHS Principal

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Athletics at Franklin High School
I recommend the approval of Franklin High School sports teams participating in MIAA seasons although school is opening in a predominantly remote environment as detailed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_fhs_athletics.pdf

B. Policy - First Readings
I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:
EBC (SUPPLEMENTAL) - Creation Of A General (Interim) Policy On Covid-related Issues
EBCFA - Masks/Face Coverings (New)
COVID Policy Addendums
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_1st_reads.pdf

C. 2020-21 Revised Calendar
I recommend approval of the revised 2020-2021 School Calendar as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_revised_20-21_calendar.pdf

D. Digital Learning Integrationist
I recommend the approval of three Digital Learning Integrationist positions in Franklin Public Schools as detailed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_digital_learning_integrationist.pdf


V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your August 11, 2020 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Approval of Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the Executive Session minutes from your August 11, 2020 School Committee meeting to be released as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Executive Session

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3), move to go into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the School Committee and the chair so declares, and not to reconvene in an Open Session.
XI. Adjournment

The agenda doc, including connection info

The meeting packet with all docs released for this meeting

Franklin, (MA): School Committee Meeting Agenda - 8/25/20
Franklin, (MA): School Committee Meeting Agenda - 8/25/20

Monday, August 10, 2020

Sunday, August 9, 2020

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda = Aug 11, 2020


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.      Franklin Public Schools Comprehensive Reopening Plan

III.             Discussion/Action Items

A.      Franklin Public Schools Comprehensive Reopening Plan

I recommend the adoption of the Franklin Public Schools Comprehensive Reopening Plan, which may be updated and amended in its implementation.

 

Presentation  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-presentation

Re-opening Plan https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-reopening-plan

 

B.      2020-21 Revised School Calendar

I recommend the adoption of the revised 2020-2021 School Calendar as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-b-revised-calendar

 

C.      Policy 2nd Reading/Adoption

I recommend adoption of Policy FA – Facilities Development Goals as discussed.

IV.             Discussion Only Items

A.      None

V.            Information Matters

A.      School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)

B.      School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)

 

VI.                New Business

A.       To discuss any future agenda items

 

VII.               Consent Agenda

A.       Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your July 28, 2020 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B.      Transfers

I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.

C.      Jefferson Surplus Materials

I recommend declaring the attached list of Jefferson materials as surplus.


D.     Executive Session Minutes

I recommend approval of the Executive Session Minutes from the following School Committee Meetings:

July 14, 2020 Executive Session Minutes to be released 

July 28, 2020 Executive Session Minutes to be released

 

VIII.            Payment of Bills                                                                                  Dr. Bergen

IX.                Payroll                                                                                                 Ms. D’Angelo

 

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/Unit A, FEA/Cafeteria, FEA/ESP, FEA/Secretaries as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

Return to Open Session

XI.                Adjournment

 

The agenda doc is found online

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sc-agenda-81120


The meeting packet can be found

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-11-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet


Franklin, MA: School Committee -  Meeting Agenda = Aug 11, 2020
Franklin, MA: School Committee -  Meeting Agenda = Aug 11, 2020