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.

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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

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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"

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

Finance Committee approves FY22 Capital Plan and revisions to ToF fiscal policy - 02/09/22 (audio)

FM #729 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 729 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, February 9, 2022. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: 7 members of the Finance Committee were in the Council Chambers along with some of the public, 1 member was remote along with some members the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period. (1 member was absent to complete the accounting of the 9 member committee)

• Chair Bill Dowd opens the Finance Committee, 8 members participating (1 absent; 1 remote, hence roll call votes req'd)

• They heard the proposed revisions to fiscal policy doc, as marked up, minor change suggested to include the enterprise accounts specifically under the heading, rather than listed separately; approved to send to Town Council

• They heard the proposal for the FY 22 capital plan, clarification questions asked along the way before approving $2+M to send to Town Council

• Joint budget subcommittee scheduled to meet March 10, next meeting of FinCom scheduled for March 9, canceling the April meeting as they will be meeting over four nights in May for the budget hearings

The recording runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting Feb 9, 2022. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-729-finance-cmte-mtg-02-09-22

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Meeting agenda =>   

https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee/agenda/fin-com-agenda-20 

Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee 

My notes for the meeting =>  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/recap-finance-committee-gets-walk.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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Finance Committee approves FY22 Capital Plan and revisions to ToF fiscal policy - 02/09/22 (audio)

Recap: Finance Committee approves Capital Plan for FY 22 and revisions to fiscal policy

Quick Recap:

• Finance Committee, 8 members participating (1 absent; 1 remote, hence roll call votes req'd)
• heard proposed revisions to fiscal policy doc, as marked up, minor change suggested to include the enterprise accounts specifically under the heading, rather than listed separately; approved to send to Town Council
• Heard proposal for capital plan, clarification questions asked along the way before approving $2+M to send to Town Council
• Joint budget subcommittee scheduled to meet March 10, next meeting of FinCom scheduled for March 9, canceling the April meeting as they will be meeting over four nights in May for the budget hearings

The Twitter thread for my notes missed the first two but the others can be found in one PDF  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZDbo-UYyinDJtMyjX8GAHd7EK9EFZ8Ay/view?usp=sharing

You can also find the Twitter thread looking for the hashtag -> #fincom0209

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom0209&src=recent_search_click 

Audio recording should be available in couple of days

• live reporting about to commence for the #FinCom0209 meeting, one member remote, one absent so a total of 8 participating tonight
• Agenda doc can be found -> https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-02-09_fincom_agenda.pdf  #fincom0209
• policy review (policy on page 2) proposing to remove the open space accounts as CPA is available. Req to adjust the enterprise accounts indented under the Enterprise account header (water, sewer, trash) #fincom0209
• Q on host community agreement - what it is and how long it lasts, $300K / year (not to exceed 3% of gross sales) - currently set at 5 years for Franklin #fincom0209 this completes the review of the policy, motion to approve, via roll call 8-0
• FY 22 capital plan (see agenda doc) total free cash $4.4M a high amount, maybe a record, won't likely be repeated. proceeding section by section or the separate capital plan doc here ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NmZGJ1f4Z8FiEpvZTVFUbRRZgkujzwxD/view?usp=sharing #fincom0209
• with $4.4M as starting point, set aside for snow/ice, and to debt stabilization, leaves us with $2+M for the capital plan, first pass now, after snow/ice confirmed, to come back for a second pass #fincom0209
• Dept level: School Department, School Technology, School Facilities - $701,000 multiple items covered in the details in agenda doc #fincom0209 Q - to clarify on text books, yes it is both materials and Chromebook licenses
• one of the Senior Center requests is for a pavilion outside to provide some shade. If you have ever seen it, it is exposed, the bocci court is covered (at either end) but the chairs/tables are totally exposed. #FINCOM0209 hopefully to have Tri-County students build
• fire alarm system upgrade, the vehicles were in the plan for several years and have risen to the top this year; grant to assist for the clothing request #fincom0209
• 5 replacement vehicles for police, vehicles were hybrid but not available so they would go gas; NationalGrid doing a fleet analysis to help determine the economics would take approx. a year #fincom0209
• on to enterprise accounts: water treatment plant analysis; tank replacement analysis for the hill behind Dean. #fincom0209 sewer enterprise, general improvements to whole system; Federal ARPA fund guidance being changed, may now qualify for ARPA, want to get it done either way
• did apply for SRF funding for the Beaver St connector, set to bid in late August and then 2 year construction; loan will be paid out of sewer enterprise fund; can tell how much it could be now, too early. #fincom0209 will need to get the bids, SRF gets a 0% loan
• check out the listing of all the other items that are on the wish list for future consideration #fincom0209 approve what has been submitted for, via roll call 8-0
• approval of Jan 12 minutes, motion, second, passes 8-0 via roll call #fincom0209
• stabilization account update, listed at the end of the capital and capital memo #fincom0209
• future agenda items, DPW deep dive, next month (March 9); may cancel the April meeting - they will be meeting multiple times in May 2022 (budget hearing)
• Joint Budget subcommittee meeting March 10, approx. 6:30 or 6 #fincom0209 motion to adjourn, second, passes 8-0 via roll call

Finance Committee Meeting - Feb 9, 2022 - agenda to review the FY 2022 Capital Plan

DESE "will not renew the state mask requirement after it expires on February 28, 2022"

"Please see the following release from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education https://t.co/Ao8cJFbwFq"  or here

Shared from Twitter ->   https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1491432725072707585

DESE update on mask policy, allowing expiration as of Feb 28, 2022 ->   https://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/on-desktop/2022-0209mask-requirement-update.pdf

Other DESE policy statements, etc.   https://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/on-desktop.html

DESE "will not renew the state mask requirement after it expires on February 28, 2022"

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - Feb 8, 2022

Franklin School Committee

February 8, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

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. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Presentation

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. 2022-2023 School Calendar
I recommend approval of the 2022-23 School Calendar as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_22-23_school_calendar.pdf
B. Policy - 1st Reading
I recommend moving Policy GDQD - Suspension and Dismissal of Support Staff
Members to a second reading.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_1st_read_0.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. COVID Status Update   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/back_to_school_status_update_oct-present_2.pdf
B. 2022-2023 Joint Budget Subcommittee Charge   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/2022_-_2023_joint_budget_subcommittee_charge.pdf

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Supt. Evaluation, Budget,
Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Space Needs & Facilities
Assessment 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 January 25, 2022 School
Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Music Gifts
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $4,116.00from music parents for
in house enrichment as detailed.
C. FHS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,910.16 from Grynn & Barrett
Enterprises, Inc. for supplemental supplies for FHS as detailed.

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 

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_2-8-22.pdf

Meeting folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-8-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet 

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - Feb 8, 2022

School Committee: Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Feb 2 - 6 PM

Policy Subcommittee Meeting

DATE: 2/2/2022 TIME: 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. JICFB - Bullying

B. GBGF - Staff Family Medical Leave Act

II. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee

A. GDJ - Support Staff Assignments & Transfers - Elimination 1/11/22 SC

III. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item

A. EBCFA - Face Coverings

B. JICFB - Bullying

C. EFD - Meal Charge Policy and EFD-R Meal Charge Policy Procedures

D. Continued review of G policies

E. GDCC-E - Family & Medical Leave of Absence

F. GDQD - Suspension and dismissal of Support Staff Members

Agenda doc ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/2_2_2022_policy_subcom_agenda_.pdf

School Committee: Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Feb 2 - 6 PM

Offshore wind policy draws sides and maybe progress

"A LONG-BREWING fight over state energy policy moved into the spotlight on Tuesday as key players laid out their positions in what promises to be an interesting debate over the best way to propel the state’s offshore wind industry into the future. 

The starting point is a bill filed by Gov. Charlie Baker that would steer $750 million in American Rescue Plan Act money into a fund that would invest in new energy technologies, train a new energy workforce, and change the way offshore wind procurements are run in the future."

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/offshore-wind-policy-fight-takes-center-stage/

"Governor Charlie Baker and secretary of energy and environmental affairs Kathleen Theoharides on Tuesday urged the Legislature to pass a plan to make the state more competitive in the offshore wind industry. 

The hourslong hearing before the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy was contentious: 90 witnesses, including many supporters and some naysayers, signed on."

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/01/11/science/baker-urges-state-pass-offshore-wind-investment-help-meet-climate-goals/

"THE LEGISLATURE’S energy committee approved a bill Wednesday evening that would give the state’s Clean Energy Center a major role in the development of the offshore wind industry and tap consumer electricity and natural gas bills to pay for tax credits, grants, and investments to make it happen. 

Rep. Jeffrey Roy of Franklin, the House chair of the Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee, maneuvered the bill through the panel with 10 House members and one Senate member voting in support, one senator voting no, and four senators and one House member reserving their rights. Sen. Bruce Tarr of Gloucester, a Republican, was the lone no vote."

Continue reading the article online 
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/sweeping-offshore-wind-bill-headed-toward-house/ 

Sen. Michael Barrett of Lexington (left) and Rep. Jeffrey Roy of Franklin, the chairs of Legislature's Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee.

Recap: Finance Committee gets a walk through on revenue calculation and preview of budget cycle timeline for FY 2023

Quick Recap:

• Overview of Joint Budget committee proposal to formalize more than had been over the past several years. Members of budget subcommittee of Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee make up this review, collaborative, and non-voting body
• Committee gets a walk through on revenue calculation (see page 3 of agenda doc) and preview of budget cycle timeline for FY 2023 (see page 2) The walk through on the revenue calculation is a "must listen" when recording is available
• Finance polices to be reviewed during next session, potential changes coming to a few of the policies, for review with FinCom before going to Town Council for their approval too

Agenda doc for the Finance Committee, note it has supporting pages with great info ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee/agenda/fin-com-agenda-20

 

The twitter thread of my notes taken during the meeting can be viewed in the embedded doc below or at this link ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KHbng2g4Q_CU8bHBeS8Uhp7ezXt6APLX/view?usp=sharing

Audio file to be available in couple of days

 

TA Jamie Hellen provides Overview of Joint Budget committee proposal

Franklin (MA) School Committee: Policy Sub Committee Meeting - Jan 5, 2022

Policy Sub Committee Meeting

Municipal Building - Training Room (Virtual Link in Agenda)

Jan 5, 2022 -6 to 7:30 PM

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. none

II. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee

A. none

III. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item

A. Overview of Policy Review and Development

1. Review Section B - Board Governance, specifically, BG, BGB, BGC, BGC-E, BGD, BGE, BGF, BGG

B. EBCFA - Face Coverings

C. JICFB - Bullying

D. Continued review of G policies

E. GDCC - Staff Family & Medical Leave

F. GDCC-E - Family & Medical Leave of Absence

G. GDJ - Support Staff Assignments & Transfers

H. GDQD - Suspension and dismissal of Support Staff Members

Full agenda can be found on the FPS page ->
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/1_5_22_policy_subcom_agenda.pdf

 

Policy Sub Committee Meeting - Jan 5, 2022

FHS masking policy reverts to "Required" as of Dec 17th as positivity rate jumps past 4%

December 15, 2021

Dear FHS Community,

We have an update regarding our positivity rate within the Franklin community.  We learned, through a conversation with the Franklin Health Department today, that our 14-day % positivity rate is 4.24% and we anticipate that this value is going to be reported in the MA DPH COVID dashboard tomorrow evening.  

As an adjustment we will be encouraging all vaccinated students and staff to wear masks tomorrow Thursday, December 16th. As you know, unvaccinated students and staff are required to wear masks. 

We will be returning to the school committee’s policy mandate that all students and staff wear masks beginning Friday, December 17th, regardless of vaccination status.  

This mandate will be in place as long as our 14-day % positivity rate is above 4%.  I can appreciate the varied responses to this message and would like to welcome anyone with any questions to email me directly.
 
Sincerely,
Joshua Hanna, Principal 

FHS masking policy reverts to "Required" as of Dec 17th as positivity rate jumps past 4%

Franklin School Committee: Policy reminders on Public Complaints & Public Participation

Via Denise Spencer, re-elected to School Committee:

"As we begin a new term, I believe now is a good time for a refresher on two of our policies: 

1) KE - Public Complaints 

("...In case of a complaint(s), the complainant shall take the matter first to the staff member, and if unresolved to the Principal of the building, then to the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee, who, if he/she is unable to satisfy the complainant, shall report the case to the School Committee for consideration and action.)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee-policy-manual/pages/ke-public-complaints

2) BEDH - Public Participation 

("Public comment is not a discussion, debate, or dialogue between individuals and the School Committee. It is an individual's opportunity to express an opinion on issues within the School Committee’s authority.)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee-policy-manual/pages/bedh-public-participation"

Shared from Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/460474210785489/permalink/2099535663545994/

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee-policy-manual