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

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Franklin School Committee - Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Nov 9 at 6:00 PM


Franklin School Committee
Policy Subcommittee Meeting
3rd Floor Municipal Building – Training Room
DATE: 11/9/2022 TIME: 6:00 – 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. Distribution of Approved Policies
A. JJEA - Crowdfunding Policy
B. JJE - Student Fundraising Activities
C. JJF - Student Activity Accounts
D. JJF-R - Student Activity Accounts
E. JICH, Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Use by Students Prohibited

II. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee
A. none

III. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item
A. JLCDD - Managing Life Threatening Food Allergies
1. Reviewed, will return at next meeting
B. JLCDD-E - Protocols and Guidelines for Managing Life Threatening Food Allergies
1. Reviewed, will return at next meeting
C. Custodial Rate increase to $42.45 on building use KF-E3 Facility Rental Fee Schedule
D. Continued Review of E Policies


Agenda doc with remote connection information -> 

Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Nov 9 at 6:00 PM
Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Nov 9 at 6:00 PM

Saturday, October 8, 2022

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for Oct 11, 2022

 Franklin School Committee
October 11, 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. 2021 MASC Legislator of the Year Award
B. 6-12 School Improvement Plans
 
III. Discussion/Action Items
A. FPS Middle School Improvement Plans
I recommend approval of the Middle School Improvement Plans as presented.
B. FPS High School Improvement Plan
I Recommend approval of the High School Improvement Plan as presented.
C. Policy - 1st Reading
I recommend moving policy JICH - Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug use by students to a second reading as discussed.
D. MASC Resolutions
I recommend approval of the following resolutions:
1. Regarding Sanctuary Laws for Transgender Students
2. To Increase the Maximum Balance Allowed by the Special Education Reserve Fund
3. Membership of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
4. Preserving Local Governance of Massachusetts Schools
5. Personal Financial Literacy Education
6. Establishment of a Regional School Assessment Reserve Fund
E. Redistricting Sub Committee
I recommend the establishment of a “Redistricting Advisory Committee” to the School Committee as discussed.

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 from your September 27, 2022 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $225.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for in-house enrichment as detailed.
C. Keller Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1100.00 from the Keller PCC for field trips as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business
To discuss any future agenda items

IX Adjournment

Meeting agenda doc with remote connection info

Meeting packet folder

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for Oct 11, 2022
Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for Oct 11, 2022

Saturday, September 24, 2022

Superintendent Letter to Families - 09/16/22

Sep 16, 2022

Dear Franklin Families,

I hope this letter finds you well. It has been a busy few weeks as we opened Franklin Public Schools for our 2022-23 academic year. We welcomed back 4,695 students and over 800 faculty and staff members! The preparation and effort put forward by our staff to ensure a successful opening required a dedication that necessitated hard work, stamina, and a commitment to our students that I recognize and value. I wanted to express my deep gratitude to all of our leaders and staff members. Schools are the heartbeat of a community. I am beyond proud to be leading this district.

Instead of sending multiple individual messages, I wanted to share five key updates, which you can find below. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

Respectfully,

Lucas Giguere
Superintendent of Schools
Superintendent Letter to Families - 09/16/22
Superintendent Letter to Families - 09/16/22



Yes, this is a week old and after meeting with Lucas this week, plans are underway to improve communications from the School District on multiple fronts.

Thursday, September 22, 2022

Franklin School Cmte: Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Sep 28 at 6 PM

FRANKLIN SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Policy Subcommittee Meeting
DATE:9/28/2022 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Location: 3rd Floor Municipal Building – Training Room

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. Distribution of Approved Policies
A. AC - Nondiscrimination
B. ACAB - Harassment Including Sexual Harassment
C. ADC - Tobacco Products on School Premises Prohibited
D. EB - Safety Program

II. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee
A. none

III. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item
A. JICH, Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Use by Students Prohibited
B. JLCDD - Managing Life Threatening Food Allergies
C. JLCDD-E - Protocols and Guidelines for Managing Life Threatening Food Allergies
D. JJEA - Crowdfunding Policy
E. JJE - Student Fundraising Activities
F. JJF - Student Activity Accounts
G. JJF-R - Student Activity Accounts
H. Continued Review of E Policies


Franklin School Cmte:  Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Sep 28 at 6 PM
Franklin School Cmte:  Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Sep 28 at 6 PM


Saturday, September 10, 2022

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - Sep 13, 2022

School Committee - Meeting Agenda

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. Payment of Bills Ms. Spencer
  • C. Payroll Ms. Stokes
  • D. FHS Student Representative Comments
  • E. Superintendent’s Report
II. Guests/Presentations
  • A. DLI Presentation
III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Policy Second Readings/Adoption
I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed: 
  • ADC – Tobacco Products on School Premises Prohibited 
  • AC - Nondiscrimination
  • ACAB - Harassment Including Sexual Harassment
B. Elimination of Policies
I recommend eliminating the following Policies as discussed:
  • ACAB-RI - Grievance Procedure for Complaints of Harassment and Discrimination
  • ACAB-R2 - Grievance Procedure for Complaints of Sexual Harassment under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
IV. Discussion Only Items
  • A. New Superintendent Induction Program Introduction & Transition Plan – Dr. Michael Sullivan
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 from the August 23, 2022 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Keller Gift
  • I recommend acceptance of a check for $449.71 from O’Connor Portraiture for in-house enrichment as detailed.
VII. Citizen’s Comments
VIII. New Business
To discuss any future agenda items
IX. Adjournment
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - Sep 13, 2022
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - Sep 13, 2022

Saturday, September 3, 2022

Franklin School Committee: Policy Subcommittee meeting - Sep 7 at 6:00 PM

FRANKLIN SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Policy Subcommittee Meeting
DATE:9/7/2022 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Location: 3rd Floor Municipal Building – Training Room

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. Distribution of Approved Policies
A. Other previously approved policies for manuals
II. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee
A. AC - Nondiscrimination
B. ACAB - Harassment
C. ADC - No Smoking Policy
III. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item
A. ACAB-R1- Grievance Procedure for Complaints of Harassment and Discrimination
B. ACAB-R2 - Grievance Procedure for Complaints of Sexual Harassment Under Title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972
C. Continued Review of E Policies

Agenda doc with remote access info -> 

Franklin School Committee: Policy Subcommittee meeting - Sep 7 at 6:00 PM
Franklin School Committee: Policy Subcommittee meeting - Sep 7 at 6:00 PM

Friday, August 5, 2022

FRANKLIN SCHOOL COMMITTEE: Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Aug 8 at 6 PM

FRANKLIN SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Policy Subcommittee Meeting
DATE:8/8/2022 TIME: 6:00 – 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. Distribution of Approved Policies
A. Other previously approved policies for manuals
II. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee
A. none
III. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item
A. AC - Nondiscrimination
B. ACAB - Harassment
C. Continued Review of E Policies


The full agenda doc including remote access info

FRANKLIN SCHOOL COMMITTEE::  Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Aug 8 at 6 PM
FRANKLIN SCHOOL COMMITTEE:  Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Aug 8 at 6 PM

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

School Committee: Policy Subcommittee meeting - agenda (revised) - June 8 at 6 PM

FRANKLIN SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Policy Subcommittee Meeting
Jun 8, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

A G E N D A  (revised)

“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. Distribution of Approved Policies
A. ADF - Wellness Policy
B. Other previously approved policies for manuals

II. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee
A. none

III. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item
A. AC - Nondiscrimination
B. ACAB - Harassment
C. Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan - DRAFT
D. EB - Safety Program
E. EBC - Emergency Plans
F. EBCF - Safety Crisis Intervention Policy
G. ACAB-R1 - Grievance Procedure for Complaints of Harassment and Discrimination
H. ACAB-R2 - Grievance Procedure for Complaints of Sexual Harassment Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
A. EFD - Meal Charge Policy

Agenda document contains remote participation info for this virtual meeting

School Committee: Policy Subcommittee meeting
School Committee: Policy Subcommittee meeting

Sunday, June 5, 2022

School Committee: Policy Subcommittee meeting - agenda - June 8 at 6 PM

FRANKLIN SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Policy Subcommittee Meeting
Jun 8, 6:00 - 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. Distribution of Approved Policies
A. ADF - Wellness Policy
B. Other previously approved policies for manuals

II. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee
A. none

III. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item
A. AC - Nondiscrimination
B. ACAB - Harassment
C. Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan - DRAFT
D. EB - Safety Program
E. EBC - Emergency Plans
F. EBCF - Safety Crisis Intervention Policy
G. ACAB-R1 - Grievance Procedure for Complaints of Harassment and Discrimination
H. ACAB-R2 - Grievance Procedure for Complaints of Sexual Harassment Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

Agenda document contains remote participation info for this virtual meeting

School Committee: Policy Subcommittee meeting
School Committee: Policy Subcommittee meeting

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

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.



Tuesday, April 12, 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

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.

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

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


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

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

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


Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Apr 6, 2022
Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Apr 6, 2022

Saturday, March 19, 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 


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
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 ClimateTed 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)


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

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


Wednesday, March 16, 2022

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