Franklin Public Schools Message on Override Outcome 6/11/24

Dear Franklin Community,

Thank you to the Franklin voters who took the time to vote today. Unfortunately, the requested Proposition 2 ½ override did not pass, and we must implement program and service cuts as previously communicated.

While this outcome presents significant challenges, we remain dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education. We will continue to prioritize our resources and make the most of the approved budget to ensure our students have every opportunity to succeed.

Respectfully,

Lucas Giguere

Superintendent

Franklin Public Schools

If you didn't hear about the results, they can be found here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/06/unofficial-results-franklin-ma-special.html

Franklin Public Schools Message on Override Outcome 6/11/24

First 2024 meeting of the Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee gets understanding timeline for end of year report can be met (audio)

FM #1126 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1126 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the FPS Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee meeting held on Jan 3, 2024. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room. 

Participating in the room: D Callaghan, A Charles, Supt. Giguere, Dr. Dutch, Dr. Rogers, Mike D’Angelo. Participating remotely: E Gallagher

Quick recap:

• District did issue an RFP with pricing separately, once qualifications were confirmed, Fran Locker & Assoc selected for visioning and planning aspects to work with Kaestle Boos report as baseline

• D’Angelo provides info on building work around the Town, all the schools built; Across the three complexes, Remington Jefferson roof needs to be placed; fire alarm system, heating/cooling systems all need to be replaced (except interior air handlers); Similar story for the other two complexes, eventually

• Built out a ten year projection for the facilities across the district with details on the items for replacement, etc. McKibben demographics updated with 2020 census info, presentation coming to School Committee. Educational visioning exercise (Locker & Assoc), tour of buildings scheduled to view educational spaces and utilizations. Kaestle Boos (KBA) report then gets updated with the additional pieces, (visioning), and facilities costing

• Timeline still good to get the report/analysis done before end of this school year

The meeting runs about 45 minutes so let’s listen to the FPS Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee meeting held on Jan 3, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1126-fps-comprehensive-school-facility-planning-mtg-01-03-24

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

School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

Meeting Agenda doc  ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/comprehensive_facilities_planning_subcom-1_3_24.pdf 

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

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"

First meeting of the Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee gets understanding timeline for end of year report can be met (audio)

Superintendent Giguere discusses redistricting, the budget process, school successes & more in this conversation (audio)

FM #959 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 959 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Franklin School Superintendent Lucas Giguere. We had our conversation in person in the Superintendent’s office in the Municipal Building on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. 

At a high level our topics were:

• Redistricting

• Budget process, Portrait of a Graduate

• School district successes

• Hiring process

The recording runs about 39 minutes. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-959-fps-supt-lucas-giguere-03-07-23

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

Superintendent’s page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent 

Storymap with the three options ->

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/9db1fa2830964554ba24ddb4558556fa

Handout available at the Redistricting Forum 03/07/23  -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l9KQNRFUxKCutPmNMJSMWGmf0dIMKROa/view?usp=share_link

Redistricting Advisory Committee page ->

https://www.franklinps.net/school-committee/2023-redistricting-advisory-committee 

  

Dec 2022 conversation -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/my-conversation-with-superintendent.html

Nov 2022 conversation -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/conversation-with-franklin-ma-school.html 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Franklin (MA) School Superintendent Lucas Giguere

Franklin Public Schools: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee schedules "Deep Dive" Nov 19

Equity Statement
Vision (Hopes and dreams for the future)

• Franklin Public Schools is committed, through its educational mission, to building an anti-biased and socially-just school system. Members of our school community commit to the process of listening, learning, acting, and reflecting in order to
• affirm the diversity among community members; 
• promote equity and accountability by providing resources and opportunities and reducing barriers to success;
• foster a safe and inclusive school environment so that each student and faculty/staff member truly belongs and is empowered to participate in decision-making. 
• As a system and as individuals, we are responsible for proactively taking steps to prevent bias; similarly we are responsible for illuminating and addressing bias and discrimination when incidents occur. As a result, each student in Franklin Public Schools will have equitable opportunities to achieve Franklin’s Portrait of a Graduate.   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/portrait_of_a_graduate_.pdf

Definitions

• Diversity is a reflection of the uniqueness of an individual’s identity, thoughts, ideas, perspectives, and values, and the fluidity through which each may evolve. Some examples include, but are not limited to, a person’s race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, religious beliefs, culture, national origin, disability and cognitive styles.
• Equity involves each individual being able to attain the attributes of Franklin’s Portrait of a Graduate.
• Inclusion is consistently ensuring that individuals belong in the school community by authentically seeking out, valuing, and respecting their input particularly regarding decisions that affect theirs and others’ lives.

Shared from -> 

https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/fps-diversity-equity-inclusion/home

Participate in the Deep Dive into DEI on Saturday, Nov 19 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM  https://www.franklinps.net/district/events/90971

Franklin Public Schools: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee schedules "Deep Dive" Nov 19

Closing out with Sara Ahern - 06/21/22 (audio)

FM #824 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 824 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin Public Schools Superintendent Sara Ahern. We had our conversation in person, in her office at the Municipal building, among boxes being packed as she readied to leave this role for her next chapter.  She is scheduled to take some time off before starting as Superintendent in Barnstable on July 1

We talk about 

• Her accomplishments over her time here

• Portrait of a Graduate probably the key item

• Multiple central office and district positions filled, leaving in good stead

• Inflection points

• Space needs & redistricting discussion started

• Budget always a challenge, perhaps more so with the ARPA funds expiring in 2024

The recording runs about 34 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Sara

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-824-closing-out-with-fps-supt-sara-ahern-06-21-22

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

Barnstable Public Schools - Superintendent’s page (to be updated with Sara’s information in July, 2022)  https://www.barnstable.k12.ma.us/domain/42 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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"

Closing out with Sara Ahern - 06/21/22 (audio)

FY 2023 School Budget hearing (audio & transcript) - 03/22/22

FM #757 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 757 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the School Committee meeting held Tuesday, March 22, 2022. 

The bulk of the meeting was the official public hearing for the FY 2023 school budget. 

Superintendent Sara Ahern, Asst Supt Lucas Giguere, and Business Manager Miriam Goodman were the primary presenters for the overview of the budget. School Committee Chair Denise Spencer then read the budget major lines, recording ‘holds’ along the way which then lead to the question period by the committee and then the public. The budget will come to the Committee at the Apr 12 meeting when they will vote on it.

NEW: A transcript of the recording is available. The transcript is part of a pilot by Franklin Matters using the transcription service provided by Otter.ai https://otter.ai/ 

The meeting opened at 7 PM and ran approx. 2 hours and 35 minutes.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-757-school-cmte-mtg-fy-2023-budget-hearing-03-22-22

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

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

 

Budget tab (with this proposed budget and prior budgets) ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget

Meeting transcript ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZJGhMT7D0A5kkrWVSB-fvrQgwril-lDX/view?usp=sharing

My notes -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18oZq9R2K7-viFx3WMI5-lcDumfgBdpZf/view?usp=sharing 

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/VgonZCSdb6Jn3EYz9

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

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"

 

FY 2023 School Budget hearing (audio & transcript) - 03/22/22

Franklin Education Association (FEA) statement at School Committee meeting 3/08/22

Thank you for this opportunity to speak on behalf of the membership of the FEA to the important issue of the budget. You've just heard Dr. Ahern's presentation.

We also support an increase in the budget and wonder if it shouldn't be a bigger increase, but for different reasons.

We've heard about the Portrait of a Graduate and the strategies for district improvement - both important topics. Over the  last few pandemic years, we've seen money spent on needed upgrades in technology and facilities improvements. Both good things, things that were necessary. Things that were needed.

We're asking you now to look at how that budget money is spent. We don't need any more assessments, or new initiatives, to tell us kids have learning gaps or social trauma. We know this. This is what we do. We need bodies - people who are working with and in front of the kids, everyday, all day. We need councilors, ESPs, health care staff, teachers, guidance, team chairs, special educators, ELL educators, psychologists, etc. Let's increase that budget so we can support the students and families in Franklin the way they  deserve  -  directly,  thoughtfully, impactfully.

Thank you.
Donna Grady, FEA President

 

For more about the FEA -> https://franklin.massteacher.org/about-us/

Franklin Education Association (FEA)

More Perfect Union - WFPR: 037 - Sara Ahern (audio)

"In this episode, the group is joined by Franklin's Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sara Ahern, to discuss the her time here as a superintendent during COVID, the actions made to handle the pandemic, and the work the schools are doing towards the future."

Audio file ->  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/81c4c010-f22a-4859-9160-4baf0228d7f8

The 'regular group' = Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Natalia Linos, and Jeff Roy host a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States. 

For other episodes of More Perfect Union visit ->

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9tb3JlLXBlcmZlY3QtdW5pb24uY2FwdGl2YXRlLmZtL3Jzc2ZlZWQ?

You can subscribe to this podcast in most podcast apps by searching for "More Perfect Union - WFPR"

More Perfect Union - WFPR: 037 - Sara Ahern (audio)

FM #447 School Committee Mtg - P2 of 2 - 01/26/21 (audio)

FM #447 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 447 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 26, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just over two hour meeting into two logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the Horace Mann Middle School update (approx 1 hour)
• ** Second ** - picks up from the FHS Program of Studies update through to the end of the public meeting as they entered Executive Session (not to return to public meeting) (approx 67 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet updated)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Jan 26, 2021. Audio = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HB7whP2S

 

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

Quick Recap:

• Update from Horace Mann Middle School on what they are doing and how they are doing in these pandemic days. Exciting to see.
• Update from Franklin High School on program of studies, some changes to class offerings to better follow "Portrait of a Graduate" and meet needs of students.
• Reopening status update, challenges remain with staffing and keeping schools hybrid. Case counts are rising, still working on K-1 improvements but less likely to get them in school with current situation (case counts) and previously expressed concerns.
• Pool testing reviewed, formal application has not yet been made
• School calendar approved for first look at 2021-2022 school year. Additional info and dates (half days/professional development) to be updated in second pass TBD.

 
Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one folder
https://photos.app.goo.gl/78XYK77JhzZUWNxX7
 
Agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_1-26-2021.pdf

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-26-2021-school-committee-packet

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/school-committee-meeting-recap-jan-26.html

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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/ 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 
 

FM #447 School Committee Mtg - P2 of 2 - 01/26/21 (audio)