Office of Campaign and Political Finance - presentation deck

The presentation copy for the Office of Campaign and Political Finance discussion and Q&A at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Dec 11, 2019 is contained here.

My thanks to Director Jason Tait for sending it along promptly!

Office of Campaign and Political Finance - Presentation 20191211 from Franklin Matters

Jason also sent along this video tutorial link that looks good. Note: I have not completely viewed all the segments.




The audio recording of the presentation and discussion on Weds can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/fm-187-office-of-campaign-and-political.html

the Anderson case set the precedent for not using town resources in a campaign

Live Reporting: ECDC Developmental Summary and Discussion / Action Items

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Recognitions

Cindy Douglas - 5 terms on SchComm, 36 years teaching (and 2 in Brockton)

Diane Feeley - 2 years of service, budget subcommittee, community relations, school wellness, transportation, also ad-hoc on the Superintendent evaluation

Dr Monica Linden -  2 years, policy subcommittee, rep on the School Start Time Advisory Committee,  also ad-hoc on the Superintendent evaluation

Denise Schultz - 2 terms, vice char for past term; advocate at State level and MASC, policy committee, newsletter coordinator as part of the community relations, also instrumental in the Legislative Forums the last two years

Gigi Zub - 2 years, community relations subcommittee, expanded presence of SchComm around town at events

Dr Linden award as announced here earlier this week
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/dr-linden-receives-faculty-for.html

Dr Bergen comments on the honor it has been to work with all the SchComm members, and others within the district. We are bound by open meeting laws and engage in formal public discussions accordingly. As volunteers, it is never about the paycheck but paying it forward, giving it back. 

Scofield commenting as well, "do we agree all the time, absolutely not, but we agree to disagree and get on with it."

Zub - it wasn't easy to add to the family schedule, they did understand it and made the family work. They all wished to be here tonight, and schedules just wouldn't permit it. I feel blessed to be part of the all female School Committee. I would also like to  thank the public administrative staff. I am so proud of the work that you do.

Glenn Jones, Town Councilor, thanking the committee members for their service, it does mean a lot, id does not get forgotten. The Administration makes us look so good

B. ECDC Developmental Summary

Kelty Kelly, principal of ECDC

thanks to all of you for your commitment and openness, we have had some challenges and to share and be heard meant a lot.

it is a developmental summary, not a report card. The children are 3, 4 and 5. It touches on some subjects as well as social emotional learning as well as socio-motor skills

we are looking to go forward with this, understanding that this is a work in process, assessing after each trimester.

this will go out with a letter to the families, and how to use it. 

The Developmental Summary
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/_preschool_developmental_summary_final_10-18-19.pdf


III. Discussion/Action Items
A. ECDC Developmental Summary
I recommend approval of the ECDC Developmental Summary as presented.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

B. Superintendent’s Evaluation – Goals
The Chair recommends approval of the Superintendent’s Goals as detailed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_actionb_-_supt_eval_goals.pdf

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

C. MASC Delegate
I recommend the committee appoint Anne Bergen as its MASC Delegate at the November MASS/MASC Joint Conference.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

D. MASC Resolutions
I recommend approval of the following MASC Resolutions as detailed:

Resolution 1: Banning Polystyrene from Schools
Franklin uses plant based trays, hence not applicable

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Resolution 2: Pertaining to Educator Diversity and Professional Licensure

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Resolution 3: School Transportation

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Resolution 4: Climate Change

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Resolution 5: Full Funding of Transportation Costs for Students in Foster Care and State Care

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Resolution 6: Universal Quality Pre-Kindergarten Access in Massachusetts

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Resolution 7: Poverty and Children

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Resolution 8: Resolution for Access to Menstrual Supplies

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Resolution 9: Charter School Reform

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

E. Policy First Readings
I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:

• a) KF – Community Use of School Facilities
• b) KF – E1 – Rules and Regulations
• c) KF – E2 – FHS Building Use
• d) KF – E4 – FHS Fee Schedule

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_actione_-_policy_0.pdf

mostly clarifications to language, gender neutral, liability insurance, half vs. full day use, penalty schedule for non-payment

Live reporting: Appointments to Presentations

5. APPOINTMENTS	a. Library Board of Directors, Board Member Appointments: Amanda Rabbitt & Ginette Preto Associate Member Appointments: Alison Wallace & Charleen M. Belcher b. Finance Committee: Michael Kasberg & Nicole Corbosiero
6. HEARINGS	a. Contractor & Son, INC. (Lincoln Street Market): Application for Transfer of License and Change Location/Pledge of §15 Package Store License - Public Hearing 7:10 PM
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	Contractor & Son, INC. (Lincoln Street Market): Application for Transfer of License and Change Location/Pledge of §15 Package Store License- Public Hearing 7:10 PM
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	a. Library Presentation https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/library_update_-_sept_4_2019.pdf

a. Library Board of Directors, Board Member Appointments: Amanda Rabbitt & Ginette Preto Associate Member Appointments: Alison Wallace & Charleen M. Belcher 

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0



b. Finance Committee: Michael Kasberg & Nicole Corbosiero

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0


Public Hearing

Contractor & Son, INC. (Lincoln Street Market): Application for Transfer of License and Change Location/Pledge of §15 Package Store License - Public Hearing 7:10 PM

Richard Cornetta, Attorney
Primad (?)

DBA 455 Lincoln St Market

5 minute recess due to medical emergency

resuming at 7:30 PM

Dacey's Market held the license to be purchased by Lincoln St Market

transfer of license as well as of location, from Dacey's to Lincoln St Market
Council also to pledge the license to allow for it use as collateral for a loan from Rockland Tr

Keller-Sullivan within 500' of boundary lines
did provide specific notification to the school in case they wished to object
new store layout will also mitigate the access of minors to the liquor side of the store business

if this was a net new license, it would be a different conversation, it is a move of the existing license

one of the few locations to maintain the neighborhood store concept
being a more convenient location it should also help save the other commercial areas

3 gas pumps will remain, nothing will change from the outside view
operator has been here for some time, as a convenience store

one Miller St neighbor speaking for the operation

no objections , nothing from school committee

hearing closed


Contractor & Son, INC. (Lincoln Street Market): Application for Transfer of License and Change Location/Pledge of §15 Package Store License- Public Hearing 7:10 PM

motion to approve, seconded,
motion to amdned to include proximity and pledge, seconded, passed 9-0
motion to approve as amended, seconded passed 9-0



a. Library Presentation
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/library_update_-_sept_4_2019.pdf 

Felecia Oti presenting along with
Kim Shipala
Caleigh Keating

Pellegri - thank you for all the work you do

Padula - the people should take advantage of the hours you do have
conf room seats 7

Jones - thanks, this is the best public library. I am privileged to live a block away from the Library. The renovations are making this service a reality

Dellorco - especially getting the teens busy and into the Library 

Hamblen - my favorite things are the 'staff', it amazes me how many people go to the library, and how you care about the people

Kelly - question on the railing - "it doesn't go all the way down to the parking lot"

Earls - commend all of you for the work you are doing there




 

FM #164 "Exploring Stone Walls" - Robert M Thorson

FM #164

This internet radio show or podcast is number 164 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Robert M. Thorson “Exploring Stonewalls” talk at the Franklin Historical Museum held on June 9, 2019. The presentation copy he used is linked to here so you can follow along.

Robert holding the piece of 'rock' actually melted steel that he talks about at the end of the presentation

Mary Olsson provides the introduction and closing to the talk at the Historical Museum.

Without further ado, here is the audio recording (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes).

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d8f929c1-d2dc-42b8-a222-559643cbcc1a

 

"Exploring Stone Walls" by Robert M Thorson from Franklin Matters

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

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

How can you help?

In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning, or construction, I would like someone to help us by following the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and or the Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive, open mind, and willingness to learn and share.

Overall:

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
• If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.

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 = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Live reporting: Presentations - FEF, SEPAC, and Student Services

School Committee returns to open meeting (after Executive Session)
7:15 PM

motion to approve collective bargaining agreement with FEA and RN's in MOU as signed on June 7; seconded, passed 5-0

Superintendent Ahern thanks the participants for their work in the process to reach this agreement


2. Guests / Presentations
a. Franklin Education Foundation
Kit Brady, Pandora Carlucci

Franklin Education Foundation: Update Presentation from Franklin Matters

founded in 1996 to support schools 
will fund for up to three years
empty bowls for example started with a grant
over $400,000 to date
Harlem Wizards is the primary fund raiser for FEF
are a 501(c)3 so all donations are tax deductible

FEF funds the R&D (research and development for education enhancements) for the District

$29,500 last year

Kit recapped the grants and what has happened

Pandora takes over the presentation to talk about the future

looking to partner with the Frances Eddy King Foundation
a teacher in Franklin for 40 years, the first Oskey was dedicated to her

engage FPS alumni

host education symposium

Pandora co-President with Roberta Trahan

meeting schedule to be shared (shortly) subcommittee meet in between
new members looked for


b. SEPAC Update
Sara Mulcahy; Erin Porier

Franklin SEPAC Update to School Committee from Franklin Matters

"The only way we can take care of our children is to take care of ourselves"

funded two $2K scholarships for FHS grads this year

Kerry Magro, spoke to FHS 9th grade in April

Sensory Friendly Santa visit

SEPAC and Franklin Fire as well as Police hosted a special community day

Sunshine Fund available to help families with difficult times



c. Student Services Update 
– Paula Marano

Franklin Public School: Preliminary Findings - Improving SEL from Franklin Matters

we are were other people are striving to be where we are

using SEL efforts which are district wide to also develop student services delivery as well

develop a district wide practice
need to focus on tier 1 and tier 2 support; beginning to address this
currently 4 times as many 504 plans as the national average (interesting thing to look at, why? so high?)

support staff and counselors spending only 30% of their time with students, more time with paperwork and meetings (should be less time)

might have a higher rate of out of district placements; 72 students currently which is less than prior; 2 did return during the year, 1 also graduated

Tiered Focus Review by DESE

Franklin Public Schools: Tiered Focus Monitoring Report from Franklin Matters

need to revise training for staff on bullying 
use of physical restraint policy not updated; now being revised
institutional self-evaluation

(presentation copies likely to be posted to Schools page on Wednesday and to be shared here later this week).

DPW Waterworks Overview - Jan 30, 2019

The DPW provided an update on the water system to the Town Council at the meeting of Jan 30, 2019. The Council took steps later in the meeting to fund the multi-year water line replacement plan as outlined.

DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi and Water Superintendent Laurie Ruszala made the presentation and responded to the questions from the Town Council.

Water Presentation - Jan 30, 2019 from Franklin Matters

DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi and Water Superintendent Laurie Ruszala

Live Reporting: STEM and Digital Learning

2. Guests / Presentations
a. Update on STEM and Digital Learning (DIP Goal #2) – Dr. Joyce Edwards

slides to be added later (when posted to school website); in meantime, photos of the slides can be viewed.

Science section

One page had an embedded video and that will need to be shared with the actual presentation deck

Update on STEM and Digital Learning (DIP Goal #2) – Dr. Joyce Edwards

elementary page of update

middle school page of update

high school page of update

Linden - I like how it is active. Can you talk about how this relates to the personalization of learning

Edwards - that is one of the reasons why we chose the STEMScopes process; it is individualized as well as personalized; mindful of the marriage of teaching and lesson planning

common assessment development underway to fairly do the assessments; needed to get the curriculum out first

Math section

setting a tone for math in the elementary levels to avoid the stigma of "i can't do math"

ECDC - Elementary page of math update

middle school  page of math update

selected Illustrative Math as supplemental resources  
https://www.illustrativemathematics.org/

most highly rated product per EdReports https://www.edreports.org/

training coming in June for Illustrative Math to prepare for implementation next year

high school page for math update

participating in a beta program with Attleboro and Brockton on Illustrative Math for FHS, the company is looking to extend the program from middle school to high school. FHS is one of three districts in AM as part of the beta; one of 32 nationally

Q - have you considered supporting the parents so they can answer the questions of their students in the proper manner?
A - yes, it is part of the planning process

Digital Learning Section

digital learning update page

digital learning update page 2

link to the PI Day video from Remington included in presentation
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/03/remingtons-pi-day-video.html

Live reporting: Discussion Only Items

6. Discussion Only Items
a. School Start Times
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/x11-28-2017%20SC/A.%20%20Memo%20about%20School%20Start%20Times.pdf

proposal to undertake a study of the matter, a complex matter
could spend next couple meetings to frame the committee
including appropriate stakeholders

this is not anything quick, it needs to take some time to work through it

Superintendent Ahern will come back with a more formal proposal and time lines for next meeting

Donna Grady, President of FEA
issue not new to Franklin, this could begin an other chapter in this
there is a good amount of info out there
the issue is not that simple, far reaching implications
day care, work schedules, transportation, busing and related items
before and after school care
needs to be heavily researched, not just for now but for future as well
some items are going to require negotiation with the teachers union


b. 18-19 School Calendar Draft
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/x11-28-2017%20SC/B.%20%20Draft%20School%20Calendar%202018-2019.pdf

looking for feedback, for a potential vote at an upcoming meeting
relatively few changes to prior years as Superintendent is only here for five months

combined conferences across the district on two days in October is a change

input and feedback is welcomed

thinking about the number of interrupted weeks (where 5 days are not taught)

half day vs. full day provide different opportunities for professional development, a combination of both is a nice blend (full allowing cross district, half more building based)

c. School Committee Presentation Schedule 2017-18
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/x11-28-2017%20SC/C.%20%20Draft%202017-2018%20SC%20PRESENTATION%20SCHEDULE.pdf

an outcome from the School Committee and Central office planning session during the summer, the plan has been brought forward for feedback and input


d. Class Size Report
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/x11-28-2017%20SC/D1.%20%20Memo%20about%20Class%20Size%20Reports.pdf


providing some additional detail around class size at the high school, i.e where there are areas of need to be consistent across the district. Most in middle school are meeting School Committee guidelines

class sizes at FHS tend to be larger, enrollment increases can be justification for adjustments

Reminder: Public Information Session on Potential Impact of Spectra Pipeline - March 26

Public Presentation on the potential impact of an additional gas pipeline on the Franklin and Norfolk communities as well as surrounding towns.

Learn about:

• Proposed route through Franklin, Norfolk and other towns
• Possible safety, health and environmental impacts
• What other towns are doing nearby
• Question and answer period following the presentation

Sunday, March 26, 2017 

11:45 AM – 1:00 PM 

First Universalist Society  

262 Chestnut Street, Franklin

OPEN TO PUBLIC

For more information, contact Jim Hill, 508-528-4888 www.NOspectraMA.org

Public Presentation on Spectra Pipeline Potential Impact - March 26

Public Presentation on the potential impact of an additional gas pipeline on the Franklin and Norfolk communities as well as surrounding towns.

Learn about:

• Proposed route through Franklin, Norfolk and other towns
• Possible safety, health and environmental impacts
• What other towns are doing nearby
• Question and answer period following the presentation

Sunday, March 26, 2017 

11:45 AM – 1:00 PM 

First Universalist Society  

262 Chestnut Street, Franklin

OPEN TO PUBLIC

For more information, contact Jim Hill, 508-528-4888 www.NOspectraMA.org

Mr Dooley made a brief appearance at the Historical Museum

Alan Earls presented on the the arrival of the Irish in Franklin and then shifted to introduce Mr Dooley to an attentive audience at the Franklin Historical Museum on Saturday, March 11.

Alan Earls and Mr Dooley

The presentation document he has allowed us to share here:

The Most Famous Irishman Who Never Was from Franklin Matters

Alan presented to an attentive audience with mostly Irish roots 9by show of hands)