Redistricting Listening Session - April 1 from 10 AM to Noon at the Library

School Committee members Camille Bernstein & Dave Callaghan would like to hear your thoughts on the proposed public school redistricting plans.

When: Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 10 AM to Noon

Where: Franklin Public Library

Redistricting Listening Session - April 1 from 10 AM to Noon at the Library

School Committee hold budget hearing and then conducts regular meeting agenda March 28, 2023 (video)

The Franklin School Committee held their budget hearing and then followed with their normal meeting agenda on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. The Franklin TV video of the full session is available via YouTube.

YouTube link ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/Kkg86utrlnw?feature=share

The agenda doc contains remote participation info ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_3-28-23docx.pdf

The meeting packet folder contains all the docs released for this meeting (note- some will be posted after the meeting)  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/march-28-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

The FY 2024 budget documents arranged in sections ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/1-fy2024-budget

Franklin School Committee - Meeting Agenda for March 28, 2023 - FY 2024 Budget Hearing scheduled

Citizens Comment: Gretchen Donohue

Gretchen Donohue submitted this via email after the Tuesday meeting:

"Teachers, by their very nature, will not allow things to fall through the cracks.  I work in another district, but I don’t need to work in Franklin to know - the Franklin teachers cover that extra duty, attend that unexpected meeting, work with students through their lunch and after school, make that extra phone call to a family, and somehow get the supplies they need.  That’s just what teachers do.  

The dark side of our inherent desire to do what is best for students is that our efforts often hide serious deficits; teachers’ inability to let students’ needs fall through the cracks often masks just how close to the edge they are operating.   

In this case, appearances are deceiving; as they are often praised for doing, the FPS teachers are doing so much, with so little.  I personally don’t consider this a point of praise; I consider this an indictment of our inability to fully support our schools.  

I believe we need to reconsider our town tax structure to fully fund our schools.  A budget is a moral document, and we fund what we value.  I ask everyone to consider- what do we value? 

Thank you for your time. "

Gretchen Donohue

—————-

My comments delivered later during citizens comments: 

I am here to ask for a Facilities Master Plan and to urge caution in redistricting, especially of former DT families. 

To start, we needed a Facilities Master Plan when we closed DT two years ago, and we still need one now.  How can we be operating in a fiscally responsible way when every decision is made to get the district two or three years down the road? If option 2 moves forward, and about 20% of our students are redistricted, then what happens a few years down the road when the current facilities are either too small or too old to continue to operate? All three options mention a Master Facilities Plan, and, up until yesterday’s Space Needs meeting, we had been led to believe that this was part of the Town’s Master Plan and thus an 18-24 month process.  At yesterday’s meeting we heard that a Master Facilities Plan is a 6+ year process.  It is unclear to me not only WHERE this time frame came from, but also, more concerning is WHEN this time frame is being shared.  If a Master Facilities Plan would not be available until 2030, then why was this detail not included in the language of all of the survey options? 

Beyond the need for a Master Plan, we have the immediate issue of Keller overcrowding.  As a public school educator and a Keller mom, if teachers say a school is “bursting at the seams,” then I take them at their word.  Keller is at 109% utilization, and I know the teachers and staff have been dealing with the innumerable issues that are created when a building is over capacity.  We must do something, and we must do it now. 

Hence Option 3- in the absence of a much needed Masters Plan, option 3 offers an immediate short-term solution by using Sullivan space, while concurrently honoring the social emotional health of the DT students AND is in keeping with the words of Dr. Ahern about avoiding re-redistricting DT students. 

Of course it’s not just about emotions, geography, using space creatively and honoring the words of former superintendents, bottom line- the schools need to be concerned with costs.  Even though one of the guiding principles of the story maps was fiscal responsibility, the summary for each of the options does not mention any cost savings.  This is deja vu for me vis-a-vis the promised by never realized cost savings from closing DT. 

In closing, I hate to be such a downer, but in a world where so much trauma is unexpected, unwelcomed and inflicted upon our children, why would we choose to inflict potential distress on the former DT students?  Any impact on a group of students has the potential to impact any classroom, regardless of location.  I am asking that you please reconsider Option 3, or at least consider making some exceptions for DT families under Option 2.  

And for the district as a whole, please do not make the mistake of choosing another short-term solution that does not have data to support its efficacy or its cost savings. 

Gretchen Donohue

Citizens Comment: Gretchen Donohue

Space Needs Subcommittee decides to make recommendation for redistricting in 2024 (audio)

FM #966 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 966 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the School Committee - Space Needs Subcommittee meeting held hybrid, some in the 3rd floor conference room on Monday, Mar 27, 2023, other virtual via Zoom webinar. (P-present, R-remote)

SubCmte Chair - Al Charles (R); committee members - Denise Spencer (P), Elise Stokes (R); Central office support - Supt Lucas Giguere (P), Business Manager Miriam Goodman (P) Recording by Sherlock (R)

Brief recap: (caution, albeit brief I believe I have the gist of the discussion  - the audio is available to listen to all the nuances and final options)

• Received an update from Supt Giguere on status with KBA

• Group listened, discussed each individual's preference for their recommendation, two were somewhat close, then as discussion ensued, and clarifications arose things seemed to change on who was where; fortunately as time permitted, they did clarify an option, then a second, and an ‘amendment’ to that one, ultimately it came to two options for vote as recommendation

First, buffer for Sep 2023, expanded to including incoming K students, redistricting per storymap in 2024

Second, same as first but allow DT families to choose where they would go beyond 2024

• Vote was 2-1 in favor of the first option 

• Consider the recommendation to be redistricting for 2024 with an option for those in the ‘buffer’ per the storymap, to opt to move early to where they would end up. For example, a DT student now at Keller but would per redistricting would go to Oak/Horace Mann, could choose to go early (2023) rather than wait until 2024

• details on recommendation to be finalized by subcommittee and released before April break

• The current schedule holds for the presentation on the recommendation at the April 25 meeting with a School Committee vote at their May 9 meeting.

The recording runs about 1 hour and 35 minutes, so let’s listen to the Space Needs discussion on Mar 27, 2023.  

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-966-fps-space-needs-subcmte-03-27-23

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Meeting agenda =>   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/spaceneedssubcom-3_27_23.pdf

  

My notes for the meeting =>  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jgXOBBOiLb36JIyvv4-bV8nAd1t4CSP_/view?usp=share_link 

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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"

Space Needs & Facilities Assessment Subcommittee - March 27, 2023 at 5:45 (hybrid)

Space Needs & Facilities Assessment Subcommittee - March 27, 2023 at 5:45 (hybrid)

Space Needs & Facilities Assessment Subcommittee

March 27, 2023  --   5:45 P.M. 

Municipal Building - 3rd Floor 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."

 ● Discuss Redistricting data

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/spaceneedssubcom-3_27_23.pdf

Space Needs & Facilities Assessment Subcommittee - March 27, 2023 at 5:45 (hybrid)

Space Needs Subcommittee doesn't reach consensus on recommendation to full committee (audio)

FM #960 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 960 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the School Committee - Space Needs Subcommittee meeting held in the 3rd floor conference room on Monday, Mar 20, 2023.

SubCmte Chair - Al Charles; committee members - Denise Spencer, Elise Stokes; Central office support - Supt Lucas Giguere, Business Manager Miriam Goodman

The meeting reviewed the feedback from the 114 responses to the survey after the two information sessions (1 in person, 1 virtual). The group worked through the feedback and did not find a consensus on which of the options or variations thereof to recommend to the School Committee. 

There is another meeting added next week to work through the questions and hopefully come together on a recommendation for the committee. The current schedule calls for a presentation/recommendation at the April 25 meeting with a School Committee vote at their May 9 meeting.

The recording runs about 1 hour and 20 minutes, so let’s listen to the Space Needs discussion on Mar 20, 2023.  Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-960-fps-space-needs-subcmte-03-20-23

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Meeting agenda =>  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/spaceneedssubcom-3_20_23.pdf 

  

My notes for the meeting =>  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XdeOXUQdqmbouFAJXZQQetgUZNoKcxuu/view?usp=share_link 

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

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"

Space Needs Subcommittee doesn't reach consensus on recommendation to full committee (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

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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

Redistricting Advisory Subcommittee -Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 6:00 PM (Virtual Only)

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee

Redistricting Advisory Subcommittee

Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 6:00 PM

Virtual Only

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."

● Call to Order

● Survey Results

● Space Needs and Facilities Assessment Subcommittee Update

● Thank You

● Adjourn

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/redistricting_advisory_subcom_3_21_23_0.pdf

Redistricting Advisory Subcommittee -Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 6:00 PM (Virtual Only)

More folks interested in virtual session on Redistricting Analysis; get their questions answered on Monday, Mar 13

More folks participated in the Redistricting Analysis Forum, the second and last one held to share the three options, answer questions and ask for feedback via the survey form. While less than 20 participated in person at the first forum held a week ago, over 70 participated on Monday, March 13. 

Unfortunately a few internet trolls attempt to disrupt the session and were being removed as quickly as they identified themselves. Fortunately, it did not interrupt the Q&A session and all who wanted had time to ask a question, or make a comment, some of them with more than one chance to do so.

The presentation document used will be posted to the Redistricting page (at some point). All the prior presentation documents are there ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/redistricting-analysis

The survey is open until March 15, yes that is Wednesday, March 15. 

The Survey facilitates your feedback on the three options: https://buff.ly/421zoTp

The Story Map outlines the case for redistricting and the three options: https://buff.ly/3l2fRlm

The audio recording of the March 7 session is available -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/03/less-than-20-participate-in.html

My notes taken during the Monday, Mar 13 session can be found in one PDF file

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VaUQ-OfIOZ4U8Fg0e7hEFG3JTVWNtYfk/view?usp=share_link

Redistricting Analysis Forum - March 13 at 6 PM

Participate in the virtual Redistricting Analysis Forum - March 13 at 6 PM; or at least provide input to the survey

Did you miss the first Redistricting Analysis forum on March 7? Join us March 13, at 6 PM, via Zoom https://buff.ly/3miXR6e 

The same information as presented on March 7 will be covered as well on March 13. Unable to participate in either session? We encourage you to review the presentation & complete the corresponding survey.

The Story Map outlines the case for redistricting and the three options: https://buff.ly/3l2fRlm The audio recording of the March 7 session is available -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/03/less-than-20-participate-in.html

The Survey facilitates your feedback on the three options: https://buff.ly/421zoTp

Redistricting Analysis Forum - March 13 at 6 PM

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1633588658484953088