Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for meeting Tuesday, Oct 8 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

October 8, 2024  7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. MS School Improvement Plan

B. FHS School Improvement Plan

III. Discussion/Action Items

A.   MS 2024-25 School Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the Middle Schools’ 2024-25 School Improvement Plan as presented.

B. FHS 2024-25 School Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the Franklin High Schools’ 2024-25 School Improvement Plan as presented.

C.   2025-26 Elementary Boundary Line Vote

I recommend approval of the 2025-26 Elementary Boundary Line as presented.

D. 2025-26 Davis Thayer Consideration Vote

I recommend consideration be given to the 25 former Davis Thayer students and their siblings enrolled in FPS K-5 elementary schools during the 2025-26 school year.

E.   MASC Resolutions

I recommend adoption of the following MASC Resolutions as discussed:

1. Increase Compulsory Attendance Age

2. Safe Storage Of Firearms

3. Aligning Taxing Authority With The Required Local Contribution

4. Fully Adjusting Chapter 70 Aid For Inflation

5. Equitable Funding For Non-Regional School Districts With High Transportation Costs

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Staffing Update

B. Transportation Update

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 24, 2024 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. JFK/Parmenter recurring Field Trip - Veteran’s Auditorium

I recommend approval of the request of Mary MacMurray to take Music students to the Veteran’s Auditorium, Providence, RI on May 21, 2025 (JFK) and May 23, 2025 for a concert as detailed.

C. JFK Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,325.00 from the JFK PCC for field trips as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21 3. To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental

effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares

XI. Adjournment

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info -> 

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4900497/SCAGENDA_10-8-24.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for meeting Tuesday, Oct 8 at 7 PM

District Reorganization Community Forum - Sep 30 at 7 PM at FHS (no remote participation)

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

School Committee Special Meeting

District Reorganization Community Forum

September 30, 2024 - 7:00 - 8:30 PM

FHS Media Center

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

District Reorganization Community Forum

law."

●  Meet the Future Elementary and Middle School Administrative Teams

●  Invite community member input on the PreK-8 Reorganization and Elementary

Attendance Areas.

Agenda doc -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4873426/SC_Community_Forum_-_9_30_24.pdf

School redistricting boundary lines explained, feedback forum scheduled for Sep 30 at 7 PM

1 - Parents of Franklin school children, now or soon to be, should be aware of the redistricting efforts underway. If you missed the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Sep 24, 2024, you can view the video (linked below).

The redistricting school Boundary Line Presentation is available here -> https://5il.co/2xipb

School redistricting boundary lines explained

2 - The School Committee also scheduled a Community Forum for Sept 30, 2024 at 7 PM. Families will have an opportunity to meet the new Elementary and Middle School Administrative team and provide feedback on the boundary lines to the Superintendent & School Committee members. 

School Committee Special Meeting

District Reorganization Community Forum

September 30, 2024

FHS Media Center

7:00 - 8:30 PM

The video of the school committee meeting Tuesday, Sep 24 can be found ->

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmQiP_yP2tM

Franklin School Committee meeting Sep 24, 2024 video available for replay (video)

The Franklin, MA School Committee

meeting Sep 24, 2024 video available

met as scheduled on Tuesday, Sep 24, 2024. 

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmQiP_yP2tM

The agenda doc ->

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4856277/SCAGENDA_9-24-24.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for Sep 24, 2024 meeting

Franklin School Committee 

September 24, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

 

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. 2024-25 Elementary School Improvement Plans

B. 2024-25 ECDC School Improvement Plan

C. District Reorganization Timeline & Storyboard/Elementary Boundary Line Recommendation

III. Discussion/Action Items

A.   2024-25 Elementary School Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the 2024-25 Elementary School Improvement Plans as presented.

B.   2024-25 ECDC School Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the 2024-25 ECDC School Improvement Plans as presented.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. MA Organization of Educational Collaborative (MOEC) Annual Report

B. Transportation Update

C. Staffing Update

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 10, 2024 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B.   JFK Gifts

I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $647.00 as follows:

$525.00  JFK PCC Field Trips

$122.00 Bunce & Nelson Families Supplemental Supplies

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21 3. To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental 

effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares

X. Adjournment

The agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4856277/SCAGENDA_9-24-24.pdf

Franklin Public Schools Announces Draft Reorganization of Schools Alignment for 2025-2026

"Franklin Public Schools is excited to share a link to view a story map introducing you to the 2025-26 district configuration.  This map will show the upcoming recommendation for the school boundary line between the North and South Elementary Schools. There is a search-by-address feature located on the top left side of the map where an address can be searched to find the elementary zone associated with that address.  

This story map will also provide a brief introduction to each school in the new district configuration, including the in-district specialized programs at each building, projected enrollment, and full administrative team."

Find the storymap -> https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ef906f094b35486490d41d43ef2c24dc

The School Committee meeting scheduled for Sep 24 will include a presentation and discussion on the redistricting process. This is the proposal and may get adjusted before voting on the "final: alignment at a future School Committee meeting in October. 

If you missed the audio recap with the 2 Dave's we did discuss this topic and timeline -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/dave-dave-recap-school-committee-and.html

Franklin Public Schools Announces Draft Reorganization of Schools Alignment for 2025-2026

Franklin School Committee spends 85 minutes in Executive session, hears District Improvement Plan and approves (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Sep 10, 2024.  All seven members participated in the meeting, one remotely (Gallagher).

The meeting had an Executive Session to review a grievance and discuss negotiation strategy. While it was anticipated to be short, the session did extend 85 minutes before the meeting resumed in public session.

• The District Improvement Plan was presented and approved (by a 7-0 via roll call vote)
• Redistricting update - proposed district alignment scheduled to be shared via a "Storymap" before the next meeting and then explained fully during the Sep 28 meeting with a vote to approve the alignment of the new schools scheduled for the first October meeting. Email and multiple methods of communication to share the storymap
• The appointment of Rose Turco to represent the Schools to the Franklin TV Board of Directors was approved (by a 7-0 via roll call vote)
• Hiring update filled 57 positions, 4 teacher vacancies, 8 additional resignations (since the August 27 meeting). Mostly from buildings subs and ESPs. Not usual to have this many early in the school year. Instability of budget is a factor in the leaving and hiring process
• Consent agenda was approved  (by a 7-0 via roll call vote)

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQzZjD3f45k   Note: the SchCmte enters Executive Session at about 17:50 and return to open session at 1:42:00

The agenda doc ->

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4809590/SCAGENDA_9-10-24.pdf

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/september-10%2C-2024-meeting-packet/701015

The photo album capturing the slides shared can be found ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/FcT4bkT37XE4sqK28

My notes captured in one PDF can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BKsnE9XEkWJGWXtfDt2V_fNS-FOe84jd/view?usp=drive_link

Jamie & Lucas talk town and school topics leading to the Joint Budget work starting Weds 9/11(audio)

FM #1275 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1275 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Lucas Giguere. We had our conversation in the Town Administrator's office on Monday, September 9, 2023.  

September brings

• Renovation to Town offices, process improvements

• School re-opening

• Redistricting planning

• Joint Budget Subcommittee starts Sep 11 to work on budget for FY 2026

• More engaged now, need to bring them along the discussion on wish list items, what do we really need, and then prioritize accordingly

The recording runs about 50 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Lucas. Audio link -> https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Talk-Franklin--A-Podcast-from-the-Town-Administrators-Office---September-9--2024-e2o7to1/a-abh5u11

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Joint Budget Subcommittee agenda for 9/11 meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/agenda-for-joint-budget-subcommittee.html

New design of Franklin Schools web site -> https://www.franklinps.net/ 

It also comes with an app for Apple and Android phones (not tablets)

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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!

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

Jamie & Lucas talk town and school topics leading to the Joint Budget work starting Weds 9/11(audio)

Dave & I summarize the School Committee meet of Aug 13 in this Chalkboard Chat (audio)

FM #1261 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1261 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion in the Council Chambers after the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. 

 

We talk about 

• The school budget & Joint Budget Subcommittee process starting in September

• Redistricting proceeding, more info coming after the school year starts

• The annual school handbook revisions and running the school district

The recording runs about 34 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1261-chalkboard-chat-08-13-24/

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Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net  

Agenda for Aug 13 session -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_school_committee_meeting_6.pdf        

Meeting packet folder -> (docs released for this meeting, some of them available after the meeting)  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/8%2F13%2F24-sc-meeting-packet/685844  

Franklin TV video of August 13 session -> https://youtu.be/qA_oBUUMs0A?si=eVXNIZEN5yjqmHpF&t=96 

My notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gr8uvNEdDqoW8Irw8pjg3McXgxhRi4ai/view?usp=drive_link  

Lifelong Learning Summer Update (pix of slides shared) -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FfeYoJc8S5UhAsVJ8 

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

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"

Dave & I summarize the School Committee meet of Aug 13 in this Chalkboard Chat (audio)

School Committee Approves FEF close out, hears summer update from Lifelong Learning, formally accepts $1M from Town (video)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met as scheduled Tuesday, August 13, 2024. Five members were present in Council Chambers, 2 were absent (Charles, McNeill).

Quick recap:

• School dates for opening new year 

• Aug 26, teachers report 

• Aug 27 Professional development day

• Aug 28 First day for 1st - 12 grades

• Aug 29 First day for K

• Aug 30 No school (Labor Day weekend)

• Sep 3 pre-K first day

• Staffing update - 19 hired thus far, some still open, some resignations still coming in

• Redistricting status update - work progressing, principals announced, asst principals announcement forthcoming, work on the district alignment progressing, still working toward a release target of Sept/Oct. The boundary line info would go to the School Committee for review first, no word on the formal closing of the prior redistricting committee or the set up of a new process to continue the work during the school year to prepare for Sep 2025

• New website published as of July 1. Mobile client available for download to Apple or Android devices. Links still being fixed, content generally there and items being added as identified. Notifications not yet turned on

• Lifelong Learning Summer program update - photos of the presentation were captured during the meeting in one photo album; the Lifelong Learning program is fee based and thus self funded, the fees taken in cover the expenses incurred

• Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) votes - two votes were taken to start the process of formally closing out the FEF (a 501(c3) organization) and rolling over the remaining funds they have (approx. $150K) to enable the District to continue their work with such funds; details remain to be worked out on the ‘grant application’, approval, and communication process

• FY 2025 budget update - some curriculum development work accomplished during summer but less than previous years due to budget cuts, the last of the additional funds approved by the Town Council ($1M from the debt stabilization account, one time funds) was accepted by the Committee by a 5-0 vote during the meeting

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://youtu.be/qA_oBUUMs0A?si=BWM0ekJVTq2Qffuc&t=95

Agenda doc  -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_school_committee_meeting_6.pdf     

Meeting packet folder -> (docs released for this meeting, some of them available after the meeting)  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/8%2F13%2F24-sc-meeting-packet/685844 

My notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gr8uvNEdDqoW8Irw8pjg3McXgxhRi4ai/view?usp=drive_link 

Audio link -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/school-committee-approves-fef-close-out.html

Lifelong Learning Summer Update )pix of slides shared) -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FfeYoJc8S5UhAsVJ8 

School Committee Approves FEF close out, hears summer update from Lifelong Learning, formally accepts $1M from Town (video)