Franklin Public Schools: "current district attendance boundaries remain the same"

I am writing to inform you about the results of the School Committee's charge to conduct a redistricting analysis during the 2022-23 school year. On April 25th, 2023, the Superintendent's Redistricting Analysis Report was presented to the Franklin School Committee. This report serves as a comprehensive reference to the entire redistricting analysis process.

On May 9th, 2023, the Franklin Public School Committee voted 6-1 to approve Option 1, which proposes that "current district attendance boundaries remain the same while a School Facilities Master Plan is conducted. ASMS/Keller spaces will continue to be used flexibly. Both administrative teams at the complex will continue to work together to utilize the available space to accommodate the needs of all students."

We understand that the decision to redistrict affects families, students, staff, and the larger community. Therefore, we strived to conduct a thorough and transparent analysis process. Throughout the process, we aimed to engage our community through various outlets. This comprehensive approach allowed us to tune into our community and gather information necessary for our School Committee to make an informed decision regarding redistricting.

I would like to thank the Redistricting Analysis Advisory Committee members for generously volunteering their time during the 2022-2023 school year. Our consultant and administrative working group greatly appreciated their perspectives, ideas, and suggestions. We also want to express gratitude to those who participated in our community forums, completed surveys, and provided valuable contributions via email to the redistricting analysis working group.

In the upcoming 2023-24 school year, Franklin Public Schools will collaborate with the Franklin Facilities Department to begin a school facilities master plan. The aim is to establish a blueprint for long-term plans that will enable our facilities to meet the educational requirements of our students in line with our educational vision. As referenced in the Redistricting Analysis Report, the process of developing and implementing a plan can take multiple years.

As more information becomes available, we will be sure to provide any updates. Respectfully,

 

Lucas Giguere 

Superintendent of Schools

FPS: "current district attendance boundaries remain the same"

Redistricting vote fails by 6-1 vote at Franklin School Committee Meeting (audio)

FM #994 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 994 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the School Committee members, school district personnel along with some of the public in the Council Chambers. Some members of the public participated via Zoom conference bridge.

Quick recap:

• The School Committee met on Tuesday night at their regular meeting. They heard an update from the Keller Elementary School, an update on the District Improvement Plan, and voted 6-1 on an amendment to the original redistricting motion, to effectively do nothing for redistricting

• The 6 votes all talked of the need for the master facility plan, but although that was included in the original proposal before them, the minor adjustment now was passed on in favor of doing nothing

• The entered Executive Session and did return to approve a contract reached with ESP/LPN bargaining unit before closing out the full meeting

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to the School Committee meeting of May 9, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-994-fps-school-committee-mtg-05-09-23 

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Agenda document -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-9-23.pdf 

Keller presentation document

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/keller_school_may_9_school_committee_presentation.pdf 

District Improvement Plan update ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/sc_5_9_23_strategic_objective_1_-1.pdf 

Redistricting Analysis Report

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/redistricting_analysis_recommendation_report_2022-23.pdf 

Packet folder contains the documents released for this meeting 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-9-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin TV video replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/W-9CbY5MeDY?feature=share

My notes captured during the meeting (in one PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qB4ZIFXY9R4zNJ5hxoHrLnt242ECaUsN/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"

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda

Redistricting vote fails by 6-1 vote at Franklin School Committee Meeting (video)

The School Committee meet on Tuesday night at their regular meeting. They heard an update from the Keller Elementary School, and update on the District Improvement Plan, and voted 6-1 on an amendment to the original motion, to effectively do nothing for redistricting. The 6 votes all talked of the need for the master facility plan, but although that was included in the original proposal before them, the minor adjustment now was passed on in favor of doing nothing. 

Franklin TV video replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/W-9CbY5MeDY?feature=share

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-9-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-9-23.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qB4ZIFXY9R4zNJ5hxoHrLnt242ECaUsN/view?usp=share_link

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda

Redistricting decision up for School Committee vote on Tuesday, May 9 at 7 PM

Among the items on the School Committee agenda for their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 9 are the following items listed below. Note that on Wednesday, May 10, the Finance Committee will review their budget in addition to the budgets of Norfolk Aggie and Tri-County. 

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Keller Highlights -   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/keller_school_may_9_school_committee_presentation.pdf

B. DIP Update -  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/sc_5_9_23_strategic_objective_1_-1.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. BICO Board Appointment 23-24

I recommend approval of the appointment of Lucas Giguere as the BICO Board

representative for Franklin Public Schools for the 2023-24 school year.  ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_bico_board_appointment_1.pdf

B. ACCEPT Board Appointment 23-24

I recommend approval of the appointment of Lucas Giguere as the ACCEPT Board

representative for Franklin Public Schools for the 2023-24 school year.  ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_accept_board_appointment_1.pdf

C. Redistricting Vote

I recommend approval of the redistricting recommendation as detailed in the

Redistricting Analysis Report.  ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_redistricting_vote.pdf

Meeting packet folder -<  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-9-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-9-23.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda doc for Meeting May 9, 2023 - 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

May 9, 2023 - 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 Mr. McNeill

C. Payroll Ms. Spencer

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Keller Highlights -   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/keller_school_may_9_school_committee_presentation.pdf

B. DIP Update -  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/sc_5_9_23_strategic_objective_1_-1.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. BICO Board Appointment 23-24

I recommend approval of the appointment of Lucas Giguere as the BICO Board

representative for Franklin Public Schools for the 2023-24 school year.  ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_bico_board_appointment_1.pdf

B. ACCEPT Board Appointment 23-24

I recommend approval of the appointment of Lucas Giguere as the ACCEPT Board

representative for Franklin Public Schools for the 2023-24 school year.  ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_accept_board_appointment_1.pdf

C. Redistricting Vote

I recommend approval of the redistricting recommendation as detailed in the

Redistricting Analysis Report.  ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_redistricting_vote.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Interim School Business Administrator

Recommend an Interim School Business Administrator position for the

2023-2024 fiscal year and continuation of a comprehensive search process for a

permanent position during the 2023-2024 school year.

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 April 25, 2023 School Committee

Meeting as detailed.

B. Keller Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $395.43 from O’Connor Portraiture for

supplemental supplies at Keller Elementary School as detailed.

C. Overseas Account

I recommend approval of the Overseas Trip Fundraising Account within the

Student Activity Fund at Franklin High School.

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(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective

bargaining with the ESP/LPN, unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the  bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

XI. Adjournment

Meeting packet folder -<  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-9-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-9-23.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda

School Committee member Dave Callaghan talks redistricting - 04/27/23 (audio)

FM #984 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 984 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Franklin School Committee member Dave Callaghan. We had our conversation in person in the Franklin TV Studio on Thursday, April 27, 2023. 

Our primary topic was the redistricting proposal now before the School Committee and scheduled for a vote May 9. Dave also spent a few minutes talking about a listening session he and fellow School Cmte member Camille Bernstein will be having on Sunday, May 7.

The recording runs about 35 minutes so let’s listen to my conversation with Dave Callaghan. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-984-school-cmte-member-dave-callaghan-04-27-23

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

Redistricting Analysis Report

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/redistricting_analysis_recommendation_report_2022-23.pdf 

School Committee meeting of 4/25/23 recap, audio & video links ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/04/school-committee-hears-about-power-of.html   

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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"

School Committee member Dave Callaghan talks redistricting - 04/27/23 (audio)

School Committee hears about the "Power of Moments", then spends time questioning the redistricting proposal (audio)

FM #979 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 979 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the School Committee members, school district personnel along with some of the public were in the Council Chambers. Some members of the public participated via Zoom conference bridge.

Quick recap:

• Heard from an update from Remington on their “Power of Moments” approach

• Listened to and questioned the proposal for redistricting effective in Sep 2024 with an option for some affected by it to move to their ‘new’ school in Sep 2023. The Committee is scheduled to vote on the proposal at their May 9 meeting

• Approved the middle school trip to the Grand Canyon and nearby national parks scheduled for April 2024

• Approved the consent agenda

• Entered executive session to continue negotiation with ESP/LPN bargaining unit and did not return to open session

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting April 25, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-979-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-04-25-23

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Agenda document -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_4-25-23.pdf 

Remington’s presentation document

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/remington_school_committee_update.pdf 

Redistricting Analysis Report

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/redistricting_analysis_recommendation_report_2022-23.pdf 

Packet folder contains the documents released for this meeting 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/april-25-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes captured during the meeting (in one PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pV6xJrcvwMGU1jMVzWjckHnVz1Abg37k/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"

School Committee hears about the "Power of Moments", then spends time questioning the redistricting proposal (audio)

Redistricting Listening Session May 7

A redistricting listening session has been scheduled by two members of the School Committee: Camille Bernstein and Dave Callaghan. The session is scheduled for Sunday, May 7 from 2 to 3 PM.

Note: the School Committee is scheduled to vote on the redistricting proposal at their May 9 meeting.

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cre885Juzxr/

The report to the School Committee with the redistricting proposal can be found ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/redistricting_analysis_recommendation_report_2022-23.pdf

Redistricting Listening Session May 7

School Committee spends a lot of time on redistricting report (video)

The School Committee met on Tuesday and needed to vote to extend their meeting past 10 PM to continue the agenda items for their session before entering Executive Session (for negotiations from which they did not return to open meeting).

They heard an update from the Remington Middle School, approved the proposed middle school Grand Canyon trip for 2024 and spent most of the evening discussing the redistricting proposal they were privy to. As we go to press this Wednesday morning, it is still not posted to the Schools page although likely will be later today or tomorrow. Available when checked after 4 PM on Weds, 4/26/23

Report ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/redistricting_analysis_recommendation_report_2022-23.pdf

In the meantime 

1 - the video is available for replay on Franklin TV's Town Hall YouTube channel. Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/GpL9DsQgjMc?feature=share

2 - Photo albums capture what was shared on the overheard screen for Remington https://photos.app.goo.gl/3ULdjXviehRsVn9K8 and the redistricting discussion  https://photos.app.goo.gl/y5D4LEVkxBRSXqGDA

The audio and my full set of notes will be ready in a day or so

screen grab of redistricting recommendation

Supt Giguere discusses redistricting and the school budget challenge (audio)

FM #977 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 977 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, April 18, 2023. 

At a high level our topics were:

• Redistricting

• Budget process, Portrait of a Graduate

The recording runs about 39 minutes so let’s listen to my conversation our school superintendent Lucas Giguere. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-977-fps-supt-lucas-giguere-04-18-23

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

Redistricting Advisory Committee page ->

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

School budget ->  https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget 

Town Administrator’s budget ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials 

  

Prior audio sessions

March 2023 conversation -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/03/superintendent-giguere-discusses.html 

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