Franklin Public Schools: Redistricting Advisory Meeting - Jan 17 at 6 PM

Franklin School Committee

January 17, 2023 - 6:00 PM

FHS Media Center & Virtual

AGENDA

“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.”

Website: https://www.franklinps.net/district/redistricting-analysis

1. Call to Order
2. Check In
3. Component Updates
4. App Geo Presentation

a. Current District Map
b. Overview of Scenarios

5. Group Discussion

a. Scenario Feedback

6. Wrap-up

Agenda document has the remote participation info

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda_redistricting_advisory_meeting_1-17-23.pdf

Franklin Public Schools: Redistricting Advisory Meeting - Jan 17 at 6 PM

My conversation with Superintendent Giguere covers multiple topics and a "day in the life" (audio)

FM #907 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 907 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 Monday, December 19, 2022. 

At a high level our topics were:

• DEI deep dive 

• Redistricting

• Finance Committee school budget discussion

• A day in the life of a Superintendent

The recording runs about 30 minutes  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-907-fps-superintendent-lucas-giguere-12-19-22

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

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

DEI page (with link to plans, etc.) -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/diversity-equity-and-inclusion 

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

Finance Committee video replay -> https://youtu.be/o4vY1ekbk10 

Franklin Matters recap & audio -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/finance-committee-gets-some-financial.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 Committee meets in hybrid format to review building block components (audio)

FM #902 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 902 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin Public Schools Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting held in hybrid format with folks at the FHS Media Center on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 as well as some members who participated remotely.   

Given this was a working session, the major whole group sections of the meeting audio is what is shared here. There is one break in the audio when 

• The breakout discussion was held at each table

The break is indicated by a about 5 seconds of music (replacing about 25 minutes of table discussion) then the group discussion resumes

The edited meeting audio recording runs about 58 minutes. Let’s listen to Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-902-fps-redistricting-advisory-cmte-mtg-12-20-22

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

Dec 20 meeting agenda -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/redistricting_advisory_subcom_12_20_22.pdf 

Presentation doc shared during the meeting ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/franklin_schools_redistricting_committee_meeting_presentation_12.20.2022.pdf 

My notes in one Twitter threader document   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qWEoyejx9_i_LDuDAOVUys8OH1EGhl3i/view?usp=share_link 

The photo album shared via Twitter of the pix taken of the meeting and presentation slides   https://photos.app.goo.gl/QyKb2wkFHtqryhC18 

Redistricting Advisory Committee page ->

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

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

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"

Supt Lucas Giguere opens the Redistricting Advisory Cmte mtg

Reminder: Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting - Dec 20 at 6 PM

Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting

FHS Media Center 

Dec 20, 2022 - 6 PM

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

● Check-in

● Why Redistricting

● Review of Timeline

● Guiding Principles

● App Geo Presentation

o Current District Map

o Overview of Components as building blocks for scenarios

● Advisory Group Discussion

o Component Review

● Wrap-up/Feedback

● Adjourn

• Agenda doc includes remote connection info ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/redistricting_advisory_subcom_12_20_22.pdf

• Redistricting Analysis FAQs were posted 12/15/22

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/redistricting_analysis_faq_12.15.22_1.pdf

• Presentation doc from kick off meeting

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/franklin_schools_redistricting_committee_kickoff_meeting_presentation_20221115_1.pdf

• Davis Thayer Collection - from the Franklin Matters archives, the meetings that lead to the closing of Davis Thayer and to the need for redistricting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/davis-thayer-collection-audio.html

Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting - Dec 20 at 6 PM

Franklin Public School Redistricting Analysis - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Revised December 15th, 2022

Q: What is Redistricting?

A: School attendance zones define school enrollment based on residential address. Simplified, Redistricting is the action of altering school attendance zones.

Q: What is a Redistricting Analysis?

A: A Redistricting Analysis, involves the examination of projected enrollment, facility usage to support instructional capacity, geographical proximity for families and transportation related logistics across the district and town, ensuring an equitable and diverse distribution of students. The Redistricting Analysis process champions community input by soliciting feedback based on data driven scenarios facilitated by the redistricting analysis consultant (Applied Geographics) and presented to the Franklin Public Schools Redistricting Advisory Committee and Franklin Community.

Q: Why are we doing a Redistricting Analysis?

A: The decision to pursue a redistricting analysis was a result of the following findings…

• Franklin’s last redistricting effort was in 2002 with the opening of the Helen Keller/ Annie Sullivan complex, 20 years ago. The needs of the district have altered over time
• Usage of space has evolved to prepare students with the essential skills outlined in the Franklin Public School’s Portrait of a Graduate, promote student engagement and support student learning with a variety of specialized programs designed to meet evolving student needs
• The Davis Thayer School was closed in 2021, Davis Thayer students were then transferred to Helen Keller Elementary school
• Total enrollment is forecasted to decline until 2026 - 2027 and it is anticipated there will be an gradual increase anticipated in 2029 - 2030*

*Referencing the Franklin Public Schools Population and Enrollment McKibben Study (2019)*

Redistricting is a necessary process that allows public school districts to evaluate the distribution of students and optimize facility utilization to best support educational programming within the district for the foreseeable future.

Q: What is the Redistricting Advisory Committee?

A: The Redistricting Advisory Committee will participate in a redistricting analysis of Franklin Public Schools in collaboration with AppGeo Redistricting Analysis Consultant by providing input, feedback, and local context on proposed scenarios to potential updates to attendance boundaries within Franklin. The committee is composed of parents/ guardians, educators, District and building based administration and school committee members.

Q: I’m not on the Redistricting Advisory Committee, how do I provide input?

A: Once scenarios have been workshopped through the Redistricting Advisory Committee, we will present opportunities for public input as part of the Community Feedback phase.

 

Q: Who makes the decision on Redistricting?

A: The final decision regarding redistricting rests with the Franklin School Committee.

Q: When will a decision be made on Redistricting?

A: After facilitating community input and working with the redistricting advisory committee, the Space Needs Subcommittee will present findings and possible recommendations for the School Committee late Spring 2023. The School Committee will make any related decisions thereafter.

Q: Will Schools be closed?

A: There is no predetermined plan for redistricting. The purpose of the redistricting analysis is to provide a thorough examination of district needs. A data driven and community informed process will result in a recommendation(s) that will be presented to the school committee, who will make the final decision regarding redistricting that best serves distinct needs.

Q: Weren’t scenarios for projected enrollment proposed in the 2020 Facilities Assessment Report? Why aren’t we just presenting those scenarios?

A: The 2020 Facilities Assessment Report was completed by our consultant (Kaestle Boos Associates). Some scenarios proposed in the 2020 Facilities Assessment Report may be explored by our redistricting consultant to inform/guide proposed scenarios. The 2020 Facilities Assessment Report did not account for the space required by in-district specialized programming to meet the special education needs of the district which can vary from year to year. The District has done research on the use of each facility to then account for our specialized programs along with our redistricting analysis consultant, to ensure we are completing a comprehensive analysis that considers the impact of our specialized programs.

If you have additional questions, please visit our Redistricting Analysis webpage at www.franklinps.net/district/redistricting-analysis for more information. Additional questions can be directed via email to redistrictinganalysis@franklinps.net.

Franklin Public School Redistricting Analysis - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting - Dec 20 at 6 PM

Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting

FHS Media Center 

Dec 20, 2022 - 6 PM

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

● Check-in

● Why Redistricting

● Review of Timeline

● Guiding Principles

● App Geo Presentation

o Current District Map

o Overview of Components as building blocks for scenarios

● Advisory Group Discussion

o Component Review

● Wrap-up/Feedback

● Adjourn

Agenda doc includes remote connection info ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/redistricting_advisory_subcom_12_20_22.pdf

Redistricting Analysis FAQs were posted 12/15/22

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/redistricting_analysis_faq_12.15.22_1.pdf

Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting - Dec 20 at 6 PM

Redistricting Advisory Committee holds their Kickoff session Tuesday - 11/15/22 (audio)

FM #879 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 879 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin Public Schools Redistricting Advisory Committee Kickoff Meeting held in the FHS Media Center on Tuesday, November 15, 2022. Some members participated remotely.   

Given this was a working session, the major whole group sections of the meeting audio is what is shared here. There are breaks in the audio when 

• The members at each table introduced themselves

• Time to read the handout before the breakout discussion was provided

• The breakout discussion was held at each table

The breaks are indicated by a few seconds of music then the group discussion resumes

The edit meeting audio recording runs about 55 minutes. Let’s listen to Redistricting Advisory Committee Kick off Meeting

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-879-fps-redistricting-advisory-cmte-kickoff-11-15-22

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

Kickoff meeting agenda -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/reminder-franklin-school-committee.html 

Redistricting Advisory Committee page ->

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

Davis Thayer Facility Analysis page -> (includes links to McKibben demographics and Kaestle Boos Facility Assessment report) https://www.franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis

My notes in one Twitter threader document   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jE0y-NVlHADF3I4LYRUvaAwEfSZIRJG8/view?usp=share_link 

The photo album shared via Twitter of the pix taken of the meeting and presentation slides   https://photos.app.goo.gl/qnVcuezxBXi2T4Hb8 

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

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"

Redistricting Advisory Committee holds their Kickoff session Tuesday

Franklin School Committee - Redistricting Advisory Subcommittee - Nov 15, 2022 at 6 PM

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee

Redistricting Advisory Subcommittee

November 15, 2022 - 6:00 PM

Franklin High School 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 law."

● Call to Order

● Introductions

● Project Goals and Objectives

● Timeline

● Project Approach/Workflow

● Guiding Principles

● Town Background

● District Background

● Questions/Discussion

● Adjourn

The agenda with remote connection info ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/redistricting_advisory_subcom.pdf

Redistricting Advisory Subcommittee - Nov 15, 2022 at 6 PM

Franklin, MA: School Committee - agenda for Nov 8, 2022

Franklin School Committee

November 8,2022 - 7:00 P.M

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Organizational Meeting

Call to Order Mr. Giguere

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

Organizational Meeting

• Election of Chair
• Election of Vice Chair

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

1. Payment of Bills TBD

B. Payroll TBD

C. FHS Student Representative Comments

D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. none

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Redistricting Advisory Committee Members

I recommend approval of the list of Redistricting Analysis Advisory Committee

Members as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. none

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 October 25, 2022 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. FHS Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $15.48 from Ohiopyle Prints for supplemental supplies at FHS as detailed.

C. Recurring Field Trip - Parmenter

I recommend approval of the request of Emily Bilodeau to take approximately 60 4th grade music students to RI Philharmonic on May 25, 2023 as detailed.

D. Parmenter Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $54.96 from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed.

E. Keller Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,779.40 from the Keller PCC for field trips as detailed.

F. FHS Gift

I recommend acceptance of the donation of the cost of a bus ($1,200.00) from “A Franklin Family” for the FHS history field trip.

G. Parmenter Gifts

I recommend acceptance of four checks totaling $2,891.40 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips as detailed.

H. New Student Activity Account

I recommend approval of the establishment of a new student activity account (Chess Club) as detailed.

I. Surplus Piano

I recommend approval of the request of Rebecca Motte to declare a piano as surplus that is beyond repair.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

a. Approval of Executive Session minutes from October 25, 2022 School Committee meeting.

b. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, Section 21 (a) (3) for the purpose of discussing

strategy as it relates to collective bargaining with the Cafeteria, Van Drivers,

Secretaries, & ESP’s Units, as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on

the bargaining position of the Committee, as declared by the Chair.

X. Adjournment

Agenda doc

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_11-8-22.pdf

Meeting packet folder

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-8-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - agenda for Nov 8, 2022

Franklin Public Schools: Redistricting Analysis Committee Update - if interested, apply now

Dear FPS Families,

I hope this message finds you well. I want to provide an update regarding redistricting analysis.  

The redistricting analysis process is designed to evaluate the distribution of students and optimize facility utilization to best support educational programming within the District for the foreseeable future. The process will take place during the 2022-23 school year. The results and recommendations will be presented at the conclusion to the School Committee in the Spring of 2023. The School Committee will continue to engage the public prior to reaching a final decision on any boundary adjustments. Any recommendations that may be approved by the School Committee will not go into effect during the 2022-23 school year.  

The District is establishing a Redistricting Analysis Committee and seeking parents/guardians and staff representatives from each school to serve as members. Please find more information in the letter linked below. 

Redistricting Analysis Interest Form 10/17/22  ->

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kfihd62rbKVSp-94AK66im1OHt99NN1tLn7EHOfUxgc/edit

Please know there will be ample opportunity for all families to provide input during the process. We will continue to share updates as information becomes available. Please let me know if you have any questions.  

Respectfully,

Lucas Giguere

Superintendent 

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: Space Needs & Facilities Assessment Subcommittee - Sep 13 at 6 PM

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

Space Needs & Facilities Assessment Subcommittee

September 13, 2022
6:00 - 6:45 P.M.
Municipal Building - 3rd Floor Conference Room

AGENDA

"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

● Follow-up on RFP Assessment

● Redistricting Advisory Committee Interest Form Follow-up

● Planning Next Steps

● Adjourn

Agenda doc with remote connection info ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/spaceneedssubcom-9_13_22.pdf

FPS: Comprehensive Facility Analysis Report from Franklin Matters

School Committee Space Needs working on vendor RFP evaluations

The Franklin Public Schools, School Committee - Space Needs Subcommittee met on Thursday afternoon, Aug 25, at 2:00 PM.  My notes taken during the meeting while participating remotely are as follows:

Quick Recap: 

• Discussion on recap of what got them to this point, three proposal out for evaluation by team members, need to evaluate the specifics of the proposed process then look at the dollars associated with the proposals to make an overall recommendation. Individuals to complete their evals by 9/5, Miriam to compile for subcommittee to review at next meeting (9/13) and prepare recommendation for full committee to review at the 9/27 meeting.
• Discussion on stakeholders to ensure appropriate representation of community segments, likely to request via a form for participation on such working group to have ready when vendor selection is complete so they can move forward. Expectation setting for stakeholders on work required and overall timeline for work to be completed (report Mar to May) for School Committee to decide before end of 2023 school year (June 2023). (Implementation timeline would be part of approval/decision but likely to be at least a year away from decision.)

participants (either by voice or view - I joined a couple of minutes late) 

Chair Al Charles, E Stokes, D Spencer, L Giguere, M Goodman

Chair Al Charles began with a recap of prior actions of the subcommittee.

RFP proposals being evaluated by core team, between 15&27, to SchCmte for approval, and then to contract

Proposal evaluation includes two aspects, one for specifics, a second for the dollars, only evaluation on the work proposed before getting to the dollars, layer the $s in later

Reference checks on the proposals put forward, individuals can do so, as well as the procurement office, to be accumulated by Lucas to avoid open meeting law (OML) issues

Clarification questions on process: Dollar amounts determine level of involvement, between $10-50k, RFP allows for evaluation of separate proposals; Discussion on background of RFI vs RFP processing, out to bid can force acceptance of lowest 'qualified' bidder - qualifications need to be specified in the bid proposal process

Discussion on time to read, review, Lucas example of about an hour; individuals would be to be done by 5th, the Subcomm to meet the week of the 12th, to allow for review, etc, before SchCom meeting on the 27th where this would be up for discussion and approval

Redistricting cmte discussion (examples of stakeholder groups)

• Subcom
• Facility's
• Parents of each sch
• Town Council rep
• 3 non parent members (possible prior parents of redistricting)

Size problem with logistics, steering committee and communications absolutely required

Approx 30 as proposed

Target for a Mar to May report timeline, with recommendations by SchCom before end of school year

Discussion on school start time large group and multiple subcommittees, a different process

Setting expectations up front will be key, keeping all informed is important, it will be a lot of info to review and discuss, so over communication is better than missing someone/something

Clarity, and nonbinding req for responses, tied to release of info on process outline

There will be other resources as needed to provide specific data details as they arise

Next meeting, Sep 13 at 6:00 to 6:45pm

Possible agenda topics: 

• Compilation of RFP data
• Questionnaire draft
• Comms draft
• Determine timeline targets, consultant approval at the 27th meeting, then contract required
• Laying foundation for the work to set up for the real work

The published agenda is here:

• Call to Order
• Recap of Events
• Review RFP process and Timeline
• Advisory Committee Planning
• Adjourn

Complete agenda including remote connection info ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/spaceneedssubcom-8_25_22.pdf

School Committee Space Needs working on vendor RFP evaluations