Franklin Election 2021: What does the School Committee do?

While the Town Council approves the overall Franklin budget including the school district top dollar amount, the oversight of the school district is the sole responsibility of the School Committee. They hire the Superintendent, who in turn is ultimately responsible (1) for the hiring of all the other school personnel and (2) the day-to-day management of the district.

Under MA law, each school principal is granted responsibility for all that happens in their building. 

 

All seven (7) positions of the school committee are up for election on November 2, 2021.

 

The School Committee faces a number of challenges. There is a structural deficiency in the funding model for schools. A 'normal' home owning household of 4; two parents, two kids contributes approx. $5-6,000 in annual taxes to the Town coffers while it costs the Town $16,000 to educate one child. Hence, the household benefits from the extra $26,000 (in education) while the Town has to fund that $26,000 from somewhere.

The School Committee has recently determined to close the Davis Thayer Elementary School. They still need to figure out what the district should look like, what other schools (if any) should close, and if redistricting is necessary. Before getting into the Davis Thayer decision, the School Committee had put aside the schools start time discussion to deal with the pandemic. The details of the start time proposal were initially worked by a special advisory committee and should still be addressed some time.

More information about the School Committee can be found on the Town of Franklin page:  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee

 

My notes from the School Committee (and several of the subcommittees) can be found in the Meeting Notes page (scroll down to find the group and either  notes or audio, in many cases both. https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/meeting-notes.html

 

The School Committee section of the Franklin Annual Report for 2020

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

 

Franklin Election 2021: What does the School Committee do?

Worcester getting into their school start time discussion

The Worcester Public School District is getting into their school start time discussion. Yes, remember that? Franklin put it aside to deal with the Davis Thayer issue and then the pandemic hit. It is still sitting on the sidelines. 

The Davis Thayer issue remains only partially resolved, so it would seem that the Franklin school start time discussion is not likely to resume anytime soon. 

The decision to close Davis Thayer effective September 2021 was made by the School Committee at their Feb 9, 2021 meeting. Planning on the transition of Thayer students to the Keller facility for September are underway. The FY 2022 budget is being adjusted to account for what savings and/or expenses would occur to make the transition seamless for both school and Town sides of the budget. (The School budget handles the education side, the Town budget handles the facility operation side.)

The decision to make the Davis Thayer building 'surplus' for the School District has not yet be scheduled. The Town of Franklin can't do much officially without that notification from the School District. 

The next big item the School Committee (and community) will get into should be development of the 'master plan' for the school district. Recall that the facility utilization report revealed the District could operate with less schools than it currently has. The excess capacity could be addressed by closing additional schools and potentially restructuring to operate with three elementary schools, one middle school all feeding to Franklin High. How to get to this position, if it is desired, is what the 'master plan' should work on.

Running with excess capacity is a budget issue and will need to be addressed sooner or later.  In the meantime, you can read what Worcester is starting here

http://who-cester.blogspot.com/2021/03/school-start-times.html

Washington Post had an article recently touching on how sleep times have been affected by the remote learning schedules of the pandemic:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/teenage-sleep-remote-learning-school-time/2021/03/26/29d3c004-898b-11eb-8a8b-5cf82c3dffe4_story.html

Worcester getting into their school start time discussion

Refer to the Meeting Notes page for all the reporting and audio files for the prior School Committee and subcommittee meetings  

  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/meeting-notes.html

Franklin Issue on the 2020 'Watch List': School Start Time

The School Start Time issue has been "paused" but isn't going away. This TEDx talk by sleep researcher Wendy Troxel summarizes the teen sleep issue.

Franklin's School Start Time Advisory Committee archive can be found
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-start-times-advisory-committee-sstac

The two updates provided by Superintendent Sara Ahern including the "pause" announcement can be found online

• The most recent presentation from Sep 2019

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/school_start_times_presentation_part_ii_1.pdf

"Teens don't get enough sleep, and it's not because of Snapchat, social lives or hormones -- it's because of public policy, says Wendy Troxel. Drawing from her experience as a sleep researcher, clinician and mother of a teenager, Troxel discusses how early school start times deprive adolescents of sleep during the time of their lives when they need it most. 

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxManhattanBeach, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you."

Wendy's TED profile   https://www.ted.com/speakers/wendy_troxel?

The Franklin Public Schools sponsored a parent information night on sleep featuring Dr Judith Owens in November

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/fm-183-parent-information-session-on.html

Franklin Issue on the 2020 'Watch List': School Start Time

"88% of parents perceived a positive impact on their child’s quality of life due to the later start times"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"A survey on this year’s later school start times at Weston High and Middle schools, which was given to students, faculty and parents, found that “all groups in general have found the change in start time to be positive,” Superintendent of Schools Midge Connolly told the School Committee last week.

“Parents and guardians, in particular, responded most positive to the changes,” she said.

The school day at Weston High and Middle schools runs from 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. The Country, Field and Woodland elementary schools run from 8 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.

One of the largest issues continues to be students released early from class in order to make it to athletic contests."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191222/weston-reports-positive-feedback-to-later-school-start-times


Franklin's School Start Time Advisory Committee (SSTAC) was dissolved and the Central Office is providing periodic updates as the move forward is currently 'paused'.

The SSTAC information can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-start-times-advisory-committee-sstac

The most recent presentation from Sep 2019
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/school_start_times_presentation_part_ii_1.pdf

The Franklin Matters meeting notes for this School Committee meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/school-committee-meeting-recap-start.html

Sleep Research Event features Dr. Judith Owens - Nov 19

"Join us as we welcome Dr. Judith Owens, Director of the Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorders at Boston Children's Hospital and Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medial School.

She will be sharing her expertise in the areas of sleep regulation, consequences of sleep deficiency, school start times perspectives, challenges for communities and lessons to be learned.

Please RSVP to this event so we can plan accordingly."

RSVP via the Facebook event
https://www.facebook.com/events/514630795786417/

Sleep Research Event features Dr. Judith Owens - Nov 19

Franklin Candidate Interview: Timothy Keenan

This interview with Tim Keenan, candidate for Franklin School Committee in 2019, was collaborated on via email. We reviewed the following questions, some of them were ‘crowd sourced.’ Some of you may remember the call for input solicited in August 2019 for this election. Thank you for your contributions.

Hopefully, the information provided here, and in the other interviews, will enable the Franklin voters to make a good choice among the candidates for each position.

For the following FM presents the question. TK represents Tim’s response.

FM = There are and have been many opportunities to volunteer with community groups in Franklin. Have you taken advantage of any of these? Which ones, and why did you choose that/those?

TK = We are fortunate to have many wonderful opportunities to volunteer with different groups in Franklin! I’m a working parent (with two jobs) and a father of two in the public school system… so my volunteer activities tend to be focused around school activities. Some examples… I have been a field trip volunteer multiple times for both of my kids. (Those of you with kids know that it sometimes helps to keep it even between your kids!!) I have also volunteered for sports day for both my kids in multiple years. 

I enjoy the kid-centered volunteer opportunities because my passion is centered around delivering enriching experiences for kids. Such experiences can help kids acquire knowledge, new skills and build confidence.

While my business in Franklin, Strive Ninja Fitness, is not a charity organization, it is focused on delivering similar enriching experiences for kids. I’m the owner of the business… so it’s hard to call my efforts at Strive volunteer. However, I am happy to dedicate any extra free time I have to activities at Strive… as I know these are having a positive impact on kids.

FM = Where do you get your news about Franklin?

TK = It is incredible how much Franklin-related news/information exists in Facebook or on the Internet. I’m sure I’m like some other parents who say “wow, I wish I knew about this before” when they discover a new source. That’s how I felt when I first came across Franklin Matters.

In addition to Facebook groups and the local newspaper, I learn of Franklin news/events/etc., through Social Media as well as from friends. It is super helpful when the community is connected and people are raising topics and referring to news items.

Here’s one thing that could be helpful… It would be great to have a spot somewhere online that listed all of the great information/news sources available to Franklin residents. It could be an amazing resource for anyone new to Franklin as well as those who have been here for years. (Now perhaps there is someone out there who might say… that list already exists! If it does… shoot me a message and let me know where I can go to see that list! 😊)

FM = The possibility of a change in school start times was a recent controversial topic taken up by the School Committee. Where do you stand on the issue of school start times in Franklin and what actions do you plan to take around this issue during the next term of the School Committee?

TK =  I could talk for days on this one. (I apologize in advance for the novel I’m sharing on this question.) 

I recognize this is an emotional topic for many in the community who have strong opinions. If my response here upsets anyone… I would be happy to have a civil discussion in regards to my perspective. I assure you that my perspective is research and data-informed. (Please feel free to message me if you would like to discuss.)

Also, while I have diligently educated myself on this topic, I am still open to the possibility that I may have missed something. If someone feels like I have missed some critical research, I would be happy to hear any thoughts in this regard.

I appreciate the community volunteers who dedicated their time over many months to build a point of view on changing school start times. There were a lot of smart and caring individuals on the “Start time” sub-committee and they should be commended for dedicating their time on a topic intended to help our kids.

That said, there are also many intelligent and caring community members who have raised very reasonable thoughts and questions that challenge the idea of changing start times. My sense is that some key community thoughts have been ignored and some key questions unanswered. While I am not fully opposed to the idea of changing start times, a deep assessment of “start time research” (which is not necessarily the same as “sleep research”) has left me skeptical that changing school start times results with slam-dunk benefits. I say this as someone with extensive professional research and analytic experience who has obsessively educated myself on this topic.

I can’t claim this with 100% certainty, but I would venture to guess that I have amassed as much or more knowledge and insight on this topic as anyone in the community. In addition to educating myself by reading a large amount of “start time” research, I believe I have taken steps that go beyond what the start time committee considered on this topic. Some examples…

• I have communicated with multiple authors of start time researcher studies, including the author of the original position statement that suggests 8:30am or later for high school start times
• I obtained data from published studies in order to conduct analysis
• I have assessed trended standard test scores for Massachusetts schools that have made start time changes
• I have exchanged messages on the subject with faculty of Minneapolis high school districts that were part of the highly referenced 1998 study that changed start times from 7:15 to 8:40… and then later moved start times back (between 8 and 8:15)

I feel strongly that I have pertinent information that has likely extended beyond what the committee considered. Unfortunately, I have been frustrated and disappointed that some committee members (who support changing start times) have largely ignored my attempts to share information that I believe can be impactful to the discussion. This made me feel like the committee felt like they had “the answer” and they were not interested in any alternate viewpoints.

For community members who believe any skepticism is unfounded… I encourage you to watch the YouTube replay of the Parent Education event from Feb 2019 at Franklin High School. Within 60 seconds of taking the podium at this event, the event’s sleep research expert (brought in by the committee… Dr Robert Thomas, a Harvard Med School faculty member) stated “I am one of the skeptics of school time changes…” He goes on to explain why he is skeptical. I am not trying to misrepresent… I encourage all community members to form their own opinions by watching the YouTube video.

I believe one can further understand skepticism if there is recognition that it is possible for both of these to be true:

1. Adolescents need (or could at least benefit from) more sleep
2. Changing high school start times (to be 8:30 or later) has not proven to be a solution that provides compelling benefits that clearly exceeds potential costs associated with making a change

In other words, it’s possible to believe that adolescents need more sleep AND also believe that changing start times is not a proven sufficient solution.

Aligned with the last couple of points, it is also important to note that “sleep research” is not necessarily the same as “start time research”. In fact, it’s very possible for the following to be true:

1. Research that underscores the importance of sleep can be highly compelling
2. Research focused on measuring the benefits of changing school start times might not be highly compelling

In fact, I arrived at a perspective that aligns with these two points. Specifically, while the benefits of sufficient sleep are strongly supported in research, the research on “start time changes” does not feel highly compelling (in my opinion).

I have more information, but I’ll share 3 data-driven points that I think are meaningful (that have probably not been sufficiently discussed/considered in the discussion). It’s important to note that these points are all data-driven:

1. The average high schooler can (and does, or at least used to) go to bed at 10:30pm (with Freshman around 10pm and moving closer to 11pm by the time they are seniors). I can cite 4 separate research studies (all from highly regarded researchers/sources on this topic) that support this point
2. Past studies (by sleep/start time researchers) showed a correlation between BEDTIME and grades for high school students (A’s 10:30pm bedtime… Ds/Fs had bedtime after 11pm)
3. One of the seminal studies on this topic looked at 7 high schools in Minneapolis that moved their start times later in 1997… to 8:40am. NONE of the 7 Minneapolis high schools that moved start times to 8:40am in 1997 currently have a start time that late. All of them have moved their Five of the 7 have start times between 8 and 8:15. The principal of one of these high schools cited sports, activities and jobs among the factors to move earlier

These points are all important.

If we acknowledge #1 (10:30pm average bedtime for high schoolers)… then an 8:30am high school start time is NOT NEEDED to get 8 hours of sleep. (With a 10:30pm bedtime, a 6:30am wake-time gives kids 8 hours of sleep. So it’s reasonable to suggest that we don’t need an 8:30am start time if kids can get 8 hours of sleep with a 6:30am wake time)

If we recognize #2… then this can be a compelling point for parents to know (and decide or not if they might want to promote any night time changes for their kids)

If we are aware of #3 then we should see a clear example of communities that realized pain from making a change and they moved start times earlier (not back to their original place, but earlier than the AAP recommendation of 8:30am that California is currently pursuing)

(If you have made it this far… sorry, I told you I could talk for days on this one!! 😊)

In an effort to discover whether I have missed something, I have asked an open question to members who worked on the committee point of view. Specifically, I asked for any examples of specific “start time” studies that the start time committee found particularly compelling. To date I have not found anyone willing to share a specific “start time” study they found the most compelling.

If we are being honest as a community, the discussion on this topic has probably been sub-optimal. I have seen some unfortunate resentment build upon both sides, some directed towards me. I believe the superintendent’s pause on this topic has given us a great opportunity to re-evaluate the way we approach the dialogue.

We can ultimately have more productive conversations when we recognize that we have highly intelligent and caring people on both sides. Additionally, I believe we can find common ground if we come together and recognize a large majority on both sides have the same objective: most want to do what is best for kids. Further… we should listen and consider anyone who wants to share a voice on this (and any topic). It is a GREAT thing when the community is engaged!!

FM = While the current School Committee has attempted to reach the community through various forms of communication including coffee chats, email newsletters, attending events such as the farmers market, etc., they have been generally unsuccessful at increasing the engagement with important issues related to the schools. What actions will you take to increase citizen engagement with the School Committee?

TK = Since I yammered on so much with the “start time” question, I’ll try to be brief here…

I believe that we all benefit from more community engagement/involvement. I am appreciative of anyone that wants to volunteer time and thought to enrich the educational experiences and lives of our kids.

First, when people do engage, we need to make sure they understand their voices are heard and considered. There are tons of intelligent and caring people in Franklin… and great ideas, thoughts, etc., can come from anyone. If we do not show that we are listening and considering, community members will not be further encouraged to stay involved/engaged.

I think one thing we can do is to look to other towns/communities that might be having strong success with engagement (between committees and community members). We can develop an understanding from these towns on what has/has not worked. Past Franklin committee members (and the broader community) can also be sources for ideas on how to increase engagement.

FM = The Town Administrator has suggested that the School Committee investigate the possibility of closing Davis Thayer Elementary as a possible cost-saving mechanism for the town in these tight economic times. Where do you stand on this issue and what actions will you take to support your stance?

TK =  I believe it is a positive that I do not have a pre-set opinion in regards to whether Davis Thayer should be closed. As an analytically-minded individual, I prefer to develop data-informed opinions. I believe a structured problem-solving approach could uncover key insights that can inform opinions about the potential closure of Davis Thayer.

I have highly relevant work experiences that can help me contribute on this topic. One pertinent experience is related to facilitating structured problem-solving approaches. Below I’ll provide an initial sense of my perspective… with the assumption that readers recognize that candidates have been asked to limit their response length.

A key step at the beginning of a structured problem-solving approach can be to create a clear and transparent problem statement. This can help those analyzing (and the community) understand key factors driving the discussion.

I could be missing something, but I have seen three main points cited for initiating a closing study:
1. The age and design of the building
2. Decreased district enrollment
3. Economic efficiency

I’m assuming there is greater detail behind the rationale. The process (and community) would benefit from having critical detail integrated into a problem statement so everyone can better understand what is being assessed.

Many questions should be asked to ensure the problem statement is clearly defined. For example, “what aspects of the building design are potentially problematic?” Or “what are the specific data points that suggest decreased enrollment is a persistent problem?”

With a clearly defined problem statement we can better develop an analytic plan that can inform our opinions and recommendations.

Importantly, the emotion associated with the topic should receive careful consideration as a critical input. Accordingly, it will be critical to hear and consider all voices and perspectives in regards to the current situation.

FM = Why should I vote for you?

TK = The School Committee is a team and I can be counted on to be one of the candidates who can be a key contributor on the best possible School Committee for Franklin.
I believe the optimal School Committee would function as a team made up by people who are complementary, supportive, respectful and collaborative. I can fit in and strongly contribute in those ways.

I will bring a unique perspective to the School Committee. First, as mentioned earlier, I am a working father with two kids in our public school system. My kids have many wonderful characteristics as well as challenges they face. I can relate to the struggles of busy parents who have kids that face different challenges in their school and outside lives. 

Additionally, I have strong work experiences from running a kid-centric business in Franklin (Strive Ninja Fitness) plus a corporate job in research/analytics and strategy. People who know me from my Franklin business understand that I care deeply about kids and their families. Those who know me from my corporate life understand that I am highly experienced with facilitating structured, data-driven decision making. 

I say this with strong commitment: If I am fortunately enough to get elected, I can be counted on to do a great job and 100% of my committee efforts will be dedicated to promoting decisions in the best interests of kids and their families.

Franklin Candidate Interview: Tim Keenan

Find the election and candidate information gathered in one place on the Election Collection
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html

Franklin School Committee News - October 2019

Catching up to share the most recent Franklin School Committee News

You can also read this on the smore webpage
https://www.smore.com/aqgr5-franklin-school-committee-news

Franklin School Committee News - October 2019

School Committee Meeting Recap: Start times put on 'pause'; elementary school improvement plans approved

The School Committee meeting held Tuesday, Sep 24, 2019 revealed some interesting news. 

The early release of MCAS data shows that the JF Kennedy Elementary School and the Davis Thayer Elementary School were recognized by the State DESE for their results. As the full set of MCAS data is understood, there will be an update to the community later this fall.

The ECDC and elementary school improvement plans for the 2019-2020 school years were presented and approved. Copies of the presentation documents are included here. Links to the individual improvement plans are available.

The school start time update provided the greatest shock (or disappointment) to some but it was a rather practical move. The effort to study changing school starts times has been 'paused.' Given the effort required with the upcoming budget cycle (and a significant budget shortage to be dealt with - likely raising the infamous 'o' word) along with the study to start on the potential closure of Davis Thayer (which would also require a redistricting of the entire school population - a major effort), and the need to actually continue the day to day operation of education the current school population, it was a wise move.

The presentation copy for the school update is shared below. 
 

• The Superintendent's Report

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_september_24_2019.pdf

FPS 2019 20 Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) School Improvement Plan from Franklin Matters

FPS 2019 2020 Elementary School Improvement Plan from Franklin Matters

FPS School Start Times Update Presentation from Franklin Matters

Additional details captured live during the meeting can be found in my notes

• Live reporting: Discussion Only items through to C...

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-discussion-only-items.html

• Live reporting: Discussion/Action items

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-discussionaction-items.html

• Live reporting: School Start Times Update

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-school-start-times-update.html

• Live reporting: Elementary School Improvement Plan...

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-elementary-school.html

• Live reporting: School Committee - Sep 24, 2019

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-school-committee-sep-24.html

 

elementary school principals presenting their School Improvement Plans

Live reporting: School Start Times Update

b. School Start Times Update – Dr. Ahern

part II of the update, part I was done earlier this calendar year after the Advisory Committee completed their work

student and issue of sleep came to our attention, should not lose sight of

Superintendent Ahern making recommendation on school start times to School Committee tonight pic.twitter.com/YzeiAdt7Eb

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) September 24, 2019

"I would suggest that we pause on its consideration of start time changes across all schools. However, we NEED to continue to address the health of children including sleep."

there will be challenges with the FY 2021 budget, attention needs to be paid there
comprehensive closing study of Davis Thayer requires attention
all collective bargaining agreements are up for renewal this year

MetroWest survey data just came out to say sleep is not increasing among our students

What will be a measure of success for this yet? A return to 2016? or ??
I would be curious to see what other surveys are reporting

current start and end times changes were to meet current contractual requirements and NOT in any relationship to school start times

Linden - there may be members in the community who won't like the idea of pausing. Start times and sleep deprivation is damaging, our district is damaging your children. There is too much tardiness and absenteeism. I deeply disappointed in this decision.

MJ - the pause will not make this go away

Tim Keenan - appreciation for the work done previously, and to Dr Ahern for her answers, I have done a lot of reading and an author of the key studies. I actually got responses. There is a different between sleep research and start time research. There is nothing compelling about start time. The Sleep research is compelling.

Suggestion to come to the Nov meeting on Sleep

Wants to get to a research article that is compelling on Start Time and have a dialog on it.

Feeley - thanks for the summary

Bergen - there are other issues that are in-front of us that we need to deal with
others who have changed recently have taken time to do it right before making the change

Zub - I think it is the right thing to do, there is no right answer, we want to the the best thing for our students. It may be interesting to see if anything is done at the state, California has one on the governor's desk.


11. 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.

motion to go to executive session, seconded, passed 7-0

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Sep 24, 2019

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

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.”

1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
b. Citizen’s Comments

i. In the spirit of open communication, “the School Committee will hear public comment not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee Meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment” – from Policy BEDH

c. FHS Student Representative Comments
d. Superintendent’s Report

2. Guests / Presentations
a. ECDC and Elementary Schools – School Improvement Plans

• ECDC School Improvement Plan 
• Davis Thayer School Improvement Plan
• Jefferson School Improvement Plan
• Keller School Improvement Plan
• JF Kennedy School Improvement Plan
• Oak Street School Improvement Plan
• Parmenter School Improvement Plan

b. School Start Times Update – Dr. Ahern

3. Discussion / Action Items

• a. Elementary School Improvement Plans

I recommend approval of the 19-20 School Improvement Plans for Davis Thayer, Jefferson, Keller, Kennedy, Oak Street and Parmenter Elementary Schools and ECDC as presented and discussed.

• b. Policy – First Readings

I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading at the next School Committee meeting as discussed:

• BEDB – Order of Business 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/current-bedb

• BEDH – Public Participation

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/current-bedh
 
 4. Discussion Only Items
a. Revised FY20 Budget
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/revised-budget

5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Budget; Community Relations; Policy; Transportation; Public Schools Advocacy; Ad Hoc Superintendent’s Evaluation)

b. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC; Substance Abuse Task Force; School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]; MASC)

6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the September 10, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.
b. Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the executive session minutes from the September 20, 2019 School Committee meeting to be released as detailed.
c. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,560.50 from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed.
d. Remington Middle School Trip
I recommend approval of the request to take the RMS Adventure Club to Mt. Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH for a recurring field trip on October 19, 2019 as detailed.
e. Budget Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence

11. 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.

12. Adjournment

The documents released for this meeting can be found on the School District page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-24-2019-school-committee-packet  Additional documents will be added to this page post meeting (generally during the business day after the meeting)

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Sep 24, 2019

Franklin Public Schools newsletter - June 2019

The Franklin Public Schools newsletter for June 2019 is available for reading and sharing. Note that the underlines indicate links to an additional page. The one page PDF has lots of info!

You can also get your PDF copy directly from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/news/franklinpsnews-june-2019

school is finally all out for the summer!

"strongly recommends that school start times for middle and high school students be delayed to 8:30 AM or later"

Via the FEF Twitter post we find:

"AAST is pleased to release the AAST Position Statement for Support of the Start School Later Initiative. This position statement, supporting the efforts of Start School Later, Inc, outlines AASTs view on this important issue. 

Given the compelling research currently available, AAST strongly recommends that school start times for middle and high school students be delayed to 8:30 AM or later to adequately accommodate student sleep requirements. 

AAST President Rita Brooks commented that, “Support of this initiative is critically important for AAST as an organization whose members educate and assist in the follow-up care of patients with sleep disorders. Reinforcing the importance of sleep and advocating for later school start times is a necessary step in ensuring a more rested younger generation.”

Continue reading the announcement here
https://www.aastweb.org/newsandevents/aast-position-statement-for-support-of-the-start-school-later-initiative

The full context of the position statement can be found here
https://www.aastweb.org/position-statement-start-school-later

"strongly recommends that school start times for middle and high school students be delayed to 8:30 AM or later"

Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting recap of May 28, 2019

The School Committee meeting of May 28, 2019 is summarized as follows:

Retiree Recognition

• Debra Kroeber / JFK Teacher
• Christine Mahan / ASMS Teacher
• Sandra Morris / ASMS Teacher
• Caryn Parnell / ASMS Teacher
• Peter Pasquarosa / HMMS / Health-PE Teacher
• Eleanor Prindeville / ASMS Cafeteria Worker
• Mary Sandford / Parmenter Teacher
• Marushka Waters / FHS Theater Teacher
• Beth Wittcoff / ASMS Principal
• Kathleen Woods / FHS Guidance Counselor

There was discussion around the superintendents evaluation.

There was an update on the School Start Times - audio of that segment was shared separately  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/fm-163-school-start-times-update.html

The district improvement plan was also updated with current status and accomplishments
https://www.franklinps.net/district/news/district-improvement-plan-update-communication-52819

Document released for this agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/school-committee-packet-52819


Additional details can be found in my notes recorded live during the meeting:

view from the back of the room at the May 28 School Committee meeting

• Live Reporting: Consent Agenda to Executive Sessio...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/live-reporting-consent-agenda-to.html
• Live Reporting: District Improvement Plans
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/live-reporting-district-improvement.html
• Live Reporting: School Start Times Update
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/live-reporting-school-start-times-update.html
• Live Reporting: Discussion - Action Items
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/live-reporting-discussion-action-items_28.html
• Live Reporting: Guests and Presentations
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/live-reporting-guests-and-presentations.html
• Live Reporting: School Committee - May 28, 2019
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/live-reporting-school-committee-may-28.html
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