FM #163 - School Start Times update

FM #163

This internet radio show or podcast is number 163 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the School Start Times update from the Franklin School Committee meeting held on May 28, 2019.

The update is one of an undetermined series as the administration continues to work out details on the proposal for school start times.

Superintendent Sara Ahern provides the update. The slides she refers to are linked in the show notes so you can follow along. At the end several members of the community take an active role in commenting or raising questions.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/news/school_start_times_presentation_part_i_1.pdf

FPS School Start Times - Update #1 from Franklin Matters

Per the Superintendent, the second update will come in September. Some number of updates may follow depending upon the progress in answering questions and developing a set of answers for a plan to change start times. If and when there is a proposal, there will be advance notification before the School Committee takes a vote.

Without further ado, here is the audio recording (approx 1 hour 20 minutes).






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School Start Times Background Information:

The School Start Times presentation to the School Committee was March 26, 2019. The audio of the presentation was posted here on Wednesday:
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/fm-161-school-start-times-report-32619.html

The Summary document was released on Friday and published here on Saturday, March 30
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/school-start-times-advisory-committee.html

The recap of the full School Committee meeting was posted here on Sunday
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/school-committee-recap-march-26-2019.html

Additional info on the work of the School Start Times Advisory Committee 
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-start-times-advisory-committee

School Start Times Advisory Committee

Live Reporting: School Start Times Update

2. Guests / Presentations

b. School Start Times Presentation

part 1 of a series
focusing  more on the local rationale, why are we looking at it?
a bit of a preview of the potential impact, if start times are adjusted
also includes a look at the scenarios the committee looked at

(presentation to be added when available Wednesday)

school used to start later and over the past 50 years, start times have moved earlier which has raised the question

CDC info graphic 

MetroWest survey data from 2016 is currently available but the newest study should be released in the Fall

two slides on student sleep patterns, one HS, one middle schools
steady decrease over the school years in sleep time per MetroWest study

absent/missing school due to being tired is almost a parallel graph showing an increase over the grade years

possible consequence for HS vs middle school to drive tardiness results

interesting slides on tardiness sliced in different ways

athletic concussion data from last several years at HS (this year's data is incomplete as it is still in progress)

concussions reported to school nurses (also on a slide) includes athletics plus

slide with MetroWest info, again these to be updated with newer info in Fall

Question on school length difference with elementary at 6 hours 10 mins and middle/high at 6 hours and 35 minutes? Do need to be mindful of the collective bargaining agreements

model G, model H2
possible model J flips and additional scenario options to look at

Parent - Bertolinni (?)
what are the small steps we can take before we make the big jump

Tim Keenan - Nija gym
Dr Eric - research related to elementary kids; proposal for earlier start times may be detrimental for them
would be great to have a sense of measurable benefits?
sleep? maybe, decrease car accidents? 
what is the clear problem statement we are trying to solve for?
improved academic performance is not really supported by research with start times

what are we expecting to see? How are we going to measure it?

Selena Cousins - parent
if MS teachers were uncomfortable with the change, look at that again
will be the same people leading their clubs, would be concerned about starting so late
can you talk about changing the charter school start times?
are we required to use the same bus company for both?

J Davito - parent
awesome work, 
we're the stats on tardiness increasing? look at multiple years of tardiness data
so much is about cost, what is the right solution, then get the community behind it
what if we charged everyone for buses
impact of the elementary school kids needs to be looked at, even if data is limited

C Darico (?)
thanks for the additional comprehensive scenarios
you have covered all the major points that were 'deal breakers'
students with special needs, time of day medication? - what impact
assumption of early dismissal for high school for sports; 
Acton-Boxboro did change, like it may not get more sleep, does like getting ready longer

Nellan 
I really appreciate the info, all the options, exactly what the community needs
it freaked people out, how we would be doing this?
if we knew what the defined plan would be, it would help?

this is about progress and getting to a plan, no rush 
we want to take our time

what we need to do as a community is to be more involved!

Jacqueline Delcane (?)
will have four kids across the schools
the two standalone elementary schools are Title I, needs to be a consideration










c. District Improvement Plan Update (Communication)

Live Reporting: Guests and Presentations

2. Guests / Presentations

a. 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

Live reporting: Discussion - Action Items

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. School Choice Vote
I recommend that the School Committee vote to not accept any new School Choice students for the 2019-2020 school year.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_actiona_-_school_choice_vote_0.pdf

motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

b. 2019-20 School Committee Meeting Schedule
I recommend adoption of the 2019-20 School Committee meeting schedule as detailed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_actionb_-_19-20_sc_mtg_schedule.pdf

motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

c. Amego School Approval
I recommend approval of the Amego School as recommended by Paula Marano, Director of Student Services as detailed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_actionc_-_amego.pdf

motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

d. School Start Times Advisory Committee
I recommend the Franklin School Committee vote to discontinue the School Start Times Advisory Committee
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_actiond_-_sstac.pdf

more info on start times coming for next meeting

motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

e. Policy – First Readings
I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading:
1. JKAA – Physical Restraint of Students
2. ID – Emotional Support Dogs

Paula Marano provides an update on physical procedures, what we can do, what we can't do; only in last resort

motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 7-0

4. Discussion Only Items - None



The documents released for this meeting can be found online:
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-14-2019-school-committee-packet

(Note: Not all the documents are released before the meeting. Some are posted after the meeting (Weds AM))

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 14, 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. FHS School Improvement Plan Update
b. MS School Improvement Plans Update

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. School Choice Vote
I recommend that the School Committee vote to not accept any new School Choice students for the 2019-2020 school year.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_actiona_-_school_choice_vote_0.pdf

b. 2019-20 School Committee Meeting Schedule
I recommend adoption of the 2019-20 School Committee meeting schedule as detailed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_actionb_-_19-20_sc_mtg_schedule.pdf

c. Amego School Approval
I recommend approval of the Amego School as recommended by Paula Marano, Director of Student Services as detailed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_actionc_-_amego.pdf

d. School Start Times Advisory Committee
I recommend the Franklin School Committee vote to discontinue the School Start Times Advisory Committee
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_actiond_-_sstac.pdf

e. Policy – First Readings
I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading:
1. JKAA – Physical Restraint of Students
2. ID – Emotional Support Dogs

4. Discussion Only Items - None

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]; School Start Times Advisory Committee
[SSTAC], MASC)

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

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your April 23, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.
b. FHS Scholarship
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from Peter Baglioni for the Fernando Baglioni Scholarship as detailed.
c. Solutions Gifts
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,000.00 for Supplemental supplies for the Solutions Program as follows:

• Franklin Cultural Council $500.00
• Middlesex Savings Bank $500.00

d. Parmenter Gifts
I recommend acceptance of three checks totaling $900.00 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips as detailed.
e. Music Gifts
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $2,950.00 for in-house enrichment for the Music Department as follows:

• Franklin Music Boosters $2,700.00
• Music Drives Us.org $ 250.00

f. Oak St. Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,748.00 from the Oak Street PCC for Field Trips as detailed.
g. RMS Field Trip – RW Zoo
I recommend approval of the request to take RMS 7th graders to Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI on June 4, 2019 as detailed.
h. RMS Field Trip – Stadium Theater
I recommend approval of the request to take RMS 6th Graders to Stadium Theater for the Imagination Series in Woonsocket, RI on June 5, 2019 as detailed.

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence
- Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

11. Adjournment


The documents released for this meeting can be found online:
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-14-2019-school-committee-packet

(Note: Not all the documents are released before the meeting. Some are posted after the meeting (Weds AM))

Davis Thayer playground in the rain

Franklin High School PCC meeting - May 13 - Superintendent Sara Ahern

The Franklin High School will be having their last PCC meeting for the 2018-2019 school year on May 13 at 7:00 PM at the Franklin High School media center/library. 

With all of the discussions concerning the school budget, start time, and homework policy we have asked Superintendent Sara Ahern to attend the meeting and she has agreed.

Monday, May 13th 2019 at 7PM in the Library/Media will be out last PCC Meeting for the year. At this meeting, there will be updates on all year end activities, dates of finals, etc. With all the discussion on budget, start time, homework policy, we have invited Dr. Ahern to come pic.twitter.com/3GddKpPRqN

— FHS PCC (@FHS_PCC) May 6, 2019

Franklin High School PCC meeting - May 13 - Superintendent Sara Ahern

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - April 23, 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. none

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. FY20 Revised Budget Reduction List
I recommend the School Committee adopt the Revised Budget Reduction List as detailed.
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/discussion-revised-budget-reduction-list

Budget memo
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/fy20-revised-budget-reduction-memo

Revised budget
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/fy20-revised-budget

b. FY20 Revised Salary Budget
I recommend adoption of the FY2020 Revised Salary Budget as part of the total FY2020 Revised Budget of $64,500,000.00 as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/discussion-b-revised-salary-budget

c. FY20 Revised Expenditure Budget
I recommend adoption of the FY2020 Revised Expenditure Budget as part of the total FY2020 Revised Budget of $64,500,000.00 as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/discussion-c-revised-exp-budget


4. Discussion Only Items
a. 2019-2020 School Committee Meeting Schedule - Draft
b. School Start Times Discussion

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]; School Start Times Advisory Committee [SSTAC], MASC) 

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

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your April 9, 2019 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
b. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
c. JFK Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,900.00 from the JFK PCC for field trips as detailed.
d. Oak St. Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,450.50 from the Oak Street PCC for field trips & in-house enrichment as detailed.
e. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,337.50 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips as detailed.
f. ASMS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from Medtronic for in-house enrichment at ASMS as detailed.
g. Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,981.00 from Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment for the Music Department as detailed. 

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence - none

11. Adjournment


The full packet of documents released for this meeting can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-23-2019-school-committee-packet

Davis Thayer elementary school

School Committee Recap - $2.3M in school budget cuts outlined, School Start timeline to change

I was in Toronto on a business trip this week and unable to full participate in the School Committee meeting. I did manage to tap into the web cast after the school budget discussion and near the beginning of the School Start Times discussion.

While the cable broadcast did cut out at 10:00 PM, the webcast did not. I did tune out at the end of the start times discussion approx 10:15 PM and miss the remaining of the meeting agenda. We'll all need to catch up to the Franklin TV rebroadcast when it is available.

Highlight: School Budget
Programs and positions amounting to $2.3 million were found to reduce the budget deficit. The details are listed in the links below. 

The budget is scheduled for vote by the School Committee at their Apr 23 meeting. The school budget is scheduled for review and discussion at the Finance Committee meeting Apr 25. The Finance Committee is also scheduled for a vote that night on the full Franklin budget to send to the Town Council.  

The Town Council has their two budget hearings scheduled for May 22 and 23. The Council meeting of May 8 is scheduled to be a discussion and update from our State legislation delegation (Representative Roy and Senators Rausch and Spilka).

Time is getting short for scheduling an override vote to occur before the July 1 FY 2020 budget year begins. Without an override vote scheduled, this means the school budget will need to absorb the $2.3 million identified (or something similar that amounts to the same total). It also means that the school budget which was originally proposed to meet critical needs (and acknowledged to not meet them all) will certainly increase the critical needs NOT being meet for our future generation.

Superintendent Ahern addressing the SchComm and those in attendance re: school start times. #schcomm0409 pic.twitter.com/1gHAfJuH2h

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) April 10, 2019

Highlight: School Start Times
A number of folks stepped forward to comment for and against the school start time proposal. It was good to see so many showing up in person. Where were you all the past year? I hope you show as much engagement around the school budget (no matter what side you choose).

The Superintendent's proposal to formally close the Advisory Committee (a normal and expected action) along with the proposal to continue to work on the details for implementation is expected to be voted on at the Apr 23 meeting. The vote on a school start times proposal itself would not be until sometime later this year at the earliest. 

Amy Danahy speaking to the school start times issue at the #schcomm0409 meeting pic.twitter.com/gfVaqpWaYs

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) April 10, 2019

School budget page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/budget-information/pages/current-budget

Budget memo
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/budget-memo

$2.3M budget cuts outlined 
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/budget-reductions

SEL Update to School Committee - Apr 9, 2019 from Franklin Matters

Other documents for the Apr 9 meeting packet can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-9-2019-school-committee-meeting-packet

School Committee Recap - $2.3M in school budget cuts
outlined, School Start timeline to change

“I welcome this feedback as it can only make our consideration of the topic richer and fuller"

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

"Debate about school start times is heating up following the School Start Times Advisory Committee’s recent release of recommendations to alter the time school begins for the town’s elementary, middle and high schools. 

Since that panel shared its findings at the end of March, a Facebook group opposing the suggested changes has emerged, growing to 730 members as of Monday and kicking off an online petition that, also as of Monday, had 1,041 digital signatures. 

Meanwhile, Superintendent Sara Ahern is suggesting that the school board authorize her to move the study of the issue to a second phase with further analysis, followed by a vote at a later time to be determined. 

“This second phase would build off of the work of the advisory committee by continuing to iterate the proposal as greater clarity is gained,” Ahern wrote in an April 4 letter to the School Committee.":

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190408/franklin-school-start-time-proposal-to-be-discussed-tuesday

Superintendent Ahern's Letter
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/04/superintendent-aherns-letter-to-school.html

The School Committee agenda for April 9
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/04/franklin-ma-school-committee-april-9.html

The School Start Times Summary
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/school-start-times-advisory-committee.html

The School Start Times Presentation (audio)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/fm-161-school-start-times-report-32619.html

The School Start Times Presentation (audio)

Franklin, MA: School Committee - April 9, 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. District Improvement Plan Update – SEL – Mr. Giguere & Mrs. Marano

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. none

4. Discussion Only Items
a. FY20 Budget Discussion
b. School Start Times Discussion

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]; School Start Times Advisory
Committee [SSTAC], MASC)

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

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your March 26, 2019 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
b. Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the Executive Session of your March 26, 2019 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
c. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $884.50 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips as detailed.
d. Keller Grant
I recommend acceptance of a check for $400.00 from Youth Services America for a grant for in-house enrichment as detailed.
e. Oak Street Gifts
I recommend acceptance of two check totaling $1,634.00 from the Oak Street PCC for Field Trips as detailed.
f. Oak Street Field Trip
I recommend approval of the request to take Oak Street students to the Providence  Children’s Museum on May 24, 2019 as detailed.
g. Jefferson Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $6,101.00 from the Jefferson PCC for field trips as detailed.
h. MS Music Field Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Diane Plouffe for the recurring field trip for middle school Music students to Canobie Lake Park, Salem, NH on Friday, June 14, 2019 as detailed.
i. Heart Association Gift Certificates
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,350.00 from the American Heart Association for supplemental supplies as detailed.
j. Davis Thayer Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from the American Heart Association for supplemental supplies as detailed.

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence
a. Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

11. Adjournment

School Committee Agenda:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/scagenda_4-9-19.pdf

Documents released for this meeting
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-9-2019-school-committee-meeting-packet

Parmenter school flags in the wind

Superintendent Ahern's Letter to School Committee on "School Start Times Discussion and Request"

To: Franklin School Committee

From: Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools 

Date: April 4, 2019

Re: School Start Times Discussion and Request

The purpose of this memo is for me to propose next steps with respect to the matter of adjusting school start times in Franklin in advance of the discussion on April 9, 2019.

I propose that the School Committee consider the matter of adjusting school start times in two steps. The first step would be to vote this spring to 1) dissolve the SSTAC and 2) authorize me as Superintendent to move the inquiry into a second phase. This second phase would build off of the work of the advisory committee by continuing to iterate the proposal as greater clarity is gained. As transparency and communication is critical on such important matters, I would build in regular and predictable checkpoints with the School Committee and the community with updates on progress.

The second step would be to vote on adjusting start times at the conclusion of the second phase of this work, once more of the potential impacts are resolved and a more detailed proposal is available. I would anticipate this vote to be during the 2019-2020 school year. This may delay any potential implementation, but I feel that it is important to gain greater clarity and have a more detailed proposal.

The rationale for this suggestion follows:

At your last meeting, on March 26, 2019, the School Start Times Advisory Committee (SSTAC) presented its findings and recommendation to the School Committee. The advisory group voted 13-2 in favor of adjusting start times. Further, the committee evaluated 2 scenarios and presented you with specific details on the votes on each. I would like to share a little more about the context of the advisory committee’s work and recommendation.

The purpose of the SSTAC was to study the prospect of adjusting start times locally in Franklin, based on what research supports about sleep and adolescents and its assessment of impacts locally. It was formed in December of 2017 and was intentionally comprised of both community and school department members. The individuals on this committee volunteered numerous hours of their time in both meeting as a group and in conducting independent investigations into the questions that were posed as part of the six subcommittees. Their efforts were invaluable, are much appreciated, and are to be commended.

As a public body, there were inherent limitations of the SSTAC. All members were sworn in by the Town Clerk and took an oath to abide by the Open Meeting Law, which limited the committee’s dexterity and flexibility in performing its research. All matters were handled in the public realm with agendas posted and minutes tracked. Work in between meetings was necessarily up to team members as individuals, making the task more difficult. On one hand, this was a very welcome approach as it kept the conversation transparent and open to the community. That being said, it limited the depth of the work in between formal meetings, which could realistically occur only once or twice per month.

The SSTAC’s recommendation comes forward with Scenario B being a favored situation based on “ideal” circumstances (based on the research), although it had not received unanimous support. I asserted to the SSTAC at its last meeting that I would need flexibility to alter the scenario in the next phase of the work because more details admittedly need to be worked out.

Many of the details that were identified by the advisory group, and some that the group did not consider, are now being identified and discussed within the community. I wish to express my thanks and gratitude for members of the community who have shared their thoughtful perspectives, on both sides of the issue, over the past two weeks. These e-mails add depth to the comments that were provided when the community was initially surveyed.

Themes that have arisen include but are not limited to:

• Research on elementary students, their sleep, and earlier school times
• Impact to sports, specifically more detail related to use of facilities for gymnastics, swimming, and hockey
• Student voice in the change process
• Before and after school childcare
• School start times as part of a holistic discussion on children’s health and schedules
• Continuation of middle school activities after school

I welcome this feedback as it can only make our consideration of the topic richer and fuller as well as any proposed solution a better one for the community.

Much of the feedback that has been received raises important questions, which can only be answered with more time. As such, as Superintendent, I would like to clarify my request of the School Committee.

Again, I propose that the School Committee consider the matter of adjusting school start times in two subsequent steps. The first, would be to vote this spring to 1) dissolve the SSTAC and 2) authorize me as Superintendent to move the inquiry into a second phase. This second phase would build off of the work of the advisory committee by continuing to iterate the proposal as greater clarity is gained. By authorizing me to move into the second phase, I could conduct this work with an internal team who can dive deeper into resolving the issues. I would welcome further collaboration with faculty and staff, coaches and advisors, families, students, and community members throughout this process. Additionally, as transparency and communication is critical on such important matters, we would build in regular and predictable checkpoints with the School Committee and the community with updates on progress.

The second step would be to vote on adjusting start times at the conclusion of the second phase of this work, once more of the potential impacts are resolved and a more detailed proposal is available. I would anticipate this vote to be during the 2019-2020 school year. This may delay any potential implementation, but I feel that it is important to gain greater clarity and have a more detailed proposal.

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sst-discussion-memo

Parmenter School flags in breeze blowing the other way

School Start Times proposal gets petition "In Opposition"

Along with the news of the proposal on School Start Times, there is a petition to gather names against the proposal.
https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/franklin-residents-opposed-to-the-proposed-school?

There is also a Facebook group to discuss ways to plan against the proposal.
In Opposition to the School Start Time Change Proposal (Franklin, MA)

or
https://www.facebook.com/groups/333799380817742/


School Start Times Background Information:

The School Start Times presentation to the School Committee was March 26, 2019. The audio of the presentation was posted here on Wednesday:
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/fm-161-school-start-times-report-32619.html

The Summary document was released on Friday and published here on Saturday, March 30
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/school-start-times-advisory-committee.html

The recap of the full School Committee meeting was posted here on Sunday
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/school-committee-recap-march-26-2019.html

Additional info on the work of the School Start Times Advisory Committee 
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-start-times-advisory-committee

School Start Times Advisory Committee