Special Easter fun from the Franklin Police Dept

Thanks to the Franklin Police Dept for a little fun to share today!

checking in

vehicle check

ready to roll

LiveARTS: Michael Lewin plays a free concert from his home - Apr 19

Don't miss the final concert of our 2019-20 season! Internationally acclaimed concert pianist Michael Lewin has graciously agreed to perform  from his home on Zoom! Sunday April 19 at 3 p.m. Please join us for this free online concert using this link: Michael Lewin Concert You can download Zoom using this link: Download Zoom Pianist Michael Lewin brings his artistry to our LiveARTS audience in a SPECIAL ZOOM EVENT. Celebrating the 250th anniversary of Beethoven's birth, he will perform that composers's Variations in C Minor. He will also perform music of Chopin and Debussy. He will share his insights into the music he plays, and will open up the event to a Q & A with audience members. Michael Lewin Michael Lewin is one of America's most active and popular concert pianists, having played for audiences in more than 30 countries. His career was launched with victories in several international piano competitions. His numerous recordings have won a Grammy Award and a Round Glass Music Award. Mr. Lewin is Professor and Head of Piano at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Director of Classical Music for Ethos Music in China. He is a Julliard School graduate. His teachers included Leon Fleisher, Yvonne Lefebure, Adele Marcus and Irwin Freundlich. This is a free concert. If you have bought a ticket for the concert on April 19, please consider making a gift of the purchase price to LiveARTS. If you would like a refund, please call 774-571-7920 to make arrangements. Thank you! Copyright © 2020 LiveARTS, Franklin, Massachusetts, All rights reserved.

FM #244 Town Administrator Jamie Hellen "Talks Franklin" 4/10/20 (audio)

FM #244 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 244 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator and Anne Marie Tracey, Marketing and Communication Specialist. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Given the dynamic changes we are seeing during this pandemic period, we are shifting this call and show format to a weekly schedule.

We talked about the decision to follow the DPH guidelines and not to report COVID-19 locally. The Town is reporting through the proper channels and the State DPH reports on the overall total and at the County level but not locally. We get into some of the pros and cons of this discussion item.

We talk about the Beaver St recycling center that after being open for yard waste only on Easter weekend is returning to a ‘closed’ status at least until May 4. Other topics include participation in local or at least area blood drives, the School Committee has a meeting Tuesday, and the Town Council has their next session scheduled for a virtual meeting on Wednesday, April 15.

Among the topics on the agenda are the Community Preservation Act, a public hearing on another in the series of plot line clean ups, the discussion on the solid waste fee increase proposed for July 1, 2020. The full agenda and documents for the Town Council meeting are linked to in the show notes.

The recording runs about 44 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Ann Marie. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H6vySjN7



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


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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/
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"

FM #244 Town Administrator Jamie Hellen "Talks Franklin"  4/10/20 (audio)

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 15, 2020

Agenda 

Meeting Date: April 15, 2020

A NOTE TO RESIDENTS: Due to the growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Town Council Meeting. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by clicking on the attached link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). The attached link and phone number will be active for the duration of the meeting for citizens to ask questions/voice concerns.

Link to access meeting: April 15, 2020 Town Council Meeting Link 
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-15-town-council-agenda-remote-meeting (Editors Note: the link should be password protected for the safety of all participants and to ensure the uninterrupted conduct of business; as it is not (yet), you'll need to go to the Town of Franklin page to access the link)
 -- Then click “Open Zoom” 

Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 701 131 488


1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. March 19, 2020
b. February 12, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
- None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10 PM
a. Zoning Map Changes on or Near Pleasant, Chestnut, and Brook Streets

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. Dean College: New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License, Located at 135 Emmons Street, Franklin, MA.
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/license_transaction_-_dean_college_-_all_alcohol.pdf

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Coronavirus Updates
b. Community Preservation Act (CPA)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/community_preservation_act_cpa_discussion_-_04-15-2020.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-853: Zoning Map Changes on or Near Pleasant, Chestnut, and Brook Streets - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-853 to a second reading - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-853_zoning_bylaw_amendment_-_pleasant_chestnut_brook_0.pdf

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 20-19: Solar Authorization - Maple Street Bellingham (Motion to approve Resolution 20-19 - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/solar_pilot_agreement_-_main_street_solar_1_llc_-_ta_authorization.pdf

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Bylaw Amendment 20-857: Chapter 82, Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-857 to a second reading - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-857_municipal_service_fees_-_trash.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
- None Scheduled

ADJOURN

Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting


The full agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-15-town-council-agenda-remote-meeting

The agenda can also be found in one LARGE PDF file (~59MB - can take time to download)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/04-15-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 15, 2020

Enter the Town of Franklin Trails & Walking Paths Drawing

"It's going to be a beautiful weekend! Find some time to get outside (safely, of course!) & check some Franklin Trails & Walking Paths off your list! 

We are holding a drawing to win a free rain barrel! Find the details & a link to our new trails website here https://bit.ly/tof9draw"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1248956706400370688?s=09

This section of the SNETT trail you can get to from the Lake St parking area

Storywalk at DelCarte (photo slideshow)

A fun Storywalk is up at DelCarte! Enjoy the sunshine!

And if you haven't made it there yet, you can visit it virtually with this photo slideshow

Photo taken in the rain on Weds 4/08/20

Marc Berger: "Reason and a Rhyme" (video)

Marc Berger came to the Franklin Public Library a couple of years ago (Feb 2018) and has composed/released this new song for the times we find ourselves in.

https://youtu.be/bs8kUWEm0As




For more of Marc 's work:  https://marcbergermusic.com/

Lyrics for "REASON AND A RHYME"

Skies begin to blacken
Streets are out of tune
When you’re down and draggin’
Railing at the moon
When you fear your weary heart won’t stand another blow
Keep in mind these simple lines and they will lead you home

So don’t you cry, you’ll get by
If you just keep the faith
For all the love you’re dreaming of
Comes to those who wait
And every song you pass along
Will return someday
There’s a reason and a rhyme a
And answers on the way

Feel the gentle rhythm
Sweep across the land
All our sins forgiven
Soil and the sand
Like the wild and raging river rushing for the sea
Bends and winds so many times before it’s finally free

Franklin, MA:: School Committee Agenda & Budget Hearing April 14, 2020

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.

Per Governor Baker’s Executive Order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A sec. 20, the public will not be allowed to physically access this School Committee meeting. Members of the Public can access the meeting via remote conference. The School Committee reserves the right to implement additional remote participation procedures and will notify the public of these procedures as soon as practicable.

LOCATION: Remote participation via Google Hangouts Meet -- link below

Join Hangouts Meet = meet.google.com/kpf-tgcx-hth
OR Join by phone 402-369-5348 PIN: 991 744 663#

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
Pledge of Allegiance Moment of Silence

FY21 Budget Open Hearing
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy-2021-budget

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters 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…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. none

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Continued payment for hourly employees
I recommend approval of continued payment for hourly employees as detailed.
B. School Calendar 2019-2020
I recommend that the School Committee adjust the 2019-2020 school calendar as detailed.

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. Franklin Public Schools Remote Learning Plan

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the March 10, 2020 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
B. Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the Executive Session of the March 10, 2020 School Committee Meeting to be released.
C. Budget Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
D. Athletics Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $136.00 from Agile Sports Technologies for supplemental supplies for Athletics as detailed.
E. FHS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $25.43 from Ohiopyle Prints for in-house enrichment at FHS as detailed.
F. Oak Street Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,029.00 from the Oak Street PCC for field trips as detailed.
G. Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $781.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for in-house enrichment as detailed.
H. Revised Minutes
I recommend approval of the revised minutes from the February 11, 2020 School Committee meeting.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Adjournment


Links I would bring attention to

• Executive Summary  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/files/2-exec-summary
• Budget presentation  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/files/open-hearing-presentation
• Overview A  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/files/6-overviewa
• Overview B  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/files/6-overviewb

All the documents released for this budget hearing can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy-2021-budget

FPS - FY 2021 Budget Hearing Presentation 20200414 from Franklin Matters

Presentation Link =
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/fps-fy-2021-budget-hearing-presentation-20200414

Franklin, MA:: School Committee Agenda & Budget Hearing April 14, 2020

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #11

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #11

Friday, April 10, 2020

Hi friends,

I hope everyone is safe and healthy. I can't believe this is our 11th coronavirus update, especially since we are just now approaching the anticipated surge period. Things are going to keep getting worse before they get better. Over the next 2-3 weeks, it is absolutely critical that everyone stay at home as much as possible.

I want to take a moment to be present in this reality with all of you. This is hard. This is really hard. Each and every email or phone call I get from constituents, each conversation with medical professionals, confirms for me what people seem to already know: we weren't prepared for this, we are losing people to this, and we are behind the proverbial 8-ball in our response to this. A friend recently said something that really resonated with me: "we can do hard things." Yes, this is hard, maybe the hardest period some of us have ever experienced, but we will eventually find the downswing of infection and the end of the pandemic period. In the interim, do everything you can to take care of yourselves, both physically and mentally. Get outside every day (not near other people); one dad told me he and his kids went puddle-jumping in the rain last week and it was great. Drink more water than you think you need. Use technology to connect with others. Sleep at normal (or close-to-normal) hours. Do something that brings you joy and still maintains social distancing, and do that thing at least a few times a week. This is a marathon, not a sprint. And, importantly, reach out for help when you need it.

My team and I remain fervent in our work to mitigate the impacts of coronavirus and support the people and communities we serve. Some highlights:

• The Senate passed two really important bills yesterday: the first prevents evictions and mortgage foreclosures during the pandemic, and the second waives the MCAS exams for the current school year. As always, my efforts on these bills centered equity and fairness. Additional legislative work is ongoing, including figuring out how to support virtual Town Meetings.
• My team and I have been connecting with hospitals and medical staff in our district to get a comprehensive handle on capacity and conditions of care on the ground. Relatedly, I've been briefed on the impending surge and our preparations for it. I've received and elevated areas in which we must make significant improvements to protect people, and do so equitably.
• We held our second virtual office hours today, with continued success. (You don't need to have a coronavirus question or concern to chat with us during office hours! Today's appointments were split 50-50.) Sign ups are now open for our third virtual office hours, which will be on Friday, April 24, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• I joined with colleagues to get the Administration to speed up licensure for foreign-certified medical professionals, and then it happened.
• Today I called on Governor Baker to get the CARES Act unemployment benefits into people's hands NOW. Under the plan he announced earlier this week, the updated unemployment system won't be functional until the end of the month. People can't wait until May for this money when they're hanging on by a thread today.
• I did my weekly coronavirus interview with Peter Gay of North TV (from a different room, for those who are following along).

Yours in service,

Senator Becca Rausch

This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full content follow this link:
https://mailchi.mp/0518ba77272b/covid19-update-12309418?e=0c2c9810fe

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #11

Helpful Tips - Preparation for Covid-19 Hospitalization

If a family member is sick at home, they might be at risk of being hospitalized. Please have an emergency "Go Bag" ready for the hospital. Remember, family members and visitors are not being allowed into hospitals so it's best to have it all at the ready.

These tips are worthwhile for all kinds of emergencies, so spending a few minutes now can help you for a long time to come!

Items for your "Go Bag":

• Written, UPDATED and accurate list of medications: Name, Dose, Frequency, Initials after the name of medication are important too, such as: XL, XR, LA, IR, ER, SR.
• Cell phone charger
• List of emergency contacts and phone numbers on paper. If the patient is unconscious and the cell phone is locked or the battery is dead, hospital staff will need this.
• Primary Care Doctor contact info: Full name, phone number, and office address and the patient's health insurance information, including the insurance company's name, address and phone number, policy ID or policy number.
• A book (or magazine, downloaded audible book, etc.) to read.
• Copies of: Health Care Proxy, Advance Medical Directive, Power of Attorney
• If the patient has a pacemaker or defibrillator: a copy of the pocket information card that states the brand, model number, and MRI compatibility.
• If the patient has asthma or COPD, bring the inhalers. Hospitals are running out.
• Extra batteries for hearing aid or other medical devices.
• Leave copies of important papers on the side of your fridge, with a magnet. EMTs are trained to look there for emergency information in the event you contact 911 but you can't speak when they arrive.

Shared from the Town of Franklin Page
https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/helpful-tips-preparation-covid-19-hospitalization

Helpful Tips - Preparation for Covid-19 Hospitalization

 
 

Senate Releases Bill to Lower Signature Threshold for Some Candidacies

The Massachusetts State Senate Committee on Rules has released a bill to address public health concerns surrounding the gathering of signatures for candidates for public office during the COVID-19 State of Emergency.

"This is an unprecedented time, and we must consider all of our actions with an eye towards protecting the health and safety of our residents," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The Senate is therefore taking steps to reduce the number of signatures for offices that require a large number during this public health crisis. With this legislation, we hope to find a way to ensure that those who decide to run for public office can demonstrate the necessary support they have in their communities without endangering their health or the health of others."

"We must prioritize the protection of public health during this pandemic," stated Senator Joan Lovely (D-Salem), Chair of the Senate Committee on Rules. "This bill appropriately halves the requirements for candidates who need one thousand or more signatures to get on the ballot, thereby protecting both civic-minded citizens and potential officeholders."

"We need to ensure that everyone who wants to participate in the political process can do so in a way that keeps themselves and their neighbors safe, which is why this legislation is so important," stated Senator Barry Finegold (D-Andover), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Election Laws.

The Senate plans to take up the bill on Monday, April 13, 2020.

The bill text is found here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1irUIqz_4AHaCK4vZuiSmHYV5D-ebJ2vp/view?usp=sharing

or viewed here

In the News: How do candidates collect signatures while social distancing?

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

"Franklin resident Matt Kelly has been driving around a lot lately, and using a lot of hand sanitizer. 

The Franklin town councilor is hoping to become a candidate on the November ballot for state senator, but social distancing guidelines have made collecting the necessary signatures a much more difficult task than in years past. 

The typical approaches – standing outside grocery stores or downtown, going door-to-door meeting people or holding events – are now public health risks. 

Instead, Kelly is spending his days asking people via social media if they’ll support his campaign, then donning one of the masks his young children made for him and driving to people’s homes with a nomination sheet. He tapes them to storm doors or puts them in mailboxes, then picks up the signed papers the next day."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200410/how-do-candidates-collect-signatures-while-social-distancing

Related post: The MA Senate has released the text of a bill for work next week to reduce the number of signatures required due to the circumstances of the pandemic. 
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/senate-releases-bill-to-lower-signature.html

In the News: Gov. Baker signs bill to suspend MCAS for this school year

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

"MCAS testing requirements for the school year are suspended. The bill the governor signed into law Friday also calls for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to modify or waive graduation requirements for students set to complete high school this summer, and for due dates for district improvement plans to be pushed back. 

School districts have been closed by executive order since March 15. The new law also postpones the MBTA’s budget timeline and makes housing assistance benefits easier to acquire remotely. 

“Cancelling MCAS testing for the remainder of this school year will enable our teachers and students to focus on learning and personal well-being as we continue to navigate the current public health emergency,” Sen. Jason Lewis, co-chair of the Legislature’s Education Committee, said in a statement after the branches agreed to the bill Thursday. “Legislators heard loud and clear from teachers, parents and superintendents that this was the right thing to do.”

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200410/gov-baker-signs-bill-to-suspend-mcas-for-this-school-year/1

Related post: The legislation press release was shared on Friday
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/ma-legislature-passes-bill-to-help.html

Great visual to reinforce social distancing

From the Ohio Dept of Health  https://youtu.be/o4PnSYAqQHU

Their COVID-19 page  https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home

New Guidance about COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments

“The Treasury Department launched a new web tool allowing quick registration for Economic Impact Payments for eligible individuals who do not normally file a tax return, and also announced that it would begin making automatic payments.

However, for some people receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration — specifically those who have dependent children under the age of 17—it is to their advantage to go to this portal to ensure they also get the $500 per dependent Economic Impact Payment. I encourage them to do this as soon as possible, and want to provide the following details:

People who receive Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability insurance benefits and who did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019 and who have qualifying children under age 17 should now go to the IRS’s webpage to enter their information instead of waiting for their automatic $1,200 Economic Impact Payment.

By taking proactive steps to enter information on the IRS website about them and their qualifying children, they will also receive the $500 per dependent child payment in addition to their $1,200 individual payment. If Social Security beneficiaries in this group do not provide their information to the IRS soon, they will have to wait to receive their $500 per qualifying child."

Continue reading the article for additional details
https://blog.ssa.gov/new-guidance-about-covid-19-economic-impact-payments/

New Guidance about COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments

MA Legislature Passes Bill To Help Vulnerable Residents, Support Schools Amid The COVID-19 Public Health Crisis

Provisions address homelessness, MCAS testing requirements

The Massachusetts Senate and House on Thursday (4/09/20) passed legislation that supports those experiencing homelessness and provides testing and budgetary flexibility to school districts.

"The Senate remains steadfast in its approach to offering relief to students, families and all sectors of our Commonwealth as we continue adjust to the challenges caused by COVID-19," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D – Ashland). "This bill is just the latest step as we help to guide the state through this unprecedented time. I want to thank Senator Michael Rodrigues for his leadership, Speaker DeLeo for his partnership, and all my colleagues in the Senate for their dedication and collaboration on this legislation."

"The wide-ranging effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on our schools and communities demand action, and the Legislature took steps to help those most in need and provide flexibility to our schools so that they may operate effectively during this public health crisis," said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D – Winthrop). "By providing emergency funding for the homeless, we are protecting those most at risk. I appreciate the leadership of Senate President Spilka as well as the work of Chairs Michlewitz and Peisch in moving these critical provisions forward."

"This bill reflects the Senate's continued commitment to act quickly to address the challenges and disruptions posed by COVID-19, and provide relief for taxpayers, students and educators, and municipalities," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D – Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "I applaud Senate President Spilka for her leadership in this uncertain time, and my colleagues in the Senate for their collaboration in supporting residents of the Commonwealth."

"This legislation helps a wide variety of entities deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means (D – Boston). "Whether it's aiding our cities and towns with the needs of their school districts, to helping homeless providers have greater flexibility in protecting those most in need, the Legislature stands ready to help those most affected by this public health crisis."

"Cancelling MCAS testing for the remainder of this school year will enable our teachers and students to focus on learning and personal well-being as we continue to navigate the current public health emergency," said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education (D – Winchester). "Legislators heard loud and clear from teachers, parents and superintendents that this was the right thing to do."

"This legislation provides much-needed relief to school districts as they face this unprecedented emergency," said Representative Alice Peisch, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Education (D – Wellesley). "The bill waives the MCAS requirement while giving the Commissioner and Board of Elementary and Secondary Education the flexibility to modify or waive the competency determination, and requires the Commissioner to delay the due date for the improvement plans required under the Student Opportunity Act. These provisions will allow districts to focus on what is most important - students' health, safety, and continued learning. I'd like to thank Speaker DeLeo and Chairman Michlewitz for their leadership, and the members of the Education Committee for their hard work and support."

"The Senate and House are working together to rapidly put in place the necessary legislative components to respond effectively to the needs of our students, our communities, the most vulnerable in our society, and the vital systems that serve them," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R – Gloucester).

"The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges that require ongoing collaboration at all levels," said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R – North Reading).  "By addressing education testing, housing assistance and the MBTA budget, the House and Senate are building on the steps we've already taken to facilitate municipal governance and make unemployment benefits more accessible. There is still much more to be done, and we must continue to work together to help ease the burden on the Commonwealth's residents during this public health crisis."

This latest relief package known as An Act to Further Address Challenges Faced by Municipalities, School Districts and State authorities Resulting from COVID-19, includes the following components.   https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H4616

Student Requirements and District Operations. To address disruptions caused by the closure of K-12 schools due to COVID-19, the legislation waives the MCAS requirements for the 2019-2020 academic year and allows DESE to modify or waive competency determination requirements related to high school graduation.

In order to comply with measures under the newly implemented Student Opportunity Act, the legislation would require the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Commissioner to extend the deadlines for school districts to submit their three-year plans to address educational disparities in student subgroups.  This deadline shall be extended to May 15, 2020, or later, as determined by the Commissioner.

The legislation also provides budgetary flexibility for regional school as a result of COVID-19.

Helping Vulnerable Populations. In keeping with the Legislature's commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, the legislation repurposes existing homelessness funds that currently support services that can't be provided due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The legislation redirects funding to address immediate and critical homelessness needs resulting from the public health emergency.

MBTA Budget Flexibility. The legislation also provides the MBTA additional budgetary flexibility amid the COVID-19 emergency.

The bill, which is the latest action by the Legislature to address the COVID-19 public health crisis and its effects on Massachusetts, now heads to the Governor.

MA Legislature Passes Bill To Help Vulnerable Residents, Support Schools Amid The  COVID-19 Public Health Crisis

FM #241 - Superintendent Sara Ahern - Remote Learning Phase 2

FM #241 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 241 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin Public Schools Superintendent Sara Ahern. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about Phase 2 of the remote learning being implemented this week. We review how this new learning mode is not optimal but the best we can do under the circumstances. Feedback on the implementation will be looked for after giving it some time to happen. On the business front, the FY 2021 budget discussions resume next week with a virtual School Committee meeting.

The recording runs about 15 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Sara and hear about what is happening with “Keeping Learning Alive” for the Franklin Public Schools.

https://anchor.fm/fpsvoice/episodes/Remote-Learning-Plan-for-Franklin-Public-School-District-ecjamc/a-a1t3p6i




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As you hear during our discussion, there were updates made to the COVID-19 Portal page for the School District. As I checked the page preparing for this to be posted, the 9-box layout I mentioned has expanded to be 12 boxes. https://www.franklinps.net/district/pages/franklin-public-schools-covid-19-closure-information-portal


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

https://www.franklinps.net/district/pages/franklin-public-schools-covid-19-closure-information-portal