Save our teachers: override the Franklin Public School's budget cuts

"All eleven schools in Franklin are being deprived of their special education, arts classes, music and more, with a new budget that has laid off 103 teachers.

Parents please let them hear your voice! Our children's education is in danger. I know many of us have moved to Franklin because of it's excellent schools. I don't want to see this town and our families suffer. Help us get this to the Town Council!"

Sign the petition online
https://www.change.org/p/town-of-franklin-massachusetts-save-our-teachers-override-the-franklin-public-school-s-budget-cuts

The number of signers was crossing 1400 when I posted this Friday AM

Share from Twitter:https://twitter.com/carlyrosealston/status/1271161830879236098?s=09

Save our teachers: override the Franklin Public School's budget cuts

@MA_Senate will a public listening session on #COVID19 reopening

Karen Spilka (@KarenSpilka) tweeted at 11:07 AM on Thu, Jun 11, 2020:

Tomorrow, the @MA_Senate will host its first public listening session on #COVID19 reopening. This session will focus on economic development, reinvestment & our workforce. TY @EricLesser , @senjehlen & @adamghinds for hosting! Info + agenda here: https://t.co/2HqX6usout #mapoli

"The Massachusetts State Senate will engage in a listening session hosted by Senate President Karen E. Spilka, Senator Eric P. Lesser, Senator Patricia D. Jehlen, and Senator Adam G. Hinds on Massachusetts’ economic recovery, reinvestment and workforce on Friday, June 12 beginning at 11AM.

“As we reopen the state’s economy, the Senate remains focused on the actions we need to take to support residents, businesses and communities,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This listening session, the first in a series, will serve as an important tool to address the many challenges we will face as a result of COVID-19. I want to thank my colleagues Senators Lesser, Jehlen, Hinds, and their committee members for their collaboration in gathering this session. I am equally thankful to those in the Administration, and our businesses and labor sectors for their participation in this important effort.”

“It is vital that we hear from the people in the community that are experiencing the economic impacts of the Coronavirus outbreak as well as other members of the administration who may provide valuable insight, said Senator Eric P. Lesser (D-Longmeadow). “We are facing an unprecedented time with nearly 1 million individuals out of work across the Commonwealth, and these conversations will help inform how we can work together on recovery efforts as a Legislature and as a state.”

The listening session will be a chance for the Senate to hear from the administration, labor, the business community, and other important stakeholders as we continue the discussion on the future of the Commonwealth's economy and workforce. This listening session will aim to help inform the Senate’s work on an economic development and jobs bill and what is needed to put people back to work and stimulate Massachusetts’ economy. 

"As we begin to re-open Massachusetts, my constituents, my colleagues, and I have many questions about what recovery will look like,” said Senator Patricia D. Jehlen (D-Somerville). “The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 shutdown were felt deeply across many industries from restaurants to healthcare and we need to be very intentional about supporting people more than ever."

“COVID has created incredible challenges for the Commonwealth, but it has also revealed many shortcomings in our society,” said Senator Adam G. Hinds (D-Pittsfield). “We must prepare for the new normal and these sessions are central to that process.”

Below is the full agenda:

11AM-12PM – Retail and restaurants

• Jon Hurst, Massachusetts Retailers Association
• Bob Luz, Massachusetts Restaurants Association

12PM-1PM – Administration and Reopening Advisory Board

• Secretary Kennealy, Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development
• Secretary Acosta, Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development

1-2PM – Labor

• Tim Foley, SEIU 1199
• Carlos Aramayo, Unite Here
• Yamila Ruiz, One Fair Wage

2PM-3PM – Business

• John Regan, Associated Industries of Massachusetts
• Segun Idowu, Black Economic Council of Massachusetts
• Jim Rooney, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

3-4PM – Unemployment Insurance

• Monica Halas, Greater Boston Legal Services

Friday’s listening session will be broadcast on the malegislature.gov website.



Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenSpilka/status/1271096753941549057?s=03

Mrs Pennell talks about story time (5/20/20)

FM #294 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 294 in the series.

This session shares my conversation with Kathleen Pennell, Mrs Pennell. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about Kathy’s background in education, over 30 years teaching at the early elementary levels, and her love of reading to children is still alive.

During these difficult times, she wanted to do something to help the children knowing that some parents are challenged with both working at home as well as supporting the kids with remote learning.

You believe Kathy when she says: “It is something that I truly love”

The recording runs about 18 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Mrs Pennell. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXK9jjZ7



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If you want to pull up a comfy spot for a reading, follow Mrs Pennell on Facebook for her live readings, Mon-Weds-Fri at noon https://www.facebook.com/kathy.pennell.10/videos?lst=595187372%3A1321843896%3A1590527320

Follow the YouTube channel as well = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM1oSDYrHOI


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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"

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #23

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #23

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Dear friends,

The current national conversation and activism on police brutality, racial justice, and the indisputable importance of Black lives is absolutely vital and long overdue. That fight continues in our district, across the Commonwealth, and throughout the country in solidarity with our Black, Indigenous, and all PoC neighbors. I am all in, and will continue working with and amplifying the leadership of my colleagues of color in the Legislature to enact statewide structural change legislation.

We are fighting two pandemics at the same time: structural racism and inequity, manifesting not only in law enforcement but also in health care, education, housing, and nearly every other facet of society; and also the coronavirus.

This week marks 3 months since the Governor issued the COVID-19 state of emergency. These months have been deeply difficult for all of us and our loved ones. I remain steadfast in my efforts to protect public health and provide our residents, business owners, and communities with the support they both need and deserve. In particular, I am very concerned about child care. The recently issued guidance leaves little room for daycares and summer camps to actually reopen, and several that hoped to operate this summer are now unable to do so, despite solid planning to protect the health and safety of children, parents, and staff. 

Child care is infrastructure, and our economy cannot truly rebound without it. Our schools are in the same boat, as the recently issued guidance indicates that every school or district will need to procure their own PPE in order to reopen. We can't function like this. I'm working on it, and I'll keep you posted. Please follow me on Twitter and Facebook for real-time updates.

If you or any of your loved ones in my district have fallen on hard times during this public health crisis and need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. My team and I are hard at work connecting constituents with resources they need, whether it is collecting unemployment benefits, accessing food stamps, reaching state agencies, and more. My office line is 617-722-1555 and my email is becca.rausch@masenate.gov. We are here to help.

Wishing you and your families strength, health, and resilience.

Yours in service,

Senator Becca Rausch

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #23

The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To review the full set of contents follow this link: https://mailchi.mp/4b09b4639ddd/covid19-update-12541527?e=0c2c9810fe

FM #295 School Committee Mtg - 6/09/20 (audio)

FM #295 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 295 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 9, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Anne Bergen opens the meeting outlining the protocol for how the meeting will be conducted. Each person is announced so you can follow who is saying what.

The school budget discussion was a good portion of the meeting including many public comments. The school committee has not yet determined a date for their vote on the 'final' budget. The one they are on record voting for, is more than the Town can afford. They acknowledged during the meeting work remains to be done. There is one more School Committee meeting this fiscal year, June 23. There will be continued discussion on the budget for several months.

The recording runs long, almost 4 hours, so settle in to listen to the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting of Tuesday, June 9.  

Audio file =  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H6Y6rrp7



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

The agenda for the meeting is posted
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/scagenda_6-9-20.pdf

Meeting packet for this session (including proposed reductions)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/june-9-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

The budget for FY 20201 is available
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy-2021-budget

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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"

screen grab of virtual meeting held June 9, 2020

Sports Buzz: Coach Baine

Jay Horrigan and Kevin Papa talk with FHS football Coach Baine

Coach Baine v3 from Jay Horrigan on Vimeo.

Tri-County Regional Student Awarded Scholarship from Sisters@Heart

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School is proud to announce Connor Donovan, Class of 2020, has received a $1,000 scholarship from Sisters@Heart. The local nonprofit organization was founded to improve the lives of those affected by heart disease and stroke through funding research projects and providing financial assistance to impacted families in need.

Donovan is a graduate of Tri-County RVTHS computer information systems program. His demonstrated great strength, perseverance, and kindness while working to improves the lives of others set him apart from other applicants.

"We recognize the courage and strength involved in personally living with and overcoming heart and stroke related illnesses or having a family member impacted, and the importance of education as a means of awareness and prevention," a press release from Sisters@Heart read. "This scholarship reflects our commitment to educating our greater community and we are excited to support the recipients in their quest to better themselves and their opportunity for growth through education."

This scholarship was created in 2019 to help students who have been impacted by heart disease or stroke either personally or in their family. Donovan was selected as one of three recipients for the award.

Tri-County Regional Student Awarded Scholarship from Sisters@Heart

What does 103 teachers look like?

Photos of the teachers who raised awareness on RT Tuesday afternoon before the School Committee meeting.


The Boston 25 video brief on the article:
https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/hundreds-march-support-103-franklin-teachers-who-were-laid-off-last-week/SY2JL7QSDJHW5EMGGI46BMBISA/

Note: there is a difference between "notification" and "cuts". The School Committee has not yet voted to approve either the 25 or 50 cuts that would be required to balance the budget (depending upon the planning scenario used). These notifications were made in advance of the date required per contract.

The details on the budget will be figured out over the next several months due to the fluid situation. This is not like prior years where once the budget was set, it was rarely changed. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen expects to make several revisions to the budget for FY 2021.

The discussion at the School Committee meeting did not reveal when the budget vote would be scheduled, only that there was still work to do.

The FY 2021 school budget page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy-2021-budget 

The FY 2021 budget collection for the Town of Franklin 
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/fy-2021-budget-collection.html

What does 103 teachers look like? - 1

What does 103 teachers look like? - 2

What does 103 teachers look like? - 3

Senate President Spilka’s Message - June 9, 2020

Senate President Spilka’s Message June 9, 2020  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMtHHLkmqKk



For additional updates from Senate President Spilka visit her page
https://karenspilka.com/updates

subscribe to keep updated (sign up at the bottom of this page for her newsletter)  https://karenspilka.com/about

Senate President Spilka Forms Senate Advisory Group on Racial Justice

The Massachusetts State Senate is committed to urgently addressing racial inequities in the Commonwealth, to that end Senate President Karen E. Spilka has formed a bipartisan Senate Advisory Group on Racial Justice to review and recommend legislation to consider this session.

The Advisory Group will be chaired by Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz, a member of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, and Senate President Pro Tempore Senator William Brownsberger (D-Belmont).

"I believe we have reached a history-making moment in our Commonwealth and that it should not pass without taking action on policing and racial justice this session," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "As the driving force behind that action, I have convened a bipartisan Senate Advisory Group on Racial Justice – chaired by Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz, a member of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, and Senate President Pro Tempore Senator William Brownsberger (D-Belmont). The Senate group, which already met today, was tasked to review existing legislation and recommend further policies to address systemic racism."

"This moment in public consciousness, born out of tragedy, presents a rare opportunity to accomplish serious changes in public policy," stated Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz. "My hope is that this working group will help the Senate quickly digest the advocacy we're receiving and advance serious police accountability legislation in the immediate term--and keep our eye on the ball of racial justice more broadly even after this initial spike in public attention has passed. I'm grateful for President Spilka's sense of urgency on this issue, and I'm looking forward to working with Senator Brownsberger, Senator Collins, Senator Comerford, Senator Moore, and Senator Tarr on policies to provide meaningful, systemic change."

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - June 10, 2020

Announcements:

Remote Meeting - Held on “Zoom” platform January 10, 2020 - 5:30 PM
This meeting may be recorded by audio or video.


● For link to Access the Meeting Click HERE then click “Open Zoom”

○ Or copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89521197448
● Call-in Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID 895 2119 7448 - then press “#”


Discussion:

1. Review Finance Committee actions on capital request and borrowing authorization.


PDF of agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/06-10-2020_capital_budget_subcommittee_meeting.pdf

-----
 
The Finance Committee meeting of 6/04/20 provides the details to be review at this session

Budget Hearing #4 - 6/04/20

• audio =  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-finance-committee-budget_55.html
• notes =  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/finance-committee-budget-hearing-4.html

 

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - June 10, 2020

Franklin Matters Radio Schedule for 6/10 - 6/11/20

Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

Wednesday 11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm

• “Talk Franklin” = 290 - Jamie Hellen and Anne Marie Tracey - (46 m)

Thursday: 9:00a/12:00p/6:00p

• 292 – Franklin author – Aaron Gouveia (29 m)
• 294 – former Franklin teacher – Kathy Pennell (20 m)

Franklin Matters Radio Schedule for 6/10 - 6/11

Facilities Analysis Sub Committee Meeting - Jun 11

Franklin Public Schools 

Franklin School Committee

DT Facility Analysis Subcommittee

Per Governor Baker’s 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 Subcommittee 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.

DATE: 6/11/2020
TIME: 7:00pm
LOCATION: Remote participation -- link below
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95513183676?pwd=amdlNGRiRG5LWmlhcU1sUVNIUWRGdz09

MEETING 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.”

Approval of past minutes (6/1/20)

Discussion:
● draft questionnaire questions
● review email response
● receive update of Kaestle Boos facilities analysis report


Shared from the Town of Franklin schools page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/agenda/facilities-analysis-sub-committee-meeting-1

PDF version of the agenda
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/agenda_dt_subcom_6.11.2020.pdf

Facilities Analysis Sub Committee Meeting - Jun 11

Town of Franklin: Department Protocols

Phase II Procedures and Customer Service Updates

The Town of Franklin has updated our department procedures to reflect Phase II of the Governor's Reopening Plan. This document is updated frequently, as changes arise. It can be found as part of our Coronavirus Information Portal, in the Town of Franklin News section. 

Find the detailed document here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/department_protocols_covid_19_12.pdf

Town of Franklin: Department Protocols

Friday June 12th - 50+ program virtual session

Friday, June 12th 9:00 am – Noon

Facilitator: Edward Lawrence; Career Coach
Co-facilitator: Erin Rogers; Franklin Social Services Coordinator

How are you feeling?

Odds are, you've got plenty to worry about—and your finances are probably near the top of the list. How do you pay the bills, take care of loved ones, help the kids or grandkids---let alone, protect your retirement savings?

Our guest speaker, Maria Perez is here to help.

Maria Perez is a Private Client advisor and Certified Financial Planner at JPMorgan Chase where she manages and advises Chase private-client investment relationships. In her 15 years as an advisor and banker she has grown assets under management by millions, providing excellent client care and guidance. In her private-client advisor role Maria provides financial advice, long term planning, and most importantly a trusting relationship that leads to organic growth.

In addition, to talking with Maria, you'll have ample time for networking with your 50+ job-seeking colleagues; so, you can offer your own successful stress-relieving and money-handling tips.

Pre-Registration (once per town location) is required: https://50plusjobseekers.org/outreach/registration/

For additional information about this program, please contact Erin Rogers; Social Services Coordinator, Franklin Senior Center; erogers@franklinma.gov; (508) 520-4945.

Download a copy of the flyer here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MNDFDKLddwr2fxC8qpKHF78EV9suPw-4/view?usp=sharing

Friday June 12th - 50+ program virtual session

School Committee: Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Development & Facts

The current School Committee has released their first newsletter in a new format. To subscribe follow this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/R7hHeRh/SCnews

SC Meeting tonight at 7pm

June 9th Meeting Agenda School Committee Newsletter Sign Up Contact the School Committee

Franklin Public Schools | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by traceya@franklinps.net in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

Watch "Frank Presents Massachusetts State House Tour with Franklin Rep. Jeff Roy" on YouTube

"Franklin State Representative Jeff Roy joins Frank Falvey for a tour of the Massachusetts State House. Frank and the team from Franklin.TV came up to Beacon Hill to take an in-depth look at the building and the history that surrounds it. We hope you enjoy the tour and make it a point to come into the People's House and see it for yourself."

Video link = https://youtu.be/wOCvEh26334

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - June 10

Economic Development Subcommittee 

Meeting June 10, 2020 6:30 PM

Remote Meeting - Held on “Zoom” Platform

Announcements:
This meeting may be recorded by audio or video.

● For link to Access the Meeting Click HERE then click “Open Zoom”
○ Or copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81955187367
● Call-in Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID 819 5518 7367 - then press “#”

Discussion:

1. Grants updates
a. Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Assessment & Hazard Mitigation Plan
b. Update Market Analysis & Market Position Summary
c. CDBG COVID with Bellingham

2. Reopening Phase 2 update

3. Lot Line #4: Zoning Map Amendment on or Near Beaver and Oak Streets

4. Snow Removal Bylaw Proposal

5. Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw Proposal

Agenda document:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/06-10-2020_edc_agenda.pdf

Franklin Municipal Building at night

FHS 40% Club pays tribute to Mr Peri

Direct YouTube link:  https://youtu.be/QyOrRwhEkqY




Found via Twitter  https://twitter.com/FHS_40Percent/status/1270015649612529665?s=09

Statement by the Franklin Interfaith Council on the Murder of George Floyd

As religious leaders of diverse traditions we understand life to be the greatest and most sacred gift endowed by our Creator. Inherent in that gift is the inalienable right to live freely and without fear. The May 25, 2020 abhorrent killing of George Floyd, in Minneapolis, at the knee of a law enforcement official, sworn and entrusted to protect the public and keep the peace, is yet another stark reminder of humanity's blindness to the sacredness of that gift of life and society's failure, if not refusal, to act to ensure equal rights for all created beings. 

We lament the murder and death of George Floyd and pray for him, his family, loved ones and all in need of strength and comfort in this fragile time of grief. The overwhelming national response to George Floyd's death, manifested in peaceful protests, not only honors his life, but powerfully expresses that we, as Americans, will no longer tolerate injustice, systematic racism and discrimination against people of color. 

This powerful resurgence of a long overdue civil rights movement will not be silenced until structural change is realized. We lift our voices and stand in unity and solidarity with our sisters and brothers of color in proclaiming that BLACK LIVES MATTER. (Adapted from a statement by the San Francisco Interfaith Council)

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
First Universalist Society in Franklin
Franklin Federated Church
Franklin United Methodist Church
St John's Episcopal Church
St Mary's Catholic Parish
Temple Etz Chaim

franklininterfaith.org

franklininterfaith.org