School Committee Legislative Forums

The School Committee held three Legislative Forums in 2018, 2019, and 2020 to highlight the school budget issues. You can find the video, audio, and text archives in the links provided here.

2/04/20 - audio
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-201-franklin-ma-school-committee-3rd.html

Superintendent's remarks at 2020 Forum
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/files/leg-forum-2-4-20
 
2/05/19 - meeting notes (audio was not of quality to share)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/notes-from-legislative-forum-feb-5-2019.html

2/05/19 - video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30Qxs4MVypA&feature=youtu.be

2/13/18 - audio
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/02/fm-139-legislative-forum-on-school.html

2/13/18 - video
https://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=535

School Committee Legislative Forums

2020 Franklin Police Response to COVID-19 - Updated 6/12/20

March 13, 2020 (Updated 6/12/20)

Dear Residents, Businesses, and Visitors to the Town of Franklin,

As Chief of Police I have enacted several new policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While many of these are internal and deal with how officers will continue to work and provide public safety, there are a few which the public should be aware of. These are effective immediately and will continue until further notice.

Effective March 10, 2020, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has declared a state of emergency and has urged other agencies to take action to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. As a police department, it is impossible for our employees to cut off all contact with the public, and because our role in the community is so vital, we must respond to this situation with some changes. In response to the state of emergency, and to protect the members of the Department and the public, the Franklin Police Department will implement the following changes until further notice.

· Food - Food brought to the station by members of the community shall not be accepted. Eating from a large common tray of food is an effective way to spread an illness; therefore we shall not take these trays in until further notice.

· Firearms Licensing – Please see the Firearms Licensing page (https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/webforms/license-carry-firearms-ltc) for more detailed information. (Updated 6/12/2020).

· Tours of Station / Ride Along / Fingerprinting of Public – All tours of the station, Ride Along and citizen fingerprinting requests are suspended until further notice.

· Solicitor Permits – All previously issued solicitor permits are rescinded and no new permits will be issued until further notice.

We understand that some of these changes may be an inconvenience to the public. We ask for your consideration as we concentrate our efforts on being prepared to respond to emergency calls for service and continuing to maintain our mission of providing a safe community for all who live, work, and visit the Town of Franklin. These changes outlined above are in place to limit potential exposure of our staff to the virus and keep them healthy and able to respond to emergencies.

Thank you for your understanding, and continued support,

Thomas J. Lynch
Chief of Police

2020 Franklin Police Response to COVID-19 - Updated 6/12/20

In the News: "Some look to 8 Can’t Wait to end police violence"

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

"Ben Jackson fights for causes he believes in.

A writer, activist and co-founder of NoRA, an organization that calls for ending the National Rifle Association’s influence on politics, Jackson said it’s time to stop police violence after the killing of George Floyd.

The 44-year-old Natick resident told selectmen last week that Natick police officers must adopt the eight policies advocated by an organization called 8 Can’t Wait. They include banning chokeholds and strangleholds, and requiring officers to stop fellow officers from using excessive force, which 8 Can’t Wait calls “duty to intervene.”

“These are not earth-shattering proposals, but they’re not being implemented,” Jackson told the Daily News."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200613/some-look-to-8-cant-wait-to-end-police-violence

The Franklin Police response to the request was shared here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/chief-lynchs-response-to-inquires-about.html

Chief Lynch's response to inquires about the 8cantwait.org campaign

Joint Statement ONE Franklin

As the Chairs of the Town Council and School Committee, respectively, we believe it's crucial we speak as ONE to the community regarding recent misinformation in various community dialogue circles about the Town’s budgetary and fiscal situation.

We want to assure every citizen in the Town of Franklin of our commitment to work through these challenging fiscal times as ONE. We expect significant setbacks to core services in both the School Department and the Municipal Departments over the coming year. 

This is not new news. COVID-19 unquestionably expedited the already difficult financial picture the community has been facing for several years. The news this week regarding possible staff reductions at the School Department is just the beginning of what will be a very turbulent and fluid year.

Despite whatever challenges come our way, we remain steadfast in our commitment to stand by one another and support one another throughout. We can only succeed as a community if we work together; and we intend to! We believe in ONE Franklin and hope this week's news will encourage more citizens to become informed and participate in the financial decisions that will be made over the course of the next year for all of our municipal and school departments.

For those who wish to learn more facts about the Town’s fiscal situation, a next step is the Town Council budget hearings on June 17 and 18. Agendas will be posted soon on the Town Calendar at www.franklinma.gov

You may also read Town budget materials on the Town Budget website.
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

Thank you for joining us in this fight to preserve our community!

Dr. Anne Bergen, Chair, Franklin School Committee
Tom Mercer, Chair, Franklin Town Council 


You can also find a PDF version on the Town of Franklin page
 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/unity_redacted_2.pdf

Chief Lynch's response to inquires about the 8cantwait.org campaign.

A few Franklin residents and media outlets have recently made inquires pertaining to the 8cantwait campaign found here: https://8cantwait.org/. As part of this campaign, citizens are asking that police departments across the country adopt 8 policies, as a way to "reduce killings by police and save lives." Massachusetts residents should be reminded that these issues are mostly nonstarters here in Massachusetts. 

Massachusetts law enforcement agencies have long been in front of the curve when it comes to the advancement of police procedures designed to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens we protect. 

In particular, our Massachusetts Police Officers have thoroughly embraced the six pillars of the principles embodied in the final report of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing, and remain committed to professional conduct, democratic policing and procedural justice for all people. 

In response to the Final Report of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing (https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/taskforce/taskforce_finalreport.pdf), the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association (MCOPA) and the Massachusetts Major City Chiefs (https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/files/massachusetts-chiefs-police-response-final-report-presidents-task-force-21st) drafted a response in September of 2015, addressing each of the pillars therein.

With respect to the 8 policies that departments should adopt, below is how each is addressed in Massachusetts and here at the Franklin Police Department:

• Ban chokeholds & strangleholds - These techniques are not part of the defensive tactics curriculum as instructed by the MPTC.
• Require de-escalation - Officers are required to learn de-escalation during the MPTC recruit academy training program, and further, are required to undergo additional de-escalation training during the annual in-service training programs as required by the MPTC.
• Require warning before shooting - Consistent with the standards set forth in Graham v. Connor and Tennessee v. Garner, officers may only use that level of force that is objectively reasonable based upon the totality of circumstances. Officers will always attempt to use the lowest level of force in order to effectuate the lawful objective and will attempt to warn individuals prior to using any level of force, provided that they have the time and opportunity to do so. There may be, however, some very limited instances, where it is impossible for officers to provide a warning prior to using force, such as when doing so is necessary in order to preserve human life.
• Requires exhaust all alternatives before shooting - Same as above.
• Duty to intervene - All officers are trained and required to intervene when they recognize that any other officer or supervisor, of any rank, is acting contrary to the law or policy. The MCOPA has recommended departments consider including the following language in their Use of Force policy and the Franklin Police Department is considering making this change: All officers of the Police Department should be aware of their personal responsibility during a use of force encounter. Officers shall have an affirmative duty to intervene should they observe a situation in which they perceive more than the necessary use of force is being deployed by a fellow officer.
• Ban shooting at moving vehicles - Officers are not permitted to shoot at a moving vehicle, except in the very limited circumstance where, consistent with the standard set forth in Graham v. Connor and Tennessee v. Garner, doing so is required to defend themselves or another when the occupants of the vehicle are employing deadly force, which the officer reasonably perceives as an immediate threat of death or serious physical injury to themselves or another (including situations where the vehicle itself is being used as a deadly weapon and the officer is unable to escape the path of travel), and the officer reasonably believes that they will not endanger innocent persons. It is imperative that officers not position themselves in such a way as to create a likelihood of being struck by an occupied vehicle.
• Require use of force continuum - Officers are all trained to use only that level of force objectively reasonable based upon the totality of the circumstances.
• Require comprehensive reporting - Offices are required to complete a use of force report for each instance where force is used.

For further information pertaining to this subject, please see The Franklin Police Department Use of Force Policy, Use of Force Data and the presentation by Chief Lynch to the Franklin Town Council on June 3, 2020, all located on the departments website at: https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/pages/use-force-data

Chief Lynch's response to inquires about the 8cantwait.org campaign

FM #299 Dr Bergen - Passionate Recap of school budget cuts- 6/09/20 (audio)

FM #299 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 299 in the series.

This session shares Dr Anne Bergen’s comments on the history of the budget cuts during the 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.

The full meeting recording and notes were previously posted. This segment was requested as worthy of sharing.

This segment runs about 8 minutes, so let’s listen to Dr Bergen recap what has been lost from the school budget over the years. This is not a new problem, it is just getting worse.

Audio file =  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-299-drbergen-passionate-recap-6-09-20

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The audio for the full meeting is posted (this segment begins 2:04:44)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/fm-295-school-committee-mtg-60920-audio.html

My notes captured during the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/school-committee-recap-june-9-2020.html

Town of Franklin budget page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

School Committee budget workshop - Jan 14, 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/fm-192-school-committee-budget-workshop.html

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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"

FM #299 Dr Bergen - Passionate Recap of school budget cuts- 6/09/20 (audio)

FM #298 Davis Thayer Facility Analysis - 6/11/20 (audio)

FM #298 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 298 in the series.

This session shares the Davis Thayer Facility Analysis SubCommittee meeting held on Thursday, June 11, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Elise Stokes opens the meeting outlining the protocol for how the meeting will be conducted.

The recording runs about 1 hour and 12 minutes, so settle in to listen to the Davis Thayer Facility Analysis SubCommittee meeting of Thursday, June 11

Audio file =  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-298-davis-thayer-facility-analysis-6-11-20

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The agenda for the meeting is posted
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/06-10-2020_edc_agenda.pdf

My notes captured during the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/economic-development-subcommittee-june.html

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

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

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

How can you help?

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

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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 #298 Davis Thayer Facility Analysis - 6/11/20 (audio)

Remington Middle School: We Miss You - Staff Video

Video link =We Miss You: Staff Video

Davis Thayer virtual art show (YouTube)

From Christine Doherty

"Sit back, relax & enjoy the DT Art Show from the comfort of your own home this year! I am so proud of my artists!"

Found via Twitter https://twitter.com/MsDoherty_ART/status/1271155591768088577?s=09

Dept of Public Health: Learn more about Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) (video)

"Learn more about Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and the simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from the threat of this mosquito-borne illness this summer."

Video link = https://youtu.be/jSE0TBY-CtU




Shared from = https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1271159473361555457?s=09

"called the new guidelines 'common sense suggestions'”

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

Take the stairs, not the elevator, down from your hotel room. Encourage people to bring their own food and drinks to your cookout. Use hand sanitizer after banking at an ATM. Call ahead to restaurants and nail salons to make sure staff are wearing face coverings. And no high-fives — or even elbow bumps — at the gym.

These are some of the tips in long-awaited guidance from U.S. health officials about how to reduce risk of coronavirus infection for Americans who are attempting some semblance of normal life.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted the guidelines Friday, along with a second set for organizing and attending big gatherings such as concerts, sporting events, protests and political rallies.

But the guidelines are “not intended to endorse any particular type of event,” the CDC’s Dr. Jay Butler said in a Friday call with reporters.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200612/cdc-posts-long-awaited-tips-for-minimizing-everyday-risk

CDC Frequently asked questions  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

Events and gatherings guidance
https://context-cdn.washingtonpost.com/notes/prod/default/documents/171bfa3b-654e-4852-ab8b-697300cf89bd/note/62e57521-13e2-40cc-98de-de35c5bb9e21.#page=1

All guidance from the CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/guidance-list.html?

All guidance from the CDC

noted that in science “there are no guarantees”

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

"U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar joined Gov. Charlie Baker on a visit to Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center on Friday to see how the state is responding to the coronavirus crisis.

Azar toured the hospital’s COVID-19 test kit assembly areas and visited the primary care practice to hear about work being done to care for patients during the pandemic as part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to open the country for business.

Azar expressed concern about a dramatic drop in the number of noncritical procedures being done and a steep drop in the number of primary care visits during the pandemic and the impact that could have on Americans’ health."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200612/us-hhs-secretary-azar-joins-governor-on-tour-of-boston-hospital

Gov Baker update link = https://youtu.be/1RxGya8dYjM

Kohl’s must give records to identity theft victims

Kohl's must give records to identity theft victims by Bridget Small, Consumer Education Specialist Imagine a thief used your information to buy things at Kohl's – or used your Kohl's credit card to go on a shopping spree.  You'd want to get the records to prove it and clear up your good name. The law says you're entitled to do exactly that.  That's what the FTC's latest settlement with Kohl's is about. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/06/kohls-must-give-records-identity-theft-victims?utm_source=govdelivery  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FM #297 Economic Dev SubComm - 6/10/20 (audio)

FM #297 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 297 in the series.

This session shares the Economic Development SubCommittee meeting held on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Melanie Hamblen opens the meeting outlining the protocol for how the meeting will be conducted.

The recording runs just over 2 hours, so settle in to listen to the Economic Development SubCommittee meeting of Wednesday, June 10 

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hsj5q2Y7



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The agenda for the meeting is posted
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/06-10-2020_edc_agenda.pdf

My notes captured during the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/economic-development-subcommittee-june.html

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

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

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

How can you help?

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

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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 #297 Economic Dev SubComm - 6/10/20 (audio)

Apply for the PEERS Franklin High School Senior Year Internship!

Looking for a unique opportunity to learn about substance use, recovery, and community development?  Apply for the PEERS Franklin High School Senior Year Internship!

Job Overview:

In this role, the Senior Year intern will focus on SAFE Coalition program development, holding tours, collaborating with other high school substance use programs, aid in preparation for classroom based and evening support groups. The Senior Year Intern will also be asked to enter volunteer data, engage in substance use awareness training, and host Narcan trainings.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Attend and co-lead weekly Peer to Peer program
• Support office staff with daily tasks and needs
• Develop and maintain all training needs as designated by the SAFE Coalition
• Meet with Executive Director weekly for 30 minutes for supervision

Experience and Learning:

• Develop a style of communication with community leaders and stakeholders
• Enhanced awareness around medical systems of care and state/federal benefits
• Establish a deep understanding of person centered recovery work and HIPPA regulations
• Develop relationships with other local high school substance use awareness programs

Qualifications:

• Franklin High School Senior
• Desire to advance in psychology, social services, mental health, science field
• No experience needed, prior healthcare or volunteer experience preferred
• Must be able to pass Massachusetts CORI test
• If under 18 years old, legal guardian must agree to volunteer program

The PEERS Franklin High School Senior Intern will be granted this $5,000 scholarship at the end of the school year

Are you interested in applying?

Please send a letter of interested to:
SAFE Coalition
Attention: Jennifer Levine
PO Box 434
Franklin MA, 02038


Letter must include:

• Why this internship is important to you
• What you hope to learn during your internship
• How you feel like you can positively enhance your peer community with your experience

Letters due by: August 1, 2020

Apply for the PEERS Franklin High School Senior Year Internship!