Recap: School Committee - approves Superintendent's goals; hears safety presentation; delays vote (again) on MASC resolutions;

Quick Recap:

• Superintendent's goals approved by 5-2 vote; some wanted to delay for next committee, next committee will be doing evaluation and has opportunity to adjust in conversation with Superintendent as needed. Goals were actually a slight modification to those set last year for a two year period (this is mid-point), minor adjustment to incorporate faculty feedback into overall education process
• Insightful safety presentation covering protocols and process established, a process of review and evaluation and adjustment that is ongoing
• MASC resolutions previewed last time and scheduled for vote this time were delayed again to next meeting for some to be better prepared
• Entered executive session on negotiation and did not return to open meeting

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session

 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom1012
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom1012&src=typeahead_click 
 
Agenda document -  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/agenda/school-committee-meeting-27 
 
Meeting packet folder - 
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-12-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet 

 

 

• Getting ready for #schcom1012 meeting to begin shortly. https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/agenda/school-committee-meeting-27 
• #schcom1012 meeting begins, will go to executive session at end of meeting and not return to open session. Keenan not present at this time, apparently expected to be remote so roll call process in place for meeting

Citizen comment & FHS Update

• Review of agenda, no changes Citizen comment opens; #schcom1012 citizen speaking on mask policy; Nipun Goel FHS senior class president, update on prom this Fri. College Applications in full gear, drama performance next week, hope for mask policy to end soon
• Ravin Chaudhury, junior class president with updates; calendar fund raiser coming, PSATs on Saturday, Elisha Project volunteer work on past Saturday #schcom1012
• Citizen comment on MAss VAX program recap, maybe we have exhausted the folks who want the vaccine, inaccurate numbers quoted; Mark Bisson, current candidate for school Committee, questions on dashboard and implications #schcom1012

Superintendent Report

• Chap 70, $30/student is an increment to the amount of total, there were not 100 laid off, they did receive notices and many were called back for September. #schcom1012 ECDC parking lot paving underway, updates as required. Visiting author in school virtually in Nov
• Food services update, supply chain affecting meals, may not always be what was planned but they will be healthy #schcom1012 MetroWest survey this fall, did not happen in 2020 due to COVID, info to parents, etc. coming. Informative data for health planning purposes

Safety presentation

• Next up, safety presentation; follow along with the doc here https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/safety-presentation #schcom1012
• Slides captured from screen views #schcom1012
• Overview of safety protocols, transient vs valid; cross functional team coordinates with other safety folks across district and in Town #schcom1012 training and refreshers, threat assessment key; internal dashboard to be developed to enable resource access
• SRO - school resource officer; #schcom1012 after action report, what was done, what could be better, etc. table top drills, a walk thru of an incident to trial the process and steps to take, drills fire and safety good to practice.
• Review of terms for type and nature of incident #schcom1012
• Community and relationships matter esp. during incidents, #schcom1012 diversity matters here too
• Franklin Freedom Team webpage https://franklinfreedomteam.org press release was shared in July 2021 https://franklinmatters.org/2021/07/franklin-launches-freedom-team-to.html #schcom1012

Superintendent goals

• Next up, superintendent goals; presentation doc for review #schcom1012  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/goals-pres 
• Top level goal areas in standard areas #schcom1012 goals proposed essentially cover a two year period
• Virtual coffee with parents, one coming up the 19th; parent education forums on key topics; #schcom1012
• Some of the goals specifically tied to the district and school improvement plans #schcom1012 more opportunities for teacher/staff interaction with Central Office
• #schcom1012 additional details from faculty/staff survey results provided to SchCom not meant as a separate item but by way of action and update as an example of goals Motion to approve, second, discussion Pfeffer wants to postpone to leave for next committee ...
• After further discussion, goes to vote, passes 5-2 (Pfeffer and D'Angelo vote no). These are a revision of 2 year goals delaying approval throws the cycle off, new committee can adjust if required. #schcom1012

Discussion - Action Items

• Pfeffer raises questions on MASC process; suggestion to postpone to further prepare for the questions and issues associated. #schcom1012 motion amended to postpone to next time passes 7-0 motion to move other items to next meeting, passes 7-0 both via roll call
• Next up, policy revised up for discussion now https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/d-c-pol-1st-read #schcom1012 move to 2nd reading, second, passes 7-0 via roll call
• Policy removal, https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/d-d-pol-elim covered in other areas, i.e. collective bargaining passes 7-0 via roll call #schcom1012

Discussion Only

• Reopening update #schcom1012 https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/bts-update moving up in vaccine rates, not likely to be at 80% by Oct 15, currently mandate extended to Nov 1, Horace Mann working thru a cluster of cases. 75% vax at FHS
• ESSER grant submitted, no word yet but anticipate that it will be approved as it was submitted within the guidelines. #schcom1012 community relations, wonderful event at Harvest Festival, lots of folks and info. Policy meeting Oct 21, then to candidates night at Senior Ctr
• Joint PCC meeting at end of month; substance abuse forum to be scheduled (Nov 17 to be confirmed). #schcom1012 School wellness meeting last week, next Nov 9
• New business, maybe policy, Oct 1 enrollment, MCAS update #schcom1012 Consent agenda, motion to accept, second, passes 7-0 via roll call
• Motion to enter executive session, not to return to public meeting, second, passes 7-0 via roll call That's all for tonight, catch you next time #schcom1012

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

School Committee - approves Superintendent's goals

Franklin Senior Center: Veterans' Day Luncheon - Nov 11

VETERANS' DAY LUNCHEON - Franklin Senior Center

Thursday, November 11, 2021 - 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Shared from the Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/veterans-day-luncheon-franklin-senior-center

Franklin Senior Center: Veterans' Day Luncheon - Nov 11 

Voices of Franklin: Jayson Joyce on "politics and baseball"

October brings two things to mind: politics and baseball. 

One historic Franklinite embodies the best of America’s pastime and national service: Eddie Grant. Eddie played baseball for Franklin High School, Dean Junior College, Harvard College, and—eventually—for Major League Baseball (MLB). He even played in the 1913 World Series. 

When America entered the war, Grant answered the call to serve. He embodied courage, aptitude, and leadership in combat, and he was the first MLB player killed in WWI. His name is carved in stone on our Franklin Common. 

I was thinking about Eddie on August 30th as I crossed the Common to hear comments from Senator Elizabeth Warren. I was surprised when a large group of protestors, donned in blacked, arrived and began shouting her down. I was outraged when they continued chanting through a moment of silence for Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, the Lawrence Marine killed in Afghanistan. 

Some things should be beyond the tired left-right divide in this country. Surely those who have sacrificed everything for this country are first on that list. Maybe those hollering and heckling didn’t hear the call for silence, but that’s just the point. We have an important election coming up in Franklin. There are service-minded candidates running. They are Democrats, Republicans, and unenrolled. I may not agree with them on every policy position, but I’m voting for Democratic, Republican, and independent candidates for town council, school committee, planning board, and clerk. But there are also candidates who were clad in black that day in August—those who would shout down rather than join together in commemorative silence. 

It’s October. Let’s root, root, root for the Red Sox. Let’s do our research and intentionally select the candidates we support. Let’s VOTE on or before November 2nd. Let’s elect citizen representatives worthy of the legacy of Franklin’s past leaders—especially Eddie Grant. 

Jayson Joyce
Franklin resident 

To add your voice to the discussion, please follow the guidelines

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Jayson Joyce on "politics and baseball"

Conservation Commission schedules clean up for DelCarte on Saturday, Oct 16

"A reminder the clean up of DelCarte is scheduled for this Saturday from 9:00 AM thru Noon. 

Refreshments, gloves, trash bags, masks (if needed) plus credits for clubs and schools …. Community Service 3 hours. 

We look forward to seeing folks there."

 

Franklin Conservation Commission

Shared from Facebook ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/3010317889238217/

 clean up for DelCarte on Saturday, Oct 16

Climate crisis: If a picture tells the story, will this be enough to get action?

"In its lifetime, Boston Common has seen grazing cattle, public hangings, and protests against slavery and wars. It has seen visits from the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Pope John Paul II and the everyday gatherings of families and friends. And someday — depending on the choices made in the next few years — it could see the rising waters of the Charles River, as sea levels rise from climate change and swallow the historic landmark.

As world leaders prepare to gather in Glasgow for the next major round of international climate talks, they will be discussing the difference of degrees, attempting to bring the path the world is currently on — which would result in 3 degrees Celsius of warming above preindustrial temperatures by the end of the century — in line with the goal of the Paris Agreement, which is half that, or 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming.

The difference between those two numbers may seem insignificant, but as research released Tuesday shows, it has a very real consequence — such as whether the Common will be underwater or not."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/10/12/science/with-rising-seas-these-boston-landmarks-could-be-underwater/

The Guardian also has an article revealing different photos of the possible impact to Boston  https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/oct/12/sea-level-rise-well-known-american-sites-visualized

Direct link to the text PDF report -> https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ac2e6b/pdf

Direct link to the photo and maps visualizations ->    https://picturing.climatecentral.org/

Boston municipal court, +3C (Composite: Climate Central)

Fact check: "The Southwest Airlines mess and rumors of a vaccine walkout"

"What are you going to believe: Official statements or social media?

The Southwest Airlines cancellations over the weekend are a good example of how news travels on two different tracks today.

In the part of the United States that relies on traditional media, rumors that the cancellations were the result of a pilot protest over coronavirus vaccine mandates were dismissed because, well, there was no evidence. Official entities, such as the airline, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Southwest pilots union, all issued statements saying the rumors were false."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/10/13/southwest-airlines-snafu-rumors-vaccine-walkout/

Fact check: "The Southwest Airlines mess and rumors of a vaccine walkout" (Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg)

Blood Drive at Franklin VFW - Nov 5

Blood Drive at Franklin VFW - Nov 5

HOSTED BY

Franklin VFW Post 3402
1034 Pond Street Franklin, MA 02038

Aboard the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women’s Hospital Blood Mobile
parked in front parking

Friday, November 5, 2021 10:00 AM 4:30 PM

Appointments: Logon For Friday tinyurl.com/PostN2021 

Questions, please call 617-632-3206

Appointments recommended. Walk-ins taken as time allows.

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder or to share:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13guJPmzv6GihZBShqIpPJopRLgA1MTdZ/view?usp=sharing

School Committee candidate Dave Callaghan - 10/04/21 (audio)

FM #632 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 632 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with candidate for School Committee Dave Callaghan  

This is one of a series of conversations with candidates for the Franklin Election on Nov 2, 2021. I do this to provide Franklin, MA voters with accurate and timely information that they can use to cast an informed vote.  Publication of the answers or interview responses does not constitute an endorsement of this or any candidate.

We cover the candidate questions as previously developed in conjunction with the community and shared with the candidates in advance. Five of the questions are ‘general’ in nature, the sixth is specific to the role of the candidate. In this case, for the School Committee

Our conversation runs about 29 minutes, so let’s listen to my interview with Dave Callaghan. 

** Audio file =  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1d76b6f1-bbbd-4be5-b6b3-b37646ecb599

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Candidate questions -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/election-2021-candidate-interview.html 

Candidate page ->  https://www.facebook.com/Dave-Callaghan-for-School-Committee-105575838510215/ 

Candidate phone for text or calls -> 978.575.4738

Election Collection 2021 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/franklin-election-collection-2021.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/  or www.franklin.news 

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"

 

School Committee candidate Dave Callaghan - 10/04/21 (audio)

Voices of Franklin: Colin Cass on School Committee candidates

I attended a meeting of the Franklin School Committee a few weeks ago.

A number of parents spoke during citizens’ comments.  They included people running for school committee and other town offices.  They were very passionately opposed to having their children wear masks at school.

In effect, these parents were blaming the school committee for the fact that we’re living through a pandemic and that some unpleasant measures must be taken.

This sorry situation is not the fault of the school committee.  And as for masks as a remedy, it doesn’t follow that just because you dislike a medicine, you don’t need it.

We should elect people who understand that an undesired solution can be the right choice if the alternative is worse.  Such wisdom is especially needful on the school committee, which has the heavy responsibility of spending half the town’s entire budget and educating its children.

Colin Cass

Franklin Resident

To add your voice to the discussion, please follow the guidelines

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Colin Cass on School Committee candidates

FHS volleyball and field hockey, along with the boys and girls cross country teams, post wins on Tuesday

Via @HockomockSports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Tuesday, Oct 12, 2021 

 
Field hockey = Franklin, 7 @ Sharon, 0 – Final 

– Franklin bounced back from its first loss of the season, a tough 1-0 decision to Walpole, with a big win on the grass at Sharon. Kaitlyn Carney scored a pair of goals — once in the first and once in the third — to lead the offense. Kaeley Dubriske, Haley Wernig, Raena Crandall, Caroline Gannon, and Lindsey Dennett each scored once for the Panthers. Megan Sullivan and Chloe Strassner split the shutout in net.

Varsity wins 7-0 vs Sharon Field hockey stick and ball Scoring: Kaitlyn C 2G…Kaeley D 1G.. Haley W 1G.. Raena C 1G… Caroline G 1G (FIRST Varsity Goal!!) Lindsay D 1G (FIRST Varsity Goal!!) Megan S & Chloe S combined for the SHUTOUT!
Way to go!!  Tough one on grass… old school.. lol   https://twitter.com/FHS_FH_02038/status/1448124064745369606

Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Sharon, 0 – Final 

– Franklin went on the road and earned a sweep, bouncing back from its 3-2 loss to King Philip at the end of last week. The Panthers took three straight (25-16, 25-9, 25-9) to get the win; sophomore Taylor Lacerda recorded 11 kills, six digs, and a pair of aces to lead the way.

Boys Cross-Country = Franklin @ Milford  (W - no score available)
Girls Cross-Country = Franklin @ Milford  (W - no score available)

Congrats to the boys and girls XC squads as they both took home W’s at Milford today. The boys finish the dual season 2-3 while the girls were 5-0 and earned the Kelley-Rex title!   https://twitter.com/FranklinHSXC/status/1448082948473905155

For other results around the  Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-10-12-21/

FHS volleyball and field hockey, along with the boys and girls cross country teams, post wins on Tuesday

Candidates Night - Oct 14, 2021 - 7 PM

MEET THE CANDIDATES

DATE:   THURSDAY, October 14 

PLACE:           Municipal Building
  355 East Central St., 2nd Floor
  Council Chambers

TIME: 7:00  PM

Tune in via Franklin TV – Channel 29 (Verizon) or Channel 11 (Comcast) 

Download copy of flyer for reference or to share

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12TfqHaVeAJJjxULlxfiZLK5GnQBnaPDP/view?usp=sharing

The Franklin Observer has more details on this events format by sharing a letter sent to all the candidates:

https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/45481/candidates-night-meet-candidates-thursday-night

Candidates Night - Oct 14, 2021 - 7 PM

School Committee candidate Jen D'Angelo responds to questions

For the following you can read FM = Steve Sherlock and JD as Jen D'Angelo, candidate for School Committee. The answers were provided by Jen via email in response to the offer made to all the candidates for the Franklin Election Nov 2, 2021. 

Publication of the answers or interview responses does not constitute an endorsement of the candidate. This is my public service effort to enable informed voters for the election Nov 2, 2021.

FM = Briefly, what is your ‘Franklin story’? Tell us briefly about your life here.

JD = As a lifelong resident and a proud graduate of the Franklin Public Schools, it is my privilege to run for reelection. I have strong connections to the community and a vested interest in supporting the growth and development of our resources including our schools. I have had many opportunities to participate in town organizations including volunteering with a variety of groups beginning in high school. Some of those opportunities include delivering food baskets to those in need during the holidays, teaching religious education at St. Mary’s Church and fundraising to support a number of other local organizations. Most recently, I have had the privilege and honor of serving on the Franklin School Committee. Though this was my first time holding a public office, I found my knowledge of the community to be invaluable in our work.

FM = Participating in elections is one of the key freedoms of American life and voting is one of the primary responsibilities of citizens. While the law does not require citizens to vote, voting is a very important part of any democracy. What can you tell us about your own voting record? And if you have not been an active voter, please tell us why? And how important is it that we elect people who are active participants in the election process?

JD = Voting, considered by many as the most basic right of citizenship, is an opportunity for individuals to voice their opinions on leadership, public issues and legislation. I have been an active participant in the election process for many years voting in both local and national elections. The United States has a long history of voting milestones which eliminated barriers to voting and in essence promoted an equal voice for all citizens. Though I exercise my right to vote, I have not seen any evidence that would suggest a strong correlation between the voting history of elected officials and their ability to positively contribute to their communities.

FM = Have you been vaccinated for COVID-19? Do you think there should be a mask mandate in Franklin? Finally, what measures should the government take to protect the public from the virus, and how should these efforts be delineated between the local, State, and Federal governments?

JD = I feel medical information and the sharing of that information is a personal choice. Though I have been vaccinated, I do not feel it is appropriate to dictate what others should and should not do medically. People have unique health situations and I believe healthcare decisions should be made by individuals. With access to current data as well as expertise in the healthcare field, I believe the Department of Public Health should be making the decision on mask mandates in Franklin. Our government, both state and federal, have taken appropriate measures to provide information, recommendations and treatments to ensure the public's safety. We cannot expect elected officials to make perfect decisions all the time especially when information and situations are constantly changing. Collectively, we have to make decisions that best meet the needs of our personal situations.

FM = What are the 3 most important actions you believe are needed to move Franklin forward?

JD = It is difficult to identify three important actions when so many of our opportunities for growth and development are connected. Below are the three fundamental areas we should consider to ensure our actions as a committee and a community support our visions:

A. A collective effort to build respectful and collaborative relationships among our community members, elected officials, boards and committees. Over the past several months, the amount of hateful rhetoric has been overwhelming. In order for our town to identify and address our areas of growth and move forward to expand opportunities for all residents, we must be able to engage with one another in a respectful way.

B. A commitment to engage the community in our work as a school committee. Though engagement is different for each person, creating meaningful ways to contribute is essential. Some community members are eager to attend coffee chats while others are content to receive email newsletters and discuss topics that are important to them with their peers. I feel it is the duty of the School Committee to find ways to create opportunities for those who would like to engage in issues relative to not only the school community but also our town as a whole. Another piece of engagement is feeling your opinions are respected even when they differ from others. From community members I have had the opportunity to speak with, this was one area they felt could have been better and something the elected committee should continue to build upon in the coming years.

C. A deeper dive into the current culture of our district. While financial resources can make a difference in improving educational outcomes, there are other variables that are just as, if not more, important. For example, competitive teacher salaries improve the quality of candidates and increase retention, lower teacher to student ratios allow for more personalized learning and a structured system of supports for all students are known factors to minimize achievement gaps and create meaningful educational opportunities. Changes in district and school culture can happen independent of and be more impactful than spending. This should also include maintaining high expectations for staff, students and families and focusing on doing what works while eliminating what doesn’t. A strategic reallocation of resources is a more sensible and realistic approach and creating a long-term strategic plan will be an important step in establishing sustainable change in the district.

FM = What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? Or what do you bring to the table that helps to set you apart from the others?

JD = Education is a collaborative effort among teachers, administrators, families, community members and elected officials. As an elected committee member, my major focus has been and will continue to be those issues and concerns that are a priority to the parents, students, and teachers I represent on the committee. It is important to be open to the opinions and views of all in order to make thoughtful decisions in the best interest of our students. As our schools face some challenging decisions in the coming years, I am confident I can continue to be an impartial committee member who can make well-informed decisions based on the needs of our community. With over seventeen years of experience in public education, I am well versed in a variety of areas including school finance, curriculum and state and federal regulations. In addition to my work experience, I also hold a Master of Business Administration from Suffolk University and Master of Education from Bridgewater State University. I feel my unique skill set is invaluable as a member of the Franklin School Committee.

FM = With the Franklin Public School District managing the largest portion of Franklin's budget, what are your ideas to help solve the structural deficit in the operating budget?

JD = I wholeheartedly believe you cannot solve a problem until you have identified the root of the problem. Financial strain in Franklin is not new nor is the narrative that we (the school district) are underfunded. If you look up the term “structural deficit” the definition would read “a budget deficit that results from a fundamental imbalance in government receipts and expenditures”. In simpler terms, we spend more than we generate. So how do you solve this issue when you do not know the root of the problem? Is spending the problem or is it the lack of funds generated or is it a combination of the two? The first step in creating a solution is to examine our current situation through an operational and efficiency study done by an external review. The review would examine the adequacy of the educational and non-educational services delivered and the efficiency with which they are delivered. It will also help to identify short- and long- term costs that should be incurred and savings, if any, that could be gained through the implementation of best practices. Potential opportunities to collaborate with our municipal departments may also be considered similar to the transfer of the maintenance responsibility of school facilities to the town facilities department which took place in FY09.

School Committee candidate Jen D'Angelo responds to questions