"This is a great way to connect and talk about the issues of the day. Hope you can join us"Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeffroy/status/1350113541727154178
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Sunday, January 17, 2021
Senior Center Office Hour - Jan 21, 2021
School Committee: DavisThayer Facility Analysis Recap - Jan 14, 2021
- The financial and other school closing considerations revealed in this session. Document talked to during meeting linked to below. It is not surprising that there would be some financial savings, remove duplicate administration, realize some efficiencies in classrooms and other staffing support. Finally got to see the numbers and quantification for such. 'Estimates' but well developed
- Meeting next week (Jan 20, 2021 - 5:30 PM) for additional public comments and then the Subcommittee would get to work on their recommendation and how to present the 'story' to the full School Committee and community before the School Committee vote (timeline TBD)
- The School Committee makes their decision on the education of the Davis Thayer (DT) students and whether to the use the existing DT building or move the students to Keller (pros/cons elsewhere) but at a savings to the District of about $1M.
- Assume the School Committee declares the DT building not fit for District educational use then the Town (and Town Council possibly) would get involved in determining the future disposition of the DT facility. The School Committee would remain focused on the education and appropriate transition of DT students and some faculty into the Keller building and newly enlarged Keller educational community
- While this subcommittee is focused only on DT, the full committee must still address the longer term facility needs. They have not yet set up a group to begin to follow the remainder of the facility analysis recommendations that the District could close three school buildings and restructure to better provide education to the students in the Franklin community and be more
cost effective doing so. How much remains to be seen. That would be part of the work of this 'new' subcommittee
- Next up, Davis Thayer Facility Analysis subcommittee meeting #dtfa0114 agenda and connection info in doc linked here https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda_dt_subcom_1.14.21.pdf
- #dtfa0114 awaiting a member to arrive before beginning.
- Meeting called to order at 5:37 #dtfa0114 Dec 9 minutes, moved to approve, passed 3-0 via roll call Review of timeline to confirm where they are in the process.
- Audio connection difficulty with one member, #dtfa0114 hard stop at 6:45 tonight to allow for others to attend the webinar on pool testing announced at the SchComm meeting
- Miriam and Erica worked the details on this analysis, assumes DT students would be served by Keller, based upon forecasted enrollment combined could change from 28 classrooms to 25. #dtfa0114
- The class sizes would be within SchComm guidelines #dtfa0114 this is a larger view of the prior share.
- Early best guess estimates could see staff reductions in the new combined school #dtfa0114 many service providers would need to follow the students. Projections not set in stone, would require discussion with FEA. 3 classroom teachers prior but the 6.8 here is more than ...
- #dtfa0114 there are nuances in some of the support where some folks travel from school to school, some better efficiency possible to still provide support as needed. Small reduction in subs a guesstimate due to overall reduction in classes across the district and allocated ..
- To Keller (taking DT out of the equation) some busing changes due to the distance between home and school, to the new school, in some cases a bus fee, for those over 2 miles, free bus ... Uses last year's busing numbers due to pandemic this year #dtfa0114
- Cost for building actually in the town side of the budget, not in school budget, the town had anticipated DT closure prematurely for the FY 21 budget, they may need to adjust accordingly but overall the one school closure would be about $130k savings for the Town #dtfa0114
- Likely to recommend to turn the building over the town for other purposes assuming no educational related capacity. #dtfa0114 overall savings just under $1m
- Title I funds could 'follow' DT students to Keller because the combined population would still be above Oak, if socio-economic status stays the same, no real change but reevaluate would be required to confirm #dtfa0114
- Consideration of physical distance in case pandemic requires, could require hybrid but better fit at Keller. Community culture piece at DT important to consider. #dtfa0114
- Q on Solutions, would need to check with Lifelong Learning to confirm. Limits are depending upon space and staffing for revenue justification. Q would they be DT kids at Keller or all kids at Keller, would be steps to assist process of one new larger unit. #dtfa0114
- There is an impact for Annie Sullivan to use some of their space for Keller, primarily classroom space; as noted in the Facility Analysis. #dtfa0114 BICO does use 2 classrooms (at $31k revenue/yr) do they relocate within district or what?? On radar.
- Will need to make another meeting, may not have time in what is left to address all the citizens comments #dtfa0114 first citizen comment claims 'blinded sided' by decision ... Oops found this was not sent. Meeting adjourned at 6:45, not enuf time for more discussion
- Meeting TBD for next week for additional comments and then Committee planning on recommendation and how to present the 'story' to the full Committee and Community for SchComm vote. #dtfa0114
- SchComm makes decision on the education of the DT students and whether to the use the existing DR building or move the students to Keller (pros/cons) elsewhere but at a savings to the District of about $1m. Assume SchComm declares building not fit for District use then…
- Town (and Town Council possibly) would get involved in future use of DT facility. SchComm would remain focused on the education and appropriate transition of DT students and some faculty into the Keller building and newly enlarged Keller Community #dtfa0114
- Stay tuned for further developments. Meeting sometime next week. That's all for tonight, catch you next time #dtfa0114 (Subcommittee will update this slide to show they are in Stage 2)
Subcommittee will update this slide to show they are in Stage 2) |
GoFundMe: Teddy Gallagher’s fund raiser
"Teddy Gallagher’s Irish pub has been a staple in Franklin, MA for the last 5 years! They have incredible staff, food, beverages, and an all around great atmosphere.
Due to COVID-19 they have been forced to temporarily shut their doors. They are not sure if they will be able to reopen them. However, with a little bit of help from us they may just be able to survive.
My Godparents started this place to give the community a place that feels like home. That’s just what it is! They support very young staff who are single parents, students, and thriving young adults.
Let’s try and help out the best we can to keep them afloat! Any little bit will help! I know the goal is high, but let’s face it the sky is the limit!
Please consider keeping this great business open! Thank you all and God bless!"
School Committee: Budget Subcommittee - Recap - Jan 14, 2021
- Discussion on potential Federal funding, discussion on scheduling meetings to prepare budget for review by full School Committee before budget hearings at Finance Committee Apr 28-29, 2021
- Discussion on how to tell the story of the budget needs, a video is already in planning, could adjust/add to as requirements firm up. Need to better tell story of what measures have been made over the years to reduce costs (i.e teacher contract steps/lanes table)
- Recognition that curriculum work is needed to ensure better consistency across district, brought up by students from different elementary schools coming together in Virtual Learning Academy (VLA)
- Discussion on refunding of lunch accounts for FHS seniors or re-allocation to next sibling (if available). Vote last year was a one time thing, would need to do again this year, approved to bring to full committee
- Getting ready for back-to-back SchComm subcommittee meetings. First up, budget Subcommittee. Agenda doc and connection info https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda-bsc_1-14-20-revised_0.pdf #scbsc0114
- Apparently missing quorum to start although bridge open #scbsc0114
- Actually with 2 of 3 present, that is quorum. #scbsc0114 3rd member arrived
- Discussion on Federal funds coming, more than first time around. Additional earmarked by Sen Rausch asked for release but apparently it was worded such that if other funds were allocated, this amount would be reallocated #scbsc0114
- Added info from 1/13/21 FinCom meeting so they can help plan out their meeting schedule. FinCom next meeting 2/24, likely a joint budget TBD in March with budget hearings set for Apr 28-29 currently. #scbsc0114
- Subcommittee planning also for dates in March between their SchComm meetings to incorporate any feedback and adjustments per the larger discussion on budget. #scbsc0114
- Discussion on presentation in video format to tell the story, work already underway with Anne Marie, fact based, per pupil expenses, programs lost, comparison with similar districts #scbsc0114 unfunded mandates tough to explain, some can, some can't realistically be done
- Teacher contract has been changed over time in reducing the steps/lanes; that is important to make the point, maybe not as dramatic as police/fire restructures but it has been worked over time. #scbsc0114 consistency of the curriculum across the district
- In the pandemic VLA brings the elementary students together from different schools which highlights the need for this curriculum consistency; #scbsc0114 principals recognize this. Reading instruction may need to esp addressed coming out of the pandemic
- Discussion on lunch accts to be refunded at end of year for seniors or transferred to younger sibling, last years SchComm vote covered last year, this vote would cover this year. #scbsc0113 Motion to adjourn, passed 3-0
Agenda doc https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/school-committee-budget-sub-committee.html
School Committee: Budget Subcommmittee - Recap - Jan 14, 2021 |
Franklin Public Schools: COVID-19 Pool Testing Information
Saturday, January 16, 2021
FM #433 School Comm Mtg - P1 of 2 - 01/12/21 (audio)
This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 12, 2021.
The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School
Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the
remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to
adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
I’ve split the three hour meeting into two logical segments:
- First - covers the opening through the K-1Survey Results review (approx 2 hour and 12 minutes)
- Second - picks up from the Superintendent's reopening status update at which point public comments on the K-1 and re-opening status through to the end of the public meeting as they entered Executive Session (not to return to public meeting) (approx 50 minutes)
The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The
meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the
meeting.
--------------
Agenda doc
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan.html
Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-12-2021-school-committee-packet
My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/school-committee-jan-12-2021-meeting.html
-------------
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 #433 School Comm Mtg - P1 of 2 - 01/12/21 (audio) |
FM #434 School Comm Mtg - P2 of 2 - 01/12/21 (audio)
This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 12, 2021.
The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School
Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the
remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to
adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
I’ve split the three hour meeting into two logical segments:
- First - covers the opening through the K-1Survey Results review (approx 2 hour and 12 minutes)
- Second - picks up from the Superintendent's reopening status update at which point public comments on the K-1 and re-opening status through to the end of the public meeting as they entered Executive Session (not to return to public meeting) (approx 50 minutes)
The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The
meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the
meeting.
--------------
Agenda doc
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan.html
Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-12-2021-school-committee-packet
My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/school-committee-jan-12-2021-meeting.html
-------------
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 #434 School Comm Mtg - P2 of 2 - 01/12/21 (audio) |
EDC 'Listening Session' - Jan 13, 2021 - Recap - Franklin's housing discussion starts
- While this was the last of the 'listening sessions' the bulk of the meeting time was spent presenting an overview of housing in Franklin. The presentation was insightful and will be shared when made available.
- Housing is one of the the key issues Franklin faces. The discussion will include the data points of this presentation, the demographics from the School study, the Market Study done by MAPC (from which these 'listening sessions' were started), and the realities of the post-pandemic world ahead of us. Keeping civil discourse with multiple threads and trying times will be a challenge but the end goal is required. Franklin needs to determine what it's housing goals will be.
For the time being photos of the slides shared during the meeting are all that is available. The doc is not part of the meeting agenda, nor if it has since been posted to the Town page, I have not found it. Once I do, I will share. Photos can be found in one folder: https://photos.app.goo.gl/KwjXyPtwuadMHsCF8
The audio of the meeting will be shared soon.
----
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
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edc0113&src=typeahead_click
- Swivel seat to do listening session starting now. #edc0113
- Chair Melanie Hamblen opens meeting, runs thru the protocol statement as normal. #edc0113 Frongillo new member to subcommittee (replacing Chandler). Jones and Bissanti complete the 4 Council membership. Jamie touts the grant process deadline Friday
- #edc0113 Economic Development legislation on Gov Baker's desk for approval. Bryan Taverner to review presentation on housing for Franklin.
- #edc0113 housing slides and population slides (can't share all, will find doc to share - eventually)
- More slides #edc0113
- Getting to discussion on the legislation, not yet signed by Gov Baker; zoning change would be simple majority for Franklin 5 not the current 6 votes required. #edc0113 tenants right to purchase would be interesting for/if Franklin if chosen
- After Council comments, question raised on how do you address the small business side and get better rents as many of them are too high. If the business can't afford, that would affect the residents affordability too. #edc0113
- Could use a 'maker' or incubator type space for start ups, does require land/building owner to be willing to participate. #edc0113 new growth not likely to happen if affordability is mandated to be part of it, takes away their profit. Could renovate existing space
- Residential complex downtown was all presold, to downsizers. Condo folks do want to walk to the restaurants downtown. Not much downtown now in pandemic. #edc0113 supply chain issues due to COVID, development in another Community shd be done now but due to supply issues
- Inclusionary zoning was introduced for cities like Boston to invent development of private residence/condos Franklin at this time and foreseeable is not a good fit for this, numbers also speak to no rush to do something as we should be good thru 2030 #edc0113
- Low income units are in shortage here and all other Communities around the state. Affordable housing is a higher market rate than low income, two separate needs, can't confuse them #edc0113 terms are important. Work force housing is another slice of affordability
- "the rent for an affordable apartment is not really affordable" #edc0113 need to keep terms separate in that 'affordable' is a state housing designation and not to be confused with what 'affordable' is when used an adjective that is relative to each individual circumstance
- Consensus is to get the housing plan done, there are many problems and that may require multiple solutions to address. Need to define the problems (or problems), agree on terms to be used, and then continue the discussion. #edc0113 motion to adjourn, via roll call 4-0
- That's all for tonight, been a long one. Time for a walk and fresh air. Catch you next time #edc0113
EDC 'Listening Session' - Jan 13, 2021 - Recap - Franklin's housing discussion starts |
Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast - Jan 15, 2021
Hello Everyone!
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
"I Have A Dream" Speech August 28, 1963
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_nvqRqTiKk
Staying Connected
Link to the Senior Center - https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc
Link to the Senior Center Calendar -https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/day/2020-07-07
Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/
Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/
Looking for something fun to do next week? Join our Favorite Franklinite, Steve Sherlock for "Franklin Matters Q & A" on Thursday Jan. 21st at 1 pm. Hear what is going on in town. Bring your questions!
Tips
Gentle chair yoga - 18 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2ECAAIyg44
Paul Eugene - Low impact dance fitness - 28 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45isK-1K89w
Rainbow Meditation - guided imagery for healing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tI4LFzKrk0
Music
Most iconic classical masterpieces - over 3 hours of music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7jjo8UICjQ
Tuvan Throat Singing - Alash - TEDx talk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V76psBrEypg
Resonant Chamber" by animusic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNZBSZD16cY
Just for Fun
Boston Dynamics Robot dances to "Do You Love Me"
Hungarian Shadow Dancing Troupe - this will tug your heartstrings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j58fHlAmoQ0
Painted by Chinese Artists, Dai Dudu, Li Tiezi and Zhang An, oil on canvas, 2006.
This painting is truly remarkable. Even more amazing though, is that the canvas has been computerized. When you run your cursor over the people.
The program tells you who they are - every single one of them.
If you click on the person you obtain the individual's life history.
http://cliptank.com/PeopleofInfluencePainting.htm
The Shadow with Orson Welles - "The Hospital Murders" 8/14/1938 full episode
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-scB7ndNUVQ
Humor
Jeanne Robertson - Special Delivery to Cowpens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAc7fsEeQbQ
A compilation of President Ronald Reagan's Humor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTIfGFJqLko
Kindness Matters
People who will restore your faith in humanity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Omr6FzY-1sk
The origins of the Kindness rocks project
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK8iHsDXGvQ
Upcoming Events email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend unless noted otherwise.
*Monday Jan. 18th - CLOSED
*Tuesday Jan. 19th at 5pm - Quarantini Time a virtual, social, cocktail hour.
*Tuesday Jan. 19th at 1pm - Low Vision Group- email mgunderson@franklinma.gov
*Wed. Jan. 20th at 1pm - Writers Group - Call to sign up
*Thursday Jan. 21st at 10am- Discussion Group - call to sign up
*Thursday Jan. 21st at 1pm - Tele Bingo call the Senior Center to play 508-520-4945
*Thursday Jan. 21st at 1pm - Franklin Matters Q & A with Steve Sherlock - email
adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend
*Friday Jan. 22nd at 11am - Sunshine Zoom - for members with memory loss - 1 hour of
games and socialization. Email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend. VIA ZOOM
*Friday Jan. 22nd at 1pm - Phone Games and Trivia - call to register
Plus Exercise, Yoga, Discussion Groups and more. Check out our newsletter or online calendar for a full list of all activities available https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/connection-newsletter
*Curbside Cafe - SPECIAL Hot Dogs and Beans order here https://www.franklinma.gov/Curb
Attached you will find:
Donna's fun filled activity pages
Love, virtual hugs and good health to you all! We are still here for you! Please feel free to email Donna and I with questions, concerns or just to check in!
Ariel & Donna
Please feel free to share this email with anyone you think might enjoy it. If you want me to add someone to the email blast list just send me a message with their email in it.
REMEMBER:
When searching for information about the Coronavirus, COVID-19 please use caution! Unfortunately there are many false sites that contain viruses and malware that can threaten your computer. Many look like real sites. Your best bet is to go directly to the CDC, WHO or your local government page (links below).
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here
MEMORY CAFE!
For those of you who attend our Memory Cafe events I invite you to learn more about attending a VIRTUAL Memory Cafe through Zoom! There are many options to choose from.
https://www.memorycafedirectory.com/cafe-connect/