Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - Oct 26, 2021

Franklin School Committee

October 26, 2021 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

remote connection info in agenda doc

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance 
Moment of Silence

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

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

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

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Recognition of Departing School Committee Members
B. Science National Honor Society Students - Rachael Yuan, Nipun Goel with Joe Chung, Advisor & Jenn Curley, Advisor  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sci-nhs

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. MASC Resolutions
I recommend adoption of the MASC Resolutions as follows:

1. Resolution 1: Dedicated Funding For Schoolbased Clinics And Services

2. Resolution 2: Homework Gap And Wifi/Internet Access

3. Resolution 3: IDEA Full Funding Act

4. Resolution 4: Recess

5. Resolution 5: Zero-Tolerance Policies

6. Resolution 6: Alternative To MCAS

7. Resolution 7: School Committees And Receivership

8. Resolution 8: Electric School Buses

9. Resolution 9: Prohibiting The Use Of Native American Mascots

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_resolutions.pdf

B. Policy - Second Reading / Adoption
I recommend adoption of policy GCF - Professional Staff Hiring as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_2nd_read-adoption_0.pdf

C. Policy First Reading
I recommend moving policy GCRD - Tutoring for Pay to a second reading at the next School Committee meeting as discussed

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_policy_1st_read_0.pdf

D. Policy - Waive first Reading
I recommend waiving a first reading and adopting policy EBCFA - Face Coverings as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_policy_waive_1st_reading.pdf
E. Policy Adoption
I recommend adoption of policy EBCFA - Face Coverings as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_e_-_policy_adoption.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. Back to School Status Update – October 22, 2021

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/back_to_school_status_update_october_22_2021.pdf

B. October 1 Enrollment Update

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/october_1_enrollment_report_2021.pdf

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)
 
VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 12, 2021 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
C. Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $480.00 from Franklin Music parents for in-house enrichment as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Atty. Pond-Pfeffer

X. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to litigation as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares.
B. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the Non-Union Personnel as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

XI. Adjournment 

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_10-26-21_0.pdf

Meeting packet folder - >  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-22-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - Oct 26, 2021

The Halloween Decoration Contest Map is ready

via the Franklin Cultural Council

"It's been a mad rush to get this all ready to share! Kudos again to ALLEGRA PRINT & MARKETING in Franklin for helping us push this through quickly!
Judges will be out tonight and tomorrow night picking the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners!

You can pick up a HARDCOPY of this map at the library this weekend. Pick up at the ramp entrance of the library on Saturday from 9-5pm or Sunday from 1:30-5pm. Thank you, Allegra Print and Marketing!

— at Allegra Design Print Mail."

Shared from Facebook:

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=205728321673283&id=100067083505968

The Halloween Decoration Contest Map is ready

Franklin TV - candidate interviews and Candidate Night broadcast schedule - week beginning Oct 24, 2021

There’s a large field of hopefuls this year.  Meet them all.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director, Franklin●TV & wfpr●fm 10/24/2021

Who is running for which office? Here’s a link:

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/local-election-11-2-2021-official-list-candidates

 
From this week’s All-Access channel schedule, here’s when you can see
the candidates on Comcast 8 or Verizon 26.

 

Sunday
12:30 pm Candidates Night 10-14-21
9:00 pm Town Candidates Forum 10-21-21

Monday

9:00 am Candidates Night 10-14-21 

5:00 pm Frank Presents: Beth Wierling 

5:30 pm Frank Presents: Dashe Videira 

6:00 pm Frank Presents: Mark Bisson 

6:30 pm Frank Presents: David Callaghan 

7:00 pm Frank Presents: Tom Mercer 

7:30 pm Frank Presents: Cobi Frongillo 

8:00 pm Frank Presents: Jennifer Williams

Tuesday

10:00 am  Frank Presents: Beth Wierling 

10:30 am  Frank Presents: Dashe Videira 

11:00 am  Frank Presents: Mark Bisson 

11:30 am  Frank Presents: David Callaghan 

12:00 pm  Frank Presents: Tom Mercer 

12:30 pm  Frank  Presents: Cobi Frongillo 

1:00 pm    Frank Presents: Jennifer Williams

 

Wednesday

6:30 pm Candidates Night 10-14-21

Thursday

5:30 pm Frank Presents: Beth Wierling 

6:00 pm Frank Presents: Dashe Videira 

6:30 pm Frank Presents: Mark Bisson 

7:00 pm Frank Presents: David Callaghan 

7:30 pm Frank Presents: Tom Mercer 

8:00 pm Frank Presents: Cobi Frongillo 

8:30 pm Frank Presents: Jennifer Williams 

9:30 pm Town Candidates Forum 10-21-21

Friday

8:30 am Frank Presents: Beth Wierling 

9:00 am Frank Presents: Dashe Videira 

9:30 am Frank Presents: Mark Bisson 

10:00 am  Frank Presents: David Callaghan 

10:30 am  Frank Presents: Tom Mercer 

11:00 am  Frank Presents: Cobi Frongillo 

11:30 am  Frank Presents: Jennifer Williams

Saturday
5:30 pm Candidates Night 10-14-21

This is the last full week before the big Franklin Vote on Nov. 2nd. It’s a big field of hopefuls. Tune in to their comments on Franklin●TV & 102.9 wfpr●fm. Also visit FranklinMatters.org any time for all the latest. Then cast your vote on November 2nd.

Want to know who most folks are considering? Click on ‘Past Shows’ on
our Home Page. Look at the number of views for each candidate.

https://franklintv.vod.castus.tv/vod

And –  as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching.

For the full TV and radio schedule -> http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Or go to http://franklin.tv/, Select "Past Shows" and then "Live", then "Play" and you'll view what is on the cable channel at that time.

Franklin TV:  view "Frank Presents" candidate interviews

FPS participates in MA State Seal of Biliteracy Program

Dear Franklin Families,

We are pleased to inform you of Franklin Public School District’s participation in the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy for the 2021-2022 School Year. The Seal of Biliteracy is for any student who demonstrates proficiency in English and any other language, whether they speak the non-English language at home or learned it at school or in the community. 

The State Seal of Biliteracy aims to:

(a) Encourage students to study and master languages;

(b) Certify attainment of biliteracy skills;

(c) Recognize the value of language diversity;

(d) Provide employers with a method of identifying people with language and biliteracy skills;

(e) Provide universities with a method to recognize and give credit to applicants for attainment of high-level skills in languages;

(f) Prepare students with skills that will benefit them in the labor market and the global society; and

(g) Strengthen intergroup communication and honor the multiple cultures and languages in a community.*

In order to earn the Seal of Biliteracy, students must:

(a) Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English by satisfying one of the following:

● Earn a score of 472 or higher on Next-Gen MCAS or

● Earn a score of 455 or higher on Next-Gen MCAS and complete an Educational Proficiency Plan 

(b) Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in a foreign language through one of the following:

● Attaining a minimum score equivalent to Intermediate-High on a state approved assessment or

● For languages that do not have readily available assessments, completing a portfolio demonstrating Intermediate-High proficiency in speaking, writing, reading, and listening

MA State Seal of Biliteracy

We will be administering the ELA MCAS for 12th graders who have not taken the MCAS yet on March 9 and 10 and for 10th graders on March 22 and 23. We will be administering a proficiency assessment in a language other than English on a date to be determined. Students seeking to earn the Seal through portfolio assessment must have portfolio scores submitted to the district prior to their graduation date.

We look forward to honoring the language expertise and diversity in our district through this initiative. If you have any further questions, please contact Dr. Linda Ashley, Interim Curriculum Director (ELA/SS) at ashleyl@franklinps.net or Ms. Laura Evans, Director of World Languages at evansl@franklinps.net.

Sincerely,

Linda Ashley, Ed.D.

*Taken from Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website.  - https://www.doe.mass.edu/scholarships/biliteracy/  

Shared from Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/3017312371872102/

Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - 10/21/21 (audio)

FM #644 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 644 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of October 20, 2021: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• APPOINTMENTS - David Ogilvie: Fire Department, New Hire

• PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

• American Rescue Plan Act: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

• 2020 Federal Census & Reprecincting Update: Nancy Danello, Acting Town Clerk and Kate Sjoberg, GIS Coordinator -  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_21-59_reprecincting.pdf   and  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._reprecincting_maps.pdf

• 10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Resolution 21-60: Further Amending the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-off Abatement Program (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-60 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10b._resolution_21-60_senior_tax.pdf

• 10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Resolution 21-61: Further Amending the Veterans’ Property Tax Work-off Abatement Program (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-61 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10c._resolution_21-61_vets.pdf

• 10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION -  Resolution 21-62: Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5C ½ and Increase in Certain Property Tax Exemptions Pursuant Thereto (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-62 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10d._resolution_21-62_property_tax_exemption_vets_0.pdf

 

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.

Our conversation runs about 27 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer. Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a92a0c07-06e6-419f-8329-308d8b2576f3

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Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/october-20-town-council-agenda 

ARPA Funding Status ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/_arpa_overview_fin_com_town_council.pdf 

Census 2020 and Reprecincting presentation -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_21-59_reprecincting.pdf

Town budget info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 

School budget info -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-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/  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!

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

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

 

Census 2020 and Reprecincting presentation

Town Council candidate Glenn Jones (audio)

FM #645 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 645 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with candidate for Town Council Glenn Jones. 

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 with the community and shared with the candidates. Five of the questions are ‘general’ in nature, the sixth is specific to the role of the candidate. In this case, for the Town Council.

Our conversation runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my interview with Glenn Jones.  Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7f687f13-16c0-4a5b-906b-32698d4a9adf

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

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

Contact info:

• Phone -> (508) 520-0069

• Email address -> gjones@franklinma.gov  

Facebook page -> https://www.facebook.com/GlennJones.FranklinTownCouncil 

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!

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

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

 

Town Council candidate Glenn Jones (audio)

"The world’s largest carbon capture plant is seizing the imaginations"

"A half-hour’s drive from Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, one happens upon a scene straight out of a science fiction movie: Plumes of white steam billow above the Hellisheiði volcanic region. The air is suffused with the unmistakable stench of sulfur — several thermal springs, their mineral-rich waters a favorite of local bathers, are nearby. The rays of a waning sun are no match for the thick cloud cover that hangs over the rough terrain on a crisp early autumn day.

It is here that the future and the present collide in a structure about two stories high. This is the Orca Plant, the world’s largest facility for capturing carbon dioxide directly from the air and storing it deep underground. The steam we see is being released into the sky from geothermal drilling sites. The captured CO2 is mixed with water and injected into those holes in the ground.

The Orca Plant, built, owned, and operated by the Swiss company Climeworks, kicked into whirring, carbon-sucking life last month, fueled by geothermal energy from Iceland’s ON Power. While Orca is not the first of its kind in the world, its size and potential have sparked expectations for a revolution in CO2 capture and storage, as well as hope for our rapidly warming planet."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/10/22/opinion/machines-that-could-save-world/

The Hellisheiðe geothermal power plant, located in the middle of a volcanic field in Iceland. The region is a hub of innovation in realms ranging from climate to food science and is home, most notably, to the Orca Plant, the world's largest carbon capture facility, which began operating last month.MATJAŽ KRIVIC

MA city/town COVID-19 daily new cases

This Flourish view of COVID-19 data for the CommonWealth of MA is interactive so you can select and compare one or more communities to the State or each other. I set up a comparison of Franklin to the State level shown in the photo capture shown here.

Thanks to Nathan Ahlgren for this tool.  https://app.flourish.studio/visualisation/4817758/?s=03

MA city/town COVID-19 daily new cases 

Register O'Donnell Delivers Donated Clothing to InnerCity Weightlifting

Due to the generosity of countless Norfolk County residents, Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell recently delivered a clothing donation, through its Suits for Success program, to InnerCity Weightlifting.
 
Register O'Donnell stated, "On behalf of the many kind and generous Norfolk County citizens, Registry staff and real estate professionals who contributed clothing, it was my pleasure to deliver these critically needed items to InnerCity Weightlifting." The clothing donations included men's clothing, shoes and ties.
 
InnerCity Weightlifting, founded in 2010, is a program designed to keep young people off the streets by using its weightlifting and gym facilities to create a community and network of support that encompasses education, job training and employment in the field of personal training.
 
On October 7, 2021 Reginald Talbert, Khyzhaun Peete and Nolisha Greer from InnerCity Weightlifting accepted a donation of men's clothing and accessories to help individuals pursue their career opportunities from the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  Nolisha Greer, InnerCity Weightlifting Student Engagement Manager noted, "Today in society, we only get to see kindness on a rare occasion. Today I met two people who made a bunch of young men smile. Young men they have never met."  
 
The goal of the Suits for Success program is to help men and women reach economic independence and personal self-fulfillment. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the program at the Registry of Deeds. During that period Register O'Donnell has delivered more than 7,500 pieces of clothing. Besides InnerCity Weightlifting, other non-profits who have benefited from this program include Interfaith Social Services of Quincy, Father Bill's & Mainspring of Quincy and Brockton and the Boston Veterans Administration Healthcare System Service program.
 
Those interested in making a clothing donation can schedule a drop off of new or gently used business appropriate clothing, professionally cleaned, Monday through Friday between 9:00AM-4:00PM at the Registry of Deeds building located at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA.
 
Register O'Donnell concluded by stating, "I again want to thank everyone for their continuing generosity in supporting the Suits for Success program. Having something in your closet that you no longer wear can make a world of difference in the life of someone else. It may just be the item that helps them get ahead in life."
 
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.
 
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
 

Register O'Donnell Delivers Donated Clothing to InnerCity Weightlifting

Citizen Planner Training Collaborative's schedule announced

The Citizen Planner Training Collaborative’s Webinar Series 2021, designed for citizen and professional planners in Massachusetts, will run from Nov. 10 through Dec. 16.

Registration is open for the 10 workshops, which range from “Roles and Responsibilities of Planning Boards and Boards of Appeals” to more specialized information such as fair housing laws. Each workshop is sponsored by a regional planning agency, and anyone may attend.

The workshop schedule is as follows:
• Fair Housing Laws: Nov. 10
• Fair, Defensible Land Use Decisions: Nov. 15
• Adopting and Revising Rules and Regulations: Nov. 17
• Drafting Zoning Amendments: Nov. 18
• Adopting and Revising Rules and Regulations: Nov. 23
• Introduction to Subdivision Control Law/ANR: Nov. 29
• Fair, Defensible Land Use Decisions: Dec. 2
• Roles and Responsibilities of Planning and Zoning Boards: Dec. 7
• Special Permits and Variances: Dec. 15
• Use of Design Review: Dec. 16

Via MMA - for more info including how to register, https://www.mma.org/citizen-planner-training-collaborative-to-hold-webinar-series/  or go directly to the CPTC page to register -> https://masscptc.org/training/webinar-2021/webinar-series-21.html

https://masscptc.org/training/webinar-2021/webinar-series-21.html