This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024. 6 members participated in Council Chambers, 1 absent (Griffin)
Quick recap:
- 3 coaches recognized as MIAA coaches of the year, (basketball, unified track, & swim coach); Ice hockey players down across states, approved for 8th grade waiver for varsity program, For the girls, to be clear, not boys, 13 skaters and 2 goalies currently
- Review of free/reduced application with a Franklin threshold, folks could apply, especially for winter sports if they have not participated in fall sports
- On guest presentations, theater program at FHS - Virginia Bernstein speaking to the student program (Outsiders, first show); Yellow Boat, a competition show, part of the annual program. 13 teachers volunteered to help out, Not just about putting on a play, grit plus. "Theater is not a luxury it is a vital part of the educational program" Thanks around from Cmte members and to the volunteer teachers! "This is a portrait of a graduate! She is articulate and advocating for her program"
- Dr Rogers, Dr Frazier, Mr Stark present an update on the MCAS results for the District. Difference between formative and summative data points. 1 slides is full of logos an indication of the investments made in the academic support tools used in the schools; Sullivan and Jefferson met/ exceeded standards. And an opportunity to remind that MCAS is not going away, it will remain, the vote did take away MCAS as a graduation requirement. How does the data play into the curriculum refresh cycle? It does play. For instructional directions for sure, and may for curriculum decisions, depending upon timing and budget.
- Discussion Action Items - I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:
- ● ACA – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex
- ● ACA-R – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex under Title IX Including Sex-Based Harassment; Moved to second reading, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)
- Varsity Ski Co-Op - I recommend approval of the request of FHS Athletics for a Co-Op Varsity Skiing with Nipmuc Regional High School as detailed. Parent participating as volunteer for this trial co-op program. Motion to approve, second, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)
- Capital Requests - I recommend approval of the Capital Requests as detailed. Previewed in the budget subcmte meeting earlier today, these are initial, could be modified and prioritized as needed; also a further iteration will have refinement for this figures. Finally, a vote on the capital request as detailed, motion to approve, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)
- Student handbook review with DESE, self assessment prior, minor revisions and information for parents for code of conduct infractions, motion to approve second, passes 6-0-1 (1absent)
- Discussion only item, inclement weather update, on the schools page, reminding what we'll do during this winter, safety at the forefront, it may be a challenge for families but is is acknowledged, usually would make by 5:30 AM, try to do so the night before if possible
- Committee entered Executive Session for contract negotiation strategy not to return to open meeting
The recording runs about 2 hours & 30 minutes, so let’s listen in.
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Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/__1gVQEZ10M?si=1GxkAYdlZPEpCOeB&t=68
Agenda for this session -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5044643/SCAGENDA_11-26-24.pdf
Meeting packet (other docs as they are released after the meeting will get posted here) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/november-26%2C-2024-sc-meeting-packet/726241
My notes in one PDF ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kq3_uhkW1YicIGxzV01n7EfGeSnhDwAg/view?usp=drive_link
Photo album of the MCAS slides shared ->
https://photos.app.goo.gl/pfBg1HiVMKfPduAb9
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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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