July 2020 | Issue 2
Facilities Analysis Subcommittee
Subcommittee Chair: Elise A. Stokes
Members: Mary Jane Scofield, Judith Pond-Pfeffer
This subcommittee was assembled in November 2019 to design and implement a comprehensive closing study (per School Committee policy FCB - retirement of facilities ) of the Davis Thayer School (DT). The visual below outlines our process. 
We are currently in Stage 1: Gather Information We are in the process of finishing Phase One, beginning Phase Two, and have obtained detailed demographic data and enrollment projections for the next 10 years f rom Mckibben Demographic Research, LLC . The committee is currently in the process of gathering information about the DT facility and space utilization/ availability across ALL elementary and middle schools in the district, through Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc. Our next steps are to gather staff, family, and community perspectives through a questionnaire and community information session (Date is TBD, after the Kaestle Boos report is complete).

At this point, no decision has been made regarding the closing of the Davis Thayer School. As a subcommittee, we are committed to following our process and ensuring transparency as we progress through each Stage/ Phase. Updates are shared with the entire community twice a month at school committee meetings, and DT families and staff receive additional updates on a monthly basis. For more information, reference the materials on our website f ound below  Please contact us directly with any questions or concerns. 
Policy Subcommittee
Subcommittee Chair: Mary Jane Scofield
Members: Denise Spencer, Elise Stokes
The Policy Subcommittee meets regularly with the Assistant Superintendent, Lucas Giguere, to review the Policy Manual. Policies are reviewed to ensure that they meet current standards, with modifications made to language and references. The Policy Manual was put together in 2008 with help from MASC (Massachusetts Association of School Committee) as a guidance for the administration. It is a somewhat fluid collection of documents. Some policies are reviewed by our attorneys before being sent to the full School Committee for review. We're doing our best to keep it as up to date as possible! The Policy Manual may be viewed on the School Committee website located below!
Parent Communication Council (PCC)
Joint PCC Liason: Judith Pond-Pfeffer
Member: Anne Bergen
The Franklin School District has long utilized the information, ability and knowledge of the district PCC committees. A school PCC is constantly, continuously providing additional support and additional funding for the benefit of the children attending their related schools. The Superintendent attends all joint PCC meetings, provides ongoing information from the Central Office as to what is happening within the school administration department, information from the Massachusetts Commissioner of Education, and information as to our school district and current budget information. Also in attendance at all meetings are members of the Franklin
Education Foundation (“FEF”). At each meeting, after the Superintendent has provided her information, all PCC members each provide information from their school PCC. Information relative to monies earned, field trips, parties, food drives, programs in discussion or made, and the difficulties in finding and recruiting additional PCC members. There is always a constant need for more volunteers to participate. PCC make-up constantly changes as the children of a PCC member move up in grades, and said parent then moves up to the next school PCC. Noted also at each PCC meeting, from PCC members present, the outpouring of support and kindness from the School District, from staff, teachers, front-office personnel and how all have the best interests of the PCC’s at heart.
Community Relations/ Public Schools Advocacy Subcommittee
Subcommittee Chair: Denise Spencer
Members: Anne Bergen, Judy Pond-Pfeffer
The Franklin Public School Committee believes that community support is necessary for the District’s operations and overall success. Our goal is to unify the Franklin community through an ongoing dialogue with residents that broadens the community’s knowledge, increases engagement, and enhances our understanding of the community’s needs. 
The Community Relations subcommittee is proud to host an annual Legislative Forum each February. Each summer we also encourage the public to engage with the School Committee at the Strawberry Stroll and at the Farmers Market. Please be on the lookout for virtual ways you can engage with us coming soon! 
We welcome your ideas! If you have an idea for a community event, contact the Chair and let us know!   
Dr. Anne Bergen, School Committee Chair and Tom Mercer, Franklin Town Council Chair, released a Joint Statement on June 12th regarding the Town and School FY21 Budgets. Please find their joint statement and information on the FY21 Budget.
Roles in Education Highlight!
Applied Behavioral Analysis
(ABA) Technicians

The role of the ABA Technician is as follows:
  • Provide instruction in skills acquisition and behavior reduction protocols based upon the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis to children with Autism and related developmental disabilities.
  • Collect data on the skill acquisition and behavior reduction programs.
  • Assist with parent training and assist the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in collecting data for assessments
Franklin currently employs 5 ABA Technicians at the elementary level. Due to incoming student needs, additional ABA Technicians will be added for the 2020-2021 school year.
To learn more about expanding roles in public education, click on the info-graphic above.
Watch for more "Role Highlights" in each School Committee Newsletter!

Franklin School District • 355 East Central St • Franklin, MA 02038 • 508-553-4819