Updates to FPS Policies
Summary of recent School Committee votes to update policies
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To keep everyone updated, this newsletter highlights some of the changes that have been voted on and the new policies that are now in place.
RECENT POLICY UPDATES
PRONOUNS
COVID-19 SPECIFIC
- EBCF : GENERAL DISTRICT GOALS AFFECTED BY THE PANDEMIC: New policy that was passed as a COVID-19 Emergency Specific Policy with the goals of emergency pandemic policies
- EBCFA : FACE COVERINGS - New policy that was originally passed as a COVID-19 Emergency Specific Policy and includes language from the MOA as well as language from the Department of Health and Wellness. This policy defers to the Superintendent to authorize him to enforce or not enforce elements of the policy at his discretion, so he can be compliant with this guidance and any upcoming guidance that comes before the school district without needing to keep calling the School Committee back together to discuss each subsequent change.
- EBCFC : COVID-19 TESTING: New policy that was passed as a COVID-19 Emergency Specific Policy with information on testing objectives, routine COVID-19 Safety Checks, Test and Stay Quarantine protocols, symptomatic testing, data/reporting, privacy, and accommodations for students with disabilities.
SCHOOL COUNCILS AND SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLANS
- BDFA : SCHOOL COUNCILS - Administration made edits to the policy to formalize some of the expectations around meeting frequency, the structure, compliance with Open Meeting law, and to make sure the policy reflects the current practice and alignment with the FPS Strategic Plan.
- BDFA-E-1 : SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN - Administration made edits to the policy to formalize some of the expectations around meeting frequency, the structure, compliance with Open Meeting law, and to make sure the policy reflects the current practice and alignment with the FPS Strategic Plan.
- BDFA-E-2 : SUBMISSION AND APPROVAL OF THE SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN - Administration made edits to the policy to formalize some of the expectations around meeting frequency, the structure, compliance with Open Meeting law, and to make sure the policy reflects the current practice and alignment with the FPS Strategic Plan..
- BDFA-E-3 : CONDUCT OF SCHOOL COUNCIL BUSINESS - Administration made edits to the policy to formalize some of the expectations around meeting frequency, the structure, compliance with Open Meeting law, and to make sure the policy reflects the current practice and alignment with the FPS Strategic Plan.
HOMEWORK POLICY
THE PEOPLE AND THEIR SCHOOL DISTRICT
TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION
BACKGROUND CHECKS
ADMISSION OF NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
- BAA: EVALUATION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES - Added Data management and analytics to the areas of School Committee operations and relationships that are representative of those in which objectives may be set and progress appraised
- BBA: SCHOOL COMMITTEE POWERS AND DUTIES - Added “This will include a Strategic Plan which will be updated annually” to Education planning and evaluation. Changed School Business Administrator to Executive Director of Finance and Operations
- BCA: SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBER ETHICS - Updated pronouns. Deleted the line “Act only on the recommendations of the chief administrator in all matters of employment or dismissal of school personnel.” Changed Chief Administrator to Superintendent. Changed wording of “if such solutions fail” to “if and when appropriate”
- BDF: ADVISORY COMMITTEES TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE - Changed wording to include approval of Superintendent, and for terms to be for the duration of the operation of the task. Changed wording to read “Advisory committees may be created by the School Committee to serve as task forces for special purposes or to provide continuing consultation in a particular area of activity. However, there will be no standing overall advisory committee to the School Committee.”
SCHOOL ATTORNEY
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
BEC - Changed wording to read: “The School Committee Chair and the Superintendent will review executive session minutes for possible declassification on, at a minimum of every six months, and, if necessary, will consult with legal counsel. The School Committee Chair will bring minutes recommended for declassification to the School Committee for a vote either as part of a consent agenda or for individual action. In either case, there shall be an announcement of the declassification of minutes.”
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
FISCAL MANAGEMENT
- DBJ: BUDGET TRANSFER POLICY - Added paragraph from the MASC Model Policy: “All requests for transfers between the major accounts (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Chart of Accounts defines these as the 4 digit accounts ending in 00) must be submitted to the School Committee for approval. Transfers between line items within a major account must be reported to the School Committee as part of the Executive Director of Finance and Operation’s regular reports at the School Committee meetings.” Removed paragraph: “The Superintendent has the authority to transfer funds between Responsibility Centers (RCs) without School Committee approval provided the account classification of these funds (either salaries, expenses or capital) is maintained. The Superintendent of Schools will periodically notify the School Committee of any transfers made under this provision”
- DJE: PROCUREMENT REQUIREMENTS - Replaced Framingham’s policy with the MASC model policy, with edits to add “or designee”, and a few small word changes
- DKC: EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS - Deleted “However, a monthly travel stipend, in an amount established by the School Committee, may be paid to the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendents, Executive Director of Finance and Operations Business Manager, and others authorized by the School Committee who are required to travel regularly within the school district school system on official business.” as this included in contracts.
- DK: PAYMENT PROCEDURES Added “or designee”, replaced monthly with weekly
SAFETY
- EB: SAFETY PROGRAM - Added “or designee” (which at this time equals Director of Safety and Security) Added “to be provided with appropriate training”
- EBB: ACCIDENT PREVENTION AND SAFETY PROCEDURES - Notification protocols added. Updated language regarding protocol for accompanying a student
- EBC: EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS - Updated line regarding a plan to be required and updated. Language deleted about developing a plan since this should already be done. Updated language regarding the requirements of AEDs and inspection.
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
- EBAB: PEST MANAGEMENT POLICY - Changed wording to ensure no-one is in buildings after application of pesticides and herbicides. Added legal reference.
- EC: BUILDING AND GROUNDS MANAGEMENT - Language changed to require a plan to be updated every year. Title of plan added.
- ECA: BUILDING AND GROUNDS SECURITY - Language changed as there are updated systems in place other than just “lock and key”
- ECAC: VANDALISM - Language added for a restorative approach. Reference added for Code of Character, Conduct, and Support.
- ECB: BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE - Pronouns changed from his/her to their. “District-owned buildings” changed to “all buildings and grounds that the school department is responsible for”
TRANSPORTATION
- ECE: TRAFFIC AND PARKING CONTROLS - Added “Superintendent of Schools or designee acting as an agent of the School Committee” to grant the Superintendent authority for decisions on parking privileges
- EEA: STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES - Added “Federal laws” to go along with state laws that need to be complied with. “Student safety” added as one of the regulations that need to be complied with. Pronouns changed from his/her to their.
- EEAA : STUDENT ELIGIBILITY FOR SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION - Language added for process of providing transportation to ineligible students.
- EEAB : TRANSPORTATION TO NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS - References added to Policy EEAA and MGL and language updated to reflect current practices
- EEAE : SCHOOL BUS SAFETY PROGRAM - Language added regarding collaboration with transportation vendor and reference to MGL added
- EEAEC : STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES - Removed old language of “These modifications shall be consistent with the district “back to school” plan” as no longer relevant
- EEAJ : MOTOR VEHICLE IDLING ON SCHOOL GROUNDS - Removed language “It shall be the responsibility of the school administration to ensure that each school bus driver employed by the Framingham School District and not by a school bus contractor shall, upon employment and at least once per year thereafter, sign a document acknowledging the receipt of copies of M.G.L. c.90, § 16B and 540 CMR 27.00.” as drivers are not employed by FPS
SUPPORT SERVICES GOALS
FIRST AID
AUTHORIZED USE OF SCHOOL-OWNED MATERIALS
FOOD SERVICES
- EF : FOOD SERVICES - Changed wording of “Second Education” to “Secondary Education”
- EFC : FREE AND REDUCED PRICE FOOD SERVICES - Wording removed so policy applies to all children without specifics and wording changed to match MASC policy
- EFD : MEAL CHARGE POLICY - Refund wording changed to “Withdrawn and/or graduating students will be refunded any money remaining in their account.” to help make the process easier
School Committee Contact Information
Email: school_committee@framingham.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee
Location: 19 Flagg Drive, Framingham, MA, USA
Phone: 508-626-9121
Next School Committee Meeting
The meeting can be viewed Live on The Government Channel: Comcast 99, RCN 13/HD613, Verizon/Fios 42, on http://www.framinghamtv.com and on Facebook on the Framingham Public Schools Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/framinghamps/
Wed, Oct 6, 2021, 07:00 PM
Zoom
The mission of the Framingham Public Schools is to educate each student to learn and live productively as a critically-thinking, responsible citizen in a multicultural, democratic society by providing academically challenging instructional programs taught by highly-qualified staff and supported by comprehensive services in partnership with our entire community. For news, updates, and announcements, follow Framingham Public Schools (@FraminghamPS) on Facebook, Twitter, and (@framinghamschools) on Instagram. You can also join the conversation using #FraminghamSchools.