Lisa Jones Smith, who said she lives at 906 Franklin Avenue and that her property borders Franklin School field, told the board a large oak tree adjacent to the kindergarten doors is nearly dead and posed a hazard to children who have been using the outdoor summer program.

"There's a tree right on the Franklin School property kindergarteners go in, and that tree is almost dead," Lisa Jones Smith said. She told the board that "all the kids for this week with the summer programs are sitting underneath it and it is really perilous."

During the public comment exchange, board members and staff discussed access to a town bucket truck to remove or trim the tree. The board noted the town's bucket truck is damaged; when asked for an estimated time of repair the grounds supervisor (identified in discussion as Tom) said, "No. I don't." The superintendent said staff would follow up: "Now, We'll we'll follow-up on that."

The board did not take formal action at the meeting; staff committed to checking the tree and ensuring students are not allowed to remain under it until resolved. A district staff member said they would make sure no students were under the tree for the immediate period.