Real Consequenc​es of a Failed Debt Exclusion on March 27th

Dear Franklin Friend:

Supporters of the new Franklin High School share a common saying: "It's a no-brainer." With the state providing a reimbursement rate of nearly 60 percent for the construction of new, fully furnished and equipped high school, a YES vote on the town-wide debt exclusion vote on March 27 seems like the obvious choice.

During our time spent sign-holding at the polls recently on Primary Day, it was clear that some residents believe there are better options. We respectfully disagree. Here's why.

·    The funding earmarked for the new FHS by the Massachusetts School Building Authority depends entirely on the passage of the debt exclusion. The MSBA's policy on this point is very clear, "Given the overwhelming capital needs of school districts across the Commonwealth and the MSBA's limited capital program funds, the MSBA cannot indefinitely tie up funds allocated for a project that lacks local support." You can read the MSBA's complete policy on failed debt exclusion votes here.

·    There is no guarantee that future efforts to obtain financial support from the state will be successful, or that they will receive the same rate of reimbursement or any reimbursement at all. An evaluation of a failed vote would need to occur and the Building Committee, along with the Town Council and School Committee, would need to determine whether to pursue a new building in the future or whether to pursue a renovation project; in what timeframes those options could be pursued; whether to seek state funding, etc. The process would begin again. In the meantime, taxpayers will pay 100 percent of the cost for any stop-gap repairs or improvements at the current building.

·    The reimbursement rate for a model school is higher than for a renovated school because new construction carries less risk. Our model school has been built before, meets or exceeds all standards, and is highly unlikely to encounter cost over-runs or surprises during construction. The current state reimbursement rate of 59.52% is unique to the model school design that voters are being asked to approve March 27. It is not the rate that would apply to a renovation proposal. Plus, we know borrowing or construction costs are at historic lows right now. We don't know what they will be down the road.

·    Even a basic renovation – to replace the building's failed HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems, to make access compliant with state and federal law and to address other issues – will cost taxpayers nearly as much, take longer and cause more disruption to students, parents and teachers than the construction of a new model school. At the end of a renovation project, the result will not be the modern, smartly designed facility you have seen during this campaign.

The model school approach means we can deliver a 21st century facility on time with no costly surprises and without disrupting classes or endangering students – that's a big reason why such a broad cross-section of your friends and neighbors are working so hard to win a YES vote on March 27.

If voters approve, the new FHS will be ready for use by fall 2014 while classes continue uninterrupted at the current building. And the full tax impact, 74 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, will not come into play until July 2016 -- almost two years after the facility opens.

It is obvious why supporters are calling this a "no-brainer," but it is not a done deal. Do NOT take this vote for granted. Voting YES is important. Do NOT assume the debt exclusion will win approval without YOUR VOTE on March 27. For more information on voting hours, absentee voting, lawn signs and other opportunities to help in the homestretch, please visit our website at http://www.newfhs.com/contact.php. You can also "Like" and visit our Facebook page often for updates: http://www./facebook/newfhs.

Please share this email with your friends, neighbors and social networks so that everyone understands the consequences if the debt exclusion vote is not approved. Encourage your friends to vote YES on March 27. Make no mistake: There is a Real Need and this is the Right Time!

Thank you for your support. Have a great weekend!

Citizens for a New Franklin High School

Vote Yes for FHS on March 27! A Real Need. The Right Time.