Franklin held conducted a budget workshop on Monday, Jan 25, 2010. This is part one of the session. Susan Gagner, Town Comptroller, reviews the first pages of her presentation.
Time: 28 minutes, 30 seconds
MP3 File
The files discussed in this segment of the workshop can be found here
Susan Gagner - Overview Page 1
Susan Gagner - Overview Page 2
Susan Gagner - 6 Year Operating Revenue Summary
Susan Gagner - 6 Year State Aid History
Thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit FranklinMAtters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
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!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the website to listen to the audio version.
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Budget workshop documents
The documents from the Budget Workshop held on Monday, Jan 25, 2010 can be found stored within a folder on Google Docs. You should be able to view the files and print each individual PDF on your printer should you want a copy for more detailed review.
The files can be found here
Susan Gagner - Overview Page 1
Susan Gagner - Overview Page 2
Susan Gagner - 6 Year Operating Revenue Summary
Susan Gagner - 6 Year State Aid History
Susan Gagner - 6 Year Estimated Local Receipts
Susan Gagner - 6 Year State Assessment History
Susan Gagner - 6 Year Budget Breakdown
Susan Gagner - 6 Year Fixed Cost History
Susan Gagner - School Budget Chapter 70 History
Susan Gagner - Net School Spending - Page 1
Susan Gagner - Net School Spending - Page 2
The files uploaded and available now are from the presentation by Susan Gagner, Franklin Town Comptroller. I will be adding the remaining files as time allows.
I want to share the recording of the presentation and discussion from this workshop and will be releasing sections of the workshop as time permits.
Note: as is was checking the files to ensure that you would be able to view them without a Google Account, I did see an error - "Sorry we are unable to retrieve the document for viewing. Please try again later." I was able to refresh and view the document on the second try.
The files can be found here
Susan Gagner - Overview Page 1
Susan Gagner - Overview Page 2
Susan Gagner - 6 Year Operating Revenue Summary
Susan Gagner - 6 Year State Aid History
Susan Gagner - 6 Year Estimated Local Receipts
Susan Gagner - 6 Year State Assessment History
Susan Gagner - 6 Year Budget Breakdown
Susan Gagner - 6 Year Fixed Cost History
Susan Gagner - School Budget Chapter 70 History
Susan Gagner - Net School Spending - Page 1
Susan Gagner - Net School Spending - Page 2
The files uploaded and available now are from the presentation by Susan Gagner, Franklin Town Comptroller. I will be adding the remaining files as time allows.
I want to share the recording of the presentation and discussion from this workshop and will be releasing sections of the workshop as time permits.
Note: as is was checking the files to ensure that you would be able to view them without a Google Account, I did see an error - "Sorry we are unable to retrieve the document for viewing. Please try again later." I was able to refresh and view the document on the second try.
Gov Patrick's budget for FY 2011
Gov Patrick released his budget on time. The budget home page can be found here:
The full process steps starting with the release of the Governor's budget can be found here
There is a budget guide to read about how to find out what you want to know. The guide can be found here
The home page for the FY 2011 budget can be found here
Respectfully, this is a whole lot of good information.
What does it mean for Franklin?
The key dollars for the Franklin budget comes in the Local Aid section
The totals for FY 2011 proposed by Governor Patrick are:
This totals to $30,548, 750 which is $852,318 less than the $31,401,068 Franklin received for FY 2010.
What does this mean? Too earlier to tell. This is only the first step in the long State budget process. It is not good that we are starting with less than last year. I don't think it likely that either the House or Senate will increase what the Governor has already proposed, but that is my two cents.
What comes next?
Stay tuned in to the budget discussions.
Franklin has a similar process. Each department prepares their budget. It is reviewed by the Town Administrator and presented to the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee hold public hearings to review, adjust and recommend a budget to the Town Council. The Town Council holds budget hearing to solicit input from any interested Franklin residents before voting on a budget. Franklin also needs to pass a budget to begin operations on the new fiscal year July 1.
The full process steps starting with the release of the Governor's budget can be found here
There is a budget guide to read about how to find out what you want to know. The guide can be found here
The home page for the FY 2011 budget can be found here
Respectfully, this is a whole lot of good information.
What does it mean for Franklin?
The key dollars for the Franklin budget comes in the Local Aid section
The totals for FY 2011 proposed by Governor Patrick are:
Municipality | Chapter 70 | Unrestricted General Government Aid |
---|
FRANKLIN | $28,371,695 | $2,177,055 |
---|
This totals to $30,548, 750 which is $852,318 less than the $31,401,068 Franklin received for FY 2010.
What does this mean? Too earlier to tell. This is only the first step in the long State budget process. It is not good that we are starting with less than last year. I don't think it likely that either the House or Senate will increase what the Governor has already proposed, but that is my two cents.
What comes next?
- The House Ways and Means Committee reviews the Governor's budget and then develops its own recommendation.
- Individual representatives submit budget amendments which are then debated on the House floor. Once debated, amended and voted on by the full House, it becomes the final House budget bill and moves to the Senate.
- The Senate Ways & Means Committee reviews both the Governor's and House budgets and develops its own recommendation.
- Individual representatives submit budget amendments which are then debated on the Senate floor. Once debated, amended and voted on, it becomes the final Senate's budget bill.
- State Finance law requires the Governor to submit budget revisions to his proposed budget if revenue forecasts predict a shortfall after the original submission.
- House and Senate leadership assign members to a "conference committee" to negotiate the differences between the House and Senate bills. The conference committee report can only be approved or rejected - no additional amendments can be made.
- Once approved by both chambers of the Legislature, the Governor has ten days to review it. The Governor may approve or veto the entire budget, or may veto or reduce particular line items or sections, but may not add anything.
- The House and Senate may vote to override the Governor's vetoes. Overrides require a two-thirds roll-call vote in each chamber.
- The final budget is also known as the General Appropriations Act (GAA) or "Chapter xxx of the Acts of 2010."
Stay tuned in to the budget discussions.
Franklin has a similar process. Each department prepares their budget. It is reviewed by the Town Administrator and presented to the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee hold public hearings to review, adjust and recommend a budget to the Town Council. The Town Council holds budget hearing to solicit input from any interested Franklin residents before voting on a budget. Franklin also needs to pass a budget to begin operations on the new fiscal year July 1.
Democratic Party donation
Michael Walker Jones (center), Chairman of the Franklin Democratic Party, presented a check for $200 to a teacher (left) representing the Franklin High School Democrat's Club. School Committee Chair, Jeff Roy (right) observed.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Now at your service
Let's face it, you are busy. Time is short.
You may not have time to read all that is posted here.
Yes, there is a whole lot happening and I do post quite a bit.
But you'd still like to keep up with what matters in Franklin.
Now you have two new options.
1 - Franklin Matters Weekly
Once a week, I'll post the summary of what has happened the prior week with a brief look at the week ahead. You can subscribe to this new site via email or RSS Feed or iTunes
Franklin Matters Weekly can be found here:
http://franklinmattersweekly.blogspot.com/
2 - Facebook Fan page
Along with this move to the weekly version, I will eventually disable the Facebook group. But no worry, there already is a new fan page - "I believe Franklin, MA Matters" to join or become a "fan" of.
You can search on Facebook for Franklin Matters, follow this link or visit the new Franklin Matters Weekly and find the Facebook widget to take to you the new Facebook page.
What won't change?
The attention to detail in posting here from the Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee and other important town events will continue.
If you want all the details on all that matters, stay here. You'll still get notification that the weekly summary is ready. You won't miss anything.
But for those who want the shorty and skinny version, Franklin Matters Weekly is now available just for that purpose.
As I close this posting, let me remind you that
You may not have time to read all that is posted here.
Yes, there is a whole lot happening and I do post quite a bit.
But you'd still like to keep up with what matters in Franklin.
Now you have two new options.
1 - Franklin Matters Weekly
Once a week, I'll post the summary of what has happened the prior week with a brief look at the week ahead. You can subscribe to this new site via email or RSS Feed or iTunes
Franklin Matters Weekly can be found here:
http://franklinmattersweekly.blogspot.com/
2 - Facebook Fan page
Along with this move to the weekly version, I will eventually disable the Facebook group. But no worry, there already is a new fan page - "I believe Franklin, MA Matters" to join or become a "fan" of.
You can search on Facebook for Franklin Matters, follow this link or visit the new Franklin Matters Weekly and find the Facebook widget to take to you the new Facebook page.
What won't change?
The attention to detail in posting here from the Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee and other important town events will continue.
If you want all the details on all that matters, stay here. You'll still get notification that the weekly summary is ready. You won't miss anything.
But for those who want the shorty and skinny version, Franklin Matters Weekly is now available just for that purpose.
As I close this posting, let me remind you that
- If you like what I am doing, please tell your neighbors
- If you don’t like something, please tell me
Winter Street
This street is well named for the conditions as I was walking home Thursday evening.
It was a pleasant walk. Everything around was sugar coated and white again!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
School Preliminary Budget - FY 2011
The presentation document was added to the post for Tuesday evening's School Committee meeting and copied here to save you clicking through to find it.
For the text to accompany this document, click through here
For the text to accompany this document, click through here
In the News - high school renovation planning moves along
Take a step at a time and you make progress towards your goal. With the selection of a project manager, one that has worked with the Town on other major projects (Fire station, Senior Center, etc.), the next step is to select an architect.
Franklin inches closer to renovating high school
from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Senator-elect Scott Brown plans for six 'Citizen Open House' events
U.S. Senator-elect Scott Brown today announced the dates and locations for a series of "Citizen Open Houses" starting this Friday in Chicopee.
In a press release, Brown's office said the senator-elect would make six stops over three days to thank the people of Massachusetts for his victory in last week's special Senate election. He invited all members of the public to attend.
"We won this election thanks to the grassroots support of the people, and I want to personally show how much I appreciate that support and tell them that I will always strive to be an independent voice in Washington," said Brown.
The open houses scheduled include:
Friday, Jan. 29, at noon at the Hu Ke Lau restaurant, 705 Memorial Drive, Chicopee
Friday, Jan 29 at 7 p.m. at the Falmouth Inn, 824 Main St., Falmouth.
Saturday, Jan. 30, at 1 p.m. at the Kowloon Restaurant, 948 Broadway Street – Rt. 1 North, in Saugus
Saturday, 3:30 p.m. at Lenzi's Catering, 810 Merrimack Ave. – Rt. 110, Dracut.
Saturday, 6 p.m. at the Maxwell–Silverman Restaurant, 25 Union St., Worcester.
Sunday, Jan. 31 at 5 p.m. at Christina's Function Facility, 2 Washington St. – Rt. 1, Foxboro.
In a press release, Brown's office said the senator-elect would make six stops over three days to thank the people of Massachusetts for his victory in last week's special Senate election. He invited all members of the public to attend.
"We won this election thanks to the grassroots support of the people, and I want to personally show how much I appreciate that support and tell them that I will always strive to be an independent voice in Washington," said Brown.
The open houses scheduled include:
Friday, Jan. 29, at noon at the Hu Ke Lau restaurant, 705 Memorial Drive, Chicopee
Friday, Jan 29 at 7 p.m. at the Falmouth Inn, 824 Main St., Falmouth.
Saturday, Jan. 30, at 1 p.m. at the Kowloon Restaurant, 948 Broadway Street – Rt. 1 North, in Saugus
Saturday, 3:30 p.m. at Lenzi's Catering, 810 Merrimack Ave. – Rt. 110, Dracut.
Saturday, 6 p.m. at the Maxwell–Silverman Restaurant, 25 Union St., Worcester.
Sunday, Jan. 31 at 5 p.m. at Christina's Function Facility, 2 Washington St. – Rt. 1, Foxboro.
Horace Mann/Oak St complex closed today due to gas leak
Heard via a phone call from Mrs Sherlock (who teaches at Oak St) and then confirmed with the Franklin Fire Dept Twitter update.
Thayer Scoreboard Restored
Updated 1/27/10 12:25 PM - The scheduled presentation has been canceled for today. When the new date/time has been finalized, it will be posted here.
A letter from Glenn Jones:
A letter from Glenn Jones:
Thanks Glenn! Wish I could be there myself.The Davis Thayer School has had an antique scoreboard hanging in the corner of the gym unused for over 30 years. It dates back some 50 years or more. I spoke with a gentleman who claims it worked when he went to the DT 50 yrs ago. It was slated to be thrown away, but I took it upon my self to remove the old scoreboard and refurbish it. With some great help and contributions, I have been able to restore it back to it original grandeur.
I will be presenting it back to the Davis Thayer School onWednesday January 27th @2pm.All are welcome to come and see history come back to life.
All photos provided by Glenn:
work in progress
The finished product with the lights on
The finished product in daylight
Importance of Kindergarten registration
As a follow-up to the announcement here yesterday on the Kindergarten registration scheduled for next week, I received this letter from a Franklin parent:
Stay tuned for updates on the budget as the situation develops over the next couple of months.
Let me restate what I wrote earlier this week (bold added for emphasis):
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/franklin-ma-kindergarten-registration.html
It was also discussed at the School Committee meeting Tuesday evening that full-day kindergarten is desired, expected, a goal but is not guaranteed at this time due to the uncertainties in the budget.I was at my school's PCC meeting and one piece of information that I did not realize was that the registration for Kindergarten in February helps determine the staffing of the Kindergarten teachers for the next year. Even if a parent is not sure if the child is going to the public school they should register them in February and then if they change their mind let the school know. From my understanding what happened last year is many students were not enrolled by their parents until July so it brought the counts in the class to 25 students.
It would be helpful for parents just starting the school process to understand why they need to register their child in February even if they are not 100% sure that is where they are going to get a better grasp of staffing needed for the next school year. Of course a class might still be this large if they cut kindergarten teachers in the budget but the forecast of how many teachers are needed is not truly shown in the February registration statistics if we have such a large number of parents registering in July.
Stay tuned for updates on the budget as the situation develops over the next couple of months.
Let me restate what I wrote earlier this week (bold added for emphasis):
Kindergarten registration information can be found hereIn summary, the next several months can be very interactive. Franklin citizens can provide their input to the charter, the downtown project, and ultimately the Franklin budget. If you were waiting for a good time to get involved, the time is now.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/franklin-ma-kindergarten-registration.html
School Committee Mtg 01/26/10
The collection of posts that were reported live from the School Committee on Tuesday Jan 26, 2010 can be found here:
- Live reporting - closing items
- Live reporting - Superintendent
- Live reporting - action items
- Live reporting - Discussion only items
- Live reporting - Q&A - Preliminary budget discussi...
- Live reporting - FY 2011 Preliminary Budget Discus...
- Live reporting - FHS London Trip
- Live reporting - Sidewalk Snow Removal Presentatio...
- Live reporting - School Committee
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Live reporting - closing items
Subcommittee reports
We have a proposal to establish email addresses for the committee members. Can proceed with that one. Need clarification on the option of a group mailbox.
The Building Committee interviewed on the 13th of Jan the finalists for the Owners Project Manager (OPM). The selection Daedelus (sic) will be entering into contract negotiations, they have been involved with our prior major Franklin projects.
New business
Q - is full day kindergarten on or not?
A - if we get the full service budget of 53.5 we expect to have a full day kindergarten
At this point it is a desire, an expectation, a goal but it cannot be counted on.
Roy and Sabolinski to attend the Rotary Club
motion to enter executive session, roll call vote, passed 7-0
We have a proposal to establish email addresses for the committee members. Can proceed with that one. Need clarification on the option of a group mailbox.
The Building Committee interviewed on the 13th of Jan the finalists for the Owners Project Manager (OPM). The selection Daedelus (sic) will be entering into contract negotiations, they have been involved with our prior major Franklin projects.
New business
Q - is full day kindergarten on or not?
A - if we get the full service budget of 53.5 we expect to have a full day kindergarten
At this point it is a desire, an expectation, a goal but it cannot be counted on.
Roy and Sabolinski to attend the Rotary Club
motion to enter executive session, roll call vote, passed 7-0
Live reporting - Superintendent
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
a. Finance Workshop Training
well attended last night by Town Council, FinCom and a couple of residents
b. MSBA/FHS Project
looking to clarify the request and provide the data
c. Kindergarten Registration
forms available on the website
d. MASBO Compensation Study
e. Data Team
instructional data team working to understand the data and prepare action plans
Superintendent’s Report
a. Finance Workshop Training
well attended last night by Town Council, FinCom and a couple of residents
b. MSBA/FHS Project
looking to clarify the request and provide the data
c. Kindergarten Registration
forms available on the website
d. MASBO Compensation Study
e. Data Team
instructional data team working to understand the data and prepare action plans
Live reporting - action items
4. Action Items
a.I recommend acceptance of the donation of 5 digital cameras and one camcorder from Mr. Robert Salzberg of Resh, Inc. for the Davis Thayer Elementary School. removed as duplicate from prior meeting
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1148.00 from the Oak St. PCC for a Gr. 2 field trip to Stony Brook in May as detailed. motion to accept, passed 7-0
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1000.00 from the Panther Lacrosse Association to be used towards the fitness center at FHS. motion to accept, passed 7-0
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from the Singleton Family Foundation for the FHS Special Education Department. motion to accept, passed 7-0
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3000.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for field trips as detailed. motion to accept, passed 7-0
f. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a Visual Presenter from Mr. Robert Salzberg of Resh, Inc. for the Davis Thayer Elementary School. motion to accept, passed 7-0
g. I recommend approval of the request of Ms. Leardi & Mrs. Waters of the FHS for a trip to London, England on June 25, 2010 as detailed. motion to accept, passed 7-0
h. I recommend adoption of Policy ADA – School District Goals & Objectives. motion to accept, passed 7-0
i. I recommend approval of the request of Peter Light for an additional Assistant Track coach at a cost of $1,467.00 to be funded from the Athletic Revolving Account to assist with increased student participation. motion to accept, passed 7-0
j. I recommend adoption of Policy ACE – Non-Discrimination on the basis of Disability. motion to accept, passed 7-0
a.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1148.00 from the Oak St. PCC for a Gr. 2 field trip to Stony Brook in May as detailed. motion to accept, passed 7-0
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1000.00 from the Panther Lacrosse Association to be used towards the fitness center at FHS. motion to accept, passed 7-0
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from the Singleton Family Foundation for the FHS Special Education Department. motion to accept, passed 7-0
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3000.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for field trips as detailed. motion to accept, passed 7-0
f. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a Visual Presenter from Mr. Robert Salzberg of Resh, Inc. for the Davis Thayer Elementary School. motion to accept, passed 7-0
g. I recommend approval of the request of Ms. Leardi & Mrs. Waters of the FHS for a trip to London, England on June 25, 2010 as detailed. motion to accept, passed 7-0
h. I recommend adoption of Policy ADA – School District Goals & Objectives. motion to accept, passed 7-0
i. I recommend approval of the request of Peter Light for an additional Assistant Track coach at a cost of $1,467.00 to be funded from the Athletic Revolving Account to assist with increased student participation. motion to accept, passed 7-0
j. I recommend adoption of Policy ACE – Non-Discrimination on the basis of Disability. motion to accept, passed 7-0
Live reporting - Discussion only items
3. Discussion Only Items
• Second Reading:
• Second Reading:
Policy ADA – School District Goals & Objectivesno further discussions needed, moving to action items
Policy ACE – Non-Discrimination on the basis of Disability
Live reporting - Q&A - Preliminary budget discussion
Glynn - what are ramifications of not going for the NEASC accreditation?
Sabolinski - we will no longer have an external evaluation of our standard educational processes
Glynn - The technologists that we cut hurt our development as a 21st Century
Sabolinski - yes, those folks would help the teachers learn and implement technology into their classrooms
Cafasso - Q on tying the numbers back to the last year budget documents
Goodman - carefully explained the difference in the numbers to tie them together
Trahan - is the wage deferment in these?
Sabolinski - no, that was last year, nothing for this year at this point.
Decision making tree
Rohrbach - I put some thoughts down (handout to be added later)
1 - District wide impact on staff/program reduction
accreditation
community priorities
Communities needs to provide some guidelines on how much we can cut and how low we can go
Roy - FY 2006 we spent more in 2 catagories, FY 2007, we only did one category, in FY 2008 we are under in all eleven categories, we expect to be under in FY 2009 numbers. The amazing thing is that we are still a high performing district despite that.
What is a broad definition for core academic areas? Should music and art get equal treatment with the other core subject matters.
It is a balance between the core and the extra-curriculars as we are trying to educate the whole child.
Starting the discussion now gets a better chance to keep to it.
Are these ranked in order of priorities? or are these just a general listing
It would be interesting to see where the principals and administration would come up with their listing and how close it would be to this
I am not a fan of going through a death by 1,000 cuts
If I can live with a program going away, if it is gone it is gone. You need to be able to live with it going away and not coming back.
You can start talking about reductions until you know what the magnitude is?
Possible Saturday working session with Principals to get to hear from them directly
Sabolinski - we will no longer have an external evaluation of our standard educational processes
Glynn - The technologists that we cut hurt our development as a 21st Century
Sabolinski - yes, those folks would help the teachers learn and implement technology into their classrooms
Cafasso - Q on tying the numbers back to the last year budget documents
Goodman - carefully explained the difference in the numbers to tie them together
Trahan - is the wage deferment in these?
Sabolinski - no, that was last year, nothing for this year at this point.
Decision making tree
Rohrbach - I put some thoughts down (handout to be added later)
1 - District wide impact on staff/program reduction
- number of students affected
- K-12 continuum - feeder program considerations
- FPS educational philosophy
- Educational policy i.e. DESE
- Financial savings
- Financial costs i.e. unemployment
- Grant funding
- School Committee guidelines i.e class size
- Space needs
- Collective bargaining
accreditation
community priorities
Communities needs to provide some guidelines on how much we can cut and how low we can go
Roy - FY 2006 we spent more in 2 catagories, FY 2007, we only did one category, in FY 2008 we are under in all eleven categories, we expect to be under in FY 2009 numbers. The amazing thing is that we are still a high performing district despite that.
What is a broad definition for core academic areas? Should music and art get equal treatment with the other core subject matters.
It is a balance between the core and the extra-curriculars as we are trying to educate the whole child.
Starting the discussion now gets a better chance to keep to it.
Are these ranked in order of priorities? or are these just a general listing
It would be interesting to see where the principals and administration would come up with their listing and how close it would be to this
I am not a fan of going through a death by 1,000 cuts
If I can live with a program going away, if it is gone it is gone. You need to be able to live with it going away and not coming back.
You can start talking about reductions until you know what the magnitude is?
Possible Saturday working session with Principals to get to hear from them directly
Live reporting - FY 2011 Preliminary Budget Discussion
Maureen Sabolinski, Sally Winslow, Miriam Goodman
The State numbers are not yet available, these factors will change over time
The goal for tonight is to provide a historical overview, where we are, and where we would like to be
teachers peaked at 517 - 2006, now down to 399 for 2010
110 FTE since FY 06
administrative 3 asst principals, 4 central office administrators
K-5 Spanish reduced to 1x a week
Elimination of French at the Middle School
K-5 health eliminated
K-5 PE reduced
Grade 4-5 instrumental eliminated
Curriculum and instructional services
Textbook line item elminiated, rely on capital to obtain books
Eliminated 10 custodial positions cut (separately from the Facilities transfer to DPW)
Pay to ride fees ass and increased
Sports fees added and increased
Per pupil expenditures $9,751 State avg $12,449
good chart comparing us to 20 other districts of similar enrollment (i.e. 5,000 to 7,000 students)
we are in the middle of the districts on school size, we are on the bottom of this set on per student spending
Special Education costs have increased from 16% in 1998 to 21% in 2010
FY 2000 to FY 2003 health increased at 13.86%, however we have done better in avoiding rising costs as much as possible. The increase was only 3.91% FY 2004 to FY 2010
saved tens of thousands of dollars in printing and ink costs by going electronic where ever possible
FHS Wireless Technology helps to allow students to bring their own systems into the school environment
Edline K-5 report cards being piloted
ConnectEd software enhanced communications to parents, reduced flyers
Food service point of sale program now more accurate and accountable
In house special education programing, slows the rate at which the budget needs to grow by servicing the students in house where possible
Chapter 70 funding - 56% in 2010, in 1998 only 28%
Potential, level service needs $53,500,000
The value of all of our homes is directly related to the school performance
The State numbers are not yet available, these factors will change over time
The goal for tonight is to provide a historical overview, where we are, and where we would like to be
teachers peaked at 517 - 2006, now down to 399 for 2010
110 FTE since FY 06
administrative 3 asst principals, 4 central office administrators
K-5 Spanish reduced to 1x a week
Elimination of French at the Middle School
K-5 health eliminated
K-5 PE reduced
Grade 4-5 instrumental eliminated
Curriculum and instructional services
Textbook line item elminiated, rely on capital to obtain books
Eliminated 10 custodial positions cut (separately from the Facilities transfer to DPW)
Pay to ride fees ass and increased
Sports fees added and increased
Per pupil expenditures $9,751 State avg $12,449
good chart comparing us to 20 other districts of similar enrollment (i.e. 5,000 to 7,000 students)
we are in the middle of the districts on school size, we are on the bottom of this set on per student spending
Special Education costs have increased from 16% in 1998 to 21% in 2010
FY 2000 to FY 2003 health increased at 13.86%, however we have done better in avoiding rising costs as much as possible. The increase was only 3.91% FY 2004 to FY 2010
saved tens of thousands of dollars in printing and ink costs by going electronic where ever possible
FHS Wireless Technology helps to allow students to bring their own systems into the school environment
Edline K-5 report cards being piloted
ConnectEd software enhanced communications to parents, reduced flyers
Food service point of sale program now more accurate and accountable
In house special education programing, slows the rate at which the budget needs to grow by servicing the students in house where possible
Chapter 70 funding - 56% in 2010, in 1998 only 28%
Potential, level service needs $53,500,000
The value of all of our homes is directly related to the school performance
Live reporting - FHS London Trip
Peter Light, Principal Franklin High School
Tina Leardi, Marushka Waters
A week in London , time at the West End theaters, chaperoned with ratio of 1-8
If 35 students from Franklin go, it will be "our" trip.
75 brochures were handed out so far.
this is on the action items later this evening.
Tina Leardi, Marushka Waters
A week in London , time at the West End theaters, chaperoned with ratio of 1-8
If 35 students from Franklin go, it will be "our" trip.
75 brochures were handed out so far.
this is on the action items later this evening.
Live reporting - Sidewalk Snow Removal Presentation
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Snow Removal / Sidewalks – Robert A (Brutus) Cantoreggi
The presentation is similar to what was shown to the Town Council reviewed earlier this month. You can view that presentation here
Roy - How are the decisions reached on school cancellations?
Sabolinski - Process starts in October, meeting with DPW to plan for the process, notifications, etc. Decisions on school closings rely on the safety officials (Police, Fire). Timeline is an issue. High school and middle school staff report at 6:45, need to make decision before 5:30 AM to alleviate unnecessary travel. Responsibilities further refined between Facilities and custodians based upon experience. In a town this size, we heard from about 10 people, considering our size, that is good.
Cantoreggi - The Facilities transfer was a good thing, we have learned along the way. The Police call us when the road conditions turn bad. We are prepared and on standby until we get the call. At night we can be ore efficient as no one is on the road, once the day starts, it gets more difficult as our trucks are in with the traffic.
Sabolinski - inclement weather notice sent out, posted on Schools website (PDF) There is a regular practice for the buses to pick up students walking along the road.
Glynn - How do you determne when to stop?
Cantoreggi - After the snow has stopped and after we have cleared the roads, we'll also do the push back to clear the road to the gutters. If another storm came along, the gutters would be blocked, we could get drainage problems. Can't have that so we clear it to the gutter.
Rohrbach - could you go into the process on the sidewalk routes?
Cantoreggi - I did not bring the map, it is on the DPW website, as is this presentation. (Note: The presentations can also be found here)
Rohrbach - You mentioned that you have vacancies, does that mean you use more contractors?
Cantoreggi - We have folks out that we have not backfilled. We do have some Franklin equipment that sits idle during a storm as we don't have manpower to run it. We do use contractors more, it is a more expensive option.
a. Snow Removal / Sidewalks – Robert A (Brutus) Cantoreggi
The presentation is similar to what was shown to the Town Council reviewed earlier this month. You can view that presentation here
Roy - How are the decisions reached on school cancellations?
Sabolinski - Process starts in October, meeting with DPW to plan for the process, notifications, etc. Decisions on school closings rely on the safety officials (Police, Fire). Timeline is an issue. High school and middle school staff report at 6:45, need to make decision before 5:30 AM to alleviate unnecessary travel. Responsibilities further refined between Facilities and custodians based upon experience. In a town this size, we heard from about 10 people, considering our size, that is good.
Cantoreggi - The Facilities transfer was a good thing, we have learned along the way. The Police call us when the road conditions turn bad. We are prepared and on standby until we get the call. At night we can be ore efficient as no one is on the road, once the day starts, it gets more difficult as our trucks are in with the traffic.
Sabolinski - inclement weather notice sent out, posted on Schools website (PDF) There is a regular practice for the buses to pick up students walking along the road.
Glynn - How do you determne when to stop?
Cantoreggi - After the snow has stopped and after we have cleared the roads, we'll also do the push back to clear the road to the gutters. If another storm came along, the gutters would be blocked, we could get drainage problems. Can't have that so we clear it to the gutter.
Rohrbach - could you go into the process on the sidewalk routes?
Cantoreggi - I did not bring the map, it is on the DPW website, as is this presentation. (Note: The presentations can also be found here)
Rohrbach - You mentioned that you have vacancies, does that mean you use more contractors?
Cantoreggi - We have folks out that we have not backfilled. We do have some Franklin equipment that sits idle during a storm as we don't have manpower to run it. We do use contractors more, it is a more expensive option.
Live reporting - School Committee
Attending: Douglas, Cafasso, Rohrbach, Mullen, Roy, Trahan, Glynn
1. Routine Business
• Citizen’s Comments - none
• Review of Agenda - add FHS London Trip to agenda
• Minutes: I recommend approval of the Open Session and Executive Session minutes from the January 12, 2010 School Committee Meeting.
correction on meeting date should be Feb 5th not 4th
page 4 - FY 2011 budget, add a sentence referencing a one page summary
page 6 - should say "fiscal review" instead of "financial audit"
motion to approve, excluding the minutes from the Executive Session, passed 7-0
• Payment of Bills - Mr. Glynn motion to approve, passed 7-0
• Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
• FHS Student Representatives
• Correspondence: none
Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.
Mission Statement
The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.
The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.
1. Routine Business
• Citizen’s Comments - none
• Review of Agenda - add FHS London Trip to agenda
• Minutes: I recommend approval of the Open Session and Executive Session minutes from the January 12, 2010 School Committee Meeting.
correction on meeting date should be Feb 5th not 4th
page 4 - FY 2011 budget, add a sentence referencing a one page summary
page 6 - should say "fiscal review" instead of "financial audit"
motion to approve, excluding the minutes from the Executive Session, passed 7-0
• Payment of Bills - Mr. Glynn motion to approve, passed 7-0
• Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
• FHS Student Representatives
• Correspondence: none
Franklin, MA: Kindergarten registration
For students entering Kindergarten in September 2010, registration will occur on
http://www.franklin.ma.us/auto/schools/FPS/KInfo/default.htm
- February 2
- February 4
- February 8
http://www.franklin.ma.us/auto/schools/FPS/KInfo/default.htm
In the News - financial discussion
A brief write-up for the budget workshop held on Monday for Town Council, Finance and School Committee members appears in the Milford Daily News
Franklin finances look grim
Additional info from the workshop can be found here and here
The workshop provided extensive details on the finances and budget process. The information gathered will be shared overtime to help us all prepare for Fiscal Year 2011. We are currently operating within Fiscal Year 2010 which ends June 30th.
Franklin finances look grim
Additional info from the workshop can be found here and here
The workshop provided extensive details on the finances and budget process. The information gathered will be shared overtime to help us all prepare for Fiscal Year 2011. We are currently operating within Fiscal Year 2010 which ends June 30th.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Live reporting - budget workshop continued
Part 1 for this meeting can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/live-reporting-special-meeting-budget.html
Jim Dacey covered the debt and interest explanations. Susan and Jeff combined to discuss the stabilization fund, the calculation of "free cash" and its use for capital expenses (one time, not recurring).
The group took a break and then resumed to pick up with the School budget.
Maureen Sabolinski and Miriam Goodman presented the initial overview on the budget and Federal/State mandates.
Sally Winslow and Beth Fitzmaurice are now covering Special Education and its requirements.
I am taking good notes but will spend some time to write them up before sharing them here.
Franklin belongs to two collaboratives to provide enhanced purchasing options to provide special education requirements at a reasonable expense.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/live-reporting-special-meeting-budget.html
Jim Dacey covered the debt and interest explanations. Susan and Jeff combined to discuss the stabilization fund, the calculation of "free cash" and its use for capital expenses (one time, not recurring).
The group took a break and then resumed to pick up with the School budget.
Maureen Sabolinski and Miriam Goodman presented the initial overview on the budget and Federal/State mandates.
Sally Winslow and Beth Fitzmaurice are now covering Special Education and its requirements.
I am taking good notes but will spend some time to write them up before sharing them here.
Franklin belongs to two collaboratives to provide enhanced purchasing options to provide special education requirements at a reasonable expense.
Live reporting: Special Meeting - budget workshop
Town Council:
Scott Mason, Tina Powderly, Glenn Jones
School Committee:
Bill Glynn, Cindy Douglas, Sue Rohrbach
Finance Committee:
Jim Roche, Linda Huempfner, Pat Goldsmith, Phyllis Meserve, Jaun Rivera, Mark Cataldo, Rebecca Cameron, Craig Maire, Robert Texiera
Town administration
Jeff Nutting, Susan Gagner, Jim Dacey
School Administration
Maureen Sabolinski, Miriam Goodman, Sally Winslow, Beth Fitzmaurice
There is good information in this session. We are hearing from Susan Gagner, Town Comptroller. She is covering the town financial history from 2005 through FY 2010.
Part 2 for this meeting continues here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/live-reporting-budget-workshop.html
Scott Mason, Tina Powderly, Glenn Jones
School Committee:
Bill Glynn, Cindy Douglas, Sue Rohrbach
Finance Committee:
Jim Roche, Linda Huempfner, Pat Goldsmith, Phyllis Meserve, Jaun Rivera, Mark Cataldo, Rebecca Cameron, Craig Maire, Robert Texiera
Town administration
Jeff Nutting, Susan Gagner, Jim Dacey
School Administration
Maureen Sabolinski, Miriam Goodman, Sally Winslow, Beth Fitzmaurice
There is good information in this session. We are hearing from Susan Gagner, Town Comptroller. She is covering the town financial history from 2005 through FY 2010.
- revenue components
- property tax
- state aid
- local estimated receipts
- other available funds
Part 2 for this meeting continues here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/live-reporting-budget-workshop.html
FM #55 - Week ending 1/24/10
This is #55 in the series on what matters in Frankin, MA. In this session, I cover the Town Council meeting of 1/20/10 and take a look ahead at the FY 2011 budget preparations.
Time: 8 minutes, 20 seconds
MP3 File
Session notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 55 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Take about ten minutes to keep current with what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends January 24, 2010
In this session I’ll cover the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, January 20, 2010
1 – The proposed charter revisions were brought back before this Council by Councilors Whalen and Zollo, no additional changes were made to the discussions held last Sep.
There will be open forum and public hearings to solicit input from the citizens before the final package is assembled for Legislative review. Assuming the changes proposed are accepted, then they would still come back to be voted on by the Franklin voters before being effective.
2 – The latest update on the Downtown Improvement project was presented to the Town Council on Weds and to the Downtown Partnership on Thursday morning. Additional sessions will be scheduled to allow for input from Franklin residents.
A copy of the presentation is available on Franklin MAtters
3 – The DPW presented a proposed rate change, actually a reduction from 244 per year to 220 per year. The change is dependent upon approval of a new contract to implement a “single stream” collection system. Single stream is still a misnomer in that there would be separate trash and recycle bins. The recycled items can all be mingled in the one barrel. We'd no longer need to separate the cardboard from the cans, bottles, etc.
A picture of the new bins is available on Franklin MAtters
Looking ahead to this week, there are two meetings of note:
1 - This Monday evening is a special meeting of the Town Council. The purpose of the meeting will be a budget workshop to review terminology and process steps for the 2011 budget. The workshop is intended to bring the new members of the Town Council, Finance Committee, and School Committee up to speed. It is also open to the public and this will be a great time to get in on the ground floor of the budget discussion.
Note the actual 2011 budget is not scheduled for discussion. Gov Patrick is scheduled to release his budget later this week. The House and Senate will release theirs some time and then all three will be reconciled or negotiated to produce one budget sometime before June 30th. That budget is key to what Franklin does. Currently 30% of our revenue comes from State Aid. Separately the Franklin departments will be coming up with their budget, review it with Jeff Nutting who makes his recommendation and brings both to the Finance Committee for review and approval be for the Town Council gets their final review and approval.
2 - The School committee starts their budget process on Tuesday the 26th. We'll get the first look at what a level service and level funded budget for 2011 could look like with options on what programs would be on the table for discussion. The teacher contract is up for renewal this year (as are all the other Franklin municipal employee contracts) what those will look like when an agreement is reached is open for speculation at this time.
In summary, the next several months can be very interactive. Franklin citizens can provide their input to the charter, the downtown project, and ultimately the Franklin budget. If you were waiting for a good time to get involved, the time is now.
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
For additional information, please visit FranklinMAtters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
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!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the website to listen to the audio version.
Time: 8 minutes, 20 seconds
MP3 File
Session notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 55 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Take about ten minutes to keep current with what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends January 24, 2010
In this session I’ll cover the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, January 20, 2010
- proposed Charter revision
- Downtown improvement project
- New trash/recycle bins to lower cost of solid waste by $24
1 – The proposed charter revisions were brought back before this Council by Councilors Whalen and Zollo, no additional changes were made to the discussions held last Sep.
There will be open forum and public hearings to solicit input from the citizens before the final package is assembled for Legislative review. Assuming the changes proposed are accepted, then they would still come back to be voted on by the Franklin voters before being effective.
2 – The latest update on the Downtown Improvement project was presented to the Town Council on Weds and to the Downtown Partnership on Thursday morning. Additional sessions will be scheduled to allow for input from Franklin residents.
A copy of the presentation is available on Franklin MAtters
3 – The DPW presented a proposed rate change, actually a reduction from 244 per year to 220 per year. The change is dependent upon approval of a new contract to implement a “single stream” collection system. Single stream is still a misnomer in that there would be separate trash and recycle bins. The recycled items can all be mingled in the one barrel. We'd no longer need to separate the cardboard from the cans, bottles, etc.
A picture of the new bins is available on Franklin MAtters
Looking ahead to this week, there are two meetings of note:
1 - This Monday evening is a special meeting of the Town Council. The purpose of the meeting will be a budget workshop to review terminology and process steps for the 2011 budget. The workshop is intended to bring the new members of the Town Council, Finance Committee, and School Committee up to speed. It is also open to the public and this will be a great time to get in on the ground floor of the budget discussion.
Note the actual 2011 budget is not scheduled for discussion. Gov Patrick is scheduled to release his budget later this week. The House and Senate will release theirs some time and then all three will be reconciled or negotiated to produce one budget sometime before June 30th. That budget is key to what Franklin does. Currently 30% of our revenue comes from State Aid. Separately the Franklin departments will be coming up with their budget, review it with Jeff Nutting who makes his recommendation and brings both to the Finance Committee for review and approval be for the Town Council gets their final review and approval.
2 - The School committee starts their budget process on Tuesday the 26th. We'll get the first look at what a level service and level funded budget for 2011 could look like with options on what programs would be on the table for discussion. The teacher contract is up for renewal this year (as are all the other Franklin municipal employee contracts) what those will look like when an agreement is reached is open for speculation at this time.
In summary, the next several months can be very interactive. Franklin citizens can provide their input to the charter, the downtown project, and ultimately the Franklin budget. If you were waiting for a good time to get involved, the time is now.
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
- If you like what I am doing, please tell your neighbors
- If you don’t like something, please tell me
For additional information, please visit FranklinMAtters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
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!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the website to listen to the audio version.
School Committee - Agenda - 1/26/10
Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.
Mission Statement
The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.
The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.
1. Routine Business
• Citizen’s Comments
• Review of Agenda
• Minutes: I recommend approval of the Open Session and Executive Session minutes from the January 12, 2010 School Committee Meeting.
• Payment of Bills - Mr. Glynn
• Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
• FHS Student Representatives
• Correspondence: none
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Snow Removal / Sidewalks – Brutus Cantoreggi / Jeff Nutting
b. Preliminary Budget Discussion
3. Discussion Only Items
• Budget to Actual
• Second Reading:
Policy ADA – School District Goals & Objectives
Policy ACE – Non-Discrimination on the basis of Disability
4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of the donation of 5 digital cameras and one camcorder from Mr. Robert Salzberg of Resh, Inc. for the Davis Thayer Elementary School.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1148.00 from the Oak St. PCC for a Gr. 2 field trip to Stony Brook in May as detailed.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1000.00 from the Panther Lacrosse Association to be used towards the fitness center at FHS.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from the Singleton Family Foundation for the FHS Special Education Department.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3000.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for field trips as detailed.
f. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a Visual Presenter from Mr. Robert Salzberg of Resh, Inc. for the Davis Thayer Elementary School.
g. I recommend approval of the request of Ms. Leardi & Mrs. Waters of the FHS for a trip to London, England on June 25, 2010 as detailed.
h. I recommend adoption of Policy ADA – School District Goals & Objectives.
i. I recommend approval of the request of Peter Light for an additional Assistant Track coach at a cost of $1,467.00 to be funded from the Athletic Revolving Account to assist with increased student participation.
j. I recommend adoption of Policy ACE – Non-Discrimination on the basis of Disability.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
a. Finance Workshop TrainingSchool Committee Sub-Committee Reports
b. MSBA/FHS Project
c. Kindergarten Registration
d. MASBO Compensation Study
e. Data Team
School Committee Liaison Reports
6. New Business
• To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
7. Executive Session
• Contractual Negotiations
8. Adjourn
Franklin, MA: At a glance
In advance of the special budget workshop Monday evening, here is a report from the MA Department of Revenue, Division of Local Services:
You can view the same report on the MA DOR website here.
The workshop this evening is open to the public and intended to bring the new members of the Town Council, Finance and School Committees up to speed on the budget terminology and process.
The fiscal policies that previous Town Councils have used for guidance, this Council also accepted and it posted on the Town Council section of their webpage:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/fiscal.pdf
Note: The 2011 budget is NOT scheduled for discussion. The Governor is scheduled to announce his view of the budget this week. Both bodies of the State legislature will announce their own versions of the State budget and then all three will be negotiated to produce one budget sometime before June 30th.
Last year was an exception in that Franklin did not find out their final numbers until July. The Town Council voted on the final 2010 budget on Sep 16th with some adjustments to the one passed in June.
You can view the same report on the MA DOR website here.
The workshop this evening is open to the public and intended to bring the new members of the Town Council, Finance and School Committees up to speed on the budget terminology and process.
The fiscal policies that previous Town Councils have used for guidance, this Council also accepted and it posted on the Town Council section of their webpage:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/fiscal.pdf
Note: The 2011 budget is NOT scheduled for discussion. The Governor is scheduled to announce his view of the budget this week. Both bodies of the State legislature will announce their own versions of the State budget and then all three will be negotiated to produce one budget sometime before June 30th.
Last year was an exception in that Franklin did not find out their final numbers until July. The Town Council voted on the final 2010 budget on Sep 16th with some adjustments to the one passed in June.
Franklin, MA: budget workshop
Whalen said the budget workshop will delve into the town's state and local revenue sources and unfunded mandates like special education funding.
School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy urges the public to attend.
"People are typically surprised when they learn about the scope and number of state and federal mandates applicable to school budgets," he said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News by clicking on the link below:
Franklin officials to strategize on town budgets
from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Pulaski Blvd project update
Yes, Pulaski Blvd is in Bellingham but it changes name to Washington and then to King St for those traveling north to come to the i495 intersection. The i495 intersection is under construction to improve, widen and add traffic lights.
Pulaski Blvd starts construction this spring. For folks in Franklin heading south to Bellingham, Woonsocket and points beyond, you might want to consider exploring an alternate route.
This article in the Milford Daily News provides an update on the bids just received to begin work this spring.
Pulaski Blvd starts construction this spring. For folks in Franklin heading south to Bellingham, Woonsocket and points beyond, you might want to consider exploring an alternate route.
This article in the Milford Daily News provides an update on the bids just received to begin work this spring.
Pulaski project on target in Bellingham
from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Melanie Graham/Daily News staff
In the News - downtown project
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here"We want to continue to get public input and allow that input to direct the design," he said.
A major proposed improvement is to create two-way traffic on Emmons, Main and West Central streets.
View the presentation on this project that was made to the Town Council on Wednesday Jan 20th
Diversity in the state legislature?
------Despite an executive branch headed by the state's first black governor, no one keeps track of the racial makeup of the Legislature's work force - not the state Human Resources Division nor any central office in the House or Senate.
Lawmakers can hire whomever they want, however they want, and since they exempted themselves from the public record law years ago, they don't have to tell anyone.
Only 18 of 200 elected officials agreed to provide information on their staffers' race, age and gender to The Patriot Ledger.
Reached last week, no MetroWest legislator, with the exception of state Sen. Jamie Eldridge, responded to the Daily News' request for information regarding staff demographics. Some offices did not return calls. Other offices referred the News directly to the House Speaker's office. Other offices referred the News to the Legislature's human resources department, which then referred a reporter to the House Speaker's office.
Affirmative action - a hiring policy that encourages minorities to apply for jobs where they are underrepresented - was a phrase first used by President John F. Kennedy nearly 50 years ago. In the years that followed, it was the basis for federal equal opportunity hiring regulations that states, cities and towns had to follow, or risk losing federal aid.
But the same rules affecting all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts and more than 50,000 state employees don't apply to lawmakers, their employees or committee staffs.
Read the full and rather interesting report on this disconnect created by the legislature in the Milford Daily News here
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