In the News: School budget cuts move forward; Commuters want State to improve their commute

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

School budget cuts move forward

"Even after a $100,000 reprieve, 13 teachers will likely lose their jobs and several fees will increase next year at Franklin Public Schools due to a townwide budget crunch caused by rising costs associated with municipal services and charter school expansion. 

The School Committee on Tuesday night voted to adopt a revised fiscal 2020 school budget of $64.6 million, down about $2.2 million from an original proposal of $66.8 million that the board agreed on last month. 

The revision comes after news of the town incurring a structural deficit entering fiscal 2020, which begins July 1. Superintendent Sara Ahern had announced earlier this month that the district needed to cut about $2.3 million from its budget due to the crisis, but that number was trimmed when the town agreed to add $100,000 after factoring in a proposed increase in state aid by the state House of Representatives and the sale of library bonds. 

Staffing cuts approved include eight faculty positions in grades seven and eight, two sixth-grade teaching positions and three elementary teaching positions. Other adjustments include raising the transportation fee by $35, increasing athletic fees by $25 and adding a $150 parking fee for high school students."

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https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190424/franklin-school-board-oks-22m-in-cuts-to-budget

In the News: School budget cuts move forward

Commuters want State to improve their commute

"Workers are fed up with their commutes, according to a recent statewide poll of registered voters. 

Of the 1,200 participants, those with the longest commutes report the frustration has led them to consider changing jobs or leaving the region, according to the report prepared by The MassINC Polling Group. Sixty-six percent say there’s an urgent need to improve the state’s transportation system. 

“The levels of frustration we are seeing in this poll suggest a significant portion of workers are reaching a breaking point when it comes to their commutes,” said Steve Koczela, president of MassINC Polling, in a statement."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190424/report-mass-commuters-want-action-on-traffic-choked-roads-unreliable-transit