Saturday, June 13, 2020

Joint Statement ONE Franklin

As the Chairs of the Town Council and School Committee, respectively, we believe it's crucial we speak as ONE to the community regarding recent misinformation in various community dialogue circles about the Town’s budgetary and fiscal situation.

We want to assure every citizen in the Town of Franklin of our commitment to work through these challenging fiscal times as ONE. We expect significant setbacks to core services in both the School Department and the Municipal Departments over the coming year. 

This is not new news. COVID-19 unquestionably expedited the already difficult financial picture the community has been facing for several years. The news this week regarding possible staff reductions at the School Department is just the beginning of what will be a very turbulent and fluid year.

Despite whatever challenges come our way, we remain steadfast in our commitment to stand by one another and support one another throughout. We can only succeed as a community if we work together; and we intend to! We believe in ONE Franklin and hope this week's news will encourage more citizens to become informed and participate in the financial decisions that will be made over the course of the next year for all of our municipal and school departments.

For those who wish to learn more facts about the Town’s fiscal situation, a next step is the Town Council budget hearings on June 17 and 18. Agendas will be posted soon on the Town Calendar at www.franklinma.gov

You may also read Town budget materials on the Town Budget website.
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

Thank you for joining us in this fight to preserve our community!

Dr. Anne Bergen, Chair, Franklin School Committee
Tom Mercer, Chair, Franklin Town Council 


You can also find a PDF version on the Town of Franklin page
 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/unity_redacted_2.pdf

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