Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/vMw9RSzLJGI?&t=70
Photos of the slides presented in one album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/WrHjvm6PcK5z2SPq6
(We are supposed to get a copy of the presentation document. When we do, we'll add it here)
My notes in one PDF document - https://drive.google.com/file/d/17c0hL9XH3aIn4vXRq8daYRfGFS3HPriQ/view?usp=drive_link
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| Chapter 70 Program - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) |
Brief recap
- Presentation on the Chapter 70 Program - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
- State constitution calls for funding education. Chapter 70 was developed in 1993 to administer the program. It was revised in 2019 with the Student Opportunity Act (SOA). It attempts to normalize school funding across the Commonwealth. Communities can spend more than the state determined "foundation" level but the state will assist the community in meeting the foundation level.
- Franklin is a minimum aid community as the current calculation calls for state assistance in the amount of $13M and we were previously getting $30M, hence we are being held harmless by that $17M. The 17M is the amount that the state determines Franklin could and should be funding from our local resources.
- There is a study underway to take a look at the local contribution requirements but it is likely a couple of years away from taking effect and it is not yet know what will happen. While Franklin is #2 on the list of communities being "held harmless", the number of communities on that list is growing due to the revised calculations
- Appointment to the Finance Committee: Tom Sullivan, Passes 8-0-1
- Resolution 26-16: Approval for Request for Statements of Interest for Development of a Strategic Plan (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-16 - Majority Vote)
- So moved, second, ...
- Motion to amend with Council and SchCmte, and new date Apr 17
- Second, passes 8-0-1
- Motion to approve as amended
- Second, passes 8-0-1
- Resolution 26-17: Town Council’s Support of FY27 State Budget Priorities (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-17 - Majority Vote)
- So moved, second, discussion
- Passes 8-0-1
- Resolution 26-18: Town Council Support for H. 4297, An Act relative to the Lowell Mason Act to mandate a percentage of Chapter 70 funds for Arts Education Programs
- So moved, second, discussion
- Motion to amend to include house and Senate ways & means, second vote to amend withdrawn ...
- Vote on the original motion, resolution was not changed, just the memo
- Passes 8-0-1
- Resolution 26-19: Request for Special Legislation Re: Increase in Local (Hotel) Excise Tax (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-19 - Majority Vote)
- So moved, second
- Passes 8-0-1