Franklin Matters

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

MassBudget: What the federal tax law means for Massachusetts

MassBudget		Information.
MassBudget		Participation.
Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center		Democracy.

Study Finds Federal Tax Changes Primarily Benefit Massachusetts' Highest Income Households, Outlines Potential State Responses

Rather than making the kinds of investments in people and communities that could strengthen the economy and expand opportunity, the federal government recently enacted a $1.5 trillion tax cut package that is tilted sharply towards very high income-households and corporations.

The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center's new report finds that in 2019 the average tax cut - including the effects of corporate cuts that eventually flow through to individuals - for the highest-income one percent of Massachusetts households will be $84,720. These tax cuts will likely lead to deep cuts in federal programs that people in Massachusetts rely on, and will make it very unlikely that the federal government will be able to address issues like making higher education affordable, improving public schools, or strengthening our transportation infrastructure.

The report also explores a number of specific provisions of the federal tax law that could directly affect state finances because of interactions between our state tax code and the federal code including the following:

A gradual erosion of the value of the state Earned Income Tax Credit
Extension of 529 college savings plans to subsidize private primary and secondary school tuition
Various changes to corporate tax rules that could have positive and negative effects on state tax revenue

Read the report here (LINK).

The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER

15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700

BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108

Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with

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In the News: US Attorney comments on enforcement; Justice Dept goes after sanctuary cities

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

"Opioid crimes are his top drug enforcement priority, but U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling told reporters Wednesday that his enforcement of federal marijuana laws could ensnare anyone from an hourly wage employee at a marijuana dispensary to a bank that opens an account for a pot shop.

During a meeting with reporters at the federal courthouse, Lelling, a recent appointee of President Donald Trump, repeated that he will not rule out bringing criminal cases against participants in the forthcoming state-legal retail marijuana industry.

“It puts the banks in a bind. I understand that,” Lelling said. Marijuana distribution is unambiguously illegal under federal law and he cannot preemptively rule out anyone for prosecution, he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180124/us-attorney-stands-his-ground-on-pot-prosecution

"The Justice Department ramped up pressure Wednesday on so-called sanctuary cities seeking public safety grant money, warning state and local officials they could be legally forced to prove they are cooperating with federal immigration authorities. The move prompted immediate backlash, with mayors from across the country announcing they would boycott a planned meeting at the White House with President Donald Trump on Wednesday afternoon.

Officials sent letters to roughly two dozen jurisdictions threatening to issue subpoenas if they don’t willingly relinquish documents showing they aren’t withholding information about the citizenship or immigration status of people in custody. The department has repeatedly threatened to deny millions of dollars in important grant money to communities that refuse to comply with a federal statute requiring information-sharing with federal authorities, as part of the Trump administration’s promised crackdown on cities and states that refuse to help enforce U.S. immigration laws.

Many cities have been openly defiant in the face of the threats, with lawsuits pending in Chicago, Philadelphia and California over whether the administration has overstepped its authority by seeking to withhold grant money."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20180124/mayors-boycott-trump-meeting-after-sanctuary-cities-threat

In the News: timeliness of MBTA updates; Gov Baker's State of MA speech

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

"Dedham Police responded to a truck that struck a bridge on East Street by Endicott Rotary Tuesday morning.

Police responded at approximately 7 a.m. for a report of a Swift truck striking the MBTA Commuter Rail bridge on East Street. The truck became stuck while attempting to drive under the bridge, though it was not badly damaged and the trains were able to safely cross.

The Dedham Police updated people using Facebook."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180123/truck-crashes-into-bridge-delaying-franklin-commuter-rail-line

Noteworthy: the article touts the MBTA for keeping folks aware via Twitter. Yet the timeliness of those updates was also captured and is the real issue. The MBTA first tweeted at 9:07 AM for the incident that the police responded to at 7:00 AM. Really?

Update: Franklin Train 703 (8:04 am from South Station) is operating 40-45 minutes behind schedule between Ruggles and Forge Park due to a bridge strike near Dedham.
— MBTA Commuter Rail (@MBTA_CR) January 23, 2018

"Gov. Charlie Baker called for improvements in education, transportation and housing Tuesday in his last state of the state address before seeking a second term in office.

In the half-hour speech, the Republican said Massachusetts can’t rest on its laurels.

He said while the state has seen a drop in opioid-related overdose deaths, more needs to be done.

He also pushed an initiative to create more housing and said the state is working to increase its reliance on renewable energy and improve transportation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180124/baker-outlines-broad-approach-in-state-of-state-address

The Governor's budget will be available today. This provides the first look at the state funding expected to come Franklin's way for local aid, roads, and schools. The state funding amounts to approx. 30% of the Franklin revenue side of the budget.

The full text of Governor Baker's address can be found online
https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-baker-delivers-third-state-of-the-commonwealth-address

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Live reporting: Consent Approval, then to Closing

7. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the January 9, 2018 School Committee meeting.
b. I recommend approval of Budget Transfers as detailed.
c. All-State Music Festival Recurring Field Trip Proposal
I recommend approval of the request of Leighanne Rudsit to take Music Students to Boston Seaport Hotel for the All State Music Festival from March 1 – 3, 2018 as detailed.
d. Hockey Tournament Recurring Trip Proposal
I recommend approval of the request of Chris Spillane (Varsity Head Coach) to take the FHS Varsity Hockey Team to Barnstable High School February 21-22, 2018 for a tournament as detailed.
e. I recommend acceptance of five checks totaling $3,799.80 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips as detailed.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $32,355.00 from the Franklin Education Foundation for districtwide grants.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $625.00 from the JFK PCC for field trips as detailed.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $854.55 from All American Publishing for in-house enrichment for the FHS Athletic Department.
i. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a Baritone Horn valued at $300.00 from Paul Sackley for Annie Sullivan Middle School Band.
j. I recommend acceptance of 3 checks totaling $4,825 from Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment for districtwide music.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Adjournment
motion to adjourn, seconded passed

Live reporting: Discussion Only and Information Matters

4. Discussion Only Items
a. School Start Times Advisory Committee Update

56 mostly from parents and community, not enough from other stakeholder groups
looking to add some more dates and time commitment details together and bring back for 2nd February meeting

5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

Budget - development fact sheet being distributed, capital requests reviewed

Community Relations - couple of meetings since last time including before this meeting; Educator Award program (investigation underway), coffee program (proposed dates evenings and Saturday; also a theme for the meeting - need to finalize locations and then publicize. Web site revision, new version of Schools and School Committee being reviewed; worked align to DIP of communications

Policy - several policies coming to first readings; revised Wellness received to be reviewed before bringing forward; no social media policy for staff currently

Public Schools Advocacy - forum Feb 13 coming up and planning for

Ad Hoc Superintendent’s Evaluation

b. School Committee Liaison Reports

Joint PCC - meeting in Feb

Substance Abuse Task Force - meeting in Feb

School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC] - policy under review (noted above)

MASC - poverty rate low for Franklin

6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items
Valedictorian of FHS 2002 now lecturer at Kings College in Physics
in the 12 years leaving FHS she never had a female science teacher

DIP #3 core values being scheduled
Feb 27 first look at budget, as well as Start TImes apointment

LIve reporting; Discussion Action Items

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. Policy – First Readings
I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:

BHE – Use of Electronic Communication by School Committee Members http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/u1-23-2018%20SC%20Packet/CURRENT%20BHE%20-%20Use%20of%20Electronic%20Communication%20by%20School%20Committ
BIA – New School Committee Member Orientation http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/u1-23-2018%20SC%20Packet/CURRENT%20BIA%20-%20NEW%20SCHOOL%20COMMITTEE%20MEMBER%20ORIENTATION.pdf
BIBA – School Committee Conferences, Conventions and Workshops http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/u1-23-2018%20SC%20Packet/CURRENT%20BIBA%20-%20School%20Committee%20Conferences,%20Conventions%20and%20Wo

motion to move to a second reading, seconded, passed 7-0

b. Policy – Second Reading
I recommend adoption of the following policy as discussed:
BDF – Advisory Committees to the School Committee
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/u1-23-2018%20SC%20Packet/DiscussionActionB-PolicyBDF.pdf

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

c. Baseball Trip Proposal
I recommend approval of the request of Tom Angelo/Zach Brown for the FHS Baseball team to travel to Cooperstown, NY for a tournament with Natick Baseball team/Hall of Fame Tour from April 15-16, 2018 as detailed.
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/u1-23-2018%20SC%20Packet/DiscussionActionC%20-%20Baseball%20Proposal.pdf

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

d. DECA Trip Proposal
I recommend approval of the DECA Trip to Boston on March 8-10, 2018 as detailed.
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/u1-23-2018%20SC%20Packet/DiscussionActionD%20-%20DECA%20Trip.pdf

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

e. New Coaching Positions
I recommend approval of new coaching positions as detailed.
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/u1-23-2018%20SC%20Packet/DiscussionActionE%20-%20New%20Coaching%20Positions.pdf

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

f. New Revolving Account at FHS for AP Exams
I recommend approval of a new revolving account at FHS for AP Exams as detailed.
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/u1-23-2018%20SC%20Packet/DiscussionActionF%20-%20New%20Revolving%20Account.pdf

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Live Reporting - Dr Ahern -Entry Plan Findings

not prescriptive, not answers or solutions, just findings

highlights from the report

visited 160+ classrooms, participated in as much of the school day and events as possible; conducted interviews with multiple folks from different segments of the community; parent forums, community forum,

loved the student focus groups at all the schools
(did not participate in a focus group with students at ECDC)

also conducted a data and document review; created a word cloud from the students input

her word "welcoming"

Dr Ahern presenting to the School Committee

word cloud from students

first key strength is the teachers

more strengths of the Franklin School District

2 leadership teams; the School Committee, Superintendent and Central office. The other leadership team is the Central office and district wide leaders.

28 within first 3 years in role of the 37 in this second leadership group

uncovering disconnect, couldn't put into some neat themes and patterns