Continue reading the full letter with the embedded PDF copy (below) or download the PDF to read on your device https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bz1oGOYjaogjCrxjeWCBq72RyPhq4ywd/view?usp=sharing
Thomas Mercer, Chair
Franklin Town Council
355 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038
RE: November 18, 2020 Town Council Meeting
Dear Chair Mercer:
I am writing to correct erroneous public comments aired at the Franklin Town Council meeting on November 18, 2020. Specifically, I am referring to comments from Councilor Kelly who called into question the work of Franklin’s legislative delegation. I know that Councilor Kelly attempted to clarify his remarks later in the meeting, but I feel it is important to correct the record so that the citizens of Franklin have a clear understanding of the delegation’s commitment to the community.
Let me begin with a discussion of Franklin’s receipt of state aid over the years. Contrary to the assertions made, the state has not decreased aid to Franklin. In fact, Chapter 70 aid, the largest component of state aid to Franklin, has increased annually despite precipitous drops in student enrollment over the last 10 years. The spreadsheet and charts included below show that since 2009, Franklin student enrollment has gone from 6,254 students to 5,236 in 2019 (a drop of over 1,000 students). During the same period of time, Chapter 70 showed drops following the
recession in 2009, but increases in every year from 2012 on. The impact of the drop in student enrollment as compared with the increase in Chapter 70 funds is shown most clearly by the increase in per-pupil expenditure from 2008 through 2019. That is, in 2008, Franklin spent $9,146.71 per student and in 2019 that figure was at $14,276.06. That represents a 56% percent attributable to the advocacy of your legislative delegation. "
Audio and notes of the Town Council meeting of Nov 18, 2020 can be found here
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| Town Council chair Tom Mercer opens the meeting |
