I want to thank the voters of Franklin who supported the $2.8 million override for our school system. Your positive vote during difficult times is a true affirmation of the work we do. I also want to recognize Councilors Shannon Zollo and Steve Whalen, Finance Committee member Jim Roche and the School Committee members who spent untold hours educating the community on the need for the override.
Unfortunately, I have failed the students and teachers of the Franklin Public Schools by not securing sufficient support for the override. I am very sorry not to be able to deliver to you the financial support that you rightly deserve. I take full responsibility for this failure.
Despite this regrettable defeat, we will enthusiastically reopen doors next fall. We will welcome the children of Franklin back to school and our teachers and administrators will work tirelessly to make the 2008-2009 school year a success for every one of our 6,254 students. However, the voters of Franklin should be aware that the potential consequences of continuing below average spending on our schools children will include diminished levels of student performance and increased rates of students leaving our schools without graduating. When this occurs, it will have a negative impact on home values and the quality of life in Franklin.
Superintendent Wayne Ogden
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query override, 2008. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query override, 2008. Sort by date Show all posts
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
"we don't want to be the employer of last resort"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
A group of more than 30 residents exchanged insights on the $2.8 million override question with town and school officials last night at the Knights of Columbus in the first such intimate forum planned before the June 10 vote.
Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting, School Superintendent Wayne Ogden, School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy, Finance Committee Chairman Jim Roche and Councilor Stephen Whalen spent more than two hours explaining the town's finances, why officials want an override, and answering the questions at a forum sponsored by Franklin Newcomers and Friends.
In his presentation of the school budget, Ogden responded to suggestions from some residents that administrators should be cut to save money.
Franklin spends less than half of the state average on administration, per pupil: $201 vs. $403 in 2007, according to information posted on the state Department of Education Web site.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
My summary of the same meeting can be found:
- Q & A - continued (live reporting)
- Q & A session (live reporting)
- Newcomer's Club - Override Information Forum
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
In the News - School Committee override options
By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff
GHS
Posted Apr 30, 2008 @ 12:29 AM
FRANKLIN —
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
GHS
Posted Apr 30, 2008 @ 12:29 AM
FRANKLIN —
The School Committee last night agreed to present the town with two override scenarios - one for $3.1 million, the other for $2.8 million plus Medicaid reimbursement money. Both would enable the board to keep teachers, staff and programs intact next year, Superintendent Wayne Ogden said.
The School Committee's budget subcommittee had planned to seek a $3.3
million override question to be placed on a June ballot, but Paul Funk, the
interim finance director for schools, announced last night the district has
$180,000 more in its budget than he previously calculated.The money was undetected because of a Microsoft Excel error in which the software did not subtract athletic revenues, Funk said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
"committed to the quality of life in our town"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Voters today will decide the fate of a $2.8 million Proposition 2 1/2 tax override, put on the ballot to keep the status quo in schools and prevent numerous layoffs.
With the blessing of the Finance Committee, Town Council put the question on today's ballot in hopes of preventing anticipated reductions at schools that include 47 teacher layoffs, elimination of many courses and the late bus, a $100 increase in the busing fee (from $225 to $325), as well as increased class sizes.
Opponents say a tax increase during a trying economy will further strain residents, striking another financial blow to struggling seniors and others.
Those stumping for the tax hike, which is permanent, note that Franklin's tax burden is lower than many comparable towns. They are pushing for it to maintain quality education.
Janice Foley, one of three founders of the pro-override political action group Invest in Franklin, said override advocates are optimistic about the outcome of the vote, because she has seen many Franklin residents take the time to learn about the issues.
"(They) are committed to the quality of life in our town. Our biggest hope is for the people of Franklin to get out and vote so their voices can be heard," Foley said.
Read the remainder of the story here in the Milford Daily News
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Frequently asked questions: "Is it true that we have too many overpaid administrators?"
People tell me that our schools cost too much money, and that we have too many overpaid administrators. Is that true?
Based on statistics maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Franklin pays less than half of the state average for administrative and labor costs. The statistics for all 11 categories of education spending are included below:
According to Massachusetts Department of Education, more than 85 percent of the K-12 districts in the state spend more per pupil than Franklin. Franklin’s per pupil spending is the third lowest among its 30 peer communities. The per pupil expenditure for children in Franklin’s “regular day” school programs (which excludes Special Education) has lagged well behind the state average for the last 5 years, according to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. In fiscal 2008, Franklin spent $9,751 per pupil in these programs -- $2,702 less per pupil than the statewide average of $12,453.
One of a series to address frequently asked questions
http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/faq-part-1.html
------------
The special election on June 8th gives Franklin voters the choice:
Increase taxes to continue to provide the services we have this year (and that does not restore any of the services already cut)
Or
Continue to cut municipal services for all and cut educational opportunities for our children
I'll help to provide the information. You need to do two things:
You get bonus points if you talk with your neighbors about this and get them to vote!
Additional information on the override can be found here:
Franklin, MA
Based on statistics maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Franklin pays less than half of the state average for administrative and labor costs. The statistics for all 11 categories of education spending are included below:
According to Massachusetts Department of Education, more than 85 percent of the K-12 districts in the state spend more per pupil than Franklin. Franklin’s per pupil spending is the third lowest among its 30 peer communities. The per pupil expenditure for children in Franklin’s “regular day” school programs (which excludes Special Education) has lagged well behind the state average for the last 5 years, according to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. In fiscal 2008, Franklin spent $9,751 per pupil in these programs -- $2,702 less per pupil than the statewide average of $12,453.
One of a series to address frequently asked questions
http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/faq-part-1.html
------------
The special election on June 8th gives Franklin voters the choice:
Increase taxes to continue to provide the services we have this year (and that does not restore any of the services already cut)
Or
Continue to cut municipal services for all and cut educational opportunities for our children
I'll help to provide the information. You need to do two things:
- Make your choice
- Vote on June 8th
You get bonus points if you talk with your neighbors about this and get them to vote!
Additional information on the override can be found here:
- http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/index.html
- http://franklinschoolcommittee.wordpress.com/override-page/
- http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/budget-override-collection-fy-2011.html
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
In the News - principals bemoan budget cuts, Natick override passes
GHS
FRANKLIN —
School Committee members last night got a brief insight into how potential cuts in the fiscal 2009 school budget will translate into the town's classrooms: Most significantly, larger class sizes and, consequently, less individual attention.
Principals from all town schools attended the board's meeting, where officials continued to struggle with a grim budget outlook that, without an infusion of $3.2 million in additional revenue, will mean 45 layoffs - most of them among professional staff, Superintendent Wayne Ogden said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Voters approve Natick override
| By Erica Noonan Voters in Natick Tuesday approved a $3.9 million Proposition 2 1/2 override by a 55 to 45 percent margin -- a tax increase that is expected to cost the average homeowner an extra $290 annually. The... |
Friday, June 4, 2010
Frequently asked questions: "Has Franklin really laid off any teachers?"
Have you really laid off any teachers?
The tables below reflect, over a 10 year period, the increase in Franklin’s student population and the associated decrease in its teaching population. At its peak in 2005, Franklin had 517 teachers. Since that time, Franklin has eliminated more than 100 teachers. These staffing cuts have taken place at the same time Franklin has experienced increasing student enrollments, resulting in larger class sizes. That is a worrisome trend and is not a good long term indicator for positive educational results.
You can obtain additional historical teaching figures in Franklin at the following blog post:http://franklinschoolcommittee.wordpress.com/2008/05/17/information-on-teachers-in-franklin/.
One of a series to address frequently asked questions
http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/faq-part-1.html
------------
The special election on June 8th gives Franklin voters the choice:
Increase taxes to continue to provide the services we have this year (and that does not restore any of the services already cut)
Or
Continue to cut municipal services for all and cut educational opportunities for our children
I'll help to provide the information. You need to do two things:
You get bonus points if you talk with your neighbors about this and get them to vote!
Additional information on the override can be found here:
Franklin, MA
The tables below reflect, over a 10 year period, the increase in Franklin’s student population and the associated decrease in its teaching population. At its peak in 2005, Franklin had 517 teachers. Since that time, Franklin has eliminated more than 100 teachers. These staffing cuts have taken place at the same time Franklin has experienced increasing student enrollments, resulting in larger class sizes. That is a worrisome trend and is not a good long term indicator for positive educational results.
You can obtain additional historical teaching figures in Franklin at the following blog post:http://franklinschoolcommittee.wordpress.com/2008/05/17/information-on-teachers-in-franklin/.
One of a series to address frequently asked questions
http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/faq-part-1.html
------------
The special election on June 8th gives Franklin voters the choice:
Increase taxes to continue to provide the services we have this year (and that does not restore any of the services already cut)
Or
Continue to cut municipal services for all and cut educational opportunities for our children
I'll help to provide the information. You need to do two things:
- Make your choice
- Vote on June 8th
You get bonus points if you talk with your neighbors about this and get them to vote!
Additional information on the override can be found here:
- http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/index.html
- http://franklinschoolcommittee.wordpress.com/override-page/
- http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/budget-override-collection-fy-2011.html
Franklin, MA
Sunday, April 20, 2008
In the News - overide deju vu
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
Echoing the sentiments of many older residents in town, Franklin High School sophomore Antonia Scannapieco wondered aloud why last year's override wasn't enough to cover the town's needs.
Eating ice cream with her sister, Catherine Scannapieco, and friend, Melissa Saunders, outside the Brigham's Ice Cream on Rte. 140, she said, ``I don't know where all the money went from the past override.
``They shouldn't need the money. They should have asked for more last time,'' Scannapieco said, referring to the $2.7 million tax increase voters overwhelmingly passed last year to prevent massive cuts in schools.
At the time, override advocates and leaders like Town Councilor Stephen Whalen, Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting, and the Finance Committee cautioned $2.7 was insufficient, and the schools still had to make reductions.
Last year, ``Nostradamus Nutting,'' as one town official referred to the administrator at a recent meeting, accurately forecast the town would have an approximate $3 million shortfall this year.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
In the News - override, Council meeting
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Tonight, Councilor Joseph McGann and School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy will both urge the Town Council to put an override question before voters this year to prevent layoffs and cuts in schools and town departments.
"I would like to see the people express their voice on it," said McGann, adding, "I don't think it's going to fly."
Still, McGann wants the council to put feelers out in the community to get a sense of whether people want to pay more to keep the 45 teachers and school staff expected to be laid off in the budget proposed by Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting, which the Finance Committee voted to support Monday night.
Individual members of the Finance Committee supported a tax increase. Chairman Jim Roche and Pat Goldsmith both made motions to recommend the Town Council place a $1.5 million override question on the ballot. The board as a whole, however, did not take action because they had no time to prepare an adequate plan, they said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.
----------------------------
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
"It's much bigger than the schools"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
A trio of mothers is mobilizing forces to get the $2.8 million Proposition 2 1/2 tax override question passed on June 10 to preserve teachers, academic programs and the late bus in Franklin schools.
Moms Janice Foley, Kaitlyn Cronin and Sarah Loiars have filed Invest in Franklin as a political action group to educate people about the override and convince as many residents as possible to vote, Foley said.
Initially, the mothers had no intention of starting a political action group, Cronin said, but quickly decided to form Invest in Franklin after learning more about town and school finances.
They had attended a Town Council meeting in May simply as interested parents to find out why the school budget was going to be reduced, Cronin said.
They assumed there had to be more money somewhere in the budget that could be allotted to schools, she said.
"We wanted to find out what was happening. ... The more we listened to the presentation, the more we could see the money just wasn't there," said Cronin. "They kind of obviously needed an override. The amount of money they had to spend wasn't as high as other towns in the area. What really blew us away was Steve Whalen's presentation, when he compared Franklin to other towns," she said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Live reporting - Long Range Financial Planning Committee
Present: Doug Hardesty, Craig DiMarzio, Graydon Smith, Sue Rohrbach, Orrin Bean, John Hogan, Ken Harvey, Tina Powderly, Jeff Nutting (late), Glenn Jones
Absent: Deb Bartlett
Brian Benson, Milford Daily News reporter, in attendance
Motion to approve minutes of Feb 9, Feb 23 meetings. Separate motions, both passed unanimously.
Agenda - to complete the review of the Long Range Financial Planning Report
the final report of the prior committee from last year (PDF)
picking up on page 26
Structural deficit likely to continue
Another item to be added is the proposed EPA regulations (originally to be determined by Dec 2010 but not yet finalized) There are two aspects, one for the M4 permit and one for the private sector with more than 2 acres of impervious coverage.
Key example of the 'known unknowns' - tabled a full update of the regulation and issues around it, point to come back to, for now, just to have it acknowledged as an item
Discussion on prior committee role in making recommendations, they were not part of the charge but were attempted (see page 27 of report link above)
Let's make sure that we can present the facts such that no matter what position one may take, they at least can work from the same set of numbers with confidence.
There is little remaining to be done with efficiencies in Town operations so from the Committee point of view that there is only an increase in revenues or a cut in services.
There is little agreement amongst some aspects of the population on this point however. The point needs to be addressed.
Improve transparency and accessibility remains a key route to success
comparative metrics can make a strong point but they can't be used alone
Do you spend time on new issues, or do spend time working to spread the word on what we have?
A regular question being revisited.
If you show some progress on the major issues, you might have a chance to gain their buy in
Town Council and the citizens, two major stakeholder groups
1 - From the Town Council view, how bad is the budget crisis and what can we do about it?
2 - We can't hold ourselves responsible for making those who are not interested interested. You have also folks who already have their minds made up. Then there are the people on the fence who haven't made up their minds. Those are the ones who we need to focus on.
Override vote in 2010 had 41.7% turnout. 2008 has 40.3%, and 2007 had 47.3%. In 2004 held in Nov, 83.2% turnout failed the override. Situation was different in 2004 compared to the more recent ones. In 2004, the stabilization fund was large and some money was used after the override failed to ameliorate the effect of the vote.
Looking to provide the best most reliable information to the electorate to enable them to make a decision.
Now to do some brain storming on some questions to propose answering withing each area of responsibility.
Where were we, where are we, where are we going?
In what ways can the Town manage its growth?
Do Franklin residents pay a reasonable amount of property taxes? Need to rephrase that as it already has a judgement in the question. Feedback on being under-taxed was underwhelming. What is the relative burden?
Need to have non-judgmental language in all the questions.
Why did I chose Franklin? Taxes, location, schools, house prices were all compelling pieces of the discussion when I came here 12 years ago.
What are relative out of pocket expenses for services? water, sewer, trash, busing... etc.
I know a cynic can attack any information put across. Anyone can raise a 'waste, fraud, and abuse' question without having to back it up.
What is the ultimate goal, is the report just an update or will it look different?
Come up with the list of the key questions and then check to see if the Town leaders agree on these.
poll the council on the questions they would like answered? Poll at least some of the general public to gather some input from them. It will be a sample but should be something to work with.
What are the top 3 or 4 legislative items that would help the town benefit from a budget stand point?
We would have something to hand to Vallee, Spilka and Ross to go work
We could hand to the citizens the listing and say we can do only so much now and do more when these items are changed.
Bringing meeting to close. Continue to work on your own questions, send to Doug. He will compile and bring to the group for the next meeting to review/discuss the listing.
Need to balance the two constituents (Town Council and citizens) if we do one and not the other, then we'll not be providing enough information to make an informed decision.
One of the benefits of the way the committee is comprised is that we have a range of exposure to Town government and we want to leverage that in particular to ask fresh questions, simple or complex.
Franklin, MA
Absent: Deb Bartlett
Brian Benson, Milford Daily News reporter, in attendance
Motion to approve minutes of Feb 9, Feb 23 meetings. Separate motions, both passed unanimously.
Agenda - to complete the review of the Long Range Financial Planning Report
the final report of the prior committee from last year (PDF)
picking up on page 26
Structural deficit likely to continue
Another item to be added is the proposed EPA regulations (originally to be determined by Dec 2010 but not yet finalized) There are two aspects, one for the M4 permit and one for the private sector with more than 2 acres of impervious coverage.
Key example of the 'known unknowns' - tabled a full update of the regulation and issues around it, point to come back to, for now, just to have it acknowledged as an item
Discussion on prior committee role in making recommendations, they were not part of the charge but were attempted (see page 27 of report link above)
Let's make sure that we can present the facts such that no matter what position one may take, they at least can work from the same set of numbers with confidence.
There is little remaining to be done with efficiencies in Town operations so from the Committee point of view that there is only an increase in revenues or a cut in services.
There is little agreement amongst some aspects of the population on this point however. The point needs to be addressed.
Improve transparency and accessibility remains a key route to success
comparative metrics can make a strong point but they can't be used alone
Do you spend time on new issues, or do spend time working to spread the word on what we have?
A regular question being revisited.
If you show some progress on the major issues, you might have a chance to gain their buy in
Town Council and the citizens, two major stakeholder groups
1 - From the Town Council view, how bad is the budget crisis and what can we do about it?
2 - We can't hold ourselves responsible for making those who are not interested interested. You have also folks who already have their minds made up. Then there are the people on the fence who haven't made up their minds. Those are the ones who we need to focus on.
Override vote in 2010 had 41.7% turnout. 2008 has 40.3%, and 2007 had 47.3%. In 2004 held in Nov, 83.2% turnout failed the override. Situation was different in 2004 compared to the more recent ones. In 2004, the stabilization fund was large and some money was used after the override failed to ameliorate the effect of the vote.
Looking to provide the best most reliable information to the electorate to enable them to make a decision.
Now to do some brain storming on some questions to propose answering withing each area of responsibility.
Where were we, where are we, where are we going?
In what ways can the Town manage its growth?
Do Franklin residents pay a reasonable amount of property taxes? Need to rephrase that as it already has a judgement in the question. Feedback on being under-taxed was underwhelming. What is the relative burden?
Need to have non-judgmental language in all the questions.
Why did I chose Franklin? Taxes, location, schools, house prices were all compelling pieces of the discussion when I came here 12 years ago.
What are relative out of pocket expenses for services? water, sewer, trash, busing... etc.
I know a cynic can attack any information put across. Anyone can raise a 'waste, fraud, and abuse' question without having to back it up.
What is the ultimate goal, is the report just an update or will it look different?
Come up with the list of the key questions and then check to see if the Town leaders agree on these.
poll the council on the questions they would like answered? Poll at least some of the general public to gather some input from them. It will be a sample but should be something to work with.
What are the top 3 or 4 legislative items that would help the town benefit from a budget stand point?
We would have something to hand to Vallee, Spilka and Ross to go work
We could hand to the citizens the listing and say we can do only so much now and do more when these items are changed.
Bringing meeting to close. Continue to work on your own questions, send to Doug. He will compile and bring to the group for the next meeting to review/discuss the listing.
Need to balance the two constituents (Town Council and citizens) if we do one and not the other, then we'll not be providing enough information to make an informed decision.
One of the benefits of the way the committee is comprised is that we have a range of exposure to Town government and we want to leverage that in particular to ask fresh questions, simple or complex.
Franklin, MA
Monday, June 24, 2019
FM #167 - Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - June 19, 2019 (audio)
FM #167
This internet radio show or podcast is number 167 in the series for Franklin Matters.
This recording shares the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, June 19, 2019. The joint budget subcommittee is comprised of members of the Town Council, School Committee, and Finance Committee and supported by members of the Town Administration as well as the School District Central Office.
Plans have started for an override to be put before the voters for the FY 2021 budget. The specific amount and details remain to be finalized. The timing of the override vote also remains to be determined.
My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/we-will-need-to-consider-override-on-fy.html
The one page handout with the projected deficits referred to
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/the-projected-budget-deficits-for.html
Agenda doc
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/joint-budget-subcommittee-meeting-june.html
Without further ado, here is the audio recording (approx 90 minutes).
-------------
Additional References:
The prior Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting was held in Sep 2018
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/joint-budget-subcommittee-meeting-sep.html
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.
How can you help?
In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning, or construction, I would like someone to help us by following the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and or the Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive, open mind, and willingness to learn and share.
Overall:
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
This internet radio show or podcast is number 167 in the series for Franklin Matters.
This recording shares the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, June 19, 2019. The joint budget subcommittee is comprised of members of the Town Council, School Committee, and Finance Committee and supported by members of the Town Administration as well as the School District Central Office.
Plans have started for an override to be put before the voters for the FY 2021 budget. The specific amount and details remain to be finalized. The timing of the override vote also remains to be determined.
My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/we-will-need-to-consider-override-on-fy.html
The one page handout with the projected deficits referred to
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/the-projected-budget-deficits-for.html
Agenda doc
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/joint-budget-subcommittee-meeting-june.html
Without further ado, here is the audio recording (approx 90 minutes).
-------------
Additional References:
The prior Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting was held in Sep 2018
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/joint-budget-subcommittee-meeting-sep.html
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.
How can you help?
In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning, or construction, I would like someone to help us by following the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and or the Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive, open mind, and willingness to learn and share.
Overall:
- If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
- If you don't like this, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
 |
| subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes |
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Meeting notes archive for 2008
2008
- Financial Planning Comm Minutes
- Financial Plng Comm 09/04/08
- Financial Plng Comm 09/18/08
- Financial Plng Comm 10/02/08
- Financial Plng Comm 10/16/08
- Financial Plng Comm 11/20/08
- Financial Plng Comm 12/04/08
- FINCOM Meeting Summary 4/09/08
- FINCOM Meeting Summary 4/14/08
- FINCOM Meeting Summary 5/6/08
- Joint Council School Meeting 1/9/08
- Override Information Forum 5/28/08
- School Committee Meeting 01/8/08
- School Committee Meeting 02/26/08
- School Committee Meeting 03/11/08
- School Committee Meeting 03/25/08
- School Committee Meeting 04/29/08
- School Committee Meeting 05/13/08
- School Committee Meeting 06/24/08
- School Committee Meeting 07/15/08
- School Committee Meeting 08/26/08
- School Committee Meeting 09/09/08
- School Committee Meeting 10/14/08
- School Committee Meeting 10/28/08
- School Committee Meeting 11/18/08
- School Committee Meeting 12/09/08
- Town Council Mtg Smry 02/06/08
- Town Council Mtg Smry 02/13/08
- Town Council Mtg Smry 03/05/08
- Town Council Mtg Smry 03/19/08
- Town Council Mtg Smry 04/02/08
- Town Council Mtg Smry 04/16/08
- Town Council Mtg Smry 04/30/08
- Town Council Mtg Smry 05/07/08
- Town Council Mtg Smry 06/04/08
- Town Council Mtg Smry 06/18/08
- Town Council Mtg Smry 07/23/08
- Town Council Mtg Smry 09/03/08
- Town Council Mtg Smry 09/17/08
- Town Council Mtg Smry 10/01/08
- Town Council Mtg Smry 10/15/08
- Town Council Mtg Smry 11/05/08
- Town Council Mtg Smry 11/19/08
- Town Council Mtg Smry 12/03/08
Monday, May 31, 2010
Frequently asked questions: "Why don’t town employees fund their own pensions?"
Pension costs are killing us, so why don’t town employees fund their own pensions?
Public employees are generally not covered by Social Security and DO self fund their retirement through a municipal pension system. Teachers, for example, contribute as much as 11% of their annual salary to this program and local property taxes do NOT fund the system. State tax revenues fund a portion of current benefits but the majority of such revenues are allocated to the unfunded municipal pension liability (i.e., in fiscal 2008, 77 percent of the Commonwealth’s $1.3 billion contribution to State and Teachers’ Pensions covered the unfunded liability while 23 percent went to pay for current retiree benefits. Reference: http://www.middlesexretirement.org/Special_Commission_Report_9.09.pdf
One of a series to address frequently asked questions
http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/faq-part-1.html
------------
The special election on June 8th gives Franklin voters the choice:
Increase taxes to continue to provide the services we have this year (and that does not restore any of the services already cut)
Or
Continue to cut municipal services for all and cut educational opportunities for our children
I'll help to provide the information. You need to do two things:
You get bonus points if you talk with your neighbors about this and get them to vote!
Additional information on the override can be found here:
Franklin, MA
Public employees are generally not covered by Social Security and DO self fund their retirement through a municipal pension system. Teachers, for example, contribute as much as 11% of their annual salary to this program and local property taxes do NOT fund the system. State tax revenues fund a portion of current benefits but the majority of such revenues are allocated to the unfunded municipal pension liability (i.e., in fiscal 2008, 77 percent of the Commonwealth’s $1.3 billion contribution to State and Teachers’ Pensions covered the unfunded liability while 23 percent went to pay for current retiree benefits. Reference: http://www.middlesexretirement.org/Special_Commission_Report_9.09.pdf
One of a series to address frequently asked questions
http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/faq-part-1.html
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The special election on June 8th gives Franklin voters the choice:
Increase taxes to continue to provide the services we have this year (and that does not restore any of the services already cut)
Or
Continue to cut municipal services for all and cut educational opportunities for our children
I'll help to provide the information. You need to do two things:
- Make your choice
- Vote on June 8th
You get bonus points if you talk with your neighbors about this and get them to vote!
Additional information on the override can be found here:
- http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/index.html
- http://franklinschoolcommittee.wordpress.com/override-page/
- http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/budget-override-collection-fy-2011.html
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
School Budget Subcmte get preview of potential fee increases for buses, activities & sports (audio)
The School Committee Budget Subcommittee met as scheduled on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 6:00 PM. The started late, left just before 7 PM and hence the full Committee meeting started a little late.
The agenda doc ->
Download the PDF handout of fee increases ->
My notes captured during the meeting
- Chair David McNeill opens meeting at 6:09 PM, business meeting public invited with watch listen, to participate at discretion of the chair
- Recap of the 4/24 Joint Meeting by Supt Giguere. Coordinated with OCPF to get opinion on videos prepared, can host, can't send directly
- Once the TA FY 2025 budget was released, they could work toward how to cover the shortfall ($6.3m) if the override is not approved by the Town Council, or if approved but does not pass the community vote. Some fee increases, anticipating approx 30 FTE...
- Reduction of supplies within buildings across the board, stipends, mentor, etc. $4.7m reductions after the fee increases. 30 FTE is a significant reduction, negative impact to quality of education, class size, offerings, extra curricular activities, etc.
- The model was put forward, if any variation, that would require an adjustment somewhere else in the budget
- No decisions have been made on positions or roles specifically, they will continue to look at the numbers as the scenario develops/evolves (i.e. override yes and what the # might be)
- Potential use of retirement to help balance but that position is removed ... A loss to the district if the position is not filled
- Fee increases proposed were designed to self fund the program, not to generate additional revenue to be used overall (can't be done anyway). The natural area to look at is class size, then to the required programs looking at electives and AP classes, can't charge for an ...AP course, can only charge for the AP exam.
- Even with fee increases to meet the purpose, as astronomical as they appear, they don't help alleviate the other cuts. Largest expense for the district is staff, period. So reducing expenses means reducing staff
- Athletics first, total cost for each sport, then worked to get to a cost per student, divided into tier, largest cost tier 1
- All programs for athletics is about $1m; approx $400k from fees currently, $600k balance previously covered by budget ...
- Tier 1 fees approx $1k, tier 2 at about $600, tier 3 at about $350 Does include post season costs assuming teams were successful enough to gain that.
- Attrition could be seen at the JV and subJV levels affecting the varsity level at some point with talent feed/development
- Transportation currently at $600 could go to $1100/per to self funding this program. Even with an override, transportation fees may rise anyway to keep pace with cost
- 20% increase for ECDC anticipated, IEP students do not pay, building use rental increase of 5% projected tier level of support required
- Possible parking fee, $125/vehicle to manage overall parking process
- Model can be posted, didn't want to get ahead of the guidance of the subcmte
- Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1185-fps-budget-subcmte-mtg-04-30-24
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
 |
| School Budget Subcmte get preview of potential fee increases for buses, activities & sports (audio) |
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Town Council approves FY 24 budget after 9 hours over 2 nights, plan for schools to get $700K more (audio)
FM #1000 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1000 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Thursday, May 25, 2023. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers.
The first budget hearing did not complete on Wednesday evening, so Thursday's session opens to complete the first hearing and then starts the second hearing. When the second hearing completes, the legislation for action commences to record the various approvals as noted below.
Quick recap
Police to add to their staff to alleviate a scheduling issue that should help reduce the overtime cost and help moral by reducing the amount of forced overtime
Fire to add to their staff to help provide a third ambulance for coverage during four days of peak call volume. The staff increase is partially offset by additional ambulance revenues
Senior Center gets approval for a van driver for half the year as a step towards full time
Town administration gets approval for a shift from an assistant town administrator to a Deputy Administrator along with a half year funding for an Arts & Culture Director
The Franklin school budget gets an increase of approximately $700K over the $1.1m initially allocated. These funds will be part of a two resolution vote being scheduled for the June 7 Council meeting. 24 school personnel positions were cut this week by the School District to meet their expected budget shortfall of over $2M. Some of those are due to the continued declining enrollment, some of those can be restored with the additional funds being allocated. As was made clear a few times during the hearings, the Town Council only provides a line item of funding to the Schools. The School district and School Committee have the full responsibility for choices on how that money is spent
The Joint Budget Subcommittee will begin meeting (schedule TBD) to work on a strategic plan to address the systemic issues across both the Town and Schools budget requirements. There was consensus on increasing the revenue. Some of the increase can come from a variety of measures (storm water fee, sewer rate increase, zoning changes to increase density, etc.) as well as consideration of a possible override ballot question. In order to get to the override question, the amount of increased revenue (i.e. property taxes revenue) needs to be explored and agreed to put before the taxpayers for their approval. There are already a number of increases planned (or expected) and that needs to be part of the consideration.
Planned
storm water begins July 1, 2023
sewer rate increase for next three years beginning July 1, 2023 to pay for the Beaver St interceptor replacement. Construction along RT 140 begins later this year
possible debt exclusion for Tri-County RVTHS building replacement (amount expected in Aug 2023, vote anticipated in Oct 2023)
Expected
water rate increase to pay for PFAS mitigations
potential debt exclusion for renovation of Davis Thayer (DT) for town use (to make it ADA accessible). Decision on potential use anticipated by Dec 2023 from subcommittee appointed to determine recommendations
potential debt exclusion for new Police station or renovation of existing, committee appointed and soon to begin work on this; their work will include the DT decision as applicable
potential operational override to address systemic revenue issues
The recording runs about 3 hours and 42 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on May 25, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1000-town-council-fy-24-budget-hearing-2-05-25-23
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The full agenda and documents associated with it can be found online -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/may_25_2023_town_council_agenda_1.pdf
The Fy 2024 budget document folder ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials
The Franklin TV video replay for both sessions is available
Wednesday -> https://www.youtube.com/live/P5MzuZ7r7gA?feature=share
Thursday -> https://www.youtube.com/live/BLXhaMDHJDk?feature=share
My Twitter notes captured during the meetings can be found here
Wednesday -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hmk9G_oo0RXsmkV0KOiHADAXXgXbNGxk/view?usp=drive_link
Thursday -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1haEf0ELqCsOMNlz0labwYxe8yBtqsoN9/view?usp=drive_link
--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
 |
| Town Council approves FY 24 budget after 9 hours over 2 nights, plan for schools to get $700K more (audio) |
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