From the Franklin Override Information Forum coordinated by the Joint Parent Communication Councils and held on Wednesday, 5/28/08.
Q - What about the "emergency repair and replacement fund"? Can we dip into that?
A - Nutting, there is a minimal cost to the interest. The overall factor is that 4M on an annual budget of 100M is not a lot of cushion. It is not a lot of money in a savings account for a good business. it is similar to our debt. Our debt is going down next year to less than 3%. we are looking to continually reinvest an appropriate amount over time.
A - Doak, over the years from the power plant settlement we have benefited that we did not need to use the money for which it had been set aside to mitigate the power plant.
A - Zollo, to address another myth, 4500-5000 per year in taxes, three children in school, the Zollos are receiving a subsidy for the school education. K-12, would amount to a 275,000 subsidy. You never pay the town back to pay for your children to go through the school system. The value that the average citizen receives is great.
Time: 6 minutes, 47 seconds
MP3 File
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Q & A 5 - replace older teachers with younger ones? Nutting, Ogden respond (audio)
From the Franklin Override Information Forum coordinated by the Joint Parent Communication Councils and held on Wednesday, 5/28/08.
Q - Teacher rates have a greater disparity, any chance of getting some of the older teachers to leave and replaced with younger less experienced teachers?
A - Nutting, no, that kind of program is authorized at the state level. It has been done twice in the last twenty years.
A - Ogden, new teachers are cheaper overall early on but year to year are more expensive
Time: 2 minutes, 34 seconds
MP3 File
Q - Teacher rates have a greater disparity, any chance of getting some of the older teachers to leave and replaced with younger less experienced teachers?
A - Nutting, no, that kind of program is authorized at the state level. It has been done twice in the last twenty years.
A - Ogden, new teachers are cheaper overall early on but year to year are more expensive
Time: 2 minutes, 34 seconds
MP3 File
Q & A 4 - Other revenue sources? Closing Davis Thayer? Nutting, Ogden respond (audio)
From the Franklin Override Information Forum coordinated by the Joint Parent Communication Councils and held on Wednesday, 5/28/08.
Q - What about other revenue sources. Mother of 3 children, one a junior at the high school and facing significant cuts. She has heard of the 4 Corners Building, how will that help? She has also heard about the possible closure of Davis Thayer?
A - Nutting explaining that the 4 Corners Building is a capital revenue and to be used for other capital not for operational expenses. In MA, all tax authority is vested at the state level. Our industrial parks are pretty full. The Council has re-zoned some land and that is still in the process of development.
A - Ogden, referencing the space needs committee whose work is underway. There are the portable classrooms coming to an end of life that will need to either be absorbed or replaced. The school district wants to move cautiously due to problems with re-districting. There are 800 empty residences in town, there are a number of open permits for buildings to come online, there is potential for growth in the school population so closing schools prematurely could create greater problems.
Time: 7 minutes, 18 seconds
MP3 File
Q & A 3 - responses continued by Doak, Cafasso (audio)
From the Franklin Override Information Forum coordinated by the Joint Parent Communication Councils and held on Wednesday, 5/28/08.
A - Doak, picking up on another comment to increase the revenues. We get get a good deal from the industrial and retail establishments. We have tried to foster commercial and industrial growth with smart policies. Council has encouraged good growth over the years and is looking to continue that so the residential taxpayers don't take the whole burden.
A - Cafasso, the school department has made cuts over the years to protect the classroom and to be as efficient as possible.
Time: 3 minutes, 15 seconds
MP3 File
For reference, the Franklin School Departments budget reductions over the years from 2002 to 2009 can be found here
A - Doak, picking up on another comment to increase the revenues. We get get a good deal from the industrial and retail establishments. We have tried to foster commercial and industrial growth with smart policies. Council has encouraged good growth over the years and is looking to continue that so the residential taxpayers don't take the whole burden.
A - Cafasso, the school department has made cuts over the years to protect the classroom and to be as efficient as possible.
Time: 3 minutes, 15 seconds
MP3 File
For reference, the Franklin School Departments budget reductions over the years from 2002 to 2009 can be found here
Q & A 3 - Zollo adds his response, tackling 2 myths (audio)
From the Franklin Override Information Forum coordinated by the Joint Parent Communication Councils and held on Wednesday, 5/28/08.
A - Zollo, there are certain myths about town government. There is an unrealistic expectation that costs will not go up over time under normal circumstances. The town is the same situation as the schools. The Police, Fire and DPW are underfunded. We are getting a great deal. If we didn't build the Senior Center and the Fire Station we would not be in this situation. That is incorrect. Those are capital expenses and can't be used to cover the operational expenses. There are many myths that are getting perpetuated and we need to correct them.
Time: 4 minutes, 11 seconds
MP3 File
A - Zollo, there are certain myths about town government. There is an unrealistic expectation that costs will not go up over time under normal circumstances. The town is the same situation as the schools. The Police, Fire and DPW are underfunded. We are getting a great deal. If we didn't build the Senior Center and the Fire Station we would not be in this situation. That is incorrect. Those are capital expenses and can't be used to cover the operational expenses. There are many myths that are getting perpetuated and we need to correct them.
Time: 4 minutes, 11 seconds
MP3 File
Q & A 3 - Are we looking at all expenses; Ogden replies (audio
From the Franklin Override Information Forum coordinated by the Joint Parent Communication Councils and held on Wednesday, 5/28/08.
Q - Been here for 4 years, 3 kids in school, came here because of the schools. If we have the override, I can afford to pay it because I have 3 kids. But are we looking at all the other expenses. Are we in line? Are we looking to increase revenues?
A - Ogden, speaking to the cost control measures mentions the teacher contract with a 3-year settlement for 6% in a time when other contracts were coming at 9-11%. They negotiate long term energy contracts. They are looking at other kinds of expenses like that to leverage and reduce costs.
Time: 5 minutes, 46 seconds
MP3 File
Q - Been here for 4 years, 3 kids in school, came here because of the schools. If we have the override, I can afford to pay it because I have 3 kids. But are we looking at all the other expenses. Are we in line? Are we looking to increase revenues?
A - Ogden, speaking to the cost control measures mentions the teacher contract with a 3-year settlement for 6% in a time when other contracts were coming at 9-11%. They negotiate long term energy contracts. They are looking at other kinds of expenses like that to leverage and reduce costs.
Time: 5 minutes, 46 seconds
MP3 File
Q & A 2 - Question on next year, Roy, Nutting respond (audio)
From the Franklin Override Information Forum coordinated by the Joint Parent Communication Councils and held on Wednesday, 5/28/08.
Q - Brett Feldman, Finance Committee member but speaking on his own behalf. Can you explain what next year will look like after the override if it passes?
A - Jeff Roy, we have settled contracts and will probably be in the 3-4 million increase range which is what we were looking for this year.
A - Nutting, suggesting that this is the bottom of this fiscal scenario we should be in a better position next year. Excise tax and other revenue sources declined.
Time: 3 minutes, 42 seconds
MP3 File
Q - Brett Feldman, Finance Committee member but speaking on his own behalf. Can you explain what next year will look like after the override if it passes?
A - Jeff Roy, we have settled contracts and will probably be in the 3-4 million increase range which is what we were looking for this year.
A - Nutting, suggesting that this is the bottom of this fiscal scenario we should be in a better position next year. Excise tax and other revenue sources declined.
Time: 3 minutes, 42 seconds
MP3 File
Q & A 1 - School Foundation budget, Ogden, Nutting respond (audio)
From the Franklin Override Information Forum coordinated by the Joint Parent Communication Councils and held on Wednesday, 5/28/08.
Q - Franklin is about 10-15% above the state recommended or 'foundation' budget. Can you explain the number?
A - Ogden, the foundation amount is the minimum amount that the town can contribute to the schools. If the town doesn't contribute the state minimum, there are penalties assessed by the state.
A - Nutting, if a town strives to meet the minimum, the education will be suffering, you won't be getting a quality education. Over the last 15 years the state has picked up a greater portion of the school expense, so the town tax payers have benefited from the state funding.
Time: 6 minutes, 11 seconds
MP3 File
For reference on the historical contribution of Franklin to the school budget view this chart
Q - Franklin is about 10-15% above the state recommended or 'foundation' budget. Can you explain the number?
A - Ogden, the foundation amount is the minimum amount that the town can contribute to the schools. If the town doesn't contribute the state minimum, there are penalties assessed by the state.
A - Nutting, if a town strives to meet the minimum, the education will be suffering, you won't be getting a quality education. Over the last 15 years the state has picked up a greater portion of the school expense, so the town tax payers have benefited from the state funding.
Time: 6 minutes, 11 seconds
MP3 File
For reference on the historical contribution of Franklin to the school budget view this chart
"Will you take your tools and tear down some more walls?"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Addressing his daughter, Alicia Mary Roy, in front of a crowd of hundreds of parents, teachers, and friends of the graduating Class of 2008, School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy told her, "I still remember the first day I saw you."
He dreamed of a day like yesterday, he said.
"Your mother and I are blessed, and I don't think there's a parent in this room who doesn't feel the same" about their child, Roy said in his opening remarks at Franklin High School commencement last night.
Roy, like Superintendent Wayne Ogden and Franklin High School Principal Pamela A. Gould, then told about 370 graduating seniors what the world was like in days past.
Roy joked that his mother likes to remind him he was born in the middle of an "I Love Lucy" show in 1961, and becoming serious, told students they came into the world when the Berlin Wall came down, in 1989.
"The Berlin Wall, an iconic symbol of oppression... that wall stood a very long time, divided families, a city, and a world," said Roy, "but even impenetrable obstructions could not last."
The Berlin Wall attracted no one, it simply repelled, he said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.
Friday, May 30, 2008
What You Need to Know to Make an Informed Vote on June 10th
The contents of a recent email from Tom Sousa representing the Franklin Cares email distribution listing is worth sharing here:
1. The Vote is Soon!
Voting will take place on June 10th at the Franklin High School Field House from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
2. The Proposed Override Will Average Only $243 per Household.
The override translates to an increased tax bill of only $243 per household. Since the tax payments are tax deductible, the after-tax cost is approximately $168 or about 50 cents a day.
3. Without the Override, You May End Up Spending More
You could be spending more per year by voting down the override because of cost increases for items such as pay-to-ride and athletic participation fees. If the override fails, there will be a $100 increase per student in the pay-to-ride bus, and cancellation of late bus service for students who need to stay after school for academic, clubs and extracurricular programs.
4. Franklin's Educational Spending is efficient.
Currently, Franklin is spending $2,200 less per pupil in 10 of the 11 State Department Education categories than the average in the state. We would have to add $13 million to the education budget just to be average spenders in the state.
5. Pink Slips Were Not Delivered for Dramatic Effect.
Teachers and administrators who received Pink Slips last week will indeed be gone if the override doesn't pass. This translates to a loss of approximately 43.5 teaching positions – 16 at Franklin high, 12.5 at the middle school level, and 15 at the elementary level.
6. It Will Be a Step Back for Franklin if Layoffs Occur.
The number of classroom teachers in Franklin is as follows:
During that same time period, enrollment in the Franklin schools has increased by approximately 500 students and the Keller-Sullivan schools were opened. If the override is unsuccessful, the number of classroom teachers is expected to dip below 400 for the 2008-2009 school year, which means we will have less teachers than we had in 2003, but 500 more students and a new school facility.
7. Class Size Will Significantly Increase Without the Override.
The range for elementary school class sizes will increase to between 19 to 30 students per class. The middle school and high school will average roughly 25 to 30 students per class.
8. The Charter School Will be Impacted.
The Town of Franklin per pupil cost directly drives state re-imbursement for the Charter School. If we spend less, the Charter School will get less.
9. Unemployment Costs the Town.
If the town rejects the override, it is liable for up to $675,000 in unemployment for the laid-off teachers and administrators.
10. Families With Young Kids Are the Lowest Voting Population in Franklin
Regardless of how you vote, make your voice heard about this issue. Absentee ballots are one solution for busy families who want to be heard. Absentee ballots can be submitted at the Town Clerk's Office, 355 East Central Street, between 9am and 4pm. The deadline for absentee ballots is noon on June 9th.
1. The Vote is Soon!
Voting will take place on June 10th at the Franklin High School Field House from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
2. The Proposed Override Will Average Only $243 per Household.
The override translates to an increased tax bill of only $243 per household. Since the tax payments are tax deductible, the after-tax cost is approximately $168 or about 50 cents a day.
3. Without the Override, You May End Up Spending More
You could be spending more per year by voting down the override because of cost increases for items such as pay-to-ride and athletic participation fees. If the override fails, there will be a $100 increase per student in the pay-to-ride bus, and cancellation of late bus service for students who need to stay after school for academic, clubs and extracurricular programs.
4. Franklin's Educational Spending is efficient.
Currently, Franklin is spending $2,200 less per pupil in 10 of the 11 State Department Education categories than the average in the state. We would have to add $13 million to the education budget just to be average spenders in the state.
5. Pink Slips Were Not Delivered for Dramatic Effect.
Teachers and administrators who received Pink Slips last week will indeed be gone if the override doesn't pass. This translates to a loss of approximately 43.5 teaching positions – 16 at Franklin high, 12.5 at the middle school level, and 15 at the elementary level.
6. It Will Be a Step Back for Franklin if Layoffs Occur.
The number of classroom teachers in Franklin is as follows:
| School year | # of classroom teachers |
| 2003-04 | 408 |
| 2004-05 | 459 |
| 2005-06 | 449 |
| 2006-07 | 466 |
| 2007-08 | 443 |
During that same time period, enrollment in the Franklin schools has increased by approximately 500 students and the Keller-Sullivan schools were opened. If the override is unsuccessful, the number of classroom teachers is expected to dip below 400 for the 2008-2009 school year, which means we will have less teachers than we had in 2003, but 500 more students and a new school facility.
7. Class Size Will Significantly Increase Without the Override.
The range for elementary school class sizes will increase to between 19 to 30 students per class. The middle school and high school will average roughly 25 to 30 students per class.
8. The Charter School Will be Impacted.
The Town of Franklin per pupil cost directly drives state re-imbursement for the Charter School. If we spend less, the Charter School will get less.
9. Unemployment Costs the Town.
If the town rejects the override, it is liable for up to $675,000 in unemployment for the laid-off teachers and administrators.
10. Families With Young Kids Are the Lowest Voting Population in Franklin
Regardless of how you vote, make your voice heard about this issue. Absentee ballots are one solution for busy families who want to be heard. Absentee ballots can be submitted at the Town Clerk's Office, 355 East Central Street, between 9am and 4pm. The deadline for absentee ballots is noon on June 9th.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Steve Whalen (audio)
Steve Whalen gets to explain his financial analysis and rationale for endorsing the override.
Time: 17 minutes, 41 seconds
Note: you may need to tune up the voume to hear Steve due to the quality of the recording.
MP3 File
Time: 17 minutes, 41 seconds
Note: you may need to tune up the voume to hear Steve due to the quality of the recording.
MP3 File
"The first myth is that costs shouldn't increase"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
A townwide forum on the Proposition 2 1/2 tax override proposal ended last night with the tears of a choral teacher at John F. Kennedy Elementary School after learning chorus will be cut at Franklin High School if the override doesn't pass.
"I'm just very devastated," said Mary MacMurray, who attended Franklin public schools, "I think those kids," she said, choking up a second time, "kids need that competitive edge going into college."
"I can't imagine those kids not even having a choral program and not getting into colleges," she said, fighting tears and explaining she is not normally so emotional.
School Committee member Roberta Trahan stepped in to aid MacMurray, saying some students are right-brained and creative, and perform better in school with programs that emphasize creativity, such music and art.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Override Information Forum 5/28/08 - Summary
Notes and recordings from the Override Information Forum held at the Thomas Mercer Auditorium, Horace Mann School on Wednesday, May 28, 2008.
- Q & A - Music teacher from Kennedy; Trahan (Audio)...
- Q & A - get involved, Roy, Sherlock (audio)
- Q & A - Whalen final comment (audio)
- Q & A 10 - How do parents get a say on FHS cuts? O...
- Q & A 9 - Arlington plan? Feeley responds (audio)
- Q & A 8 - Ogden, Whalen also respond (audio)
- Q & A 8 - Will there be continuous overrides? Nutt...
- Q & A - Student comment on cutting Chorus (audio)...
- Q & A 7 - How does the facility consolidation effe...
- Q & A 6 - "emergency repair and replacement fund" ...
- Q & A 5 - replace older teachers with younger ones...
- Q & A 4 - Other revenue sources? Closing Davis Tha...
- Q & A 3 - responses continued by Doak, Cafasso (au...
- Q&A 3 - Zollo adds his response, tackling 2 myths ...
- Q & A 3 - Are we looking at all expenses; Ogden re...
- Q & A 2 - Question on next year, Roy, Nutting resp...
- Q & A 1 - School Foundation budget, Ogden, Nutting...
- Steve Whalen (audio) - Steve walks through his comparative analysis of the tax rates
- Jeff Roy explains the yellow handout (audio)
- Override Forum: W Ogden (audio) Wayne walks through the Fiscal Year 2009 school budget
- Live reporting - Q&A
- Live reporting - Override info session
The Milford Daily News coverage for this meeting can be found here.
The audio segments were completed on June 1, 2008Jeff Roy explains the yellow handout (audio)
While Steve Whalen gets his presentation ready, Jeff Roy explains the yellow handout that was provided.
Time: 1 minute, 57 seconds
MP3 File
Time: 1 minute, 57 seconds
MP3 File
Override Forum: W Ogden (audio)
Jeff Roy welcomes all to the Forum, introduces Wayne Ogden who makes the first presentation on the school budget for FY 09.
Time: 19 minutes, 33 seconds
MP3 File
Time: 19 minutes, 33 seconds
MP3 File
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