Thursday, October 6, 2011

Town Council - 10/05/11

The collected reporting from the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, October 5 can be found here:




The agenda and associated documents for the meeting can be found here


Where was the School Committee?



"We made a very difficult decision that we're going to hold the line on (cost-of-living increases)," Whalen said. "We looked at the economy. We're mired in a recession that's worse than many people in this room have been through, and there's no end in sight." 
Town Administrator Jeff Nutting, in response to a question by Councilor Joseph McGann, estimated the money used for teacher raises could have saved eight to 10 of the 14 teacher jobs cut this year. 
"They sold those teachers down the river, as far as I'm concerned," McGann said. "Those teachers could have been saved." 
Whalen made a motion, which the council adopted, to reopen the entire municipal budget, which would lead to every budget being open to renegotiation.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1499152523/Franklin-Town-Council-rips-school-board-over-raises-reopens-budget#ixzz1ZzbxV3PJ

The letter to the Town Council from the School Committee can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/letter-to-town-council.html

Complete reporting from the Town Council meeting can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/town-council-100511.html

Eat at Five Guys Burgers and Fries on Thurs. Oct. 13th


Eat at Five Guys Burgers and Fries on Thurs. Oct. 13th
and Support Franklin Music Boosters, Inc.!

On Thursday October 13th from 4:00 to 10:00 PM Five Guys Burgers and Fries in the Franklin Village Mall will once again generously donate 10% of ALL their sales to the Franklin Music Boosters, Inc.


Franklin Music Boosters is a parent organization which supports the entire Franklin Public School Music Program grades 6-12. Through volunteer support and fundraising, the Music Boosters help provide transportation for performance trips, competitions and outings; sponsor concerts and special events; finance the purchase of musical equipment and uniforms; fund private lessons and scholarships, as well as support the music department with volunteer help.

For more information about getting involved with the Franklin Music Boosters, contact Amy Czuba, amyczuba@gmail.com.



You can order online and pick up from the Franklin Village location here

In the News - Douglas, Sabolinski, Semerjian, yard sale



Meet the Franklin Candidate: Cynthia Douglas

Franklin School Committee gives superintendent high marks

Deputy Chief Semerjian appointed as new police chief for Franklin

First Universalist Society sets indoor yard sale

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Live reporting - Closing

Old business

New business
Whalen - looking to reopen the annual budget at the next Town Council meerting
motion to accept, passed 9-0

Councilor Comments
Powderly - this isn't about control, this isn't about one governing body vs. another governing body/ We are trying to do what is in the best interest of the larger group. It is not meant to be personal or inappropriate

Whalen - in advance of the next meeting, to consult with the Chiefs to restore the departments to headcount of 2010.

Mason - I mentioned earlier how professional the police have been. In my six years, that perception and the reality is that Chief Semerjan will fill the position well.

motion to adjourn, passed 9-0

Live reporting - Action Items



I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS - none

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 11-52: Appropriation – Capital – FY 12- Police Cruisers
motion to approval for use of money from "free cash"; passed 9-0

Nutting - opportunity to purchase some used vehicles at a good price to keep the fleet similar
Chief Williams - life expectancy is about 405 years and then another dept gets to use them
every police dept uses these Crown Victoria for the reason that they stand up to the requirements
The Crown Vic is being replaced, we'd like to see how they are being used and stand up by others before we get into those.
I was going to be looking for 6 cars but I really need two and we can get them now for a real good price.

Kelly - commend you on a good cost savings move for the department
McGann - overseas, I see those small Volkswagon?
Williams - can you see me in one? or trying to stuff you in one?

Williams - thank you for your support, my last time before the election. I can't ask for better support. I don't envy the seat that you are in. Not too many thank you so I want to say that, thank you!


2. Resolution 11-53: Appropriation – Partridge Street Culvert Emergency Repairs
motion to approve; passed 9-0

several months ago the culvert collapsed, the bids are in, we would like to get the work started soon, it may take a month or so

ripe up the road, take up the old culvert, replace it and then repave. It should go the same size as it was.
They'll start in 2 weeks and the repairs will last about a month. Detours will be in place.

3. Bylaw Amendment 11-665:Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A – List of Service Fee Rates
1st Reading

motion to move to second reading, passed 9-0

resetting fee at cost of inspections

Live reporting - School Committee/Teacher contract

Mason - unfortunately there are no members of the School Committee present this evening. I do want to open this for discussion by the councilors and administration.

I did receive a letter from Mr Roy that I will read in to the record (a copy of the letter will be posted here shortly).

Whalen - a discussion early on during the budget process was that the Town would hold the line on COLA;s for this year. The economy is in trouble, with no end in sight. It was a difficult decision but a necessary one. It is concerning that with these smaller groups in the School Dept that they were getting increases. When the teacher contract came in, with word about the 1.5% increase, it was going to cost 525,000.

That the teachers are already well compensated and I don't fault them that. The raises were funded from a one time circuit breaker funding from the state. The raises are in perpetuity the funding is one time. Next year will be a problem.

McGann - how many teachers would it have saved?
Nutting - 8-10 depending upon the level and benefits involved.

McGann - every other bargaining unit got along without an increase. Yet the School Committee went and gave the 1% and .5% . The problem with getting overrides passed is there is no confidence in the numbers. The School Committee continues to find money.

Pfeffer - one of the questions was asked last time was how many teachers were on staff, how many retired, etc. 14 teachers lost their positions. Those that remain got the increase. One could hardly consider "what a strong and cordial relationship" exists.

Mason - if the Town Council doesn't support this, then they are against the schools and children. I can count a number of us who did a hands on approach for the last override and the overrides before that. We expect from every department and every elected board is fiscal prudence.

Whalen - I think it was not only imprudent to give out these raises at this time, it was completely unnecessary. I can not believe that the rank and file of the teachers are any different than the police and fire and other groups within the town. This has consequences on a number of levels

Zollo - my wife and I are supporters of the public schools. She and I have personally fought for overrides during my time. We wanted to adequate resources for the teachers and to provide support for the children. I do not see this as a power grab between the School Committee and the Town Council. We are in the worst recession in our life times. Our government is in the worst position to maintain services in these times. I like to pay for performance. We cannot do that all the time. The School Committee undercuts the entire Town position. You sow the seeds in the average persons mind that there will be found money. We have 1,000 more students and 100 less teachers. Real cuts have been made. You can analyze the numbers and see how it affects you. Perception is as important if not more so than reality. If the people do not trust you now, they will not trust you in the future.

Two more points
1 - eliminated positions and provided the raises. granting the raise eliminates 8-10 teachers that should not have been. The class sizes have been increasing. Overtime performance and effectiveness will decline. This particular act will undercut the policy making ability they have had.

2 - Unemployment has been 9% plus for some time. The public sector has been able to maintain positions with pay freezes. With this election coming up, this is the time to pay attention. The type of people you elect will

It is my hope that there can be more consensus between the School Committee and Town Council other than making statements.

Powderly - perception is reality. The decision by the School Committee has undermined the work that they have done. This goes against their stated quality. We were not able to get final numbers on the teachers laid off this past year. I struggle with the authority that the School Committee has, I respect the difference, but every dollar for one department is a dollar from another department. I made some decisions back in June on
public safety cuts. Had the information been available in June, I would have made a different decision. By bringing this discussion into a public forum does not make this divisive.

Kelly - I have been searching for the right word for this and it is disappointing. I know that they have the rights to do so. I am more upset because they have put us in an awkward position when we talk to the police and fire etc. If I had known this in June, my decision would have been different

Jones - As Powderly stated last week "COLAs equal layoffs". It is unfair to all the rest of the municipal employees working next to one who did get a raise.

Mason - reading the letter (copy posted to website here)

Addressing the 2.5% increase for the Tri-County teachers, that was an existing contract. To make a change to the Tri-County budget would have required a 75% or super majority.

"An informal agreement" not sure it warrants the attention provided to it.

Zollo - The agreement for an interest based bargaining discussion is that this was a "quid pro quo". There is likely to be disagreement about the IBB.

Nutting - Training for the IBB is scheduled for November
Powderly - we traded something concrete for something theoretical

Vallee - that 500,000 could have hired more teachers

Dennis Grillo - where is that if a board requests another board, that they snub. Who do they answer to?
Mason - the voters do that

Grillo - its too late
Mason - under the legal limits of the law, they are empowered to make those decision. The voters have the ultimate choice. We have about a 20% turn out for our local elections.
Grillo - every one of you had something to say, yet there was nobody here

Nutting - the vast majority of School Committee law is vested in the State and Chapter 70
Grillo - do we have bylaws here?
Nutting - you can supersede the State
Whalen - if you stay around, there is another avenue to pursue that I'll propose

Mason - due to the rights of the autonomy that they have they can do that. It is an example of two bodies that are not together.

McGann - the voters are watching this or will read it tomorrow. Somebody could have been here. Where is the heat going to fall? Right around this table.

Jones - the School Committee meets on Tuesday at 7:00 PM. They have phone numbers. You can make your comments known.

John Joel - candidate for School Committee, the kids in Franklin need more help, to that they have to be at the top of their ability. Unfortunately we have found in Franklin is that the pie is only so big. We'd like to do more but you can only do with what you have. You have to increase tax revenue. How can we improve our revenue and spend it effectively and efficiently. We need to be consistent and across the board. If I am elected to the School Committee, I will be here to listen and comment.

Zollo - we are for the students, we are for the teachers, we are disappointed that we were mislead a couple of months ago. We are struggling with this misinformation or changed information. We are talking about one particular action that the School Committee took.






Letter to the Town Council


The letter from the Franklin School Committee to the Town Council regarding the new teacher union contract signed last week.

FSC Letter to Council Oct 2011


The link to the document from Harvard on the Interest Based Bargaining approach is provided here
http://www.hks.harvard.edu/fs/lkaboolian/publications/Win-Win-chapter1.pdf

Live reporting - Darkness to Light Program


F. HEARINGS - none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - none

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

Tony     (10th year with local Y)
Vice President Child Responsibility

YMCA – Darkness to Light Program
Program to prevent child sexual abuse, training developed and community awareness programs coming to Franklin
goal is to have 5% of the adult population take the training within 3-5 years
the 5% is calculated to be the tipping point (from a book by Malcolm Gladwell)
90% of the abused children know their abuser, it is generally not the "stranger danger' that has been popularized.
Program coming to five communities served by the YMCA
Meeting with various organizations to build awareness for the program

Information on the program was previously published here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/09/community-awareness-meetings-on-child.html

Looking for about 1,000 adults to take this training
by training the adults, the word should spread and the abuse should diminish
similar approach to that taken for improving seat belt use in autos

McGann - congrats this is a great program
This is not a YMCA program, this is a community program, the facilitators need training, the Y has five people trained, we'll be looking to train other facilitators
It is not any one's problem, it is a community problem, a societal problem
Child protective behaviors are enhanced by the training

Powderly - the preventative approach to this is groundbreaking. I am thrilled that the Town groups are on board. Thank you for bringing it to our community

One quick example, a Y on the north shore went through this training, a staff person noticed some changes in a young girl, through the observation and the training, she was able to identify a situation to change the life of a 10 year old girl. Charleston, SC where this program started has just trained their 10,000 adult.

There is tremendous economic impact to this problem that we don't always recognize.



Live reporting - Town Council - 10/05/11


Present: Kelly, Jones, Vallee, Whalen, Mason, Pfeffer, McGann, Zollo (late), Powderly
Absent:


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – July 13, 2011 and August 10, 2011
motion to approve, passed 8-0

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Graydon Smith from Long Range Financial Planning Committee. The Committee will be posting a document to help the candidates for the Town Council understand some of the financial issues that Franklin is facing. The doc will be on the Franklin website in the Long Range Planning committee section

E. APPOINTMENTS

  • Chief of Police - Stephan H Semerjian appointed as new chief
motion to approve appointment, passed 9-0

  • Cultural Council
Ann  Knapp
Denise Jandreski

motion to approve appointments, passed 9-0

Sunni Brown: Doodlers, unite!

Do you have a pencil and paper handy?

Get ready for some worthy insights From Sunni Brown on doodling! (6 minute video)



Now go doodle!


Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view this video

In the News - Rohrbach, auditions



Meet the Franklin Candidate: Susan Rohrbach, School Committee




Franklin arts company holding auditions for 'Humbug!'

Mass. schools eye $250M in bonds to finance projects

You can click through to read the full story.

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:


More than a dozen Bay State communities are preparing to issue nearly $250 million in debt in the months ahead to finance a slew of school building and renovation projects. The planned projects involve everything from the construction of new $128 million high school in Duxbury to a $1.3 million window-replacement program at the Atkinson Elementary School in Andover.

Six of the 25 project proposals involve the construction of new schools, according to the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The project and bond-financing pipelines were detailed during the MSBA's Sept...

Things you can do from here:

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

In the News - Mullen, walking



Meet the Franklin Candidate: Paula Mullen, School Committee

Franklin High offers free indoor walking program

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - Oct 12


The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club invites you to their monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 12th at 7:30 pm upstairs at “3” Restaurant, 461 West Central St, Franklin.

This month, Town Administrator Jeff Nutting will visit to talk about local news, the upcoming town elections, the pending High School project, new businesses coming to town, and much more. He’ll also answer any questions you have, so bring your hot topics!

Complimentary appetizers and soft drinks will be provided. Cash bar available.

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club is a social club for residents of all ages and situations–not just those new to town. For more info, visit www.franklinnewcomers.com.

Reminder: Walk to School, Weds Oct 5




Hockomock Area YMCA and local schools celebrate
International Walk to School Day on October 5


   
(Franklin, MA)  Hockomock Area YMCA staff and school leaders and volunteers will join local elementary school children in celebrating the annual International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 5. Participating schools include Oak Street Elementary, Helen Keller Elementary, Davis Thayer Elementary, and Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public Schools all in Franklin as well as Stall Brook Elementary School in Bellingham.

Franklin's Bernon Family Branch of The Hockomock Area YMCA will join the students as well as parents, teachers, and community leaders on the walk from the designed meeting spaces to their schools, ensuring that they have a safe path to school. As part of a strong commitment to the YMCA's Healthy Future's initiative which was developed as a collective community response to the childhood obesity epidemic, YMCA staff will encourage kids to learn about fitness by walking to school with friends.

Walk to School events work to create safer routes for walking and bicycling and emphasize the importance of issues such as increasing physical activity among children, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, concern for the environment, and building connections between families, schools, and the broader community.

In the U.S., International Walk to School Day is expected to be celebrated at over 3,500 events at participating schools. Walkers from the U.S. will join children and adults in 40 countries around the world.

For additional information, please contact the Y's Community and Youth Wellness Director Lauren Marciszyn at 774.235.2737 or laurenm@hockymca.org.

For additional information, please visit these Web sites:
International Walk to School in the USA                      www.walktoschool.org                       
National Center for Safe Routes to School                   www.saferoutesinfo.org
International Walk to School                                        www.iwalktoschool.org




In the News - watershed award, music boosters, Ad book



Watershed association wins $250,000 for river management

Eat at Five Guys, support Franklin Music Boosters

Franklin Music Boosters plan ad book

In the News - wine tasting, book sale, live strong



Temple Etz Chaim to host wine-tasting

Volunteers needed for Franklin book sale

Livestrong at YMCA

Monday, October 3, 2011

"if we had plenty of resources and teachers had time"

The front page of the Boston Globe on Sunday caught my eye with the headline "State aims to test kindergartners"
Paul Reville, the state’s education secretary, emphasized that the kindergarten readiness assessments, which are in the conceptual phase, “shouldn’t be mistaken for an early MCAS’’ and will not be used to determine who should enter kindergarten. 
“It will be a more subtle and nuanced approach to assessing students,’’ Reville said. “The goal is to get a better sense of how students are doing, particularly in literacy.’’ 
The assessments ‘shouldn’t be mistaken for an early MCAS.’ 
The labor-intensive data collection, however, could be a tough sell to local districts and teachers, especially as budget cuts have pushed up class sizes, said Jason Sachs, director of early childhood education for Boston public schools. Boston, he said, already uses 14 assessments in kindergarten.
There are already plenty of assessments available or being conducted. Let's focus on providing some time and resources to actually using those assessments to improve the educational experience for the kindergartners.

The article fortunately admits:
For generations, state education officials have known that it is critical for children to start kindergarten ready to learn, and they have been keenly aware of a wide skills gap among students on the first day, even without a testing system in place. 
The gap exists for a variety of reasons, such as uneven quality of preschool programs, the frequency of parents reading to their children at home, or simply because children by nature can grow and develop at widely different rates in the early years.
So even with generations of knowledge and experience, the State is pursuing this to obtain some Federal funding.
“Each type produces helpful data for teachers and policymakers,’’ Scott-Little said. “In an ideal world, if we had plenty of resources and teachers had time, a combination would provide the best picture of where children are.’’ 
Monty Neill, executive director of the National Center for Fair & Open Testing - a Jamaica Plain organization critical of standardized testing - said he is encouraged that the state is pursuing observation-based assessments for kindergartners. But he said he is concerned the state, because of shortages of money and time, could ultimately create a system , that collects data based on one observation instead of several over a period of time. 
“The results could likely be more damaging than helpful,’’ Neill said. “The public ought to pay very careful attention to this.’’
Yes, I agree. We all should pay attention to what testing or assessments are being looked at and why? We should also be looking to ensure that this doesn't become an unfunded mandate, meaning that the State says we must do this but does not provide the funding for the "labor intensive" activity.

Franklin's voters have consistently voted down operational overrides to properly fund the schools. The high school project will be coming up early next year. Will the Town Council also give us an option for another override? Who knows. You should ask questions of the potential Town Council candidates and of the School Committee candidates. The opportunity is now through Nov 8th to decide who we want to lead our discussion.

You can (and should) read the full article in the Boston Globe here (subscription registration may be required)


Note: yes, my disclosure statement includes the fact that my wife happens to be a kindergarten teacher here in the Franklin Schools. Some would dismiss these comments offhand just because of that connection. So be it. I choose to do this information sharing because the education that is available to our 6,000 students today is NOT what available to my daughters. Both of them have successfully graduated from FHS (2004 and 2006). Both have successfully graduated from college and both are gainfully employed today.



Slideshow: Harvest Festival 2011

The rain did hold off on Sunday. The crowds did appear in downtown Franklin.

From what I could see, a good time was had by all!





Thanks to the Franklin Downtown Partnership and all its volunteers for making this so successful!

Note: Email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the slideshow photos.

In the News: Harvest Festival, gridiron grit, Donahue


Photos by the Milford Daily News:

Franklin's Harvest Festival




Franklin kid shows gridiron grit


Pumpkin Fest at British Beer Company, Franklin

What: Pumpkin Fest
Where: British Beer Company in Franklin
When: Saturday October 8th
Why: Pumpkin beer tap takeover
What else: Pumpkin cocktails, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin menu specials, pumpkin painting

*Not to be confused with Pumpkin Fest in Pembroke this Saturday October 1st

Pumpkin beer: it just might be the hottest trend in the beverage industry right now. 2011 saw the release of literally dozens of new pumpkin beers enter the market – people are actually hording this stuff! From Imperials to Ales and Porters, pumpkin is the darling of the brewing world this season. So…Pumpkin Fest!  The British Beer Company in Frankin will be hosting the first ever Pumpkin Fest, anchored by a tap takeover featuring seven different pumpkin beer styles. Each of the following brewers will be represented and have put a different twist on this new fall favorite: Harpoon, Dogfish Head, Southern Tier, Smuttynose, Shipyard, Brooklyn and Saranac. 

But there's more to Pumpkin Fest than beer, the BBC will also be offering some very unique pumpkin cocktails, one day only pumpkin menu specials (including pumpkin bisque in baby pumpkins w/ toasted pumpkin bread), hot crispy pumpkin seeds for all and pumpkin painting for the kiddies. If you've got the carving skills, bring in a jack-o-lantern from home and enter a contest with the chance to win a sweet prize.

All this pumpkin goodness will start to flow as soon as the doors open at noon on Saturday October 8th. The festivities will be taking place all day, but these beers are limited so come early to try them all. 12oz and 16oz pours will be available. For those who show up later the band Chyldz Play will be performing at 10pm – never a cover charge at the BBC. 

pumpkin…Pumpkin…PUMPKIN!

British Beer Company
280 Franklin Village Drive. Franklin, MA
http://www.britishbeer.com/local/franklin

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Key Video Segments


1 - Did you miss the key section of the School Committee meeting where they announced approval of the teacher contract? The video of the meeting is now available.

You can go directly to this section here:
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=ZUMBfcOh7y2cGOHLBPZnyw%3d%3d

The discussion on the contract begins about 3 minutes into this segment at the end of the action items. Members of the School Committee did acknowledge that some members of the community and Town Council may not like the terms of the deal.

2 - Did you miss the Town Council meeting where the School Committee got invited to come and explain the teacher contract agreement? The video of the meeting is now available.

You can go directly to this section here:
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=LOBhoeHsPKafPdcXT3yS9w%3d%3d


In the News - Trahan



Meet the Franklin Candidates: Roberta Trahan, School Committee






Saturday, October 1, 2011

Two Quick Updates

1 - You'll notice I have done some fall cleaning and put a new template here. I want to keep the layout clean, simple and keep the accessibility high. I don't want the template to get in the way of the information. The information should be easy to find and read.

 2 - In trying to keep my writing simple and accurate I did stumble yesterday. A couple of you noticed and sent me an email mostly asking if that was what I meant to say. No, upon re-reading it, it wasn't.  As I wrote in the update yesterday
in trying to nail the item that the Council does not get compensated, I guess I left open a door for other compensation. Clearly, that was not my intent. I guess the hammer hit my thumb. Ouch!
The only two elected officials who get paid by Franklin are the Town Clerk and the Treasurer. All the others are volunteers like myself who do it because Franklin matters! I have always appreciated the volunteer effort and to indicate otherwise was not my intent.


Passport: your ticket to discovering the Harvest Festival



The Harvest Festival Passport is your ticket to discovering all the event has to offer. Looking for entertainment? Food? Crafters? The Passport and the Map will help you navigate downtown Franklin and get the most out of the festival.

The Passport lists the entertainment acts, show times and locations. Used hand in hand with the map, it’s also your chance to win prizes.

Pick up your Passport at the Franklin Downtown Partnership booth, major sponsors’ booths or at the Historical Museum. Then locate the “Destination” booths listed and get your Passport validated. Once you have all your stamps, drop the Passport off at the Downtown Partnership booth to be entered into a drawing. Winners will be announced on the FDP website, franklindowntownpartnership.org, on Tuesday, October 4.

There are many prizes to win, including a Coffee, Tea and Chocolate gift basket donated by the Franklin News and valued at $300, a gift basket donated by Happy Tails Doggy Daycare, a $100 gift certificate to the YMCA, items donated by Music Odyssey Productions, and many more, adding up to a total prize value of over $1,000.

Just follow these three simple steps to win:

  1. Pick up your Passport at the FDP booth, sponsor booths or Historical Museum
  2. Validate your Passport at Destination booths
  3. Drop off your completed Passport at the FDP booth


In the News - Cafasso, Dean College



Meet the Franklin Candidates: Edward Cafasso, School Committee





Franklin's Dean College dedicates new additions to campus center




YMCA Walk to school, Weds Oct 5



Hockomock Area YMCA and local schools celebrate
International Walk to School Day on October 5

   
(Franklin, MA)  Hockomock Area YMCA staff and school leaders and volunteers will join local elementary school children in celebrating the annual International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 5. Participating schools include Oak Street Elementary, Helen Keller Elementary, Davis Thayer Elementary, and Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public Schools all in Franklin as well as Stall Brook Elementary School in Bellingham.

Franklin's Bernon Family Branch of The Hockomock Area YMCA will join the students as well as parents, teachers, and community leaders on the walk from the designed meeting spaces to their schools, ensuring that they have a safe path to school. As part of a strong commitment to the YMCA's Healthy Future's initiative which was developed as a collective community response to the childhood obesity epidemic, YMCA staff will encourage kids to learn about fitness by walking to school with friends.

Walk to School events work to create safer routes for walking and bicycling and emphasize the importance of issues such as increasing physical activity among children, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, concern for the environment, and building connections between families, schools, and the broader community.

In the U.S., International Walk to School Day is expected to be celebrated at over 3,500 events at participating schools. Walkers from the U.S. will join children and adults in 40 countries around the world.

For additional information, please contact the Y's Community and Youth Wellness Director Lauren Marciszyn at 774.235.2737 or laurenm@hockymca.org.

For additional information, please visit these Web sites:
International Walk to School in the USA                      www.walktoschool.org                       
National Center for Safe Routes to School                   www.saferoutesinfo.org
International Walk to School                                        www.iwalktoschool.org

Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit increases to $980 for 2011

 
 

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

 
 

via Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue by Robert Bliss on 9/30/11

Bliss for Blog IMG_9679_resized

Posted by:

Robert Bliss, Director of Communication, Department of Revenue

The Department of Revenue published yesterday the Technical Information Release that presents the new income, valuation and credit amounts for the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit for tax year 2011.

The $980 maximum value of this credit for tax year 2011 is $10 more than the previous year.

There is no other refundable state tax credit that puts more money into the wallets of taxpayers 65 and older than the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit. In tax year 2009, the most recent tax year for which complete information is available, 80,566 taxpayers received $61.1million in cash or credits used to lower income tax payments, an average of $759 per taxpayer. 

The circuit breaker tax credit is based upon the actual real estate taxes -- or rent -- paid by a taxpayer who is eligible to claim the credit.

It is equal to the amount by which the taxpayer's property tax payments in the current tax year, including water and sewer charges but excluding any abatement or exemption granted, exceeds 10 percent of the taxpayer's total income, provided that the credit does not exceed the maximum credit amount for tax year 2011 of $980.

A taxpayer's total income may not exceed $52,000 for a single individual who is not head of a household, $65,000 for a head of household, and $78,000 for a married couple filing jointly.

The maximum assessed valuation of a residence may not exceed $729,000, which is down from last year's maximum valuation of $764,000, reflecting a decline in the valuation of homes.

The credit also works for renters. It is equal to the amount by which 25 percent of the rent actually paid during the taxable year exceeds 10 percent of the taxpayer's total income, with the credit capped at $980.

How does this credit work in practice? Take the example of a married couple with an annual income of $60,000 and $8,000 in property tax and water and sewer bills for their home. Ten percent of their income is $6,000 and their combined property tax and water and sewer bills total $8,000, which is $2,000 more than 10 percent of their income, so they qualify for the maximum credit of $980.

For a married couple filing jointly that rents, take the example of a married couple with a $28,000 income who pay $12,000 annually in rent. Ten percent of their income is 2,800, which is $200 less than 25 percent of their rent, so they qualify for a credit of $200.

If you are eligible, you can go back three years and claim the credit retroactively. If you owe tax, the credit is deducted from the amount owed. And if you don't owe tax, the state cuts you a check. It's worth taking a few minutes to do the math on this.

Historic information on the number and amount of credits issued to taxpayers in each of the Commonwealth's 351 cities and towns over the years is published on DOR's web page. Click on the link that says Senior Circuit Breaker Usage Report.

 

 


 
 

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