New MassBudget Report on State Education Funding

Cutting Class November 27, 2011  In a new report titled "Cutting Class: Underfunding the Foundation Budget's Core Education Program," The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center finds that districts across the state are hiring fewer teachers, providing less professional development, and spending less on materials & technology than the state funding formula considers appropriate for a quality education. Why is this happening? Because the foundation budget--the model school budget on which state aid is based--has not been updated to reflect the current costs of education. Currently, it underestimates health insurance costs by more than $1 billion dollars, and special education costs by another billion. On several occasions, the state has also failed to make inflation adjustments indicated by the law. In the highest-wealth districts, such shortfalls are often made up with additional local revenues. But in many communities, raising local revenue is extremely difficult. On average, the lowest-wealth districts spend 32 percent less on teachers than is specified in the foundation budget formula. To accompany "Cutting Class," MassBudget has an online interactive tool that allows you to look more closely at individual districts and the impact of wealth on education spending.  Click here to see a copy of the report. Or here to use the online tool.  MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies--with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people. "Cutting Class" was supported by the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials.

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Eat at Pizzeria Uno on Tuesday December 6th and Support Franklin Music Boosters, Inc.!

On Tuesday, December 6th, UNO Chicago Grill in Bellingham (205 Hartford Ave.) will donate up to 20% of your check to benefit the Franklin Music Boosters. Dine-in or Takeout! A coupon is required for the Music Boosters to receive this benefit. Please visit their website at www.FranklinMusic.org to print one out.

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.

Santa arrives on the Franklin Town Common

Yes, Sunday afternoon promptly at 4:00 PM



A good time was had by all!

Santa on the Town Common: 4:00 PM

Santa is scheduled to arrive at the Town Common this afternoon at 4:00 PM.



Photo from 2010. Additional photos can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/11/santa-arrives-on-franklin-town-common_29.html

The video of Santa's arrival in 2010 can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/11/santa-arrives-on-franklin-town-common.html

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - 11/30/11

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
- This meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast, and Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS - Annual Tax Classification Hearing – 7:10 PM

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 11-65:Classification Tax Allocation– Residential Factor
2. Resolution 11-66:Classification Tax Allocation – Open Space Exemption
3. Resolution 11-67:Classification Tax Allocation – Small Businesses Exemption
4. Resolution 11-68: Classification Tax Allocation – Residential Property Exemption

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN


The full set of documents published for this meeting can be viewed/downloaded here (PDF)

Ai3 Architects

Ai3 Architects has been selected for the design of the new Franklin High School because of their work on the 'model school' program that the MSBA invited Franklin to join.

What does Ai3 do?
Visit their website to find more information on the firm's profile
http://ai3architects.com/firm-profile/fp_about_us


They have a set of case studies on projects they did, including Whitman-Hanson High School
http://ai3architects.com/case-studies/cs_whitman_hanson_high_school


The Ai3 site also showcases their portfolio of 8 high schools, 8 middle schools and 7 elementary schools.
http://ai3architects.com/portfolio

Celebrate the Holidays with Dinner & A Show

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	Celebrate the Holidays with  Dinner & a Show!
	Presented by 3 and Franklin Performing Arts Company
Your ticket includes a full buffet dinner served in the Amber Room at 3 prior to the show and preferred seating for your choice of one of FPAC's two holiday shows, The Nutcracker or Humbug!    A$75 value for only $50 (adults) $40 (children under ten)!    How to Purchase Purchase Dinner & A Show tickets at the FPAC Box Office, 34 Main Street, Franklin or call 508-528-2887. Your show tickets will be held at Will Call the night of the performance at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium.  Or, you can  pick up your tickets at the FPAC Box Office.	Saturday, December 10th The magical journey of Tchaikovsky's world famous ballet featuring a live orchestra, guest artists from The Boston Ballet, and local performers. Saturday, December 17th FPAC's own adaptation of the classic, A Christmas Carol.  Accompanied by a ten piece band, the cast of characters retell their story with musical hits of every genre! . The Best Ticket in Town! Buffet dinner includes salad, entree (chicken, pasta and beef or seafood), potato, vegetable and dessert, coffee and tea. For best seats, call early!

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