MassBudget: Implications of Privatization and the Pacheco Law

Building an Economy that Works for Everyone:  Implications of Privatization and the Pacheco Law  For too many families, economic conditions have not been improving in recent years. While wages grew in lock step with productivity growth in the thirty years after World War II, we have seen a troubling change since the 1970s: economic growth is no longer leading to wage growth for most workers. That's a problem for all of us because it is hard to sustain a strong economy, or a strong community, on low wage jobs. State governments can push back against this trend by setting wage standards, like a decent minimum wage, and also by being good employers and requiring the same of those they do business with. In our newest fact sheet, Building an Economy that Works for Everyone: Implications of Privatization and the Pacheco Law, we examine the core elements of that law - the requirement that privatization efforts lead to savings based on improved efficiency and that they do not drive down the wages of working people - and describe the processes and steps the law requires. To read the fact sheet, please click HERE.  The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Dean College - Children's Center- Open House Tours - May 19

There are Open House Tours scheduled for the Dean College Children's Center on Tuesday, May 19th from 10:00 to noon.

photo of mailer from Dean's Children's Center

From the website we find the Children's Center Mission:

• To provide children 2 years 9 months old to 6 years old an initial school experience that reflects current research in child development and early childhood education.
• To provide a practicum site for Dean students preparing for careers in child care, education and other fields.
• To provide demonstration teaching, resources and support for families and area child care providers.

For more info on the Children's Center at Dean  http://www.dean.edu/pre_school.aspx

"We will continue to watch enrollment"

The School Committee tonight will vote to pass the district’s $56.95 million budget, which includes a balance of job cuts and new hires. 

Next fiscal year’s budget, up 2.43 percent over this year, accounts for larger high school and middle school class sizes and declining elementary school enrollment. 

The district is expected to hire five teachers — four at two of its middle schools and one at the high school — to improve class sizes. On the other hand, it will cut five teacher positions from its elementary schools in response to a decrease in enrollment.

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150512/NEWS/150519355/1994/NEWS

The agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-may.html


Note: there is one inaccurate statement in the MDN article. The meeting is scheduled for the 3rd floor training room. There are no training rooms on the 2rd Floor of the Municipal Building.

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 12, 2015

Note: the meeting is scheduled to start at 6:00 pm and be held in the 3rd Floor Training Room on Tuesday, May 12

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which

may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed

and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent

permitted by law."

Franklin Public Schools
- the key to learning

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the April 28, 2015 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman


Discussion: FY16 Budget Adoption


Action Items:
a. I recommend adoption of the FY16 Budget in the amount of $56,950,000.00 as discussed.
b. I recommend approval of budget transfers as detailed.
c. I recommend adoption of a new position for FHS Theater Technician.

Adjourn open session for Training Session.


The agenda for this meeting can be found on School Committee webpage here
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Agendas/V20142015/SCAgenda%205-12-15.pdf

Franklin Cultural Festival - Kick-off Evening - May 16

Franklin Cultural District Festival Kick-off Evening Come join us on May 16th as we kick-off the first annual Franklin Cultural  Festival.  Relax with friends of the arts, enjoy desserts, and listen to music from FPAC's Acme Jazz Trio.  The night will highlight some snippets of several of the performances and demonstrations that will be featured during the festival in July. Your $18 ticket will help offset the costs associated with the Cultural Festival and will give you a great evening.  Your support of this effort is appreciated. We hope to see you on May 16th. Where:  The BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, Franklin, MA When: Saturday, May 16, 2015, 8:00 PM Cost: $18 per ticket.  To purchase a ticket, select the link below. Cultural Festival Kick-off Tickets

Forward this email FPS- Life Long Learning | 355 East Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

Share with others: Know someone else who would like to attend the May 16th kick-off event or know more about the Cultural Festival? Forward this to someone else.


To find out more about the Franklin Cultural Festival, visit the event webpage and subscribe to receive updates via email
http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/

Should there be High Stakes Testing for Kindergarteners???

Reminder: there is a forum for parents with current kindergarteners or those with children coming into kindergarten in September. 

This meeting will happen at the Alumni Restaurant (Function Room) 391 East Central Street Franklin MA from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Childcare will be provided. 

You can sign up for childcare with the information here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/should-there-be-high-stakes-testing-for.html


Related to this meeting, John Oliver does his thing on standardized testing! 

Rain Garden Training and Demonstration - June 13

Franklin Residential Rain Garden Project

Learn to design, build and maintain a home rain garden to treat polluted rainwater from your driveway and roof while adding beauty and visual interest to your property.

Rain Garden Training and Demonstration - Jun 13

When:

Saturday, June 13, 201510:30 am - 2:30 pmLunch Provided

Where:

Remington/Jefferson School628 Washington Street, Franklin

Register at www.soakitupfranklinma.org



Questions? 
Contact Alexandra Ash aash@crwa.org or 781-788-0007 x 200


This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/020C5211-000F8513