Saturday, March 3, 2018

MassBudget: Educated and Encumbered



MassBudget  Information.
  Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center  Democracy.

March 1, 2018



Educated and Encumbered: Support for higher ed down since FY 2001, tuition and debt up

While the economic strength of Massachusetts is built largely on having the best-educated workforce in the nation, funding for public higher education has declined substantially since 2001. This has led to large increases in tuition, fees, and student debt. Those financial obstacles can limit opportunity for high school graduates, potentially weakening our state economy. In the past dozen years debt for graduates of four-year public colleges and universities has grown more rapidly in Massachusetts than in 48 of the 50 states.

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center's report, Educated and Encumbered: Student Debt Rising with Higher Education Funding Falling in Massachusetts, finds that per-pupil funding for public higher education has declined by 32 percent since 2001 in Massachusetts, funding for scholarships has declined at a similar rate, and per-pupil debt has increased 122 percent since the 2003-2004 school year. The average debt among public university graduates now almost equals that of students graduating from the state's private colleges and universities.

The report finds that, by 2016, more graduates of public higher education had debt than graduates of private institutions - 73 percent compared with 54 percent.

MassBudget: Educated and Encumbered

Since Fiscal Year 2001, the state's public higher education funding has decreased by about $3,000 per student in today's dollars while tuition and fees rose by about $4,600 per student in that same time.

Read the full report 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

Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact

Friday, March 2, 2018

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI 3/2/18 - THU 3/8/18

FRIDAY 3/2/18
10am-12pm   Knitting Group @ Franklin Public Library
1:30pm   Mighty Girls Story Time @ Franklin Public Library
5:30pm   Heart with Hope Restorative Yoga (for parents and loved ones of those suffering from addiction) @ Sacred Tree Yoga, Norfolk
6-10pm   Party for a Cure - Kim Luccini Fundraiser for DF Marathon @ Elks Lodge
7pm   Yoga for Recovery @ Sacred Tree Yoga, Norfolk
7pm   ‘A Pirate’s Life for Me’ - BFCCPS Musical @ Horace Mann MS
8pm   The Black Box Local Artist Series: The Gershwin-Porter Songbook featuring Cindy Jones @ The Black Box

SATURDAY 3/3/18
9-10am   School Committee Coffee Session @ Franklin Public Library
10am-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
10:30am   Town of Franklin's 240th Birthday Celebration @ Franklin Historical Museum
12pm   FSPA Musical Theatre Showcase @ The Black Box
2pm   METG DramaFest Preliminaries, Franklin HS performing ‘Fahrenheit 451’ @ FHS
2pm   FSPA Musical Theatre Showcase @ The Black Box
2pm   ‘A Pirate’s Life for Me’ - BFCCPS Musical @ Horace Mann MS
8pm   Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Patty Larkin @ FUSF

SUNDAY 3/4/18
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Breakfast @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
3pm   Celebrating Ireland in Story and Song @ Franklin Public Library

MONDAY 3/5/18
10am   Storytime (all ages, free) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10:30am   Move Along @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Book Discussion Group @ Franklin Senior Center
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
3pm  Monday Crafternoons @ Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 3/6/18
10:30am   Get Ready For Kindergarten @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
6pm   Lenten Soup Supper and Book Study (weekly until March 21) @ St. John’s Episcopal Church
6:30pm   Canvas Paint Night @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
7pm   Franklin Garden Club Monthly Meeting - House Plant Success @ Franklin Senior Center
7pm   Friends Book Group @ Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 3/7/18
10am   Animal Tales (for ages 2.5-5) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10am   Roulette Fun @ Franklin Senior Center
10:30am   Terrific Toddlers @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
4pm   Construction Junction @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Franklin Art Association Meeting - demo by Kim Morin Weinick (meetings are free and open to public) @ Franklin Senior Center
6:30pm   Christian Zen Weekly Meditation @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union Street)
6:30pm   YA Dystopian Book Club @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Friends of Franklin Public Library Meeting @ Franklin Public Library

THURSDAY 3/8/18
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Story and Craft @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
12pm   Urban Sketching (no experience necessary) @ Franklin Public Library
1-6pm   American Red Cross Blood Drive @ Elks Lodge
1pm   Minds in Motion @ Franklin Senior Center
3:30pm   Discovery Workshop @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM

Celebrate 40 Years of Excellence with Tri-County - Apr 7


Tri-county Regional Vocational Technical High School

40th Anniversary Celebration and Benefit


SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018 - FROM 6 PM TO 9 PM

6 - 7 PM Vocational Shops Open
7 - 9 PM Hors D’Oeuvres and Cash Bar

Entertainment will be provided
Donation: $75.00 per person*

To purchase tickets go to: www.tri-county.us/40yearcelebration

Download a flyer
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczUzg5V0JGZFg1Y0d1VHB6NEFrUy1xanB1OGZ3/view?usp=sharing

 Celebrate 40 Years of Excellence with Tri-County
 Celebrate 40 Years of Excellence with Tri-County - Apr 7



FHS boys basketball advance in playoffs with a 79-49 win

Joe Clark, HockomockSports.com Student Reporter provides the game recap for the FHS boys basketball opening playoff win against Lincoln-Sudbury.

"In last year’s D1 Central Quarterfinals, Franklin survived a major scare from Acton-Boxboro en route to a 59-52 win. This year, Franklin made sure that scare never came, as the top-seeded Panthers played a near-perfect game from start to finish in a 79-49 win over #8 Lincoln-Sudbury. 
“This year, we talked about that [the Acton-Boxboro game] at practice and said how you can’t walk in and look at your number one seed and think that’s going to do the job and get you to win games, you have to go out and show why you earned that seed, be the team you have been all season that’s put you in the great position you’re in now, and I thought we did that tonight,” said Franklin coach CJ Neely about his team’s performance. 
Franklin started the game out on a 10-2 run that included five points from Matt Elias (seven points), but L-S went on a 5-0 run behind threes from Kahmari Williams (11 points) and Jack Sorbo to cut the Franklin lead to 10-8 midway through the first quarter. 
But Franklin dominated the rest of the half, using a 30-9 run, highlighted by 11 points and three steals from Paul Mahon (19 points, four steals) and seven points off the bench from Will Harvey. The run gave the Panthers a 40-17 halftime lead."
Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-cruises-past-l-s-in-postseason-opener/

Franklin senior Paul Mahon takes a three-point shot against Lincoln-Sudbury. (Peter Raider/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin senior Paul Mahon takes a three-point shot against Lincoln-Sudbury. (Peter Raider/HockomockSports.com)

Register now for Community Arts Advocacy Day 2018!




Register now for Community Arts Advocacy Day 2018

Register now for CAAD2018!

Action and IMPACT: Community Arts Advocacy Day 2018 is a multi-town event bringing together artists, art advocates, cultural organizations, and local businesses to participate in a day of grassroots activism and education.

Agenda: 
8:00 - 9:00          Registration, Breakfast and Networking
9:00 - 9:10           Welcome Address
9:10 - 9:25           Why Advocate?
9:25 - 9:40           MASSCreative: Advocating for Public Funding for the Arts, Arts Education and Public Art
9:40 - 10:00        Creative Break to Advocate…grassroots advocacy activities
10:10 - 11:10        Educational Workshop Session 1
11:20 - 12:20       Educational Workshop Session 2
12:30 - 1:15          Lunch and Meet Your Reps … talk about the arts with legislators while noshing
1:25 - 2:25           Panel Discussion: How to Drive Community Engagement
2:25 - 2:30          Wrap Up


Workshops:
  • How to Attract and Keep Volunteers
  • Marketing for Arts Organizations
  • How to Build Community Partnerships
  • Social Media Basics
  • Grant Budget Planning for Non-Profits
  • Creating a Successful Arts/Business Partnership Event
  • Developing a Social Media Strategy
  • Ask the Experts: Grants and Budgets
  • Leveraging PR and Email Marketing
  • The Ins and Outs of How to Advocate for the Arts, with MA Representative Jeff Roy
  • Panel discussion: How to Drive Community Engagement
     
Register Now

Copyright © 2018 Franklin Cultural Council, All rights reserved.
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Our mailing address is:
355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038
Questions? Contact FCC Chair Stacey David at franklinculturalcouncil02038 [at] gmail.com

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SOAR at BBC's St. Patty's Party - Mar 17

SOAR at BBC's St. Patty's Party

Hosted by SOAR and British Beer Company Franklin

Saturday, March 17 at 9 PM - 12 AM


SOAR at BBC's St. Patty's Party - Mar 17
SOAR at BBC's St. Patty's Party - Mar 17


What is SOAR?
We are a teen rock band focused on classic rock songs by artists ranging from Aerosmith to ZZ Top and everything in between.

Who are the SOAR band members?
Jaylyn: Vocals and Keys
Mitch: Bass
Theresa: Vocals and Guitar
Tyler: Guitar, Bass and Vocals
Will: Drums, Drums and more Drums

Find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Soaringband/

Follow the event at https://www.facebook.com/events/540822302948541/

“Our success has come about from our partnering within the region"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"For almost 15 years, Paul Matthews has been hearing from companies about the challenges of the 495/90 interchange. 
But last year the long-standing project to fix the interchange entered its design phase with $227 million set aside in the state’s capital plan. 
Matthews, executive director of the 495/MetroWest Partnership, said enhancing the project is key for the region’s economy. The interchange is vital for companies to transport products and raw materials and for their employees’ commutes, he said. 
“It is in its final design stage,” Matthews said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180301/495metrowest-report-highlights-success-in-regional-economy

For more about the 495/MetroWest Partnership, visit them on the web
http://www.495partnership.org/

The "Strength in Numbers" report for 2017 can be found here
http://www.495partnership.org/strength-in-numbers-2017

495/MetroWest Partnership
495/MetroWest Partnership

Mommy & Me Baby Yoga Class - Thursdays beginning March 8




Lifelong Community Learning
presents

Mommy and Me Baby Yoga
Mommy and Me Baby Yoga

$70

8 Thursdays, beginning March 8
11:00 to 12:00 pm


Tranquil Souls Yoga
15 East Central Street, Franklin
Use yoga to help strengthen your bond with baby as you enjoy their budding personality!
Babies will experience yoga poses, songs and rhymes specific to infant development while on their backs, tummies and being held. 

This class is for babies - newborn to pre-crawling with their caregiver. 

No prior yoga experience required. You are free to meet the needs of your baby throughout class.

Please bring a receiving blanket for baby and a yoga mat. 

FPS - Lifelong Community Learning, 218 Oak Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Sent by lcl@franklinps.net in collaboration with
Constant Contact

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Mustard’s Retreat plays Wrentham - Mar 23

Who: Mustard’s Retreat (David Tamulevich and Michael Hough)

When: 7:30 PM, Friday, March 23

Where: Original Congregational Church, 1 East St., Wrentham, MA 02093

Description:
Their special brand of folk music. Highly acclaimed as not only songwriters, but as interpreters of traditional and contemporary songs and stories, their show is full of enthusiasm, good humor and fine musicianship.

For more information and tickets, go to https://www.musicatocc.org.

Mustard’s Retreat plays Wrentham - Mar 23
Mustard’s Retreat plays Wrentham - Mar 23

For more about Mustard's Retreat  http://www.mustardsretreat.com/

Superintendent to School Committee - FY 2019 School Budget Memo and Presentation

"I am pleased to present the Superintendent’s Recommended FY 19 Budget on February 27, 2018 at the regular School Committee meeting. This presentation is the culmination of many steps in the development process, beginning with the School Committee’s Budget Workshop on October 10, 2017. I have been working closely with the central office administrators and building principals to consider budgetary needs as we plan for the 2018-2019 school year. I have also been in communication with the Town Administrator as part of the planning process.

The Budget Subcommittee has met several times, including in December with the Town’s Budget Subcommittee. The subcommittee members have been updated about progress along the way and have agreed to the proposed process for budget development. Since the last Budget Subcommittee meeting on February 13, 2018, the central office administrators, building principals, and I met to discuss the “Critical Needs” of the district, a selected few of which are included as additions to a Level Service budget. The recommended actions related to our “Critical Needs” are aligned with the current District Improvement Plan or are consistent with the process I have outlined for developing a new Strategy for Improvement for Franklin Public Schools in the coming months.

The Superintendent’s Recommended Budget proposes an appropriation of $64,390,935, which represents a 6.9% increase over the FY 18 appropriation. When revolving funds of $3,623,985 are considered compared to last years’ revolving fund amount of $6,329,935, the proposed increase in expenses is reduced to 2.18%. This proposal includes a $955,935 budget gap (at this time) yet to be closed. There are some outstanding variables that will impact the school budget, including the town’s actual allocation toward the school budget, the actual rate of increase of health insurance, whether or not there is additional Circuit Breaker revenue expected in a supplemental state budget, and the remaining expenses for FY 18.

From here, I recommend that the School Committee’s Budget Subcommittee begin to work on refining the budget in this iterative process, ultimately bringing forward a proposed budget for public hearing on March 27, 2018 with a proposed School Committee vote on the FY 19 budget on April 10, 2018.

I want to thank and commend Miriam Goodman, our School Business Administrator, for her keen insight, diligence, and attention to detail in preparing the FY 19 budget. In addition to the presentation, we are sharing supporting documentation with you."

Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools



This copy was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_Packets/t2-27-2018%20SC%20Packet/Supt%20Rec%20FY%2019%20Budget%20Memo%20for%20Packet%20(1).pdf

The budget presentation document can also be found on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_Packets/t2-27-2018%20SC%20Packet/FY%2019%20Superintendent's%20Recommended%20Budget%20(1).pdf

The "supporting documentation" has not yet been made available to the public (updated 3/2/18 - documents uploaded after this post was originally created)

http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_Packets/t2-27-2018%20SC%20Packet/




Superintendent to School Committee - FY 2019 School Budget Memo and Presentation
Superintendent to School Committee - FY 2019 School Budget Memo and Presentation

FHS girls basketball and boys hockey end playoff run

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the news of the FHS playoff games on Wednesday, February 28, 2018. 


Girls Basketball = D1 Central
#5 Franklin, 39 @ #4 Natick, 53 – Final


Boys Hockey = D1 South
#3 Franklin, 0 vs. #14 Barnstable, 1 – Final


For other playoff results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-28-18/


Via the Twitterverse

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers




















Franklin Garden Club: “House Plant Success” - Mar 6

“House Plant Success” will be the focus of the Tuesday, March 6 meeting of the Franklin Garden Club. The meeting will take place at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. The meeting is open to the public, including those interested in becoming a member of the Garden Club.
Franklin Garden Club: “House Plant Success” - Mar 6
Franklin Garden Club: “House Plant Success” - Mar 6

Dr. Paul Steen, a Master Gardener certified by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, will discuss common mistakes that cause failure in caring for house plants and how to avoid them. He will provide practical tips and easy solutions to avoid failures. Steen will also discuss 12 common house plants and how to make them bloom and thrive. The program will include an opportunity to ask question and for participants to bring in a few of their house plants for Steen to diagnose problems and make suggestions regarding care.

Steen is a retired physician who has been gardening for more than 50 years. He owns a home greenhouse and manages a one-acre shade garden. He has served as an instructor at Tower Hills Botanic Garden where he taught courses in tropical plants, shade gardening, and home greenhouse management. An Overseer for the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, Steen is Past President of the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association.

The Franklin Garden Club, founded in 1987, is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.  Visit them on the web at http://gcfm.org/franklingc/Home.aspx



FPAC - Culinary Cabaret - April 6

"Join us at THE BLACK BOX when the culinary and performing arts unite for an inspired evening of fabulous food, wine and entertainment, showcasing fine wines, craft beer, flavorful dishes and delectable desserts!

Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits presents representatives from vineyards and distributors, who will pour wine tastings to compliment the chef-prepared specialties. Reflecting Pour Richard's "Never Drink Ordinary" motto, beverages will feature small producers, high quality and eclectic selection.

Featuring entertainment by Electric Youth and special guest artists of the Franklin Performing Arts Company. Culinary Cabaret supports Electric Youth's 2018 European tour including Fourth of July at Aviano Air Force Base!"

When:
April 6th, 2018
7:00 - 10:00 PM

Where:
THE BLACK BOX
15 West Central Street, Franklin, MA


Tickets can be purchased online
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1080


FPAC - Culinary Cabaret - April 6
FPAC - Culinary Cabaret - April 6

Bellingham-Franklin Annual Rabies Clinic - Apr 21

The Bellingham-Franklin Annual Rabies Clinic has been scheduled.

When: April 21 st 2018
Where: Bellingham D.P.W. Blackstone St.· Fee: $20.00 (Cash Only)
Time: 9 AM till noon Rain or Shine

Dogs MUST be on a leash, cats MUST be in a carrier

For Info : Call 508-966-5823 or 508-520-4922

Written proof of previous rabies vaccine within the last 9 - 12 months is needed for a three year vaccine.

Bellingham-Franklin Annual Rabies Clinic - Apr 21
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/bellingham-franklin-annual-rabies-clinic-april-21st


You can download a copy of this notice from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/annual_rabies_clinic_1.pdf

School Committee Summary - Feb 27, 2018

The collections of posts from the School Committee meeting on Feb 27. 2018

Live reporting: opening and school budget overview
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/02/live-reporting-school-committee-feb-27.html

Live reporting: Action items
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/02/live-reporting-discussion-action-items.html

Live reporting: to Closing
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/02/live-reporting-from-information-matters.html

Supporting documentation for the FY 2019 school budget
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/03/supporting-documentation-for-fy-2019.html

The Superintendent to School Committee budget memo
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/03/superintendent-to-school-committee-fy.html

Superintendent to School Committee - FY 2019 School Budget Memo and Presentation
Superintendent to School Committee - FY 2019 School Budget Memo and Presentation