Franklin a website superstar

Franklin is one of only 24 communities in the state whose website has been designated a “superstar” by the Massachusetts Campaign for Open Government. The organization recognized municipal websites that make it easy for citizens to obtain access to key government records online. As noted by MCOG, this simple and inexpensive action opens local government to more people and greatly improves their ability to be responsible, informed citizens. With the growth of the internet, everyone should be able to obtain important information about their local government with the click of a mouse.

The communities selected and criteria can be viewed by clicking here. Franklin was designated a superstar because its site includes:

• an archive of governing board minutes and agendas
• zoning bylaws
• town or city charter
• community calendar
• school committee agenda and minutes, and
• agendas and minutes of one other town committee

The Massachusetts Campaign for Open Government’s goal is to make access to information about local and state government actions and decisions as easy as possible for every citizen, by raising public awareness about the Massachusetts Open Meeting law and the Massachusetts Public Records Law, by supporting changes to those laws to increase access, and by encouraging greater use of the internet by local and state governments as a mechanism for providing access.

Massachusetts Campaign For Open Government is a project of Common Cause Massachusetts, a citizens lobby for open and accountable government.

Nation at Risk: 25 years since the report

Twenty-five years ago this week, Americans awoke to a forceful little report that changed public education. It is fruitful to revisit this report, as we consider the choices that face the citizens of Franklin with an override vote.

On April 26, 1983, in a White House ceremony, Ronald Reagan took possession of “A Nation at Risk.” The product of nearly two years’ work by a blue-ribbon commission, it found poor academic performance at nearly every level. It warned that “the educational foundations of our society are presently being eroded by a rising tide of mediocrity that threatens our very future as a Nation and a people.” The complete report can be viewed by clicking here.

In its most alarming text, the report noted the following:

If an unfriendly foreign power had attempted to impose on America the mediocre educational performance that exists today, we might well have viewed it as an act of war. As it stands, we have allowed this to happen to ourselves. We have even squandered the gains in student achievement made in the wake of the Sputnik challenge. Moreover, we have dismantled essential support systems which helped make those gains possible. We have, in effect, been committing an act of unthinking, unilateral educational disarmament.

The report kick-started decades of tough talk about public schools and reforms. In Massachusetts, it led to the McDuffy and Hancock decisions from the Supreme Judicial Court, education reform, and the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS). At the conclusion of its McDuffy decision, the court set out broad guidelines regarding the nature of the duty to educate. The court stated that:

[a]n educated child must possess ‘at least the seven following capabilities: (i) sufficient oral and written communication skills to enable students to function in a complex and rapidly changing civilization; (ii) sufficient knowledge of economic, social, and political systems to enable students to make informed choices; (iii) sufficient understanding of governmental processes to enable the student to understand the issues that affect his or her community, state, and nation; (iv) sufficient self-knowledge and knowledge of his or her mental and physical wellness; (v) sufficient grounding in the arts to enable each student to appreciate his or her cultural and historical heritage; (vi) sufficient training or preparation for advanced training in either academic or vocational fields so as to enable each child to choose and pursue life work intelligently; and (vii) sufficient level of academic or vocational skills to enable public school students to compete favorably with their counterparts in surrounding states, in academics or in the job market.’

McDuffy v. Sec’y of the Executive Office of Educ., 415 Mass. at 618-19, 615 N.E.2d at 554 (quoting Rose v. Council for Better Educ., Inc., 790 S.W.2d 186, 212 (Ky. 1989)).

On the federal level, it culminated in 2002’s No Child Left Behind, the Bush administration law that pushes schools to improve students’ basic skills or face ever-tougher sanctions.

The Nation at Risk report made five key recommendations: 1) High school graduates should master four years of English, three of math, science and social studies and one-half year of computer science; 2) Schools should adopt “more rigorous and measurable standards” and expectations; 3) Schools should “strongly consider” seven-hour days and a 200- to 220-day year; 4) Better teacher training; salaries should be “professionally competitive.”; and 5) Citizens “should hold educators and elected officials responsible” for leadership and fiscal support to drive reform.

In 25 years, the Franklin School system has made tremendous progress on all recommendations except for the school calendar. The result has been stellar academic performance, to the point where our students have gained acceptances at the top universities and colleges in the nation. Making these changes has required an infusion of money. The state has contributed as a funding source, and presently pays more than 50 percent of the Franklin school budget. But state resources are beginning to dry up, and we must turn to the local community for funding to continue our progress.

Without additional revenue from an override, the School Committee must make budget reductions mostly in personnel, because it has exhausted all other areas for significant cuts. What this means is the loss of approximately 43.5 teaching positions – 16 at Franklin high, 12.5 at the middle school level, and 15 at the elementary level. This will erode the Franklin School system and undo the significant progress that has been made in the last 25 years. The discussion on the override question should center on whether our community finds these cuts acceptable, or whether they are willing to pay more for the critical services they expect and deserve.

The authors of the Nation at Risk report understood that a high level of shared education is essential to a free, democratic society and to the fostering of a common culture, especially in a country that prides itself on pluralism and individual freedom. They went on to say that for our country to function, citizens must be able to reach some common understandings on complex issues, often on short notice and on the basis of conflicting or incomplete evidence. Education helps form these common understandings, a point Thomas Jefferson made long ago in his justly famous dictum:

I know no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them but to inform their discretion.

As you consider what to do over the next few weeks relative to the override question, please keep in mind the warnings we received 25 years ago. And keep in mind that we have seen dramatic changes in the world in those 25 years. This heightens our duty and responsibility to make certain that our children receive a rich education that will enable them to compete on the world stage.

Proposed bill will help seniors with tax overrides

On Thursday, February 28, 2008, House lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a bill (111 YEAS to 34 NAYS) which would permit a municipality in Massachusetts to create an exemption for low and moderate income seniors when it places a Prop 2 ½ override on the ballot. The bill would give our local Town Council the option of giving lower-income seniors a tax break if voters adopt an override. The tax exemption would apply to homeowners 65 or older with a family income of $60,000 or less, provided that their real estate taxes exceed 10 percent of their total income. To read the full text of the bill, now known as House Bill No. 4534, click here.

The bill is now pending with the State Senate. It was referred to the committee on Senate Ethics and Rules. Franklin has two senators who can be contacted on this matter: Karen Spilka and Scott Brown. Senator Spilka happens to be a member of the Senate Ethics and Rules Committee. In order to ensure passage before the start of the next fiscal year, contact your State Senators, and urge them to support this measure.

Geoff Beckwith, executive director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, said the group backs the measure. According to an MMA press release, the law, if enacted, it would be the seventh law passed since 2004 to ease property tax burden for the elderly, veterans and other eligible local taxpayers. The MMA also noted that the increasing dependence on the property tax to pay for municipal and school services has been a growing concern for state and local officials statewide over the past several years. The new abatement legislation would provide another option to target tax relief to needy taxpayers.

WBUR did an interesting story on the proposed bill which can be viewed by clicking here. The story covers the plight of seniors faced with the impact of an override, and the benefits of this legislation.

For those on fixed incomes in Franklin, who no longer have children in the school system, we believe that this legislation offering property tax relief to seniors is vital to easing the burden of a tax increase resulting from an override.

Override statement to Town Council

Below is the text of the statement delivered at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, in support of an override question:

The School Committee unanimously supports an override for the FY09 budget. As we see it, an override is the only way to maintain our school system as a high-performing district.

Our community rightfully has high expectations for performance in our schools. We are committed to meeting these expectations, and in that regard, we have presented a level service budget to meet the educational needs of our students.

The members of the school committee are homeowners, taxpayers and parents, just like you. We understand that these are difficult economic times.

But we also know, as you do, that the success of our children in the economy of the future depends hugely on the education that the Franklin schools deliver to them today, and each and every day. It is our responsibility as a community to deliver the best possible education to the 6,200 children in our schools.

For those on fixed incomes in Franklin, who no longer have children in the school system, we believe that state legislation offering property tax relief to seniors is vital to easing the burden of a tax increase resulting from an override.

We believe the Franklin community should have the opportunity to express its opinion about whether they want to see the proposed school cuts, or an override. An override will allow them to express their views about their willingness to maintain and invest in the educational quality that has long been a hallmark of Franklin’s schools.

For seven years, the school committee has steadily reduced spending on services and imposed and increased fees for busing, athletics, and student activities, to name a few. The savings generated from these decisions have been poured directly into the classroom, to recruit and retain top quality teachers, support a strong curriculum and to maintain appropriate class sizes.

The result has been stellar academic performance, to the point where our students have gained acceptances at the top universities and colleges in the nation. Compared to dozens and dozens of other districts, Franklin academically outperforms those who spend much more per pupil. We have cut around the edges to protect our core.

This year, however, there are no edges left. Without substantial additional revenue, we must and we will make budget reductions mostly in personnel, because we have exhausted all other areas for significant cuts. What this means is the loss of approximately 43.5 teaching positions – 16 at Franklin high, 12.5 at the middle school level, and 15 at the elementary level.

We have done a lot of creative things to generate revenue, but there’s only so far we can go with the proposed budget increase of $800,000 to the school department. The discussion on the override question should center on whether our community finds these cuts acceptable, or whether they are willing to pay more for the critical services they expect and deserve.

During last year’s budget discussion, we observed that Franklin was below the state average in 9 of 11 categories of education spending — including administration. The only areas where we outspent other Massachusetts communities were in classroom teachers and instructional materials. The latest data, however, shows that this year Franklin has slipped further. We now spend below the average on instructional materials.

Franklin spends $2,200 less than the state average per pupil. We are now below the state average in 10 of 11 categories. With the loss of 45 teachers, Franklin is sure to dip below on all 11 categories next year.

The School Committee does not believe Franklin is a below average community. Therefore, the budget we have proposed is designed to maintain educational quality and class size.

We believe it is worthy of your support. And we thank you for your support in prior years. Thank you.

Compelling budget letter from Franklin teacher

The School Committee received a compelling letter today on the current state of the budget. With the author’s permission, I am posting it below:

Dear Franklin Citizen,

Last year, the citizens of Franklin voted for a tax override to provide additional funding for the public schools. It was a historic victory for townsfolk that believe Franklin should provide an exceptional public education and vital community services. I was never more proud to call this town my home.

The public schools are once again under attack; but unlike last year, an override does not appear to be option. Apparently, town leaders do not rate education as a top priority in the community structure. It is obvious that citizens who value a first quality public education need to be more vocal and proactive. You should demand that education be a top priority of this town. No other town system affects more people, influences the perception of this town as a desirable place to live, and favorably or adversely affects the future of thousands of children and teens.

A recent article in the Franklin Gazette noted that many parents are “curious” about the significance of more school cuts. Unfortunately, curiosity does not make change. The voice which chooses not to put education first and which thinks class size does not matter should not be the loudest voice. If you think education is the most important variable that will influence our future society, it is time to demand the same thinking of town leaders.

From time to time, teachers are on the receiving end of ridicule. Summers off! Out by 3:00! Glorified babysitting! In spite of these comments, we persist. For many of us, teaching is not just a job. Working nights, weekends, and during vacations is not uncommon. We do this for the sake of satisfying professional responsibilities, improving our craft and enriching our students. Meanwhile, the emotional demands of dealing with educational politics, diverse learning styles, wide ranging aptitudes, and a myriad of personalities take a toll. It is not surprising that national statistics suggest nearly 45% give up in the first five years despite the benefits. I am one of many teachers proud to go above and beyond. I am rewarded by the notion that my participation makes a difference. I love to teach, but it is increasingly difficult to be enthusiastic about teaching in a town that does not make education a top priority. I am sure that I am not alone. Other veteran teachers, like myself, are feeling frustrated and disillusioned. When will our town leaders understand the cumulative effects of their educational shortchanging?

Sadly, the real victims are the children. They get one crack at each grade level. For starters, larger classes change the dynamics of classroom management and curriculum delivery. One-on-one attention and small group instruction become unrealistic goals. Special projects and activities are likely impractical to implement. It would not be surprising to see student achievement drop. Consider the following: These children, our children, will be faced with odds that no generation before them has faced. The United States is no longer the sole economic power, and the world has changed more in the past decade than in any other period in history. Too much is at stake. Our children need more than a good education. They need at least a great education. The leaders of this town have their priorities in the wrong place. They should be leading the call to give Franklin’s children an unparalleled education.

Last summer, Franklin was identified as a top ten town to raise a family according to Family Circle Magazine. It was a proud moment for everyone associated with the community. Less than one year later, Franklin’s Town Council and Administrator are preparing to take steps to erode that reputation. If you are curious, concerned or angry about the underfunding of our schools, make your feelings known. Organize yourself with others and stand up for the children of Franklin. The next Town Council meeting is April 16th.

Mark Goguen
4th Grade Teacher
Jefferson School

Deep cuts loom across state

The budget woes facing Franklin are similar to those being faced throughout Massachusetts. As reported in today’s Boston Globe:

Across Massachusetts, cities and towns face the prospect of deep cuts in what appears to be the grimmest fiscal year since 2003. Local revenue and state aid can’t keep up with such rapidly rising expenses as employee health insurance, heating oil, and even street paving. School costs, like special education requirements, are sapping local budgets. And now beleaguered residents are seeing home values dip even as taxes continue to rise.

To view the full story, click here.

The Franklin School Committee started its budget deliberations for the 2008-2009 school year in February 2008. At that time we noted that in order for the Franklin schools to offer the same services as we are providing to your children this year, the school budget must increase by approximately $4.1 million. The Town Administrator is currently proposing to increase school revenues by $800,000. If this proposed increase is approved by the Town Council, the Franklin schools would need to reduce their budget by approximately $3.3 million.

For the past several years in Franklin, the school budget has been pared down significantly, and we have seen a reduction of services combined with implementation of and increases to fees for busing, athletics, and student activities, to name a few. This year, we must make the budget reductions mostly in personnel, because we have exhausted all other areas for cuts. What this means is the loss of approximately 45 teaching positions – 16 at Franklin High, 12.5 at the middle school level, and 15 at the elementary level.

More details on the FY09 budget can be found by clicking here. Moreover, you can view the complete FY09 budget presentation, including videos from the February 26, 2008 meeting, by clicking here.

As the Globe article noted:

The last statewide budget crisis occurred five years ago, when Mitt Romney slashed local aid to address a deficit in one of his first official acts as governor. At that point, communities had had a decade to recover from the previous recession and reap the benefits of a booming late-1990s economy. But now the communities’ budgets haven’t caught up to where they were before the last crisis. State aid had increased somewhat in the last few years, but the 351 cities and towns combined this year still receive $566 million less from the state than they did in fiscal 2002, adjusting for inflation, said Geoffrey Beckwith, executive director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association.

What this means for Franklin is that we will continue to erode education spending. Last year, when speaking about the budget, we noted that Franklin was below the state average in 9 of 11 categories of education spending. The only areas where we outspent other Massachusetts communities were in classroom teachers and instructional materials. The new data has emerged, and this year Franklin has slipped further. With the continued education cuts, Franklin now spends over $2,000 less than the state average per pupil and is now below the state average in 10 of 11 categories. With the loss of 45 teachers, Franklin is sure to dip below on all 11 categories next year. The complete table of 11 categories is included below. You can view the data in more detail at the Massachusetts Department of Education website by clicking here. 

FY07 Preliminary Expenditures Per Pupil by Function, All Funds – Summary

 

			general fund approp- riations		grants, revolving &other funds		total expendi- tures all funds	function as pct of total	expendi- ture per pupil	state average per pupil
In-District FTE Average Membership = 6,125.8
Out-of-District FTE Average Membership = 421.0
Total FTE Average Membership = 6,546.8
Administration			1,230,122		1,238		1,231,360	1.96	201.01	404.82
Instructional Leadership			2,733,466		209,918		2,943,384	4.69	480.49	771.27
Classroom and Specialist Teachers			27,946,282		957,863		28,904,145	46.01	4,718.43	4,514.80
Other Teaching Services			2,568,393		650,011		3,218,404	5.12	525.39	817.20
Professional Development			549,119		4,500		553,619	0.88	90.37	226.31
Instructional Materials, Equipment and Technology			1,028,546		133,479		1,162,025	1.85	189.69	357.33
Guidance, Counseling and Testing			1,302,622		0		1,302,622	2.07	212.65	327.78
Pupil Services			1,979,736		3,302,297		5,282,033	8.41	862.26	1,079.52
Operations and Maintenance			5,586,165		128,094		5,714,259	9.10	932.82	1,016.53
Insurance, Retirement Programs and Other			5,153,230		408,622		5,561,852	8.85	907.94	1,922.23
Payments To Out-Of-District Schools			6,290,828		650,135		6,940,963	11.05	16,486.85	19,419.49
TOTAL EXPENDITURES			56,368,509		6,446,157		62,814,666	100.00	9,594.71	11,864.91
percentage of overall spending from the general fund					89.7 %

 We want to ensure that all residents of Franklin are informed on the current status of the Fiscal Year 2009 budget and the potential impact of budget decisions on the services provided to the town’s public school students. Listed below are several links that will provide you with specific, online information regarding the budget. We hope you will use these sources to stay informed as budget discussions continue. As always, members of the School Committee are happy to answer any questions you may have.

School Committee Budget Blogs

Superintendent’s Budget Page

Budget PowerPoint for FY09

Complete FY09 budget

Budget Presentation Videos

School Committee Website

School Committee Documents Page