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.
