The amount of STATE FUNDING a town receives is primarily based on two factors;
Franklin's land value and Franklin's median income.
Based on land value and median income, Massachusetts ranks Franklin's wealth in the TOP 20% of Massachusetts towns.
The state views Franklin as a town that has means to contribute more LOCAL FUNDING to support our public schools.
What's even more concerning is that Franklin RELIES on what's called "Hold Harmless" additional funding from the state to compensate for our enrollment decline (see hold harmless info to the right). This is merely a band aid, and though we have strong representation in the state house "Hold Harmless" funding is not guaranteed. Ultimately, Franklin is seen as a town that should be contributing more toward it's public schools from local tax revenue.
This is especially critical as we find our elementary class numbers rising and classes with 26+ children. The state is not going to be the way out of this financial crisis. Schools may have to make bold moves by consolidating or closing schools, and though this could promote efficiencies, it will only make a small dent in the operating budget and most likely requires investments into other buildings. The closing of Davis Thayer had very little impact as this budget deficit continued to grow.
Hold Harmless funds refer to money above and beyond what we are guaranteed under Chapter 70 State Funding Laws.
We are very fortunate in Franklin that our representatives fight for every last penny possible. Franklin receives about $11 million in "hold harmless" money ON TOP of Chapter 70 State Funding.
This added funding for public schools is included in the above list of towns, yet we still remain at the bottom.
This funding is not guaranteed, and we rely on it to comply with mandates. This is risky, and is terrible for our students.
By John Monahan, Boston 25 News
June 09, 2020 at 10:09 pm EDT
FRANKLIN, Mass. — Teachers marched more than a hundred strong to Route 140 in Franklin to show support for union members laid off in the town.
“We are out here to represent the 103 teachers who were cut last week," said Donna Grady, President of the Franklin Education Association.
The cuts are necessary due to budget shortfalls according to the town. And, the cuts that will impact all eleven schools in Franklin.
“We have a preschool, 6 elementary schools, three middle schools and a high school and every school is impacted," said Grady.
Parents like Amy Danahy say cuts were made last year and she fears the education of her three children will suffer.
“It’s disappointing and very worrisome mostly because most of us who moved here in the last 15 years did so because of the schools,” said Danahy.
Some programs like music were hit especially hard.
“If the students really don’t get started early it won’t be something they ever really plug into and have as a part of their lives," said Deb Ryan, President of the Music Boosters.
Tonight, the Franklin School Committee discussed the budget via a Zoom call, according to Superintendent Sara Ahern.
“Our town should maintain its commitment to fully fund our public schools," said Ahern.
In a statement released to Boston 25, Superintendent Ahern admits the cuts are drastic.
“We are deeply saddened to have to take such a dramatic approach in developing our budget this year," said Ahern. "We are hopeful that some of our non-pts faculty will be able to be reappointed in the future and we will do so as soon as we are able.”
Parents and the president of the teachers union are hopeful that will happen.
“The town has also has to start funding for their kid’s education," said Grady. "The kids deserve good schools with good teachers.”
© 2020 Cox Media Group
It is difficult to translate the impact of small cuts over time. Ultimately our children pay the price. The reputation of Franklin Public Schools has lost significant ground among educators. We continue to drop in State and National rankings year after year. Turnover in our district is high and continues to increase which is extremely costly, we hire teachers, train and develop their skills, and then watch them leave for districts they feel value their public schools more. Pay still falls below average compared to surrounding towns & those in the Hockomock League. Year after year we cut investments in professional development for our teachers. This lack of funding speaks to our values as a town, we cannot continue to divide the town in ways that don't serve the residents. Every service we provide to residents is valued, and we do not want stability of our public schools to come at the expense of emergency departments or librarians or anything else from our town's budget. We want to protect what we value and pass this override. One Franklin believes we can create a new narrative for Franklin work together and show we value all those that serve our community.
Surgeon General - Aprill 2023
Franklin Massachusetts
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