Franklin Music Boosters Email Notice

This was the text of an email just received(slightly reformatted but with no textual changes).

Do you care about all the students in Franklin Public Schools?

Do you believe that music is not just a supplement to an education, but an integral part of the development of a complete intellect, capable of clear critical thinking?

Do you feel that Franklin Schools should at least maintain its current level support for music, particularly for the young elementary school students, still in their formative years?

If you say "YES" to these questions, then vote "YES" to the override vote on May 22 AT FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL 6AM TO 8PM. If you say "no", you need to understand the direct consequences of these further cuts in funding….funding that has been dwindling for many years:

• elimination of the elementary instrumental program
• elimination of the middle school instrumental program
• NO BAND, CHORUS, OR STRING PROGRAM AT THE ELEMENTARY OR MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
• elimination of 2 elementary music teaching positions
• elimination of 4 middle school music teaching positions

We have heard the following from many of our neighbors, who in many cases, don't believe that there is a financial crisis, or a need to continue this level of music education, and still have students in the school system:

• "They will find the money somewhere…."
• "I do not want my taxes to go up anymore…"
• "Classroom activity is more important than art, music or sports…"

In another words, let it pass, it is not important. Here are some things to think about as a parent and resident of Franklin:

• The Franklin tax rate ranks…26 out of 30 similar size communities
• Over the past five years, the school budget reductions have eliminated 3 music and the fourth grade instrumental music program
• These cuts will happen..they are part of the budget now; even if the override succeeds, there is no clear indication that all of these music cuts will come back.

But you have an opportunity, beginning on May 22, to begin to turn back future cuts, and provide support for all our school programs, including music, by a "yes" vote. If we begin to put our schools on a firm, and fair, financial footing, Franklin will continue to be an attractive town to raise a family. Our goal, through the Music Boosters, is to simply state in the affirmative, that music in Franklin is important for everyone---parents, students, senior citizens, businesses, and all residents. Join us in supporting our town!

Franklin Music Boosters

PLEASE KEEP INFORMED ABOUT THE BUDGET AND THE CUTS THAT WILL AFFECT YOUR CHILDREN AS WELL AS THE TOWN.

JOIN THE TOWN COUNCIL, SCHOOL COMMITTEE, SUPERINTENDENT, AND TOWN ADMINISTER ON

MAY 1, 2007

7:00PM

HORACE MANN AUDITORIUM