Franklin appears to be heading for a possible vote on an override. The Finance Committee meeting was instructive. They have known about the problem for the last several years. Franklin has been able to avoid a major problem by drawing down the reserve fund. This is not good fiscal management. You need to spend within your income, you can not draw from savings forever.
The real issue is that there are unfunded mandates, items of expense that the town does not directly control that exceed the 2.5 percent cap imposed by law. Since much of the unfunded mandates are state and federal requirements for the schools, it appears to a be "school budget" issue. It is not. It is a Franklin issue.
Franklin has grown because of the good school reputation. It is time to pay more for this fine educational benefit. Not an easy thing to do but it must be done.
What can you do?
1 - Be informed.
2 - Visit the school Superintendent's page for additional information on the budget and school operations.
3 - Visit the School Committee blog. Yes, they have a blog!
New reader or regular, you should be aware that my wife is a kindergarten teacher in Franklin. My two daughters are recent products of the Franklin School system and both are doing well in college. There are a few other good reasons for me to be writing about this issue. I will continue to elaborate on them here.
The schools educate our future. Our family has worked hard to get where we are today. We'd like to be able to dream of a good future here in Franklin. Stay tuned for what happens on Franklin's 2008 Budget. Your vote will be important.
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