from the Massachusetts Municipal Association website:
The governor’s budget would increase Chapter 70 aid by just 2.2 percent, providing every city, town and school district with a minimum increase of $20 per student. The budget would continue to implement the “target share” equity provisions enacted in 2007.
The foundation budget calculation would continue modest progress to implement the Foundation Budget Review Commission’s recommendation to use a more realistic factor for the cost of employee health insurance in school systems. The adjustment in the foundation budget, however, is not enough to increase aid to many districts. A high majority of cities, towns and districts would only receive the increase of $20 per student, a below-inflation rate that would force communities to reduce school programs or further shift funds from the municipal side of the budget.
The MMA and local officials will be urging legislators to increase Chapter 70 aid to ensure that all schools receive a suitable and appropriate increase in fiscal 2019, which the MMA believes should be at least $100 per student. The MMA also strongly supports implementation of all of the recommendations of the Foundation Budget Review Commission to update the Chapter 70 “foundation budget” minimum spending standards for special education and employee health insurance, and to add to the spending standard a measure of recognition for the cost of services for low-income, English Language Learner and other students who would benefit from more intensive services. The commission recommended phasing in the changes over a four-year period, a position supported by the MMA. Increasing minimum aid and fixing the inadequacies in the foundation formula are essential.
With increasing costs for the majority of expenditures for the Town, plus the soon to be full time Templeton fire department adding to those increased costs; what wil be the approach of the selectmen to maintain their financial policy goal of 5% of the prior year's omnibus budget targeted to free cash?
OK, so who really cares!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm absolutely serious here. Who cares? Templeton is spending $36,000,000.00 dollars on a single structure. Fully 4 years of Templeton 2018 budget (excluding schools) and only 7 of the 16 members of the TESBC show up. I believe the average is 9 members showing up to the meetings regularly. Again I would ask, why are 3 members of the BOS on this committee if none of them show up for most meetings and we are only truly starting.
We have multiple committee vacancies and then we have multiple committees with NO SHOW members. I understand we are all volunteers and life happens, but if you cannot show up more than occasionally maybe you should step down.
If you can take some time and want to pitch in and help your community then sign up! Many options are available, be heard.
Couldn't say it better myself ! Show up or go !!
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