1. Get Involved!

2.  Form an LEF, Local Education Foundation  Lobby State and Local Government for additional funding  Consider a Proposition 2 ½ Override  Strengthen and Expand Volunteer Program  Ask SC to form subcommittee to explore the issues around entering GIC and cost reduction measures.

3.  A Private 501c3 organization consisting of articles of incorporation, a board of directors, by-laws, and tax-exempt status.  A legal entity that has defined purposes and operates under its own mission statement, which coincides with the mission of the school  An entity that can own property and engage in business.  An entity whose purpose is to financially assist the local School District with improving student achievement for all children in the local public education system.

4. By raising the state sales tax by just 1%, the state could begin to move away from funding education through regressive taxation (property taxes) and begin to fund local aid and education at a sustainable level. You can lobby your state government to support this change.

5. It is up to the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee to recommend an override vote. Board of Selectmen:  Edward Harrison, eharrison@monson-ma.gov  Kathleen Norbut, knorbut@monson-ma.gov  Richard Guertin, rguertin@monson-ma.gov Address: 110 Main Street, Monson, MA 01057 Phone: (413)267-4100

6. Tell our School Committee about your concerns:  Karen Patenaude, (413) 267-0400 karen@alternativetelecommunications.com  Michael Kane, (413) 267- 4449, mkane@miaa.net  Dan Nolan, (413) 267-0317, Dan_Nolan@UHC.com  Ed Maia, (413) 348-8057, Edm1997@hotmail.com  Dr. Messina, Superintendent, 413-267-0076 messinad@monsonschools.com

7.  Quarry Hill and Granite Valley could both benefit from a stronger, more active volunteer program.  Volunteers can also act as “bridges” between our schools and our communities.  Strong partnerships could be formed between our Senior Center and our Schools.  Our High School Students could volunteer as part of a Community Service program at GVMS and QH.

8.  Work to reduce energy costs.  Ask SC and Board of Selectmen to form a joint committee to explore the issues around entering GIC, thereby reducing health care costs.  Research possible partnerships with other town departments to operate more efficiently

9.  Good schools add to property value, bad schools lower property value.  Good schools lower the crime rate, as do extracurricular activities and sports.  Good schools are our responsibility as a community. We have a responsibility to the children of our community as our parents and grandparents had a responsibility to us.  Schools are the foundation for the future success or failure of our children.

10.  Please contact ALL of your School Committee Members about your concerns.  Please contact ALL the members of the Finance Committee about your concerns.  Please contact ALL of your Selectmen about your concerns.  Please send any creative ideas or solutions you find to Dr. Messina as well as the School Committee and the Board of Selectmen.

11. To work on any of the following areas, please go to www.monsonactionnetwork.org or contact: Adequate School Funding:  Carrie Sacco carriesacco@comcast.net (413) 267-9771  Morgan O’Neill mep29@cisunix.unh.edu (413) 267-3299 or (603) 969-5349 Cost Reduction for Energy & Health Insurance:  Marie & Jay Auclair m_auclair@comcast.net (413) 267-9154  Mike Chechile m.chechile@verizon.net (413)267-3099

12. Forming a Local Education Foundation Group  Tracy Petit bobsbestgirl@hotmail.com (413) 267-4540  Kate Mun mike-kate@comcast.net (413) 893-9138 Revitalizing and Expanding the Volunteer Program  Joanie Simmons joandave93@comcast.net (413) 596-6966  Sherry Croak malandmismom@aol.com (413) 283-8340 Public Relations/ Publicity  Jim Pennington jpenning@spfldcol.edu (413)267-9162  Susan Jones pogosrite@wmconnect.com (413) 267-5462