Proposed cuts worry parents in Monson Saturday, March 08, 2008 Monson shields some jobs from cutbacks Wednesday March 12, % increase eyed for schools Monday, February 04, 2008 Monson eyes painful cuts February 2, 2008 Monson schools facing nearly 28 layoffs February 28, 2008 Monson officials denounce cuts February 25, 2008 School budget woes spread March 3, 2008

State Aid = “Chapter 70 Funds” Fixed at about 60% of the Foundation Budget and determined by the Chapter 70 formula Local Funds = Local Tax Revenue Limited to 2.5% increase per year under Proposition 2 1/2 + SCHOOL BUDGET

“The Chapter 70 program is the major program of state aid to public elementary and secondary schools. In addition to providing state aid to support school operations, it also establishes minimum spending requirements for each school district and minimum requirements for each municipality's share of school costs.”

 That’s right, the state tells us the MINIMUM amount we must contribute to our schools next year – also known as Net School Spending $5,089,158 FY09  The state agrees to give us $7,708,640 FY09 as long as we follow all the education laws.

 In Monson, the FY09 Foundation Budget is $12,797,798

 Proposition 2 ½: means property taxes can’t increase by more than 2.5%, no matter how much the town’s costs increase. Inflation: the 2007 inflation rate was 5.7%, far above the 2.5% increase allowed.  The state and federal gov’t continue to require increased spending on mandated positions, testing and services.

 So even though State Funding increased, it isn’t enough to cover the difference between town’s increase of 2.5%, increased costs and the inflation rate.  This will continue to happen every year until the economic situation changes or we as a community choose to fund our schools at a higher rate, as most of our neighbors have.

Increased Enrollment Increase in Special Ed spending Energy Cost Increase 250% in 3 years 93% Revenue from Residential

We’ve already cut at Quarry Hill: Guidance Counselor Music Program Common Meeting Time for Curriculum Planning Literature Curricula for Grades K-4 Band for 4 th Grade Increased Class Size Textbooks Science Supplies Library

Granite Valley: Foreign Language World Language & Culture Home Economics Tech Ed Increased Class SizeBroken Equipment Sports Yearbook Extra-Curricular Clubs Large Fees for Field Trips Outdated Textbooks Professional Development Cuts Science SuppliesOffice & Postage Supplies AV Supplies & Repairs Career Program Testing Assistant Teachers

Monson High School: Limited Honors and AP Courses Insufficient Lab Science Supplies Family Science Consumer Science Library Secretary ½ time of Career Facilitator Limited Technology Support Outdated Textbooks No Budgeted Capital Expenditures (Building Repairs) Professional Development Fees for Bussing Increasing Fees for Sports

Now, we can add to the list:  Approximately 15 teachers  Increased class sizes throughout the district  Outdated Textbooks  Professional Development  Elimination of Band, Chorus, French, Swimming, some AP and Honors classes in the high school..

 Advisory Groups, Library, Algebra, chorus, band, music class, health, Morning Show, Reading for grades 7 & 8, unsupervised boy’s locker rooms, 75 minute study halls, Computer Class, Professional Development at Granite Valley Middle School.  Reading Recovery, Library, Pool/Locker Rooms, Playground and Teachers at Quarry Hill, our largest school.

 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  Consider asking the SC to enact substantial fees for, sports, extracurricular activities, etc. before cutting teachers.

 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.

U.S. Senators Edward M. Kennedy 2400, JFK Federal Office Bldg. Boston, MA (617) John F. Kerry ( D ) One Bowdoin Square, 10th Floor Boston, MA (617) Springfield Office Phone: (413) through website: Governor Deval L. Patrick Representative in Congress Richard E. Neal 2208 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC (202) Springfield Office Phone: (413) through website: Senator in General Court Stephen M. Brewer State House, Room 109B Boston, MA (617) State House Representative in Mary S. Rogeness General Court State House, Room 124 Boston, MA (617) District Phone: (413) or

It is up to the Board of Selectmen to recommend an override vote.  Edward Harrison,  Kathleen Norbut,  Richard Guertin, Address: 110 Main Street, Monson, MA Phone: (413) Dr. Messina, Superintendent,

School Committee:  Karen Patenaude, (413)  Michael Kane, (413) 267-  Dan Nolan, (413)  Ed Maia,  (413)

 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.

Ask SC and Board of Selectmen to form a joint committee to explore the issues around entering GIC, thereby reducing health care costs. The legislature (Chapter 67, Acts of 2007) allows towns to enter into the state's GIC with 70% approval of all collective bargaining units with additional requirements. All plans in the bargaining units have to be at the same contribution percentages. Currently retired teacher insurance percentage is 90:10. The contribution increased over 300% since FY '99. This money comes directly out of Net School Spending. For perspective, lower salaried municipal retirees (custodians, highway workers, clerks) in the 30-40K range have a 50:50 split with the town.

 The legislature (Chapter 67, Acts of 2007) allows towns to enter into the state's GIC with 70% approval of all collective bargaining units with additional requirements. All plans in the bargaining units have to be at the same contribution percentages.

 Currently retired teacher insurance percentage is 90:10. The contribution increased over 300% since FY '99. This money comes directly out of Net School Spending. For perspective, lower salaried municipal retirees (custodians, highway workers, clerks) in the 30-40K range have a 50:50 split with the town.

 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.

 Please contact Kate Mun at or to join one of the following groups:  Form an LEF, Local Education Foundation  Lobby State and Local Government for additional funding  Explore a Proposition 2 ½ Override  Strengthen and Expand Volunteer Program  Ask SC to form subcommittee to explore the issues around entering GIC

 Please contact ALL of your School Committee Members 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. Thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to come and take part in this discussion tonight.