Below is the list of the current budget reductions for 2010 – 2011.
Can you find additional savings for the Franklin Public School to bring down the tax Levy for this year?
If so please contact your School Board members. Here is a link to Board of Education’s page on the Franklin Public School website where you can find their e-mail addresses. CLICK HERE
Its my understanding that this budget may be a moot point. As of this morning, the district apparently received federal money which allowed them to call back some of those positions which had been eliminated. At least this is what was presented at our “meet the teacher” night. So, with the additional funding, I certainly hope we are looking at a 0% increase in our school tax levy.
Shari,
The funding of which you speak is the “Federal Education Jobs Act.” Franklin Public Schools will receive $1.2 million in funding which must be used by 2012. The intent of this money is to recall or create jobs and “stimulate the economy.” The funding may not be used to reduce the tax levy.
As of Thursday a Southwood Glen Guidance position and a high school Library Media position were reintroduced. An immediate and long term plan is being discussed to wisely determine the use of the funding for staffing. This must be done realizing these are temporary funds and in the years to come we may again need to make cuts.
From the Dept. of Education -
(Note: LEA means Local Educational Agency)
D. Local Uses of Funds
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D-1. For what purposes may an LEA use its Ed Jobs funds?
An LEA must use its funds only for compensation and benefits and other expenses, such as support services, necessary to retain existing employees, to recall or rehire former employees, and to hire new employees, in order to provide early childhood, elementary, or secondary educational and related services.
D-2. What categories of expenses may an LEA support with Ed Jobs funds?
For purposes of this program, the phrase “compensation and benefits and other expenses, such as support services” includes, among other things, salaries, performance bonuses, health insurance, retirement benefits, incentives for early retirement, pension fund contributions, tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment assistance, transportation subsidies, and reimbursement for childcare expenses.
D-3. Which employees may an LEA support with Ed Jobs funds?
An LEA may use the funds to pay the salaries of teachers and other employees who provide school-level educational and related services. In addition to teachers, employees supported with program funds may include, among others, principals, assistant principals, academic coaches, in-service teacher trainers, classroom aides, counselors, librarians, secretaries, social workers, psychologists, interpreters, physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, information technology personnel, nurses, athletic coaches, security officers, custodians, maintenance workers, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers.
D-4. What are the statutory prohibitions on an LEA’s use of Ed Jobs funds?
The statute prohibits LEAs from using Ed Jobs funds for general administrative expenses as that term is defined by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in its Common Core of Data. These prohibited expenses are administrative expenditures related to the operation of the superintendent’s office or the LEA’s board of education, including the salaries and benefits of LEA-level administrative employees.
The statute also prohibits LEAs from using Ed Jobs funds for other LEA-level support services expenditures as that term is defined in the Common Core of Data. These prohibited activities include the payment of expenditures for fiscal services, LEA program planners and researchers, and human resource services.
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If you have questions regarding this funding, I encourage you to contact Dr. Patz.
Is it possible to lower the levy without further cuts? Yes, if the State fully funds the equalization aid formula, the District could receive additional funds. This could then lower the tax levy. When the Board voted on the Budget Draft in June, I said I didn’t think we worked hard enough on the budget. It’s clear we need to take a closer look.
Janet Evans
School Board Member
Thanks Janet