TR-93-2 h'oppa)(A)
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RESOLUTION TR-93--2 , o 3
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A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE REAPPOINTMENT OF
DENNIS B. HOPKINS, 108 MONROE STREET, AGAWAM, MA
TO THE AGAWAM PLANNING BOARD
FOR A TERM EXPIRING JANUARY 1, 1998
' WHEREAS, The term of Dennis B. Hopkins as member of the Agawam
Planning Board has expired on January 1, 1993; and
' WHEREAS, The Mayor has reappointed Dennis B. Hopkins, 108
Monroe Street, Agawam, MA to the Agawam Planning Board for a term
expiring January 1, 1998;
' NOW THEREFORE, THE AGAWAM TOWN COUNCIL hereby resolves
confirmation of the reappointment of Dennis B. Hopkins, 108 Monroe
Street, Agawam, MA to the Agawam Planning Board for a term
' expiring January 1, 1998 .
DATED THIS TWENTY-FIFTH DAY OF FEBRUARY , 1993 .
' PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM TOWN COUNCIL
jAdes D. Taylor, P sident �Lb ��`A,O� l q6
Agawam Town Council. ,' ?...JJJ
APPROVED 0 FORM AND LEGALITY
A
' Tho s S. e, Solicitor C '
4
C�
MAYORAL ACTION
Received this 24TH day of FEBRUARY , 1993 from Town
' Council Clerk.
' APPROVAL OF LEGISLATION
By the powers vested in me pursuant to Article 3, Section 3-6
of the Agawam Charter, as amended, I h eby approve the
massage of the above legislation on thisTH day of
RUARY , 1993.
Christophe C. J VSSAPPROVAL
on, Mayor OF LEGISLATION
By the powers vested in me pursuant to Article 3, Section 3-6
of the Agawam Charter, as amended, I hereby veto the passage
' of the above legislation on this day of
1993 for the following reason(s) :
' Christopher C. Johnson, Mayor
RETURN OF LEGISLATION TO COUNCIL CLERK
Returned to Council Clerk this 26TH day of HBRUARY
1993 .
OF AQ4
F qG V
JPpORRftD�pl
MAYOR CHRiSTOPHER C. JOHNSON
February 16, 1993
Linda J. Melconian, State Senator
375 Walnut Street Extension
Agawam, MA 01001
' Dear Senator Melconian,
I am writing to express my concerns over House loo0
("Education Reform Bill") which is scheduled to come out of
' Senate Ways and Means in the near future. As a strong advocate
for public education in Agawam, I wholeheartedly support the
addition of new funds at the state level for education. As you
are aware, in FY1989 the Commonwealth sent to Agawam $10,607,981
in local aid, by FY1992 that figure had dropped to $7,778,207. I
am certainly supportive of any efforts to restore local aid funds
' which were previously reduced by the state.
As Chairperson of the Agawam School Committee, I encourage
new initiatives to strengthen public education in Massachusetts
I and across the nation. I strongly believe that those initiatives
should be directed at improving the quality of educational
service that are provided to the students in the classroom. I
believe that we must update and improve our curriculum,
strengthen the skills of our educators, and bring more technology
into the classroom. I note that some of the provisions of House
1000 are designed to further these goals, but many others will
have a detrimental effect on public education.
one of the cornerstones of education in America has been the
fact that it is governed at the local level. For many
generations, Americans have enjoyed the ability to shape their
children's education with input and participation in local
government. Education is the top priority of local government,
and parents and citizens possess an unparalled access to local
officials. This access allows them to have almost immediate
impact on the direction-that public education will take in their
community. Over the years, this local control has been eroded by
' 36 Main Street • Agawam. Massachusetts 01001 • (413) 786-0400 • FAX(413) 786-9927
' Printed on Recyled Paper
Linda J. Melconian February 15, 1993
Page Two
many new state and federal mandates, but for the most part each
community can steer its own course with regard to educating its
youth.
I believe that House 1000 will strip control of public
education from each community and place that control in the
Commonwealth. I an cognizant that the bill provides for a
watered down version of school based management through "school
councils", but this can hardly offset the mandated funding,
staffing and spending provisions of the bill. I truly believe
that the residents of Agawam do not want to relinquish control of
their public schools to the Commonwealth. Conversely, I believe
that they want to exert more influence on their children's
future.
I understand the burden on the state to equalize spending
' amongst the many school districts in the Commonwealth. I believe
that this goal can be achieved without removing control of the
public schools from each municipality. I also believe that this
goal must be achieved through the infusion of new state revenues,
and not by mandating the expenditure of locally raised revenue.
It is possible to equalize spending through new state revenue
while still leaving control of local schools and local revenues
in the hands of local officials.
In reviewing the bill which was passed by the House of
Representatives, I noted many provisions which I believe are not
in the best interests of my community. I have listed below many
my problem areas with the bill;
1. 1 oppose the financing sections (SECTIONS 32 & 33) of the
bill because they provide for state mandated expenditure of
local property tax revenue. I believe that revenues raised
at the local level should be spent at the discretion of
elected local officials. I have a philosophical problem with
state officials now entering the local arena to mandate how
funds raised in each community are spent. It is bad enough
that the state and federal governments continue to pass along
unfunded mandates to each community, but the direct control
' provided by "minimum required local contributions" is surely
going too far. Also why is Agawam mandated to spend nearly
65% of its property tax levy on education ($13 million/ $20
million) while Springfield only has to spend approximately
25% ($20 million/ $80 million)? I am sure it is the same
' Linda J. Melconian February 15, 1993
Page Three
rreason why Springfield received over $17 million in new EEOG
money in FY1993 , while Agawam received only $300,000.
' 2 . I oppose the formula for determining the "minimum required
local contribution" (See Section 2 of SECTION 32) . This
formula provides that the prior year's local contribution
must increase by the percentage of growth present in the
property tax levy (Proposition 2 1/2 growth plus new growth)
(See Section 2 & 6 of SECTION 32) . This formula fails to
take into consideration other revenue streams vital to each
community such as "free cash", motor vehicle excise tax and
local fees and fines. Under the existing formula, Agawam
would have to increase its "minimum required local
contribution for FY1994 by $486, 157 based on projected levy
growth of $752,988. Unfortunately our certified "free cash"
is going down by $880, 319, and our motor vehicle excise taxes
will probably go down between $50, 000 and $100, 000. Please
explain how given the overall local revenue picture, Agawam
can be expected to increase spending on education by $486,157
without devastating other local services such as police,
fire, public works, public library and elder services.
3 . I oppose the mandated spending provisions contained in the
bill. In SECTION 32, there are many formulas which provide
for mandated minimum spending by local public schools. These
provisions include minimum spending in such areas as
1 "foundation payroll", "foundation athletic expenses",
"foundation extracurricular activity expenses" , "foundation
utility and ordinary maintenance expenses", and "professional
development allotment" to name only a few. These mandated
minimum spending levels remove control from elected local
officials, and they fail to take into consideration the many
' differences which exist amongst the many public school
districts in the Commonwealth. For example, what happens if
a school district fails to spend the minimum "foundation
utility expense" because it has energy efficient buildings?
4. I oppose the mandated staffing provisions contained in the
bill. In SECTION 32, there are many formulas which provide
for minimum staffing levels such as "foundation aides",
"foundation central office professional staff", "foundation
clerical staff", "foundation custodial staff", "foundation
teaching staff" , and- "foundation health care staff" to name
only a few. Again these provisions take control away from
' Linda J. Melconian February 15, 1993
Page Four
' local officials and place it in the state. Also they are
uniformly based on "foundation enrollments" and not on real
world considerations. For example, what happens if a
community fails to provide the minimum "foundation custodial
staff" because it cleans its buildings more efficiently or
its buildings have less area?
5. I oppose the circumvention of the provisions of Proposition 2
1/2 . (Chapter 29 Section 27 - See Section 12 of SECTION 32)
The people of Massachusetts voted for the passage of
Proposition 2 1/2 to limit the growth of property taxes and
to limit the placement of unfunded mandates on the
communities. This bill is probably the largest mandate ever
placed on the communities by the Commonwealth. If you are
serious about placing this mandate on the cities and towns to
improve education, then please pay for it as Proposition 2
1/2 requires.
6. I oppose the certification of school nurses by the board of
education (See SECTIONS 39, 41, 42, 43, 45 & 47) . School
nurses are already governed by other state licensing
provisions. I have severe reservations that the board of
education is familiar enough with public health to properly
certify school nurses. Also SECTION 93 which attempts to
exempt existing school nurses would not apply in Agawam
because the nurses are employed by the Health Department and
' not the School Committee.
7 . Please note that the entire bill fails to take into
consideration the structure of government in Agawam.
According to our Home Rule Charter which was duly approved by
the citizens of Agawam, both our school building maintenance
services and our school health services are provided by the
town. In addition, grounds maintenance and data processing
are also provided by the town. I can find no provision for
this in House 1000. Can Agawam charge these expenses to the
schools? Will they reduce our "minimum required local
contribution"?
I oppose the language in SECTION 17 (See line 96) which
provides that if a community fails to fulfill its fiscal
responsibilities under the act, then ultimately the
Department of Revenue -can withhold approval of that
Linda J. Melconian February 15, 1993
Page Five
community's tax rate. It does not make a lot of sense to
utilize a delay in the collection of revenue as a means of
forcing compliance.
9. I oppose the addition of the "just cause" standard for the
dismissal of teachers (See SECTION 51) . Many communities
have fought long and hard at the negotiating table to keep
this language out of collective bargaining agreements, and to
maintain the utilization of "good cause" as the standard for
teacher dismissal. Please consider the ramifications of this
change, as well as, look at the inconsistency of granting one
standard for teachers and a different one for other school
employees. (See SECTION 50 - "good cause" for
Superintendents; SECTION 49 - "good cause" for Principals
etc. )
10. I oppose the elimination of School Committee involvement in
dismissal of employees (See SECTIONS 49, 50 $ 51) . The
School Committee as the elected local body charged with
overseeing the public schools should retain the ability to
hire and fire all employees in the school system. I also
oppose the elimination of School Committee involvement in
' student discipline as outlined in Section 90 of SECTION 61.
(See line 151)
11.. I oppose the mandatory five year certification requirement
contained in SECTION 44. This provision is not well thought
out because it fails to consider the financial impact on the
state college system, and the emphasis should be on the
attainment of academic and professional degrees and not on
meeting potentially weak certification requirements.
12. I oppose the addition of mandatory school choice language to
the bill, especially if that language includes the option to
attend charter (private) and parochial schools. I firmly
oppose public money being spent on private and religious
schools. I further believe that mandatory school choice will
cause an influx of students into Agawam which will be
impossible to accommodate given our existing space
constraints.
13. I oppose the early retirement provision in its present form
(See SECTION 82) . I believe that in the interests of
1 Linda J. Melconian February 15, 1993
Page six
' creating new teaching jobs and encouraging early retirements,
that the State should bear loot of the cost of the early
retirement incentive. The State presently bears the entire
cost of the Teachers Retirement System, why should the
communities have to share in the cost of an early retirement
incentive?
' 14. 1 favor the addition of a provision which would mandate that
non--school local aid would not be cut in order to provide the
additional funding required by this bill. We should not
improve our public schools at the expense of our other
essential local services.
' 15. I favor the creation of a curriculum database which would be
developed by the board of education through the utilization
of leading academicians and teachers. This curriculum
' database would be available to every school district via a
state wide computer system. This would provide up to date
materials for classroom use by teachers, and improve the
quality of education in the classroom. It would also do more
to equalize education in Massachusetts than simply equalizing
funding would do.
' In closing, I would urge you to vote against House 1000
("Education Reform Bill") in its present form for the reasons
that I have outlined above. I have serious reservations about
' the benefits of this legislation, and I have grave concerns over
the potential impact this legislation will have on my community.
I welcome your response to my concerns, and I hope that you will
consider the views of local officials in reaching your decision
on this important issue. For it is local officials who will be
charged with the implementation of this bill. Thank you for your
' consideration, and please call with any questions.
ery my o s,
ristop er C. hnson
Mayor/Ch irper o of the
Agawam School Co ittee
cc: Agawam School Committee
Agawam Town Council
S. Ryder, Supt of Schools
Massachusetts Municipal Association
i
� a i�93
A RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO THE PASSAGE OF HOUSE 1000
("EDUCATION REFORM BILL")
WHEREAS, the Agawam Town Council strongly supports public
education in Agawam and across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and
' WHEREAS,W , the Agawam Town Council strongly supports a com mi tment
by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to provide additional funding for public
education in Agawam; and
' WHEREAS, the Agawam Town Council strongly supports the concept of
equalizing spending on public education across the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS, the Agawam Town Council strongly supports responsible
' reform of public education which will result in the improvement of services
provided to students in the classroom in Agawam and throughout the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS, the Agawam Town Council strongly opposes the sections
(SECTIONS 32 & 33) of House 1000 ("Education Reform Bill") which
mandate the level of local funding on education; and
WHEREAS, the Agawam Town Council strongly opposes the section
(Section 12 of SECTION 33) which circumvents the unfunded mandates
provisions of Proposition 2 112; and
WHEREAS, the Agawam Town Council strongly opposes the sections
(SECTIONS 32 & 33 etc.) which mandate school spending and staffing levels
in each community; and
CD
WHEREAS, the Agawam Town Council strongly supports the additn `
of local aid resolution provisions which would provide that non-education lFcal
aid would not be reduced in order to provide the additional state revenue P.
required to fund this bill; and---.--- _
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WHEREAS, the Agawam Town Council strongly opposes the potential
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reduction or elimination of other vital local services such as police, fire, public
works, elder services, library services, etc. which may result from the
mandated funding and spending provisions of House 1000 ("Education Reform
Bill"); and
WHEREAS, the Agawam Town Council believes that the passage of
House 1000 ("Education Reform Bill") in its present form is not in the best
interests of Agawam; and
NOW THEREFORE, the Agawam Town Council hereby resolves to
oppose the passage of House 1000 ("Education Reform Bill"), and further
resolves to send a copy of this resolution to His Excellency William F. Weld,
Governor, State Senator Linda J. Melconian and State Representative Michael
P. Walsh.
Dated this Ett�m day of February, 1993.
PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM TOWN COUNCIL
�_.
James-D. Taylor, Preside
' Agawam Town Council
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
Thomks S. Locke, Solicitor
' By the powers vested in me pursuant to Article 3, Section 3-6 of the Agawam
Home Rule Charter, I hereby approve passage of the above stated resolution.
Chrisropier C.11ohns ty
Mayor
1
vrq , oV% a!18 �13
A RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO THE PASSAGE OF HOUSE 1000
("EDUCATION REFORM BILL")
WHEREAS, the Agawam Town Council strongly supports public
education in Agawam and across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS, the Agawam Town Council strongly supports a commitment
by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to provide additional funding for public
education in Agawam; and
WHEREAS, the Agawam Town Council strongly supports the concept of
equalizing spending on public education across the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS, the Agawam Town Council strongly supports responsible
reform of public education which will result in the improvement of services
provided to students in the classroom in Agawam and throughout the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS, the Agawam Town Council strongly opposes the sections
' (SECTIONS 32 & 33) of House 1000 ("Education Reform Bill") which
mandate the level of local funding on education; and
1 WHEREAS the Agawam Town Council strongly opposes the section
g g y PP
(Section 12 of SECTION 33) which circumvents the unfunded mandates
provisions of Proposition 2 1/2; and
' WHEREAS, the Agawam Town Council strongly opposes the sections
(SECTIONS 32 & 33 etc.) which mandate school spending and staffing levels
in each community; and
WHEREAS, the Agawam Town Council strongly supports the addition
' of local aid resolution provisions which would provide that non-education local
aid would not be reduced in order to provide the additional state revenue
required to fund this bill; and
WHEREAS, the Agawam Town Council strongly opposes the potential
reduction or elimination of other vital local services such as police, fire, public
works, elder services, library services, etc. which may result from the
mandated funding and spending provisions of House 1000 ("Education Reform
Bill"); and
WHEREAS, the Agawam Town Council believes that the passage of
■ House 1000 ("Education Reform Bill") in its present form is not in the best
■ interests of Agawam; and
' NOW THEREFORE, the Agawam Town Council hereby resolves to
oppose the passage of House 1000 ("Education Reform Bill"), and further
resolves to send a copy of this resolution to His Excellency William F. Weld,
Governor, State Senator Linda J. Melconian and State Representative Michael
P. Walsh.
Dated this sixteenth day of February, 1993.
PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM TOWN COUNCIL
' James D. Taylor, President
Agawam Town Council
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
Thomas S. Locke, Solicitor
By the powers vested in me pursuant to Article 3, Section 3--6 of the Agawam
Home Rule Charter, I hereby approve passage of the above stated resolution.
Christopher C. Johnson, Mayor
FA
0 9 TOWN OF AGAWAM
36 MAIN STREET AGAWAM, MASSACHUSETTS 01001
Tel. 413-786-0400
r gTED Mph
' February 16, 1993
His Excellency William F. Weld, Governor
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
State House - Room 360
Boston, MA 02133
Dear Governor Weld,
Enclosed please find a copy of the resolution passed by the
Agawam Town Council concerning House 1000 ("Education. Reform
Bill") . The resolution opposes the passage of the bill in its
present form. It seems likely that the bill will ultimately end
' up on your desk. Please consider the views of elected officials
at the local level in your decision on whether to sign this piece
of key legislation. We are the people who will be left with
implementing whatever is approved by the Commonwealth.
Thank you for your consideration on this issue, and please
call with any questions.
Very truly yours, Very truly yours,
James D. Taylor Christopher C. Johnson
President Mayor
Agawam Town Council
cc: Agawam Town Council
FA
TOWN OF AGAWAM
36 MAIN STREET AGAWAM, MASSACHUSETTS 01001
' Te1. 413-786-0400
�4TED
February 16, 1993
Michael P. Walsh, State Representative
' 549 Springfield Street
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
' Dear Representative Walsh,
Enclosed please find a copy of the resolution passed by the
Agawam Town Council concerning House 1000 ("Education Reform
Bill") . The resolution opposes the passage of the bill in its
present form. It seems likely that the bill will ultimately end
up in conference, and you will be given another opportunity to
' vote on its passage. Please consider the views of elected
officials at the local level when casting your important vote on
this piece of key legislation. We are the people who will be
left with implementing whatever is approved by the Commonwealth.
Thank you for your consideration on this issue, and please
call with any questions.
Very truly yours, Very truly yours,
James D. Taylor Christopher C. Johnson
President Mayor
Agawam Town Council
cc: Agawam Town Council
FA
TOWN OF AGAWAM
36 MAIN STREET AGAWAM, MASSACHUSETTS 01001
y Tel. 413-786-0400
4 u gay
February 16, 1993
Linda J. Melconian, state Senator
375 Walnut Street Extension
Agawam, MA 01001
Dear Senator Melconian,
Enclosed please find a copy of the resolution passed by the
Agawam Town Council concerning House 1000 ("Education Reform
Bill") . The resolution opposes the passage of the bill in its
present form. Please consider the views of elected officials at
the local level when casting your important vote on this piece of
key legislation. We are the people who will be left with
implementing whatever is approved by the Commonwealth.
Thank you for your consideration on this issue, and please
call with any questions.
Very truly yours, Very truly yours,
' James D. Taylor Christopher C. Johnson
President Mayor
Agawam Town Council
cc: Agawam Town Council