Private Funding for Schools
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Gopal Shenoy
May 15, 2008, 8:16:17 AM5/15/08
to Grafton Schools
Folks,
I have been thinking of ways on possible private funding sources for
our schools. Philanthropists love to have buildings named after them.
Companies love to put their logo on any place that is willing to do
it. For example, the space flight that was conducted by Burt Ratan was
completely sponsored by Virgin as long as their logo was pasted on it.
Wish NASA would allow this to save some taxpayer money, I would think.
But we are not NASA or Burt Ratan.
1) Are there any very wealthy individuals that you know of who have
ties to Grafton. If yes, have they been approached - if that means any
new buildings we built has to be named after it, so be it.
2) Or are their executives of companies who live in Grafton that may
get the corporations to shell out some money - even a few thousands
cannot hurt - putting a name on a plaque matters a lot these days -
especially if they can get some press coverage.
3) Has anyone approached Tufts? - universities tend to have large
endowment funds - don't know if they can give money to the communities
they are in - but if we don't ask, we don't get.
We have to get very creative here since I have heard that more private
funding we get, more the state will pay.
Would love to hear from all of you.
Gopal
I have been thinking of ways on possible private funding sources for
our schools. Philanthropists love to have buildings named after them.
Companies love to put their logo on any place that is willing to do
it. For example, the space flight that was conducted by Burt Ratan was
completely sponsored by Virgin as long as their logo was pasted on it.
Wish NASA would allow this to save some taxpayer money, I would think.
But we are not NASA or Burt Ratan.
1) Are there any very wealthy individuals that you know of who have
ties to Grafton. If yes, have they been approached - if that means any
new buildings we built has to be named after it, so be it.
2) Or are their executives of companies who live in Grafton that may
get the corporations to shell out some money - even a few thousands
cannot hurt - putting a name on a plaque matters a lot these days -
especially if they can get some press coverage.
3) Has anyone approached Tufts? - universities tend to have large
endowment funds - don't know if they can give money to the communities
they are in - but if we don't ask, we don't get.
We have to get very creative here since I have heard that more private
funding we get, more the state will pay.
Would love to hear from all of you.
Gopal
kako
May 15, 2008, 8:52:47 AM5/15/08
to Grafton Schools
Excellent point Gopal. I brought this up at the GEA meeting on the
feasibility study and got a somewhat odd response...a few chuckles, a
"something is in the works" and " a bit premature". I feel that it is
a bit late. This is an area that should be actively pursued so we as
concerned citizens for the school can show we are willing to look at
every available option, not just money from taxes. I would love to
hear from the GEA if this is something in the works and also ideas
others have.
Kim
feasibility study and got a somewhat odd response...a few chuckles, a
"something is in the works" and " a bit premature". I feel that it is
a bit late. This is an area that should be actively pursued so we as
concerned citizens for the school can show we are willing to look at
every available option, not just money from taxes. I would love to
hear from the GEA if this is something in the works and also ideas
others have.
Kim
greatergrafton
May 15, 2008, 10:24:39 AM5/15/08
to Grafton Schools
I was going to poke around in the paper's archives today because I had
the same thought. Towns do have restrictions on how they can handle
donations. For example, in the town of Franklin, they have a one-room
brick schoolhouse that the town would like to close because of the
expense running it. For the past few years, part of its expenses have
been funded through a Garelick Farms grant. Their school committee
recently voted to restrict targeted donations, however, so all that is
still in the air.
Other towns have been unable to accept targeted donations to restore
teaching positions. I want to say it was Ashland that had this issue a
couple years ago.
However, Northborough was taking donations to fund their public
library building project, so clearly building projects seem to be
exempt from this. Athletics as well -- in town, we have businesses
funding Little League, Coke has funded scoreboards at different
schools around MetroWest.
But a building is only going to be part of the battle. We have to
figure out how the town is going to raise enough money for additional
teachers and all their assorted costs!
Jenn
http://greatergrafton.wordpress.com
the same thought. Towns do have restrictions on how they can handle
donations. For example, in the town of Franklin, they have a one-room
brick schoolhouse that the town would like to close because of the
expense running it. For the past few years, part of its expenses have
been funded through a Garelick Farms grant. Their school committee
recently voted to restrict targeted donations, however, so all that is
still in the air.
Other towns have been unable to accept targeted donations to restore
teaching positions. I want to say it was Ashland that had this issue a
couple years ago.
However, Northborough was taking donations to fund their public
library building project, so clearly building projects seem to be
exempt from this. Athletics as well -- in town, we have businesses
funding Little League, Coke has funded scoreboards at different
schools around MetroWest.
But a building is only going to be part of the battle. We have to
figure out how the town is going to raise enough money for additional
teachers and all their assorted costs!
Jenn
http://greatergrafton.wordpress.com
pankaj gupta
May 15, 2008, 10:39:57 AM5/15/08
to grafton...@googlegroups.com
Donations are definitely good options, problem is that first Town should have a process to accept the donations, second if town is going to go for very big projects (multi million) like this, they can't rely on donations as the amount and timing of donations are not sure.
One more fact, we are not Weston public here, and donations to projects like this will have no value or very small value in terms of collections.
For multi million dollar($70 million) projects, we are looking at least few millions as donation to add some value to the project, otherwise effort(s) to collect donations is not even worth.
To me, Normal process, like going for property tax hikes, requesting more money(if possible) from state(possibly fed) etc., are better options.
Just my few cents.
Pankaj Gupta
--- On Thu, 5/15/08, greatergrafton <report...@gmail.com> wrote:
carolin...@charter.net
May 15, 2008, 11:53:02 AM5/15/08
to Grafton Schools
I can honestly say that I don't know for certain if we have any
private citizens who could be big donors - but to my knowledge, I
don't believe we have anyone who falls into this category. I am also
unaware of any large educational grants for this type of project.
Frankly, if that existed, I'm sure we'd be hearing how other towns got
their building funded by Home Depot, etc. I am aware of many small
educational grants that exist but these are usually for curriculum not
buildings.
We could also run our own funding campaign, but again, I doubt we
could offset the cost to any great degree. It may be hard to ask for
donations and increase taxes as well anyway.
Nevertheless, as the process moves forward, I'm sure all the
committees in town will look at all ways to fund any type of building
project. Even if we get small donations from businesses, it's better
than nothing, but I don't think it will make a big dent.
I think we'll get more mileage out of other uses for the building and
going green.
Next step - get the debt exclusion voted in.
On May 15, 10:39 am, pankaj gupta <pgupta...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Donations are definitely good options, problem is that first Town should have a process to accept the donations, second if town is going to go for very big projects (multi million) like this, they can't rely on donations as the amount and timing of donations are not sure.
>
> One more fact, we are not Weston public here, and donations to projects like this will have no value or very small value in terms of collections.
> For multi million dollar($70 million) projects, we are looking at least few millions as donation to add some value to the project, otherwise effort(s) to collect donations is not even worth.
>
> To me, Normal process, like going for property tax hikes, requesting more money(if possible) from state(possibly fed) etc., are better options.
>
> Just my few cents.
>
> Pankaj Gupta
>
> --- On Thu, 5/15/08, greatergrafton <reporterb...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > > Gopal- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
private citizens who could be big donors - but to my knowledge, I
don't believe we have anyone who falls into this category. I am also
unaware of any large educational grants for this type of project.
Frankly, if that existed, I'm sure we'd be hearing how other towns got
their building funded by Home Depot, etc. I am aware of many small
educational grants that exist but these are usually for curriculum not
buildings.
We could also run our own funding campaign, but again, I doubt we
could offset the cost to any great degree. It may be hard to ask for
donations and increase taxes as well anyway.
Nevertheless, as the process moves forward, I'm sure all the
committees in town will look at all ways to fund any type of building
project. Even if we get small donations from businesses, it's better
than nothing, but I don't think it will make a big dent.
I think we'll get more mileage out of other uses for the building and
going green.
Next step - get the debt exclusion voted in.
On May 15, 10:39 am, pankaj gupta <pgupta...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Donations are definitely good options, problem is that first Town should have a process to accept the donations, second if town is going to go for very big projects (multi million) like this, they can't rely on donations as the amount and timing of donations are not sure.
>
> One more fact, we are not Weston public here, and donations to projects like this will have no value or very small value in terms of collections.
> For multi million dollar($70 million) projects, we are looking at least few millions as donation to add some value to the project, otherwise effort(s) to collect donations is not even worth.
>
> To me, Normal process, like going for property tax hikes, requesting more money(if possible) from state(possibly fed) etc., are better options.
>
> Just my few cents.
>
> Pankaj Gupta
>
>
> - Show quoted text -
SueZ
May 15, 2008, 1:21:46 PM5/15/08
to Grafton Schools
This is exactly the creative thinking that needs to be done.
Caroline, your "going green" comment struck a chord with me. The
state will reimburse at a higher rate for green initiatives in
buildings. Residences in MA have used solar for energy, with a 2 way
connection to the grid. So on sunny days when they aren't using as
much power as they are gathering, the excess is kicked back to the
grid, and their meters run backwards. Could we do something similar
for a new school building or an addition? Extra energy we'd harness
over the summer or on sunny weekends when school is not in session, as
well as the solar energy used while school is in session, might offset
the electrical costs considerably over the years.
I know this thinking is way ahead of where we are in the process, and
I don't want to jump the gun, but I prefer to be thinking ahead on
these issues.
> > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -
Caroline, your "going green" comment struck a chord with me. The
state will reimburse at a higher rate for green initiatives in
buildings. Residences in MA have used solar for energy, with a 2 way
connection to the grid. So on sunny days when they aren't using as
much power as they are gathering, the excess is kicked back to the
grid, and their meters run backwards. Could we do something similar
for a new school building or an addition? Extra energy we'd harness
over the summer or on sunny weekends when school is not in session, as
well as the solar energy used while school is in session, might offset
the electrical costs considerably over the years.
I know this thinking is way ahead of where we are in the process, and
I don't want to jump the gun, but I prefer to be thinking ahead on
these issues.
carolin...@charter.net
May 15, 2008, 1:41:53 PM5/15/08
to Grafton Schools
From a financial practical standpoint, we get more reimbursement for
"going green" some of which probably relates to the fact that upfront
costs may be more expensive. However, besides being environmentally
friendly, which is a consideration unto itself, practically speaking,
it will save money on energy costs in the long run.
"going green" some of which probably relates to the fact that upfront
costs may be more expensive. However, besides being environmentally
friendly, which is a consideration unto itself, practically speaking,
it will save money on energy costs in the long run.
greatergrafton
May 15, 2008, 5:31:26 PM5/15/08
to Grafton Schools
That rang a bell for me -- I recently did a package for Earth Day on
Green practices and building -- so I looked in my notes and LEED has a
separate program and site for schools: http://www.buildgreenschools.org/
Article from one of the BU Statehouse interns on a state program:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x282706429
Jenn
Green practices and building -- so I looked in my notes and LEED has a
separate program and site for schools: http://www.buildgreenschools.org/
Article from one of the BU Statehouse interns on a state program:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x282706429
Jenn
Urb Dad
May 15, 2008, 6:02:18 PM5/15/08
to Grafton Schools
Even closer to home, there is the Mass Technology Collaborative.
There is a little surcharge on our gas bills that is deducted by the
state and passed over to the MTC. They in turn do lots of work - and
this includes school systems. Check this one out...
http://www.mtpc.org/renewableenergy/greencommunities.html
There is a little surcharge on our gas bills that is deducted by the
state and passed over to the MTC. They in turn do lots of work - and
this includes school systems. Check this one out...
http://www.mtpc.org/renewableenergy/greencommunities.html
SueZ
May 15, 2008, 8:58:19 PM5/15/08
to Grafton Schools
Those websites are very interesting. It is clear that once our space
solution is decided, green initiatives will have to be part of the
plan from the beginning, from which direction it will face, if it's a
new building, to exactly which green initiatives make the most
economic sense. It is interesting that Dedham's new middle school is
saving them $45,000 in energy bills per year...that is not small
change, when you consider all that we are cutting now. That's one
teacher's yearly salary.
This is the type of long term thinking that will set us up for the
future.
On May 15, 6:02 pm, Urb Dad <urban_michael2...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Even closer to home, there is the Mass Technology Collaborative.
> There is a little surcharge on our gas bills that is deducted by the
> state and passed over to the MTC. They in turn do lots of work - and
> this includes school systems. Check this one out...http://www.mtpc.org/renewableenergy/greencommunities.html
solution is decided, green initiatives will have to be part of the
plan from the beginning, from which direction it will face, if it's a
new building, to exactly which green initiatives make the most
economic sense. It is interesting that Dedham's new middle school is
saving them $45,000 in energy bills per year...that is not small
change, when you consider all that we are cutting now. That's one
teacher's yearly salary.
This is the type of long term thinking that will set us up for the
future.
On May 15, 6:02 pm, Urb Dad <urban_michael2...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Even closer to home, there is the Mass Technology Collaborative.
> There is a little surcharge on our gas bills that is deducted by the
> state and passed over to the MTC. They in turn do lots of work - and
Mary Ann Cotton
May 15, 2008, 11:41:38 PM5/15/08
to grafton...@googlegroups.com
Could not agree more. The building committee is very aware of these efforts and in fact, some of our members have direct experience with LEEDS certification and green building initiatives. There is direct financial benefit (reimbursement rate goes up) to employing these strategies in the development of a solution. The BOS is also getting ready to establish an Energy Committee to evaluate our current energy use and identify long-term cost saving measures - these may require some initial equipment investment, but there is a way to structure a program so that it pays for itself from the get go.
crog...@gmail.com
May 16, 2008, 11:54:18 AM5/16/08
to grafton...@googlegroups.com
Noble & Greenough School recently implemented a geothermal heating/cooling solution and it was profiled on WBZ-TV4. Here's a link to the story: http://wbztv.com/projectmass/geothermal.energy.Accuaire.2.705319.html
Certainly something else worth thinking about. Looks like significant upfront cost, but a cost that N & G estimates has a 5-6 year payback period for their project.
vhe...@msn.com
May 17, 2008, 9:24:13 AM5/17/08
to Grafton Schools
Mary Ann is right on.......I am not sure how old the space heating/
cooling system at Grafton Public Schools. If the boilers produce steam
v/s hot water for space heating there is potential for energy savings.
If the boilers burn #4 or #6 grade oil there is potential for energy
savings by going to #2 oil, even more by converting to duel fuel and
burn gas when oil price goes higher. If the lighting system uses T12
(fat tubes) with magnetic ballasts then there is ton of energy savings
by going to slim tubes (T8) with electronic ballasts. There is ton of
money we can save by intoducing an enegy management system (Direct
Digital Control) if there is none in place. All depends on how old the
building envelope is and how much is the current energy costs is.
There are many programs out there where by the town's energy dept can
hire eneregy services companies (ESCOs) to do energy study, just like
the feasibility study we are undertaking (but no state funding unless
it is a state college or university). The energy dept should consider
issuing an RFP in getting into a performance contracting whereby you
can save hundereds and thousands of dollars over 10-15 years term
contract with the selected ESCO. The town would arrange funding by
borrowing money just like the mortgage, but there is no cost to the
town or the tax payers because the energy cost savings $ each year
would pay for the loan, typically a payback of 10 years, after which
the savings is all ours going forward. The capacity forward by Solar
back to grid, there is no such thing yet, unless you have a
cogeneration plant wherby you produce steam as well as electricy more
than the facility demands. You have to have interconnect agreement to
achieve this. Solar is typically to cutdown/offset the electrical
usage and not to sell, unless you have a huge public school district
such as Boston.
Thanks
Vivek Hegde
On May 15, 11:41 pm, "Mary Ann Cotton" <maryanncot...@verizon.net>
wrote:
> ...
>
> read more »- Hide quoted text -
cooling system at Grafton Public Schools. If the boilers produce steam
v/s hot water for space heating there is potential for energy savings.
If the boilers burn #4 or #6 grade oil there is potential for energy
savings by going to #2 oil, even more by converting to duel fuel and
burn gas when oil price goes higher. If the lighting system uses T12
(fat tubes) with magnetic ballasts then there is ton of energy savings
by going to slim tubes (T8) with electronic ballasts. There is ton of
money we can save by intoducing an enegy management system (Direct
Digital Control) if there is none in place. All depends on how old the
building envelope is and how much is the current energy costs is.
There are many programs out there where by the town's energy dept can
hire eneregy services companies (ESCOs) to do energy study, just like
the feasibility study we are undertaking (but no state funding unless
it is a state college or university). The energy dept should consider
issuing an RFP in getting into a performance contracting whereby you
can save hundereds and thousands of dollars over 10-15 years term
contract with the selected ESCO. The town would arrange funding by
borrowing money just like the mortgage, but there is no cost to the
town or the tax payers because the energy cost savings $ each year
would pay for the loan, typically a payback of 10 years, after which
the savings is all ours going forward. The capacity forward by Solar
back to grid, there is no such thing yet, unless you have a
cogeneration plant wherby you produce steam as well as electricy more
than the facility demands. You have to have interconnect agreement to
achieve this. Solar is typically to cutdown/offset the electrical
usage and not to sell, unless you have a huge public school district
such as Boston.
Thanks
Vivek Hegde
On May 15, 11:41 pm, "Mary Ann Cotton" <maryanncot...@verizon.net>
wrote:
>
> read more »- Hide quoted text -
wbs
May 17, 2008, 9:30:11 AM5/17/08
to Grafton Schools
Not sure who will receive this but... what about taxes in our town? I
know this will not be the most popular thing to do but raising taxes
would provide the town with more money, YES? I know people in
neighboring towns who cannot believe the "small" amount of taxes we
pay.. well.. aren't we paying for that in our schools. I certaninly
don't want to pay more taxes but if we want our schools, police, fire
dept. etc. to improve, why not ask the community to help.
know this will not be the most popular thing to do but raising taxes
would provide the town with more money, YES? I know people in
neighboring towns who cannot believe the "small" amount of taxes we
pay.. well.. aren't we paying for that in our schools. I certaninly
don't want to pay more taxes but if we want our schools, police, fire
dept. etc. to improve, why not ask the community to help.
Urb Dad
May 17, 2008, 1:21:08 PM5/17/08
to Grafton Schools
I think the chief arguments against taxation in our town are simple
mismanagement of existing funds and the fact that its tough times
economically for a lot of folks. But I'd defer to the Citizens for
Limited Taxation to explain tthis in broader terms...go to the
boston.com override central page at: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/regional_editions/overridecentral/
and take a look at Barbara Anderson's article/piece. I think you'll
find a well articulated piece documenting concerns that fuel anti-tax
folks.
FYI, the poney rides at the at NGES Fun Fair rocked!
> > Gopal- Hide quoted text -
mismanagement of existing funds and the fact that its tough times
economically for a lot of folks. But I'd defer to the Citizens for
Limited Taxation to explain tthis in broader terms...go to the
boston.com override central page at: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/regional_editions/overridecentral/
and take a look at Barbara Anderson's article/piece. I think you'll
find a well articulated piece documenting concerns that fuel anti-tax
folks.
FYI, the poney rides at the at NGES Fun Fair rocked!
Gopal Shenoy
May 18, 2008, 7:37:16 AM5/18/08
to Grafton Schools
What is the basis for the comment that the existing funds are being
mismanaged? Are there
any specific examples?
Gopal
mismanaged? Are there
any specific examples?
Gopal
Urb Dad
May 18, 2008, 8:25:37 AM5/18/08
to Grafton Schools
Hi,
Given that I have a different view on this than the anti-tax folks,
I'm going to again defer to others. If you take a look at the
telegram's community site, go to Mark Dodges blog & responses. I
think you get a sense of some of the attitude towards fund
mismanagement. You can find it at...
http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=community
Please understand that I'll be the first to pay for education
(probably before you Gobal~!), but I am concerned that there is a
pretty persistent opinion out there that would vote no. In case you
haven't noticed, I'm a bit of a pessimist/downer.
> > > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -
Given that I have a different view on this than the anti-tax folks,
I'm going to again defer to others. If you take a look at the
telegram's community site, go to Mark Dodges blog & responses. I
think you get a sense of some of the attitude towards fund
mismanagement. You can find it at...
http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=community
Please understand that I'll be the first to pay for education
(probably before you Gobal~!), but I am concerned that there is a
pretty persistent opinion out there that would vote no. In case you
haven't noticed, I'm a bit of a pessimist/downer.
Registered_Voter
May 19, 2008, 10:01:47 AM5/19/08
to Grafton Schools
I have read Mark Dodges blog and all the responses and I don't see any
hard facts on funds mismanagment. With 2 kids in the school system, I
share the same concerns as you and other parents but again, I dont see
anything that gives any evidence to fund mismanagment. Blogs are
great, but they are not hard, factual based news sources. What i saw
at this blog was repsonses. Might there be space misuse? Sure.
Anyone can go to the town hall and request the town budget, matter of
fact, they handed out the Town report on May 5 at the polls. Do I
blindly trust the people on committees and the BOS? No, of course
not, but I dont think they would throw us all under the bus, doing so
places them there too.
hard facts on funds mismanagment. With 2 kids in the school system, I
share the same concerns as you and other parents but again, I dont see
anything that gives any evidence to fund mismanagment. Blogs are
great, but they are not hard, factual based news sources. What i saw
at this blog was repsonses. Might there be space misuse? Sure.
Anyone can go to the town hall and request the town budget, matter of
fact, they handed out the Town report on May 5 at the polls. Do I
blindly trust the people on committees and the BOS? No, of course
not, but I dont think they would throw us all under the bus, doing so
places them there too.
Gopal Shenoy
May 20, 2008, 9:22:25 AM5/20/08
to Grafton Schools
We need to make sure that wrong perceptions or rumours are corrected
before more believe that it is reality - can someone (more
knowledgeable than me) post a response to the blog
so that we at least make sure we state the facts.
This is important especially at this time.
Gopal
before more believe that it is reality - can someone (more
knowledgeable than me) post a response to the blog
so that we at least make sure we state the facts.
This is important especially at this time.
Gopal
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