Franklin Township Public Schools

The meeting included an executive session to discuss confidential personnel matters. Key actions taken involved adopting the agenda, acknowledging receipt of various monthly reports (Principals', Attendance, Enrollment, Emergency Drill, Suspension, and HIB Reports for December), and approving travel and expense reimbursements, affirming Superintendent's decisions regarding HIB cases, and accepting a donation of a book vending machine. The Board also approved the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school year calendars, adopted revised policies (Internal Controls and SEMI Program) and read a revised bylaw on Nepotism. Facility use requests for upcoming events, including Black History Month activities, were approved. Additionally, the Board approved an early high school student release/graduation effective February 1, 2026, authorized opposition to a charter application, and approved the disposal of a portion of the property at 130 Highland Avenue. In financial matters, warrants and payrolls were approved, financial reports for December accepted, and various contracts approved, including agreements for drug screening, backdrop rental, architectural services for pre-referendum planning, and professional learning support. Curriculum items included approval for out-of-district student placements, field trip destinations, approval for several overnight competitive team trips, acceptance of ESEA Carryover Funds, approval for LIFT and RISE grant applications, and changes/additions to secondary math and technology courses.

The meeting commenced with the administration of the oath of office and roll call, followed by an executive session to discuss personnel matters. Key agenda items included the adoption of the agenda, student representative report, and presentations regarding the EduStaff Substitute Teacher of the Year and the Franklin Township Warrior Education Foundation. The Superintendent and Board President provided reports, including a remembrance for Mrs. Betty DeMonic, the founder of the Franklin Madrigals. Public comments were heard concerning an early graduate and the PTSO. Under New Business, actions were taken on numerous items including monthly reports acknowledgment, approval of minutes from previous meetings (excluding the current one), adoption of travel expense reimbursement resolutions, affirmation of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying decisions, proclamations for Black History Month and School Board Recognition Month, acceptance of a donation, authorization for SSDS report submission, approval of the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school calendars, adoption of revised policies, first reading of a revised bylaw, approval of facility use requests, approval for an early student graduation release, enrollment approval for a visa student, memorializing a letter of opposition to a Charter School expansion application, and approval for land disposal. Business items involved approving warrants and payrolls, accepting financial reports, certifying the monthly financial status, approving various professional service agreements, leases, contracts, and appropriation increases, and accepting a grant. Curriculum items covered out-of-district student placements, field trip approvals (including overnight trips for Model UN, FBLA, Cheer Team, and Dance Team), accepting ESEA grant carryover funds, and approving applications for literacy grants (LIFT and RISE). Course changes included revising middle school math sequencing, renaming a course to Intro to Javascript, and approving new courses: Technology in Society & Career Skills, Game Design, and Advanced Pilot Knowledge & Applications. Personnel actions included approving a revised job description for the School Business Administrator and Personnel Report No. 07. Public comments were taken again before moving to a final executive session and adjournment.

The meeting commenced with the swearing-in of a new board member, Jennifer Welch. The session included adherence to the Open Public Meeting Act notification requirements and the recitation of the district's mission statement: Franklin Township Public Schools embraces its diversity, fosters excellent educational innovation, and empowers all students to achieve their highest potential. Key discussions involved presentations on grant projects awarded by the Franklin Township Warrior Education Foundation. These projects included initiatives such as a book partnership at Claremont Elementary, a recess soccer club, a photography club, and STEM/STEAM events at various schools. Other grant projects detailed involved supporting Muslim Heritage Month activities, providing sensory boxes for mental health support via the counseling department, publishing a poetry anthology, funding reader of the month programs, and supporting an anime and manga club. There were also updates on foundation activities, including their upcoming gala.

The meeting agenda included several key actions. The Board acknowledged receipt of various monthly reports from December, such as Principals' Reports and Enrollment Reports. New business involved approving travel and related expense reimbursements, affirming Superintendent's decisions regarding Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) reports, and proclaiming February 2026 as Black History Month. The Board also recognized January 2026 as School Board Recognition Month and accepted a donation of a book vending machine. Actions included approving the 2026-27 and 2027-28 School Year Calendars, adopting revised policies (Internal Controls and SEMI Program), reading a revised bylaw (Nepotism), and approving facility use requests for various community and school events in February, March, and one retroactive approval for January. Further items included approving the early release of a high school student to graduate effective February 1, 2026, allowing a visa student enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year, memorializing the Letter of Opposition regarding the CJCP Expansion Application, and approving the disposal of a subdivided portion of real property. Financial actions included approving warrants and payroll, accepting monthly financial reports for December, approving appropriation increases for FY25 budget related to FY24 aid and reserve, accepting an NEA Foundation Grant, approving out-of-district student placements, approving field trip destinations and specific overnight/long-distance trips for Model UN, FBLA, Cheer Team, and Wrestling Team. Additionally, the Board accepted ESEA Carryover Funds and approved grant applications for literacy initiatives (LIFT and RISE), approved changes to middle school math course sequencing, renamed a course to Intro to Javascript, and approved new courses starting in September 2026. Personnel actions included approving a revised job description for School Business Administrator and Personnel Report No. 07.

The meeting began with roll call confirming a quorum, followed by the Public Meeting Act statement detailing notification procedures. The board briefly adjourned to a confidential session to discuss special education settlements and personnel matters before returning to the regular session. Key discussions included the student government report highlighting homecoming, Model UN conference, and achievements from JCellers at a national event, alongside an update on Club Rush. The Superintendent's report thanked staff for a smooth start to the 2025-2026 school year, addressing initial transportation challenges. The superintendent also detailed the district's self-study phase for the upcoming New Jersey Department of Education monitoring (QAC) across five areas: instruction, fiscal management, governance, operation, and personnel. The Board President's report included a moment of silence for two deceased alumni, recognized staff achievements, including a published children's book, and celebrated a student receiving an MVP award. The board also discussed ongoing facilities improvements, particularly solar panel utilization and upcoming roof repairs. A significant discussion focused on the proposed job description for the Athletic Director role, confirming that due to NJSIA guidelines, the director must report to the high school principal regarding athletic programming responsibilities. Public comments included a resident challenging the published mission statement based on recent high school rankings, leading to a motion, which passed, to strike the comments from the immediate record and invite the speaker back during the 'any topic' portion of the agenda.