We're going to get started with our short and sweet November board meeting. Brian, can we have roll call, please? >> Mr. Deglio. >> Mr. Grippo, >> present. >> Dr. Hopkins, >> present. >> Mr. Inosencio.
>> Mr. Jackson >> present. >> Miss Lort, >> I'm here. >> Miss Maris >> here. >> Mr. Parker >> present. >> Miss Singh >> here. >> Thank you. Can you also read the Open Public Meetings Act, please? >> In accordance with the Open Public
Meeting Act, public law 1975, chapter 231, Sunshine Law. Copies of the public meeting notice were sent to the Courier News, the Home News Tribune, the Star Ledger, the Franklin Reporter, Tap into Franklin Township, Franklin Township Clerk Manager, district schools, offices
and associations, PTO presidents, and posted on the district website. >> Thank you. >> And if you are able, please stand and join us with the pledge of allegiance. Jimmy, if you can lead us, please
stand one nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Can I get a motion to adopt the agenda, please? Moved by Nancy. Can I get a second? >> Seconded by Walter. All in favor?
>> I. >> Thank you. >> So, just a reminder to everyone that agenda item B5 has been withdrawn and we will begin with two phenomenal recognitions and I will pass this on to
Miss Clark. Thank you. Um, unfortunately, the EDG staff representative was not able to be with us today. So, we're going to postpone the recognition of the substitute teacher of the year and hold on to that. But now, I'd like to turn it
this over to uh Dr. Lren who's going to speak um about the Sodani Foundation and how they have helped us this year. Thank you, Miss Clark. And thank you for this beautiful slide that uh shows some of our student winners of our invention
competition. So four and a half years ago, uh, Vimal Sadani and his wonderful foundation reached out to us and challenged us to challenge our students by, um, creating some kind of an
experience that would really help them think about problem solving, identifying problems in the world, and coming together and using whatever, you know, innovation skills and collaboration skills they could muster to solve some
problems and um we worked with Vimal and and talked about some different ideas and developed this invention competition. His charge to us has always been do well in the state level and then start going national. Um we certainly
have done well within our district and have had some recent successes at the state level. Um, we're still looking to get that national recognition, but I had the chance to share with Vall and Nurmal uh tonight that our next tech academy is
also so aligned with those uh values and we're so proud of our development of that that we're you know has been announced here at the board uh meeting last month. Um but none of sort of the invention competition and all the good
stuff that has grown out of that would have been possible without the generous um contributions of the Sedani Foundation. So uh he's here tonight to uh contribute again to our um program, but we always love to hear from the
Sadani folks. So if one or both of you would like to come on up and and say some words, we'd appreciate it. And of course we can shake his hand. and I know he's looking to give us a check tonight which we're also happy to receive. So, thank you Mr. Sadani and
Okay. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. >> I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the officers of the
board of education. Dr. John Deari, Dr. Daniel Lan Nirmal Sha as well as to my wife Papu for their continued support and dedication.
We are proud to contribute to the steam invention competition with a grant of $10,000. It's our pleasure to present this check to the board of education
symbolizing our firm belief in the students of this township and their limitless potential on behalf of the Sudhani Foundation. It brings me great joy to confirm our
partnership and ongoing commitment to Franklin Township Public Schools. We are honored to support initiative that inspire creativity, innovation and excellence in our youth.
We are delighted to learn that the Franklin Township School District in Somerset County was recognized in the year 2024 school leader awards for its outstanding
invention competition program. This honor reflects the remarkable vision and hard work of the district's leadership, educators and students. Now is the time for these talented
students to represent Franklin Township, not only locally, but at the state and national levels. Their achievement will continue to resonate throughout our community and stand as testament to the
dedication and preservation of the Franklin Township students and educator. We look forward to seeing them bring pride and recognition to our township on even larger stages.
As the holiday season approaches, I would also like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Surhani Foundation to wish you and your families a joyful, healthy holiday season and a prosperous
new year 2026. Thank you. is Thank you so much. You love Thank you. The dancy NY, did you bring home? Thank you very much Mr. Sudani. I really really appreciate this year after year
contribution towards our students and I hope that our students also appreciate it and continue to put in their hard work year after year and happy holidays to you as well and a happy Thanksgiving.
And next we have our student representative report and we have Dharti Shastri with us. Before she goes, I just want to share. I don't know how many of you actually know what her name means.
Dharti actually means earth. And so I've been thinking about that and I was like I should have shared that at the first meeting that you were here. Dharti really means earth and she has a phenomenal smile every time she comes here and the positive attitude. So the
mic is all yours Darthy. Thank you. My name is Dorothy Sashri and I'm one of the student government bilasens. Here are some things that are going on at Franklin High School. The ultimate warriors are conducting a deodorant drive until Thanksgiving to benefit our warrior wellness pantry. FHS
is hosting a non-p perishable food drive to support our school community. Cans can be um dropped off to the FHS office. The Junior Classical League is holding a book drive to collect books for their stake organization. The student government is holding a non-p perishable
food drive for the Emanuel Cancer Foundation, which is a charity that deals with cancer with kids with cancer. Subs, come at FHS on Friday, November 22nd, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Enjoy dinner, performances, and cultural
games. Tickets will be sold at the door and are $12. Don't miss the FHS fall production of Clue, which will be held on Friday, November 21st at 700 p.m., Saturday, November 22nd at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 23rd at 2 at 2 p.m.
Tickets will be sold at the door and are $15. On Tuesday, November 25th, the Franklin Township Environmental Commission will award a certificate of honorable mention to Franklin High School for its achievements under the sustainability
jersey for schools program, including its annual green fair and its success in obtaining numerous grants for projects focused on environmental stewardship, education, and awareness. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. With that, we are
on to our superintendence report. Technical difficulty there for a second. I apologize. Thanks all. Keeping in keeping with the spirit of the season, on behalf of our district staff, I want to once again thank everyone for their continued support and dedication to our
wonderful school district. Your involvement and encouragement make such a positive difference in helping us to create a thriving environment for our students. We are truly grateful for everyone who works to support our young warriors and just want to say thank you.
Parent teacher conferences, parent teacher conferences are coming up for all grades during the week of December 1st. So again, that's during the week of December 1st. Parent teacher conferences for all grades. All schools will have a minimum session during that week. All
daytime conferences have a virtual or in-person session during that week. All daytime conference Oops, I'm sorry. Um, all daytime conferences have a virtual or inerson option. And all evening conferences will be held virtually.
Again, so that's all daytime conferences have a virtual or in-person option while all evening conferences will be held virtually. Please be sure to check in with your child's school on how to best schedule your appointments. Educational Support Personnel Day.
Yesterday was Educational Support Personnel Recognition Day. I want to take this opportunity to honor and express our deepest gratitude to our Franklin Township Public Schools educational support personnel whose dedication and hard work are the
backbone of our school community. from ensuring our facilities are safe and welcoming to providing students with vital assistance in and outside the classroom to handling countless behindthe-scene tasks with unwavering
commitment. They are essential to the success of our school district and we want to just say thank you and recognize them on this important week. That's it for us. >> Thank you, Dr. Now we're on to the board president's
report. The Franklin High School Migrs, also known as the Golden Blues, are amongst the finalist in the Star Core holiday singing competition. This competition is sponsored by WNBC and Telmundo TV. The
winning group of this competition will perform as part of the Christmas in Rockefeller Center holiday show which will air on December 3rd at 700 p.m. on WNBC. The winner of this competition which had over 100 applicants will be announced on
Tuesday, November 25th. Please join me in wishing our students best of luck. As we head into the holiday season, please check our website in the community event section for information on what is going on in our schools and around town. This
includes the FHS production of Clue this weekend, a list of upcoming FHS 20th anniversary events, a free holiday concert featuring the Franklin Township Community Band on December 12th at SGS, and a planning for the costs of college
workshop for all parents at FHS on December 15th. In the season of holiday, you all know that everybody gets very festive. >> Sorry. >> Sorry. Everybody gets in the festive
mode and we're going into Thanksgiving and soon we'll be going into Christmas. But there is a large community that is also struggling today. And I know our schools are also running food pantries. Our food bank is also running food
requesting money and food for families that are struggling. So there was a little video that was shared by one of my peers at work today and I asked um requested Mary to play it for all of us today. A short video that really um
emphasizes thanksgiving and how one act of kindness if we move it forward can make a huge difference in someone's life. So if you can indulge me in a for a few minutes and watch that video, I would really appreciate it.
>> May I have this? >> No. Why don't you get something special for grandpa? I'm sorry. Can I return the cake, please? >> Sure. Yes, >> I want a cake, please. I won't ask for
anything else >> okay when we can afford it. >> Last time you said that. You don't want this? I'll take it back. Hey, hey, hey. Hello. This is for you.
>> I know we cannot accept it. >> Would you please? >> There's no reason for you to buy the cake for us. >> Well, when I was seven, my mother wanted to buy me a cake. Mommy, I >> by the counter. We didn't have enough.
>> Can we get something else? >> It's my birthday today. Can I choose my own cake, please? >> I'm sorry. Then there's this man. I've never met him before. >> Yeah, Dr. K.
Happy birthday. I didn't know his name. I never got a chance to say thank you. I've never forgotten about him. The man in the queue. Thank you.
>> No, thank you. >> Can I have your contact number? Let me repay you when we have the money. >> Promise me something, okay? Someday when you're able to help somebody, you will do it.
May I know your name, mister? >> Well, I'm the man in the cure. >> Red, >> I chose this cake for your birthday. Wow, this is my favorite. Thank you.
>> Let's go and put some candles. >> Oh, careful. >> I You shouldn't have spent the money. >> Actually, a pay and pay for it. >> He gave me this note. >> Please write down your address. I'll
bring the money back to you later. A simple act of caring creates an endless ripple. Debt prospective. >> Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday Thank you everyone for indulging me into
this. And now we're ready to open comments from the public. 5 minutes per speaker. Agenda items only. Can I get a motion? Moved by Nancy. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Jimmy. All in favor?
>> Okay. Comments from the public. Agenda items only are now open. 5 minutes per speaker. >> Please come to the mic. State your name and address and you can address the board. My name is Joseph Rudolph. Uh my address
is 53 Evelyn Avenue in Franklin Park. Um I didn't know that there was an agenda tonight to speak to this board. I' never been here before. Um but there's serious problems I have with the school district
and uh I need to share it as soon as possible. Uh Mr. Solomon is aware of it. Um, but >> can I interrupt you for a minute? Is it about an agenda item? >> It is not, but when >> So, you'll have to come back. We right
after we finish business, there is a comment section for any items. So, I'd request you to come back and address. We'll be pretty quick tonight. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. I appreciate that. >> Anyone else? close the public session.
>> Okay. Motion by Bill, seconded by Nancy. All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. So, in the interest of the holiday season coming up, our committee and liaison reports have been posted. I would request all of you to go and view them. Um, this is for the board members.
Do you have any questions with the committee chairs on the board reports? I'll start from my right. Jimmy, any questions, comments? >> Uh, no. No, no questions. Comment would be to please go in and read uh the athletic ad hoc committee report as well
as the curriculum and instruction committee report. >> Thank you, Erica. >> No questions. Thank >> Lori. >> No questions. Thank you. >> Bill, >> Walter, >> no. >> Nancy Dennis, >> no.
>> Okay. Thank you. So, we're on to new business. >> All right, Madame President. And I'll make a motion to move R1 monthly reports. M1 minutes of the board meetings. A1 travel and related expense
reimbursement. A2 affirm harassment and intimidation and bullying decisions. A3 district safety plan. A4 safety and security statement of assurance.
A5 donations. A6 use of district facilities. A7 revised policy second reading and adoption. A8 new policy second reading
and adoption. A9 new policy first read. A10 revised policy first read. B1, warrants and payrolls. B2, financial reports. B3, contract approval.
B4, change orders. As stated, we are withdrawing B5. C1 out of district students 2025 2026 school year. C2 field trip destinations. C3 field trip applications.
C4 FHS and FMS winter athletic schedules. C5 course name change. C6 memorize minor curriculum change
T1 personnel report five number five. I make a motion to move those items. >> Thank you. So there is a motion to move R1, M1, A1 to A10, B1 to B4 withdrawing B5, C1 to C6 and P1. Can I get a second?
Seconded by Nancy. Can we get roll call, Brian? >> Mr. Grio. >> Yes. >> Dr. Hopkins. >> Yes. >> Miss. >> Yes. >> Mr. Jackson. >> Yes. >> Mr.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. except I will abstain from A6, A, B, and C because I work for Somerset Countyw. Thank you very much. So, all the agenda
items and the reports have been completed and we are back to comments from the public on any topic. Can I get a motion to open, please? >> So, moved. >> Moved by Nancy. >> Second. Seconded by Dennis. All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. You can please come back to
the podium. Thank you. >> And just so that you know, we will have everyone who's going to speak speak and then we will respond at the end once everybody has spoken. >> No problem. >> Thank you. >> So again, my name is Joseph Rudolph. I
live at 53 Evelyn Avenue in Franklin Park. Um, my son had an incident on Friday the 14th at Franklin Park School. Um, there was a lot of lack of um,
supervision. Um, I asked for meetings with this district in for the schools. Since my son been in this district, he's been getting hit, bullied, everything going on, and it's been kind of washed under
the rug, and I'm tired of it. I would like to show you guys pictures of my son's face from um Friday's incident where he was attacked. He's sec he's in second grade. And these kids were like high school
kids what they did to my son. Okay? And I brought this up three weeks ago. My son comes home from school. He has knot on his head. He's telling me he falls in gym class. Okay. Then two days later, he comes with a
scratch on his eye. I call the school. I talk to the guidance counselor. My son is freezing up. He don't want to tell me. He don't want to tell us what's going on. He's making stories to protect what's going on in this school. And this been going on since my son was in
school, since preK3. Mr. Oral Wilson, I was dealing with him. He left the district. Okay. Uh, every year my this Franklin Park school gets a new principal. How are these kids are supposed to have any discipline?
I sat down with the school on Monday. Every time I try to get a um a meeting with them, they don't let me. They don't let me in the school. They don't they don't give me my time to address what's going on. And that's not fair for me as a parent. It's not fair for any other
child in this district. Okay. So, um I sat down with the school principal, the interim principal, the nurse, and the guidance counselor on Monday. They showed me the video. They didn't show me all the video. They lied to me. They didn't tell me. They said I put the oh,
we can't see this angle. We can't do this. We can't do that. At the end of the session, the the vice principal says, "Oh, I'm going to go talk to the class and tell them to keep their hands to themselves." Never telling me anything about what they were going to do to these children that attacked my
son, that attacked my son. Okay? So, I go home, I brainstorm, I'm thinking all this stuff. I asked questions when I was in the meeting if these children are in his gym class and this and that. Um, which they were. So, now I'm putting things together. I'm connecting the
dots. Three weeks ago, I reached out to Mr. Mr. Solomon. Okay. Um, he never got back to me on this case or what I brought up to the attention. Now, I sat down. He he
had a meeting with me on Tuesday. We oversaw the videos. He saw the two videos of gym class like I saw the attack that I saw. Um it is a full district problem. I don't believe it's just in my school. Okay.
There's a lack of supervision of control to for every kid in the district. I talked to parents. I got kids in different districts in this district also. It's happening and and nothing is being done about it. So I'm here to
address it. I would like you guys to look at the pictures and you tell me what you would think if you picked your child up in this condition. Thank you. >> Thank you. Hello. Good evening, members of the board, Dr. Raali, administrators, and
community members. My name is Alicia Thompson Overby, and I am a resident of Franklin Township. I'm speaking tonight on behalf of myself and my husband Vance Overby who is currently home with our two, four, and six-year-old children
during our family's evening routine. Um, our four and sixyear-olds attend Franklin Park School where they are enrolled in preschool and in first grade. I am a proud member of the PTO board at Franklin Park School and a
class parent for both of my children. As many of you know, Franklin Park School has undergone significant leadership transitions this year. In December, the school will have its third principal. We appreciated the work of Mrs. Stein um
and wish her continued success as she leads the school closer to her home. We are also encouraged that Miss Rutled is working closely with Miss Pap during this transition period. Tonight, however, I stand before you as a deeply
concerned parent on November 19th, 2025, which was literally just yesterday at approximately 2:30 p.m. during reading instruction in my daughter's first grade classroom.
Another student told my six-year-old child that he was going to kill her. Another student heard that threat as well. At the time, a support teacher was assisting students while the classroom teacher worked with the small group at
her desk. My daughter and her classmate immediately reported the incident to the assisting teacher who then informed the classroom teacher. At that moment, no safety procedures were initiated. No steps were taken to ensure the immediate
safety of my child or any other child in that classroom. At 3:21 p.m., I received a class dojo message from the teacher paraphrased as, "A student became annoyed with your child and told her that he would kill her. Administration
is aware and will handle it." The message was not marked urgent. and I did not see it until around 6:00 p.m. long after dismissal. When I read it, my heart sank. After speaking with my daughter and obtaining her full account, I emailed
the interim principal, vice principal, and her teacher to express our shock and utter disappointment that no one had called us directly regarding a direct threat to our child's life. That level of communication is the bare
minimum. any parent should expect in a situation of this seriousness. The next morning, which would be today, my husband and I arrived at the school in Mama Bear and Papa Bear fashion and addressed our concerns in person. At
that time, the interim principal was already meeting with the classroom teacher. It was perfect timing and alignment. During our meeting with both the interim principal and the teacher, administration acknowledged that proper safety protocols had not been followed.
According to the interim principal, the teacher either did not know the required steps or failed to implement them. The administration and staff expressed s expressed sincere apologies.
However, apologies alone cannot be the end of this conversation. This situation is large larger than a single staff member. It reflects a systemic issue, a gap in training, leadership, and crisis response. We live
in a time where school violence is tragically common. It is 2025. We have all seen the headlines. We all know what is at stake. The fir to further heighten our concern, we learned that as of our arrival this morning for that meeting,
the parents of the other student had not been notified. Security had not been involved. The students belongings had not even been checked. The counselor had not engaged with any student involved. We were told these actions would be handled. And I
sincerely hope and trust that they have been addressed now. And again, Miss Rutled um was very receptive and understood as a parent and as a person period the severity of this situation. As you all may know, a heartbreaking
case recently made national news in which a teacher was shot by a six-year-old who brought a firearm home uh from home. These incidents are not abstract. They are real. They are happening in our country. And with that reality, imagine how we felt receiving
such a serious threat, not by phone, not immediately, but in a non-urgent class dojo message. And if we have to move to extend my time, I that would be fine. I'm not sure how that works. Uh, beyond the immediate safety concern, the emotional toll on my daughter has been
devastating. She did not even fully understand what the word kill meant. My father-in-law, a Marine, had helped us explain what the word truly meant. An explanation no parent wants to give a first grader. This incident stripped
away part of her in innocence and made us question the level of safety and readiness within this district. I have been a school-based speech language pathologist for over a decade. My sister is a principal in Washington DC. My family is full of professionals who are familiar with crisis response protocol
across districts and states. When I explained that the only communication that we received was a non-urgent class dojo message, everyone was stunned. They outlined the standard procedures that typically occur after any threat. Procedures intended to protect every
child and staff member. I want to empathize. I am not here to vilify my child's teacher. I truly appear. >> Sorry for interrupting. Your time is up, but if you have a last thought, you can finish that. My last thought, I'll just well I have a
question. Um my it's simple and direct. What meas measures are you putting in place to ensure that staff members across all schools in Franklin consistently follow required safety protocols when a threat is made. And I stand here as a parent whose child came
home safely. But I also stand here for every parent in this country who was not so fortunate. For the families whose children did not come home. Safety concerns are never they never feel real until it happens to your child. Thank you for your consideration and your
time. I appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. I appreciate it. >> Is there anyone else? >> She's right behind you. >> Hi, Mary. Madam President, since no one has
stepped up to um um present any further further conversation, uh I'll close public um >> motion to close public comment by Dennis. Can I get a second?
>> Second. >> Second by Lori. All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Thank you. So, public comments are now closed. Uh, sure. I can say just to both parents, sorry for your negative
experiences and uh certainly we will follow up with the building administrators and we'll use the information that you shared to further investigate the goings on or the matters that occurred. So, we'll make sure Dr. Solomon takes notes and we'll get back
to you through Dr. Solomon's office about what we've learned. So, thank you for sharing. I will just add to that ma'am if you have your statement that you were not able to complete if you have that in writing if you can also leave that with Dr. Solomon so that we have the full
statement and he will get back to you we will discuss it with him and he will get back to you on behalf of the board. Thank you. >> Okay. Uh we are on the last leg of the board meeting at the good of the order
and I will again begin from my right with Jimmy. I missed that part. >> We just said that we will discuss it with the administration and Dr. Solomon will be the one who will communicate with both the parents on our behalf.
>> Okay. Sorry about that. >> No worries. >> Uh nothing for Maya. >> Thank you, Erica. >> Um just want to uh wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. um if they celebrate and um and also want to wish the Merrick
Bells good luck. Um saw them on the news today, Channel 4 News in New York. So I think it's their one of three finalists. So it'll be exciting to see. So wishing them um all the best of luck on Tuesday and everyone go check out Clue. I'm going tomorrow night. So hopefully you
all come and um and and enjoy. I'm sure it's going to be awesome. Thank you. >> Thank you, Lori. I also want to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving and um do come out this weekend and enjoy Clue. I understand it's going to be an absolutely wonderful
production. Thank you. >> Thank you, Walter. >> Thank you. Um, I want to congratulate Rafi Welch and Miss Wilson,
future board members who will be coming aboard, congratulations to you. Um, I also want to say a happy safe Thanksgiving to everyone and also if you can, big or small, be a blessing to someone else this holiday season because
it's it's rough for a lot of folks. And the last thing I want to read, I was able to attend a community event on November the 8th. This certificate is proudly presented to
the Franklin Township Board of Education in recognition of your invaluable partnership and outstanding contributions to the mission and service of the Central Jersey Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. On the occasion of our 50th anniversary
community celebration held on November 8th, 2025, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support. Your dedication has enriched the lives of individuals and families across the Middle Sex, Somerset, and Union counties, and your
belief in our purpose continues to inspire and uplift our communities. Patricia D. Williamson, president, Central Jersey Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated. >> That's it. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Nancy. >> Okay, so mine's my farewell speech, part 87. Um, tonight it's about gratitude, diversity, and continuity. When you serve on a board, you realize quickly that schools don't run on policy alone. They run on people. And tonight,
I want to thank the people who make this district work every single day. At the front line are teachers and par profofessionals. They are in the classrooms every day meeting students where they are, lifting them up, excuse me, and making sure no child is
left behind. Their patience, creativity, and dedication are the heartbeat of this district. I also want to thank the security guards, principals, deans, and vice principles who greet our teachers, greet our students every morning, the cafeteria workers who feed them, the
custodians who keep our buildings clean, and the buildings and ground crew who not only make sure our property looks good, but also ensure facilities are safe and ready for learning. The coach coaches, adviserss, and leaders who cheer students on and uncover talents they didn't know they had. And behind
the scenes are clerical staff, central office staff and administrators who keep the gears turning. Our school sponsor, school sponsored organizations. Wait, 87 things over here. Um PTO's boosters, project RAD, choir, band, and so many
others. Enrich student life and keep families connected even when contracted services like transportation are part of the fabric that keep moving us forward. Each of these people, each of these roles are threads. Threads that weave together the beautiful diverse fabric of
Franklin. It is their work, their voices, and their presence that make our town strong. They remind us that diversity is not just something we talk about. It is lived every day in our schools, in in our hallways, and in our community. Together, they create a
tapestry that is vibrant, resilient, and uniquely ours. And tonight, we also celebrate continuity. Congratulations to newly elected board members, Mahira Rafi, uh Jennifer Welsh, and Clara Wilson. And um you're stepping into a
role that demands courage and humility. And I know that you will bring fresh energy um while honoring the work that has come before you. As I step away, I leave with gratitude for the hours, the lessons, the laughter, and the milestones. Gratitude for the privilege
of handling at le handing at least one of my own children their diploma. Gratitude for the chance to serve alongside so many dedicated people. Board service is not about politics. It's about stewardship, vision, and keeping students at the center. In other words, it's about learning to play well
in the sandbox. And in this in in this season of Thanksgiving, I'm reminded that gratitude is not just a holiday tradition. It's the foundation of service. and this is the legacy I hope to leave behind. Kind of ties back to what um paying it forward with that
little boy with a piece of cake. Um so that's that's my message number 87 um as our next and final board meeting after a very long time is next month. But um I also want to say that I'm looking
forward to going to the play and there are a ton of things happening in Franklin especially at the holiday season and they're all wonderful things. Um, so please take advantage of the thread of Franklin and and enjoy it and have a very happy Thanksgiving and
there's goodies in the back. >> Thank you, Dennis. >> As stated, congratulations to our new board members that is about to come on board. Um also um we are at the
beginning phases of the holiday season and um just like the uh nice um video or um short story showed us it's time to reflect and give thanks
um and um appreciate what you have and possibly uh reach out with a hand for others. So uh with the students uh as they uh begin to have the the time away from
school, be safe. Be safe. Uh take the time off to reflect. Uh embrace your family. Uh embrace your neighbors. Embrace your
friends. But it's the uh t the season to give thanks. That's all I have. >> Thank you. And with that, as promised, we will close out our meeting with another word of gratitude to everyone
who is part of this district. And um as um I walked in with a lot of gratitude today um with the vow that you know I will continue to help and serve. Maybe not on the board anymore after December,
but continue to help and serve and be a voice for the vulnerable. Um continue to make sure that you notice the signs, notice the red flags that you see and try and make a difference in someone's life. And also appreciate people, you
know, thank someone who is your neighbor, who is your friend, who is your peer, because people don't get really appreciated anymore these days. And that's another thing, you know, even a teacher, a safety, you know, safety
person, safety patrol people, security guards, just stop and just say a thank you. Sometimes they're not looking for gift cards, are not looking for treats. All they're looking for is a word of appreciation. And with that, we come to
close our meeting. Thank you.