1:09:15A major highlight of the meeting was the recognition of Malia Joy Moon, a Franklin High School graduate, who recently won a Tony award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical. Members of the board expressed immense pride in her achievement, likening it to a high school athlete being drafted by a major league team. The board proposed collaborating with local government and community organizations to celebrate Malia’s success with a public event, possibly in September. Her humility and continued connection to her roots were noted as exemplary traits that resonate with the student body.

28:39In a related initiative, the board discussed the introduction of a new resource app, “Help Me,” developed in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Education and Camden County Health Services Commission. This app is designed to provide 24/7 support for students, families, and staff, addressing social-emotional concerns, food insecurity, housing issues, and bullying. The app’s anonymity and accessibility were emphasized, promoting its use not only during the school year but also over summer breaks.

The board also reviewed the student safety data report covering the period from September to December 2023. The report, presented by Mr. Wilson, highlighted the effectiveness of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) in reducing incidents of classroom cutting and physical aggression. These strategies have fostered a more constructive school environment, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the high school’s administration and staff. Efforts through mentoring programs, partnerships with community agencies, and initiatives like “cooking with cops” have further supported students in developing positive behaviors.

The board commended the anti-bullying specialists for their thorough investigations, emphasizing a focus on changing behavior rather than labeling students. Clarifications were provided on what constitutes bullying under state guidelines.

In line with promoting a safe online environment, the district adheres to the Children’s Internet Safety Protection Act, educating students on safe Internet usage and employing monitoring systems to ensure appropriate online activities. Concerns such as discussions of self-harm are addressed immediately.

The board’s focus on student behavior and safety extended into discussions about resource allocation, particularly at the middle school level, to address social challenges exacerbated by technology and social media. Reassessing existing resources and enhancing support for students with behavioral issues were noted as ongoing priorities.

49:31Another announcement was the change in the high school graduation ceremony timing, now scheduled for 6 PM instead of the usual 3 PM, due to anticipated high temperatures. The procession will begin at 5:30 PM.

The board meeting also celebrated the achievements of middle school students who excelled at the Music in the Parks Festival, with several groups receiving top ratings and awards. Additionally, 61 graduates were recognized for earning the New Jersey Seal of Biliteracy.

An essential item of business involved the approval of the Franklin Township Education Association (FTEA) successor agreement for the 2024-2025 through 2028-2029 school years. The agreement, met with applause from attendees, is expected to have a positive impact on students and the district.

1:09:15The board emphasized the importance of unity in nurturing students and recognized the dedication of retiring teachers, encouraging all to engage in random acts of kindness during the summer break to foster a strong community spirit.