FLEF 
Franklin Lakes 
Education Foundation
FLEF 
Franklin Lakes 
Education Foundation
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Support Franklin Lakes K-8 Public Schools and Join FLEF Today!

 Who We Are & What We Do:

The Franklin Lakes Educational Foundation (FLEF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the educational experience for all K-8 students in our district. We raise funds to provide grants for innovative programs, technology, and "outside the box" learning opportunities that fall outside the traditional school budget. Our ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between basic funding and extraordinary education, ensuring our teachers have the tools to inspire every student!


The Commitment: What to Expect

Serving as a Trustee is a rewarding three-year term. We operate as a "working board," meaning every member plays a hands-on role in our success.


1. Meeting & Governance

  • Monthly Board Meetings: These are the heartbeat of the foundation. Consistent attendance is vital to stay informed, vote on initiatives, and ensure no details slip through the cracks.
  • Grant Nights: Once a year, we host our Grant Nights. This is the "why" behind our work. You will hear directly from teachers and administrators as they present their visions for new classroom projects. Typically, there are 3 nights you are required to attend. 


2. Fundraising & Events:

   Our impact is directly tied to our fundraising success. Trustees are expected to be active participants in:

  • The Annual Gala Dinner Dance: Our flagship spring event. Trustees assist with soliciting donations, event setup/breakdown, and on-site logistics.
  • Raffle Sales: Each trustee is responsible for selling approximately 10 tickets for our annual 50/50 raffle.
  • Community Events: Participation in smaller outreach events, such as the Back to School Fundraiser, Fall or Spring events. 


3. Leadership & "Pitching In"

  • Chairing an Initiative: Over your three-year term, you will be expected to chair at least one event or lead a major administrative task.
  • Specialized Roles: There are always opportunities to use your specific skills in areas like website management, social media, grant coordination, or raffle logistics.


Why Serve?

While there is work involved, our trustees often find that the benefits far exceed the time commitment. By joining FLEF you can see exactly where your hard work goes when a grant is awarded, and a new program comes to life. You also get the benefit of working alongside a passionate team of fellow parents and community members. Lastly, you get to play a tangible role in maintaining the excellence of the Franklin Lakes school district for years to come.


All of our activities are a true team effort. We pitch in together, celebrate together, and make a difference together!


Ready to Learn More?

If you are interested in being nominated for a position on the Board of Trustees, we would love to chat! Message us on Instagram, reach out to a current trustee, or email us at FLEFInfo@gmail.com. 


Click HERE to submit your application of interest now!
 

OUR TRUSTEES 2025-2026



Our Executive Board

Jacklyn Rukaj  (Co-President)

Jennifer Santamaria (Co-President)

Betsy Albert (Co-Vice President)

Renee Faraj Tahan (Co-Vice President)

Lisa Rattner (Treasurer)

Debra Pariot (Secretary)




Renata Bruns

Claire Clarke

Todd Cortese

Ashley Esposito

Ashley Finneran

Antonia Katsanos

Jennifer Khalaf

Blanchy Lara

Susan Lindemuth

Rahul Mohapatra

Marvet "Mimi" Nabhan

Adam Petrillo

Lauren Porter

Tiffany Rabinowitz

Akanksha Raswant

Shayna Rosen

Manoshi Stoker

Varsha Vakani

Vasu Vats

Melissa Whalen







Honorary Trustees

Sandi Celentano

Jon Cote

Celia Keomurjian

Raena Stern


Get involved with Franklin Lakes Education Foundation (FLEF)

Would you like to help the Franklin Lakes Public Schools? Join FLEF! (or just ask how you can help!)

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PAST FLEF Executive board

President

2024-2025 - Sandi Celentano | Jon Cote

2023-2024 - Alexis Canonico | Sandi Celentano

 2022-2023 - Joe Helmy | Laura Lombardi

2021-2022 - Joe Helmy | Laura Lombardi

2020-2021 - Jeff Massaro | Jon Mitchell

2019-2020 - Shirley Mattioli | Jon Mitchell

2018-2019 -  Shirley Mattioli | Tony Solimine

Vice President

2024-2025 - Akanksha Raswant | Jennifer Santamaria

2023-2024 - Dana Muro | Marina Majbour

2022-2023 -  Alexis Canonico | Beth Morel 

2021-2022 -  Kerry Lanigan-Freeman | Beth Morel 

2020-2021 -  Kristalyn Cannavale |  Kerry Lanigan-Freeman 

2019-2020 - Kristalyn Cannavale | Lorraine Solimine

 2018-2019 -  Samantha Braen-Magarro  |  Erin Trick

  Treasurer

2024-2025 - Jacklyn Rukaj

2023-2024 - Jon Cote

2022-2023 - Dana Muro

2021-2022 - Allison DePiero

2020-2021 - Dean Mellas

2019-2020 - Jeff Massaro

2018-2019 - Robert Fromberg  

   Secretary

2024-2025 - Debra Pariot

2023-2024 - Gina Abdy

2022-2023 - Marina Majbour

2021-2021 - Sally McQuade

2020-2021 - Sally McQuade

2019-2020 -  Helen Koulikourdis 

2018-2019 - Lisa Landers

TD BANK AFFINITY PROGRAM

TD Bank makes an annual contribution to FLEF based on the activity of all participating members' TD Bank accounts. Eligible accounts include: Checking / Savings / Money Market / CD's / Retirement

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Simply enter your Name, Address, and Phone Number. We'll do the rest!

The TD Bank Affinity program is FREE!!!

If you prefer, you can stop by any TD Bank location or call TD Bank Customer Service to have your balances included as part of FLEF's Affinity Membership Program.  

Thank you for your Support!

Franklin Lakes Education Foundation

Copyright © 2021 Franklin Lakes Education Foundation 

All Rights Reserved

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