Presley Honored For Service On Board Of Education

Julia Presley thanks the Board of Education Jan. 26 for the plaque honoring her service on the board.

The Board of Education Jan. 26 thanked one of its former members for her service.

Julia Presley, who chose not to run for re-election last year after two terms and several tumultuous years at the helm of the board, was presented with the traditional plaque honoring her service by current board president, Ed Potosnak.

The plaque was given “in recognition and gratitude for your leadership, dedication and service” as board president and vice president, according to its inscription, as read by Potosnak.

In her short acceptance speech, Presley said, “Thank you, it was a pleasure, and I told my husband I was going to say this, peace out.”

It was all smiles and hugs as Potosnak presented Presley with her plaque, but that was not the case between the two – and Presley and others – when she was board president. Presley and Potosnak, among others, often clashed,  usually over procedures and some policies.

Several board members also filed ethics charges against Presley, but those charges had not been fully adjusdicated by the time her term ended last year, and, as per state law, will be dropped now that she is no longer a board member.

But all that was set aside as the board honored Presley on Jan. 26.

“It was a pleasure to serve with you on the board,” Potosnak said.

Board member Christine Danielsen told Presley that she appreciated “all the time and energy you dedicated to the township students.”

“I thank you for your input on the cultural aspects of education and the diversity aspects of education,” board member Pat Stanley told Presley. “I think they are very important and I think we are going to sustain a loss by your not coming back.”

“Thank you for your service and dedication,” board member Margaret Steele told Presley. “Enjoy your time off.”

Board vice president Nancy LaCorte thanked Presley for “all you’ve done for the board and the community.”

Schools Superintendent John Ravally thanked Presley for helping to make his transition into the position smooth.

Donna Burnett, the Conerly Road School principal, read a “proclamation” from the school, commending Presley for her “extraordinary dedication to the community and all of the students in Franklin Township public schools.”

“You are a strong advocate for all students, and you truly believe in learning,” she said. “We extend to you our sincere wishes for your future endeavors.”

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