While many school board retreats focus solely on the content, the Franklin Township Community School Corporation School Board chose to put the district's mission into action.

Following its annual board retreat at Gleaners Food Bank, FTCSC School Board members and members of the district's executive leadership team stepped onto the warehouse floor and volunteered at Gleaners, packaging enough taco meal kits to provide 440 meals for Central Indiana families facing food insecurity.

The volunteer experience was intentionally connected to FTCSC's Strategic Plan and the district's mission of Making a Difference through Purposeful Learning and Meaningful Collaboration. Board members learned more about food insecurity across Central Indiana from Gleaners experts. They then worked side by side to serve families in need.

FTCSC School Board members Zachary Smith Howard, Dawn Downer, Beth Yoder, Larry Walker, and Ryan Donvan joined Superintendent Dr. Chase Huotari and members of the district's executive leadership team in the volunteer effort.

Founded in 1980, Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana is the largest food bank in Indiana and works toward its vision of "food for every table." Gleaners' mission closely aligns with FTCSC’s commitment to Making A Difference by supporting the whole child. Research consistently shows that students learn best when their basic needs are met, making partnerships with organizations like Gleaners an important part of strengthening communities.

We are incredibly grateful for community organizations like Gleaners Food Bank that extend their impact directly into our FTCSC Flashes Community, helping us ensure our students are supported both inside and outside the classroom.