Board of Directors for
Franklin Community Education Foundation
President- Crissie Elmendorf
I am delighted to be a part of the Franklin Community Education Foundation, as I have two children, one graduated FCS in 2025, and one is currently attending Franklin Central School. My family has enjoyed living in Franklin since 2008. I joined the Board of Directors for the Franklin Free Library in 2015. I enjoy giving back to my community.
Vice President–Shanna Sheldon
Shanna Sheldon joined the Franklin Community Education Foundation in July 2021 because she wanted to be more involved in the Franklin Community. She currently has two students at Franklin Central School District and works as a Human Resources Business Partner.
Secretary- Lorelle Dutcher
Lorelle Dutcher re-joined the Board in 2023 after a brief hiatus. She has been an elementary teacher at Franklin Central School since 1993 as well as having been a classroom aide at FCS. All three of her children graduated from Franklin Central School. Lorelle is an advocate for small schools and is deeply dedicated to the students at Franklin Central School.
Treasurer–Sara Leddy
Sara Leddy has been a member of the committee since 2018 in various roles. She is proud of the work FCEF does to provide opportunities to Franklin students. She is Mom to a Franklin graduate and loves knitting and spending time on her small hobby alpaca farm. She’s a pediatric physical therapist in her free time.
Board Member- Paula Bagley
After learning about the mission of our organization and experiencing the valuable contributions we have made to the community, Paula Bagley wanted to know how she could volunteer to help, so she joined the Foundation in 2022. Paula met her husband, Bill, at SUNY Delhi they have a son Mason who is in 10th grade at Franklin school.
Board Member- Patricia Tyrell
Class of ’99 Franklin Central School graduate and mother of two FCS recent graduates, Patricia joined the Foundation in 2015 when asked by former founder and President John Campbell. Patricia enjoys serving on the board because being involved with improving educational experiences, and possibly life outcomes of children is important and rewarding work.
Board Member-Elliot Black
Elliot Black moved to Franklin in 2021 and took several years to learn a bit about the town and school before joining the Board in 2025. An advocate for public education, he is also a small business owner who believes in the transformative power of mentorship and community support. He has two kids who are students at Franklin Central School and he is excited to give his time to the Franklin Community Education Foundation!
Board Member-Susan Barnett
Susan Barnett is a local business owner, a writer, a journalist and a former educator. She believes that a strong, vibrant local school is crucial not only our children’s development, but our community’s future.