Grundy Reporter

Coal City Community Unit School District 1 Board met Jan. 8.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER

Board President Ken Miller called the regular meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. in the Coal City Community Unit School District # 1 District Office Board Room. In attendance were Board members answering roll call present: Robert Bianchetta, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Quint Harmon, Chuck Lander and Ken Miller. Board Member Jeff Emerson was not in attendance. Superintendent Kent Bugg, CSBO Jason Smith, member of the press Ann Gill, Board Secretary Karen Vota, and Board Secretary LaWanda Gagliardo were also in attendance.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

President Miller led the Board of Education and others present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

CLOSED SESSION

Robert Bianchetta moved and Quint Harmon seconded to go to closed session at 5:45 p.m. for the purpose of considering information regarding, the purchase or lease of real property for the use of public body, including discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired.

Roll call 

Ayes: Robert Bianchetta, Quint Harmon, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Chuck Lander, Ken Miller 

Absent: Jeff Emerson 

Motion Carried

When the Board returned to open session, President Miller called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with the board members answering roll call present: Robert Bianchetta, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Quint Harmon, Chuck Lander, Ken Miller. Absent was Board member Jeff Emerson.

NOTICES AND COMMUNICATIONS

1. Introduction/acknowledgement of guests.

2. The Board recognized Karen Vota for her 15.5 years of service as the School Board Secretary. This was Karen's final Board meeting. Board President Miller presented her with a recognition plaque in appreciation for her service to the Board of Education.

3. Coach Hutchings and Principal Spencer were in attendance to recognize the Coal City High School football players along with the coaches, for their Class 4A semi-final finish. The team finished the season 12 – 1 and were the champions of the Illinois Central Eight Conference.

4. Betsy Cowherd was in attendance with 4 of her students who shared their service-learning experience of running the Coat Closet at the Intermediate School. The children spoke about their awareness of the need in the community for this type of a program in the community, and how much they learned.

5. Dr. Bugg recognized the following staff members who achieved their National Board Certification: Angela Phillips, Jennifer Savoie, and Tricia Togliatti. Pam Vigna gave a brief synopsis on what the program entails, and spoke about each teacher. Dr Bugg and Mr. Miller thanked their National Board local facilitator, Pam Vigna, for leading the teachers through this rewarding and reflective professional development experience.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FLOOR

1. In regard to agenda items – none. 2. In general (Limited to 5 minutes per person.) - none.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

President Miller asked if there were any items that the Board would like to remove from the consent agenda. Hearing none, President Miller asked for a motion to approve the consent agenda.

Mr. Lander moved and Mr. Harmon seconded to approve the consent agenda including:

MINUTES 

December 4, 2019 - Regular Meeting

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES 

December 4, 2019 - Regular Meeting

FINANCIAL REPORTS 

Activity Fund Reports – November 2019 

Treasurer’s Report – November 2019 

Monthly Manual Check Report – December 2019 

Payroll Report – December 2019 

Accounts Payable Report – January 2020

PERSONNEL

Resignations

Jeanne Warning - a part-time Reading Aide at the Intermediate School – Ms. Warning’s last day will be December 20, 2019.

Brittany Bush – a full-time Special Education Aide at the Intermediate School – Ms. Bush’s last day will be January 6, 2020.

Employments - pending satisfactory completion of all state requirements

Rebecca Bajt – 0.6 FTE Art Teacher at the Intermediate School for the remainder of the 2019 – 2020 school year. Rebecca has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ripon College in Studio Art with a Minor in Educational Studies. She is also a skilled in photography, visual layout, 2D and 3D art.

Coal City Community Unit School District #1 Board of Education Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Employee Transfers

Transfer of Julie Walsh from the High School as a 3 hour per day Special Education Aide to the Intermediate School as a 3 hour per day TAG Aide.

Leave Requests

Katie Muntz – PATH Special Education Teacher at the High School – At the November 6th board meeting, the board approved eighteen (18) day paid maternity leave with use of accumulated sick leave in accordance with the Teacher's Negotiated Agreement, from approximately February 2, 2020 through February 27, 2020. She is also requesting a twenty-four (24) day unpaid Family Medical Leave from February 28, 2020 through April 9, 2020. Due to an early birth, Ms. Muntz is requesting eighteen (18) day paid maternity leave from January 13, 2020 through February 6, 2020. She is requesting a twenty-nine (29) day unpaid Family Medical Leave from February 7, 2020 through March 20, 2020. She is planning to return to back to work March 30, 2020.

Sarah Veronda – School Psychologist – At the October 2nd board meeting the board approved a thirty (30) day paid maternity leave with use of accumulated sick leave in accordance with the Teacher's Negotiated Agreement, from approximately January 27, 2020 through Tuesday, March 10, 2020. She is also requesting a thirteen (13) day unpaid Family Medical Leave from Wednesday, March 11, 2020 through Friday, April 3, 2020. Due to an early birth, Ms. Veronda is requesting a thirty (30) day paid maternity leave from January 6, 2020 through February 18, 2020. She is also requesting a twenty-two (22) day unpaid Family Medical Leave from February 19, 2020 through March 20, 2020. She is planning to return back to work March 30, 2020.

Megan Post – 3rd Grade Teacher at the Elementary School - Ms. Post is requesting a twenty-five (25) day paid maternity leave with use of accumulated sick leave in accordance with the Teacher's Negotiated Agreement, from approximately April 23, 2020 through the end of the 2019 – 2020 school. The last day of teacher attendance is May 28, 2020. She may request additional leave at a later time.

Extra-Curricular Assignments

High School Assistant Wrestling Coach (based on numbers) - Nick O’Bert; High School Wrestling Program currently has 41 wrestlers.

Assistant Middle School Track Coach - Meagan VanDuyne

Assistant Middle School Track Coach - Ashley Matsko

Extra-Curricular Volunteers

Athletic Director Dan Hutchings has made a recommendation to accept Cody Minnick as a volunteer Assistant Wrestling Coach at the High School.

BUILDING USE REQUESTS 

Group                                       Building         Ins.         Date 

Christian Fellowship League    MS Gym        Yes         1/11/20 – 4/4/20 

Coal City Tennis Association    ES Gym         Yes        1/28/20 - 2/25/20

Roll Call.

Chuck Lander, Quint Harmon, Robert Bianchetta, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Ken Miller

ADMINISTRATORS' REPORTS

A. EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER REPORT

Principal Davidson Reported:

Calendar of Events

Calendar of Events

January 6th - Teacher’s Institute

January 7th - Classes Resume

January 7th - SAP Meeting @ 3:00pm

January 7th - YMCA Basketball

January 8th - A Team Meeting @ 12:40pm

January 9th - LLT

January 10th - Popcorn Friday

January 13th - 17th - AimsWEB Benchmark Testing

January 14th - Kindergarten Team Meeting @ 11:15

January 14th - 1st Grade Team Meeting @ 12:15

January 14th - SAP Meeting @ 3:00pm

January 14th - YMCA Basketball

January 15th - PreK Team Meeting @ 10:40am

January 15th - ECC Faculty Meeting

January 20th - NO SCHOOL

January 21st - SAP Meeting @ 3:00pm

January 21st - YMCA Basketball

January 22nd - A Team @ 12:40pm

January 28th - SAP Meeting @ 3:00pm

January 28th - YMCA Basketball

January 29th - Early Dismissal

January 31st - Super Ticket Drawing

Current ECC Enrollment for 2019-2020

PreK 151

Kindergarten 132

1st Grade 133

Total: 416

Emergency/Crisis Drills Completed

August 29th @ 1:30pm (shelter-in-place)

September 3rd @ 9:30am (fire drill)

September 9th - Bus Evacuation Drills

September 17th @ 9:00am (lockdown drill)

Month-in-Review

December is always a very busy month at the ECC and flies by so quickly! It is also the most magical month at the ECC because the excitement of the holidays can be felt all throughout the building each day! The month began with a successful book fair and students were able to shop during library time and parents were invited in as well. Mrs. Melvin organized a great event! The students always love the book fair!!

The month ended with holiday parties and a visit from Santa Claus! The students enjoyed a Holiday dance party in our holiday pajamas and had so much fun! Mr. Painter and Mrs. Crawford had the Christmas lights glowing around the gym and the students enjoyed the fun holiday music. Mrs. Kodat organized the “ECC Boomwhackers Band” and each group of teachers performed a holiday song for the students before the beginning of each dance party. As students entered the gym for the dance parties, Mrs. Kodat and Miss Bricker were playing holiday music on musical instruments as Mr. Painter organized the seating of the students. Santa himself made an appearance at the ECC on Friday, December 20th and this is always one of the most favorite days at the ECC. The students LOVE to see Santa at school.

Recognition

A very big THANK YOU to Charissa Dehler for working with us during the first semester of the school year. Charissa filled in for Hayley Villafuerte’s maternity leave since August. Her last day at the ECC was Friday, December 20th. Mrs. Villafuerte will return on Monday, January 6th to her classroom.

Holiday party days are a very busy time in the office each year. THANK YOU to Tracy Warner and Carol Talty for their help making sure treats, presents and games were distributed to classrooms for parties, and that parents were directed to the right place for each party!

As we return in January, the ECC will have two student teachers in 1st grade. Emma Manietta will be student teaching with Tiffany Stewart and Samantha Hinich will be student teaching with Abby Wilkinson. We welcome both to the ECC and are looking forward to providing this great experience for them as they start their teaching career!

B. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPORT

Principal Kenney reported:

Calendar of Events 

1/6 – In-Service 

1/7 – Students Back 

1/9 – 7:30– Co-Teaching Mtg 

1/9 – LLT at Coal City Firebarn 

1/9 – 12:55 – 3rd Grade Team Mtg 

1/9 – 3:15 – SAP Mtg 

1/14 – 10:30 – Truancy Mtg 

1/14 – 12:00 – 2nd Grade Team Mtg

1/14 – 3:15 – School Culture Mtg 

1/15 – 7:40 – A-Team Mtg 

1/16 – 7:40 – Self-Contained Team Mtg 

1/20 – No School 

1/21 – 3:15 – TALC 

1/23 – 12:55 – 3rd Grade Team Mtg 

1/23 – 3:15 – SAP Mtg 

1/27 – 3:15 – Staff Mtg 

1/28 – 12:00 – 2nd Grade Team Mtg 

1/29 – Early Dismissal 

1/29 – 7:40 – A-Team Mtg

ES Enrollment 

2nd Grade 153 

3rd Grade 164 Total: 317 – increase of 2 students (registered as of 1/1/20)

CCES Happenings and Recognitions

December was an exciting month at CCES, as Christmas time is approaching! We celebrated with our special elf, Candy Cane, as she did various things in the hallway to keep the students excited about coming to school. We ended the month with our PBS assembly and a visit by Santa!

Benchmark assessments and iReady Diagnostic assessments were administered in December. Students worked hard to show what they have learned so far this year. We had many students ringing our goal bell in the hallway as they reached their goals that they set for themselves!

Congratulations to our newest Principal’s Pride Award winners, Olivia Ferrari and Collin Cooper. Both students were nominated by their teachers for their outstanding work ethic, kindness to others, and achievement.

A special thank you to Mrs. Brncich for having several of our students’ artwork displayed at The Exhibit in Morris. We are proud of their beautiful work and the awards that were won. Our students included: Second Grade - Ace Haberzetle, Derek Maxwell, Emalyn Williams, Tristan Brncich, Olivia Edmonds, and Lenie Opyd Third Grade - Kinsley Nowak, Abbie Anders, Kiptyn Dearth, and Josh Chapman.

A special thank you to Mrs. Foley and her students for performing at The Festival of Trees. The sang several Christmas songs for the crowd and did a fantastic job of dancing.

Congratulations to our first trimester I Make a Difference Award winners! These staff members were nominated by a parent or community member for the award. Congratulations to Mrs. Melissa Vigna, Ms. Amy Foley, and Miss Katie Condon!

C. INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL REPORT

Principal Carlson reported:

Calendar of Events 

12/21-1/5 Winter Break 

1/6 – No School ~ Teacher Institute Day 

1/7 – Classes Resume 

1/8 – Specials Team Meeting 3:10 

1/9 – LLT 8:00-11:00 a.m. at Fire Station 

1/10 – Storm Drill 2:30 1/9 – Custodian Meeting 3:00 

1/14 – Truancy meeting 9:30 

1/14 – TALC Meeting 3:10 

1/14 – PSO Meeting at District Office 6:30 p.m. 

1/15 – ELL ACCESS Testing 

1/15 – Erin’s Law Assembly presented by Guardian Angel; 5th 12:00-12:45, 4th 1:15-2:00 

1/15 – 4th Grade Team Meeting 3:10 

1/20 – No School ~ MLK, Jr. Day 

1/22 – 5th Grade Team Meeting 3:10 

1/23 – Mobile Dental Clinic 8:30-1:30 

1/27 – SAP Meeting 3:10 

1/28 – PBS Meeting 3:10 

1/29 – SpEd Team Meeting 7:30 a.m. 

1/29 – 11:35 Dismissal 

1/30 – A Team 1:20 

1/30 – CCIS Snowflake Ball 6:00-7:30 p.m. 

2/1 – CCIS Family Bingo 1:00-4:00 

2/9 – Fine Arts Festival 12:00-4:00 at CCHS

Current Enrollment 

4th Grade 163 

5th Grade 159 

Total 322 

This includes one 4th and one 5th grade special education student, who are enrolled in other programs outside of CCIS.

Emergency/Crisis Drills Completed 

Evacuation 8/19/19; 10/24/19

Shelter-in-Place/Storm 8/20/19 

Lockdown 8/21/19; 9/17/19; 12/2/19 

Bus Evacuation 9/13/19

Student Discipline in Previous Month 

Bus Slips 3 

Argumentative 3

 Inappropriate Language/Gesture 1

Inappropriate Physical Contact 1 

Disrespectful to Peers 1 

Disrespectful to Staff 1 

Excessive Noise 4 

Not Keeping Hands/Feet to Self 5 

Lying 1 

Defiant 1 

Tech Device without Permission 1

Previous Month in Review

We held our Perfect Attendance Social on November 26th for students who had perfect attendance during Trimester 1. Students enjoyed a 30-minute indoor recess with games and music. They were given a certificate and a coupon from Burger King for an Icee. Seventy-seven students had perfect attendance during the first 12 weeks of school!

On November 26th the Madrigals performed at CCIS.

Cocoa Candy Christmas for a Cause organized by Mrs. Rink’s class took place from December 11-18. Her students sold hot cocoa before school and after lunch. They raised $1,686.85 and donated all of the money. They donated $1000 to Heifer International and $686.85 to Help for Hope.

Middle School Wrestling began on December 2nd. We have 16 fifth grade students participating this year.

CCIS participated in the District’s Toy Drive Competition sponsored by the Wellness Committee from December 2-13.

The YMCA Basketball Program began at CCIS on December 4th. Every Wednesday and Saturday we host around 200 students in this youth basketball league.

Thank you for the holiday lunch for staff on December 4th.

On December 4th the CCIS Student Council helped pack the food bags for the Backpack Program from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

During the week of December 9th, we had a holiday door decorating contest. Mrs. Gernenz’s homeroom won for 4th grade, Mrs. Boresi’s homeroom won for 5th grade, and Ms. Talty won for the non-homeroom category.

Our first Beginning Band Concert was held on December 10th at CCHS under the direction of Mrs. Bontrager. The students did a fantastic job!

During the last 12 school days of 2019, CCIS staff participated in a team “12 Days of Christmas” scavenger hunt. There were nine five-person teams. It ended in a two-way tie with following winners: The Jolly St. Nicks (Betsy Cowherd, Jenn Rink, Brittany Bush, Carrie Troll, Michele Kirchner) and The Sticky Bandits (Brad Boresi, Amy Gaffigan, Denise Esparza, Moree Harney, Tanya Sarter).

During the last week of school CCIS staff displayed childhood Christmas pictures of themselves in the cafeteria for the students to play “Guess Who?!?”. Students enjoyed seeing us as little kids and guessing who everyone was.

We had a PBS celebration on December 20th. Students, who had positive behavior at least 80% of the time during the last 9 weeks, played Bingo and were given hot chocolate, a cookie, and a candy cane. Students used their Coaler Cash for a chance at several raffle prizes, as well as, for a chance to participate in a speed snowman-building race.

Our PSO sponsored Polar Express Family Movie Night at CCIS on December 20th from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Tickets were $1.00 per person and includes hot chocolate. Approximately 160 people attended.

ASAP (After School Assistance Program) takes place from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. three days a week. Recommended students receive help from Mrs. Cowherd or Mrs. Rink. We currently have 20 students in ASAP; eleven in 4th grade and nine in 5th grade.

Student Council sponsored the following spirit days this past month: Holiday Hat Day, Holiday PJ Day, Favorite Holiday Shirt Day, Fancy Day, Favorite Holiday Character Day, Red & Green Day, Ugly or Silly Holiday Sweater Day.

Student Recognition

Congratulations to the following Students of the Week: Week of 11/25: Grace Hunt, Alyssa Pens, and Dana McNease Week of 12/2: Savannah Flood, Parker Jacovec, Michael Venegas, and Emma Rakes Week of 12/9: Logan Natyshok, Lilly Foley, Alan Calderon, and Addison Sota Week of 12/16: Kellen Forsythe, Alivia Waliczek, Chace Riley, and Abigail Rose

Staff Recognition

I wanted to thank Mr. Smith for helping with morning supervision while I was in meetings, Mr. Boresi for organizing the District’s Turkey Drive, Mrs. Rink for organizing Cocoa Candy Christmas for a Cause, and the Wellness Committee for paying for Coffee Connect for bringing coffee to CCIS staff. Also, to recognize the following staff members who received the weekly CCIS Kudos: Mrs. Vignocchi for hosting Grandparents Week, Ms. Miller for making a kid feel special, and Mrs. O’Keefe for doing a fantastic job teaching art this semester

D. MIDDLE SCHOOL REPORT

Principal Johnson reported:

Calendar of Events

Dec. 21-Jan. 5 NO SCHOOL – Winter Break 

Jan. 4 Coal City Warrior Wrestling Invitational CCHS 

Jan. 6 Teacher Institute Day 

Jan. 7 Classes Resume 

Jan. 8 Board of Education Meeting –7:00pm – CCMS 

Jan. 11, 14, 16 IVC 8th Grade Boys Basketball Tourney at CCMS 

Jan. 13 Music Boosters Meeting – 7:00pm – Unit Office 

Jan. 20 NO SCHOOL – Martin Luther King’s B-day 

Jan. 27 Athletic Boosters Meeting – 7:00pm – Unit Office

 Jan. 28 DOE Longitudinal Study @ CCMS 

Jan. 29 Board Study Session – 6:00pm – Unit Office

CCMS Attendance 

6 177 

7 139 

8 147 

Total 463

CCMS Discipline Report 

11/23-12/20 Totals for Year 

2 Out of school suspensions 3 

7 In school suspension 20 

10 Behavior related detentions 48

Month in Review – December 2019

Students observed Thanksgiving Break from November 27 - December 1st. Our two final Winter Sports Volleyball and Wrestling have started at CCMS. Volleyball coaches for 2020 are Kerry Yedinak (8th), Pam McMurtrey (7th) and Gina Horrie(6th). Wrestling coaches for 2020 are Branden Petersen, Chris Carlson and Vince Piatak. Both of these groups had teams (8th Volleyball Elite 8/Wrestling State Champions) compete in the State Finals last year. Best of luck to all of the coaches and athletes and wishing them success in the 2020 season.

Coal City Schools held a Staff Development Day on December 4 at CCHS. CCMS teachers and staff members attended various trainings facilitated by Coal City District staff.

The 5th/6th Band Concert was held on December 10. Mrs. Bontrager did an outstanding job with her students and the students played outstanding for their first middle school concert. The 7th/8th Grade MS Band Concert was then held on December 12. Both the CCMS Concert Band and Jazz Band performed at the concert. Once again, congratulations to Mrs. Bontrager and all of the band students who participated in the concert.

The 8th Grade Chorus Concert was held on December 17. Congratulations to Mrs. McDowell and the 8th graders on their performance. There were some very impressive soloists at the concert.

CCMS held our winter BLT Meeting on December 17. The BLT Meeting is where we review and discuss students who are currently in interventions and/or struggling in classes. Changes to intervention schedules were updated and those changes will take place once we return from Winter Break. BLT members are Jackie Mark, Jen Munsterman, Andrea Roseland, Sharon Swink, Corey Mikula, Lauren Kempes and Cealy DePersia.

December 20 marked the end of 2nd Quarter for CCMS students. Students moved into the 3rd quarter when they returned from winter break. Students also moved to a new Encore class on January 7. We had a good first semester and look forward to what 2020 has in store for our CCMS students and staff members.

CCMS held a PBS Incentive Activity for students on December 20. Students need to have zero discipline referrals to the office for the month of December and 3 or less referrals to Homework Help in the month of December. Students were able to choose different activities during the PBS Incentive. Students were able to play games in the gym, use tech in the library, draw/color in the art room or play in a bouncy house in the gym. The bouncy house was loaned to CCMS by Cardinal Trucking and John Riley. Students also were able to enjoy popcorn and candy during the incentive. 389 (84%) students were able to participate in the PBS Incentive. Thanks to the PBS and TLC Committees for helping organize the event for the CCMS students.

E. HIGH SCHOOL REPORT

Principal Spencer reported:

Calendar of Events 

January 6th Teacher Institute 

January 7th Semester 2 classes begin 

January 20th NO SCHOOL (MLK day) 

January 29th Early Dismissal

Recognition

Grundy Area Vocational Center Director Award Winners for November were: Diamond Contreras - Agriculture, Lillian Best - Computer Graphics & Multimedia Design, Morgan Carrier - Criminal Justice, and Damian Paez - Welding.

CCHS received a thank you from the Cathy Milne and Help for Hope organization thanking Mr. Boresi, Coalers with Character, and the CCHS Staff for doing their part in donating turkeys to feed many families at Thanksgiving.

CCHS received a thank you from the Coal City Food Pantry for helping unload a truck of food this past semester.

A big Thank You to Mr. Monbrum for organizing the toy drive. The toys collected were donated to Help for Hope.

On December 21st the CCHS Speech Team hosted their annual Speech Tournament. There were multiple schools and approximately 400 participants present for this highly competitive tournament which included many of the big suburban schools.

Congratulations to Coach Andrea Huston and the Coaler Competitive Cheer Squad. They placed second at their competition on December 22 in Wilmington. By placing second, they’ve qualified for the ICCA state competition.

Congratulations to the December Students of the Month: Jack Bunton, Blayne Adams, Chase Wasielewski, and Wyatt DeMarse. December’s theme was Attitude.

Coal City Community Unit School District #1 Board of Education Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Month in Review

The Winter Music Programs were held on the 3rd and 5th. Mr. Vazquez and Mrs. McDowell did a nice job of organizing the concerts. This year the Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble and Concert Band teamed up one night, and the Freshman Show Choir and the Varsity Choir the other. They all did a great job and put on two entertaining shows. Congratulations to Mr. Vazquez and Mrs. McDowell on a job well done!

The Madrigals held their Royal Holiday Show on the 13th, 14th and 15th. Ms. Shanan DiAgostino and Ms. Ann Gill should be commended for putting on the show.

Current Enrollment Figures @ CCHS 12/27/19 

9th Grade 159 

10th Grade 170 

11th Grade 170 

12th Grade 172 

Total 671

Discipline Report from Nov. – Dec. 

Vaping 2 

Lunch Misconduct 2 

Insubordination 3 

Truancy (Partial & Full Day) 2 

Reckless Driving 1 

Electronic Devices 10 

Skipping Class 6 

Inappropriate Language 1 

Verbal Confrontation 1 

Theft 2 

Tardy 3_ 

Total 33

F. SPECIAL POPULATIONS REPORT

Director Rakes reported:

Special Education

The transition program served coffee to all of the buildings the week before break. Thanks to the District Wellness committee for sponsoring.

Preschool

The program currently has 60 out of 60 spots filled in the PFA (Preschool for All grant) portion of preschool. There is a waitlist of 12 for the PFA portion of preschool.

Overall there are currently 162 preschoolers, 4 special education openings available, 16 pending special education evaluations, and of the 16 pending evaluations 13 are referred from early intervention.

Parent Education Program

Crossroads Counseling Services and Coal City School District will had a parent information session on January 6th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the CCCUSD#1 Unit Office Board Room (550 S. Carbon Hill Rd). Speaker and Trauma Specialist Timberlie Jahn, presented on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and what it meant to be a trauma-informed school.

G. CURRICULUM REPORT

Director Elledge reported:

Professional Development

The January 6th professional development activities were focused on social and emotional school environment needs. The keynote speaker for the day was Timberie Jahn. She focused on adverse childhood experiences, brain development, toxic stress, finding resilience and how to be a trauma informed school district. She also held a session for the staff on self-care including topics on compassion fatigue and mindfulness. The speaker also presented to the parents in the community in the evening.

We are currently working with a professional development provider from the Professional Development Alliance to provide support for IAR writing in grades 3-5. A grant from the ROE is covering the cost of the provider. While we continue to make strides in our IAR scores, we wanted to have an expert in the field confirm we are doing our best to support our students in achieving.

Standardized Test Results

We gave our 8th grade students the PSAT 8/9 in November. We used results from the assessment to help determine placement in high school courses. Students and their parents can also use the results to see if they are on track for college and career. The results indicated that we have 62% of our students meeting the benchmarks for ERW (Evidence Based Reading and Writing). The state average is 64%. For mathematics we had 55% of the students meeting or exceeding the benchmark, state average was 42%. We had 49% of the students meeting the benchmark on both indicators but had 31% that didn’t meet either benchmark.

H. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Bugg reported: 

1. ISBE announced the 11 districts named to the National AP Honor Roll. Our school district is very proud to be one of the 11 school districts in Illinois and only 250 school districts across the country to be recognized on the College Board's 10th Annual AP District Honor Roll.

2. Tiah Zastrow, a student from Eastern Illinois University, will be completing her student teaching requirements at the High School with Lisa Stith in the Family and Consumer Science Department in the spring semester of 2020.

3. Samantha Hinich, a student from Grand Canyon University, will be completing her student teaching requirements at the Early Childhood Center with 1st grade teacher Abby Wilkinson.

4. Emma Manietta, a student from Governors State University, will be completing her student teaching requirements at the Early Childhood Center with 1st grade teacher Tiffany Stewart.

5. The Three Rivers Legislative Breakfast Meeting is Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 10am. The meeting will be held at the Renaissance Center in Joliet. Please let Wanda know if you would like to attend.

6. A FOIA request was received from James Flahive of Flahive Consulting Group. Mr. Flahive requested the transportation contract.

7. Librarian Allison Peterson recently received notification that Coal City High School has been awarded the School District Library Media Grant in the amount of $1,571.25. The grant application was approved by the Board in October.

8. Enclosures

A. Monthly student enrollment figures

DATES TO REMEMBER 

01/06/20 Institute Day/No Student Attendance 

01/07/20 Classes Resume 

01/20/20 Martin Luther King Jr. Day – No School 

01/29/20 Board Study Session 

02/05/20 Board Meeting

I. GRUNDY AREA VOCATIONAL CENTER REPORT

Mr. Lander reported:

Director Copes reported he plans to bring the GAVC 2020-2021 school calendar to the Board of Control in February for a final vote. He reminded the member districts of the importance of aligning calendars as much as possible.

The Board received an update on Project House 25.

Director Copes informed the Board of some planned GAVC security enhancements that includes a lockdown emergency notification system.

Approved authorizing the Director to pay any remaining bills for the month of December.

J. ATHLETIC DIRECTOR REPORT

Athletic Director Dan Hutchings reported:

Important Dates 

December 26-30 VBBKB at Plano Christmas Classic 

December 23, 26-29 FSBBKB at Plano JV Christmas Classic 

December 26-30 VGBKB at Lisle Holiday Classic 

December 27-30 FRBBKB at Morris Freshman Invitational 

December 27 & 28 Wrestlers at Abe’s Rumble Dual Tournament at Springfield Capital Convention Center 

January 4, 2020 MS Wrestling Hosting Warrior Invitational at High School 

January 13, 15, 17 MS 7th Grade BBKB IVC Tournament at Wilmington MS 

January 11, 14, 16 MS 8th Grade BBKB IVC Tournament at Coal City MS 

January 10 & 11 HS Wrestling at Princeton Invitational

Middle School Volleyball Numbers 

8th Grade 15 

7th Grade 15 

6th Grade 24

Middle School Wrestling Numbers 

56 Kids started wrestling: 

5th Graders - 16 

6th Graders - 23 

7th Graders -12 

8th Graders -18

IHSA - Member schools voted to eliminate the districts for Football. Individual Schools will have control of their football schedule.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FLOOR

1. In regard to agenda items – none.

2. In general (Limited to 5 minutes per person.) – none.

OLD BUSINESS

A. FINAL READING ON THE REVISION OF DISTRICT POLICIES

The first reading took place on November 4, 2019, and the second reading took place on December 4, 2019. The School Board’s Policy Committee met on January 8th and reviewed the policy revisions. It was recommended that the Board approve the policies as listed; this was the final reading of the revised district policies.

Mr. Bianchetta moved and Mr. Lander seconded to approve the final draft of the revised District Policies as presented.

Roll Call.

Ayes: Robert Bianchetta, Chuck Lander, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Quint Harmon, Ken Miller 

Absent: Jeff Emerson 

Motion Carried.

B. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON ADDITIONAL MID-YEAR EXCLUSION REQUEST 

The high school guidance office received an additional request for a mid-year exclusion. Principal Spencer recommended that the following student be considered eligible for mid- year exclusion, student number 2020399. This student will complete necessary graduation requirements through correspondence courses by May 1, 2020

Roll Call.

Mrs. Gill moved and Mr. Hamilton seconded approving the request for the mid-year exclusion for student number 2020399.

Ayes: Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Robert Bianchetta, Quint Harmon, Chuck Lander, Ken Miller 

Absent: Jeff Emerson Motion Carried.

NEW BUSINESS

A. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON SCHOOL SITE DONATION FROM GRUNDY COUNTY

A School Site Donation in the amount of $313.83 was received from Grundy County. A resolution was prepared for acceptance of the school site donation.

Mr. Lander moved and Mrs. Gill seconded to approve the resolution and to accept the School Site Donation of $313.83 from Grundy County and to waive the reading of the resolution.

Roll Call.

Ayes: Chuck Lander, Mary Gill, Robert Bianchetta, Shawn Hamilton, Quint Harmon, Ken Miller 

Absent: Jeff Emerson 

Motion Carried.

B. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON ART CLUB DONATION FROM THE VILLAGE OF COAL CITY AND A DONATION FROM CARLSON GROUP ADVISORS, LLC

A donation of $407 was received from the Village of Coal City. The money will be used for the Art Clubs at the Middle School and High School.

A donation of a large format printer, Canon imagePROGRAF iPF8000S, from Carlson Group Advisors, LLC. The printer has an estimated value of $3,500.00 for the Art Department’s Fine Arts Program.

Mr. Hamilton moved and Mr. Lander seconded to accept the donation of $407 from the Village of Coal City, and the donation from Carlson Group Advisors, LLC for the Canon imagePROGRAF iPF8000S large format printer.

Roll Call. 

Ayes: Shawn Hamilton, Chuck Lander, Robert Bianchetta, Mary Gill, Quint Harmon, Ken Miller 

Absent: Jeff Emerson 

Motion Carried.

C. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON APPOINTMENT OF DISTRICT’S FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OFFICER

The Freedom of Information Act, Public Act 096-0542, states that “The General Assembly herby declares that it is the public policy of the State of Illinois that access by all persons to public records promotes the transparency and accountability of public bodies at all levels of government. It is a fundamental obligation of government to operate openly and provide public records as expediently and efficiently as possible in compliance with the Act.” It is a requirement of this act to appoint a FOIA officer.

Mr. Bianchetta moved and Mr. Harmon seconded to appoint Jason Smith as the Freedom of Information Act Officer and Open Meetings Act Officer for Coal City Community Unit School District #1 for calendar year 2020.

Roll Call. 

Ayes: Robert Bianchetta, Quint Harmon, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Chuck Lander, Ken Miller 

Absent: Jeff Emerson. 

Motion Carried.

D. DISCUSSION ON THE 2020 – 2021 SCHOOL CALENDAR

For 2020 - 2021, the ISBE is requiring that all school calendars contain 176 instructional days. The proposed 2020 – 2021 school calendar is presented for discussion with board action at the February 5, 2020 Board meeting. Dr. Bugg has consulted with the Union Leadership on this calendar proposal.

E. DISCUSSION ON SENIORITY RANKING FOR CERTIFIED AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT STAFF

Each year, prior to February 1, the school district is required to post a certified employee and educational support staff seniority listing. The list indicated the length of employment in the district as of June 30, 2020 and also the areas in which the teachers are certified to teach.

F. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON THREE RIVERS EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP MEMBERSHIP

Annual dues for membership in the Three Rivers Education Partnership from December 1, 2019 through November 30, 2020 are ready for renewal. This organization provides programs that address the critical issues facing education and the belief that educational opportunities are imperative for preparing today’s youth to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Mr. Lander moved and Mr. Bianchetta seconded to approve the annual membership in the Three Rivers Education Partnership, for 2019-2020, in the amount of $650.

Roll Call. 

Ayes: Chuck Lander, Robert Bianchetta, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Quint Harmon, Ken Miller 

Absent: Jeff Emerson 

Motion Carried.

OPEN FOR ITEMS NOT KNOWN AT AGENDA PREPARATION TIME COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FLOOR

1. In regard to agenda items – none.

2. In general (Limited to 5 minutes per person.) - none.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Lander moved and Mr. Harmon seconded to adjourn the meeting at 6:37 p.m. President Miller asked if there was any opposition to the motion, hearing none considers the motion approved.

https://4.files.edl.io/5d69/02/11/20/155850-5c426d2e-1386-4716-b6e3-bc6877cf8e19.pdf