Coal City Community Unit School District #1 Board of Education met Feb. 5.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
CALL TO ORDER
Board President Miller called the regular meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. with the board members answering roll call present: Robert Bianchetta, Mary Gill, Chuck Lander, Ken Miller. Board members Jeff Emerson, Shawn Hamilton and Quint Harmon were not in attendance. Quint Harmon arrived at 6:15 p.m. Superintendent Kent Bugg, CSBO Jason Smith, Director of Special Populations Sandy Rakes, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Tammy Elledge, member of the press Ann Gill, 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.
NOTICES AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Introduction/acknowledgement of guests. President Miller welcomed those in attendance.
2. The Board recognized Riley Nevin for his role at the Illinois All State Theatre Production as the lead male character Radames in Aida. Principal Spencer, and Theatre Director Jack Micetich were also in attendance to speak about his experience, and accomplishment. The Board learned that immediately following Riley’s All State performance, he was offered a $10,000 scholarship to a theater school in New York. Riley also recently booked his first professional role in a Chicago production.
3. Principal Travis Johnson and members of the VFW were in attendance to recognize CCMS students who participated in the Patriots Pen essay contest. This year, Coal City Middle School had two participants receive awards: Owen Kurdenok was the VFW District 18's 3rd place essay winner while Elliana Cherneskey was the 1st place essay winner. Elliana will advance on to the state level.
4. Board Secretary Mary Gill read a note from the Grundy County Economic Development Council. President Nancy Norton and Director Nikki Wills thanked the Board for renewing the annual membership with the GEDC. The GEDC is a not-for-profit organization dependent on the support of local investors and they look forward to working with the District again this year.
5. Board Secretary Mary Gill read a thank you note received from Ken P. Miller for the recognition ceremony, honoring his induction into the Illinois Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
1. In regard to agenda items – none.
2. In general (Limited to 5 minutes per person.) Matt Nevin, father of Riley Nevin, thanked the Board for the programs and support offered to Coal City students.
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:
Roll Call:
Ayes: Chuck Lander, Quint Harmon, Robert Bianchetta, Mary Gill, Ken Miller
Nays:
Motion Carried.
MINUTES
January 8, 2020 - Regular Meeting
January 29, 2020 - Board Study Session Session
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
January 8, 2020 - Regular Meeting
January 29, 2020 - Board Study
FINANCIAL REPORTS
Activity Fund Reports – December 2019
Treasurer’s Report – December 2019
Monthly Manual Check Report – January 2020
Payroll Report – January 2020
Accounts Payable Report – February 2020
PERSONNEL
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
January 8, 2020 - Regular Meeting January 29, 2020 - Board Study
New Job Description
Administrative Assistant for Human Resources job description.
Resignation
Mandi Neubauer – 2 hr/day Recess Aide at the ECC – Ms. Neubauer’s last day is January 17, 2020
Employment - pending satisfactory completion of all state requirements
Beth Babcock – 3 hour per day Cafeteria Server at the Middle School.
Employee Transfers
Transfer of Gina Pens a part-time 2.5 hr/day Aide at the Elementary School to at full-time Special Ed 1:1 Aide in Cross Categorical Room at the Intermediate School.
Transfer of Raquel Drinkwine a 3hr/day Reading Aide at the Elementary School to a 3hr/day 1:1 Special Ed Aide in a General Ed. Classroom at the Elementary School. Transfer of Rodney Monbrum, from part-time Physical Education & Health Teacher at the Middle School and High School to full-time Physical Education & Health Teacher at the High School.
Transfer of Jody Jackson, a full-time 1:1 Aide at the High School to a full-time 1:1 Aide to the Elementary School.
Leave Requests
Ashley Matsko – 6/8 Grade Math Teacher at the Middle School – Ms. Matsko is requesting a twelve (12) day paid maternity leave with use of accumulated sick leave in accordance with the Teacher's Negotiated Agreement, from approximately May 11, 2020 through the end of the 2019 – 2020 school year. The last day of teacher attendance is currently scheduled to be May 28, 2020.
Tara Charles – full-time Special Ed Aide at the ECC – Ms. Charles is requesting a nine (9) day paid medical leave from January13, 2020 through January 24, 2020. Ms. Charles is also requesting an additional ten (10) days paid medical leave from January 27, 2020 through February 7, 2020 since her doctor’s visit on January 24, 2020.
Mary Strahan – Custodian at the Intermediate School – Ms. Strahan is requesting an additional eleven (11) day paid medical leave with use of accumulated sick leave in accordance with the SEIU Local #73 from January 29, 2020 through February 12, 2020. At the November 6, 2020 Board meeting, the Board already approved a sixty-two (62) day paid medical leave from November 4, 2019 through January 28, 2020. She will be re-evaluated by her physician on February 12, 2020 and may return to work on Thursday, February 13, 2020.
Extra-Curricular Resignation
Pam Vigna is resigning from the Assistant JV Girls Tennis Coach for the 2020 fall season.
Extra-Curricular Assignments
Assistant High School Track Coach – Colin Keppner Assistant High School Track Coach – Emily Fracaro
Extra-Curricular Volunteers
Principal Christopher Spencer has made a recommendation to accept Hannah Best as a volunteer Cheer Competition Coach at the High School.
Athletic Director Dan Hutchings has made a recommendation to accept Shawn Hamilton as a volunteer Assistant Track Coach for the Middle School.
Moving Closed Session Minutes to Open Session
Twice each year, the district must review the closed session minutes and open those minutes to the public, which no longer contain information that needs to be kept closed. Attorney Wharrie reviewed the closed session minutes and prepared the enclosed list of those minutes, which could be made open to the public. Board President Miller also reviewed the minutes and recommends the following to be open to the public:
December 4, 2019; November 6, 2019; September 25, 2019; September 4, 2019; August 28, 2019 (Special Meeting); August 7, 2019; July 10, 2019; June 26, 2019; April 23, 2019; February 27, 2019; June 6, 2018; and April 4, 2018.
Group Building Ins. Date
4th Grade Dodgeball Practice IS 1/12/20
4th Grade Dodgeball Practice IS 1/19/20
ADMINISTRATORS' REPORTS
A. EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER REPORT
Principal Davidson Reported:
Calendar of Events
January 28th - SAP Meeting @ 3:00pm
January 28th - YMCA Basketball
January 29th - Early Dismissal
January 31st - Super Ticket Drawing
February 4th - BLT
February 4th - SAP Meeting @ 3:00pm
February 4th - YMCA Basketball
February 5th - A Team @ 12:40pm February 6th - LLT
February 6th - Kindergarten Music Concert @ 6:30pm
February 11th - Kindergarten Team Meeting @ 11:15pm
February 11th - 1st Grade Team Meeting @ 12:15pm
February 11th - SAP Meeting @ 3:00pm
February 11th - YMCA Basketball
February 11th - PSO Meeting @ 6:30pm
February 12th - Early Dismissal (AM Preschool Attends)
February 17th - NO SCHOOL
February 18th - SAP Meeting @ 3:00pm
February 18th - YMCA Basketball
February 19th - Preschool Team Meeting @ 10:40am
February 19th - A Team @ 12:40pm
February 20th - Family Wellness Night @ 6:30pm
February 21st - End of Trimester Two
Current ECC Enrollment for 2019-2020
PreK: 154
Kindergarten: 131
1st Grade: 131
Total: 416 (registered as of 1/24/2020)
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
January is a busy month back after Winter Break! Teachers have been busy completing the Winter Benchmarking in AimsWeb as we prepare for an upcoming BLT meeting.
We welcomed Mrs. Villafuerte back from maternity leave and her students were very excited to have her back!
Students are very excited to play outside in the snow! I know it is nothing major, but the few days we have had snow in January - the students LOVE it!! It is always so fun to watch the students have so much fun at recess.
Recognition
We will welcome a student intern from Joliet Junior College this semester. Maggie Cochran will be working in our preschool wing to complete internship hours. She is no stranger to the ECC as she has completed many observational hour requirements in the past couple of years.
Congratulations again to Angie Phillips and Tricia Togliatti on their National Board Certification.
A HUGE thank you to the ECC CPI team for the continuous support and willingness to drop everything to step in and help with any situation that may arise.
B. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPORT
Principal Kenney reported:
Calendar of Events
2/3/20 - 3:15 - PBS Mtg
2/4/20 - 10:30 - Truancy Mtg
2/4/20 - 3:15 - School Culture Mtg
2/5/20 - 7:40 - A-Team Mtg
2/6/20 - 7:30 - Co-teaching Team Mtg
2/6/20 - LLT at District Office
2/6/20 - 3:15 - SAP Mtg
2/11/20 - 3:00 - Young Rembrandts
2/11/20 - 3:15 - TALC
2/11/20 - 6:30 - PSO Mtg
2/12/20 - Early Dismissal
2/13/20 - 7:30 - Self-Contained Team Mtg
2/13/20 - 8:30-11:30 - BLT Meeting
2/17/20 - No School - Presidents Day
2/18/20 - 3:15 - Young Rembrandts
2/19/20 - 7:40 - A-Team
2/20/20 - 3:15 - SAP Mtg
2/20/20 - Family Wellness Night
2/21/20 - End of 2nd Trimester
2/26/20 - 3:15 - Staff Mtg
ES Enrollment
2nd Grade: 154
3rd Grade: 163
Total: 317 – gained 1 student, lost 1 student
CCES Happenings and Recognitions
A special thank you to Shelby Skubic, Mackenzie Smolik, and Brea Owensby for opening up their classrooms for some of our teachers to observe. Several teachers are looking to implement Guided Reading for their ELA block. They have been able to observe Shelby, Mackenzie, and Brea using this instructional approach to meet the needs of all students in their classrooms. We look forward to some great changes in our instruction as teachers learn from one another.
CCES Biggest Loser is up and running! We have 13 participants in the January 10th through March 20th competition. Staff members weigh in weekly and weekly winners are announced. We also have teams to make the competition even more intense. Good luck to all involved. A special thank you to Mrs. Vigna for helping with the weekly weigh-ins.
Our lunch loft is now the Winter Wonderland loft. Students are able to use their Coaler Cash to sit up there during lunch with a teacher, staff member, or the Principal. Students love it!
C. INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL REPORT
Principal Carlson reported:
Calendar of Upcoming Events
1/27-1/31 Let’s Make a Difference Donation Week
Munchie Monday: Snacks and nonperishable food items
Toiletry Tuesday: Toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, tissue, Clorox wipes Wash-up Wednesday: Soap, laundry soap, dish soap, shampoo, conditioner It’s Thursday, Baby: Diapers, wipes, formula, pacifiers
Floss Friday: Toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, mouthwash
1/27 – SAP Meeting 3:10
1/28 – 100th Day of School Celebration
1/28 – PBS Meeting 3:10
1/29 – SpEd Team Meeting 7:30 a.m.
1/29 – Student Council 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.
1/31 – Super Bowl/Sports Spirit Day
2/1 – CCIS Family Bingo 1:00-4:00
2/3 – Storm Drill 9:00 a.m.
2/4 – TALC Meeting 3:10
2/5 – Specials Team Meeting 3:10
2/6 – Custodian Meeting 3:00
2/6 – 2nd-8th Grade Science Night at CCHS 6:00-8:00 p.m.
2/8 – Polar Coaler Trivia Night at Cardinal Transport 6:30 pm to Support Special Olympics
2/9 – Fine Arts Festival 12:00-4:00 at CCHS; 5th Grade Band Performs at 2:45 2/10 – SAP Meeting 3:10
2/10 – Student Council Food Packing at CCES Gym 5:00-6:15 p.m.
2/11 – PBS Meeting 3:10
2/12 – 11:35 Dismissal; 1:00-3:30 PD
2/17 – No School ~ Presidents’ Day
2/18 – TALC Meeting 3:10
2/19 – BLT Meeting 12:00-3:00
2/19 – 4th Grade Team Meeting 3:10
2/20 – Family Wellness Night at CCHS 6:00-8:00 p.m.
2/21 – End of Trimester 2
2/25 – PBS Meeting 3:10
2/26 – 5th Grade Team Meeting 3:10
2/28 – Perfect Attendance Social for Trimester 2
Current Enrollment
4th Grade 163
5th Grade 160
Total 323
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; 1/10/20
Lockdown 8/21/19; 9/17/19; 12/2/19
Bus Evacuation 9/13/19
Student Discipline in Previous Month
Bus Slips 5
Argumentative 2
Inappropriate Language/Gesture 1
Inappropriate Physical Contact 1
Disrespectful to Staff 1
Excessive Noise 7
Disruptive 4
Not Keeping Hands/Feet to Self 3
Defiant 1Tech Device without Permission 1
Wearing Hat in School 1
Inappropriate use of Cafeteria forks 3
Throwing Snow Ball 1
Previous Month in Review
The CCIS Coat Closet is still open by appointment for anyone who needs a hat, coat, gloves, etc. Everything is free.
On January 15th a representative from Guardian Angel Community Services spoke to our 4th and 5th grade students separately during two assemblies about safe/unsafe touch and safe/unsafe secrets. This covers our mandated curriculum on Erin’s Law. You can view the presentation at http://www.gacsprograms.org/wp- content/uploads/2019/08/Safe-and-Unsafe-Touch-Grades-4-5-2019-2020.pdf.
It was National Popcorn Day on January 19th, so the following school day (1/21) the CCIS staff was treated to a variety of popcorn.
The public library visited CCIS 1/21-1/27 to speak to all of our library classes about the databases and special programs they have.
Our 5 ELL (English Language Learners) students took the State ACCESS Test on 1/22.
ASAP (After School Assistance Program) takes place from 3:00-4:00 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: Board Game Day and Tech Day.
Personnel
I would like to welcome the following staff to CCIS for the remainder of the 2019- 2020 school year: Becky Bajt – 4th and 5th grade art teacher; Gina Pens – 4th grade Special Education Aide in the cross-categorical room, and Julie Walsh – TAG (Talented and Gifted) Aide
Student Recognition
Congratulations to following Students of the Week: Week of 1/7: Rileigh Eddy, Josh Kosch, Adyson Planeta, Zander Nicola Week of 1/13: Ethan Donnelly, Elizabeth Williams, Paisley Ziech, Caiden Tourigny Week of 1/21: Lily Aguirre, Enzo Mugnolo, Gianna Carver, Trace Muszanski
Congratulations to our New Student Council Representatives for Semester 2.
Paisley Ziech, Carter Hollis, Avery Housman, Mic McKim, Colten Lynn, Miley Cvitanovich, Gavin Gillan,Nettie Connor, Ryland Clements, Ady Planeta, Parker Jacovec, Tyler Krand, Lexi Van Tilburg, Zander Nicola, Alex Collins, Maggie Sterba, Wyatt Ricke, Denny Greene, Ava Hone, Rileigh Eddy, Savanna Freis, Maggie Carlson, Aidan Meister, Enzo Mugnolo, Caiden Giordano, Ty Phillips and Lily Aguirre.
Congratulations to our Young Poets! The students listed below were selected to be published in an anthology called A Celebration of Young Poets. Only the best poems in Illinois and Indiana were selected for this honor. There were thousands of entries in the contest, and most were not invited to be published. The fact that we have students accepted makes a strong statement about our school. Being published represents talent, hard work, and dedication from our teachers and students. Abigail Rose, Ashley Odam, Alexis, Van Tilberg, Casey Stanford, Liliana Little, Jaiden Leman, and Demi Rossel.
Congratulations to our Word Masters! A few students from CCIS achieved Highest Honors in the recent WordMasters ChallengeTM, a national vocabulary competition involving nearly 125,000 students annually. The 5th grade team scored an impressive 190 points out of a possible 200 in the first of three meets this year, placing 5th in the nation! Maisy Franklin, Cooper Roberts and Gabby VanDuyne each earned a perfect score of 20 on the challenge. Nationally, only 83 fifth graders achieved this result! Other students who achieved outstanding results included: Kellen Forsythe, Ava Hone, Logan Natyshok and Ty Phillips.
Staff Recognition
I want to thank Denise Esparza and Reilly Radomski for working hard over Winter Break replacing ceiling tiles and lights and waxing the hallways. It’s so nice to return to shiny floors!
I want to thank Mrs. Vignocchi for offering board games in the LRC during recess. The crowds are much larger during the winter months.
I want to recognize Mrs. Cowherd for entering her students’ poetry into a contest so they could be published.
I want to recognize Mrs. Boresi, Mrs. Rink, Mrs. Gaffigan, and Mr. Nicholson for entering their students in the national WordMasters ChallengeTM.
I want to recognize the following staff members who received the weekly CCIS Kudos: Mr. Leve for helping people with their new MacBooks, Mrs. Scrogham for helping me juggle calls to find substitute teachers and in-house subs, and Miss O’Donnell for sharing a great math organizer for multiplication.
D. MIDDLE SCHOOL REPORT
Principal Johnson reported:
Calendar of Events
Jan. 27 Athletic Boosters Meeting – 7:00pm – Unit Office
Jan. 28 DOE Longitudinal Study @ CCMS – Selected 8th Graders
Jan. 29 Warrior Way @ CCMS
Board Study Session – 6:00pm – Unit Office
February 5 Board of Education Meeting –6:00pm – Unit Office
February 9 Fine Arts Festival at CCHS – 12:00pm
February 11 CCMS Spelling Bee
February 12 Winter Sports/Organization Picture Day
12:00pm EARLY DISMISSAL
Parent Teacher Conferences – 4:00-8:00pm
February 17 NO SCHOOL – Presidents Day
February 19 Warrior Way @ CCMS
8th Grade Parent Night at CCHS – 6:00pm
February 20 Family Wellness Night at CCHS – 6:00pm
February 27 8th Grade Celebration Dance Meeting – 6:00pm
February 27 Family Reading Night – 6:00pm - ECC
February 21 BLT Meeting at CCMS
CCMS Attendance
6 175
7 138
8 149
Total 462
CCMS DISCIPLINE REPORT
As of 1/7-1/23 Totals for Year
0 Out of school suspensions 03
0 In school-suspension 20
2 Behavior-related detentions 50
Month in Review – January 2020
CCMS observed Christmas Break from December 21 – January 5.
The CCMS Wrestling Warriors hosted their Annual Warrior Invitational on January 5 at Coal City High School. The Warriors won the Warrior Invite again this year over 15 other teams participating in the meet. It was a great start to the 2020 season for Coach Petersen and the Wrestling Warriors. We look forward to seeing how our wrestlers perform in the 2020 season and attempt to win back to back IESA State Championships.
CCMS teachers participated in Teacher Institute on January 6. CCMS staff members were able to attend a variety of staff development opportunities as well as department meetings with curriculum areas.
Classes resumed on January 7 at CCMS.
CCMS hosted the IVC 8th Grade Boys Basketball Tournament on January 11, 14 and 16. The Warriors came in at the 5th seed and were able to upset Richland in the opening round. The Warriors played two tough games vs. Minooka and Wilmington put ended up finishing 4th in the conference. The Minooka Indians captured the IVC Championship over Channahon in the championship game.
VFW Patriot’s Pens Contest
The 18th District of the Veterans of Foreign Wars held their Patriot’s Pen recognition ceremony on Saturday, January 11th at Stone City Post in Joliet, IL. CCMS is proud to announce that 7th grader, Elliana Cherneski, was the first-place winner and was chosen as the District’s entry to move onto the State of IL Competition. In addition to Eliana’s 1st place, 8th grader Owen Kurdenok was recognized as the third-place winner. Elliana received an award of $75 and along with Owen received a certificate from the18th District. Congratulations to both Elliana and Owen on this
achievement. Other students recognized at the ceremony were Emila Fritz, AJ Will and Korbyn Crist. Special thanks to the Coal City St. Juvin Post for sponsoring the Patriot’s Pen Contest for CCMS. Also, thanks to Jim Hitchcock and the Social Studies Department for helping with the event.
CCMS students observed Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday on January 20.
E. HIGH SCHOOL REPORT
Principal Spencer reported:
Calendar of Events
February 6 High School Science Night
February 8 Speech RegionalsWrestling Regionals
February 9 Fine Arts Festival (12pm-4pm)
February 10 - 13 Girls Basketball Regionals
February 12 Early DismissalP/T Conferences (4pm-8pm)
February 14 – 15 Wrestling Sectionals
February 15 Speech Sectionals
February 17 No School (Presidents Day)
February 19 8th Grade Parent Night
February 20 Family Wellness Night (6pm-8pm)
February 20 - 22 Wrestling State
February 21– 22 Speech State
February 24 IC-8 Conference Honors Band Fest
February 24 - 28 National FFA Week
February 25 Wrestling Team Sectionals
February 25 – 28 Boys Basketball Regionals
February 28 JJC Math Contest
Recognition
Grundy Area Vocational Center Director Award Winners for December were: Edith Torres, Criminal Justice, Austin Pullara, Engineering Technology, and Trent Sandeno, Welding.
Congratulations to Coach Andrea Huston and the Coaler Competitive Cheer Squad, they placed second at the conference competition.
Student Services department have started scheduling students for next year.
Eighth Grade Parent Night will be on February 19th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. We will have adult presentations in the auditorium and then we will have a variety of clubs and organizations here to ask questions of. We will also be having tours around the clock along with counselors if they have questions about their child’s upcoming schedule. This night will be for the students and parents.
Current Enrollment Figures @ CCHS 12/27/19
9th Grade= 157
10th Grade= 165
11th Grade= 169
12th Grade= 172
Total 663 students
Discipline Report from Nov. – Dec.
Vaping 3
Vandalism 4
Dress Code 1
Lunch Misconduct 3
Insubordination 1
Fighting 2
Inappropriate Physical Contact 1
Lying & Inappropriate Behavior 1
Possession of Medication 1
Electronic Devices 1
Skipping Class 5Total 23
F. SPECIAL POPULATIONS REPORT
Director Rakes reported:
Special Education
The transition program continues to provide job shadowing and intern type opportunities for the student. Meg Eisenhower recently entered into a partnership with Step by Step in Diamond. There will be 1 student interning at that location. There are 3 students that are classroom helpers at the ECC and 1 at the ES.
The autism and ED programs at the ES had a successful community trip right before winter break. They went shopping at the dollar store and lunch at Culvers.
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 11 for the PFA portion of preschool. One student moved out and we enrolled someone from the waitlist. Overall there are currently 162 preschoolers. There are currently 7 special education open spots. There are 9 pending special education evaluations.
Winter benchmarking is completed.
The ACCESS assessment is currently being administered to all ELL identified students. All assessments will be completed by February 7, 2020.
G. CURRICULUM REPORT
Director Elledge reported:
Professional Development
The spring professional learning opportunities have been finalized for the teachers and administrators. The descriptions are available at https://www.coalcityschools.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1091934&type=d&pREC_ ID=1818572.
Our professional learning is made possible by the numerous teachers and administrators that are willing to share their knowledge and experiences. This spring we have the following people stepping up to facilitate sessions: Cindy Gerber, Amy Ledvina, Matt Leman, Tyler Castle, Jackie Larson, Ann Kodat, Julie Brncich, Emily Hayse, Betsy Cowherd, Allison Peterson, and Dave Sinkular. Many of the department leaders are also working with their groups on new courses, lesson planning, and standards alignment. Several administrators are also leading sessions to help teachers improve their instruction, assessments or classroom management.
Department News
Amy Ledvina is starting to work with the special education teachers to create local assessments for students. She is hoping to help teachers and students see growth from year to year measured in ways other than standardized tests.
The language arts department, led by Pam Vigna and assisted by Betsy Cowherd, are starting to look at piloting new resources during the year next year. The ELA department will be in the resource adoption cycle next year. Besides using national information on resources best aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards, they are also working with Gail Bohnenstiehl from the Professional Development Alliance.
During summer curriculum work we will also be working on three new AP courses for the high school. Two of the courses are slight changes from current offerings, AP Statistics and AP Government & Politics. The new course will be AP Language and Composition, replacing Honors English 3. Starting next school year, the social studies department will have eliminated all honors courses, moving instead to the AP format.
Mrs. Elledge also spoke about the advantages of having AP courses vs honors courses on students transcripts for college.
H. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Bugg reported:
1. The Three Rivers Division Meeting is Tuesday, March 3, 2020 with registration starting at 5:45pm. The meeting is being held at Kankakee High School. The Board was asked to inform the Board Secretary if they would like to attend.
2. Dr. Bugg provided an update on the status of the potential nuclear legislation at the state level t
3. Dr. Bugg updated the Board on the Administrative Practicum Experience program. There are 8 staff members who are participating. One of the requirements is to attend a board meeting. Betsy Cowherd and Rodney Monbrum were in attendance at the February Board meeting as participants in this program.
4. Enclosures
A. Monthly student enrollment figures
DATES TO REMEMBER
02/09/20 Fine Arts Festival at the HS
02/12/20 Early Dismissal – Parent/Teacher Conferences
02/17/20 President’s Day – No School
02/20/20 Family Wellness Night at the HS
02/21/20 Grades K-5 End Trimester
02/26/20 Board Study Session
03/04/20 Board Meeting
I. GRUNDY AREA VOCATIONAL CENTER REPORT
Mr. Lander reported:
The Grundy County Internship program now offers 50 internships for our students. Applications are open and Director Copes encouraged the member school districts to publicize the program to students.
Director Copes reported on a meeting he attended at ExxonMobil in partnership with JJC where a discussion was held on promoting women in manufacturing.
Director Copes reported on Perkins Five and what the new ISBE process means to GAVC and its feeder districts.
A discussion was held on the current technology support services for GAVC. Director Copes will be bringing a plan to enhance technology support services.
The GAVC Agriculture Education program is going to provide incoming freshmen the opportunity to earn high school credit over the summer. Students who participate in this summer opportunity will be eligible for membership in FFA.
Approved the GAVC Seniority List as presented.
Approved a three-year employment contract for the GAVC Assistant Director.
Dr. Bugg discussed a request from the GAVC Agriculture program to construct a greenhouse on the grounds of CCMS. The Board is awaiting more information from the GAVC Board before moving forward with a final decision.
J. ATHLETIC DIRECTOR REPORT
Athletic Director Dan Hutchings reported:
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
1. In regard to agenda items – none.
2. In general (Limited to 5 minutes per person.) – none.
OLD BUSINESS
A. DISCUSSION/ACTION 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 was presented for discussion to the board at the January 29, 2020 Board Study Session. Dr. Bugg consulted with the Union Leadership on this calendar that was presented.
Mrs. Gill moved and Mr. Bianchetta seconded to adopt the 2020-2021 school calendar with the first day of school scheduled for August 18, 2020, with the last day of school scheduled for May 28, 2021
Roll Call.
Ayes: Mary Gill, Robert Bianchetta, Quint Harmon, Chuck Lander, Ken Miller
Nays:
Motion Carried.
NEW BUSINESS
A. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON DONATION FROM THE COAL CITY COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT #1 ATHLETIC BOOSTERS
The Coal City Community Unit School District #1 Athletic Boosters donated $1,025 for the Coaches Hall of Fame wall display in the Coal City High School Competition Gym.
Mr. Harmon moved and Mr. Lander seconded to accept the donation from Coal City Unit School District #1 Athletic Boosters of $1,025 for the Coaches Hall of Fame wall display.
Roll Call.
Ayes: Quint Harmon, Chuck Lander, Robert Bianchetta, Mary Gill, Ken Miller
Nays:
Motion Carried.
B. DISCUSSION ON 2020 FINANCIAL PROFILE DESTINATION
Dr. Bugg reviewed the 2020 Financial Profile Destination recently received by the Illinois State Board of Education. The District received a very positive overall score of 3.9/4.0. The only reason the District did not receive a perfect score was due to the long-term debt the District owes from the construction of the ECC and the addition to the high school.
C. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON 5:20-E RESOLUTION TO PROHIBIT SEXUAL HARASSMENT
ISBE updated in response to the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act (SOEEA), 5ILCS430/70-5, amended by P.A. 101-211, requiring boards to amend their sexual harassment policies by resolution to include a mechanism for reporting and independent review of sexual harassment allegations made against board members by elected officials.
Mr. Bianchetta moved and Mr. lander seconded to approve the 5:20-E Resolution to Prohibit Sexual Harassment, and to waive the reading of the resolution.
Roll Call.
Ayes: Robert Bianchetta, Chuck Lander, Mary Gill, Quint Harmon, Ken Miller
Nays:
Motion Carried.
D. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON GRUNDY COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
The district received a request from the Grundy Economic Development Council to renew the annual membership. District #1 has been a long-time member of this organization.
Mrs. Gill moved and Mr. Bianchetta seconded to approve payment of the annual membership fee of $300 to the Grundy County Economic Development Council
Roll Call.
Ayes: Mary Gill, Robert Bianchetta, Quint Harmon, Chuck Lander, Ken Miller
Nays:
Motion Carried.
E. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON AUTHORIZING BID FOR SUMMER MECHANICAL AND MASONRY PROJECT CSBO Jason Smith discussed bids for summer mechanical and masonry project and the items to be repaired.
Mr. Lander moved and Mr. Harmon seconded approving the authorization of CSBO Jason Smith to direct Cordogan and Clark to prepare bids for the summer mechanical and masonry project.
Roll Call.
Ayes: Chuck Lander, Quint Harmon, Robert Bianchetta, Mary Gill, Ken Miller
Nays:
Motion Carried.
F. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON APPROVAL OF THE QUARTERLY DROP OUT REPORT
The Quarterly Drop Out Report for the quarter ending January 1, 2020 was prepared and ready for Board approval. The approval of the Drop Out Report is a State requirement, which ensures that the School Board is informed of students leaving our school system.
Mrs. Gill moved and Mr. Bianchetta seconded to approve the filing of the Drop Out Report with the Regional Office of Education for the quarter ending January 1, 2020.
Motion Carried.
G. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON SCHOOL MAINTENANCE PROJECT GRANT FOR FY 2020
CSBO Jason Smith, discussed the application for the $50,000 School Maintenance Project Grant for 2020. The district will submit the grant for the High School Boiler Plant Replacement Project scheduled for summer work 2020. If the district is awarded this grant, the funds will be applied to the costs of this Health Life Safety Project.
Mr. Harmon moved and Mrs. Gill seconded to approve the application for the School
Maintenance Project Grant for the High School Boiler Plant Replacement Project.
Roll Call.
Ayes: Quint Harmon, Mary Gill, Robert Bianchetta, Chuck Lander, Ken Miller
Nays:
Motion Carried.
H. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON THE RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT NUCLEAR ENERGY IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS
The Grundy Economic Development Council and the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce asked for local units of government to consider supporting this resolution that urges the State of Illinois to support policies to preserve Illinois' nuclear energy plants due to the positive economic and climate impacts they have on the communities served by Coal City School District #1.
Mr. Bianchetta moved and Mr. Lander seconded to approve the Resolution to Support Nuclear Energy in the State of Illinois, and to waive the reading of the resolution.
Roll Call.
Ayes: Robert Bianchetta, Chuck Lander, Mary Gill, Quint Harmon, Ken Miller
Nays:
Motion Carried.
I. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON THE SCHOOL SITE DONATION FROM GRUNDY COUNTY.
A School Site Donation in the amount of $2,886.61 was received from Grundy County. A resolution was prepared for acceptance of the school site donation.
Mr. Harmon moved and Mr. Lander seconded to approve the resolution to accept the School Site Donation of $2,886.61 from Grundy County and to waive the reading of the resolution.
Roll Call.
Ayes: Quint Harmon, Chuck Lander, Robert Bianchetta, Mary Gill, Ken Miller
Nays:
Motion Carried.
J. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON THE APPROVAL OF THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT TO FAIRCOM
FAIRCOM is actively involved in supporting pro-nuclear legislation at the State level, as well as other potential legislation that could benefit its member taxing districts and the communities they represent. Due to the expectation that important legislation will be considered during the spring legislative session, FAIRCOM is asking for a $15,000 special assessment from each of the six nuclear plant school districts in the state. This special assessment will be used for lobbying and legal fees associated with monitoring and promoting legislation that is in the best interest of the FAIRCOM members. FAIRCOM is recommending that the school district’s request financial contributions from other impacted taxing districts, villages, and economic development organizations to help offset the cost to each school district.
Mr. Lander moved and Mr. Bianchetta seconded to approve the FAIRCOM special assessment of $15,000 as presented.
Roll Call.
Ayes: Chuck Lander, Robert Bianchetta, Mary Gill, Quint Harmon, Ken Miller
Nays:
Motion Carried.
OPEN FOR ITEMS NOT KNOWN AT AGENDA PREPARATION TIME – none.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
1. In regard to agenda items – none.
2. In general (Limited to 5 minutes per person.) – none.
CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Lander moved and Mr. Harmon seconded to go to closed session at 7:09 p.m. for the purpose of the consideration of the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body.
Roll Call.
Ayes: Chuck Lander, Quint Harmon, Robert Bianchetta, Mary Gill, Ken Miller
Absent: Jeff Emerson, Shawn Hamilton
Nays:
Motion Carried.
When the Board returned to open session, President Miller called the regular meeting to order at 7:11 p.m. with the board members answering roll call present: Robert Bianchetta, Mary Gill, Quint Harmon, Chuck Lander, Ken Miller.
ACTION AS A RESULT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Bianchetta moved and Mrs. Gill seconded to accept the resolution for the dismissal of educational support employee and waive the reading of the resolution.
Roll Call.
Ayes: Robert Bianchetta, Mary Gill, Quint Harmon, Chuck Lander, Ken Miller
Nays:
Motion Carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Harmon moved and Mr. Lander seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:12 p.m. President Miller asked if there was any opposition to the motion, hearing none considers the motion approved.
https://4.files.edl.io/8bfe/03/10/20/134648-d7de3c2b-4065-4f6b-b011-23bcbb7d53dc.pdf
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