Grundy Reporter

Coal City Community Unit School District #1 Board Study Session of the Whole met May 27.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

This was an electronic meeting that was accessible to the public at https://www.youtube.com/user/coalcityschools

Public Comment was asked to be submitted by 5:45 p.m. via https://bit.ly/CCPublicComment Any Public comment submitted would be read into the record. There were no comments to add.

Roll Call.

President Miller called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Coal City Community Unit School District #1 District Office Board Room. In attendance were Board members Robert Bianchetta, Jeff Emerson, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Quint Harmon, Chuck Lander, and Ken Miller. Also, in attendance were Superintendent Kent Bugg, CSBO Jason Smith, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Tammy Elledge, and Special Populations Director Sandy Smith. Absent from the meeting was Board Secretary LaWanda Gagliardo. President Miller lead the Board and other member in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion on the Review of the 2020 – 2021 Board Strategic Plan

At the May 6th Board of Education meeting, the Board directed Dr. Bugg to provide an updated Strategic Planning document for discussion at the May Study Session. Dr. Bugg presented the proposed Board Strategic Plan for discussion. He proposed that no summer strategic meeting would need to be held. The plan will be presented next week at the June Board Meeting.

Discussion on Vacation Days for 12 Month Non-Union Employees

At the May 6th Board of Education meeting, the Board tabled a discussion of potentially carrying over unused vacation days into the first semester of the 2020 – 2021 school year. Dr. Bugg presented an updated proposal to address this issue caused by the COVID-19 crisis. After consultation with counsel, a Board resolution was created to address 12-month employee vacation days. The resolution allows for 2019-2020 vacation days to be used through July 2020, and a maximum of 5 days to be used by December 2020.

Discussion on Alternate Graduation/Promotion Plans

At the May 6 Board meeting, the Board requested an alternate plan for graduation and promotion should in- person plans be disallowed by State guidelines. There is not a new plan for high school graduation or 8th grade promotion. Dr. Bugg is assuming we will have more information to make a better decision after the May 29th change in phases for the state.

Discussion on Updates and Recommendation for Coaler Academy

Sandy Rakes, Michelle Painter, Chris Spencer were in attendance and provided an update on the successes of Coaler Academy. They also discussed the merits of moving Coaler Academy to the high school. Advantages included but were not limited to the students being able to take regular high school courses and getting an opportunity to be a part of the school community. Board members would like an update on the program in December 2020 on how the move to the high school is going.

Discussion on the State’s “Restore Illinois” Plan

Dr. Bugg discussed the potential impact of the “Restore Illinois” plan on the school district. The Restore Illinois Plan will continue to stay on the agendas as changes continue to be made. We are still awaiting guidance from ISBE. Dr. Bugg stated that this will be a very busy summer as we await further guidance.

Discussion on Remote Learning Transition Planning for the 2020 – 2021 School Year

Dr. Bugg discussed the status of the District’s Remote Learning Transition Planning process. Remote Learning Transition Planning will also continue to stay on the agendas as changes continue to be made. We are still awaiting guidance from ISBE. Dr. Bugg stated that this will be a very busy summer as we await further guidance.

Discussion on 2020 – 2021 Draft Budget

CSBO Jason Smith and Dr. Bugg presented the Draft Budget for FY21. They stated that while COVID-19 and calendar uncertainties may push dates, regardless we are still planning for 176 student attendance days. Dr. Bugg mentioned discussions with the teacher’s union on fall stipends and compensation for summer school since those two items impact language in the CBA. Mr. Smith stated that EAV is not yet finalized, due to the county assessor’s office not having figures yet.

Discussion on Insurance Renewals

CSBO Jason Smith reviewed estimated insurance costs for 2020 – 2021. There were no questions from the Board.

Discussion on 1st Reading of Board Policy 4:180-AP3 Administrative Procedure-Grant Flexibility; Payment of Employee Salaries During a Pandemic

The Board conducted a first reading of Board Policy 4:180-AP3 Administrative Procedure-Grant Flexibility; Payment of Employee Salaries During a Pandemic. The policy will be presented for approval at the June board meeting.

Finance Reports

The monthly revenue and expenditure summary reports for April were enclosed for review. Detailed reports were available in the Business Office for review prior to the meeting. The Treasurer’s report, investment report and lunch program report for April were also enclosed for review. CSBO Jason Smith presented the financial reports. He explained the numbers from the lunch program have been impacted by the closing of the school buildings. Dr. Bugg thanked Amanda Herrera and Erin Christopher for their hard work each week to continue to feed the students in the school community.

Open

Items not known at agenda preparation time – none. Sharing Ideas / Information – none.

Adjournment

Mr. Harmon moved and Mr. Lander seconded to adjourn at 7:14 p.m. the Board Study Session of the Whole meeting.

https://4.files.edl.io/5446/06/11/20/152246-7763edcb-b2ed-49ce-a6d0-86c9b3f6ad7d.pdf