Grundy Reporter

Coal City Community Unit School District #1 Board met June 24.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

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, Shawn Hamilton, Quint Harmon, and Ken Miller. Also, in attendance was Superintendent Kent Bugg, CSBO Jason Smith, and Board Secretary LaWanda Gagliardo. Absent from the meeting was Board member Mary Gill. Board member Chuck Lander arrived at 6:02. President Miller led the Board and other members present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion on CCHS Graduation Ceremony

Principal Spencer was in attendance and discussed the plans for the 2020 graduation. Now that our region of the state is in Phase 4 of Restore Illinois, the CCHS graduation ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, July 25 at 2:00 p.m. The current plan is for this to be an in-person ceremony following all State pandemic safety guidelines. Dr. Bugg and Board President Miller, are planning to attend the ceremony. The remaining Board members are not required or expected to attend.

Discussion on 2020 – 2021 School Calendar

Now that Governor Pritzker has signed SB 1863, November 3 is an official state holiday for schools. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, since the day is deemed a state holiday, all schools shall be closed. The ISBE made it clear that school districts will not be allowed to waiver out of the holiday nor hold teacher institute days. Therefore, the 2020 – 2021 school calendar will need to be adjusted accordingly. Dr. Bugg will speak with the Union leadership regarding the change and a revised calendar will be added to the July 1 Board meeting.

Discussion on Remote Learning Transition Plan

Dr. Bugg reviewed the school district’s Transition Planning document, which will guide the school district’s transition planning for the fall semester, 2020. Dr. Bugg also provided the Board with a summary of the 60- page guidance document from ISBE. The district subcommittee groups have continued to meet in preparation for the 2020 – 2021 school year, and the goal is to have as many of our kids back as possible in their perspective building come August. There will be temperature screenings, face masks provided, and social distancing guidelines as required by the ISBE. A letter will be sent out to parents, and a survey to follow to determine the number of students who prefer to attend in person or through remote learning.

Discussion on Staffing Transition Plan

Dr. Bugg reviewed the school district’s Staffing Transition Plan in light of recent staff resignations. The Board recommended that Dr. Bugg have the ability to make hiring decisions to get the school year started without having to wait for Board approval. This action will take place at the July Board meeting. The Board thanked Dr. Bugg and his team for all the work they’re doing to get the District ready for the 2020 fall semester. Dr. Bugg thanked the Board for their continued support, and expressed that he couldn’t be happier with this team and the work that’s being done.

Review of FY21 Board of Education Meeting Dates

Dr. Bugg discussed the 20 – 21 Board of Education meeting dates. The Board was asked if they saw any conflicts to make Dr. Bugg aware before the July 1 Board meeting.

Discussion on Forecast 5 Analytics Contract

Dr. Bugg discussed the Board’s current agreement with Forecast 5 Analytics to provide financial analyst services to the school district. Although the school district was satisfied with the financial services they provided, at this time, the Board did not believe the expense was necessary. No action needs to be taken at this time as the Board will not renew the contract. This company provided an excellent service, and if needed in the future, the Board can consider a new contract.

Discussion on School District Contract for Physical Therapy Services

Dr. Bugg discussed the communication from ATI Physical Therapy regarding their most recent invoice, as well as the terms of the school district’s current physical therapy contract. The District was billed for the final 14 weeks, but due to the pandemic, there was no service provided during that time. ATI agreed to reduced the bill by 10%. The Board agreed with a recommendation from the administration to provide notice in accordance with the contract to terminate the current agreement and seek Request for Proposals for athletic training services. The Board will further discuss at the July 1 Board meeting.

Discussion on Addition of Two Permanent Substitute Teacher Positions

The District currently employs two permanent substitute teacher positions. Dr. Bugg discussed the possibility of adding two additional permanent substitute teacher positions. In reviewing substitute teacher data from the 2019 – 2020 school year, these two new positions could be added at no additional cost to the District. Given the potential issues that the pandemic could cause staff attendance and the availability of substitute teachers, this would be a proactive step to assure continuity of instruction for students. The Board agreed with this recommendation from the administration.

Finance Reports

The monthly revenue and expenditure summary reports for May 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 May were also enclosed for review.

Open

a) Items not known at agenda preparation time – none.

b) Sharing Ideas / Information – none.

Closed Session

At 7:05 p.m. a motion made by Mr. Lander and seconded by Mr. Harmon to go into closed session for the purpose of considering information regarding the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees.

Roll Call. Ayes: Chuck Lander, Quint Harmon, Robert Bianchetta, Jeff Emerson, Shawn Hamilton, Ken Miller

Absent: Mary Gill

Nays:

Motion Carried.

When the Board returned to open session, President Miller called the study session back to order at 7:51 p.m. with the board members answering roll call present: Robert Bianchetta, Jeff Emerson, Shawn Hamilton Quint Harmon, and Chuck Lander. Board member Mary Gill was not in attendance.

Adjournment

Mr. Hamilton moved and Mr. Harmon seconded to adjourn the Board Study Session of the Whole meeting at 7:52 p.m.

https://4.files.edl.io/eb0a/07/06/20/134656-3a43fa88-a46b-497c-be1b-d69adf2baa50.pdf