Grundy Reporter

Coal City Community Unit School District #1 Board of Education met Sept. 30.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Roll Call.

President Miller called the Board Study Session meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. in the Coal City Community Unit School District #1 Office Boardroom. In attendance were Board members Robert Bianchetta, Jeff Emerson, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, and Ken Miller. Also, in attendance was Superintendent Kent Bugg, CSBO Jason Smith, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Tammy Elledge, Assistant Principal Luke Krippel, and Board Secretary LaWanda Gagliardo. Absent were Board members Quint Harmon, and Chuck Lander. Board member Chuck Lander arrived at 6:10 p.m. President Miller led the Board, and others present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion on the Proposed Fourth Amendment to the Coal City TIF District

The school district had received a notice that the Village of Coal City is adding additional properties to one of their TIF Districts. Dr. Bugg updated the Board on the Village’s intent to add additional properties to their TIF Districts. Dr. Bugg explained to the Board the areas that the Village is adding to the TIF. In the TIF it is agreed upon that if any of the properties are residential, the property tax increment will come back to the school district.

Discussion on IASB Superintendent Search Process

Alan Molby from the IASB was present via Zoom and discussed the Superintendent’s search process with the Board of Education. This Superintendent search is to replace Dr. Bugg upon his retirement on June 30, 2022. Mr. Molby has been conducting Superintendent searches for the past 6 years, and is a retired Superintendent himself. Mr. Molby felt the Board was ahead of the game as it relates to the timeframe for starting the search process. Mr. Molby mentioned that the IASB attracts potential candidates across the country. After their screening process was completed, based on the Board’s parameters, they’d hope to present 6 - 8 semifinalist for the Board to consider. The Board expressed their interest in moving up the timeline to have the future Superintendent train with Dr. Bugg during his last year. Mr. Molby thought the timing was good no matter what. There will be more information to come at future Board meetings.

Discussion on Return to School Plan

Dr. Bugg discussed the implementation status of the Return to School Plan. Dr. Bugg provided the Board with an overview of the District’s COVID19 numbers, and explained how all of the cases were isolated with the exception of the high school. There have been 6 weeks of school completed, and so far, things are still going well. Parents are happy, as well as the students, that the students are back in the classroom in front of their teachers. Future conversations regarding the Return to School Plan, will include reconvening the Transition Planning Teaching & Learning Committee in order to begin discussions on in person learning transition, and what that will look like. There have been a few challenges (1) teachers managing in person learners, as well as remote learners; (2) record keeping when students/staff are out, as it relates to COVID, and when they can return. Having a Health Aide, and an additional Secretary in each building has helped tremendously with this tracking, but it’s still a challenge. Tracking at the District level is done mainly by Mrs. Herrera-Ford, and she is soon to go on maternity leave, and some of her responsibilities will need to be completed by CSBO Jason Smith. Dr. Bugg’s concern is that the business office will need support during Mrs. Herrera-Ford’s maternity leave. Dr. Bugg wanted the Board to start possibly thinking about a Managed Service provider who would take care of any software, and server related issues. Also, with our students being 1:1, and teachers streaming online, the tech issues are daily. The cost of this is significantly lower than hiring someone full-time who is qualified with what the school district’s salary is for that type of role. Possible proposals will be presented at the October 7 Board meeting.

Discussion on Announced Closure of the Dresden Station

Dr. Bugg discussed the announced closure of the Dresden Station and the school district’s involvement in advocating for the facility to remain open. Dr. Bugg met with lobbyist, organized labor, and State Coal City Community Unit School District #1

Board Study Session of the Whole Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Representatives to discuss a statewide coalition. Dr. Bugg believes we are in a much better place than before, but there is still much uncertainty as to the future of the Dresden Station. The Board of Education, and Dr. Bugg will start the financial planning for life after Dresden, and what that will look like for the district. There will be more to come at future meetings.

Finance Reports

The monthly revenue and expenditure summary reports for August were enclosed for review. Detailed reports were available in the Business Office for review prior to the meeting. The Treasurer’s report, and investment report for August were also enclosed for review. There was no lunch program report for the month of August.

Open

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

b) Sharing Ideas / Information – none.

Adjournment

Mr. Lander moved and Mr. Emerson seconded to adjourn at 7:25 p.m. the Board Study Session of the Whole meeting.

https://4.files.edl.io/713b/10/14/20/154211-8615bba3-411a-45e7-aa15-a0c0c9d62ec0.pdf