Grundy Reporter

Coal City Community Unit School District No. One Board of Education met April 27.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Roll Call. 

President Miller called the Study Session meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Coal City Community Unit School District #1Boardroom. In attendance were Board members Robert Bianchetta, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Chuck Lander, Steve Rogers, and Ken Miller. Also, in  attendance were Superintendent Dr. Kent Bugg, CSBO Jason Smith, Director of Special Populations  Luke Krippel, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Tammy Elledge, Principal Christopher Spencer,  and Board Secretary LaWanda Gagliardo. Board member Quint Harmon arrived at 6:04 p.m. Board  President Miller led the Board and others present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Discussion on FY23 Kindergarten Enrollment 

Mr. Spencer discussed possibly adding a 7th section at the Early Childhood Center for Kindergarten  based on enrollment numbers. Currently there are 126 kindergarten students registered for the 22 – 23  school year. In the past more students have registered over the summer, which would increase the  total kindergarten class size and that would allow adding that 7th section. Information will be sent out to the community regarding registration. Mr. Spencer will provide the Board with an update at the  May Board Study Session. 

Discussion on Additional Reading Specialist Position 

Director of Special Populations Luke Krippel discussed the addition of a Reading Specialist Position  in the District. Mr. Krippel presented the Board with data to show why an additional Reading  Specialist is needed. The data showed Mr. Krippel and his team that they’re not seeing the improvements that were seen in the past. Scheduling students who require this assistance is becoming  more difficult, and there has been an influx of students requiring the additional support due to  COVID19, and splitting the current Reading Specialist between two buildings. Adding this additional  position would allow the current Reading Specialist to remain full time at the Elementary School, and  this person would be housed at the Intermediate School. This additional position would save the  district money in the long term due to getting students back on track now versus having to add  additional staff later. Mr. Krippel thanked Mrs. Veronda and Mrs. Ludes their hard work on gathering providing the data. The Board thanked Mr. Krippel for presenting the data, and agreed this would be  the time to add an additional position. 

Discussion on New COVID Legislation 

Mr. Spencer updated the Board of Education on the new COVID legislation and its impact on the  district. Mr. Spencer discussed how the law covers vaccinated staff, as far back as March of 2020,  and will reinstate sick days used for COVID related absences. Data was presented to the Board on the  cost of covering both vaccinated and unvaccinated staff. The Board has the ability to set a deadline as  to when evidence/documents need to be turned in for individuals who believe they should have their  sick days returned. Mr. Spencer discussed creating a Memorandum of Understanding with the SEIU  Local 73 and CCCUEA/IEA/NEA. These documents will be presented at the May 4 Board meeting for action. 

Discussion on IASB Three Rivers Division Governing Board Meeting 

Mr. Spencer provided the Board with an update on the status of the Three Rivers Governing Board Meeting/Dinner being held at Coal City High School on June 9. Mr. Spencer informed the Board that the meeting has been pushed back to the end of June and will now be held virtually. The Board  thanked Board member Robert Bianchetta for all his work with getting the meeting to be initially held  at Coal City High School. 

Discussion on Before and After School Care RFP 

Director of Special Populations Luke Krippel discussed the RFP’s that have been received from Before  and After School Care providers for the district. The deadline is May 26, and to date Mr. Krippel has  received only 1 proposal. The before and after school care is tuition based and is at no cost to the Board.  Mr. Krippel will have more information to present at the June 1 Board meeting. 

Discussion on FY23 School Lunch Fees 

CSBO Jason Smith discussed FY23 school lunch fees based on recommendations from the State. For the  last 2 years school lunches have been free for students, but this goes away in the fall. At the August 5,  2020 Board meeting, the Board approved increasing school lunch fees based on the State average. That  increase will stay in place for the 22 - 23 school year. 

Discussion on Recent Issues with Business Checking Account 

CSBO Jason Smith discussed changes to the district’s current business checking account. Mr. Smith  informed the Board about fraudulent activity with the district account, and the steps taken to avoid this in the future. The district has not lost any money to these fraudulent attempts. 

Discussion on Planning for the FY23 Strategic Plan 

Mr. Spencer discussed the Board’s plan for developing the FY23 Strategic Plan. The FY23 Strategic  Planning meeting will be held in July. Board member Shawn Hamilton has been in communication  with Lori Grant from IASB, and she is available to facilitate the meeting. Mr. Spencer and the Board  discussed possible locations, time of day, who to invite, and the structure of the meeting. The Board  will finalize the details at the May 4 Board meeting. 

Discussion on Joint Annual Conference 

Mr. Spencer discussed the 22 – 23 Joint Annual Conference. The Conference will be held November  18 – 20. Mr. Spencer wanted to ensure the Board was aware of the dates for the Joint Annual  Conference that is held in Chicago. 

Finance Reports 

The bank statements, monthly revenue, expenditure summary reports, check reconciliation report,  cash report, and cleared check report for March 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 report for March were also enclosed for review. 

Open 

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

b) Sharing Ideas / Information – Dr. Bugg left the Board meeting early due to the Village of Coal  City dedicating a portion of Carbon Hill Rd. to Megan Bugg. Board member Shawn Hamilton  left the Board meeting at 7:00 p.m. 

Closed Session 

At 7:00 p.m. a motion made by Mr. Harmon and seconded by Mr. Lander to go into closed session for the purpose of considering information regarding the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, dismissal of specific employees, collective bargaining matters, and imminent litigation. 

Roll Call. 

Ayes: Quint Harmon, Chuck Lander, Robert Bianchetta, Mary Gill, Steve Rogers, Ken Miller 

Nays: 

Absent: Shawn Hamilton 

Motion: Carried. 

Mr. Lander moved and Mr. Harmon seconded to return to open session at 7:05 p.m. 

Roll Call. 

Ayes: Chuck Lander, Quint Harmon, Robert Bianchetta, Mary Gill, Steve Rogers, Ken Miller 

Nays: 

Absent: Shawn Hamilton 

Motion: Carried. 

Adjournment 

Mr. Harmon moved and Mr. Lander seconded to adjourn at 7:06 p.m. the Board Study Session of the  Whole meeting. 

 https://4.files.edl.io/ca94/05/06/22/165742-7076ceb2-0669-42ab-be41-bbcd9fdcf471.pdf