Grundy Reporter

Coal City Community Unit School District #1 Board of Education met Aug. 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER

President Miller called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with the board members answering roll call present: Dan Engelhardt, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Cindy Klein, Steve Rogers, and Ken Miller. Also, in attendance were Superintendent Christopher Spencer, CSBO Jason Smith, Director of Special Populations Luke Krippel, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Jennifer Kenney, Board Secretary LaWanda Gagliardo, and member of the press Ann Gill. Board member Quint Harmon arrived at 6:24 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

President Miller led the Board and others present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

NOTICES AND COMMUNICATIONS

1. Introduction/acknowledgement of guests. – Andrew Brimm, the new middle school Band Director, was in attendance to introduce himself.

A thank you was received the Village Christian Church, thanking the Board of Education for all their hard work. The Village Christian Church sponsored the Board’s dinner for the evening.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FLOOR

1. In regard to agenda items – none.

2. In general (Limited to 5 minutes per person.) – none.

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. Engelhardt moved and Mrs. Klein seconded to approve the consent agenda including:

MINUTES

July 5, 2023 - Regular Meeting

July 26, 2023 Board Study Session

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

July 5, 2023 - Regular Meeting

July 26, 2023 - Board Study Session

FINANCIAL REPORTS

Activity Fund Reports – June 2023

Treasurer’s Report – June 2023

Monthly Manual Check Report – July 2023

Payroll Report – July 2023

Accounts Payable Report – August 2023

PERSONNEL

Resignations

• Kathleen Long – 3hr-Food Preparer at the Elementary School – Ms. Long’s last day was May 25, 2023, which was the conclusion of the 22 – 23 school year.

• Amanda Deane – 3hr-Food Server at the High School – Ms. Deane’s last day was July 26, 2023.

• Venessa Babcock – Lunchroom Aide at the High School – Ms. Babcock’s last day was July 26, 2023.

Employments – (reported under Superintendent’s report)

Classroom Aide Reinstatements

Early Childhood Center

• Carol Biefeldt – full-time SPED Classroom Aide – Early Childhood Center

• Cherie Eikey - full-time SPED Classroom Aide – Early Childhood Center

• Jennifer Endrst - full-time SPED Classroom Aide – Early Childhood Center

• Michelle Hill - full-time SPED Classroom Aide – Early Childhood Center

• Kristen Togliatti - full-time SPED Classroom Aide – Early Childhood Center

• Caitlyn Cary – full-time 1:1 SPED Aide

• Jacklyn Cvitanovich - full-time 1:1 SPED Aide

• Gina Hiles - full-time 1:1 SPED Aide

• Kathryn Long - full-time 1:1 SPED Aide

• Hayleigh Roach - full-time 1:1 SPED Aide

• Ashley Rezsel - full-time 1:1 SPED Aide

Elementary School

• Colleen Berta – full-time SPED Classroom Aide

• Alicia Foote - full-time SPED Classroom Aide

• Sue Hancock - full-time SPED Classroom Aide

• Deb Tapley - full-time SPED Classroom Aide

• Jessica Giordano – full-time 1:1 SPED Aide

• Lori Johnson - full-time 1:1 SPED Aide

• Megan Luttrell - full-time 1:1 SPED Aide

• Michelle Powers - full-time 1:1 SPED Aide

• Stacey Roach - full-time 1:1 SPED Aide

• Tricia Smith - full-time 1:1 SPED Aide

Intermediate School

• Stephanie Barkley - full-time SPED Classroom Aide

• Tara Charles – full-time SPED Classroom Aide

• Moree Harney - full-time SPED Classroom Aide

• Raquel Drinkwine - full-time 1:1 SPED Aide

• Holly Kainz - full-time 1:1 SPED Aide

Middle School

• Amanda Eaton - full-time SPED Classroom Aide

• Mercedis Neal - full-time SPED Classroom Aide

• Nick Peters - full-time SPED Classroom Aide

• Julie Walsh - full-time SPED Classroom Aide

• Keegan Clampitt - full-time 1:1 SPED Aide

• Rachel Fearday - full-time 1:1 SPED Aide

• Jody Jackson - full-time 1:1 SPED Aide

• Gina Pens - full-time 1:1 SPED Aide

High School

• Shannon Caher - full-time SPED Classroom Aide

• Karen Carlson - full-time SPED Classroom Aide

• Donna Harmon - full-time SPED Classroom Aide

• Xander Smith - full-time SPED Classroom Aide

• Joy Williams - full-time SPED Classroom Aide

• Samantha Schneider – full-time CA Classroom Aide

• Danielle Diamond - full-time 1:1 SPED Aide

• Sara Helland - full-time 1:1 SPED Aide

• Aislinn Jones - full-time 1:1 SPED Aide

• Daniel Ripplinger - full-time 1:1 SPED Aide

Employee Transfers

• Rebecca Acred – 1:1 Special Ed Aide at the Early Childhood Center. Ms. Acred will cover the maternity leave for Emily Nolan the PreK-3 Nurse for the 1st semester.

• Nikki Planeta – 1:1 Special Ed Aide at the Early Childhood Center – Ms. Planeta will transfer to PE/Library Aide at the Early Childhood Center.

Leave Requests

• Lindsey Watters – Special Ed. Co-Taught Teacher at the Early Childhood Center – Ms. Watters is requesting a thirty (30) day paid maternity leave, with use of accumulated sick leave in accordance with the Teacher’s Negotiated Agreement, from approximately Monday, January 8, 2024 through Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Ms. Watters is also requesting a sixty (60) day unpaid FMLA leave from Wednesday, February 21, 2024 through Thursday, May 23, 2024. Ms. Watters plans to return to work for the 2024 – 2025 school year.

• Stephanie Vucsko – Special Ed Teacher at the High School – Ms. Vucsko is requesting a thirty (30) day paid maternity leave, with use of accumulated sick leave in accordance with the Teacher’s Negotiated Agreement, from approximately Monday, October 2, 2023 through Monday, November 13, 2023. Ms. Vucsko is also requesting a twenty-six (26) day unpaid FMLA leave from Tuesday, November 14, 2023 through Friday, December 22, 2023. Ms. Vucsko plans to return to work Monday, January 8, 2024.

• Emily Nolan – PreK-3 Nurse – Ms. Nolan is requesting a twenty-nine (29) day paid maternity leave, in accordance with the support staff handbook with use of accumulated sick time and personal days, from approximately Monday, September 25, 2023 through Monday, November 6, 2023. Ms. Nolan is also requesting a thirty-five (35) day unpaid FMLA leave from approximately Tuesday, November 7, 2023 through Friday, December 22, 2023. Ms. Nolan plans to return back to work January 8, 2024.

Extra-Curricular Resignations

• Sarah Cyrkiel – Middle School Soccer Coach

Extra-Curricular Assignments

• Sarah Cyrkiel – Assistant Girls Tennis Coach

• Mercedis Neal – Middle School WEB Leader

• Richard Taylor – High School Science Club Sponsor

• Tom Purcell – High School Boys Sophomore Baseball Coach

Job Descriptions

Community Relations Specialist

District Security

Closed Session Minutes – Minutes from closed session to open session.

Roll Call.

Ayes: Dan Engelhardt, Cindy Klein, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Quint Harmon, Steve Rogers, Ken Miller Nays:

Absent: Quint Harmon

Motion: Carried.

ADMINISTRATORS' REPORTS

A. EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER REPORT

Principal Davidson Reported:

Calendar of Events:

July 31st - PreK Evaluations

August 1st - PreK Eligibility Meetings

August 7th, 8th, and 9th - New Teacher Orientation

August 10th - CPI Training

August 14th - Teachers Institute

August 15th - Teachers Institute

August 15th - Back to School Night @ 3:30pm-5:00pm

August 16th - First Day with Students!! 1:15pm dismissal time

August 23rd - IEP meetings

August 28th - Custodian Meeting @ 2:55pm

September 4th - No School

September 5th - A Team Meeting @ 2:55pm

September 6th - Staff Meeting @ 2:55pm

September 7th - Staff Culture Committee Meeting @ 2:55pm

September 12th - IEP Meetings

September 12th - Student Culture Committee Meeting @ 2:55pm

September 14th - Behavior Committee Meeting @ 2:55pm

September 19th - Kindergarten Team Meeting @ 11:15am

September 19th - 1st Grade Team Meeting @ 12:15pm

September 19th - Academic Committee Meeting @ 2:55pm

September 21st - PreK Team Meeting @ 10:45am

September 21st - School Improvement Committee Meeting @ 2:55pm

September 26th - A Team Meeting @ 2:55pm

September 27th - IEP meetings

Current Enrollment for 2023-2024:

PreK: 137

Kindergarten: 153

1st Grade: 127

Total: 417 (in PowerSchool as of July 26th, 2023)

Month-in-Review:

• Walk-in Registration was held on July 13th from 7:30am-10:30am and again on July 18th from 4:00pm-6:00pm. It was a very busy night as always with many new PreK students completing registration.

• The custodial staff at the ECC (Tracci, Kenneth, Aaron and Jeremy) have worked tremendously hard this summer and the building is ready and open for staff early to come and prepare for the beginning of the school year.

• We look forward to our Back to School Night on Monday, August 15th. This is a great opportunity for our students to meet teachers and staff and for parents to drop off school supplies. It is always a busy and fun night!

• We will welcome a few “new” faces at the ECC this school year and are happy to have the following as part of our team:

o Branden Petersen - definitely not new to the district, but new to the ECC! He will be joining our team as our PE teacher.

o Lindsay Watters - again, not new to the district and returning to the ECC! She will be a special education teacher in the building.

o Caitlyn Cary - new paraprofessional working as a 1:1 aide with a Kindergarten student

o Kathryn Long - coming over from the high school to be a paraprofessional in a special education classroom

• We are beyond excited to have Kailee Walgren returning this year from her maternity leave! Her compassion and knowledge for supporting our students and teachers is unmatched. We are looking forward to her leadership and support returning!

Recognition:

• A HUGE thank you to the custodial staff for working so hard (with no air conditioning at times) to get the building ready EARLY for the staff to return and prepare for the upcoming school year. Amazing work by Tracci, Kenneth, Aaron and Jeremy!!

• Thank you to Tracy Warner and Kristina Davy for all of the summer work completed making sure everything is set for students to return! Both would come help with anything asked at any given moment in time and their dedication to making sure everything runs smoothly is unmatched!

• Thank you to Emily Nolan (our school nurse) for the hours she has put in this summer to make sure her files are sorted and medical documentation is accounted for!

B. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPORT

Principal Trotter reported:

Calendar of Events:

August 7th: New Student Orientation

August 7th, 8th & 9th: New Teacher Orientation

August 14th & 15th: Teacher Institute Days

August 15th: Back to School Night

August 16th: Students first day of school

ES Enrollment:

2nd Grade: 150 students

3rd Grade: 153 students

Total: 303 (enrolled as of 7/27/2023)

Personnel:

● Nicole Wiltz was hired as our 3rd grade special education co-taught teacher. She will be working alongside Mackenzie Smolik.

● Kristen Erhard will be taking over as our Librarian. She is excited and has great ideas.

● Belinda Egan is moving back to the Elementary School as our 2nd grade special education co-taught teacher. She will be working alongside Jill Vironda this year.

● Lisa Joly will be finishing her paperwork to help out in our building this year as a paraprofessional in our 3-hour reading aide position.

CCES Happenings and Recognitions:

● June and July were busy at the ES. We are working on an updated schedule and class lists.

● The building is looking great thanks to Julie Roeglin, Lynn Pearson and Tim Larson. They are continuing to wax and clean the rooms and move a few classrooms around for us. They are a fantastic crew!

● Denny and his crew have also freshened up some rooms with paint. They will also be spreading new mulch on the playground the first week of August.

● As of right now we have ten new students that have registered for the 23-24 school year.

C. INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL REPORT

Principal Carlson reported:

Calendar of Events:

7/31 – Free School Supplies at Help for Hope 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

8/7 – New Student & 4th Grade Orientation 9:00 a.m.

8/7-8/9 – New Teacher/Staff Orientation

8/14 & 8/15 – Teacher Institute Days

8/15 – Back to School Night 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

8/16 – First Day of Student Attendance 8:00 a.m. - 1:25 p.m.

8/21 – Beginning Band Parent Night 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

8/23 – Evacuation/Fire Drill 8:20 a.m.

8/24 – Shelter/Storm Drill 8:20 a.m.

8/25 – Lockdown Drill 8:20 a.m.

Anticipated Enrollment:

4th Grade 140 6 sections; 21-23 students per section

5th Grade 138 6 sections; 21-23 students per section

Total: 278

As of 7/26/23:

New Students = 5

Move-outs = 7

Change to Homeschool = 1

Personnel:

I would like to welcome the following staff to CCIS for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year:

- Savannah Jacobs ~ 4th Grade Special Education Co-teacher

- Andrew Brimm ~ 5th Grade Band Director (traveling from CCMS)

- Grace Thelo ~ Social Worker

Preview of August:

• New Student and 4th Grade Orientation will take place on Monday, August 7 from 9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. We will meet in the North Gym for approximately 25 minutes where I will speak to the students and parents/guardians. Around 9:30 a.m. families who are new to Coal City schools will be given a guided tour, and everyone else will be free to tour the school on their own with a map.

• Back to School Night is planned for Tuesday, August 15 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. This is a fun evening for students to meet their teacher, bring their school supplies, and decorate their locker if they choose to.

• The first day of student attendance is Wednesday, August 16 from 8:00 a.m. - 1:25 p.m. We anxiously await to meet our students and to get to know them on the first day of school. We are excited for our students to get to know us, and we can’t wait to show them our Back-to-School Video!

D. MIDDLE SCHOOL REPORT

Principal Johnson reported:

Calendar of Events:

July 24 CCMS Softball Begins

July 31 CCMS Baseball Begins

August 1 CCMS Soccer Begins

August 3/4 WEB Leader Training

August 7 CCMS 6th Grade Orientation – 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

CCMS New Student Orientation – 11:30am

August 7-9 New Teacher Orientation

August 14-15 Teacher Institute

August 16 First Day of School for Students – 1:45 p.m. Dismissal

Enrollment Numbers on 7/27

6th grade 162

7th grade 167

8th grade 169

Total 498

Personnel Report:

We have several new staff members who will be joining CCMS in the fall of 2023. New CCMS hires to Unit District #1 are:

- Andrew Brimm - 5-8th Grade Band Teacher

- Griffin Gletty - 8th Grade ELA teacher

- Mikayla Lange - Special Education Cross Categorical teacher

- Willow Kriuff – Special Education Hard of Hearing Teacher

- Rachel Fearday – Special Education Aide

New transfers to CCMS this fall are:

-Michelle Painter – CCMS School Counselor

-Neil Nicholson – 6/7th Grade Science teacher

-Kristen Erhard – Library Aide

I am very excited about the new staff additions and look forward to seeing them teach and work with the students of CCMS.

Month in Review:

Andrew Brimm and the CCMS Band students participated in Band Camp from July 17-21. The camp culminated with a Concert/Ice Cream Social on July 21 at CCMS. We had a great turnout with the concert and Mr. Brimm did an excellent job in her first performance at CCMS. I am looking forward to a great year for our band students and the band program.

Walk In Registration took place on July 13 and July 18 at the Unit Office. At the present time, we have 11 new students who have registered at CCMS for the 2022-23 school year. Special thanks to LaWanda Gagliardo for her work on the registration process.

CCMS Athletics are set to begin in the month of August with Softball and Baseball. CCMS Softball will begin with games on August 3 and Baseball is set to start their season on August 9. In addition to baseball and softball, CCMS will have Soccer for the first time starting in fall 2023. Currently, the soccer team has about seven games for the initial season. Good luck to all of our teams and coaches this fall.

CCMS Softball Coaches

Brad Schmitt – A Team

Kassie Marsala – B Team – new to CCMS

CCMS Baseball Coaches

Greg Wills – A Team

Nate Wills – B Team

Mike Pfeiffer – C Team

CCMS Soccer

Mike Kostbade

Tommy Fatigante

E. HIGH SCHOOL REPORT

Principal Stafford reported:

Calendar of Events:

➔ August 3 - Freshman parent meeting @ 6:00

➔ August 7 - Meeting with new CCHS Staff

➔ August 7 - IHSA fall sports begin

➔ August 10 - Freshman orientation (11:30-1:30)

➔ August 16 - First day of school

Month in Review:

➔ Band camp started July 24 - 65 students are participating in marching band, including 9 students in color guard.

➔ The high school welcomed 15 new families at walk in registration.

➔ Second session of summer school completed. 13/15 high school students who attended successfully earned credit

➔ Mike Putrich named new GAVC criminal justice teacher

➔ Coal City High School new staff:

o Todd Hancock - Spanish

o Kassie Marsala - Social Worker

o Tommy Purcell - Coaler Academy

o Samantha Schneider - Coaler Academy

Recognition:

➔ Thirty-three AP Literature students from the graduated class of 2023 published their author study. Students completed research on the author's lives, and critical analysis of their work. They read several pieces by the author and synthesized how their author utilized the enduring understandings of the College board's AP Literature and Composition framework. Using prompts from the Literary Argumentation question from the AP Literature Free Response Questions, students then analyzed one piece the author wrote. Finally, students wrote in the style of their author. The link below is the culmination of their work.

https://sites.google.com/coalcityschools.org/ap-lit-author-study-2023/home

Current Enrollment:

Freshman: 166

Sophomore: 184

Junior: 146

Senior: 150

Total Enrollment: 646

F. SPECIAL POPULATIONS REPORT

Director Krippel reported:

Fund B State Reimbursement

Each year the district receives some reimbursement based on students who are considered “Fund B” or students who attend private schools due to their educational needs. These needs are determined by their special education evaluations and Individual Education Plans. An estimate of the state’s reimbursement is below:

22-23 School Year $180,396.39

Funds DEF State Reimbursement

Each year the district receives some reimbursement based on students who are considered “Fund D, E or F” or students who require significant special education services and are residing in the district due to foster care situations. An estimate of the state’s reimbursement is below:

22-23 School Year $105,878.27

Nursing Contract

As of the submission of this Board Report, the district is still seeking a private-duty nurse for the upcoming school year. We hope to have a candidate and a contract for board approval ready prior to the Board of Education meeting scheduled for August 2nd.

PCG Contract

The district utilizes PCG’s EasyIEP system as its Special Education software program. New legislation which requires all special education paperwork to be provided in the parent/guardian’s home language requires a new feature of the program to be purchased. The Special Education Department also plans to begin utilizing another feature of the program which will allow for more efficient information sharing, better communication with parents/guardians and also the ability to sign electronically. The district’s IDEA grant will be used to fund this software. The new contract with PCG is below:

Coal City -- EDPlan IEP 504 PT Transl Connect .pdf

Consolidated District Plan

Prior to each school year, each district is required to submit a “Consolidated District Plan” to the Illinois State Board of Education. Our plan for the 2023-2024 school year has been submitted to ISBE and is awaiting approval. The plan is available via the link below. CDP 23-24.pdf

G. CURRICULUM REPORT

Director Kenney reported:

Professional Development:

Our first day is quickly approaching. On August 14th, we will be welcoming our teachers back. We will have our opening day kick-off starting with an optional breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Superintendent Chris Spencer will provide the opening day message to set the tone for the year at 8:30 a.m. Sessions that day will include:

Emergency Operations Plan

CPR

Math Training

Diabetes Training

ViewSonic Training

Narcan Administration Training

HR Information

Department Meetings

Mentoring Program

At the current time we have 10 teachers that will be going through the mentoring program. We will kick-off the program with three days of learning and working from August 7th to the 9th. We have several people that will be helping in the training including: Keith Kiper, Erin Dransfeldt, Cealy DePersia, Dave Sinkular, Michelle Painter, Matt Leman. All of the district administrators will be working with the new teachers as well as several building administrators. It’s a whole team effort as we welcome these new staff members to the district. A continental breakfast will be offered on the 7th and 8th in the morning starting at 7:30 a.m. and you are all invited to stop by and meet the new staff members. As always, we are indebted to the staff members that willingly mentor new staff members. The program’s success is dependent on their hard work and professionalism.

H. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Mr. Spencer reported:

1. At the June 7, 2023 Board meeting, the Board authorized the Superintendent to employ personnel as needed due to current candidate shortage. The following will be employed for the 2023 – 2024 school year, pending satisfactory completion of all state requirements:

Certified Staff: pending satisfactory completion of all state requirements

• Charissa Dehler – temporary Substitute Teacher – Ms. Dehler will cover the maternity leave for Lindsey Watters – Special Ed. Co-Teacher at the Elementary School. The anticipated start date of Ms. Dehler is January 8, 2024.

• Kathryn Drey – temporary Substitute Teacher – Ms. Drey will provide coverage for Mrs. Hayse’s maternity leave from approximately August 14, 2033 through December 22, 2023.

• Nick Ingalls – Permanent Sub grades 6 – 12

• Peggy Feeney – Permanent Sub grades K – 5

• Michael Scott – Permanent Sub grades K - 5

Support Staff:

• Caitlyn Cary – 1:1 Special Ed. Aide at the Early Childhood Center. Ms. Cary is replacing Cristal Cabral.

• Rachel Fearday – 1:1 Special Ed Aide at the Middle School Ms. Fearday is replacing Ashley Meyerhoff.

• Lisa Joly – 3hr Reading Aide at the Elementary School. Ms. Joly is replacing Ms. Erhard.

• Megan Luttrell – 1:1 Special Ed Aide at the Elementary School. Ms. Luttrell is replacing Allison Newman.

• Michelle Powers – 1:1 Special Ed Aide at the Elementary School. Ms. Powers is replacing Nikki Planeta.

Cafeteria:

• Renee Bergmark – Food Server at the High School

• Sue Hiles – Food Server at the Middle School

• Alissia Hood – Food Server at the Middle School

• Terri Olson – 5-hour Food Preparer at the Middle School

• Cassandra Wilkins – 3-hour Food Server at the High School

Custodians:

• Joseph Colavecchi – Custodian for the district, Mr. Colavecchi’s anticipated start date is Monday, July 31, 2023.

2. Monthly student enrollment figures were available for review.

DATES TO REMEMBER

August 3 – New Student/Freshmen Parent Meeting @ 6:00 p.m. @ HS

August 7 – ES New Student Orientation @ 10:00 a.m.

August 7 – IS New Student Orientation @ 9:00 a.m.

August 7 – MS 6th Grade Orientation 8am – Noon & New Student Orientation @ 11:30 a.m. August 10 – Freshmen/New Student Orientation 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

August 14 & 15 – Teacher’s Institute/No Student Attendance

August 15 – ECC Back to School Night from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

August 15 – ES Back to School Night from 4:45 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.

August 15 – IS Back to School Night from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

August 16 – First Day of Attendance

August 19 – HS Sports Pictures

August 22 – MS Back to School Night from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

August 23 – HS Fall Pictures

August 30 – Board Study Session of the Whole Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.

September 4 – Labor Day – No School

September 6 – Board Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.

Joint Annual Conference Friday Focus Workshops Registration is available

J. ATHLETIC DIRECTOR REPORT

Athletic Director Hutchings reported:

Calendar of Events:

July 24, 2023 Middle School Softball tryouts –31 girls - No C Team

July 31, 2023 Middle School Boys Baseball tryouts

August 7, 2023 High School Boys Soccer, Football, Volleyball, Girls Tennis, &

Golf may begin practice per the IHSA

August 19, 2023 Fall Sports Picture Day

All Summer Camps will be completed by the end of July.

Weight Room Project - Should be completed in the next 2 weeks

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FLOOR

1. In regard to agenda items – none.

2. In general (Limited to 5 minutes per person.) – Mr. Spencer reminded the Board of the Board sponsored breakfast on August 14, 2023. Mr. Spencer also mentioned that middle school soccer starts soon. Mr. Spencer also mentioned that the Board sponsored breakfast was being held on Monday, August 14th at 8:00 a.m. and if they were available to attend, he’d love to have them.

OLD BUSINESS

A. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH ARBITER SPORTS

At the July 26 Board Study Session Meeting, CSBO Jason Smith discussed Arbiter Sports with the Board. Mr. Smith made a recommendation to enter into a one (1) year agreement with Arbiter Pay at an annual cost of $4,740.00 Arbiter Sports offers software solutions for sports, events and scholastic pay management for officials.

Mr. Hamilton moved and Mr. Engelhardt seconded to approve the one (1) year agreement with Arbiter Sports at a total cost of $4,740.00

Roll Call.

Ayes: Shawn Hamilton, Dan Engelhardt, Mary Gill, Cindy Klein, Steve Rogers, Ken Miller

Nays:

Absent: Quint Harmon

Motion: Carried.

B. DISCUSSION ON FACILITIES IMPROVEMENT PLAN UPDATE

Superintendent Christopher Spencer updated the Board on the Facilities Improvement Plan. Mr. Spencer provided a summary of the Board’s prioritized project’s list, how this point was reached, and the anticipated cost of the projects and their timelines for completion. Mr. Spencer discussed the best way to pay for these projects based on the recommendation from Elizabeth Hennessey from Raymond James, which is the district’s bonding agent. Ms. Hennessey’s recommendation was to utilize the combination of the deficient budget and bonds. Later in the meeting the Board will approve a Resolution Declaring the Intention to Issue Not to Exceed $21,000,000 Working Cash Fund Bonds for the purpose of increasing the district’s working cash fund to start the process.

C. DISCUSSION/ACTION BID AUTHORIZATION FOR HIGH SCHOOL TURF PROJECT

At the July 26 Board Study Session Meeting, CSBO Jason Smith discussed receiving the authorization to request bids for the high school turf project. Adding turf at the high school is a project identified in the FY24 Facilities Improvement Plan as a prioritized project.

Dan Engelhardt moved and Mr. Rogers seconded to authorize administration to request bids for the FY24 high school turf project.

Roll Call.

Ayes: Dan Engelhardt, Steve Rogers, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Cindy Klein, Ken Miller

Nays:

Absent: Quint Harmon

Motion: Carried.

D. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION DECLARING THE INTENTION TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $21,000,000 WORKING CASH FUND BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF INCREASING THE DISTRICT’S WORKING CASH FUND, AND DIRECTING THAT NOTICE OF SUCH INTENTION BE PUBLISHED IN THE MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW

At the July 26 Board Study Session Meeting, CSBO Jason Smith introduced Elizabeth Hennessey from Raymond James. Ms. Hennessey discussed the district’s bonding options for funding future projects. This Resolution of Intent will be to use working cash bonds for district projects. These funds will pay for the prioritized Facilities Improvement Plan building improvements, life safety projects, and field improvements.

Mr. Hamilton moved and Mrs. Klein seconded to approve the Resolution Declaring the Intention to Issue Not to Exceed $21,000,000 Working Cash Fund Bonds for the Purpose of Increasing the District’s Working Cash Fund, and Directing that Notice of Such Intention be Published in the Manner Provided by Law, and to waive the reading of the resolution.

Roll Call.

Ayes: Shawn Hamilton, Cindy Klein, Dan Engelhardt, Mary Gill, Steve Rogers, Ken Miller

Nays:

Absent: Quint Harmon

Motion: Carried.

E. FINAL READING ON REVISED DISTRICT POLICIES

The first reading took place on June 7, 2023, the second reading on July 5, and the third and final reading on July 26. It was the Board Policy Committee’s recommendation to approve the revised policies as presented.

2:80 Board Member Oath and Conduct

2:80-E Board Member Code of Conduct

2:170 Procurement of Architectural, Engineering, and Land Surveying Services

4:45 Insufficient Fund Checks and Debt Recovery

4:50-E School District Payment Order

4:55-E Cardholder’s Statement Affirming Familiarity with Requirements for Using District Credit and /or Procurement Cards

4:60-E Notice to Contractors

4:80-AP1 Checklist for Internal Controls

4:100 Insurance Management

4:160-AP Environmental Quality of Building and Grounds

5:230 Maintaining Student Discipline

6:10 Educational Philosophy and Objectives

6:40-AP Curriculum Development

6:120-AP1, E1 Notice to Parents/Guardians Regarding Section 504 Rights6:190 Extracurricular and Co-curricular Activities

6:220-E1 Authorization to Participate in Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) Program; Responsible Use and Conduct Agreement

6:220-E2 Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) Program Student Guidelines6:240 Field Trips

6:240-AP Field Trip Guidelines

7:15-E Notification to Parents of Family Privacy Rights

7:150-AP Agency and Policy Interviews

7:275 Orders to Forgo Life-Sustaining Treatments

7:280-E3 Prevention of Staphylococcal Infections for Schools

7:300-E2 Certificate of Physical Fitness for Participation in Athletics

7:305 Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries

7:305-AP Program for Managing Student Athlete Concussion and Head Injuries

7:330 Student Use of Buildings – Equal Access

Mr. Engelhardt moved and Mrs. Klein seconded to approve the revised district policies as presented.

Roll Call.

Ayes: Dan Engelhardt, Cindy Klein, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Steve Rogers, Ken Miller

Nays:

Absent: Quint Harmon

Motion: Carried.

NEW BUSINESS

A. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON APPROVAL OF THE 2023 – 2024 GOLF FACILITY

Athletic Director Dan Hutchings made a recommendation to enter into an agreement with Cinder Ridge Golf Course for the 2023 – 2024 golf season for the amount of $2,200.00 for 4 scheduled meets, and any additional meets at a cost of $550.00.

Mr. Hamilton moved and Mrs. Gill seconded to approve utilizing Cinder Ridge Golf Facility for the 2023– 2024 golf season per the terms outlined in the letter of agreement.

Roll Call.

Ayes: Shawn Hamilton, Mary Gill, Dan Engelhardt, Cindy Klein, Steve Rogers, Ken Miller

Nays:

Absent: Quint Harmon

Motion: Carried.

B. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON CONTINUING DISCLOSURE UNDERTAKING

A Federal requirement for school districts with outstanding bond debt is that each district must provide a “Continuing Disclosure” report to certain repositories. The proposal from Raymond James and Associates, to provide assistance with continuing disclosure obligations at a fee of $1,750 was attached for review.

Mr. Hamilton moved and Mrs. Gill seconded to accept the proposal from Raymond James & Associates, Inc. to provide the district with the annual Continuing Disclosure as presented.

Roll Call.

Ayes: Shawn Hamilton, Mary Gill, Dan Engelhardt, Cindy Klein, Steve Rogers, Ken Miller

Nays:

Absent: Quint Harmon

Motion: Carried.

C. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON VALIDATED CURRICULUM

Summer curriculum and assessment writing had been completed. Copies of completed curricula are available for review on the district’s website and were ready for adoption. Computer Curriculum is mandatory this year, most of the standards fall into the district’s current curriculum. Also, Fine Arts is now indicated on the school report card. Mr. Spencer thanked retired Director of Curriculum and Instruction Tammy Elledge and Jennifer Kenney the current Director of Curriculum and Instruction for their work.

https://www.coalcityschools.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1251626&type=d&pREC_ ID=1478519

Mr. Gill moved and Mrs. Klein seconded to approve the formal standards aligned curriculum for all completed subject areas as presented.

Roll Call.

Ayes: Mary Gill, Cindy Klein, Dan Engelhardt, Shawn Hamilton, Steve Rogers, Ken Miller

Nays:

Absent: Quint Harmon

Motion: Carried.

D. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON APPROVAL OF SCHOOLPASS VISITOR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

CSBO Jason Smith discussed SchoolPass Visitor Management. Mr. Smith made a recommendation to enter into a three (3) year agreement at an annual cost of $6,960.00. SchoolPass Visitor Management allows parents, volunteers, vendors, staff and students to check-in/out using modern technologies/methods. This system will replace the current system and will be a self-serve kiosk with customized alerts. This will allow students to check in/out and the system will update their attendance in real-time This system will keep track how many people are in the building, based on their check in/out status. Due to the mobility of this system, in disaster situations this will make it easier to account for students, staff and visitors.

Mr. Hamilton moved and Mr. Rogers seconded to approve the three (3) year agreement with SchoolPass Visitor Management at an annual cost of $6,960.00, as presented.

Roll Call.

Ayes: Shawn Hamilton, Steve Rogers, Dan Engelhardt, Mary Gill, Quint Harmon, Cindy Klein, Ken Miller

Nays:

Motion: Carried.

E. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON APPROVAL OF TITLE 1 SCHOOLWIDE FUNDS

Submission of a Title I District Plan is required by Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015. All districts requesting Title I federal funding must have an approved Title I Plan on file with the State. The plan must include a program description that clearly describes the program components and align with district policies. The Board must approve the plan to ensure that the district has policies and procedures in place that address the referenced sections of federal and state law. The application process is a little lengthy, but these funds pay for Reading Specialist and Reading Aides for the district. The Board thanked Mr. Krippel for all his effort in completing this application for the district.

Mr. Engelhardt moved and Mrs. Gill seconded to approve the Title I District Plan for Coal City Community Unit School District #1 as presented.

Roll Call.

Ayes: Dan Engelhardt, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Quint Harmon, Cindy Klein, Steve Rogers, Ken Miller

Nays:

Motion: Carried.

F. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH PUBLIC CONSULTING GROUP, LLC

Director of Special Populations, Luke Krippel made a recommendation to enter into a 1 (one) year agreement for the 23 – 24 school year with Public Consulting Group, LLC for the use of EDPlan software. This software offers additional programming support and assistance to administrators and teachers with the planning, communication, and monitoring requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education ACT (IDEA). This is a system that the district currently utilizes, but there are additional options been added which adds to the cost of the software.

Mr. Harmon moved and Mrs. Gill seconded to approve the one (1) year agreement with Public Consulting Group, LLC as presented.

Roll Call.

Ayes: Quint Harmon, Mary Gill, Dan Engelhardt, Shawn Hamilton, Cindy Klein, Steve Rogers, Ken Miller

Nays:

Motion: Carried.

G. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON THE APPROVAL OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH REED CUSTER

Mr. Spencer discussed the Intergovernmental Agreement with Reed Custer School District to allow a high school Math Teacher to teach a course for Reed Custer High School. This matter was tabled for a future Board meeting due to collective bargaining matters

Mr. Hamilton moved and Mrs. Klein seconded to table the vote on the Intergovernmental Agreement with Reed Custer School District.

Roll Call.

Ayes: Shawn Hamilton, Cindy Klein, Dan Engelhardt, Mary Gill, Quint Harmon, Steve Rogers, Ken Miller

Nays:

Motion: Carried.

H. DISCUSSION ON 6 – 12 CHROMEBOOK GUIDELINES

Superintendent Christopher Spencer discussed 6 – 12 Chromebook guidelines. The middle school had quite a few students damage district Chromebooks, as a result the 6 -12 Chromebook Guidelines are being created. These guidelines will outline to properly treat your Chromebook and what happens if you don’t. Once these guidelines are complete, they will become a part of the handbook policies.

I. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON THE APPROVAL OF THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING COMMENCEMENT OF SOCIAL MEDIA LITIGATION

Superintendent Christopher Spencer discussed the Resolution Authorizing Commencement of Social Media Litigation. This mass action lawsuit will unveil the effects of social media on school age students.

Mr. Harmon moved and Mr. Engelhardt seconded to approve the Resolution Authorizing Commencement of Social Media Litigation, and to waive the reading of the resolution.

Roll Call.

Ayes: Quint Harmon, Dan Engelhardt, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Cindy Klein, Steve Rogers, Ken Miller

Nays:

Motion: Carried.

OPEN FOR ITEMS NOT KNOWN AT AGENDA PREPARATION TIME

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FLOOR

1. In regard to agenda items – none.

2. In general (Limited to 5 minutes per person.) – none.

CLOSED SESSION

Mr. Engelhardt moved and Mr. Hamilton seconded to go to closed session at 6:37 p.m. for the purpose of considering information regarding the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, and collective bargaining matters.

Roll Call.

Ayes: Dan Engelhardt, Shawn Hamilton, Mary Gill, Quint Harmon, Cindy Klein, Steve Rogers, Ken Miller

Nays:

Motion: Carried.

WHEN IN CLOSED SESSION

Mr. Rogers moved and Mr. Engelhardt seconded to return to open session at 6:41 p.m.

Roll Call.

Ayes: Steve Rogers, Dan Engelhardt, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Quint Harmon, Cindy Klein, Ken Miller

Nays:

Motion: Carried.

BOARD STUDY SESSION OF THE WHOLE DATE: AUGUST 30, 2023 @ 6 P.M. In Coal City CUSD #1 Administrative Center Boardroom

NEXT REGULAR MEETING DATE: SEPTEMBER 6, 2023 @ 6 P.M. In Coal City CUSD #1 Administrative Center Boardroom

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Harmon moved and Mr. Engelhardt seconded to adjourn the meeting at 6:42 p.m. President Miller asked if there was any opposition to the motion, hearing none considers the motion approved.

https://4.files.edl.io/dc60/09/07/23/164323-a301c812-08c8-403d-afda-ed823a616ad2.pdf