Coal City Community Unit School District #1 Board of Education met Aug. 30.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
Call to Order
President Miller called the Study Session meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Coal City Community Unit School District #1 Boardroom. In attendance were Board members Dan Engelhardt, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Quint Harmon, 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, and Board Secretary LaWanda Gagliardo. President Miller led the Board and others present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Discussion on Student Transportation Services
CSBO Jason Smith discussed the option to extend the contract agreement with Illinois Central School Bus, LLC. Mr. Smith discussed Section 19B of the current agreement with Illinois Central School Bus, LLC. to provide written notice regarding the extending the contract at a 5% increase. The Board advised Mr. Smith to send the request, and based on IL Central’s response would determine the Board’s next steps. An update will be provided at the October Board Meeting.
Discussion on Facilities Improvement Plan Update
Superintendent Christopher Spencer updated the Board on the Facilities Improvement Plan. The new light poles at the new road have been installed, and speeds bumps will be added in the future. Branding the common areas of the buildings has started. The middle school has new Coaler vinyl added to their front entry way, and rugs with the Coaler logo will soon be ordered. Mr. Spencer will meet with the Facilities Committee soon to ensure the current prioritized projects, are still a priority. Mr. Spencer and Mr. Smith discussed possibly accelerating the concession stand, storage, and restrooms at the middle school due to the heavy use of the field due to the new road. The port-a potties are not being emptied out quick enough due to the heavy usage of the field. Mr. Smith discussed how the Board could finance this project, and as a result would not need to take as much bond debt. This project was slated for FY25 and could be moved up to FY24. The Board agreed this project could be accelerated, as it would provide an immediate solution at middle school extracurricular events.
Discussion on Adding an Assistant Secretary of Finance
Superintendent Christopher Spencer discussed adding an Assistant Secretary of Finance to the district office staff. CSBO Jason Smith discussed hiring an Assistant Secretary of Finance to cover a leave for one of the district office employees. When the district office employee returns, this new hire would also assist the Human Resources Rep in the office. The auditors over the last few years have discussed the need for segregation of duties with the district finances, this position would provide the extra layer. There will be a job description at the September Board meeting along with a recommendation for hire.
Discussion on Legal Services
Superintendent Christopher Spencer discussed one of the district legal firms. Lawyers from one of the district’s current law firms has branched off to start their own firm, and reached out to see if the Board would like to add their firm as an approved firm for legal services. Board President Miller asked if the administration is pleased with the service of the current firm, and if so, there is no need to add any additional firms at this time. Another Board Member mentioned that if the district added this firm as an approved firm, there is no obligation to utilize them. There may be more discussion at future Board Meetings.
Discussion on the Intergovernmental Agreement with Reed Custer School District Superintendent Christopher Spencer discussed the intergovernmental agreement with Reed Custer School District. Now that an agreement has been reached between CCCUSD1 Board of Education and the Teacher’s Union, the district has the proper salary for the Math Teacher who would be teaching the class. This agreement will be presented at the September Board meeting for approval.
Discussion on the SRO Contract with the Village of Coal City
Superintendent Christopher Spencer provided the Board with an update on the SRO Contract with the Village of Coal City. The Village has come up with a solution for the SRO’s. Officer Nugent will be stationed at the high school, and Office Moran, Office Imhoff, and Sgt. Clark will rotate the middle school and the K-5 buildings in between their shifts. The Village is paying overtime to the Officers to maintain a presence at the district. Once the new recruit has completed their training, Officer Moran will be at the middle school on a full-time basis.
Discussion on the 2023 Homecoming Parade
Superintendent Christopher discussed the 2023 Homecoming Parade. This year the parade organizers have decided to only allow high school students, community members, and business owners to participate in the parade for safety reasons. They felt that the younger students are the targeted audience and should be on the sidelines watching. Allowing only high school students to participate will give the younger students something to look forward to.
Discussion on FY24 Strategic Plan
Superintendent Christopher Spencer discussed preparations for the FY24 Strategic Plan. Some items on the plan are carrying over from the previous year, and some objectives have changed. Mr. Spencer provided the Board with a summary of the Strategic Plan, and will present the final version at the September Board Meeting for approval.
Finance Reports
The bank statements, monthly revenue, expenditure summary reports, check reconciliation report, cash report, and cleared check report for July 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 July were also enclosed for review.
Open
a) Items not known at agenda preparation time – Mr. Spencer discussed the increase of the NYC trip for the Drama Club by $200.00. Part of that increase is due to adding travel insurance, but another show has been added and another Master Class.
b) Sharing Ideas / Information – none.
Closed Session
At 6:56 p.m. a motion made by Mr. Engelhardt and seconded by Mr. Harmon to go into closed session for the purpose of considering information regarding the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, dismissal of specific employees, and collective bargaining matters. Board Member Mary Gill left the meeting at 6:56 p.m.
Roll Call.
Ayes: Dan Engelhardt, Quint Harmon, Shawn Hamilton, Cindy Klein, Steve Rogers, Ken Miller Absent: Mary Gill
Nays:
Motion: Carried.
Mr. Harmon moved and Mrs. Klein seconded to return to open session at 7:03 p.m.
Roll Call.
Ayes: Dan Engelhardt, Shawn Hamilton, Quint Harmon, Cindy Klein, Steve Rogers, Ken Miller Absent: Mary Gill
Nays:
Motion: Carried.
Adjournment
Mr. Harmon moved and Mr. Engelhardt seconded to adjourn at 7:03 p.m. the Board Study Session of the Whole meeting.
https://4.files.edl.io/ae65/09/07/23/164344-c083b6e5-2ee5-4de6-ba9e-11b14a8e7d27.pdf
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