Grundy Reporter

Coal City Community Unit School District #1 Board of Education met Feb. 28.

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 1 Boardroom. In attendance were Board members 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 Community Relations Specialist Ann Gill. Board Member, Quint Harmon arrived at 6:22 p.m. President Miller led the Board and others present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion on Facilities Improvement Plan Update

Superintendent Christopher Spencer updated the Board on the Facilities Improvement Plan. At the previous Board meeting the upcoming track season was discussed because of the possible interruption of the season due to the upcoming renovation the fields this summer. Mr. Spencer is hopeful that a couple track meets can take place but wouldn’t know for a couple days from now. Mr. Boresi and Mr. Hutchings are contacting surrounding schools to get more school to participate. Bid openings for the high school bleachers will be received next week. The bid for the middle school concessions will go out tomorrow.

The new furniture for the K-5 buildings will include flexible seating for students and will allow teachers to do more in the classroom. Mr. Spencer thanked Mr. Smith and all the volunteers from each building for putting this together.

Discussion on New Paraprofessional Evaluation Tool

Director of Special Populations, Luke Krippel discussed the new paraprofessional evaluation tool. The previous evaluation tool was outdated and needed to be refreshed. This new evaluation tool will allow the principal, teacher, and the support staff employee to provide information during the process. This new evaluation tool, once approved at the March 6 Board Meeting, will be utilized this school year.

Discussion on Staffing for the 2024 – 2025 School Year

Superintendent Christopher Spencer discussed staffing for the FY25 school year. Mr. Spencer discussed enrollment at each building throughout the district. At the early childhood center, preschool and kindergarten student enrollment numbers for the FY25 will increase. Based on the current student enrollment, and what’s anticipated, Mr. Spencer is recommending adding a seventh section in kindergarten and possibly add an additional 1st grade teacher each for one year. The elementary school enrollment numbers are okay, but the intermediate school will possibly need a 4th grade teacher based on enrollment numbers, also for one year, and move up to 5th grade the following year. The middle school has no changes regarding enrollment, but the high school will need to post an anticipated position for an industrial arts teacher.

Mr. Spencer also discussed possibly adding an assistant principal position at the early childhood center. Mrs. Davidson has obtained her LBSII and having the support of an assistant principal will allow Mrs. Davidson the opportunity to provide support at the elementary school, which would have a positive impact on students and staff. Mr. Spencer discussed possibly adding another district psychologist. Title I funds could possibly pay for this salary. Mr. Krippel discussed that only the psychologist can conduct special ed evaluations, and that this added person would allow the district to be more proactive when providing services to special ed students. Mr. Krippel informed the Board that a similar school in size to Coal City, has four psychologists and they don’t have an ED Program. All positions are anticipated, and just because there is a posting, does not mean that the district will hire. It was also discussed that Mr. Spencer needs to revisit a couple resolutions that were approved in the past regarding hiring and classroom size. Mr. Spencer will discuss these items at a future Board Study Session Meeting.

Discussion on Advertising Guidelines

Superintendent Christopher Spencer discussed advertising guidelines for the district that would include local businesses. This could include advertising on video boards, season passes, programs etc.… This type of advertisement could possibly eliminate the theatre department, and athletic groups for having to fundraise. Mr. Spencer will set a time to meet with the Board Policy Committee to discuss further and will update the Board at a future Board meeting.

Discussion on GE Hitachi Board of Review Assessment

Superintendent Christopher Spencer updated the Board of Education on the Board of Review assessment of the GE Hitachi facility. Mr. Spencer received an update from the district’s legal team, and the assessed value of GE Hitachi was not changed by the Board of Review at their most recent hearing. Mr. Spencer recommended approving a resolution to file an appeal with PTAB. The Board would like to have the attorney attend a Board meeting to discuss further. Mr. Spencer will get that meeting arranged.

Finance Reports

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

Open

a) Items not known at agenda preparation time – Mr. Spencer reminded the Board about the GEDC Breakfast that will be held in Morris with Senators and State Representatives.

Mr. Spencer updated the Board on the athletics at the middle school and high school as it relates to State Qualifiers and Regional/Sectionals Champs.

b) Sharing Ideas / Information – none.

Closed Session

At 6:59 p.m. a motion made by Mr. Hamilton 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.

Roll Call.

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

Nays:

Motion: Carried.

Mrs. Klein moved and Mr. Engelhardt seconded to return to open session at 7:09 p.m.

Roll Call.

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

Nays:

Motion: Carried.

Adjournment

Mr. Rogers moved and Mr. Harmon seconded to adjourn at 7:09 p.m. the Board Study Session of the Whole meeting.

https://4.files.edl.io/9974/03/07/24/143446-2cb58fd1-990d-477f-bb47-053404d62592.pdf