Grundy Reporter

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

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. with the board members answering roll call present: Dan Engelhardt, Quint Harmon, Matt Melvin, Mindy Rampa, Ryan VanDuyne, and Ken Miller. Also in attendance were Superintendent Christopher Spencer, CSBO Jason Smith, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Jennifer Kenney, Director of Student Services Luke Krippel, Secretary to the Board of Education LaWanda Gagliardo, and Community Relations Specialist Ann Gill. Board Secretary Cindy Klein was absent.

Pledge of Allegiance

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

Second Reading on Revised District Policies

The following revised Board were submitted for review. The first reading took place at the May 7 Board Meeting; this is the second reading. Superintendent Christopher Spencer will meet with the Board Policy Committee this Friday to review and discuss the revised policies. The third and final reading will take place at the June 4 Board Meeting. That is also were the Board will act.

2:150-AP	Superintendent Committees
2:250-E2	Immediately Available District Public Records and Web-Posted Reports and Records
2:260	Uniform Grievance Procedure
2:265	Title IX Grievance Procedure
2:265-AP1	Title IX Response
2:265-AP2	Formal Title IX Complaint Grievance Process
2:265-AP3	Title IX Coordinator
2:265-E	Title IX Glossary of Terms
4:15	Identity Protection
4:15-AP2	Treatment of Personally Identifiable Information Under Grant Awards
4:60-AP5	Federal and State Award Procurement Procedures
4:80	Accounting and Audits
4:80-AP3	Inventory Management for Federal and State Awards
4:120	Food Services
4:170-AP6-E1	School Staff AED Notification Letter
5:10	Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment
5:20	Workplace Harassment Prohibited
5:60	Expenses
5:60-AP	Federal and State Grant Travel Expense Procedures
5:60-E1	Employee Expense Reimbursement Form
5:60-E2	Employee Estimated Expense Approval Form
5:100	Staff Development Program
5:170-AP4	Designation of District Millenium Copyright Act (DNCA) Agent; Registration Process

6:150	Home and Hospital Instruction
6:235	Access to Electronic Networks
6:235-AP1	Acceptable Use of the District’s Electronic Network
6:235-AP3	Development of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Plan and AI Responsible Use Guidelines
6:130	High School Credit for Non-District Experiences; Course Substitutions; Re Entering Students
7:10	Equal Educational Opportunities
7:10-AP1	Accommodating Transgender, Nonbinary, or Gender Nonconforming Students
7:10-AP2	Accommodating Breastfeeding Students
7:20	Harassment of Students Prohibited
7:50	School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools
7:50-AP	School Admissions and Student Transfers to and from Non-District Schools
7:60	Residence
7:70	Attendance and Truancy
7:180	Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment
7:185	Teen Dating Violence Prohibited
7:190	Student Behavior
7:190-AP2	Student Handbook – Gang Activity Prohibited
7:190-AP5	Student Handbook – Electronic Devices
7:190-AP6	Guidelines for Investigating Sexting Allegations
7:190-E2	Student Handbook Checklist
7:200	Suspension Procedures
7:210	Expulsion Procedures
7:210-E1	Notice of Expulsion Hearing
7:220-AP	Electronic Recordings on Special Buses
7:250	Student Support Services
7:250-AP2	Protocol for Responding to Students with Social, Emotional, or Mental Health Needs
7:255	Students Who are Parents, Expectant Parents, or Victims of Domestic or Sexual Violence
7:255-AP1	Supporting Students Who are Parents, Expectant Parents, or Victims of Domestic or Sexual Violence
7:255-AP2	Complaint Resolution Procedure for Students Who are Parents, Expectant Parents, or Victims or Domestic or Sexual Violence
7:270	Administering Medicines to Students
7:270-AP2	Checklist for District Supply of Undesignated Medication(s)
7:310	Restrictions on Publications; Elementary Schools
7:310-AP	Guidelines for Students Distribution of Non-School Sponsored Publications; Elementary Schools

7:315	Restrictions on Publications; High Schools
7:315-AP	Guidelines for Students Distribution of Non-School Sponsored Publications; High Schools
7:325-E	Application and Procedures to Involve Students in Fundraising Activities
7:340	Student Records
7:340-AP1	School Student Records
7:340-AP1-E1	Notice to Parents/Guardians and Students of Their Rights Concerning a Student’s School Records
7:345AP, E1	Students Covered Information Reporting Form
7:345-AP, E2	Student Data Privacy; Notice to Parents About Educational Technology Vendors
7:345-AP, E3	Parent Notification Letter for Student Breach
8:30	Visitors to and Conduct on School Property
8:30-E1	Letter to Parent Regarding Visits to School by Child Sex Offenders
8:30-E2	Child Sex Offender’s Request for Permission to Visit School Property

Discussion on 2025 – 2026 Board Meeting Schedule

Superintendent Christopher Spencer presented the Board with the Board of Education Meeting and Boardy Study Session of the Whole Meeting schedule for FY26. There were a few date changes were discussed and there was objection to those dates. The Board had a handout of the meeting dates, and the amended dates were highlighted in red.

Discussion on Strategic Plan Goals Update

Superintendent Christopher Spencer provided the Board with an update on the progress of the FY25 Strategic Goals. Mr. Spencer informed the Board that he is open to meeting to set new goals or just updating existing goals. Mr. Spencer went through and provided the Board with a summary of the main goals and went right to the objectives of the goals that were set. Some of those were the Facilities Improvement Plan, college and career readiness, improving elementary school student academic scores, the addition of a graphic design class at the high school, improvement to the woods classroom, the development of guidelines as it relates to AI, the growth of ESL students in the community, and the administration attending career fairs to attract new staff. Mr. Spencer discussed possible community involvement. Mr. Spencer mentioned the Town Hall Meetings, and the Coffee with the Superintendent sessions. A Board Members asked about retirees and a loss of knowledge between generations of newer educators and more seasoned teachers. Mr. Spencer informed the Board that two of the district’s newly hired certified staff members were more experienced teachers, and the academic growth of their students was reflected during testing.

Discussion on Possible Changes for the 2026 Graduation Ceremony

Superintendent Christopher Spencer discussed possible changes for the FY26 graduation ceremony. Possibly changing the date to the Saturday before Mother’s Day versus on Mother’s Day and changing the time to 11am or 2:00pm is what was proposed. Most Board Members thought that 11am would be the best time. A Board Member asked, could 8th grade promotion and high school graduation be held on the same day. The concern is would the 8th graders be out of school a little too early. Also, could promotion take place on Thursday? Mr. Spencer was tasked with finding out what other school districts are doing, and to follow up with the Board.

Discussion on the Possible Creation of an E-Learning Plan

Superintendent Christopher Spencer discussed possibly creating an E-Learning Plan for the district. Mr. Spencer was approached by Union Leadership regarding the creation of a district E-Learning Plan. Mr. Spencer laid out the pros and cons, and informed the Board that because you have an E Learning Plan doesn’t mean you have to use it. The Board would consider having an E-Learning Plan only for emergency situations only, but not for snow days. In an emergency, the use of an E-Learning Plan must be approved by the ROE.

Discussion on Therapy Dogs

High school Principal Art Stafford, and Director of Student Services Luke Krippel were in attendance to provide background information on therapy dogs. Mr. Stafford provided the Board with a summary of his experience in his previous district. He mentioned how the therapy dog provided social emotional support and de-escalation for students who were heightened. He described the length of training the dog, and the certified handlers went through. The dog was trained in 60 commands, and to pick-up on human anger and high emotions. Mr. Stafford stated he saw gains with students who were avoiding coming to school. The therapy dog can remain in schools for 10 years. At the time it was a $2,500 investment for the district, and whoever takes possession of the dog had to also be a certified handler. The dog’s owner was a teacher, and the teacher would bring the dog to work with them and drop it off in the front office. If that teacher was out for the day, the dog was also off for the day. The organization would conduct annual follow-ups with the certified handlers to see how things were going with the dog. The handlers must be diligent with the training and commands, as the training can be undone. There is a contract put into place that if the teacher left the district before a certain time frame, there is some sort of financial obligation. The research is getting better regarding the positive impact therapy dogs are having in schools. Mr. Stafford offered to provide the board with the information from the company his previous district utilized.

Discussion on Possibly Extending Coaching for a District Assistant Principal Superintendent Christopher Spencer discussed possibly extending coaching for a district assistant principal. The district utilized a program offered by the ROE which provided Mrs. Pendergast with a mentor. Mr. Spencer thinks it would a great idea to allow Mrs. Pendergast to continue getting another administrative perspective. The cost to the district would be $1,500, the mentor is a retired administrator and goes through IASA Mentorship Program. The Board thought this would be invaluable for Mrs. Pendergast and are in favor for it.

Discussion on FY26 Staffing Update

Superintendent Christopher Spencer provided the Board with an update on staffing for the FY26 school year. Mr. Spencer discussed each building’s open position(s): Nothing available at the lower buildings; MS – 1:1 Nursing position, but there may be a possible candidate; HS - .5 Attendance Secretary, and MS/HS Activities/Athletics Secretary; District – School Psychologist – Mr. Spencer thanked Mr. Krippel for his efforts in trying to identify someone for this position, but it has been extremely difficult. Mr. Spencer also discussed issues with testing scores due to the growth of ESL students (jumped from 21 to 47); the scores are not where the district wants them to be. Mr. Spencer and the administration, along with Mrs. Kenney will meet to put plans in place to best support those students. The administration should have information to present to the Board at the next Board Study Session of the Whole meeting.

Discussion on Possibly Hiring a Residency Verification Specialist

Superintendent Christopher Spencer discussed possibly hiring a residency verification specialist for the district. The administration believes there are students who attend school here but reside outside the district boundaries. Legal counsel has been sought regarding this matter. The administration proposed hiring retired investigators, on a as needed basis, for those families in question. Mr. Spencer reminded the Board of the cost of out of district tuition, which is $15,516.51. The administration believes it is owed to the taxpayers to possibly investigate this matter. The Board is okay with the administration putting together the financials to compare.

Discussion on Job Descriptions for a New High School Attendance Secretary Position and the Activities/Athletics Secretarial Position

At the May 7th Board meeting, Superintendent Christopher Spencer discussed possibly adding a new attendance secretarial position at the high school, and the possible addition of a secretarial position for middle school and high school for activities and athletics. Mr. Spencer presented the Board with the job descriptions for both positions.

Discussion on Renewing the Intergovernmental Agreement between Coal City CUSD1 and Reed Custer School District

Superintendent Christopher Spencer discussed renewing the Intergovernmental Agreement with Reed Custer School District that allows a Coal City high school math teacher to teach a course for Reed Custer high school. Mr. Spencer reminded the Board that Reed Custer covers the teacher’s salary and TRS payments for this position. This doesn’t affect the district, unless the teacher is not meeting his goals/requirements for the district. Otherwise, the teacher wants to continue teaching the class. The Intergovernmental Agreement will be presented to the Board for approval at the June Board Meeting.

Discussion on Summer School Days for Staff

Superintendent Christopher Spencer discussed the summer schoolwork schedules for the district social workers, school psychologists, and guidance counselors.

Discussion on 2025 – 2026 Liability Insurance Renewal

CSBO Jason Smith presented the Board with the insurance renewal rates for general liability, property, cyber, and workers compensation. Mr. Smith explained that the district is a part of a co-op for the CLIC insurance rates. This co-op puts all the rates in one pool and allows the district to see the premiums. The overall increase for cyber-liability insurance will increase about 6%.

Finance Reports

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

Open

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

b) Sharing Ideas / Information - Mr. Stafford mentioned having a Freshmen Math Jump Start the week of August 4 through August 8. The cost would be $35 per student and pays $37 p/hr for the certified staff member. There has to be a minimum of 15 students in order to offer the class. Also, mentioned is that the middle school has 3 students who need to attend summer school, and that curriculum work starts this Friday.

Closed Session

At 7:26 p.m. a motion made by Mr. Harmon moved and seconded by Mr. Engelhardt to go into closed session for the purpose of considering information regarding the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, and individual student issue.

Roll Call.

Ayes: Quint Harmon, Dan Engelhardt, Matt Melvin, Mindy Rampa, Ryan Van Duyne, Ken Miller Nays:

Absent: Cindy Klein

Motion: Carried.

Mr. Engelhardt moved, and Mr. VanDuyne seconded to return to open session at 7:40 p.m.

Roll Call.

Ayes: Dan Engelhardt, Ryan Van Duyne, Quint Harmon, Matt Melvin, Mindy Rampa, Ken Miller Nays:

Absent: Cindy Klein

Motion: Carried.

Adjournment

Mr. Harmon moved, and Mrs. Rampa seconded to adjourn at 7:40 p.m. the Board Study Session of the Whole meeting.

https://4.files.edl.io/d5c4/06/05/25/123749-01e5b99d-94cb-46cd-ad70-233fe536baed.pdf