Coal City Community Unit School District #1 Board Members | Coal City Community Unit School District #1
Coal City Community Unit School District #1 Board Members | Coal City Community Unit School District #1
Coal City Community Unit School District #1 Board of Education met Sept. 3.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
CALL TO ORDER
President Miller called the 2025 – 2026 public budget hearing to order at 6:00 p.m. with the Board members answering roll call present: Dan Engelhardt, Quint Harmon, Cindy Klein, 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.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Miller led the Board, and others present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Hearing on the 2025 – 2026 Budget
President Miller stated the Board of Education approved a tentative Budget on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. A legal notice was published in the Coal City Courant newspaper on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. The tentative budget was on display for public inspection and as of the meeting, no one requested to review or copy the proposed budget documents. CSBO Jason Smith provided the Board with a summary of the final budget.
President Miller asked if there were any questions. Board Member Matt Melvin made a comment about the timing from when the Board book is released for review and the meeting date. President Miller asked if there were any further questions, hearing none President Miller considered the public hearing on the 2025 - 2026 Budget adjourned.
CALL TO ORDER
After the public hearing, President Miller called the regular meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. with the board members answering roll call present: Dan Engelhardt, Quint Harmon, Cindy Klein, 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.
NOTICES AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Introduction/acknowledgement of guests. – none.
2. Building principals were in attendance to introduce newly hired certified staff at each of their buildings. Those who couldn’t attend will attend the October Board meeting to be introduced.
Early Childhood Center
Brianne Clavenna
Cade Mueller
Hannah Shirkey
Elementary School
Carmen Kinder
Intermediate School
Kyra Benson, Holly Engstrom, and Jessica Giordano will attend next month’s meeting. Ashlyn Fisk
Sofia Rankin
Middle School
Matthew Felbein
Karen Koca
Nick Peters – was originally missed from the agenda, and is being added for the minutes.
High School
Olivia Brus
Payton Hutchings
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 removed from the consent agenda. Hearing none, President Miller asked for a motion to approve the consent agenda, and the following building requests.
Mrs. Klein moved, and Mrs. Rampa seconded to approve the consent agenda and the following building usage requests:
MINUTES CLOSED SESSION MINUTES August 6, 2025 - Regular Meeting None.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
Activity Fund Reports – July 2025
Treasurer’s Report – July 2025
Monthly Manual Check Report – August 2025
Payroll Report – August 2025
Accounts Payable Report – September 2025
PERSONNEL
Resignations
• Megan Blanton – 1:1 Special Ed Aide at the Early Childhood Center – Ms. Blanton’s last day will be September 16, 2025.
• Lisa Johnson – Health Aide at the Intermediate School – Mrs. Johnson’s last day was August 22, 2025.
Employments - pending satisfactory completion of all state requirements
• Katherine Cash – 3-hr Cafeteria Worker at the Early Childhood Center.
• Melanie Hawkins – Health. Aide at the Elementary & Intermediate School.
• Carmen Kinder – Reading Interventionist at the Elementary School. Mrs. Kinder is replacing Katie Ludes.
Employee Transfers
• Katie Ludes – EL Coordinator & Interventionist for the District.
Leave Requests
• Tricia Hall – 5th Grade Teacher at the Intermediate School – Mrs. Hall is requesting a twenty-two (22) day paid sick leave, with use of accumulated sick leave in accordance with the Teacher’s Negotiated Agreement, from approximately Wednesday, September 17, 2025, through Friday, October 17, 2025.
• Emily Nolan – Pre-K – 8 Nurse – Mrs. Nolan is requesting a twenty-four and a half (24.5) paid maternity leave from approximately Tuesday, January 20, 2026, through Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Mrs. Nolan is also requesting a twenty-two and a half (22.5) day unpaid FMLA leave from approximately Tuesday, February 24, 2026, through Friday, March 27, 2026. Mrs. Nolan plans to return to work Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
• Gina Piatak – 8th Grade Science Teacher at the Middle School – Mrs. Piatak is requesting a fifteen (15) day paid sick leave, with use of accumulated sick leave in accordance with the Teacher’s Negotiated Agreement, from approximately Tuesday, September 9, 2025, through Monday, September 29, 2025.
• Shannon Caher – full-time Special Ed Aide at the High School – Mrs. Caher is requesting a sixty (60) day paid sick leave, from approximately Wednesday, September 3, 2025, through Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
Retirement Requests
• Tina Vignocchi – Librarian at the Intermediate School – Ms. Vignocchi amended her retirement date from December 31, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
Extra-Curricular Assignments
Athletic Director Brad Boresi is recommending the following for coaching/volunteering positions:
• Tim Gabehart – Girls Gold Coach (split)
• Cade Mueller – Girls Golf Coach (split)
• Dave Sinkular – Girls Golf Coach (split)
Athletic Director Rodney Monbrum is recommending the following for coaching/volunteering positions:
• Chris Figge – Middle School Assistant Wrestling Coach
• J. R. Rivera – Middle School Assistant Wrestling Coach
• Kathryn Drey – 6th Grade Volleyball Coach
Volunteers
• Adam Rodriguez – Volunteer MS Assistant Wrestling Coach
• Dean Christensen - Volunteer MS Assistant Wrestling Coach
• Ryan Webster - Volunteer MS Assistant Wrestling Coach
• Evan Rivera - Volunteer MS Assistant Wrestling Coach
• Vince Piatak - Volunteer MS Assistant Wrestling Coach
• Zach Finch - Volunteer MS Assistant Wrestling Coach
• Johnny Housman - Volunteer MS Assistant Wrestling Coach
• Bill Gill - Volunteer MS Assistant Wrestling Coach
• Lance Evans - Volunteer MS Assistant Wrestling Coach
Tracy Schmitz – Mentor for Carmen Kinder
Advertising Donations
One-year - $2,500 donations
Martin & Associates
State Farm Insurance
Surf Internet
Smith Painting
Group Building Date
Coal City Soccer Club ES 08/06/25-10/31/25
Coaler Youth Basketball ES 09/03/25-11/20/25
Girls Scouts ECC 09/2025 – 05/2026
On Broadway Dance PAC 11/21/25 - 11/30/25
On Broadway Dance PAC 06/01/26 - 06/07/26
Forte Art Center PAC 02/15/26
Forte Art Center PAC 05/29/26 – 05/31/26
Roll Call.
Ayes: Cindy Klein, Mindy Rampa, Dan Engelhardt, Quint Harmon, Matt Melvin, Ryan VanDuyne, Ken Miller
Nays:
Motion: Carried.
ADMINISTRATORS' REPORTS
A. EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER REPORT
Principal Davidson Reported:
Calendar of Events:
September 1st - NO SCHOOL
September 2nd - SPED Team Meeting @ 2:55 p.m.
September 3rd - Staff Culture Committee Meeting @ 2:55 p.m.
September 4th - A Team Meeting @ 2:55 p.m.
September 5th - Coaler Friday
September 8th - SAP Team Meeting @ 2:55 p.m.
September 9th - SPED Team Meeting @ 2:55 p.m.
September 9th - PBS Team Meeting @ 2:55 p.m.
September 10th - Early Dismissal
September 12th - Coaler Friday
September 15th - Fall Benchmarking Begins
September 15th - CPI Team Meeting @ 2:55 p.m.
September 16th - Kindergarten Team Meeting @ 11:05 a.m.
September 16th - 1st Grade Team Meeting @ 12:05 p.m.
September 16th - SPED Team Meeting @ 2:55 p.m.
September 17th - Attendance Committee Meeting @ 2:55 p.m.
September 18th - ECC Fall Pictures
September 18th - Preschool Team Meeting @ 10:45 a.m.
September 18th - Specials Team Meeting @ 2:55 p.m.
September 19th - Coaler Friday
September 22nd - SAP Team Meeting @ 2:55 p.m.
September 23rd - SPED Team Meeting @ 2:55 p.m.
September 23rd –
Support Staff Team Meeting @ 2:55 p.m.
September 24th - Custodian Meeting @ 2:55 p.m.
September 26th - Early Dismissal @ 1:15 p.m.
September 26th - CCHS Homecoming Parade @ 2:30 p.m.
Entire Month of September - Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Current ECC Enrollment for 2025-2026:
PreK: 128
Kindergarten: 118
1st Grade: 148
Total: 394 (in PowerSchool as of August 27th, 2025)
Completed Safety Drills:
Dates of completed required drills will be documented as they are conducted.
Month-in-Review:
The school year is off to a positive and successful start at the Early Childhood Center. Our Kindergarten students began the year by attending every other day for the first ten days, which provided them with a smooth transition into school. Beginning August 27th, all Kindergarten students started attending daily, and they have done a wonderful job adjusting.
Students have been busy learning expectations and routines, including rules in the lunchroom and on the playground. Classrooms have quickly jumped into curriculum, and children are already building foundational skills while becoming comfortable with daily procedures. Overall, the beginning of the year has been filled with excitement, growth, and lots of learning.
We are looking forward to kicking off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month beginning Tuesday, September 2nd!
Recognition:
I am excited to share some wonderful celebrations within our school community. Congratulations to Emily Trafton on the birth of her first child, Carter John. We are thrilled for Emily and her family as they welcome their newest addition.
I would also like to recognize our new teachers, Cade Mueller, Brianne Clavenna, and Hannah Shirkey. Each of them has begun the year with great confidence and enthusiasm, stepping into their roles as though they were seasoned veterans. They have already brought energy, excitement, and a fresh perspective to their classrooms. We are eager to see all that they will accomplish as they begin their teaching careers with our littlest Coalers.
B. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPORT
Principal Trotter reported:
Calendar of Events:
September 1st: No School (Labor Day)
September 2nd - 30th: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September 10th: 11:45 a.m. Dismissal
September 11th: Author Visit (Amy Logan)
September 16th: ES Picture Day
September 22nd - 26th: Homecoming Week
ES Enrollment:
2nd Grade: 147 students
3rd Grade: 138 students
Total: 285 (enrolled as of 8/28/2025)
Personnel:
● With the departure of the ES/IS Health Aide, Lisa Johnson, we welcome Melanie Hawkins. Melanie began on Monday, August 25th and is being trained by the district nurses, Danielle Meyer and Emily Nolan.
● On Tuesday, August 26th, Carmen Kinder joined the ES staff in the role of Reading Interventionist. She is getting settled in and learning the interventions and meeting the staff and students.
CCES Happenings and Recognitions:
● The first weeks of school are always exciting at the Elementary School. The students are full of smiles and ready to meet their teachers and see their friends in the hallways again.
● This school year we have modified our schedule to collaborate more with the Intermediate School. So far everything is going well, and we are adjusting to a new school year. On the first day of student attendance, the ES and IS had an assembly for the entire building to view the Back-to-School video that the staff members created. Thanks, to the IS team for letting us join in the fun this year and to Mrs. Boresi and Mrs. Gaffigan for spearheading the process.
C. INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL REPORT
Principal Carlson reported:
Calendar of Events:
8/29 New Student Pizza Party 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
9/1 No School ~ Labor Day
9/2-9/30 Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
9/2 TALC (Teaching & Learning Committee) Meeting 3:10 p.m.
9/3 Student Council Meeting 7:30 a.m.
9/3 5th Grade Team Meeting 3:10 p.m.
9/4 Bus Evacuation Drills during PE
9/4 CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) Team Meeting 3:10 p.m.
9/5 Cardiac Response Team Meeting 7:30 a.m.
9/8 A Team Meeting 3:10 p.m.
9/9 Culture Club Committee Meeting 3:10 p.m.
9/9 PBS (Positive Behavior System) Meeting 3:10 p.m.
9/10 11:45 Dismissal
9/10 CCIS Pizza Delivery Night 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
9/11 LLT (Learning Leadership Team) 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at District Office
9/11 Red, White, Blue Day/Patriot Day
9/11 Support Staff Meeting 3:10 p.m.
9/15-9/26 FastBridge Fall Benchmarking
9/15 SAP (Student Assistance Program) Meeting 3:10 p.m.
9/16 TALC (Teaching & Learning Committee) Meeting 3:10 p.m.
9/17 Student Council Meeting 7:30 a.m.
9/17 CCIS Fall Pictures
9/17 Specials Team Meeting 3:10 p.m.
9/18 Special Education Team Meeting 3:10 p.m.
9/22-9/26 Homecoming Week
9/22 A Team Meeting 3:10 p.m.
9/23 PBS (Positive Behavior System) Meeting 3:10 p.m.
9/24 4th Grade Team Meeting 3:10 p.m.
9/25 Custodian Meeting 3:05 p.m.
9/26 1:35 p.m. Dismissal ~ Homecoming Parade 2:30 p.m.
9/29 SAP (Student Assistance Program) Meeting 3:10 p.m.
9/30 TALC (Teaching & Learning Committee) Meeting 3:10 p.m.
Current Enrollment:
4th Grade 155
5th Grade 155
Total: 310 This includes one 4th grade student who is enrolled in a special program outside of CCIS.
As of 8/28/25:
New Students = 10
Move-outs = 19
Emergency/Crisis Drills Completed:
Evacuation/Fire 8/20/25
Shelter-in-Place/Storm 8/21/25
Lockdown 8/22/25
Previous Month in Review:
• We hosted new student orientation on August 4th. Five of our 10 new students attended. • Our Back to School Night on August 12th went very well. Students were able to meet their teacher, bring their school supplies, and get acclimated with the building. • CCIS created a Welcome Back to School Video for students which we showed at an assembly on the first day of school (August 13). Nikki Boresi and Amy Gaffigan planned and produced the video, and every staff member is in the video. This year we included the CCES staff, which was a lot of fun. https://bit.ly/CCIS-ESvideo25-26.
• During the first full week of school, students rotated through 4 different common area stations (cafeteria, hallway, assemblies and bathroom) where we shared our behavioral expectations with them along with our reward and consequence system. We also discussed our expectations for recess.
• Beginning Band started on August 25th. We currently have 54 students in band. The full band meets every other day for 35 minutes. Small group sectional lessons take place once every 4 days for 30 minutes each.
• Our school counselor, Holly Engstrom, visited each homeroom to introduce herself and tell students she is here to support their social/emotional needs.
• Tracy Schmitz and Sarah Veronda screened our new students in reading & math so students can be properly placed into intervention groups, if needed. Tracy and Sarah have also been very helpful in gathering intervention materials for all CCIS teachers. Our reading and math interventions will begin in September.
• We are off to a wonderful start this school year. The students are smiling. The parents are being supportive. The teachers are working very hard and have done a fantastic job getting to know their students. We have already completed 3 safety drills.
Staff Recognition:
• I want to recognize and thank Nikki Boresi and Amy Gaffigan for producing our Back-to-School video.
• I want to recognize and thank Ali Scrogham and Holly Engstrom for helping me with our student expectation stations.
• I want to thank the entire CCIS staff for being “good sports” by participating in the CCIS Back to School video.
• I want to recognize and thank the custodians (Tom Onsen, Reilly Radomski, Julie Roeglin) for all the summer work they completed in our building.
D. MIDDLE SCHOOL REPORT
Principal Stone reported:
September 1 - Labor Day/No School -- CCMS Office Closed
September 3 - Band/chorus students elect exploratory or study hall
September 5 - All intervention placements are completed for schedule changes
September 8 - 1st day of exploratory/intervention
September 9 - CCMS school picture day
September 10 - Early Dismissal @ 12:00 p.m.
September 12 - Coal City Public Library visit
September 17 - McTeacher Night
September 22 – 26 - Homecoming Week
September 24 - SAEBRS Screener (SEL Screener)
September 26 - Homecoming Parade
Enrollment Numbers on 8/27:
6th Grade 139
7th Grade 140
8th Grade 155
Total: 434
Month in Review – August 2024
• 6th grade orientation was held on Monday; August 4th and we had a great turnout for Ms. Mercedis Neal and her team of WEB Leaders! 6th grade students were divided into two groups in two different time slots to participate in the event.
• New Student Orientation was held on Monday August 4th as well and we had three new families join us for the meeting. Special thanks to Mr. Monbrum, Mrs. Painter, and Mrs. DePersia for assisting with our new students.
• CCMS teachers attended our two teachers institute days to begin the school year on Monday, August 12th and Tuesday, August 13th. On our building institute day on Tuesday, CCMS staff had a brief staff meeting and then had a few other grade level meetings to discuss the upcoming school year.
• CCMS Return to School returned to school on Wednesday, August 13th and we had an extremely smooth and successful transition to the 2025-2026 school year.
• The CCMS Back to School Night was hosted on Tuesday, August 19th and we had a fabulous turnout of students and families. There was an extremely positive sense buzzing around the building and I’m extremely grateful of the support that the community provides CCMS.
• Our CCMS McTeacher Night is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17th from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Our staff would love to see you join us at McDonald’s on that evening!
Coal City Middle School Athletics
• CCMS Athletics are midway through their fall seasons. Our 8th grade baseball team just won the IVC tournament for the second consecutive year. Coach Greg Wills will be retiring after this school year. 7th grade baseball finished second, 7th grade softball finished second, and we host the 8th grade tournament on Saturday 9-30. 8th grade softball won the consolation championship game at the Manteno tournament. Our soccer team is halfway through their season and has 42 athletes between the A and B team. The concession stand has been an incredible amenity this year!
CCMS Softball Coaches
Brad Schmitt – A Team
Steph Vucsko – B Team
CCMS Baseball Coaches
Greg Wills – A Team
Nate Wills – B Team
Mike Pfeiffer – C Team
CCMS Soccer
Mike Kostbade
Katherine Drey (1st year soccer coach)
E. HIGH SCHOOL REPORT
Principal Stafford reported:
Calendar of Events:
➤ September 9 - University of St. Francis Campus Visit
➤ September 12 - Staff Appreciation Night
➤ September 15 - Picture Retakes
➤ September 18 - U of I Campus Visit
➤ September 22 - Homecoming week begins
➤ September 26 - Community Parade
Month in Review:
➤ Freshmen Orientation was a success with a great turnout. Link Leaders did an amazing job welcoming in students and helping them feel prepared and comfortable to make the move into high school. The following day was Walk Your Schedule Day that gave all students and families the opportunity to walk their schedule, put things in their locker and pick up a few free school supplies.
➤ The high school welcomed students back to CCHS with our annual back to school assembly where teachers were recognized, new staff was introduced, and students were led by the band in the singing of the fight song. It is the perfect way to start off the school year.
➤ The school’s “Club Coaler” was a success. Students were able to get in early before school to meet with clubs and organizations they might be interested in getting involved with. In total, 27 clubs participated.
Recognition:
➤ The AP Scholar Awards recognized high school students who have demonstrated exemplary college-level achievement on AP Exams. CCHS had 55 students who met the criteria. The award is granted to students who, at minimum, receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. Congratulations to these students on their achievement. These students were recognized at the back-to-school assembly on the first day of school and will be honored at an upcoming home football game.
Current Enrollment:
Freshmen: 162
Sophomore: 155
Junior: 160
Senior: 179
Total: 656
Discipline Report:
Vaping - 3
Misuse of electronics - 1
F. STUDENT SERVICES REPORT
Director Krippel reported:
Move-In Special Needs Students
Our district has added 14 new students who require special education services by moving into the Coal City District. This number is lower compared to the previous school year when 23 students requiring special education services moved into the district but higher than the 23-24 school year when only 5 students moved into the district. Going back to the 21-22 school year, the district is averaging 16 new students each school year. These numbers are collected at this time each school year. Overall, the district’s special education numbers continue to rise.
| Move-In Special Education Students | |
| 21-22 School Year | 20 |
| 22-23 School Year | 20 |
| 23-24 School Year | 5 |
| 24-25 School Year | 23 |
| 25-26 School Year | 14 |
| Coal City Schools IEP Data | |||||
| ECC ES IS MS HS District | |||||
| 138 | 55 | 48 | 67 | 65 | 373 |
| Coal City Schools 504 Data | |||||
| ECC ES IS MS HS Total | |||||
| 1 | 5 | 19 | 36 | 58 | 119 |
| Coaler Academy Data | ||||
| Full Time Hybrid Intervention Total Students Pending Referrals | ||||
| 13 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 |
| Out of District Placements | ||||
| Oswego SD308 Guiding Light High Road Easterseals Total Students | ||||
| 1 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 11 |
| Miscellaneous Student Data | |
| ELL Homeless | |
| TBD | 7 |
| Overall Preschool Numbers | |||
| IEP
At-Risk Current Students Openings Openings Waitlist | |||
| 139/220 | 26 | 55 | 0 |
Director Kenney reported:
Department News
Our first Department Leader and Administration meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 3. This meeting will focus on data analysis and setting expectations for the year. These sessions are consistently well received by both Department Leaders and Administrators, providing a valuable opportunity for collaboration and planning.
Standardized Testing and Accountability
We are eager to share the latest state accountability results with you. Although we remain in a moratorium and cannot officially release the data, the results are promising. We look forward to recognizing our successes while continuing to address areas for growth.
With the implementation of new cut scores for the IAR, ISA, and ACT, shifts in proficiency rates are expected. During the meeting, I will provide an overview of these changes and discuss their implications for students in both Illinois and Coal City.
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is continuing the development of a new accountability system, scheduled for implementation in the 2026–2027 school year. This system will place a stronger emphasis on student achievement while removing several factors currently used in state designations. We will share updates as more information becomes available.
NEW ILLINOIS CUT SCORES
H. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Superintendent Spencer reported:
1. The Homecoming Parade is Friday, September 26, if and Board members plan to attend, please let Chris or Wanda know by or before September 17th.
2. The IASB Three Rivers Divisional Meeting is Thursday, October 23rd at the Prairie Bluff Golf Club at 5:30 p.m. If you would like to attend, please let Chris or Wanda know ASAP to get you registered.
3. Just a reminder, most of the Friday Focus Workshops are still available. There is an additional fee to attend these sessions. If there are any you want to attend, please let Chris or Wanda know ASAP to get you registered.
4. Monthly student enrollment figures were available for review.
DATES TO REMEMBER
September 1 – No School – Labor Day
September 9 – Middle School Fall Pictures
September 10 – Early Dismissal
September 15 – High School Fall Picture Retakes
September 16 – Elementary School Fall Pictures
September 17 – Intermediate School Fall Pictures
September 17 – Board Study Session of the Whole Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.
September 18 – Early Childhood Center Fall Pictures
September 22 – 26 – Homecoming Week
September 27 – Homecoming Dance @ the High School
October 1 – Board of Education Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.
October 15 – Last day to make changes/cancellations for Joint Annual Conference
November 21 – 23 – Joint Annual Conference Friday Focus Workshops
I. GRUNDY AREA VOCATIONAL CENTER REPORT
Mr. Engelhardt reported:
1. The GAVC Board of Control held the annual Budget Hearing.
2. Approved the Minutes of the June 24, 2025, Board of Control Meeting.
3. Approved the bills, payroll, and financial reports.
4. A representative from Mack and Associates presented the Board of Control with a review of the Audit.
5. Assistant Director Gierke updated the Board of Control on the two days of Teacher Institute.
6. Assistant Director Gierke informed the Board what days each School District started at GAVC.
7. Assistant Director Gierke thanked each district's counselors and administrative teams for their efficient communication with placing students in classes and sections.
8. Assistant Director Gierke went through updates with work-based learning.
9. Assistant Director Gierke informed the Board that the paperwork process for Health Occupations was much more efficient this school year than in the past.
10. Director Copes updated the Board of Control on the September calendar.
11. Director Copes provided the Board an update on summer work projects, which included replacing a roof unit two years earlier than expected.
12. Director Copes updated the Board of Control on the additional allocations from the increase in funding in CTE. Director Copes discussed the purchase of an interactive table for multiple classes to use and to be purchased with these additional funds.
13. Director Copes informed the Board that there were no bids on Project House #27.
14. The Board of Control reviewed and discussed the potential Responsible Bidder Ordinance.
15. Director Copes discussed the opportunity to partner with the City of Morris to help enhance school security by using a Flock Camera Reporting system.
16. Accepted the FY25 audit from Mack and Associates as presented.
17. Approved the FY25 Budget as presented.
18. Approved the bid package for the Project House #28 Plumbing and HVAC.
19. Approved the hiring of Abigail Savoree as a Health Occupations Instructor.
20. Approved the hiring of Cheri Doyle as Health Occupations Assistant Instructor.
21. Accepted the resignation of Cheri Doyle as Health Occupations Assistant Instructor.
22. Approved the Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Morris and the Emergency telephone system board.
23. Tabled the FY26 Life Safety Project timeline until the September Board of Control meeting.
24. Approved Cortney Wilson’s FMLA request as presented.
25. Approved moving the closed session minutes from August 2024 to open session for public inspection.
26. Approved destroying the closed audio recordings from August 2023.
J. ATHLETIC DIRECTOR REPORT
Athletic Director Boresi reported:
Fall Sports Numbers:
Varsity Football - 54
Sophomore Football - 15
Freshman Football - 24
Varsity Volleyball - 12
Sophomore Volleyball - 12
Freshman Volleyball - 14
Girls Tennis - 25
Varsity Boys Soccer - 20
JV Boys Soccer - 20
Boys Golf - 21
Girls Golf - 15
Dance Team - 12
Football Cheer - 15
Band - 58
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
1. In regard to agenda items – none.
2. In general (Limited to 5 minutes per person.) – none.
OLD BUSINESS
A. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON ADOPTING THE 2025 – 2026 OPERATING BUDGET
The final budget document, including the Certificate of Working Budget and the Certification of Revenues, will be reviewed. As a result of the Budget Hearing earlier in the evening, the Board must formally adopt the district’s operating budget for 2025 - 2026. The resolution below will be read during the meeting, as well as a signed copy kept on file.
Mr. Harmon moved, and Mr. Engelhardt seconded to approve the following resolution to adopt the 2025 - 2026 Operating Budget:
WHEREAS, The Board of Education of Coal City Community Unit School District #1, County of Grundy/Will, State of Illinois, caused to be prepared in tentative form a budget, and the Secretary of this Board has made the same conveniently available to public inspection for at least thirty days prior to final action thereon;
AND WHEREAS, A public hearing was held as to such budget on the 3rd day of September 2025, notice of said hearing was given at least thirty days prior thereto as required by law, and all other legal requirements have been complied with;
NOW, THEREFORE, Be it resolved by the Board of Education of said district as follows:
Section 1: That the fiscal year of this School District be and the same hereby is fixed and declared to be beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026.
Section 2: That the following budget containing an estimate of amounts available in each Fund, separately, and of expenditures from each be and the same is hereby adopted as the budget of this school district for said fiscal year.
Roll Call.
Ayes: Quint Harmon, Dan Engelhardt, Cindy Klein, Matt Melvin, Mindy Rampa, Ryan VanDuyne, Ken Miller Nays:
Motion: Carried.
B. DISCUSSION ON FY25 FINANCIAL AUDIT
A representative from Mack & Associates was in attendance and presented a summary of the 2025 financial audit findings. She thanked for their time, Mr. Smith and team for all of their work, and for allowing Mack & Associates for opportunity for providing this service to the Board.
NEW BUSINESS
A. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON ACCEPTING THE GRANT FROM THE ILLINOIS RETIRED TEACHERS’ FOUNDATION
Superintendent Christopher Spencer discussed the acceptance of the grant from the Illinois Teachers’ Retirement Foundation. The grant was for 7th grade ELA Teacher Brenna Noffsinger for the purchasing of a variety of novels varying in genres, reading levels, and interests.
Mrs. Klein moved, and Mrs. Rampa seconded to accept the $500.00 grant from the Illinois Teachers’ Retirement Foundation, as presented.
Roll Call.
Ayes: Cindy Klein, Mindy Rampa, Dan Engelhardt, Quint Harmon, Matt Melvin, Ryan VanDuyne, Ken Miller Nays:
Motion: Carried.
B. DISCUSSION ON CHANGES TO ISBE STANDARDIZED TESTING PROFICIENCY LEVELS
Director of Curriculum & Instruction Jennifer Kenney discussed the updated standardized testing proficiency levels from the Illinois School Board of Education (ISBE). Mrs. Kenney provided the Board with a summary of the changes and how they will affect the curriculum and testing in for the district in the future.
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.
BOARD STUDY SESSION OF THE WHOLE DATE: SEPTEMBER 17, 2025 @ 6:00 P.M. In Coal City CUSD #1 Administrative Center Boardroom
NEXT REGULAR MEETING DATE: OCTOBER 1, 2025 @ 6:00 P.M. In Coal City CUSD #1 Administrative Center Boardroom
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Harmon moved, and Mrs. Rampa seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:08 p.m. President Miller asked if there was any opposition to the motion, hearing none considers the motion approved.
https://4.files.edl.io/260a/10/02/25/185823-e6f896f2-5d74-4578-ba31-29792f8d6403.pdf
Alerts Sign-up