Grundy Reporter

Coal City Community Unit School District #1 Board of Education met Sept. 17.

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, Cindy Klein, Matt Melvin, and Ken Miller. Also, in attendance were Superintendent Christopher Spencer, CSBO Jason Smith, Director of Student Services Luke Krippel, Director of Curriculum & Instruction Jennifer Kenney, and Community Relations Specialist Ann Gill, and Secretary to the Board of Education LaWanda Gagliardo. Board member Quint Harmon arrived at 6:57 p.m. Board members Mindy Rampa, and Ryan VanDuyne were absent.

Pledge of Allegiance

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

Discussion on Student Enrollment for the 25 – 26 School Year

Superintendent Christopher Spencer discussed students moving in and out of the district this past summer. Mr. Spencer provided the Board with a summary of the number of students who transferred in and out and the current enrollment numbers for each building.

Discussion on Increasing the Board’s Financial Assistance on Qualifying Student Participating Events

Superintendent Christopher Spencer discussed possibly increasing the Board’s financial assistance offered to students that advance to qualifying events. This proposal was initially recommended by the late Board Secretary Mary Gill. The financial assistance provided by the Board assist families with defraying the costs of travel expenses for students participating in qualifying events.

Discussion on the Theatre Department’s 2026 Spring Break Trip to New York City Theatre Director Jack Micetich was in attendance and discussed the theatre department’s 2026 spring break trip to New York City. Mr. Micetich provided the Board with a summary of the tentative itinerary and a summary of their experience with utilizing a travel agent in the past compared to handling the planning in-house. Mr. Micetich also discussed the fundraising efforts by the group that will drive down the out of pocket cost to families.

Discussion on Delegate/Alternate to the IASB Delegate Assembly at the Joint Annual Conference

Superintendent Christopher Spencer discussed the Delegate/Alternate for the Delegate Assembly at Joint Annual Conference which is being held November 20th – November 23rd. Superintendent Christopher Spencer asked if Board Secretary Cynthia Klein would be interested in the alternate position for the district. The Board will act on this matter at the October Board Meeting.

Discussion on FY25 Levy Preparation

CSBO Jason Smith discussed the Levy Cycle, estimated EAV, GEH and the Board’s previous Levy strategies. Mr. Smith provided the Board with a summary of the tentative Levy, a summary of the process that’s been taken with GE Hitachi, and his recommendation to the Board regarding the direction to take with the Levy. The Board and Mr. Spencer thanked Mr. Smith for all the work he’s done with Levy preparation.

Discussion on Intermediate School Construction Update

Head of Buildings and Grounds Denny Wickiser was in attendance and provided the Board with an update on the Intermediate School Construction project. Mr. Wickiser provided the Board with a summary of the work being done internally and externally to the structure.

Discussion on Contract Maintenance Program

Head of Buildings and Grounds Denny Wickiser was in attendance and provided the Board with an update on the Performance Contracting maintenance program for the fall preventative maintenance cycle. The administration and Mr. Wickiser believe this preventative work is beneficial will save the district significantly in the future.

Discussion on Responsible Bid Ordinance for GAVC

Superintendent Christopher Spencer discussed the Responsible Bid Ordinance for GAVC. Mr. Spencer provided the Board with a summary of the conversations held at GAVC regarding the bid ordinance.

Discussion on the FY26 Strategic Plan

Superintendent Christopher Spencer discussed the FY26 Strategic Plan. Mr. Spencer provided the Board with a summary of items to be added and will bring the plan for Board approval at a future Board meeting.

Finance Reports

The bank statements, monthly revenue, expenditure summary reports, check reconciliation reports, cash reports, and cleared check reports for August were all enclosed for review. The Annual Financial Report was enclosed for review. The Treasurer’s report, and investment report for August were also enclosed for review. Detailed copies of these reports were available in the Business Office for review prior to the meeting.

Open

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

b) Sharing Ideas / Information– none.

Closed Session

At 7:09 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, and administrative contracts.

Roll Call.

Ayes: Dan Engelhardt, Quint Harmon, Cindy Klein, Matt Melvin, Ken Miller

Nays:

Absent: Mindy Rampa, and Ryan VanDuyne

Motion: Carried.

Mr. Harmon moved, and Mrs. Klein seconded to return to open session at 7:33 p.m.

Roll Call.

Ayes: Quint Harmon, Cindy Klein, Dan Engelhardt, Matt Melvin, Ken Miller

Nays:

Absent: Mindy Rampa, and Ryan VanDuyne

Motion: Carried.

Adjournment

Mr. Harmon moved, and Mrs. Klein seconded to adjourn at 7:33 p.m. the Board Study Session of the Whole meeting.

https://4.files.edl.io/869f/10/02/25/190041-f4f92de6-eacc-473f-a82f-14b35d0e5144.pdf