Coal City Community Unit School District 1 Board met Dec. 2.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
CALL TO ORDER
Board President Miller called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with the board members answering roll call present: Robert Bianchetta, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Quint Harmon, Chuck Lander, and Ken Miller. Superintendent Kent Bugg, CSBO Jason Smith, and Board Secretary LaWanda Gagliardo were also in attendance. Virtually in attendance were Director of Curriculum and Instruction Tammy Elledge, Director of Special Populations Sandy Rakes, and Assistant Principal Luke Krippel.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Miller led the Board of Education and others present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX INCREASE FOR COAL CITY COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT #1
President Miller stated: The Board of Education approved a tentative 2020 property tax levy on Wednesday, November 4, 2020. A notice was published in the Coal City Courant newspaper on Wednesday, November 18, 2020. President Miller asked if there were any guests who wished to make a comment on the proposed property tax increase. President Miller asked again if there were any further questions or comments and hearing none, at 6:01 p.m. considered the public hearing on the proposed property tax increase closed.
CALL TO ORDER FOR REGULAR MEETING
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: Robert Bianchetta, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Quint Harmon, Chuck Lander, and Ken Miller. Superintendent Kent Bugg, CSBO Jason Smith, and Board Secretary LaWanda Gagliardo were also in attendance. Virtually in attendance were Director of Curriculum and Instruction Tammy Elledge, Director of Special Populations Sandy Rakes, and Assistant Principal Luke Krippel.
NOTICES AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Introduction/acknowledgement of guests. – none.
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 to remove from the consent agenda. Hearing none, President Miller asked for a motion to approve the consent agenda.
Roll Call.
Ayes: Robert Bianchetta, Quint Harmon Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Chuck Lander, Ken Miller
Nays:
Motion Carried.
MINUTES
November 4, 2020 - Regular Meeting
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
November 4, 2020 - Regular Meeting
FINANCIAL REPORTS
Activity Fund Reports – October 2020
Treasurer’s Report – October 2020
Monthly Manual Check Report – November 2020
Payroll Report – November 2020
Accounts Payable Report – December 2020
PERSONNEL
Resignations
• Beth Babcock – 3hr Cafeteria Server at the Middle School – Ms. Babcock’s last day will be November 15, 2020.
• Mary Kozlowski – 3-hour Cafeteria Server at the ECC – Mr. Kozlowski’s last day will be November 19, 2020.
Employee Transfers
• Allen Oder – Custodian at the High School – Mr. Oder will transfer from the High School to the Middle School.
• Jeremiah Kimmel – Custodian at the Middle School – Mr. Kimmel will transfer from the Middle School the High School.
Leave Requests
• Danielle Diamond – Library Media Aide/Lunchroom Supervisor at the Middle School – Ms. Diamond is requesting an eight (8) day unpaid medical leave from October 26, 2020 through November 5, 2020. Ms. Diamond will return back to work on Friday, November 6, 2020.
• Jennifer Swanson – Occupational Therapist – Mrs. Swanson is requesting a twenty-seven (27) day paid sick leave from November 6, 2020 through December 18, 2020. She is planning to return to work Monday, December 21, 2020.
• Aimee DePodesta – Assistant Secretary at the Elementary School – Ms. DePodesta is requesting a eleven (11) day paid sick leave, in accordance to the Support Staff Handbook, from November 9, 2020 through November 24, 2020. Ms. DePodesta is planning to return to work on Monday, November 30, 2020.
Extra-Curricular Assignments
• Athletic Director Dan Hutchings, is recommending Matthew Perry for Freshmen Boys Basketball Coach. Mr. Perry is a Math Teacher at the Middle School.
Administrator HSA Payments
HSA payments are proposed to be paid by the Board for the following Administrators:
| Kent | Bugg | $1,400.00 |
| Jason | Smith | $2,800.00 |
| Tammy | Elledge | $2,800.00 |
| Sandy | Rakes | $2,800.00 |
| Chris | Spencer | $2,800.00 |
| Luke | Krippel | $2,800.00 |
| Travis | Johnson | $2,800.00 |
| Taryn | Trotter | $1,400.00 |
| Tracy | Carlson | $2,800.00 |
| Jennifer | Kenney | $2,800.00 |
| Amanda | Davidson | $2,800.00 |
| Denny | Wickiser | $2,800.00 |
| Matt | Hook | $2,800.00 |
Amanda | Herrera-Ford | $2,800.00 |
LaWanda | Gagliardo | $2,800.00 |
| Dan | Hutchings | $2,800.00 |
A. EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER REPORT
Principal Davidson Reported:
Calendar of Events:
November 25th - 27th - Thanksgiving Break
November 30th - Faculty Meeting
December 2nd - A Team
December 2nd - IEP Meetings
December 4th - A Team
December 4th - SPED Team Meeting
December 7th - PreK Team Meeting
December 7th - Kindergarten Team Meeting
December 7th - 1st Grade Team Meeting
December 7th - 12 Days of Christmas begins for ECC Staff!
December 8th - IEP Meetings
December 9th - A Team
December 11th - A Team
December 14th - A Team
December 18th - A Team
December 23rd - January 4th - Winter Break
Current ECC Enrollment for 2020-2021:
PreK: 116
Kindergarten: 147
1st Grade: 128
Total: 391 (in PowerSchool as of November 24th, 2020)
Current ECC Full-Time Remote Learners (PreK/K/1) for 2020-2021:
Preschool: 20
Kindergarten: 16
1st Grade: 20
Total: 56 (full-time remote learners) + 39 students currently excluded due to COVID participating in remote learning on November 24th, 2020 (95 students total). The data shows +10 additional remote learners and +19 additional students currently quarantined due to COVID related issues.
Required Safety Drills Completed:
September 1st - Tornado Drill
September 4th - Fire Drill
September 8th - Bus Evacuation Drills
September 9th - Bus Evacuation Drills
September 15th - Armed Intruder Drill
Month-in-Review:
• November is gone in the blink of an eye! Students enjoyed random days off during the week as we have had only one full week in November. We were fortunate enough for Mr. Micetich to share a link for the teachers to use to show the middle school’s production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown! Students enjoyed watching the musical on Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving break.
• Mrs. Davidson, Mrs. Rakes, Mr. Krippel, Mrs. Harseim and Mrs. McGrath completed our ISBE compliance visits with the state the week of November 16th which included zoom meetings on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of that week and hundreds of documents of proof added to a virtual vault to be reviewed by the state. Many hours of work went into being prepared for this week and we received an exit interview document stating no documentation was missing. The final results from the state should be returned in 4-6 weeks.
• Students and staff love Fun Friday dress up days. This month, we enjoyed a Red, White, and Blue Day and Cozy Day!
• Teachers held our first ever, virtual parent/teacher conferences on the evenings of Thursday, November 19th and Monday, November 23rd. Feedback from both parents and staff is tremendously positive. Based on preliminary numbers for attendance, we had 84% of our parents attend either a virtual meeting or a phone conference.
Recognition:
• Thank you to the entire staff of Coal City Early Childhood Center for being “all in” during the month of November. November was a challenging month with coverage at the ECC. Creative schedules and coverage plans were developed to ensure all classrooms were covered and students were provided with the same quality education!
• Thank you to Mrs. Rakes, Mr. Krippel, Mrs. Harseim and Mrs. McGrath for the tremendous amount of work put in to complete the preschool ISBE compliance visit. I am looking forward to the results in 4-6 weeks!
• I cannot give enough thanks to Tracy Warner, Kristina Davy, and Missy Vigna for the endless amount of work it takes to run the ECC main office during this unprecedented time.
B. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPORT
Principal Kenney reported:
Calendar of Events:
11/3 – Custodial Meeting
11/4 – A-Team Meeting
11/7 – A-Team Meeting
11/7 – PBS Meeting
11/8 – Staff Meeting
11/11 – A-Team Meeting
11/14 – A-Team Meeting
11/17 – Culture Committee Meeting
11/21 – Secretarial Staff Meeting
11/22 – School Improvement Committee Meeting
ES Enrollment: Remote Learners:
| 2nd Grade - 129 | 2nd Grade: 18 – increase of 3 |
| 3rd Grade - 145 | 3rd Grade: 17 – increase of 5 |
| Total: 274 (registered as of 11/24/20) | Total: 35 (as of 11/24/20) |
• Congratulations to Chris Seerup on her retirement! We appreciate all that she has done for CCES. She will definitely be missed.
• Anne Watson will now be the CCES Head Secretary and Alison Gill is now the CCES Health Aide. We are excited for both of them on their new positions!
CCES Happenings and Recognitions:
• We continue to celebrate Fridays with dress up days and school wide games. We have played school-wide BINGO and also 11 at 11. This gives students a little excitement that takes the place of our assemblies.
• Teachers and staff members continue to work hard to make sure that all students are successful. They have been dropping items off at students’ homes, communicating with parents continuously and providing any additional support necessary. We are grateful for their hard work during these difficult times!
• We had over 96% of our parents “show up” during our virtual parent teacher conferences. Teachers enjoyed being able to meet with their parents this year especially!
• Thank you to the cafeteria staff for our delicious dinners during parent teacher conferences. They were delicious.
• Students will be working on a Community Project starting after Thanksgiving Break. We will be collecting socks and lotion to deliver to our local healthcare facilities. We appreciate all of our healthcare workers and want to pamper them. They will be delivered the week of December 14th.
C. INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL REPORT
Principal Carlson reported:
Calendar of Upcoming Events:
12/1 - PBS Meeting 2:45
12/2 - Student Council 1:00 via Google Meet
12/2 - BLT 3:00
12/3 – LLT 2:00-3:30
12/4 - Red and Green Day
12/4 - Staff Trivia 2:45
12/7-12/22 - AIMSweb Winter Benchmark Testing
12/7 - Student Services Meeting 10:30-11:15
12/7 - SAP 2:45
12/8 - TALC 2:45
12/8 - PSO Meeting 6:30 p.m. via Zoom
12/9 - BLT 3:00
12/11 - Holiday Hat Day
12/14 - Student Services Meeting 10:30-11:15
12/14 - SAP 2:45
12/15 - PBS Meeting 2:45
12/16 - Student Council 1:00 via Google Meet
12/16 - BLT 3:00
12/17 - Custodian Meeting 2:00
12/17 - A Team Meeting 2:45
12/18 - Ugly Holiday Sweater Day
12/18 - SpEd Team 2:00
12/18 - Staff Trivia 2:45
12/21 - Crazy Christmas Socks
12/21 - PBS Bingo Event - 4th Grade
12/21 - SAP 2:45
12/22 - Holiday PJ/Stuffed Animal Day
12/22 - PBS Bingo Event - 5th Grade
12/23-1/4 - Winter Break
Current Enrollment:
4th Grade 158
5th Grade 164
Total 322 This includes two 4th grade students and one 5th grade student, who are enrolled in other special education programs outside of CCIS.
As of 11/24/20:
Full Remote Learning Students (non-COVID related) = 57
Emergency/Crisis Drills Completed:
Evacuation/Fire 8/20/20
Shelter-in-Place/Storm 8/21/20; 11/23/20
Lockdown 8/24/20; 9/24/20
Bus Evacuation 9/2/20; 9/3/20
Previous Month in Review:
• We had an online and virtual Book Fair for students from November 16-20.
• Parent/Teacher Conferences were held virtually or over the phone on November 19 & 23. • Student Council held a Thanksgiving Coloring Contest in November. The winners haven’t been announced yet.
• Mrs. Vignocchi, our librarian, organized a Virtual Storytime with Skates the Chicago Wolves Mascot on November 24th.
• CCIS was able to view the CCMS Musical, Charlie Brown over YouTube on November 24th.
• Student Council sponsored the following spirit days this past month: Red, White, Blue Day; Mismatch Monday; Music Day; Tropical Teacher Tiktok Day
Student Recognition:
• Congratulations to following Students of the Week: Week of 11/2: Abbie Anders, Jaycee Chase, Lindsey Duran, Ryland Clements; Week of 11/9: Nick Pfeiffer, Penny D’Arcy, Louis Arteaga, Maggie Carlson; Week of 11/16: Kinley Neary, Phoenix Senodenos, Hunter Meyer, Jacqueline Dodge; Week of 11/23: Grace Hunt and Dana McNease
• Congratulations to Olivia Ferrari and Gabe Serna, who were the winners of the 2020 CCIS t-shirt contest. Shirts will be on sale the first week of December.
Staff Recognition:
• Congratulations to Allison Anderson on the birth of her second child, Cole Darin Anderson, who was born on 11/7 at 2:15 pm weighing 7lbs, 8 oz.
• I want to recognize the following staff members who received the weekly CCIS Kudos: Mr. McCleary for planning and running the virtual PBS event, Name That Tune; Mrs. Roudis for helping a teacher with EasyIEP and IEP amendments; Mrs. Harney for bringing movies for the daycare students for fun Fridays; Mr. Boresi for producing the Back-to-School video in August
D. MIDDLE SCHOOL REPORT
Principal Johnson reported:
Calendar of Events:
November 20-22 - MS Musical – You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.
November 25 - 29 - NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Break
December 2 - Board of Education Meeting – 6:00pm
December 22 - End of 2nd Quarter
December 23 - January 4 - NO SCHOOL Winter Break
January 5 - Teacher Institute
January 6 - Classes Resume
Personnel Report:
None
Attendance:
6th - 159
7th - 176
8th - 136
Total - 471
In Person Learners Remote Learners
6th - 131 6th - 28
7th - 142 7th - 34
8th - 105 8th - 31
Total – 392 Total – 93 (+15 from last month)
Month in Review – November:
• CCMS students participated in Red Ribbon Week the week of October 26-30. Special thanks to Sharon Swink and the CCMS Student Council for their work on Red Ribbon Week and planning the different days for the CCMS student body. The theme for Red Ribbon Week was “Stay in the Game, Play Drug Free” and different days are listed below.
• October 28 was Picture Retake Day for CCMS Students. We have also had picture day for all Fall Sports/Activities at CCMS. Fall Sports/Activities at CCMS are Softball, Baseball and Marching Band. Special thanks to Pam McMurtrey for her work on Picture Day.
• CCMS students and staff observed Election Day on November 3.
• CCMS Students and staff observed Veterans Day on November 11.
• This year, CCMS students had the opportunity to participate in the Patriots Pen program, which is a nationwide essay contest sponsored by the VFW Post 1336. Students were asked to write an essay on a patriotic theme and the VFW selected the top essay to move onto the Regional Competition. In addition, the VFW also recognized six other essays.
⮚ 1st Place Essay – Olivia Weatherbee – 7th Grade
⮚ Top Essays
⮚ Jacob Cimino – 7th Grade
⮚ Grace Heatherwick – 7th Grade
⮚ Dane Noffsinger – 7th Grade
⮚ Madi Peterson – 8th Grade
⮚ Brandon Rentauskas - 7th Grade
⮚ Colin Schimandle – 7th Grade
• Congratulations to 8th grader Mackenzie Messina (bassoon) and 7th grader Sophia Vota (flute) on being selected for the ILMEA District 1 Junior High Honor Band! They auditioned virtually in October, competing against students in the greater Chicagoland area. District 1 is very competitive, so it is a huge honor to be selected. They will attend virtual master classes on November 14th with the other selected students in place of the usual in-person band experience. Great job girls!
• CCMS and the Unit #1 teachers took part in a Remote Planning Day on November 19.
• CCMS MUSICAL – “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”
Musical Director Mr. Jack Micetich and the cast are preparing for their upcoming musical, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown". Performances for the show will be virtual and Mr. Micetich has selected two casts to put on performances. Best of luck to Mr. Micetich and all of our performers.
⮚ The dates and times for the performances are:
⮚ Friday, November 20 at 7:00pm
⮚ Saturday, November 21 at 7:00pm
⮚ Sunday, November 22 at 2:00pm
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown Cast Lists
E. HIGH SCHOOL REPORT
Principal Spencer reported:
Calendar of Events:
December 23th – January 4th - Winter Break
January 5th -Teachers Institute
January 6th – Classes Resume
Recognition:
• Alex Gernenz was this year’s DAR winner as selected by his fellow seniors from a final three nomination by the staff.
• Congratulations to all of our vocal music teachers, and the students who auditioned for the District Level ILMEA. An incredible 8 of the 9 that auditioned advanced to the ILMEA festival.
• District Level Senior Choir: Riley Nevin (was awarded the “First Chair” because he received the highest score out of all tenor 2 auditions in our district), Addey Connor, Chloe Peacock, Aidan Kostbade, Elijah Fritz, and Izzy Kostbade (Izzy is a sophomore and made it to the 11-12 grade choir).
• District Level Jazz Choir:
• Jazz Choir 1: Aidan Kostbade (this choir is considered the “honors” choir and only has 12 total students in it)
• Jazz Choir 2: Chloe Peacock
Month in Review:
• National Honor Society sponsored the annual student/staff blood drive on Tuesday, November 7th. Mrs. Cathy Lyons and the NHS students coordinated this valuable activity with the Heartland Blood Center.
• Mrs. Sondgeroth hosted the Third Annual Spanish Honor Society Induction virtually on Thursday, November 12, 2020.
• Mr. Boresi and the Coalers with Character club money to help those in need during the holidays. Staff could donate $5 to wear jeans twice during the month of November and the donations go to help support Help for Hope and the many in need this Thanksgiving season.
Current Enrollment Figures @ CCHS as of November 22nd, 2019
9th - 152
10th - 163
11th - 160
12th - 177
Total= 652
Discipline Report for November as of 11/20:
School Rule Violation 3
Bus Misconduct 1
Damage to School Property 1
Possession of Vaping Material 1
Total: 6
F. SPECIAL POPULATIONS REPORT
Director Rakes reported:
Special Education:
Annual Reviews will be completed at the high school by the end of December.
Preschool:
The PFA program just completed the focused monitoring process with National Louis University in conjunction with the ISBE. The process was completely virtual. Amanda Davidson, Britt Harseim and Casey McGrath worked very well together in gathering all the required documents that needed to be uploaded to the state. We will receive the results and ratings within 4-6 weeks.
This is the final year in the 3-year cycle of the PFA grant. It will be a competitive grant writing process for the 21-22 school year. South Wilmington, Braceville, Gardner, and Mazon have been contacted and would like to continue to partner with Coal City.
The program currently has 57 out of 60 spots filled in the PFA (Preschool for All grant) portion of preschool. There is no waitlist for the PFA portion of preschool. There were 3 this time last year. This can be attributed to the amount of parents who have chosen to pull their child from services this year due to COVID 19. We had 18 parents refuse programming due to COVID. Overall, there are currently 117 preschoolers. There are currently 15 special education openings and 28 blended openings.
There are 22 Early Intervention 0-3 years olds receiving services from the state that are turning 3 during this school year and we have an obligation to evaluate them to determine services. The PDT has evaluated and placed 12. There are 10 EI pending evaluations.
The Preschool Diagnostic team has screened 52, 3-4-year olds so far this year. Of those 52, 20 qualified for at risk, 8 were referred for a special education evaluation, 14 were found to be not eligible for any programming and 10 did not show up for screening. These numbers are comparable to last year at this time.
504’s:
There are currently 112 students that have been identified as needing 504’s. This includes our current health plans. This is an increase of 19 from this time last year. This is attributed to move-ins and new health plans.
G. CURRICULUM REPORT
Director Elledge reported:
Department Information:
The English Language Arts department is continuing the process of resource review for the upcoming year. They are analyzing the various materials for alignment to the Illinois Learning Standards and various areas of usability for both students and teachers.
Professional Development:
Our next professional development day for December 9th was cancelled. Our next professional learning opportunity will be on January 5th. The department leaders and administrators will soon begin discussions about needs for that day.
Teaching and Learning Transition Committee:
As COVID cases have fluctuated dramatically the last couple of weeks the committee has had a difficult time finding time to meet and discuss changes to the plan. They are currently discussing the framework necessary if all of the district schools were forced to full remote.
H. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Bugg reported:
1. Dr. Bugg provided the Board with a summary the Annual Inspection Report received from the ROE. Dr. Bugg also thanked Denny Wickiser, and the maintenance staff for all of their hard work with maintaining the buildings.
A. Monthly student enrollment figures were provided for review.
DATES TO REMEMBER
December 14 – December 21 – Petitions have to be filed at the Grundy County Clerk’s Office December 23 – January 4 – Winter Break
December 30 – Board Study Session of the Whole Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
January 5 – Teacher Institute – No Student Attendance
January 6 – Classes Resume
January 6 – Board Meeting
I. GRUNDY AREA VOCATIONAL CENTER REPORT
Mr. Lander reported:
1. Due to the pandemic, sophomore tours will be held virtually this year. Director Copes expressed a concern that future GAVC enrollment numbers will be negatively impacted by the pandemic. Due to changes in high school schedules limiting classes and students struggling with remote learning, there are students who will have to stay at their home school to complete required core courses for graduation. This could have an impact on staffing for FY22.
2. Director Copes has been working with various organizations in an attempt to provide the required clinical experiences for the Health Occupations students. Due to pandemic restrictions at Morris Hospital, providing these opportunities is becoming more challenging.
3. Director Copes reminded the Board that GAVC is in the final year of a five-year shared services agreement for technology services.
4. The Board discussed the potential financial impact on the member schools if the Dresden Station closes as announced.
5. Approved the lowest responsible bid for Property and Casualty Insurance and Workers Compensation renewal as presented by the Horton Group.
J. ATHLETIC DIRECTOR REPORT
Athletic Director Dan Hutchings reported:
From the IHSA November 19, 2020 meeting:
Winter Season Start Date: Given the timing of the Governor’s new mitigations, November 16 will not be recognized as the start date of the winter season, regardless of whether winter sport teams conducted any official tryouts or practices. A new start date will be established for each sport once winter sports can be conducted again.
Conditioning & Weight Training: Conditioning and weight training before and after school are paused. Local schools will decide if conditioning and weight training programs that are a part of their academic curriculums continue or are ceased.
Open Gyms: Are paused and cannot be conducted at this time.
Outdoor Workouts: Outdoor workouts may be conducted in any sport in groups of 10 or less with masks and social distancing. Coaches are counted toward the 10. Use of sport-specific equipment is allowable with proper sanitizing practices.
One-on-One Skill Work: Per Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigations and with school approval, one-on-one skill work between a coach and student-athlete is permitted for winter sports only, but is limited to one coach and one student-athlete per facility.
Activities: Practices and competitions may only be conducted virtually.
Non-School Participation: All sports organizations in the state, school or non-school, have been directed to abide by the Governor’s mitigations. IHSA coaches cannot organize non-school participation in any fashion. IHSA by-law 3.100 will be in effect once winter sport seasons begin following this pause.
Anticipating another meeting in December, that we will report on.
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 ON ANNOUNCED CLOSURE OF DRESDEN STATION
Dr. Bugg discussed the school district’s advocacy efforts to keep the Dresden Station open. Exelon has publicly announced the closure of the plant in November 2021. Dr. Bugg continues to work closely with the Climate Jobs Illinois coalition in an effort to lobby legislators to pass favorable legislation that would help to keep the Dresden Station running. Dr Bugg also discussed the work the school district is doing to develop a financial plan should the Dresden Station actually close as scheduled. The Budget Efficiency Committee met for the third time on December 1 and made a recommendation that the Board of Education look at 2006 levels of tax rates and expenditures as a starting point in the development of financial plan. Dr. Bugg will be facilitating future meetings both within the organization and in the wider community to gather further input on the development of this plan. Board representatives Shawn Hamilton and Quint Harmon participated in the Budget Efficiency Committee meetings and voiced their support of the direction to focus on 2006 levels of tax rates and expenditures in the development of a financial plan.
B. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON IASB SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH PROCESS
The Board of Education approved paying the first half of the IASB contract for the Superintendent search in the amount of $3,950.00. Board President Miller will contact Alan Molby at IASB, and inform him to proceed with the replacement search for Superintendent Dr. Kent Bugg upon his retirement on June 30, 2022.
Mr. Bianchetta moved and Mr. Harmon seconded to approve paying the first half of the IASB Superintendent Search contract in the amount of $3,950.00
Roll Call.
Ayes: Robert Bianchetta, Quint Harmon Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, , Chuck Lander, Ken Miller Nays:
Motion Carried.
C. DISCUSSION ON RETURN TO SCHOOL PLAN
Dr. Bugg discussed the evaluation of the district’s current practices, and any adjustments deemed necessary to continuously improve the Return to School Plan. Dr. Bugg discussed student tracking as it relates to students who transition to full remote for short periods of time. Dr. Bugg also discussed the new CDC guidelines regarding the length of quarantining, and that at this time IDPH has not adopted the change. The Return to School Plan is an ever-changing document, and there will be more discussions at future board meetings. The Board thanked everyone in the district for their efforts, and their dedication to the students of CCCUSD1.
D. DISCUSSION/ACTION TO APPROVE THE AMENDED 2020 – 2021 SCHOOL CALENDAR, WHICH ELIMINATES THE EARLY DISMISSAL DAYS FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ON DECEMBER 9, MARCH 10, APRIL 14, AND MAY 5
Dr. Bugg discussed amending the 2020 – 2021 school calendar which would remove the remaining early dismissal days for professional development. Having the professional development days doesn’t work at this time with the district’s hybrid schedule.
Mr. Lander moved and Mrs. Gill seconded to approve the amended the 2020 – 2021 school calendar, eliminating the early dismissal days for professional development on December 9, March 10, April 14, and May 5.
Roll Call.
Ayes: Chuck Lander, Mary Gill, Robert Bianchetta, Shawn Hamilton, Quint Harmon, Ken Miller Nays:
Motion Carried.
E. DISCUSSION/ACTION TO APPROVE THE 2020 FINAL LEVY
Section 17-11 of the School Code requires the school board of each district to ascertain, as near as practicable, annually, how much money must be raised by special tax for transportation purposes, if any, for educational purposes and for operations and maintenance purposes for the next ensuing year. These amounts must be certified and filed with the County Clerk on or before the last Tuesday in December annually. The Certificate of Tax Levy form may be used to meet the requirement of this section. The 2020 tentative levy was adopted at the November Board meeting. The board must adopt the final 2020 Property Tax Levy. CSBO Jason Smith, provided the Board with a summary of the EAV. The final levy was enclosed for review.
Mr. Lander moved and Mr. Harmon seconded to adopt the 2020 Property Tax Levy for the Coal City Community Unit School District #1 and approve the certification and filing with the Grundy and Will County Clerk as follows:
| Educational | $17,242,396 |
| Operations/Maintenance | $3,992,739 |
| Transportation | $1,566,397 |
| IMRF | $343,978 |
| Working Cash | $273,918 |
| Social Security | $472,969 |
| Special Education | $343,978 |
| Life Safety | $42,997 |
| Tort | $310,474 |
| Leasing | $380,972 |
| TOTAL LEVY | $24,970,818 |
Ayes: Chuck Lander, Quint Harmon, Robert Bianchetta, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Ken Miller Nays:
Motion Carried.
NEW BUSINESS
A. DISCUSSION ON FILLING THE VACANT SCHOOL BOARD SEAT President Miller led the discussion on filling the vacant school board seat left open by the November 4 resignation of board member Jeff Emerson. President Miller discussed that the Board has 60 days to fill the vacant seat, and that the January 6 meeting date is just outside of the 60 days. Dr. Bugg has been in communication with the ROE, and the Regional Superintendent supports the time frame that the district is working within. The Board will interview candidates who pulled petitions by the close of business on December 11. The Board will hold a Special Board meeting on Wednesday, December 16 to conduct these interviews. Dr. Bugg suggested that President Miller ask the interview questions to ensure consistency for all candidates being interviewed. Dr. Bugg also asked if board members had any questions they would like to be asked, to email them to him directly so that they can be compiled before the meeting.
B. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON MID-YEAR GRADUATION/EXCLUSION REQUESTS
The high school guidance office has received requests for mid-year graduation. Principal Spencer recommended that the following students be considered eligible for mid-year graduation/exclusion. The students requesting mid-year graduation have met the necessary requirements for graduation. Those receiving mid-year exclusions will complete their requirements through correspondence courses by May 1, 2021.
Mr. Harmon moved and Mr. Lander seconded to approve the following mid-year graduates, student numbers: 20211154, 2021033, 2021963, 2021069, 2021217, 2021068, 2020406, 2021934, and the following mid-year exclusions, student numbers: 2021215, and 2021996.
Roll Call.
Ayes: Quint Harmon, Chuck Lander, Robert Bianchetta, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Ken Miller Nays:
Motion Carried.
C. DISCUSSION/ACTION ON THE DONATION FROM MORRIS HOSPITAL
Morris Hospital offered athletic physicals at the high school on July 23. Their providers completed approximately 46 physicals, and Morris Hospital is donating $920.00 back to the district for the athletics program.
Mr. Lander moved and Mr. Bianchetta seconded to approve the donation of $920.00 from Morris Hospital for the athletics programs.
Roll Call.
Ayes: Chuck Lander, Robert Bianchetta, Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Quint Harmon, Ken Miller Nays:
Motion: Carried.
D. FIRST READING ON REVISED DISTRICT POLICIES
The following District Policies have been revised and were submitted for review; this was the first reading.
| 2:20-E | Waiver and Modification Request Resource Guide |
| 3:40 | Superintendent |
| 3:40-E | Checklist for the Superintendent Employment Contract Negotiation Process |
| 4:10 | Fiscal and Business Management |
| 4:55 | Use of Credit and Procurement Cards |
| 4:60-AP1 | Purchases |
| 4:80 | Accounting and Audits |
| 4:90 | Student Activity and Fiduciary Funds |
| 4:120-AP | Food Services; Competitive Foods; Exemptions |
| 4:150 | Facility Management and Building Programs |
| 4:175 | Convicted Child Sex Offender; Screening Notifications |
| 4:175-AP1 | Criminal Offender Notification Laws; Screening |
| 5:30 | Hiring Process and Criteria |
| 5:30-AP2 | Investigations |
| 5:185-AP | Resource Guide for Family and Medical Leave |
| 5:190 | Teacher Qualifications |
| 5:270 | Employment At-Will, Compensation and Assignment |
| 6:15 | School Accountability |
| 6:20 | School Year Calendar and Day |
| 6:40 | Curriculum Development |
| 6:235-E5 | Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act |
| 6:280 | Grading and Promotion |
| 6:300 | Graduation Requirements |
| 6:300-E2 | State Law Graduation Requirements |
| 6:300-E3 | Form for Exemption from Financial Aid Application Completion |
| 6:310 | High School Credit for Non-District Experiences; Course Substitutions; Re Entering Students |
| 6:310-E | Class Substitution Request |
| 6:315 | High School Credit for Students in Grade 7 or 8 |
| 6:320 | High School Credit for Proficiency |
| 6:340 | Student Testing and Assessment Program |
| 7:100 | Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusion of Students |
| 7:140 | Search and Seizure |
| 7:140-E | Letter to Parents/Guardians Regarding the Right to Privacy in the School Setting Act |
| 7:300 | Extracurricular Athletics |
| 7:325 | Student Fundraising Activities |
| 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 |
| 7:340-AP2 | Storage and Destruction of School Student Records |
| 7:340-AP2, E1 | Letter Containing Schedule for Destruction of School Student Records |
The district received a request from the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce to renew the annual membership. District #1 has been a long-time member of this organization.
Mrs. Gill moved and Mr. Hamilton seconded to approve payment of the annual membership fee of $265 to the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce.
Roll Call.
Ayes: Mary Gill, Shawn Hamilton, Robert Bianchetta, Quint Harmon, Chuck Lander, Ken Miller Nays:
Motion Carried.
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: DECEMBER 30, 2020 @ 6 P.M. In Coal City CUSD #1 Administrative Center Board Room CANCELLED
NEXT REGULAR MEETING DATE: JANUARY 6, 2021 @ 6 P.M. In Coal City CUSD #1 Administrative Center Board Room
ADJOURNMENT
The Board did not need to go into closed session. Mrs. Gill moved and Mr. Lander seconded to adjourn the meeting at 6:36 p.m. President Miller asked if there was any opposition to the motion, hearing none he considered the motion approved.
https://4.files.edl.io/08ff/01/07/21/152419-78ba0ac6-1a38-4e49-b89c-9257bb0b1821.pdf
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