The November meeting of the Coal City Community Unit School District Board of Education began with the swearing in of Jeff Emerson to fulfill an unexpired term on the Board of Education.
Emerson was selected by the Board to complete the final six months of the term held by Mary Gill, who died in August. Emerson previously served 12 years on the Board of Education and expressed an interest in returning to fill the vacant position.
“I couldn’t think of a better way to honor Mary. I served on the Board with her for 12 years. When you think of the School Board at Unit District 1, I think of Mary Gill. She served for many, many years and to be able to serve out her term is an honor for me,” Emerson said.
In other matters:
- The Board adopted the tentative 2024 property tax levy and placed it on file for public inspection ahead of its scheduled adoption at the Dec. 4 Board of Education meeting.
- Following approval at a special meeting on Oct. 30, the Board ratified the Emergency Health and Life Safety Resolution related to Coal City Intermediate School.
- At the recommendation of the high school guidance office, Board members approved mid-year graduation for 12 students in the class of 2025.
- The Board adopted the 2026 budget calendar and directed the superintendent, chief school business official and building principals to prepare a tentative budget for the fiscal year of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
- A first reading on revised district policies was held.
- A school site donation in the amount of $1,837.94 was accepted from Grundy County.
- A $3,000 donation from Jewel-Osco was accepted. The funds will be used to support the high school band program.
- As required, the filing of the quarterly drop out report with the Regional Office of Education was approved for the quarter ending Oct. 15.
- Student enrollment at the close of October was 2,171 students.
- The Board approved the resignation of Megan Luttrell, one-on-one special education aide at the Intermediate School.
- Jordan Schmitt was employed as a full-time classroom aide at the high school.
- Board members approved the extra-curricular resignation of assistant varsity softball coach Lauren Schoonover.
- The next regular meeting of the Board is scheduled for 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec.4 in the Administrative Center Boardroom.