Unit 1 adopts policy revisions

By: 
STAFF REPORT

Policies ranging from student records to identity protection and instructional materials were adopted by the Unit 1 Board of Education last week.
As necessary or directed by changes in state law and school code, the Board of Education takes under review changes and additions to district policies. This month, board members approved revisions to 109 written policies, several involving their work as elected officials, and others relating to purchases and contracts, security procedures, student and staff records, graduation requirements and student social and emotional development.
Prior to taking action, the board's Policy Committee reviews the revisions and makes its recommendations to the board, which spends two months reading over the proposed changes.
Policies are available for public inspection on the district's website and can be found within the district tab by clicking on Board of Education.
In other matters from the Jan. 8 meeting:
• It was announced Coal City High School was awarded a $1,571 School District Library Media Grant applied for by librarian Allison Peterson.
• At the recommendation of the high school guidance office, the board approved the mid-year exclusion for a member of the class of 2020. The student must complete the necessary graduation requirements through correspondence courses by May 1.
• Jason Smith, the district's chief business official, was reappointed as Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act officer for calendar year 2020.
• The board approved a school site donation from Grundy County totaling $314.
• Board members approved a $407 donation from the village of Coal City to be used by the art clubs at the middle and high schools. The funds were generated from the first art walk held in August. Additionally, a large format printer was accepted by the board from Carlson Group Advisors, LLC for use by the art department. The printer was valued at $3,500.
• The superintendent reported Thai Zastrow, a student at Eastern Illinois University, will complete her student teaching requirements at CCHS with family and consumer science teacher Lisa Stith. Also, Samantha Hinich, a student at Grand Canyon University, and Emma Marietta, a student at Governors State University, will complete their student teaching requirements at the early childhood center with first grade teachers Abby Wilkinson and Tiffany Stewart respectively.
• The district renewed its membership in the Three Rivers Education Partnership at a cost of $650.
• The board briefly discussed the 2020-2021 school calendar. The calendar must include 176 days of student attendance and 180 work days. The board will further discuss the calendar, as recommend by the faculty union, at its study session later this month.
• Board members accepted the resignations of Jeanne Warning, a part-time reading aide at the Intermediate School, effective Dec. 20, 2019 and Brittany Bush, full-time special education aide at the Intermediate School, effective Jan. 6
• Rebecca Bajt was employed as an art instructor at the Intermediate School for the remainder of the school year. She holds a bachelor of arts degree from Ripon College in studio art with a minor in educational studies. She is also skilled in photography, visual layout and 2D and 3D art.
• Julie Walsh was transferred from the high school as a three-hour per day special education aide to the Intermediate School as a three-hour per day TAG aide.
• Katie Muntz, PATH special education teacher at the high school submitted a revised sick and Family Medical Leave request that was approved by the board.
The board also approved a revised sick and Family Medical Leave request submitted by school psychologist Sarah Veronda.
• A paid maternity leave request submitted by third grade teacher Megan Post was approved by the board. She is slated to be out of the classroom from approximately April 23 through the end of the school year.
• Based on participation numbers, Nick O’Bert was approved as a high school assistant wrestling coach.
• The board approved Megan VanDuyne and Ashley Matsko as assistant track coaches at the middle school.
• At the recommendation of Athletic Director Dan Hutchings, the board accepted Cody Minnick as a volunteer assistant wrestling coach at the high school.
The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 5, and the board will gather for its monthly study session on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Both meetings will begin at 6 p.m. in the district 's administration center.