Crete-Monee School District presents union-administration partnership while approving $7.95 million budget amendment

The Crete-Monee School Board showcased a collaborative approach to problem-solving Tuesday night, hearing from a joint teacher-administration committee that developed new lesson plan expectations while approving financial measures totaling nearly $8 million.

The board approved a $7.95 million amendment to the 2024-25 budget, bringing total revenues to $107.8 million and expenditures to $125.3 million. Business officials reported the district’s financial position has improved significantly, with projected fund balances now at $53.6 million compared to earlier concerns about cash flow.

“We had challenges with our district just like so many other districts with revenues,” board member Maurice Brown said. “Wherever we can find some sustainable revenues great and be innovative.”

The highlight of the meeting was a presentation from the lesson plan committee, a collaboration between the Crete-Monee Education Association (CMEA) and district administration. The committee was formed through a pilot program facilitated by the National Education Association and Catalyst for Education Change to demonstrate how union leadership and administration can work together.

“We’re all here for kids,” said Dr. Angie Perkins, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning. “It doesn’t have to be a fighting battle like we can come together.”

Christine Quinnland, CMEA president, emphasized the voluntary nature of the committee’s work. “Every member on this team it was voluntary no one got paid for it so these are people who are really dedicated to coming together to make changes that will benefit our kids our staff and our administrators.”

The committee developed unified lesson plan expectations that reflect student diversity while maintaining alignment across all grades, including specialized approaches for International Baccalaureate schools. The new approach emphasizes reflective and responsive planning rather than forward-looking documentation.

“Lesson planning should become reflective and responsive so teachers need to reflect on whatever I put on the paper I need to know if it was effective or not,” Quinnland explained.

Key components of the new system include clear, student-centered objectives rather than just standard numbers, activities with appropriate detail levels, and success criteria including formative assessments. The committee also addressed practical concerns like protected planning time and establishing feedback cycles.

Construction updates dominated the facilities discussion, with Superintendent Dr. Kevin Coggin reporting the new athletic complex remains on schedule for August 1 completion. The 13,000-square-foot facility will be ready for the football season, though baseball and softball fields won’t be completed until December 1.

The district strategically scheduled the first two football games away to provide construction buffer time, with the first home game set for week three of the season.

In personnel actions, the board approved contracts for new principal Alicia Gilani at Coretta Scott King Magnet School and authorized a release agreement with an unnamed administrative employee. The personnel report showed typical end-of-year movement with multiple teacher resignations and new hires across all buildings.

The board also approved name changes for two schools to include their city locations: Coretta Scott King Magnet School in University Park and Talala Elementary School in Park Forest.

Financial reports showed continued improvement in the district’s position. The May financial report indicated a projected surplus of $85,334 for the fiscal year, a significant improvement from earlier deficit projections. Board member William Sawallisch noted the first tax payment had been received, helping boost cash flow.

Board member Alex Gallegos shared his experience attending the Future Farmers of America state conference, reporting 7,000 students participated in the 97th annual event. He praised the district’s growing agriculture program, which returned after a 64-65 year hiatus.

“I want to see our kids be recognized up there because they’re doing such great work,” Gallegos said, noting the district has land behind the high school cafeteria where students are growing crops.

Gallegos offered his personal land near the middle school for potential agricultural classes, suggesting the district could expand the program to include middle school students.

Dr. Coggin provided updates on the strategic plan implementation, noting the district is in phase two of the four-year plan, focusing on creating operational timelines and metrics for success. The plan includes nine goals and 73 strategies developed through stakeholder input.

The board meeting concluded with discussion of fundraising ideas, including selling old athletic uniforms and band equipment, following successful examples from neighboring districts.