The Crete-Monee School District 201-U Board of Education confronted a challenging financial forecast and held a robust debate on arming a district security director during its August 12 meeting. The board reviewed a tentative 2025-2026 budget that projects a $722,000 operating deficit, largely due to a nearly $1.6 million reduction in state funding and the end of federal ESSER grants. In response, the district has enacted budget cuts and personnel reorganizations. For more details on the budget, please see our full story.

In one of the night’s most significant discussions, the board tabled a vote on a proposal to allow the Director of Safety and Security to carry a firearm. Board members were divided, with some supporting it as an added safety measure and others raising serious concerns about its effectiveness and potential negative impacts. The board requested further research before reconsidering the issue, as detailed in our comprehensive coverage. On a more celebratory note, the board received an extensive “Good News Report” highlighting the successes of the district’s summer school program, which served almost 500 students with a variety of academic and enrichment activities. The district also approved over $4.4 million in payments for major construction projects.

Education Foundation Promotes Annual 5K Fundraiser
Rev. Dr. James Hunt, president of the Crete-Monee 201U Education Foundation, announced the third annual 5K Fun Run will take place on October 4 in conjunction with homecoming weekend. He asked for community support to reach a $15,000 fundraising goal, which provides grants for students and teachers. Board member Janine Woolfolk challenged her fellow board members to personally and collectively contribute to the foundation’s goal.

Personnel Report Approved
As part of its consent agenda, the board approved the personnel report, which included the employment of seven new certified teachers and one special education bookkeeper. The report also included several reassignments, resignations, and the employment of multiple educational support staff members across the district, including teacher assistants, food service workers, and a security officer.

Fireworks Contract Approved for Homecoming
The board approved a $4,200 contract with Mad Bomber Fireworks Productions for a fireworks display at the Crete-Monee High School homecoming celebration. According to the proposal, the show is scheduled for the evening of Friday, October 3, 2025. The contract includes a $10 million liability insurance policy and all necessary permits for the event.

Student Behavior Policy Updated
The board approved revisions to Board Policy 7:190, which governs student behavior. The updates were part of a larger package of policy revisions from PRESS Plus, the Illinois Association of School Boards’ policy service. The changes included adding language to explicitly prohibit sexting and reiterating that corporal punishment is prohibited in all circumstances, aligning the district’s policy with recent updates in state law.