Crete-Monee School District 201-U Meeting | September 2025

Overall Meeting Summary
The Crete-Monee School District 201-U Board of Education met on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, to conduct essential business including the approval of the fiscal year 2026 budget and the awarding of significant contracts for renovations at the middle school. The meeting highlighted a strong focus on facility improvements, with the board advancing a $4 million project to add classrooms at the middle school and celebrating the recent ribbon-cutting of the new high school stadium.

In addition to infrastructure, the board focused on community engagement and student success. Administrators presented the rollout of “ParentSquare,” a new unified communication app, and highlighted the “Attendance Matters” campaign designed to reduce truancy through student mentorship. The board also handled routine personnel matters and approved a student field trip.

News Briefs

MEC Building Bid Failure:
During the “New Business” portion of the meeting, it was reported that the bid opening for the sale of the Monee Education Center (MEC), scheduled for September 15, 2025, yielded no results. No bids were submitted for the property. The board acknowledged the need to revisit the process and potentially put the property back out for bid at a later date.

Journalism Field Trip Approved:
The Board approved an overnight field trip for Crete-Monee High School journalism students. Six students and three staff members will attend the Journalism Education Association and National Scholastic Press Association High School Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, from November 13 through November 16, 2025. The trip is funded through school funds, parental support, and needs-based scholarships.

Stadium Ribbon Cutting:
Superintendent Dr. Kara Coglianese and the Board celebrated the successful ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Warriors Stadium, which took place on September 12, 2025. A video recap of the first home game was shown, and the board commended the administration, band, and staff for a well-executed event that drew a capacity crowd.

Personnel Report:
The Board approved the monthly personnel report. Key actions included the employment of Lama Abdelhamid (English), Kathleen Boye (Math), and Dabion Couch (CTE) as teachers effective mid-September. The board also accepted several resignations, including Teacher Assistants Sidney Augustson and Kelsey Lucas, and Security Officer Rico Byas.

Wash and Pack Building Grant:
The board discussed a potential project for a “Wash and Pack” building at the high school to support agricultural programs. While the district received a $50,000 grant initiated by a teacher, the total cost for the structure and necessary utilities (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) is estimated around $350,000. The board requested more information on long-term sustainability and energy costs before moving forward with a final vote on the capital expenditure.