Board Moves to Create Policy Ensuring Sustainability of Early Learning Center
Crete-Monee School District 201-U Meeting | November 2025
Article Summary: Following a presentation on the success of the Early Learning Center (ELC), Board President Maurice Brown directed the creation of a new board policy to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability and oversight.
ELC and Policy Key Points:
-
Program Success: The ELC currently serves 256 students with high parent engagement through events like “Windmill Acres” and “Art Night.”
-
Funding: Approximately 19% of the ELC’s Education Fund expenditures are grant-funded.
-
New Policy: A draft policy will be created to mandate board oversight and support for the ELC, protecting it from future administrative changes.
Impressed by the family engagement and student impact at the Crete-Monee Early Learning Center (ELC), the Board of Education took steps on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, to institutionalize the program’s support.
ELC Director Kelly Chesta presented an overview of the center’s activities, highlighting the work of parent coordinators and the high attendance at family events. “We want you to come in, feel comfortable. This is the first start to their educational journey,” Chesta said.
Board President Maurice Brown expressed a desire to protect the program against future changes in administration or board composition.
“I just feel it’s prudent that the board look at having a policy to support our Early Learning Center,” Brown said. “If you want something to really continue or happen, put it in your board policy.”
Superintendent Dr. Kara Coglianese confirmed that the program is not fully grant-dependent, with Assistant Superintendent Jason Okrasinski noting that only about 19% of the ELC’s education fund expenditures come from grants. This financial stability reassured the Board that a policy to sustain the program was feasible.
The Board reached a consensus to move forward with drafting the policy for future review.
Monee Events
Latest News Stories
Citing Liability Concerns, Will County Committee Postpones Vote on Septic System Ordinance
Will County Moves to Repeal Obsolete 1972 Fire Hydrant Ordinance
Will County Board Gets Back to Basics with Robert’s Rules of Order Training
Executive Committee Approves Amended Houbolt Bridge Agreement to Settle Litigation
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Committee of the Whole for August 12, 2025
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for August 12, 2025
Monee Board Approves $1.7 Million Payment for Critical Water Main Redundancy
Report Finding Few Trucks Littering Sparks Debate on Cleanup Responsibility
Crete-Monee Spotlights Summer School Success with STEM, Arts, and Academic Gains
Crete-Monee School Board Tables Vote on Arming Security Director Amid Debate
Will County Receives Detailed Update on Landfill Expansion Investigation
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Landfill Committee for August 7, 2025
