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.