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

The Crete-Monee School District 201-U Board of Education met on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, for a meeting that balanced celebration with serious financial and academic planning. The Board honored staff for American Education Week and recognized Coretta Scott King Magnet School for its recent accolades. Significant business items included a detailed review of the School Report Card, which showed mixed academic results, and the presentation of the 2025 Tax Levy, which utilizes a “balloon” strategy to capture funds from an expiring TIF district.

The meeting also featured a spotlight on the Early Learning Center, prompting the Board to initiate a new policy to ensure the program’s future. Additionally, the Board received confirmation of a successful bid to sell the Monee Education Center.

News Briefs:

Coretta Scott King Magnet School Recognized: The Board presented a plaque to the staff of Coretta Scott King Magnet School. The school was recognized by U.S. News & World Report, ranking in the top 40% of elementary schools in Illinois. Principal Bonita Arseneau-Anderson and her team accepted the honor.

Construction Grant Application: The Board voted unanimously to approve an application for a $50,000 School Maintenance Project Grant. The funds are intended to support ongoing construction projects at Crete-Monee Middle School. The district must match the grant amount with local funds.

Drama Club Performance: Student Board Member Alejandro Gallegos announced that the Drama Club will perform a musical this week. Performances are scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.

Personnel Report: The Board approved the monthly personnel report, which included the resignation of certified staff member Kenneth Barr and the employment of several support staff, including Erica Gattuso (Teacher Assistant), Johan Ladera-Ibarra (Custodian), and Diana Goodman (Security Officer).

Consent Agenda Approved: The Board approved the consent agenda, which included meeting minutes from October and payments totaling over $2 million to vendors including Bear Construction and Byrne & Jones Construction for work at the high school and middle school.

Public Comment on Finance: Resident John Puta submitted a public comment questioning the district’s debt levels and suggesting that the $21 million sports project should have been put to a voter referendum. Resident Nicole Lomax introduced a new “Student Voice Committee.”