Public Pushback Stalls Proposal to Waive Holidays for School Calendar

Crete-Monee School District 201-U Meeting | January 13, 2026

Article Summary: The Crete-Monee School District 201-U Board of Education received significant negative feedback during a public hearing regarding a proposal to waive state holidays for the 2026-2027 school calendar. Following the reading of several public comments opposing the measure, the Board directed the calendar committee to reconvene and review the plan before moving forward.

Crete-Monee School District 201-U Key Points:

• The Proposal: The administration sought a waiver for five state holidays (including MLK Day and Veterans Day) to allow them to be used as attendance days only in the event of emergency closures where e-learning is not possible.

• Public Opposition: Four public comments were read into the record, citing concerns over staff burnout, childcare difficulties, and the cultural importance of the holidays.

• Device Issues: Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ghantel Perkins explained the waiver is necessary because Pre-K through elementary students will not take Chromebooks home daily next year, limiting e-learning options during unexpected closures.

• Next Steps: The Board did not vote on the calendar. Instead, they instructed the administration to gather the committee again to address the feedback.

The Crete-Monee School District 201-U Board of Education met as a Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, to conduct a public hearing on the proposed 2026-2027 school calendar. The primary topic of discussion was a request to waive five state holidays—Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday, Lincoln’s Birthday, Casimir Pulaski Day, Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and Veterans Day.

Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Ghantel Perkins presented the proposal, clarifying that the waiver would not automatically remove these holidays. Rather, it would provide the district flexibility to hold school on those days if emergency closures occur and e-learning cannot be utilized.

“Illinois law does not allow e-learning when all students do not have devices,” Perkins told the Board. She noted that because younger students will not take devices home daily in the 2026-2027 school year, an unexpected snowstorm could force the district to extend the school year into June without this waiver flexibility.

However, public comments read during the hearing were unanimously opposed to the change. Residents and staff members expressed concern that these holidays are essential for mental health, cultural observance, and family scheduling.

One comment from Jennifer Smith, identified as a teacher and parent, warned of burnout. “Removing these days off negatively affects staff morale and well-being which ultimately impacts students,” Smith wrote. Another parent, Brianna Worry, cited the inconsistency of early dismissal days and the reliance on holidays for appointments and family time.

Board Member William J. Sawallisch Jr. expressed hesitation about the Board making decisions on the calendar without ensuring the district’s employees were fully on board, noting that the seven board members are not employees of the district.

“I want their input first,” Sawallisch said regarding the staff. “I get the parents, but the school functions as a whole.”

Following the feedback, Board President Maurice Brown confirmed the consensus of the Board was to send the proposal back to the calendar committee. Perkins stated the committee would reconvene to review the feedback before scheduling a new public hearing date.

Meeting Briefs

Wellness Fair Success:
Superintendent Dr. Kara Coglianese reported that the district’s recent staff Institute Day and Wellness Fair was a “huge success.” She noted that the event, which included vendors and food trucks, was well-received by staff returning from break. Board Member Dr. Todd Hall, who attended the event, commended the HR department for their work. “The food truck ran out of food, that’s how active it was,” Hall said.

Monee Elementary Family Night:
Board President Maurice Brown provided an update on his attendance at a recent event at Monee Elementary. Brown described a “Family and Kids Night” organized by Principal Dr. Sanders, which included exercise activities for children ages 5 to 12. Brown noted the school is looking to expand these family engagement events.