Meeting Summary and Briefs: Crete-Monee School District 201-U for March 10, 2026

Crete-Monee School District 201-U Meeting | March 10, 2026

The Crete-Monee School District 201-U Board of Education met as a Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, to review a slate of financial and operational updates. The board debated its own travel and professional development budgets, discussed retaining a $53,448 property tax levy adjustment, and reviewed the collapse of the MEC building sale. The board also reviewed multi-million dollar summer facility upgrades, specifically targeting middle school flooring and high school athletic equipment.

For comprehensive details on these topics, please read the full standalone articles. Other notable actions and reports from the meeting are summarized below.

District Reviews Landscaping and Lawn Care Bids:
The district’s existing landscaping and lawn care contract expired in the fall of 2025, prompting a new round of bidding for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Assistant Superintendent Jason Okrasinski reported that three companies, including the current provider, submitted sealed bids ranging from $16,875 to $18,500 per month. The new scope of work includes a slight reduction in total area, as the district will receive credits for the newly installed turf fields and areas currently under construction near the high school sportsplex. The administration is currently checking references and will present a recommendation for a formal award at the March 16 board meeting.

Superintendent Attends Women’s Leadership Conference:
Superintendent Dr. Kara Coglianese updated the board on her recent participation in the Village of University Park’s Women’s Leadership Conference. Coglianese served on a leadership panel alongside five other local women at the village’s golf course. She praised the village and event organizer Kevin Battles for a highly successful program and noted the district may look to organize a future event at the venue to support the local facility.

Smart Lab Ribbon Cutting Scheduled:
The district will officially unveil its new educational technology space this month. Superintendent Coglianese announced that the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Smart Lab at Crete-Monee Elementary School is scheduled for Monday, March 19.

Black History Month and Fine Arts Programs Praised:
Board members took time to commend the students and staff who organized the district’s recent Black History Month program and fine arts showcases. Board Member William J. Sawallisch Jr. specifically praised the student project presentations and the exceptional performances by the high school jazz band, show choir, and theater department.

Agricultural Grant Offsets Wash Pack Building Costs:
During old business, the board confirmed the status of a recent agricultural grant secured by a district teacher. The $50,000 grant will be directly utilized to offset the costs of the planned $250,000 to $300,000 wash pack building. However, the capital projects subcommittee has currently delayed the construction of that specific facility to prioritize other pressing district needs.