Crete-Monee Board Considers Official ‘Statements of Support’ for Grieving Families

Crete-Monee Board of Education Meeting | April 14, 2026

Article Summary: Following a recent tragedy involving the deaths of three local children and their grandfather, the Crete-Monee Board of Education is exploring the creation of official board statements to express condolences to grieving community members.

Board Condolence Policy Key Points:

• Board President Maurice Brown suggested the board adopt a formal method to provide “resolutions” or statements of support to families experiencing bereavement.

• The discussion was prompted by the recent passing of a local family, whose funeral services were attended by district staff and leadership.

• The board agreed to align the potential new practice with Policy 8:10 (Connection with the Community) while ensuring the statements remain secular and legally sound.

The Crete-Monee Board of Education on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, debated establishing a formal administrative procedure to issue official “statements of support” to district families experiencing tragic losses.

The conversation was sparked by the recent deaths of three local children and their grandfather. Board President Maurice Brown highlighted that while the district’s superintendent and school principals actively represent the schools at local funerals—often reading statements or resolutions on behalf of their individual buildings—the Board of Education currently lacks a formal mechanism to present its own collective condolences.

“I would love [to] have given a resolution from the board perspective,” Brown said, referencing his attendance at recent memorial services. “It’s not slating our superintendent; just from the board perspective to let people know that we are there.”

Brown pointed to Board Policy 8:10, titled “Connection with the Community,” which mandates that the board work to earn the community’s goodwill, respect, and trust. He argued that officially recognizing grieving families is a highly effective way to demonstrate that the school district functions as an extended family. Brown stated his intention to attend the children’s upcoming funeral services on April 25.

During the discussion, some board members asked for clarification on the term “resolution,” noting that in a school board context, it typically implies a legally binding policy action, while in other contexts—such as religious institutions—it serves as a formal written document honoring the deceased.

To avoid any confusion or conflation with religious practices, the board reached a consensus to draft a generic administrative procedure for a “statement of support” rather than a resolution.

“I want to filter and vet it out to make sure that we’re not crossing any line,” Brown assured the board, agreeing to keep any official statements secular and free of specific religious scripture. Brown announced he would work with Board Member Janine Woolfolk to draft potential language for the board to review and vote on at an upcoming regular meeting.