Meeting Summary and Briefs: Crete-Monee Board of Education for May 12, 2026

Crete-Monee Board of Education Meeting | May 12, 2026

The Crete-Monee School District 201-U Board of Education held its Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. The Board reviewed significant financial items, including a $17 million working cash abatement to fund ongoing capital projects, and evaluated favorable bids for district waste management and milk procurement. The administration also celebrated the successful “Bike Bus” initiative at Monee Elementary and provided updates on summer construction.

For complete details on the $17 million abatement, the “Bike Bus” initiative, and the utility contracts, please see the full standalone articles.

Consolidated District Plan Reviewed: Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Ghantel Perkins presented the FY27 Consolidated District Plan (CDP). The 40-page document outlines how the district assesses its needs and allocates federal Title I, II, III, IV, and IDEA grant funds to support student learning. Perkins confirmed that despite waiting on exact allocations for the upcoming year, all federal funding streams have been approved without cuts. The Board will vote to approve the CDP at its regular meeting.

Middle School Construction Progress: Assistant Superintendent of Business Jason Okrasinski provided an update on the Crete-Monee Middle School addition. Okrasinski reported that the roof is now watertight, and framing has commenced on the first and second floors of the exterior classrooms. Inside the existing structure, casework, flooring, and drop ceilings are nearly complete in several upstairs and downstairs classrooms. The district also reported that minor punch list items, primarily grass seeding, are being finalized at the new sports complex.

Softball Field Naming and Athletics: The Board celebrated the recent naming ceremony for the district’s softball field, honoring long-time volunteer “Coach G.” Board member Elizabeth Venegas attended the ceremony, noting the massive community turnout and the presentation of a letterman jacket and plaque. In related athletic news, the district announced it will host the boys’ conference track meet on Thursday, May 14, marking the first major track event hosted at the newly constructed athletic facilities.

Policy Updates and 2026-2027 Meeting Dates: The administration presented proposed Board of Education meeting dates for the 2026-2027 school year, maintaining the standard schedule of Committee of the Whole meetings on the second Tuesday of the month and Regular Meetings on the third Tuesday. Additionally, the Board reviewed policy revisions from PRESS Plus Issue 121. The updates primarily consisted of legal reference changes, with specific highlights regarding policies for staff conduct at end-of-year events where alcohol may be present.