The June meeting of the Coal City Community Unit School District 1 Board of Education began with the recognition of numerous middle and high school students involved in athletics and the performing arts.
Cast members of Coal City Theatre Department’s spring production of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” were recognized for their nomination in the Best Production category of the Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards [IHSMTA] and Mason Natyshok for his nomination in the Best Actor category of the awards that recognize the best in Illinois high school musical theatre.
Mason was also celebrated along with Sam Vota for their selection and participation in the Illinois Theatre Festival’s All-State production of “The Prom.” Mason is a two-time All-State cast member and Sam was a member of the orchestra.
Coal City Middle School’s Girls and Boys Track and Field teams were recognized for outstanding seasons that included a State Championship for the Eighth Girls Team and a third place finish for the Eighth Grade Boys Team.
Coaches Chad Larson and Corey Mikula provided the board with an overview of the season and the state level competition of the athletes.
At the state finals, Marina Figge set a new Class 3A state record in the long jump earning her a first place in the event. She also brought home second and third place medals in the 200 meter and 100 meter respectively and a medal in the 4x100 meter relay with teammates—Kenslee Baldauf, Norah Minuth, Kinsley Novak and alternates Avery Male and Angelise Stevens.
The eighth grade boys earned a state state champion title in the 4x400 meter relay featuring Levi Marshall, Kenny Tazelaar, Jonah Micetich and Maddox Meents, They were backed by alternates Nick Pfeiffer and Frank Roehr. Individual medal winners included Levi Marshall, Spencer Vaira, Rylan DeMichele, Maddox Meents, Nick Peifer, Jonah Micetich.
Also recognized for their participation at the state meet were Kylee Looper, Alex Duran, Ryder Meyer, Kiptyn Dearth, Brayden Brncich, Kason Bluth, Zack Babcock, Evan Kozlowski and Ryder Sorensen.
Five high school track and field athletes were recognized for their participation in the IHSA State Finals.
For the girls team, honored were Maddie Castle, 300 meter hurdles; Ella Wills, long jump and Evelyn Wills , high jump. Ella and Evelyn were two time state qualifiers in their respective events.
Participating in the Boys State Finals were Julian Micetich in the 110 meter and 300 meter hurdles. Julian set a new school record in the 110 meter hurdles and advanced to the finals finishing seventh overall earning him All-State honors. Parker Jacovec represented the Coalers in the long jump.
The Board of Education also honored Martin Ramirez who advanced to the IHSA Tennis State Finals. Martin won his first match, but faced a tough opponent in the second round. He closed out the season as the school’s number one singles player.
The recognitions were held at the middle school. The Board then moved to the District Administration Center to conduct the following business:
- Board members accepted the lowest responsible base bid of $153,500 from 1 Source Mechanical for a boiler replacement project at the early childhood center. The total price of $183,500 includes a $30,000 contingency.
- Following a third and final reading, the Board approved 68 revised district policies as presented by the Illinois Association of School Boards [IASB].
- The Board approved the addition of a middle school and high school activities/athletics secretary and the related job description.
- Board members also approved the addition of an attendance secretarial position at the high school and the related job description.
- The addition of a high school physical education teaching position.
- An intergovernmental agreement with the Reed-Custer School District 255U was approved that allows a high school math teacher to instruct a course for Reed-Custer High School.
- At the request of the Illinois Department of Transportation [IDOT], the Board approved the re-submittal of the Certification of Hazardous Bus Routes to IDOT and the Illinois State Board of Education.
- Board members approved renewal of the district's PRESS Plus subscription at an annual cost of $4,505. The subscription provides the district with suggested updates to district policies.
- The Board renewed its membership in the IASB. Membership provides the board of education and school district numerous services including educational workshops and conferences, publications, policy services, lobbying and consultations among others. The cost for fiscal year 2026 is $7,854.
- As it does prior to the start of the fiscal year [July 1] the Board approved a consent agenda of resolutions regarding the investing of school funds, IMRF representatives, student activity funds, depositories of funds, authorized signatures, and child nutrition program agent.
- The submission of a Title 1 District Plan is required by the State Board of Education from all districts requesting Title 1 federal funding and an approved plan must be on field with the state. The pan must include a program description that clearly describes the program components and alight with district policies. That plan was approved by the Board and ensures that the district has policies and procedures in place that address the referenced sections of federal and state law.
- The quarterly drop out report or the quarter ending May 28 was approved for filing with the Regional Office of Education.
- July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 was established as the district’s fiscal year and the regular board meeting dates were set for the first Wednesday of each month and the study session of the whole meetings set for the last Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m.
- At the recommendation of Luke Krippel, director of special populations, the Board approved entering into an agreement with Sunbelt Staffing, LLC for the month of June to assist with nursing services over the summer.
- A $2,053.12 school site donation was accepted from Grundy County.
- A $750 donation was accepted from the Unit 1 Educational Foundation to assist students with the cost of attending the FBLA National Leadership Conference in California.
- At the recommendation of Jason Smith, the district’s chief school business official, the Board entered into a one year extension agreement with Telesolution Consultants, LLC in the amount of $4,200 pending E-rate funding.
- Certified personnel employed for the 2025-2026 school year were Matthew Felbein, high school/middle school chorus teacher and Karen Koca, science teacher at the middle school.
- Support staff employed for the upcoming school year were Kali Roed, assistant secretary and health aide at the early childhood center and Megan Stoudt, middle school health aide.
- Accepted the retirement request of elementary school teacher Lori Hamilton effective at the close of the 2028-2029 school year.
- The Board accepted the extra-curricular resignation of assistant girls varsity soccer coach Steven McCleary.
- Approved the resignation of maintenance worker Ross Williams.
- Student teaching assignments for the fall semester include Illinois State University students: Isabelle Figarelli assigned to work with high school English teacher Cindy Gerber, and Kayla Kodat assigned to work with high school physical education teacher Brad Schmitt. 8
- Enrollment at the close of the school year was 2,175.
Coal City Early Childhood, 496 students; Coal City Elementary School, 306 students; Coal City Intermediate School, 295 students; Coal City Middle School, 456 students, and Coal City High School, 622 students.
The next meeting of the Board of Education is scheduled for Wednesday, July 9 with a study session slated for Wednesday, June 25. Both meetings will begin at 6 p.m. in the District Administration Center Board Room.