January 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board Meeting

Rationale:  It is 6:00 PM and I now call to order the Crete Public Schools Board of Education Meeting.  This is the January 2025 regular meeting. Notice of this meeting has been advertised in the Crete Newspaper, which is the District's designated method of giving notice of these meetings.

We want those in attendance to know that copies of the Open Meetings Act are available at the entrance to the Board Room. If anyone in attendance is interested in addressing our Board, you are welcome to do so. We simply request that you complete the appropriate form and turn it in to us now so that you may be recognized during the Public Forum part of our meeting. These forms are also located by the entry doors of this room.

Ms. Banos will you please call the roll.

Rationale:  Crete Public Schools embraces challenges with high expectations. By prioritizing engagement, collaboration, and effective communication, we empower students, staff, and families with opportunities to learn and grow, enriching their lives and our community.

Rationale:  I move the Board to adjourn sine die (Sign-a Die-Ee), and the Crete Public Schools Board of Education turns the chairmanship to the Superintendent.  The Superintendent’s chairmanship is limited to roll call, administering the review of the Code of Ethics and Conflicts of Interest Policy, administering the oath of office of newly elected officials, and electing a new Board President.

Rationale:  Dr. McDowell will administer the Oath of Office to the recently elected board members: Michaela Conway, Vincent Krejci, and Justin Kuntz.

Rationale:  All BOE members will review and sign the CPS BOE Code of Ethics, policy 8272, and review the Conflicts of Interest Policy.

Rationale:  The Superintendent of Schools will entertain a motion for nominations for President of the Board of Education, conduct a written ballot, if necessary, and announce the results.  The newly elected President will then chair the remainder of the meeting.

Rationale:  The Board President will convene and call to order the Crete Public Schools Board of Education.

Rationale:  The President of the Board of Education will entertain a motion for nominations for Vice President of the Board of Education, conduct a ballot, if necessary, and announce the results of the election.

Rationale:  The President of the Board of Education will entertain a motion for Secretary of the Board of Education nominations, conduct a ballot, if necessary, and announce the election results.

Rationale:  This brings us to the Public Forum part of our meeting. During the Public Forum:

1. Each individual addressing the Board will be allowed 5 minutes. The Board of Education has the prerogative to limit speaking to 3 minutes when there are three or more patrons to allow all speakers an opportunity to address the Board in a timely manner.
2. We will not engage in dialogue with patrons presenting to the Board.
3. The Board president and superintendent will identify staff to follow-up on the information requested from patrons.
4. The Board president may share a statement on behalf of the Board when addressing a major issue in the district.

Is there anyone here that would like to address the Board during the Public Forum?

Rationale:  This is the Agenda as published.  Would anyone like to remove any items or add any items to the Agenda?

Rationale:  The first item on the agenda tonight is the Consent Agenda.  The Consent Agenda to be approved is as follows: Board of Education Designations, Minutes from the Previous Month's Meeting, Claims as Submitted, Staff Adjustments as Submitted, Treasurer's Report as Submitted, and Policy Final Read.

Rationale:  The Board of Education makes the following designations for the current year.

Rationale:  The BOE and CEA have reached an agreement for the 2025-2026 school year, representing a 4.99% total package increase.

Rationale: 

1. At this point, I believe it is necessary to protect the reputation of individuals, and it is in the public interest for the Board to discuss this matter in closed session.

Rationale:  Is there any Old Business to be discussed?

Rationale:  The next BOE working session is on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the Cardinal Welcome Center Zoom Room.

The next BOE regular meeting is on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Cardinal Welcome Center Board Room.