At a special meeting on Tuesday, May 6, the Crete-Monee School District 201-U Board of Education honored longtime board member Nelson Albrecht for his years of dedicated service and recognized three individuals sworn in to serve on the board as they help guide the district into its next chapter.

Surrounded by family, Albrecht was presented with a commemorative plaque by Superintendent Dr. Kara Coglianese and received words of appreciation from fellow board members for his leadership and commitment to students, staff, and the community.

“Nelson’s contributions have been immeasurable,” said Dr. Coglianese. “His leadership, especially during some of the most challenging times, has been instrumental in our success. We are deeply grateful for his service and dedication.”

During his tenure, Albrecht played a central role in several major district initiatives, including:

• Construction of the new Bridges Wing at CMHS
• Preparation of the MEC building for sale
• Relocation of district offices and the Buildings & Grounds department
• Development of the new CMHS athletic complex
• Expansion of classroom space at CMMS
• Implementation of top-tier safety and security measures
• Restructuring of school bonds
• Achievement of consistent budget surpluses over the past eight years
• Leadership during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic
• Service as both vice president and president of the School Board

The meeting also marked a reorganization of the board following the April election. Janine Woolfolk was officially sworn in to represent District 6 after serving a six-month interim term. Dr. Todd C. Hall returned for another term representing District 3, and Elizabeth Venegas joined the board as a new representative for District 7. All three will serve terms through 2029.

Woolfolk, a district parent, shared her enthusiasm about continuing her service. “As a parent with a child in the district, I feel a personal responsibility to bring a parental perspective, represent the community, and advocate for policies that genuinely support students and families,” she said. “My hope for CM 201-U is to build a reputation of excellence, strong community partnerships, transparency, accountability, and results.”

Dr. Coglianese also shared her optimism for the board’s future. “Their passion for education and dedication to our community will play an essential role in the future of our district,” she said. “I look forward to working with them as we continue to improve the quality of education for all
students.”

As the district looks ahead, the board’s renewed leadership is set to continue building on the progress of recent years, guided by a shared commitment to excellence.

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