The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The West Central CUSD #235 Board of Education conducted a special board meeting on Wednesday, April 9, 2014. Board President Brent called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. in the WCES Cafeteria with all board members present.
President Brent then led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
The board heard public comments from approximately 9 members of the audience regarding the proposed budget reductions and cuts that were to be voted on by the board at the meeting.
The board entered Closed Session to discuss matters pertaining to personnel at approximately 6:50 p.m. The board exited closed session at approximately 7:55 p.m.
All board members were present upon reconvening the meeting in the cafeteria. The board then took the following action:
A. Approved a Reduction in Force Notice for two WCES Elementary Teachers, Jamie Hennings and Jesse Hart. These two positions will not be replaced for the 2014-2015 school year.
B. Approved a Reduction in Force Notice for district nurse Mary Ashby. The board will continue discussions at a later time as to whether or not to replace this position in some form. This reduction takes affect with the 2014-2015 school year.
C. Approved a Reduction in Force Notice for WCHS Guidance Counselor Lanie Hultgren. Ms. Hultgren s position as Guidance Counselor is not being eliminated. Two weeks of her summer contract are being eliminated. This reduction takes affect with the 2014-2015 school year.
D. Approved a Reduction in Force Notice for District Instrumental Music Instructor Matt Henning. Mr. Henning s position as district band instructor was not eliminated. Two weeks of his summer contract are being eliminated. This reduction takes affect with the 2014-2015 school year.
E. Approved a Reduction in Force Notice for District Librarian Renee Russell. Mrs. Russell s position as district librarian is not being eliminated. Four weeks of her summer contract are being eliminated. This reduction takes affect with the 2014-2015 school year.
F. The board took no action on the resolution regarding the reduction in force for sixth grade sports coaches. As a result, sixth grade sports will continue to be offered during the 2014-2015 school year.
G. The board took no action on the resolution regarding the reduction in force for middle school football coaches. As a result, middle school football will continue to be offered during the 2014-2015 school year.
H. Approved a Reduction in Force Notices for those teachers serving as district mentors and the district mentor supervisor. There will be no paid district mentors in the district during the 2014-2015 school year. This reduction for these staff members takes affect in the 2014-2015 school year.
It should be noted that the actions listed above were decided at the April 9, 2014, Special Meeting so that affected personnel could be given timely notice that their contract for the 2014-2015 school year will be changed. It is also important to note that each of the reductions above is the result of economic decisions and not performance issues. It is the boards intent to review these decisions in May and June once General State Aid reimbursements for the 2014-2015 school year are known.
There being no other business to come before the board, the board adjourned the Special Meeting at approximately 8:00 p.m.