The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

West Central Board Sets Graduation Date

The board approved the WCHS graduation date as Sunday, May 15, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wednesday, December 16, 2015, regular board meeting of the West Central C.U.S.D. #235 Board of Education.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.in the West Central Elementary School cafeteria by Board President Lonnie Brent with all board members present.

President Brent led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Under Good News Items the following items were highlighted:

• Five Illinois State Scholars were recognized from West Central. These students included: Somer Hill, Mallory Lafary, Dakota Parks, Hannah Parsons, and Audrey Vice.
• The WCMS Speech Team was recognized for their accomplishments this year.
•  The elementary winter music concerts were a huge success with over 1,000 people in attendance for these events. Mr. Buss reiterated that the performances were well done.
•  The Pre-K Parent night was an informative and enjoyable evening.
•  Elementary students in PE have been participating in a skating unit, which allows them an opportunity to learn a new skill or practice one that they have already developed.
•  At this time, the elementary, along with our local Girl Scout troops, are collecting canned food items as well as hats and mittens for students in our school and surrounding areas.
•  Elementary teachers are volunteering to present at the weekly teachers meetings. These presentations have been valuable to other staff members.
•  Sam Wolf, junior, participated in One Family, One Purpose.

PARCC Results and Life/Safety Projects were approved as additions under Discussion Items.

The board approved the Consent Agenda. Items approved under the Consent Agenda included the following:

• The minutes of the November 17, 2015, Regular Meeting and Closed Session
• The minutes of the November 24, 2015, Special Meeting and Closed Session
• The November 2015 bills, November 2015 building Activity Account Reports, the November 2015 Treasurer s Report, and review of the District Financial Report.

In other business the board:

•  approved the establishment of The Mary Bulen and Wes Long Scholarships.
•  tabled action on an IMRF Resolution.
•  approved the FY15 Tax Levy. This year s tax levy calls for an extension amount of $4,889,413 which is an increase over the 2014 levy extension amount of 4.97%.
•  approved changes to the high school science course sequence.
•  reviewed and heard reports from the building principals and from Ben Rees, our Athletic Director. They reviewed a Technology Report from Mrs. Frakes and a report from our District Psychologist and Special Education Director, Nancy Smith.
•  heard and discussed a presentation from Mrs. Alexander regarding the implementation of a Work Study Program. This will be added as an action item at the January board meeting.
•  heard and discussed a request from the Athletic Boosters to host an Alumni Basketball Tournament. This will be added as an action item at the January board meeting.
•  discussed replacing the roof on the modular classrooms at the high school.
•  discussed the option of purchasing a backup generator for the heating system.
•  Superintendent Markey updated the board with regard to the boiler certification at the Media building.
•  Superintendent Markey presented a summary of the PARCC results.
•  Superintendent Markey updated the board on the status of life/safety projects.

The board entered closed session at 8:35 p.m. to discuss matters related to personnel and contract. The board exited closed session at 9:16 p.m.

The board took the following action in regards to personnel:

•  employed Amanda Mooney as a District Bus Driver for the 2015-2016 school year pending all pre-employment requirements,
•  approved the Superintendent Performance Goals.

The board was reminded that the next regularly scheduled meeting will be Wednesday, January 20, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. in the West Central Elementary cafeteria.

There being no other business to come before the board, the board adjourned their meeting at 9:17 p.m. p.m.