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West Central Board Discusses 2018-19 Student Fees

At the Wednesday, April 18, 2018, board meeting of the West Central C.U.S.D., the board discussed proposed student fees for 2018-2019. All fees would remain the same with the exception of lunch prices. It was proposed to possibly increase lunch prices by $.10 as a result of a possible mandate to do so. The district is waiting for the calculation tool to become available to determine if this will be necessary.:

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.in the West Central Elementary School cafeteria by Board President Jodi Arnold. All board members were present at roll call.

President Arnold led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Under Good News Items the following items were highlighted:

• John Steck has won the opportunity to represent Henderson County at Youth Day in Springfield for the Western Illinois Electrical Coop on Wednesday, April 18. He will be meeting with representatives at the State Capitol and will be attending with about 300 other students.
• West Central High School Art students attended the annual Lincoln Trail Conference Art Show on Monday, March 19, 2018. Nine artworks were submitted. Gabrielle Tharpe received a second place ribbon in the Tempera Paint category; Aryanne Westfall received a second place ribbon in the Computer Graphics category; and Madison McBride received a third place ribbon in the Oil/Acrylic Paint - Landscape category. In addition to the art show, the students participated in art workshops around the Monmouth College campus.
• Todd Lant, Senior at West Central High School, was selected as the 2017-2018 Chief Shaubena Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizens Award recipient.
• West Central High School welcomed eight new inductees into the National Honor Society on Monday, March 19, 2018. The new members include: Macy Benge, Payton Clark, Peyton Jack, Jacob Keever, Molly Parsons, Danielle Rhinehart, Jenna Robertson, and Courtney Torrance. Alicia Pence gave some inspiring words.
• The elementary students participated in the OSF Nutrition poster contest and brought home several ribbons.
• The early childhood team hosted a Jim Gill concert, which turned out to be an exciting evening.
• Mrs. Hennings submitted a project on DonorsChoose.org and it was fully funded by caring community members. They will be getting a dry erase table, stools, and other supplies for small group work.
• Laine Gholson captured 4th place at State in Computer Science at the recent WYSE state competition held at the University of Illinois.
• West Central Middle School Art students participated in the Town and Country Art Show. Taking 1st place were: Nevaeh Stimpson, Mackenzy Ludington, Rachel Alber. 2nd place were: Paige Adams, Khloee Wood, JT Gerdes, Jacob Ford. 3rd place were: Olivia Gray, Ben Hill and Ray Tassin.
• The elementary spring music concerts were well attended and enjoyed by many. Board Member Spence communicated that he appreciated Mr. Stewart's reference to building a pizza as part of the concert.
• Riley Peterson and Jacob Keever will be representing West Central at the Youth to Springfield Day. They will be sponsored by the McDonough Telephone Cooperative.

The agenda was approved with the following additions:

• XIII.A.3. Retirements: Tanya Morrison, WCHS Secretary
• XIII.A.9. Resignations: Ben Rees, WCHS Principal
• There were no comments from the public.

In other business the board:

• The board approved the Consent Agenda. Items approved under the Consent Agenda included the following:
• The minutes of the March 20, 2018, Special Meeting and Closed Session
• The minutes of the March 21, 2018, Regular Meeting and Closed Session
• The March 2018 bills, March 2018 building Activity Account Reports, the March 2018 Treasurer's Report, and review of the District Financial Snapshot.
• The board tabled Action Items VIII.A. and VIIIB. until the May 16, 2018 Board meeting.
• approved the 2018-2019 school improvement plans for West Central Elementary, West Central Middle School, and West Central High School as presented.
• approved a resolution proclaiming May 7-11, 2018 as National Teacher Appreciation Week and May 8, 2018 as National Teacher Appreciation Day.
• discussed and approved the Contract for Sale of the Media facility to the highest bidder. The buyer is Bradley Flatt, and the high bid was $10,750.
• approved the installation of a new District phone system by Heart.
• approved the request of a student to graduate early.
• approved the request of two students to attend half days during the 2018-2019 school year to take on campus college courses.
• reviewed and heard reports from the building principals; Jason Kirby, Athletic Director; Melinda Frakes, District Technology Coordinator; and Shaila Ayer, District Psychologist and Special Education Director.
• heard proposed changes to the West Central Elementary, West Central Middle School, and West Central High School 2018-2019 handbooks from WCES Assistant Principal Kimberly Harrison, WCMS Principal Julia Burns, and WCHS Assistant Principal Jason Kirby.
• heard a report from the most recent Building and Grounds Committee meeting and discussed a variety of projects to be completed during Summer 2018 and in the future.
• Superintendent Markey reported to the board that Superintendent Whitsitt from United has communicated that United wishes to pursue a wrestling option on their own at this time.
• heard a presentation from Superintendent Markey regarding Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the new school reports cards, the upcoming designations schools will receive, and the criteria that will be used to determine these designations.

The board entered closed session at 8:05 p.m. to discuss matters related to personnel, student discipline, collective negotiating matters, and the selection of a person to fill a vacancy on the school board. The board exited closed session at 10:55 p.m.

The board took the following action in regards to personnel:

• accepted the intent to retire of Jackie Olson as a bus driver with thanks for her many years of service to the District,
• accepted the intent to retire of Kathie Curtiss as a bus driver with thanks for her many years of service to the District,
• accepted the intent to retire of Tanya Morrison as WCHS secretary effective May 31, 2018 with thanks for her many years of service to the District.
• approved a request for maternity leave for Miranda Gullberg,
• accepted the resignation of Samantha Kimmey as WCHS math teacher with thanks for her service to the District.
• accepted the resignation of Kim Strickler as elementary teacher with thanks for her service to the District,
• accepted the resignation of Reid Kelso as homebound tutor with thanks for his service to the District,
• accepted the resignation of Jadee Severs as District Associate with thanks for her service to the District,
• accepted the resignation of Paul Anderson as West Central C.U.S.D. #235 Board of Education Member and Board President with thanks for his many years of service to the District,
• accepted the resignation of Ben Rees as West Central High School Principal with thanks for his service to the District,
• approved the employment of Susan Cangro as a Title I teacher pending completion of pre-employment requirements,
• accepted the resignation of Amy Gipe as WCMS Cheerleading Coach with thanks for her service to the District,
• accepted the resignation of Samantha Kimmey as Math Activities (WYSE) with thanks for her service to the District,
• accepted the resignation of Samantha Kimmey as Junior Class Sponsor with thanks for her service to the District, and
• accepted the resignation of Reid Kelso as WCMS Assistant Baseball Coach with thanks for his service to the District.

The board was reminded that the next regularly scheduled meeting will be Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the West Central Elementary cafeteria.

The board will hold a Special Board meeting on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 in the District Unit Office for the purpose of interviewing candidates for the Board of Education vacancy with the time to be determined.

There being no other business to come before the board, the board adjourned their meeting at 10:55 p.m.