The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
West Central School Board Explores Health Insurance
At the West Central School Board meeting held on Wednesday, June 20, an update from Superintendent Markey with regard to exploring health insurance options was given.
An Insurance Committee has been established, and the committee heard its first presentation from Kepple Companies on Tuesday, June 19. A second presentation is scheduled with ISEBC on Monday, June 25, 2018.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.in the West Central North campus library by Board President Jodi Arnold. All board members with the exception of Mindy Clark were present at roll call.
President Arnold led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Under Good News Items the following items were highlighted:
- Maddie Reed was selected to the Lincoln Trail 2018 All-Conference First Team. Carley Lafary was selected to the LTC 2018 All-Conference Second Team. Reagan Spence was selected as Honorable Mention to the LTC 2018 All-Conference Team.
- Nicholas Brokaw is one of five finalists in the state for FFA Star placement in Agriculture. According to local sources, this is the first time since 1978 that a student from Union, Southern, or West Central has been a State Finalist.
- Luke Ditsworth and Freeman Shoemaker made the LTC All Conference Track Team.
- Maddie Reed was named to the Illinois Coaches Association Second Team All State Team.
- The music students (band & chorus) received Superior ratings on their performance in Florida.
- Items approved under the Consent Agenda included the following:
- the minutes of the May 16, 2018 Regular Meeting and Closed Session and the minutes of June 3, 2018 Special Meeting and Closed Session,
- the May 2018 bills, May 2018 building Activity Account Reports, the May 2018 Treasurer's Report, and review of the District Financial Snapshot,
- the June 2018, Prevailing Wage Resolution and Wage Rates,
- the use of the Bank of Stronghurst for the WCES, WCMS and WCHS Activity Accounts,
- the continued use of Precision Photo Imaging as the School Photographer,
- the lease of a 2014 Chevy Cruze from Bruce Foote Chevrolet of Monmouth in the amount of $150 per month with two payments of $900.00 at six month intervals;
- the request of a WCHS student to attend half days during the 2018-2019 school year.
In other business the board:
- approved taking the Future Ready Pledge as a District-Wide School Improvement Process.
- approved a two-year Golf Co-op Agreement with West Prairie #103.
- approved the following policies on first reading:
Policy 2:260 - Uniform Grievance Procedure,
- Policy 4:40 - Incurring Debt,
- Policy 5:20 - Workplace Harassment Prohibited,
- Policy 5:170 - Copyright.
approved a Life/Safety Amendment for West Central Middle School to replace interior classroom lighting with energy efficient lighting.
approved a Life/Safety Amendment for West Central High School to replace an existing hot water tank and an exterior door.
discussed hosting the back to school lunch for teachers again on August 16, 2018. The board agreed to host this luncheon.
discussed the purchase of two school vehicles.
discussed the use of Ed360 Dashboard to analyze assessment scores and the administration of MAP testing at K-8th grade.
discussed the possibility of offering a CNA class in coordination with Melissa Tate, Director of Nursing at the Henderson County Retirement Center. At this time, the Board has directed Mr. Kirby and Superintendent Markey to explore other options.
heard a proposal from Technology Director Melinda Frakes regarding quotes from multiple vendors for a 3-year copier lease.
The Board entered closed session at 7:45 p.m. to discuss matters related to the following:
A. The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity
B. Collective negotiating matters between the school board and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees
The Board exited closed session at 10:02 p.m. and took the following action in regard to personnel:
- approved the intent to retire of Mary Ashby as a part-time School Nurse with thanks for her service,
- approved the resignation of Sheena Shultz as a full-time District Associate with thanks for her service,
- approved the resignation of Jason Kirby as WCHS Assistant Principal with thanks for his service,
- approved the resignation of Kristen Kennelly as WCHS Spanish teacher,
- approved the resignation of Julia Burns as WCMS Principal with thanks for her service,
- approved the transfer of Erica Bush from 1st grade to 2nd grade,
- approved the employment of Ellen Olson as a full-time District Associate,
- approved the employment of Jena Goff as a full-time District Associate,
- approved the employment of Amy Fischer as a full-time District Associate,
- approved the employment of Cody Eaton as a Special Education teacher,
- approved the employment of Jennifer Hoogerwerf as a Secretary,
- approved the employment of Teri Cole as a part-time Cook,
- approved the employment of Jackie Olson as a Substitute Bus Driver,
- approved the employment of Kathie Curtiss as a Substitute Bus Driver,
- approved the employment of Joe Peters as WCHS Assistant Principal/Athletic Director,
- approved the resignation of Jason Kirby as District Athletic Director with thanks for his service,
- approved the employment of Adam Boyle as WCHS Student Council Sponsor,
- approved the employment of Josh Heitman as WCHS Golf Coach,
- approved the employment of Ariel Dillard as WCHS Cheerleading Coach,
- approved the employment of Ethan Siebers as 8th Grade Girls' Basketball Coach, and
- approved the employment of Ethan Siebers as WCMS Assistant Baseball Coach.
The next regularly scheduled meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the West Central North Campus Library.
The board adjourned their meeting at 10:19 p.m.