The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Joy Swearingen, Quill Correspondent
The administrative staff at Illini West High School will change in several ways when school starts next fall.
Along with new superintendent, Jay Harnack, and principal, Jim Short, a new position has been created that combines two previous administrators into one job.
Grant Surprenant was approved to fill the position of director of student services. This job combines his previous role as student liaison and the job of assistant principal, formerly held by Short. The change will save the district about $90,000 in administrative salaries.
"The position grew out of a conversation regarding the structure of the administration going forward," explained board president, John Huston, after the meeting.
"The conversation included the board, both superintendents, and the principal. It included the credentials necessary, and the responsibilities required as needs of the position came into focus."
Several options were considered and the final result was creating a director of student services.
The position was approved in April, and Surprenant was hired at the regular board meeting May 19.
It was the last board meeting for retiring principal, Scott Schneider, and superintendent, Kim Schilson, who thanked the board for their time working together.
"I just want to thank the board of Illini West for the privilege of being superintendent," Schilson said. "We had our ups and our downs. We have done a lot in the last eleven years. Your budgeting and technology are strong, I would put it against anyone else in the state, what you've done with the district finances, and making sure the kids have all they need in the classroom."
Schilson was acknowledged with a gift of flowers.
Principal Schneider said all went well with graduation. He noted that 15 students have signed up for the summer credit recovery classes. He said 23 letters were sent to students who had a failing grade in a core class during the first, second or third quarter. More may join the program when fourth quarter grades are finalized.
The summer classes are done online through the Edgenuity program at the school's learning center with teachers on hand to help students.
Michelle Merritt spoke representing We Stand for our Students, asking the board to stay up to date on changes in IDPH and CDC guidelines. The group supports parents' rights to choose the best health measures for their own children, especially related to mask wearing and quarantining.
The board did not appoint a board member to fill the open seat from the LaHarpe area because the applicant was not present. That will be done in June.
Three retiring teachers were thanked. Tim Lafferty, physical education and drivers ed, Judy Stevenson, art, and Deb Murphy, math, were honored on their retirement.
A budget amendment hearing was held at the start of the meeting. There was no public comment. The hearing was held so the district adjust the budget to pay bills that come in at the end of the year.
The final 2020-2021 school year calendar was approved. Board members were urged to sign up to attend the joint school board/administrators conference in November.
Coaches for fall and winter of the 2021-2022 school year were approved as follows:
Amanda Lewis and Ashtyn St. Clair, head cheerleading coaches; Ryan Bliss, head cross country coach; Christine Murphy, head golf coach; Shane Murphy and Corey Housewright, volunteer golf coaches; Lyle Klein, head football coach; Zak Huston, Zack Burling, Michael Lafferty, Justin Ellison, and Landon McKeown, assistant football coaches; Bryan Huff, volunteer football coach; Dakota Lafferty, head volleyball coach; Alexis Dooley and Lauren McGaughey, assistant volleyball coaches; Justin Ellison, head boys basketball coach; Tim Lafferty, assistant boys basketball coach; Ashley Burling, head dance coach; Grant Surprenant, head girls basketball coach; Stephan Patrick and Michaela Gooding, assistant girls basketball coaches; Lyle Klein, head wrestling coach; Tyler Schilson, assistant wrestling coach.
Summer helpers hired were Caydee Kirkham, Cole Kirkham and Brandi Johnson.
Illini West new principal above, left, is Jim Short, and at right filliing the new position of Director of Student Services is Grant Surprenant.
Retiring teachers, from left, Judy Stevenson, art; Deb Murphy, math; and Tim Lafferty, physical ed and drivers ed
Kim Schilson receives flowers from the board on her retirement.