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West Central Hears of Its Students' Successes

At the regular West Central board of education meeting, February 15, The Board of Education recognized the 2021-2022 Board of Education Academic Excellence Award winners (Rozella Liggett, Alexis Strack and Samantha Meyer) and the 2023 Illinois State Scholars (Alexis Strack, Elaina Fisher and Kaiden Droste).

The West Central Board was called to order by President Schaley at 6:00 pm. who also led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

1. Other Good News items which the West Central heard about and celebrated were:
• WCE participated in the World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) in February.
• Several guest readers recorded their favorite books online to be shared with students in their classrooms. The board wants to extend their appreciation to everyone in the community who helped with this project.
• WCE celebrated the 100th day of school on January 31 with many activities!
• WCE hosted a parent program for the 4th and 5th grade students and their families on February 6th. Thanks to our Title Team for creating a fun activity involving an Escape Room linked to a topic in our science curriculum.
• Our PK staff also hosted a Block Night where the students and their families had a chance to build with all kinds of blocks.
• Middle School 7th Grade Boys’ Basketball made it to sectionals and had a great season!
• Middle School 8th Grade Boys’ Basketball made it to the regional championship and had a great season!
• Women’s Group from Stronghurst Presbyterian Church donated three Life Vacs for use in the elementary, middle school and high school cafeterias, in case of emergency and the heimlich maneuver isn’t enough.
• Alexis Strack was awarded the Army ROTC National Scholarship. She receives full tuition to any school in the United States with an ROTC program.
• Bailey Ryan earned 8th place in the state for her VFW essay competition. She earns a scholarship with the award.
• The high school girls basketball team is playing for a regional title on Friday evening at Brown County.
2. John Johnson addressed the board with concerns about the football field project. He also discussed how happy he is to see the number of board candidates running in the April election and how many people are willing to step up and help our district.
3. The consent agenda passed on a roll call vote (7-0) on the following items:
• Approval of the January 18, 2023 regular meeting minutes
• Approval of the January 18, 2023 closed session meeting minutes
• Approval of payment for all bills presented
• Approval of the activity account reports presented.
• Approval of the November and December 2022 Treasurer’s Reports.
• Approval of the resignation of Jonah Seals as District Maintenance Director.
• Approval of the resignation of Philip Perzee as WCHS Science Teacher and Sophomore Class Sponsor.
• Approval of Steve Murphy as WCHS Volunteer Bowling Coach.
• Approval of Amy Olson as WCMS PE Teacher and Athletic Director.
4. Two FOIA requests were received this month. Illinois Retired Teachers Association sent one asking for contact information for certified staff retiring this year, we do not have any. SmartProcure sent in their recurring request for vendor information and materials purchased details.
5. The 2023-2024 School Calendar was presented for discussion. The calendar is similar to calendars that have been presented in the past. It will be placed on the March agenda for final approval.
6. The Board members signed off on their mandated reporter paperwork, noting the requirement to report suspected child abuse to DCFS.
7. Discussion was held on the on-going HVAC project. The high school gym and cafeteria were not included in the original project started during the 2021-2022 school year. The estimated cost for adding those areas into the project is $643,000. There will be a Special Board Meeting held on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at 6:00 pm in order to take action on the project. That agenda will be forthcoming.
8. Reports were presented by building administrators, district technology coach and the district athletic director.
9. The Board was asked to share future agenda items with Superintendent Day or President Schaley.
10. The Board adjourned to Closed Session at 7:25 pm to discuss the personnel matters(Superintendent Evaluation).
11. The Board returned from closed session at 8:02 pm and took the following action:
• Approved Pam Moore as a para substitute at a pay rate of $18.30/hour, at the completion of her 120 substitute days through TRS.
• Approved hiring Ross Parcel as WCHS Assistant Baseball Coach.
• Approved hiring Heidi Ford as a long-term sub for West Central Elementary maternity leave.
• The board did not take action on a West Central Elementary 3rd grade teacher hire.
12. The Board was reminded that the next Regular Board of Education Meeting will be on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at 6:00 pm in the West Central Elementary Cafeteria.
13. The Board adjourned the meeting at 8:05 pm. Board members who were present were: Brendan Schaley, Mindy Clark, Sarah Bigger, Dillan Vancil, Steve Lumbeck, Jodi Arnold and Mike Lenahan.

Also present for the meeting were: Superintendent Stacey Day, Recording Secretary Jaime Shultz, District Administrators: Jason Kirby, Sara Ryner, Kathy Lafary, Joel Zaiser, Joe Peters and District Technology Coordinator Jeremy Hennings.

Also present at the meeting were Lauren Chockley, John Johnson, Jamie Tucker, Wesley Strack, Denise Strack, Alexis Strack, Garrett Fisher, Jena Fisher, Elaina Fisher, Don McCabe, Jim Fisher, Char Fisher, Amanda Wood, Rozella Liggett, Tina Droste, Carl Droste and Kaiden Droste.