The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Public Hearing Held Before WC Regular School Board Meeting

Prior to the May 17, 2023, regular board meeting a public hearing was held regarding the permanent transfer of funds from the Education Fund to the O & M Fund.

Present at the hearing were: Dillan Vancil, Mindy Clark, Josh Higgins and Lauren Chockley. Absent were: Schaley, Bigger and Gullberg. There were no comments from the public.

Superintendent Day explained the hearing was a formal step after the board previously approved transferring $850,000 from the Education Fund to the O & M Fund to pay for the HVAC project.

In between the public hearing and the regular meeting, Darren Stewart presented a wood flag to the West Central High School Football Coaches in honor of their state championship season!

The May 17, 2023 regular Board of Education meeting was called to order by Vice President Vancil at 6:10 p.m. leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

Board members present were: Dillan Vancil, Mindy Clark, Karl Gullberg, Lauren Chockley and Josh Higgins. Board members absent: Sarah Bigger and Brendan Schaley Also present for the meeting were: Superintendent Stacey Day, Recording Secretary Jaime Shultz, District Administrators: Sara Ryner, Kathy Lafary, Jason Kirby, Joe Peters and District Technology Coordinator Jeremy Hennings. Others present at the meeting were: Natalie Ensminger, Lisa Lox, Heather Davis, Lisa Miller,

Tammy Slater, Danna Cory, Kendrah Ruebush, Adam Boyle, Jackie Biggs, Tom Williams, Tiffany Ouellette, Oliver Ouellette, Emily Klossing, Julie Ricketts, Jenny Ford, PJ Thompson, Kristi Lumbeck, Laura Lewis, Danielle Covert and Darren Stewart. Jessica Winters arrived at the end of the meeting.

The following items were shared as good news:

  1. Elementary IPA Student Recognition Award winners: Joseph Inman and Grace Deverell
  2. Middle School IPA Student Recognition Award winners: Brian Root and Katelyn Ford
  3. High School IPA Student Award winners: Elaina Fisher and Alexis Strack
  4. With the assistance of the kindergarten teachers, WCE collected $272.00 to donate to the Henderson County Library to be used to purchase materials for the Children’s Department.
  5. We appreciate the Stronghurst Lion’s Club and the Henderson County Soil and Conservation group for partnering to provide trees to our 4th grade students in recognition of Arbor Day.
  6. Several of our WC students participated in the 22nd Annual Courageous Smiles Invitational at Illini West High School. We are so proud of our student athletes. This year’s special event was dedicated to Wyatt Peterson.
  7. Congratulations was given to Ms. Cory and our students on their outstanding Spring Music performances.
  8. Congratulations, thank you, and best wishes were given to Maria Martin and Richard Clifton on their retirement!
  9. Aidan Garner and Hailey Manes qualified for the IESA State track and field meet!
  10. The Bachelor King had 3 fabulous public performances and 1 private show for Oakwood Lane.
  11. Congratulations was given to Jessica Winters, Jeremy Hennings and Kim Thompson for being our 2023 ROE Excellence in Education winners for West Central. Jodi Arnold was also recognized for her 12 years on the Board of Education.
  12. Jeremy Hennings was selected as a Regional ROE Excellence in Education winner by the ROE staff. Congratulations were given to him!
  13. Thank you was given to Dane Fine Coffee for bringing their truck for staff and students during Teacher Appreciation Week and the Seniors last day.

The following items were approved on the Consent Agenda, by a vote of 5-0:

  1. Meeting Minutes of the Regular Meeting, April 19, 2023
  2. Meeting Minutes of the Closed Session, April 19, 2023
  3. Meeting Minutes of the Reorganization Meeting, April 27, 2023
  4. Payment of Bills
  5. Approval of Activity Accounts
  6. Approval of Treasurer’s Report
  7. Review of District Financial Report
  8. Retirement of Richard Clifton, Paraprofessional
  9. Resignation of Carman Hoenig, WCHS English Teacher
  10. Resignation of Danna Cory, District Vocal Teacher
  11. Maternity leave for Kendrah Ruebush
  12. Approval of Milk and Bread Bid
  13. Approval of the board’s continued membership in the Illinois Association of School Boards
  14. Approval of Summer 2023 Behind the Wheel Driver Education Program
  15. Approval of PRESS Issue 111 Policies on a 2nd Reading
  16. Approval of Final 2022-2023 Public School Calendar
  17. Approval of Precision Photo as School Photographer

WCES, WCMS and WCHS SIP Plans were presented by teams from each of the buildings. Each group shared their strengths, weaknesses and plans for improvement for the 2023-2024 school year. The board voted to approve all SIP plans by unanimous voice vote.

There was only one FOIA request for this month. The University of Kentucky requested information about high school students in order to send college information to all students.

Superintendent Day discussed the Triple I Conference held in Chicago for board members each November. Board members are invited to attend the three day conference and participate in the learning opportunities. Board members currently planning to attend are Clark. Others are to confirm with Superintendent Day in the next few weeks in order to complete registration.

A discussion was held on student meal costs for the 2023-2024 school year. Prices have not been raised in the last three school years. Due to the increased cost of food and supplies, Superintendent Day recommended the board consider a $0.10 increase in meals. This item will be brought back to the board for final action in June. (Board member Sarah Bigger arrived at the meeting.)

Superintendent Day presented information on the FY23 Amended Budget. She reminded board members that this was planned from the start of the budgeting process as we worked through HVAC and other projects throughout the district. The amended budget will be on display in the district office for those who would like to see the information. The final amended budget will be presented at a Public Hearing before the June board meeting and a final vote on the budget will be taken during the June meeting.

In other business the board:

The board adjourned at 10:42 pm. with the next meeting on Wednesday, June 21 at 6 p.m.