The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.


West Central CUSD Summer Projects

At the West Central Community Unit School District #235 board meeting on May 15th, a reminder of summer projects was provided to the board which included: High School HVAC (gym and cafeteria), High School Windows, High School Greenhouse, new flooring in Pre-K Classrooms and new whiteboards and painting in many rooms in the Middle School and High School. A discussion was held on the Middle School Locker Rooms.

The board rejected the bid they had received on the full project at their special meeting on May 8th. Superintendent Day will work with the plumber to focus on fixing the drains and installing new plumbing fixtures. We will work to address pieces of the project to make needed changes and conserve costs.

The 6 p.m. regular meeting was called to order by President Brendan Schaley.

Good News Items:

Approved Agenda

Approved the agenda as presented with action item 15B removed due to not receiving the updated quote.

Public Comments

There were no remarks from the public at this meeting.

Consent Agenda

Approved the consent agenda including the following items:

The minutes of the regular meeting of April 17, 2024; minutes of the closed session of April 17, 2024; minutes of the special meeting of May 8, 2024; payment of all bills; activity accounts; Treasurer’s Report for April 2024; the milk and bread bids; the Summer 2024 Behind the Wheel Driver Education Program; the PRESS Issue 114 Board Policies on 2nd reading; the Final 2023-2024 Public School Calendar; the School Photographer Precision Image.

The WCES 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 2024-2025 school year—approved the WCES and WCHS SIP Plans as presented.

Discussion Items

There was only one FOIA request for this month. A request for video footage from a parking lot.

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 are encouraged to let Superintendent Day know ASAP if they plan to attend the conference, registration opens June 3.

Superintendent Day presented information on the FY24 Amended Budget. The final vote on the FY24 Amended Budget will be taken during the June board meeting.

Mrs. Ouellette shared a quick update on the district library project and projects she has been working on over the school year.

Superintendent Day presented the board with a draft copy of updates to the District Athletic Code. Board members were asked to review it and share their feedback in the next two weeks. A final draft will be presented for approval at the June meeting to be implemented for the 2024-2025 school year.

Reports

The board reviewed and heard reports from the Building Principals K. Lafary, J. Kirby, and District Technology Coordinator J. Hennings.

Action Items Approved

The 2024-2025 student meal costs as presented, the Unland renewal quote for our district insurance package as presented, the bid from Trotter Contracting, Inc for the elementary canopy project, at a cost of $155,000, as presented. the elementary assistant principal job description as presented.

Future Agenda Items

Board members were asked to contact Superintendent Day with future agenda items.

Closed Session

Adjourned to closed meeting pursuant of the Illinois Open Meetings Act - 5ILCS 120/2 (2) (16) at 8:55 p.m. to discuss the following subjects:

  1. Personnel - 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;
  2. Negotiations - 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. Motion carried.

The board took a short break and reconvened in the District Office conference room at 9:01 p.m. and return to open session at 10:03 p.m.

The board took a short break and reconvened in the West Central Elementary Cafeteria at 10:07 p.m.

Personnel Changes/Action

Approved the rehire of Tyler Klossing as WCHS Girls’ Head Basketball.

Volunteers: Michelle Sheehan-WCHS Cheer Coach

New Appointments: Renata Conway-WCHS Cheer Coach, Kristen Mynatt-WCHS Head Volleyball Coach

Change of Assignment: Lane Lox-WCMS Math Teacher, Teresa Stevenson-WCMS English Teacher

Resignations/retirements: Doug Rutzen-District Bus Driver, Brenda Stamper-District Cook,(effective April 22, 2024), Allen Tomson-District Custodian,effective immediately, Lisa Lox-WCMS -play director, Jacinda Hill-WCMS 7th grade Volleyball coach

Motion carried.

Future Meeting Date

The Board was reminded that the next regular board meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 6:00 p.m., in the elementary cafeteria. There will be a FY24 Amended Budget Hearing at 5:45 pm on the same night.

The following board members answered roll call: Bigger, Clark, Higgins, Schaley and Vancil. Chockley and Gullberg were absent. President Schaley declared a quorum present. Also present were Superintendent Day, K. Lafary, J. Kirby, J. Peters, J. Hennings, and J. Shultz.

Motion to adjourn at 10:08 p.m.

Public Hearing

A public hearing for Paving work was held at 5:46 p.m. in the Elementary Cafeteria before the regular meeting. Superintendent Day explained the hearing was a formal step. No members of the public were present to address the board. The hearing adjourned at 5:47 p.m. Motion carried.