The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The West Central School Board unanimously approved the issuance of up to $8.25 million in General Obligation School Bonds during its regular meeting on Wednesday, October 15.
The Series 2025 bonds will fund fire prevention and safety improvements, energy conservation projects, and enhanced school security measures across district facilities.
Specific projects include:
The resolution also authorizes a direct annual tax levy to repay the bonds and approves a bond purchase agreement with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated. The vote was 6-0.
In other business, the board celebrated numerous community support initiatives and student achievements.
The West Central Middle School baseball team placed 4th in the IESA State Series.
Seven high school students were recognized for maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA during the 2024-2025 school year: Teegan Rodeffer, Katelyn Ford, Jimena Perez, Aiden Todd, Christian Del Carlo, Jaxon Endress, and Mason Schaley.
Community donors stepped up generously for athletics and activities, including a $1,000 gift from Mike Curry to the WCHS Activity Account, $1,100 to the district, and ongoing monthly donations from Curry to both the middle and elementary schools.
Additional donations came from Bank of Stronghurst, Plate Services, Inghram Lawn & Landscaping, and Security Savings Bank.
The board also highlighted several successful recent events, including a well-attended Homecoming Alumni Event (over 180 participants), the West Central PTC Fall Festival, and WCHS FFA’s Ag Day.
Playground and Facilities Updates
Excitement is building for the new elementary playground. The playground committee shared renderings at the PTC Fall Festival, generating enthusiastic responses from students. The committee met on October 28 to finalize equipment selections and launch fundraising efforts.
A Local Contractor Informational Meeting was held on October 22 to educate area contractors on school construction bidding, bonding, and insurance requirements ahead of summer 2026 projects.
Personnel Changes
Following a closed session, the board approved several coaching appointments and volunteers for the winter sports season, including Tom Williams as WCHS Head Girls’ Basketball Coach, Jordain Johnson as WCHS Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach, Casey Goff, Andy Chockley, and Andrew Foss as WCMS boys’ basketball coaches (6th, 7th, and 8th grades).
Volunteers approved included Kati Pepper (WCMS cheer), Travis Vancil (WCHS bowling), and Kevin Gibb (WCMS 6th-grade boys’ basketball).
The board accepted the resignations of Nick Allen (WCHS assistant baseball coach) and paraprofessional Michelle Sheehan.
Present were board members Lauren Chockley, Mindy Clark, Karl Gullberg, Mike Lenahan, Brendan Schaley, and Dillan Vancil. Absent was Josh Higgins.
Also present were Superintendent Stacey Day, Recording Secretary Jaime Shultz, Kathy Lafary, Brittney DeWeese, Byron Helt, Jason Kirby, Stacey Kreps, Jeremy Hennings, Mallory Nelson, Will Todd, Carrie Todd, Aiden Todd, Chris Ford, Rachel Ford, Katelyn Ford, Bryan McVay, Floralia McVay, Alesandro McVay, Jimena Perez, Emily Schaley, Justine Schaley, Mason Schaley, and Kevin Heid.
This information was taken from the October 15 minutes, approved at the November 18 regular meeting. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, at 6:00 p.m. in the elementary cafeteria.