The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The West Central Community Unit School District #235 Board of Education convened for its regular monthly meeting on August 20, in the elementary school cafeteria.
Led by Board President Brendan Schaley, the gathering focused on celebrating a positive kickoff to the academic year, addressing infrastructure needs, and approving several operational changes.
With all seven board members present; Lauren Chockley, Mindy Clark, Karl Gullberg, Josh Higgins, Mike Lenahan, Schaley, and Dillan Vancil—the meeting proceeded efficiently, blending routine approvals with forward-looking discussions.
Celebrating Successes and a Strong Start
The meeting opened on an upbeat note with “Good News Items.”
Superintendent Stacey Day and building principals highlighted student participation in the ROE Summerfest on July 23 and the Henderson County Fair, where many West Central students showcased their talents beyond the classroom.
Attendees also praised the seamless first few days of school, noting smooth transportation and productive staff institute days that allowed teachers time to prepare their classrooms.
High attendance at Welcome Back and Backpack Nights further underscored community enthusiasm for the new year.
Public Input and Routine Approvals
Public comments centered on the high school gym scoreboard and potential sponsorships, with community members Kim Thompson and Jessica Booton sharing insights during the relevant agenda item. The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda via voice vote.
The consent agenda passed with a 7-0 roll call vote, covering a range of standard items: minutes from prior meetings on July 16 and 21, payment of bills, treasurer’s reports for June and July, activity accounts, second reading of PressPlus Policy Issue 119 updates, and the 2025-2026 bowling agreement with Tombstone Bowling.
Key Discussions: From FOIA to Future Projects
Superintendent Day updated the board on two Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests received from Smart ProCure and Starbridge App, both seeking vendor and purchase data.
Both were fulfilled promptly, with one covering the last quarter and the other spanning from January 2022 to the present.
Building principals Kathy Lafary (elementary), Brittney Kugler (middle school), and Jason Kirby (high school), along with Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Stacey Kreps, Technology Coordinator Jeremy Hennings, and Special Education Coordinator Mallory Nelson, provided reports on school operations.
Discussions emphasized the district’s upcoming Health-Life-Safety (HLS) bond process, following a 10-year survey completed a few years ago.
With the current bond’s final payment due in December, the district is partnering with Stifel to issue new bonds for required Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) work. A public hearing is slated for September, with bond authorization in October and closure in November.
The board also explored investing bond proceeds through ISDLAF and PMA for flexible project funding.
Other topics included the West Central Elementary (WCE) playground project, with updated quotes from Team Reil and Custom Pro estimating equipment at around $112,000.
Elementary administration, the superintendent, and the Parent-Teacher Club (PTC) will collaborate on equipment selection, funding, and surfacing, aiming to promote the project at the upcoming PTC Fall Festival.
The high school gym scoreboard drew significant attention, as new shot clocks are mandated by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA).
An offer from Atlantic Bottling Company for $2,250 annually in sponsorships and rebates was discussed, contingent on exclusive Coca-Cola product sales.
However, concerns from the West Central Athletic Association (WCAA) and Music Boosters about fundraising impacts were noted.
WCAA plans to contribute memorial funds, including from the Nancy Tennant memorial, and seek local sponsorships. Updated quotes will determine final costs, with installation targeted for summer 2026 ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.
Finally, the board agreed to revive regular meetings of the Building and Grounds Committee, involving members Vancil and Gullberg, to prioritize HLS-related projects.
Superintendent Day will coordinate and report progress at future meetings.
Action Items and Personnel Updates
The board took decisive steps on several fronts. The tentative FY26 district budget was approved 7-0, as was the job description for Head Cook and Cook.
In a move to update legal services, the district shifted to Franzeck, PC for representation, also passing 7-0.
Following a closed session from 7:54 p.m. to 8:36 p.m. to discuss personnel and negotiations—per the Illinois Open Meetings Act—the board reconvened and approved a slate of personnel changes with a 6-0 vote (Schaley abstaining).
Highlights include:
Volunteers: Brendan Schaley (WCMS Softball Coach), Eric Vancil and Landon Winters (WCMS Baseball Coaches), Amanda Corzatt (WCMS & WCHS Softball Coach).
New Appointments: Austin Bigger (WCHS Assistant Football Coach and District Paraprofessional), Payton Clark (WCMS Student Council Sponsor), Gwen Kahlke (WCMS Physical Education Teacher), Teresa Stevenson (SIP Team Member), Steve Boughton and John Martinez (District Custodians), Kristi Lumbeck (WCES Special Education Teacher, start date adjusted to August 22, 2025), Stacey Kreps (District Mentor), and various mentors across schools including Jackie Biggs, Adam Boyle, Tiffany Ouellette, Tom Williams (WCHS); Heather Davis, Jackie Spence, Teresa Stevenson (WCMS); and Kristi Lumbeck, Jessica Winters (WCEL).
Resignations/Retirements: Acknowledgment of Erin Clark’s resignation as WCMS Physical Education Teacher.
All new appointments are pending certifications, requirements, and background checks.
Looking Ahead
Board members were encouraged to suggest future agenda items to Superintendent Day or President Schaley.
The next key events included the FY26 Budget Hearing on September 22, followed by the regular board meeting both were held in the elementary cafeteria.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m., with minutes approved as written on September 22. This session reflects the district’s commitment to transparency, community involvement, and proactive planning as West Central students and staff settle into a promising school year.
The next meeting is scheduled for October 15, at 6:00 p.m. in the Elementary Cafeteria.