The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The West Central Community Unit School District #235 held its regular board meeting on May 21, in the Elementary Cafeteria, with Vice President Gullberg calling the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
Board members Chockley, Clark, Gullberg, Lenahan, and Vancil were present at the start, with President Brendan Schaley and Josh Higgins arriving later.
Superintendent Day and various school staff, including SIP team members, also attended. The meeting featured a range of positive updates, approvals, and discussions about the district’s future.
The meeting kicked off with an array of “Good News Items” celebrating student and staff accomplishments:
The board congratulated students for their stellar performances in spring music programs, the “Bus Safety” poster contest (with winners Ralph Ludington and Lexi Covert advancing to the state level), and IPA Student Recognition Awards for Lexi Covert, Bryer McKee, Islia Rodeffer, Carter Gibb, Addie Seitz, and Kyle Lafary. Middle school state track meet qualifiers and participants in the 23rd Annual Courageous Smiles Invitational were also recognized.
Ava Carpenter and Kaylinn Bowling shone at the Special Olympics Spring Games, with Ava earning 2nd in the 50m race and 1st in the softball throw (qualifying for state) and Kaylinn placing 5th and 3rd in the same events, respectively.
The Stronghurst Lion’s Club and Henderson County Soil and Conservation group were thanked for providing trees to 4th graders for Arbor Day.
Ruby Gittings was named an All-American in the Senior Non-Reasons Division, placing 12th out of 875 students. The senior class was celebrated during their annual Senior Walk, greeted with cheers and fanfare at the elementary school.
Jenny Ford, Jackie Spence, and Petie Parsons were named 2025 ROE Excellence in Education winners, with Brian Sterett earning a prestigious regional ROE award. Retiring staff members Charlotte Ackermann, Chris Ervin, Kristi Lumbeck, Natalie Ensminger, and Nancy Hull were also honored.
A $3,000 donation from the Rebecca “Becky” Hart Memorial was gratefully acknowledged.
The board approved several items under the consent agenda, including minutes from previous meetings, payment of bills, the treasurer’s report, milk and bread bids, the final 2024-2025 school calendar, and the school photographer contract. Other notable approvals included:
The 2025-2026 School Improvement Plans (SIP) for West Central Elementary (WCES), Middle (WCMS), and High School (WCHS) were presented and unanimously approved.
The board approved the 2025-2026 student meal costs as presented.
The Unland renewal quote for the district’s insurance package was approved.
A new WCHS wrestling program was greenlit, expanding athletic opportunities for students.
The board approved a $16,710 quote from Maple City Concrete for the WCMS entrance concrete project and a $9,986.45 quote (plus $1,500-$2,000 for shipping/mailing) from The Forgottonia Times to produce two district magazines in 2025-2026, funded by the federal Stronger Connections Grant.
PressPlus Issue 118 was approved on its first reading.
The proposed sub-committees were approved.
Superintendent Day provided updates on several ongoing and future initiatives:
The district responded to three Freedom of Information Act requests from SmartProCure, Civic IQ, and Data Branch regarding vendor and purchasing information.
Board members were encouraged to register for the November conference in Chicago, with registration opening in June.
A hearing for the amended budget is scheduled for the June board meeting, with no major adjustments reported.
Planned projects include new high school windows, an elementary PA system, a district-wide phone system, new copy machines, flooring replacements, new whiteboards, and classroom painting.
Discussions for a potential summer 2026 playground project were held, with further planning set for the June 21 board retreat. A meeting with a playground company will be scheduled to discuss requirements.
The board discussed the possibility of a long-term lease or sale of the Stronghurst rental house, currently leased to a non-district tenant. Superintendent Day will explore lease options and report back.
The board addressed several personnel matters:
Stephanie Higgins (WCHS Head Volleyball Coach), Conner Hill (WCHS English Teacher), Megan Rodeffer (WCHS Secretary), and Allissa Wheeler (WCES Special Education Teacher) were approved, pending certifications and background checks.
Michelle Sheehan’s maternity leave was noted, and resignations/retirements were acknowledged for Colton Smith, Tessa Sargeant, and Payton Clark.
Kelly Davis was terminated as a district custodian.
Jesse Molyneux’s separation agreement and resignation were approved.
The May 21 board minutes were approved at the June 18 board meeting. The next board meeting is scheduled for July 16 at 6:00 p.m. in the Elementary Cafeteria.
The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. after a closed session to discuss personnel and negotiations, reflecting a productive evening of celebrating achievements, planning for the future, and addressing district needs. West Central CUSD #235 continues to prioritize student success, staff excellence, and community engagement as it prepares for the 2025-2026 school year.