The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
On June 18, the West Central Community Unit School District #235 convened a public hearing for the FY25 Amended Budget, followed by its regular board meeting, in the West Central Elementary Library.
The meetings addressed key budgetary, educational, and infrastructural matters, reflecting the district’s commitment to enhancing student experiences and maintaining operational efficiency.
Public Hearing for FY25 Amended Budget
The public hearing commenced at 5:49 p.m., led by Board President Brendan Schaley. Board members Melissa Clark, Karl Gullberg, Josh Higgins, Schaley, and Dillan Vancil answered roll call with Mike Lenahan arriving shortly after.
Superintendent Stacey Day and building administrators Kathy Lafary, B. Taylor, B. Kugler, and Jason Kirby, along with community members Jeremy Hennings, Julie Ricketts, Kim Thompson, Dave Thompson, Jena Goff, and Lene Lox, attended.
No public comments were made, and Superintendent Day explained that the hearing was a procedural step to amend the FY25 budget.
The hearing adjourned at 6:00 p.m. following a motion by Clark, seconded by Vancil, which carried unanimously.
Regular Board Meeting Highlights
The regular meeting began at 6:01 p.m. with the same board members present, except for Chockley, who was absent. After the Pledge of Allegiance, led by President Schaley, the board celebrated the success of the 2024-2025 school year, expressing gratitude to staff and anticipation for the upcoming academic year.
Key Actions and Approvals
The board approved the agenda and a comprehensive consent agenda, which included minutes from prior meetings, bill payments, activity accounts, the Treasurer’s Report for May 2025, and continued participation with the Illinois Association of School Boards.
The FY25 Amended Budget was unanimously approved, as were negotiated health insurance rates with BCBS, the 2025-2026 Student Handbook changes, the PaCE Framework, the FY26 Consolidated District Plan, and the District Literacy Plan.
Additionally, the board approved early graduation requests for seven students, pending completion of requirements, and approved a concussion program agreement with Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center for athletic training services. A high school cheer overnight camp at Western Illinois University was also authorized.
Discussion Items
The board addressed several pressing matters:
The board approved the rehiring of the following spring coaches for the 2025-2026 season:
Notably, Ross Parcel was not rehired as High School Head Baseball Coach, and the High School Girls’ Track Coach position remains open due to a resignation.
The motion to approve these rehires passed 6-0.
Additional Personnel Actions
The board approved extra duty stipends for 2025-2026, covering roles such as:
New appointments included Lene Lox (WCMS 8th Grade Volleyball Coach), Edward Santos (WCMS Head Football Coach, volunteer Baseball Coach), Alexander Cuevas (WCMS Social Studies Teacher), Ariel Dillard (WCMS Student Council Sponsor), and Beatrice Thomas (District Custodian).
Changes of assignment included Rose Garner (from District Head Cook to Custodian) and Jackie Spence (from WCMS Social Studies to ELA Teacher).
Resignations acknow-ledged included Andy Lumbeck (WCHS Assistant Football Coach), Alyssa Hawk (WCMS Student Council Sponsor), and Joel Zaiser (WCHS Assistant Principal/Athletic Director).
Erin Clark was not rehired as Middle School Athletic Director. All personnel actions passed 6-0. The board also approved exempt staff salaries and contracts (6-0) and a resolution to release closed session minutes and destroy verbatim recordings (6-0).
Closed Session
The board entered a closed session at 8:15 p.m. to discuss personnel and negotiations, reconvening at 9:33 p.m. (6-0).
Future Meetings
This information was taken from the June minutes approved at the July 16, meeting.
The next board meeting is scheduled for August 19, at 6:00 p.m. in the West Central Elementary Library.