The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The West Central School Board held its regular monthly meeting on November 18, 2025, in the elementary cafeteria.
President Brendan Schaley presided over the session, which featured celebrations of student and staff achievements, financial approvals, and updates on ongoing district projects.
Good News and Recognitions
The meeting began with a series of positive highlights from across the district. Gratitude was extended to families for supporting the recent Scholastic Book Fairs at both the elementary and middle schools.
The Middle School Veterans Day Assembly was praised as a success, with thanks to attending veterans and the students and staff who organized the event.
West Central Elementary participated in the Cereal Box Domino Challenge, collecting 1,182 boxes of cereal donated to local food pantries, and congratulations were given to 5th-grade teacher Ms. Lewis and her students.
Junior Rebecca Hinshaw qualified for the IHSA Swim State Finals for the second consecutive year.
Senior Keaton Ruebush earned 1st Team All-State honors in football, while six players received 1st Team All-Conference recognition.
The Middle School Speech Team placed 1st at the Rockridge Invitational and is scheduled to present at the December board meeting.
The board and administration recognized School Board Appreciation Day and thanked members for their service.
Numerous staff members were honored as part of the “Our District Our Legacy” initiative, including all bus and van drivers as well as dozens of teachers, aides, and support staff.
Administrative Updates and Discussions
Superintendent Stacey Day reported that the district fulfilled two Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests since the October meeting—one for vendor information and another for employee details including positions and salaries.
Day also presented the 2025 Summative Designations from the Illinois State Board of Education. All buildings maintained their previous year’s ratings: West Central High School and Middle School remained “Commendable,” while the Elementary School retained a “Targeted” designation due to performance in the Children with Disabilities subgroup.
Updates were provided on two key initiatives. The Parent-Teacher Committee (PTC) is fundraising for a new playground, recently obtaining 501(c)(3) status, and their first “Drinks at Drop-Off” event raised approximately $300.
The Building and Grounds Committee reported success from an October meeting with local contractors and discussed investing Health-Life Safety Bond funds while planning summer 2026 projects.
Principals and the technology coordinator submitted reports, which the board reviewed.
Key Actions Taken
The board unanimously approved several significant items, including the tentative FY25 Tax Levy, estimated at $8,034,875 (7-0); the FY25 Annual Audit as presented (7-0); the FY26 Maintenance Grant application for the elementary playground surface (7-0); and Press Plus Issue 120 policies on first reading.
In personnel matters, following a closed session, the board approved new volunteer and coaching appointments, including Bailey Stombaugh (volunteer cheer coach), Gwen Kahlke (7th-grade volleyball), Bailey Garner (cheer coach), and paraprofessionals Jaime DeCrane and Julie Colwell.
Resignations were accepted from cheer coach Renata Conway, Transportation Director Brian Kreps, and boys’ track coach Lene Lox.
All votes on action items were unanimous (7-0 where applicable).
This information was taken from the November 18 minutes, approved at the December 17 regular meeting. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, at 6:00 p.m. in the elementary cafeteria.