The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The West Central Community Unit School District #235 Board of Education convened for its regular monthly meeting on July 16, in the West Central Library, addressing a range of operational, financial, and personnel matters to prepare for the upcoming school year.
Led by Board President Brendan Schaley, the meeting highlighted community donations, energy-saving opportunities, and staff transitions, reflecting the district’s focus on efficiency and growth.
The session began at 6:00 p.m. with a roll call confirming the presence of board members Lauren Chockley, Mindy Clark, Josh Higgins, Mike Lenahan, Schaley, and Dillan Vancil; Karl Gullberg was absent.
Superintendent Stacey Day, along with administrators Kathy Lafary and Jason Kirby, and Recording Secretary Jaime Shultz, were in attendance.
Community members Greg Link, Brian Kreps, and Stacey Kreps also joined the proceedings. President Schaley opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.!
Celebrations and Public Input
The board kicked off with “Good News Items,” spotlighting a generous annual donation of $5,000 from the Twomey Foundation, which supports district programs and initiatives.
During public comments, Greg Link expressed interest in the vacant Middle School Head Baseball Coach position and inquired about the hiring process, underscoring community involvement in extracurricular activities.
Agenda Approvals and Discussions
The agenda was approved with an addition for discussing the “Solar on Earth” program.
Under the consent agenda, the board unanimously passed routine items, including minutes from prior meetings, closed sessions, and bill payments.
Discussion items provided updates on district operations:
New Staff Orientation was held on August 4-5, this event allowed new hires to network, receive training, tour facilities, and meet administrators ahead of the school year.
Illinois Shines Program via Solar on Earth: Superintendent Day outlined this no-cost initiative, which leverages federal grants to deliver up to 20% savings on electricity bills.
It involves a 10-year commitment with two automatic 5-year extensions and a penalty-free opt-out after 180 days’ notice.
The board scheduled a special meeting on July 21 at 5:00 p.m. to vote on participation.
FOIA Requests: The district handled five Freedom of Information Act requests since the last meeting, including inquiries from Public Info Access on administrator details, the Galesburg Reporter on conference attendees and graduate information, and a follow-up from Smart Procure on vendors.
All were addressed promptly.
Action Items: Investments in Infrastructure and Safety
The board approved several motions by unanimous 6-0 roll call votes:
A one-year tractor lease with Heritage Tractor for $7,800 to support maintenance needs.
Addition of a new baseball/softball field at West Central Middle School (WCMS), funded externally at no cost to the district.
First reading of Press Plus Issue 119, updating district policies.
The District’s Behavioral Threat Assessment Plan to enhance student safety protocols.
The 2025-2026 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Regional Alternative Education System (RAES).
A resolution for an interfund loan from the Working Cash Fund to the Transportation Fund to ensure operational liquidity.
Closed Session and Personnel Decisions
At 6:28 p.m., the board entered a closed session to discuss personnel matters, negotiations, and employee performance, reconvening in open session at 7:41 p.m.
Post-closed session, the board approved a comprehensive personnel agenda, including: Volunteer, Mallory Nelson as WCHS Cross Country Coach.
New Appointments (pending certifications and background checks):
Changes of Assignment:
Additional approvals included:
Looking Ahead
Board members were encouraged to submit future agenda items to Superintendent Day.
The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m., with minutes approved as written on August 20.
The next meeting is set for Monday, September 22, at 6:00 p.m. with a budget hearing to proceed, scheduled for 5:30 in the Elementary Cafeteria.
Residents are encouraged to attend future meetings or contact the superintendent’s office for more details.