The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The West Central Community Unit School District #235 Board of Education held a productive meeting on September 22, in the elementary cafeteria, addressing key financial decisions, safety improvements, and community recognitions.
Led by President Brendan Schaley, the board approved the FY26 budget, advanced plans for fire prevention and safety bonds, and celebrated student and staff achievements amid discussions on enrollment and infrastructure projects.
Brief Public Hearings on Budget and Bonds
The evening began with a public hearing on the FY26 district budget at 5:30 p.m. With board members Lauren Chockley, Mindy Clark, Karl Gullberg, Josh Higgins, Mike Lenahan, Brendan Schaley, and Dillan Vancil in attendance, President Schaley opened the floor for comments.
No questions or input came from the audience, leading to a swift adjournment at 5:32 p.m. following a motion by Higgins and seconded by Chockley.
The board reconvened at 6:00 p.m. for the regular meeting, where they conducted another public hearing on the intent to sell $8,250,000 in School Fire Prevention and Safety Bonds.
These funds aim to enhance the Life Safety Fund by bringing facilities into compliance with state building codes through alterations, reconstructions, repairs, and equipment installations.
Again, no public comments or written testimony were received, and the hearing adjourned after a motion by Gullberg and seconded by Chockley.
Post-hearing, the board discussed bond options with Kevin Heid from Stifel. They agreed to pursue an $8,000,000 bond payable over 10 years, with a formal sale planned for October.
The proceeds will fund critical projects from the district’s 10-year Health Life Safety Survey, including the high school roof, middle school boiler and windows, elementary playground, and elementary exterior doors.
Celebrating Achievements and Partnerships
The meeting featured uplifting “Good News Items” highlighting community ties and accomplishments:
The district expressed gratitude for its partnership with the Farm Bureau, which sponsors events like Safety Day and Ag Days for elementary students.
Students enjoyed the Warren County Prime Beef Festival’s Special Persons Day, riding carnival rides for free with caregivers—a repeat highlight noted for the joy it brought.
Under the “Our District. Our Legacy.” initiative, colleagues recognized staff members for their contributions: Amy Chandler, Andrew Foss, Ariel Dillard, Bryan Taylor, Connie Sue Torrance, EJ Santos, Emily Schaley, Jeannie Seitz, Judy Kelly, Karri Wallace, Katie Westfall, Kellsy Scott, Kilene Chapin, Mackenzie Johnson, Neo Coulter, Paige Leath, Payton Clark, Peyton Jack, Renata Conway, Stacey Kreps, Steve Arnold, Steve Boughton, Tom Williams, and Tracey Richers.
The middle school baseball team celebrated qualifying for the IESA State Tournament, finishing fourth overall in IESA 2A.
Key Approvals and Discussions
The agenda was approved unanimously via voice vote. No public comments were made during the designated segment.
The consent agenda passed on a 7-0 roll call vote, covering:
Minutes from the August 20 and August 29, 2025, meetings (including closed sessions).
Payment of bills, activity accounts, and the August 2025 treasurer’s report. The Delabar CTE Intergovernmental agreement.
The WCHS FFA trip to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.
Discussion items included five Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests handled promptly, covering vendor data, student recognitions (noting no AP courses offered), eighth-grade graduates’ high school placements, and principal contracts.
Superintendent Stacey Day reported sixth-day enrollment at 748 students, with projections estimating a drop to 664 K-12 students over five years if trends continue—a decrease of about 42 students.
Updates on the elementary playground project noted ongoing equipment finalization and grant applications, with proceeds from the October 10 PTC Fall Festival earmarked for support.
The Building and Grounds Committee shared progress, including meetings with the district architect on project processes and an upcoming community session for local contractors to learn about bidding, insurance, and bonding requirements to boost participation in future projects.
Reports were presented by building principals Kathy Lafary, Brittney Kugler, and Jason Kirby; Technology Coordinator Jeremy Hennings; and School Psychologist/Special Education Coordinator Mallory Nelson.
The 2024-2025 Administrator and Teacher Salary Benefit Report was reviewed and will be posted on the district website as required by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
Action items approved on 7-0 roll call votes included:
The FY26 budget, with unaudited fund balances as of July 1, 2025: Education ($8,638,063), Operations and Maintenance ($2,568,727), Debt Services ($101,713), Transportation ($462,934), Municipal Retirement and Social Security ($456,007), Capital Projects ($53,028), Working Cash ($1,110,527), Tort ($348,295), and Fire Prevention and Safety ($688,273).
Signatory changes for the WCHS imprest account at Midwest Bank and activity account at The Bank of Stronghurst, removing Nancy Hull and adding Megan Rodeffer.
Morghan Campbell’s request for early graduation at the end of the first semester, pending requirements.
Personnel Updates and Meeting Close
No closed session was held. Personnel actions were approved 7-0, including:
Volunteers: Brianna Fink (WCMS Cheer Coach), David Guile (WCMS Track Coach).
New Appointments: Nick Allen (WCHS Head Baseball Coach), Trey Goff (WCHS Assistant Boys’ Basketball Coach), Bailey Garner (WCHS Girls’ Track Coach), Conner Hill (WCHS Yearbook Sponsor), Thomas Williams (WCHS Senior Class Rotating Sponsor), Robert Fleming (WCHS Junior Class Rotating Sponsor), Peyton Jack (WCHS Sophomore Class Rotating Sponsor), Heidi Crane (WCHS Freshmen Class Sponsor).
Change of Assignment: Tabitha Cooper (from District Bus Driver to District Cook).
Resignations/Retire-ments: Robert Fleming (WCHS Senior Class Rotating Sponsor), Adam Boyle (WCHS Speech Sponsor), Bryce Bigger (WCMS 7th Grade Boys’ Basketball Coach), Ashley Dermer (District Paraprofessional), Trey Goff (WCMS 8th Grade Boys’ Basketball Coach), Connie Sue Torrance (6% Retirement Incentive Approval).
Board members were reminded to submit future agenda items to President Schaley or Superintendent Day.
The meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m. following a voice vote motion by Clark and seconded by Gullberg.
These actions reflect the board’s focus on fiscal responsibility, student safety, and community engagement as West Central navigates enrollment challenges and infrastructure needs.
This information was taken from the September 22 minutes approved at the October 15 regular meeting.
The next meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18 in the elementary cafeteria.