WC Board Approves $1.59 Million in Facility Upgrades

(From the notes of Stacey Day, Superintendent)

The West Central Board of Education held its regular meeting on Wednesday, March 18, at 6:01 p.m. President Brendan Schaley called the meeting to order. 

Board members present included Mindy Clark, Brendan Schaley, Josh Higgins, Dillan Vancil, Karl Gullberg, and Lauren Chockley. Mike Lenahan was absent. 

Superintendent Stacey Day, along with Kathy Lafary, Jason Kirby, Stacey Kreps, Brittney DeWeese, Byron Helt, Special Education Coordinator Mallory Allen, Technology Director Jeremy Hennings, and Board Recording Secretary Jaime Shultz, attended the session. 

Members of the public present were Bethany Nannen, Heather Hernandez, Brittani Olson, Madison Brokaw, Amy McGowen, Sincora H., Braelynn O., Carter S., and Matthew G.

The board recognized several positive developments across the district. Third-grade students participated in agriculture-related activities courtesy of the Warren-Henderson Farm Bureau, with appreciation expressed for the ongoing partnership.

The West Central Parent-Teacher Club continues fundraising for new playground equipment and recently hosted a successful “Art Night with Mr. E,” where families created watercolor masterpieces. 

The district’s Mad Scientist event was a hit, with special thanks to partners from the Regional Office of Education and Henderson County Public Library for facilitating hands-on experiments and family fun. 

Matt Goff earned first-place recognition for his ceramic piece in the Buchanan Center for the Town and Country Art Show’s High School Art Contest. 

Shelby Bowman, a 2024 West Central graduate, is competing in the 2026 Women’s NCAA Division I March Madness Tournament as a member of the Western Illinois University Women’s Basketball Team. The high school baseball team raised over $2,000 at its annual trivia night fundraiser. 

Five high school students participated in the LTC Band Festival at Stark County. Kadence Dieckow, a 2023 graduate, secured a full-ride scholarship to Iowa State University and an additional $1,300 scholarship after being named to the 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team. 

“Our District. Our Legacy.” recognitions were presented to numerous dedicated staff members including Austin Bigger, Chad Ellison, Dalton Chenault, EJ Santos, Emily Schaley, Jackie Biggs, Jackie Olson, Jackie Spence, Jenny Ford, Julie Colwell, Kathy Lafary, Krystal Busch, Hallie Eisnnicher, Lene Lox, Lisa Miller, Logan Avery, Mary Casey, Michelle Carnes, Molly Inghram, Nikkie Mills, Sara Dittner, Stacey Day, Teresa Stevenson, and Wade Alexander.

Several members of the public addressed the board regarding the employment of District music teacher Ms. Nannen.

The board approved the agenda as presented. The consent agenda passed unanimously on a 6-0 roll call vote and included approval of minutes from the February 18 regular and closed sessions, the February 25 special and closed sessions, payment of bills, activity accounts, the treasurer’s report, direction to the superintendent to begin work on the FY27 district budget, and continued participation in IHSA and IESA activities.

The proposed 2026-2027 school district calendar was tabled until the April meeting for additional information on spring parent-teacher conferences. 

No FOIA requests were received since the previous meeting.

Superintendent Day presented recommendations for 2026-2027 registration and meal fees. Registration and technology fees will remain unchanged. 

Meal prices will increase by $0.10 to move closer to USDA-recommended levels without placing an undue burden on families. A larger increase of over $0.25 would be needed to reach the full recommended amount.

Board Member Vancil raised the topic of an additional baseball field, but the item was deferred to the next meeting pending a complete price quote.

Superintendent Day shared an infographic from the Illinois Association of School Administrators on school transportation funding challenges. 

The state has not fully funded mandated categoricals for transportation, resulting in a $272,000 shortfall for the district last year alone. 

While Evidence-Based Funding has provided stability, continued underfunding of transportation could force districts to redirect EBF dollars, potentially affecting staffing and programming.

The board discussed building and grounds matters, with particular focus on the elementary playground.

In action items, the board approved the bid from Trotter Inc. for the elementary playground surface project at $761,350. The project covers approximately 30,100 square feet. 

Tire chip areas in the main and PreK playgrounds will be replaced with turf, the remaining main playground area will feature expanded concrete surfacing, and a new sidewalk will encircle the main playground. 

Drainage and substrate work are included, along with extension of the storm drain on the south side. 

The PTC continues fundraising for new playground equipment. The ground portion qualifies under the 10-year Health Life Safety Survey and is supported by FY26 ISBE Maintenance Grant funds of $50,000 and FY26 IDEA Grant funds of $64,000.

The board also approved the sole bid from Laverdiere Construction for $831,855 to replace windows in the high school courtyard and middle school single-story sections. 

This energy-efficiency and functionality upgrade is part of the district’s 10-year Health Life Safety work and will occur during summer 2026.

Monthly reports were presented by building principals, the District Technology Director, and the Special Education Coordinator.

The board entered closed session to discuss personnel, negotiations, and student issues as permitted by law.

Upon returning to open session, the board approved the following personnel actions on a 6-0 roll call vote: employment of Natalie Ensminger as Long-Term Substitute for maternity leave coverage, volunteers Mike Lenahan as WCHS Baseball Coach, Jena Goff as WCMS Track Coach, and Erin Von Kannon as WCMS Track Coach, maternity leave for Molly Inghram, and resignations from Erin Von Kannon as Elementary Teacher and Amy McGowen as High School Teacher.

Action on the dismissal of PEL Employee Ms. Nannen was tabled on a 6-0 vote. A 3-year contract renewal for Stacey Kreps as West Central High School Assistant Principal, effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, was approved unanimously.

The board announced a special meeting on Monday, March 23, at 6:00 p.m. to begin the superintendent search process. 

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Elementary Cafeteria.