Illini West Buys Activity Buses, Hires Interdistrict Partnerships Coordinator

By Joy Swearingen, Quill Correspondent

The Illini West High School board approved buying two new, white activity buses during their regular meeting on June 17. The buses cost $99,652 each plus delivery, and are expected to arrive in Carthage in July.

The purchase required amending the current budget, to allow a permanent interfund transfer of $250,000 from the education fund to the transportation fund. A budget amendment hearing was held at the beginning of the meeting. There were no public comments or questions during the hearing.

The board approved a salary increase of 3.80 percent for non-certified staff for the coming 2026-2027 school year.

The action aligns salary increases for specific non-certified staff categories with the collective bargaining agreement of certified staff. These include director of student services, technology director, bookkeeper, maintenance director, secretary, bus driver, custodial staff and paraprofessional.

John Amschler was approved to fill the newly-created stipend position of interdistrict partnerships coordinator.  

Along with teaching business, Amschler will be a liaison among the high school district and its three feeder elementary districts “to strengthen collaboration, communication, and continuity for students and families.” 

According to information provided to the board, the coordinator “works to ensure smooth student transitions, foster positive relationships among communities, support joint initiatives, and enhance the visibility and culture of the districts through collaborative events and outreach.” 

He will help elementary students from Carthage, La Harpe and Dallas City to make a good transition into high school and work with school personnel to help students make that step.

He will be an accessible liaison for families, community members and the board to foster communication.  He will organize programs, give information and hold events to help students before and during their move into high school.

The board accepted Amschler’s resignation as co-athletic director. He will continue as a teacher with the district.

Other staffing assignments approved were Jacob Calvin as assistant football coach, and Nick Vorhies as volunteer football coach.

Superintendent Jay Harnack reported on the progress of general summer cleaning and repairs. Two key projects planned for the summer are replacing gymnasium bleachers and building a restroom facility at the football field.

Harnack reported on continued concern for the transportation fund. Due to the lack of a principal, the Chaddock School branch in Carthage will not operate this fall. Illini West may need to transport students to Quincy. 

“That makes an extra bus route that is going to press an already strapped situation,” he said.

In his report, he noted: “The continued proration of state transportation funds likely means deficit spending in the transportation fund for 2025-2026, and 2026-2027 if it continues. I will have an idea about the transportation budget for 2026-2027 at the August meeting.” 

Principal Amanda Congdon reported that summer credit recovery started May 26 and will run until June 30. Ten students are working remotely with the ROYALS program from the Regional Office of Education. Students are expected to work from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. A ROYALS teacher will be on call to assist students.

The board agreed to pay a request for $1,450 to the Carthage Park District to help provide mesh dividers between ball fields used by Illini West and Carthage Elementary school for baseball and softball. The cost of this safety measure would be shared equally by the two school districts and the park district.

An audit engagement letter with Galleros Robinson was approved for the 2025-2026 school year audit at a cost of $24,500.

The board approved the general liability, property, auto, educator’s legal liability, and excess liability insurance policy with Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust for $86,100, and cyber response insurance with CFC for $4,229. 

The board approved the reviews of the three-year school wellness policy and the two-year bullying prevention policy.

The board approved first and second readings of the student handbook, second readings of the coaching handbook, transportation handbook, employee handbook, student handbook, and several board policy updates.