WC Board Approves Tardy Policy Update and New Hires

(From the minutes taken by Jaime Shultz, Recording Secretary)

The West Central Community School Board held its regular meeting on January 21, in the elementary cafeteria, with President Brendan Schaley calling the session to order at 6:00 p.m. A quorum was established with board members Mindy Clark, Josh Higgins, Mike Lenahan, Schaley, and Dillan Vancil present; Lauren Chockley and Karl Gullberg were absent. 

Also attending were Superintendent Stacey Day, recording secretary Jaime Shultz, principals Kathy Lafary, Byron Helt, Jason Kirby, assistant principal/athletic director Stacey Kreps, and special education coordinator Mallory Allen.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance led by President Schaley, the board highlighted several good news items and community recognitions. 

The Henderson County Handicapped Children’s Trust, through trustee Charles Vaughn, donated $3,500 to the district’s special education transportation fund. 

The Gladys Bigger Memorial contributed $1,168.66 to support the CNA class by funding a new Nursing Skills Manikin. 

The board extended gratitude to organizers and volunteers of the Henderson County Angel Tree program, which provides vital holiday support to students and families. 

Under the “Our District. Our Legacy.” recognition initiative, the board honored numerous staff members and teams for their dedication, including Alex Cuevas, the entire Title I team, Betty Mynatt, Chad Ellison, Deb Paulus, EJ Santos, Elly Olson, Gwen Kahlke, Jesse Winters, Karri Wallace, Julie Ricketts, Kathie Pence, Kathy Lafary, Kellsy Scott, Kimberly Johnson, Lene Lox, the middle school custodians and substitutes, Stacie Anderson, Trisha Forquer, and the WC Special Education Team.

The agenda was approved via motion by Vancil, seconded by Clark, on a voice vote. No public comments were offered during the public comments period. The consent agenda passed unanimously (5-0 roll call vote) on a motion by Vancil, seconded by Clark. It included approval of December 17, 2025 regular and closed session minutes, payment of bills, activity accounts, the December 2025 treasurer’s report, and the 2025-2026 district seniority list for certified and support personnel.

In discussion items, Superintendent Day updated the board on recent FOIA requests. Responses were timely for inquiries from SmartProCure (vendor information), Galesburg Reporter (paraprofessional contracts and vendor details), and Public Info Access (staff list). Four additional requests from Bailey Templeton—covering the district magazine, vendors over $5,000, state/federal grants, and credit card statements—were being processed within required timelines.

The Building and Grounds committee was set to meet with the architect on January 23 (weather permitting). President Schaley noted delays in removing modular buildings from the middle school campus; Superintendent Day continues efforts to resolve this promptly. A summer project was added to replace asphalt behind the middle school near the baseball/softball fields.

The playground project advanced with equipment ordered and initial payment made through the PTC. The playground committee plans an early February meeting, with upcoming brick sales and a Singo (musical bingo) fundraiser scheduled for April 17.

Principal and coordinator reports were presented by Lafary (elementary), Helt (middle school), Kirby (high school), Kreps (WCHS assistant principal/athletic director), and Allen (special education). 

Under action items, the board unanimously approved (5-0): An updated WCHS tardy policy (motion by Higgins, seconded by Vancil). A resolution authorizing abatement of the Working Cash Fund with a permanent transfer to the Transportation Fund (motion by Clark, seconded by Lenahan). The Way to Grow Speech Services contract (motion by Clark, seconded by Lenahan).

The board entered closed session at 6:44 p.m. under the Illinois Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) for personnel and 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2) for negotiations/collective bargaining matters). After reconvening in open session at 7:47 p.m. and returning to the cafeteria, the board approved personnel items (motion by Higgins, seconded by Vancil) on a 4-0 vote (Lenahan abstained).

Personnel approvals included:

New appointments (pending certifications and background checks): Michelle Carnes (district custodian), Kimberly Johnson (elementary teacher), Tiffany Byers (transportation director), Darren Steele (WCHS assistant baseball coach).

Change of assignment: Shylah Lenahan (WCES part-time to full-time paraprofessional); Erin Von Kannon (WCES teacher to WCMS teacher).

Resignation: Alyssa Long (WCES paraprofessional).

The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. on a voice vote. This information was taken from the January 21 minutes, approved at the February 18 regular meeting. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, at 6:00 p.m. in the elementary cafeteria.