WC Board Celebrates Principal, Strong Basketball Season, and Playground Progress

(From the notes taken by Stacey Day, Superintendent)

West Central CUSD #235 Board of Education held its regular meeting on February 18. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Board President Brendan Schaley. 

Present were board members Mindy Clark, Brendan Schaley, Josh Higgins, Dillan Vancil, Karl Gullberg, and Lauren Chockley, with Mike Lenahan absent. Superintendent Stacey Day was joined by district administrators including Elementary Principal Kathy Lafary, along with other key staff members.

The evening began with a series of “Good News” recognitions that celebrated vibrant school life. West Central Elementary marked the 100th day of school on January 29 with a variety of fun activities for young learners. 

The February 9 parent programs for fourth and fifth graders were a resounding success, largely due to the Title Team’s inventive science-themed Escape Room that combined interactive learning with enjoyment. Mrs. Kelly’s excellent coordination of World Read Aloud Day delivered engaging sessions that inspired readers across all grade levels. 

Ms. Lewis organized the “Send a Sucker” sales, directing all proceeds to the playground fund. Both Middle School Boys Basketball teams had outstanding seasons, with the seventh graders qualifying for state and competing fiercely to close out their year, and the eighth graders reaching the Regional Championship. 

Elementary Principal Kathy Lafary received the 2026 Illinois Principals Association Western Region Elementary Principal of the Year award, a richly deserved recognition of her leadership. 

The January Winter Alumni event welcomed more than 75 former students back to campus during a high school basketball game. Finally, the “Our District. Our Legacy.” recognitions honored a wide group of dedicated staff members including Alyssa Hawk, Sherri Walters, Amanda Billingsley, Amy Wolf, Austin Bigger, Bryan Taylor, Elly Olson, Heather Hinshaw, Heidi Crane, the entire high school staff, Jalynne Young, Judy Kelly, Julie Ricketts, Karri Wallace, Kathy Lafary, Katie Westfall, Laura Lewis, Mike Lewis, Shylah Lenahan, Stacey Day, and Tiffany Byers.

The board approved the consent agenda by a unanimous 6-0 roll call vote. Items included the January 21 regular and closed session meeting minutes, payment of bills, approval of activity accounts, the treasurer’s report, and the District Asthma Episode Emergency Response Protocol.

Superintendent Day reported that all recent FOIA requests had been completed on time. These covered topics such as district magazine information, credit card statements, state and federal grants, vendors and contracts, purchasing thresholds and procedures, online programming details, attorney firms, recent bond purchases, and background screening information for board members.

Board members were reminded of their status as mandated reporters for child abuse and neglect. Each signed a document confirming their understanding of the requirement and their commitment to report any concerns to DCFS or Superintendent Day.

The Building and Grounds Committee provided an update on capital projects. Bids for the elementary playground surface replacement were due by February 26, with the bid opening scheduled for that afternoon in the district office. Bids for the middle school and high school windows project had also been released, with a pre-bid meeting planned immediately following the playground bid opening. A dedicated construction projects landing page is now live on the district website to assist contractors in accessing bid information and timelines.

The Elementary Playground Committee is finalizing equipment selections and costs, with plans to submit the order within the next two weeks to ensure delivery for summer installation. Grant opportunities remain under review, while the Parent-Teacher Club continues successful fundraising, particularly through the popular $100 brick donation program. Community members are encouraged to save the date for the Singo fundraiser on April 17 at the Barn, with more details to follow soon.

Following closed session, the board approved several personnel items by a 6-0 vote. These included approving volunteers Clinton Stimpson, Gage Stimpson, Steve Fryrear, Mike Waddell, Lewis McGraw, and David Knutstrom as WCHS Bass Fishing Coaches; granting maternity leave to Sara McVey; employing Zoey Ryan as a district paraprofessional and Heather Hinshaw as a long-term substitute effective January 16; and accepting resignations from Brittney DeWeese as WCMS Principal, Thomas Williams as WCHS Girls’ Basketball Coach, and Brad Underwood as a bus driver.

Vancil requested that discussion of an additional baseball field be added to next month’s agenda. Members were reminded to forward any additional agenda requests to President Schaley or Superintendent Day.

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. The next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, at 6:00 p.m. in the Elementary Cafeteria.