Illini West Approves $162K Gym Bleacher Replacement

By Joy Swearingen, The Quill Correspondent

The Illini West High School board revisited discussion of the 2026-27 calendar at their meeting Feb.  18.  After approving the calendar in January, Superintendent Jay Harnack said there were “substantial differences” between the original Illini West calendar and the calendar approved by Carthage Elementary School District. “Since the Carthage Elementary transports our Carthage bus riders, differences in our schedules  present significant logistical issues for student transportation,” Harnack said.

The key difference relates to when unused emergency days are added back into the schedule at the end of the year. 

Harnack offered two calendar options. The first is to place the unused days at the end of the year, allowing the school year to end earlier. This is the original plan approved in January.

The second option places these unused days on Fridays in late April and May, which aligns with the calendar approved by Carthage Elementary. This plan would have Illini West and Carthage Elementary School taking the same days off.  After discussing both, the board approved continuing with their original plan, which places unused emergency days off at the end of the school year. Illini West would need alternate transportation for their students on days when Carthage Elementary School is not in session. There was an understanding that the plan could be reviewed next spring, when the actual number of unused days is known. “We will do the best that we can to align our days in school with Carthage Elementary when that time comes,” Harnack said.

Returning to the discussion of a requested sports co-op agreement with Southeastern High School, the board received results of a survey of the 10 Illini West head coaches. In response to the statement: “I am in favor of pursuing a sports co-op with Southeastern,” results showed 20 percent, strongly agree; 10 percent agree; 40 percent neutral; 10 percent disagree; and 20 percent strongly disagree. Harnack said this survey is the last step he was asked to take, following last spring’s discussions of the possible co-op. In May 2025, the board voted against setting up an agreement with Southeastern.

The discussion of a co-op with another school prompted conversation on how to get more students from Dallas City and La Harpe to go out for Illini West sports teams. Board member  Darcy Stonger noted that there are good numbers of athletes in Dallas City and La Harpe elementary schools sports. “When they get to Illini West, there is a strong sense that they won’t get to play,” Stonger said.  Wyatt Green noted that summer weight training is important, but should not determine if a student can play. “I keep hearing about weight training. Yes, weight training makes you the best version of yourself. It should not be dependent on that to play,” Green said. Members agreed that it would be good for coaches to go to the elementary schools, whose students come to Illini West, assuring them that IW teams need players, and encouraging them to join.

The board approved the low bid from Irwin Seating Company of Altamont for replacement bleachers in the gymnasium at a cost of $162,827.09. The company will have access to the gym no earlier than June 1, and must have the project completed by July 31. The board approved bid documents and specifications for resurfacing the parking lot.  The advertisement for contractor bids was approved.

A request for proposals was approved for a multipurpose vehicle to be used for school-related activities. The van should seat a maximum of 10 passengers, and may not have any equipment or characteristics that would require the vehicle to be registered as a school bus in Illinois.

Following closed session, the board approved Thomas Chandler as assistant girls track coach for the 2025-26 season. The resignation of Raylene Gunning as assistant volleyball coach was accepted. She will continue as a volunteer coach.

Harnack told the board he is working with the architect to review possible ways to keep moving classes currently in portable buildings to the main building. He also noted the district continues to work on policies for the use of AI by students.  The board approved an agreement with the Regional Office of Education to provide training for short-term substitute teachers. They approved first, second, and final readings of several board policy updates. An overnight trip was approved for the baseball team to play at Busch Stadium this spring.