West Central Board Approves Key Plans and Adjustments for 2026-2027 Year

The West Central Board of Education convened on June 17, for a special combined session that included the FY26 Amended Budget Hearing, the E-Learning Plan Renewal Hearing, and the Regular Board Meeting. 

The sessions focused on financial updates, instructional continuity, operational improvements, and personnel decisions in preparation for the upcoming school year.

The Board approved the FY26 Amended Budget by a unanimous 5-0 vote after a short hearing. The budget will now be submitted to the Illinois State Board of Education, posted on the district website, and filed with the required county offices.  

The Board also renewed the district’s three-year E-Learning Plan by a 5-0 vote. Superintendent Stacey Day highlighted that the plan provides essential flexibility for weather-related school closures, enabling continued learning through remote instruction when needed.

President Brendan Schaley opened the Regular Meeting at 6:01 pm. The Board celebrated several good news items, including a heartfelt thank you to all staff for making the 2025-2026 school year successful, congratulations to the WCHS Softball team for an outstanding season that ended in the super-sectional round, and recognition of Mr. Brooks, a 2nd Grade Teacher, who received the ROE Teacher Appreciation Award. 

During public comment, community member Krista Forbes addressed the Board with concerns about bullying involving a high school student.

The Board reviewed several important initiatives. They examined draft technology usage guidelines designed to ensure that Chromebook use remains purposeful and aligned with learning standards. 

The guidelines encourage ongoing professional conversations among staff, suggest time limits such as no more than 90 minutes per day for elementary and middle school students, and prioritize curricular-aligned activities. Principals may approve exceptions for specific instructional needs.  

Superintendent Day also presented a proposal to change bus driver compensation from a daily route rate to an hourly structure. 

The adjustment aims to simplify payroll, better accommodate fluctuating transportation demands, and help attract more drivers. 

Additional details will be refined for a vote at the July meeting.  Other topics included continued discussion of the Heat Wave student magazine, potential collaboration with Warren County Public Transportation, and planning for the annual Board Retreat later this summer with incoming Superintendent Lawson.

After lengthy discussion, the Board voted 3-2, with President Schaley and member Mindy Clark opposed, to shift the start of the 2026-2027 school year to August 17, 2026, and designate November 3, 2026, as an attendance day.

The anticipated last day of school is around June 3, 2027. The revised calendar will be posted on the district website once finalized.  

Additional unanimous approvals included the 2026-2027 District Student Handbook, the FY27 Consolidated District Plan, early graduation requests for nine students (Sidney Birky, Kylei Burkholder, Carly Craig, Corri DeMent, Ashton Garner, Matthew Goff, Riley Hand, Zakk Kempker, and Dustie Liggett), the 2026-2027 District Threat Assessment Plan, and an MOU with WCATS to increase the district contribution for single-employee health insurance premiums to 80% for the 2026-2027 school year.   

The Board also approved a sand/rock finish for the elementary kickball field at a maximum cost of $1,000 to improve playability and maintenance.

In closed session, the Board approved the rehire of the following spring coaches: HS Baseball Coach Nick Allen, HS Baseball Assistant Coach Darren Steele, HS Softball Coach Dylan Voyles, HS Assistant Softball Coach Hallie Eisnnicher, HS Boys Track Coach Steve Arnold, HS Girls Track Coach Bailey Garner, HS Bass Fishing Coach Clinton Stimpson (volunteer), HS Cross Country Coach Mallory Allen (volunteer), MS Boys Track Coach Neo Carter, and MS Girls Track Coach Heather Davis.  

The Board also approved several personnel items, including the employment of Alyssa Smith as HS PE Teacher, Dalton Chenault as Paraprofessional, Jordain Johnson as Varsity Girls Basketball Coach, Andy Chockley as 8th Grade Boys Basketball Coach, and Travis Wiemer as WCHS Paraprofessional. 

They accepted resignations from Andrew Foss as 6th Grade Boys Basketball Coach and John Martinez as District Custodian.  

Additionally, Emily Schaley was approved as the WCHS Athletic Director and Jena Goff as the WCMS Athletic Director. 

The Board also approved the 2026-2027 exempt staff salaries. The meeting adjourned at 8:39 p.m. 

This information was taken from the June 17 summary by Stacey Day,  The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, at 6:00 p.m. in the elementary cafeteria.