Quincy Reporter

West Central Community Unit School District 235 Board of Education met April 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The meeting was called to order by President Schaley at 6:00 p.m. in the Elementary Cafeteria. The following board members answered roll call: Bigger, Chockley, Clark, Gullberg, Higgins, Schaley, and Vancil. President Schaley declared a quorum present. Also present were Superintendent Day, J. Shultz, K. Lafary, J. Kirby, S. Ryner, and J. Hennings.

President Schaley then led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

GOOD NEWS ITEMS

Under good news items the following items were highlighted:

West Central Elementary students participated in the OSF Nutrition Poster Contest. Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding achievement: Adalyn Molyneux, Daniel Harden, Annabelle Jones, Eli Gullberg, Jordan Petermann, Hailey Thompson, Viveka Pruett, Raleigh Russell, Ruby Kern, and Elisabeth Smith.

The Softball Program received a $2000 donation from ADM to use towards their program needs.

Country Financial Insurance brought in drinks and snacks for the staff and a $750 donation to the district.

APPROVE AGENDA

Motion by Clark, seconded by Bigger to approve the agenda as presented. Majority of Ayes by Voice Vote. Motion carried.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

There were no remarks from the public at this meeting.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Clark, seconded by Chockley to approve the consent agenda including the following items:

The minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 20, 2024;

The minutes of the Closed Session of March 20, 2024;

The payment of all bills;

The activity accounts;

The Treasurer's Report for March 2024;

The approval of the Proclamation Regarding National Teacher Appreciation Week;

The approval of continued participation in the Illinois High School Association;

The approval of continued participation in the Illinois Elementary School Association;

On roll call the following members voted aye: Chockley, Clark, Gullberg, Higgins, Schaley, Vancil, and Bigger. 7-0 Motion carried.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

There were no FOIA requests for this month.

A short discussion was held to determine if we want to hold a summer Board Retreat. Board members agreed that it was productive and useful last July and should be considered. Superintendent Day will work on setting a date and the details for the Retreat. The tentative plan is to follow a similar format and time as last year (a Saturday in July from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm).

Superintendent Day presented the updated Elementary School Assistant Principal Job Description. She worked on that with Elementary Principal, Mrs. Lafary over the last few months. Board members were asked to look it over and provide feedback to Superintendent Day. We will take final action at our May meeting.

Adam Boyle presented to the Board what he has done to start a Teacher Mentoring Program for the District and his plans for growing the program in the future. He has met with new staff a few times this year, gathered their input for what has worked and what we should consider differently for the future. Mr. Boyle will work on setting up a new program for new teachers (new to West Central and new to teaching) that will be presented to new staff at the start of the school year next year. The program will include check-ins with mentor teachers, building levels meetings and district level meetings to support our new staff.

A discussion was held about security and safety for our bus parking. Ideas about additional lighting, security camera systems and/or fencing were offered. The plan will be to look into security cameras (that are triggered by motion) and the addition of motion lights, as a place to start making possible changes/improvements.

REPORTS

The Board reviewed and heard reports from the Building Principals K. Lafary, S. Ryner, J. Kirby, and District Technology Coordinator J. Hennings.

ACTION ITEMS

Motion by Clark, seconded by Bigger to approve the 2024-2025 Registration fees as presented. On roll call the following members voted aye: Clark, Gullberg, Higgins, Schaley, Bigger, and Chockley. 6-0 Motion carried

Motion by Clark, seconded by Bigger to approve the PRESS Issue 114 Policies on the first reading as presented. On roll call the following members voted aye: Gullberg, Higgins, Schaley, Bigger, Chockley, and Clark. 6-0 Motion carried

The Board tabled the bid from Laverdiere Construction for the Middle School Locker Room remodel project at a cost of $465,699.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Board members were asked to contact Superintendent Day with future agenda items.

CLOSED SESSION

Motion by Clark, seconded by Chockley to adjourn to closed meeting pursuant of the Illinois Open Meetings Act - 5ILCS 120/2 (2) (16) at 7:17 p.m. to discuss the following subjects:

A. Personnel - The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity;

B. Negotiations - Collective negotiating matters between the school board and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees;

Majority of Ayes by Voice Vote. Motion carried.

The Board took a short break and reconvened in the District Office conference room at 7:19 p.m. On roll call the following members answered roll call: Bigger, Chockley, Clark, Gullberg, Higgins, and Schaley. Also present was S. Day.

Motion by Bigger, seconded by Gullberg to return to open session at 8:20 p.m. On roll call the following members answered roll call: Bigger, Chockley, Clark, Gullberg, Higgins, and Schaley.

The Board took a short break and reconvened in the West Central Elementary Cafeteria at 8:24 p.m. On roll call the following members answered roll call: Bigger, Chockley, Clark, Gullberg, Higgins, and Schaley.

PERSONNEL ACTION

Motion by Clark, seconded by Gullberg, to approve the rehire of WCMS and WCHS winter coaches.

Varsity Girls Basketball action was Tabled to next month's meeting.

Bowling was not approved as a volunteer, due to consideration of turning the position into a paid position for the future.

On roll call the following members voted aye: Schaley, Bigger, Chockley, Clark, Gullberg and Higgins. 6-0 Motion carried.

Motion by Bigger, seconded by Clark to approve the personnel agenda as presented. On roll call the following members voted aye: Bigger, Chockley, Clark, Gullberg, Higgins, and Schaley. 6-0 Motion carried.

Motion by Clark, seconded by Higgins to approve the Superintendent's contract as presented. On roll call the following members voted aye: Chockley, Clark, Gullberg, Higgins, Schaley, and Bigger. 6-0 Motion carried.

FUTURE MEETING DATE

The Board was reminded that the next regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, and will begin at 6:00 p.m., in the elementary cafeteria.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Bigger, seconded by Clark to adjourn at 8:26 p.m. Majority of Ayes by Voice Vote. Motion carried.

https://www.wc235.k12.il.us/vimages/shared/vnews/stories/64d53c3a6de89/Regular%20Board%20Mtg%20Mins.%204.17.24.pdf