Galesburg Reporter

West Central Community Unit School District #235 Board of Education met Nov. 14.

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. Peters, J. Kirby, J. Zaiser, and J. Hennings. Also present were members of the MS Speech team, their sponsors (Lisa Lox and Sara Dittner), and parents.

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

Two groups of the Middle School Speech Team participants presented their judges' choice performances for the Board. A great job was done by all.

GOOD NEWS ITEMS

Board Member Appreciation Day - November 15 

• A big thank you to all of our families for supporting reading and our schools by purchasing items at our most recent Scholastic Book Fair.

• The West Central PTC held their annual Fall Festival and it was a huge success. Lots of kids, lots of smiles and lots of fun. Thank you to the volunteers and organizers.

• The Middle School Veteran's Day Assembly on Friday was a great success. Thank you to all of our Veterans for attending and to the students and staff who planned the event.

• Rebecca Hinshaw, freshman, placed 27th in the 50m freestyle at the IHSA Girls' Swimming State Tournament.

• Isiah Stephson was recently selected to be on the Honorable Mention All-State 8-man football team.

APPROVE AGENDA

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

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

There were no comments from the public.

CONSENT AGENDA

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

• The minutes of the regular meeting of October 18, 2023;

• Closed session minutes of October 18, 2023;

• The payment of all bills;

• All activity accounts;

The treasurer's report for October 2023;

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

DISCUSSION ITEMS

We received two FOIA requests this month. One is from Illinois CPA Society requesting copies of our FY23 audit. We also received a request from MCC Leinmaster.

Superintendent Day provided an update on our Mentor Program for certified staff. We are not off the ground as much as we hoped by this point in the school year. Mrs. Day and Mr. Boyle will be setting a check-in meeting the first week of December with our new certified staff to see how things are going and plan to hold monthly meetings/check-ins during 2nd semester. A more robust program will be planned for next school year and into the future.

Superintendent Day presented information about our 2023 Summative Designations. Designations were released publicly on October 31. Both the Elementary and High Schools were designated Commendable and our Middle School received a Comprehensive designation. The Middle School will receive grant funding and support from ISBE to determine areas in need of improvement and create a plan for that improvement. Additional information can be found at www.illinoisreportcard.com.

REPORTS

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

ACTION ITEMS

Motion by Clark, seconded by Vancil to approve the FY23 Tax Levy option 6 estimated at $7,752,779 for next school year as presented. On roll call the following board members voted aye: Clark, Gullberg, Higgins, Schaley, Vancil, Bigger, and Chockley. 7-0 Motion carried.

Motion by Bigger seconded by Clark to approve Press Issue 113 on the first reading. On roll call the following board members voted aye: Gulberg, Higgins, Schaley, Vancil, Bigger, Chockley, and Clark. 7-0 Motion carried.

Motion by Bigger, seconded by Higgins to approve the elementary drop-off lane canopy project for the FY24 Maintenance Grant application as presented. On roll call the following board members voted aye: Higgins, Schaley, Vancil, Bigger, Chockley, Clark, and Gullberg. 7-0 Motion carried.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

There was a request from President Schaley to place the following topics on the December meeting agenda: HS Speech Team, MS Hitting Facility, Softball/Baseball Storage, and Superintendent evaluation. Board member Chockley asked for a comparison of electricity cost and usage over the last few years and for a discussion on the clocks in each building.

CLOSED SESSION

There was no closed session during this meeting.

Motion by Clark, seconded by Bigger to approve the personnel items as presented. On roll call the following members voted aye: Schaley, Vancil, Bigger, Chockley, Clark, Gullberg, and Higgins. 7-0 Motion carried.

FUTURE MEETING DATE

The Board was reminded that the next regular Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Clark, seconded by Bigger to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. Majority of Ayes by Voice Vote. Motion carried.

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