West Central to accept bids for building projects

FRANCESVILLE - Superintendent Don Street provided updates to the West Central School Board at its February meeting for the secure entrance and utilization project, as well as the roofing project.

The board will meet again on Feb. 15 to accept bids for the projects. Board members will also discuss the corporation's strategic plan.

Also at the Feb. 1 meeting, Street reviewed student transportation needs that have developed recently.

The board was informed that West Central's 1782 Budget Notice was approved. The 2018 budget was reviewed with the board. The 2017 ending cash balances were also reviewed with the board.

Street reported on utility use for 2017. The wind turbine provided a positive amount of electricity.

The superintendent also discussed current student enrollment, noting that 57 students from outside the district are attending West Central.

In other business, the board approved the transfer of funds from the General Fund, Rainy Day Fund, Capital Projects, Transportation and Debt Services Fund to close out the 2017 budget.

The board voted to approve Selective Insurance with Regions Insurance Agency for commercial insurance during the upcoming projects.

The first reading of a policy manual revision for employee use of Student Suicide Prevention, Required Plan for Seclusions and Restraints in School, and Military Recruiters – Parent opt-Out Provisions Under ESSA was held. The board voted to approve the first reading of the policy manual revisions as presented. There will be a second reading at the next school board meeting in March.

"Student of the Month" certificates were presented to Peyton Hoeferlin at the elementary school level, Cambria Schleman at the middle school level, and Angel Berrier at the high school level.

 

Personnel:

The board accepted the resignation of Jill Shannon – Resource Aid/Computer Lab Specials Instructor

The board approved the employment of the following individuals as presented:

  • Dave Reif – Industrial Technology
  • Sierra Burtis – HS Asst. Track Coach
  • Jeremy Glasford – HS Asst. Track Coach

The board approved the following leave requests as presented:

  • Sharon Adams – Personal Leave
  • Sally Smidler – Personal Leave
  • Leanna Nielsen – Personal Leave
  • Julie Cyr – Medical Leave

The board approved the conference requests for Brian Pilarksi, Shelby Powell and Jeremy Hauptili to attend the ICGSA conference at Roncalli High School on Feb. 11.

The board approved the field trip request from Shane Pack for a Chicago Museum of Art visit on April 28.

 

Principal reports:

Elementary school principal Dan Zylstrainformed the board that on Feb. 7 the Lafayette Strings program will be back in school making up for the missed session on the Jan. 24 snow day. On the Feb. 9, the fifth graders will head to the Lafayette Symphony for a live concert.

During the week of Feb. 19, the elementary school will join the middle/high school in celebrating Agriculture Week by joining in the dress-up activities and going to the petting zoo.

The math trainer will be at the school Feb. 8 to work with teachers again on math implementation.

Middle/high school principal Pat Culpreported that the West Central teachers once again model the meaning of being lifelong learners during the second semester. Teachers are being observed by two outside educational professionals to get productive feedback to enhance the best practices implemented within the classroom. Teachers have met with the observers to discuss lessons, classroom management, and best educational practices. After the conferences, teachers are welcoming these observers into the classroom to conduct observations and provide constructive feedback. There will be two different rounds of conferences and observations. West Central teachers are continually seeking ways to improve classroom instruction with the goal of enhancing student learning and achievement.

During the week of Feb. 19-23, the West Central FFA is participating in a week of activities, including dress-up days, driving a tractor/semi to school, and the annual petting zoo. Along with the FFA sponsor, Shaw Haselby, West Central students in the FFA are organizing and planning all the events for this fun-filled educational week.