Jeff Abell

The board meeting agenda includes the review of financial reports and bill payments, administrative reports, and the first reading of PRESS updates. Key action items involve the approval of the annual consolidated district plan, IESA renewal, and the 2026-27 school calendar. Additionally, the board will address the destruction of closed session recordings, receive a presentation on athletic scheduling, discuss the WGS gym/multi-purpose building project, review WHS student handbook updates, and consider a facility usage request. The agenda also covers a report on Freedom of Information Act requests, personnel actions, and a closed session to discuss matters related to employment, compensation, student discipline, property, and legal issues.

The Board of Education meeting included a financial audit report presentation, administrator reports on student recognitions and upcoming activities, and a discussion on the Bushue meeting and services. The board also discussed the upcoming Truth in Taxation Hearing and the Morgan-Scott HMP Committee Meeting. Additionally, the board addressed a Statement of Affairs Waiver Hearing, made closed minutes public, discussed Phase 3-Veregy options, and considered homeschool participation in extracurricular activities and athletics. They also approved the Interfund Loan Repayment, the closing of the Class of 2025 activity account and the opening of the Class of 2029 activity account, overnight trips to the FFA National Convention and Build Conference, and an increase to the imprest account allowance. The meeting also included public comments on student discipline and bus safety concerns, an executive session for personnel matters, and approval of a personnel action regarding the resignation of an assistant Jr High Volleyball coach.

The Board of Education conducted a hearing and approved the FY26 Budget as presented. They also adopted Press Policies #119 and approved the Resolution for the Disposal of Surplus Property. The board discussed 6th & 7th grade Trapshooting, and members will meet with Bluffs members for further discussion. The board addressed questions regarding construction recommendations for the upcoming summer, including Veregy's involvement and cost accuracy. Personnel actions included employing a new aide and an afternoon bus route driver. Additionally, the board decided to ban an individual from home West Central athletic events through May 22, 2026.

The budget includes estimated beginning and ending fund balances, receipts/revenues from local, state, and federal sources, and disbursements/expenditures for various funds including Educational Operations & Maintenance, Debt Service, Transportation, Municipal Retirement/Social Security, Capital Projects, Working Cash, Tort, and Fire Prevention & Safety. Key areas of expenditure include instruction, support services, community services, and payments to other districts & government units. The budget also covers other sources and uses of funds, such as transfers and bond sales.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The board approved the Waiver for Administrative Cost Limitation for FY26 and the FY26 Risk Management plan and Threat Assessment Team. The FY26 tentative budget was presented, with a hearing set for September 9, 2025. The board also conducted a first reading of the Press Policies #119. Health insurance options were presented and the BCBS plan was approved for FY26. Agreements with Bluffs CUSD #2 for academic and transportation co-ops were approved, as well as the use of facilities for JFL/Youth Athletic Organizations and the IEC Annual meeting for June 13, 2026. A MOU with the Teacher's Union to add a Freshman Volleyball coach and one E-Sports coach was also approved. During an executive session, personnel matters and consideration of a campus ban were discussed, followed by actions to accept a resignation, employ new staff, re-employ existing staff, approve the FY26 Stipend List, and continue the campus ban for Kenny Smith through August 15, 2026.