Western Board hears votech updates; approves expenditures, personnel items
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By DAVID CAMPHOUSE
The Western Community Unit School District #12 Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 6 p.m. in the Western High School cafeteria, addressing instructional planning, facility use, technology needs, and staffing updates.
During his monthly report, Superintendent Darin Powell informed the Board that graduation requirements have been finalized. Powell also noted ongoing preparations for student participation in Hannibal Career and Technical Center (HCTC) and Quincy Area Vocational Technical Center (QAVTC) programs for the 2026–2027 school year. As part of this preparation, Western High School teachers visited QAVTC on January 30.
Last month, board members approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Hannibal Public School District, which will allow Western students to enroll in career and technical programs at the Hannibal Career and Technical Center (HCTC) in Missouri. The district will also continue to support Western students who wish to study career and technical offerings at Quincy Area Vocational Technical Center (QAVTC). Both centers offer hands-on training in fields ranging from construction and culinary arts to automotive technology and welding, with each site providing additional specialized programs.
The availability of HCTC and QAVTC to Western students is part of a significant overhaul of the school district’s career and technical education opportunities available to high school students. The initiative is being called the Western Wildcats Pathway to Prosperity Program.
Western Elementary School Principal Ernest Motley reported that “Family Fridays” will take place on Friday, February 27. The initiative is intended to strengthen connections between school and home by providing families with recurring opportunities to engage in learning activities alongside their children.
The Board approved the Consent Agenda as presented. Items included the 2025–2026 seniority lists for certified and non-certified staff, a facility usage agreement with the YMCA for district ballfields, and a facility use agreement with Joshua Bennett for the Western Junior High School gym on February 15.
In action items, the Board approved the 2026–2027 school calendar and the Board meeting dates for the same year. Members also authorized the annual renewal of the district’s Microsoft software package and services at a cost of $6,467.76. The purchase of three Smartboards using Title IIA funds was approved at a cost of $11,022. Additionally, the Board accepted a bid from Klingner and Associates for asbestos abatement and removal in the Barry High School gym coaches’ office at a cost of $30,000.
Following a closed session to discuss personnel matters, the Board approved the personnel addendum as follows:
Resignation of Anna Pulver as K–7 STEAM teacher and head high school volleyball coach, effective at the conclusion of the 2025–2026 school year;
Resignation of Michelle Kendrick as a 0–3 parent educator, effective February 9, 2026;
Hiring of Cobie McQuay as district concessions manager, effective March 17, 2026;
Hiring of Noelle Mackesey as a Western Elementary paraprofessional at Garrison in Jacksonville, effective February 16, 2026;
Resignation of Rachel Graham as a one-on-one Pre-K paraprofessional, effective February 23, 2026;
Resignation of Lacy White as head co–high school cheerleading coach, effective at the conclusion of the 2025–2026 school year;
Resignation of Christina Powell as head co–high school cheerleading coach, effective at the conclusion of the 2025–2026 school year;
Hiring of Skylar Fesler as a Pre-K special education teacher at Kinderhook for the 2026–2027 school year.
The next meeting of the Western Board of Education will be held Wednesday, March 18.
