Western extends administrator contracts; announces suicide prevention assembly
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By DAVID CAMPHOUSE
The Western Community Unit School District #12 Board of Education approved multi‑year contract extensions for three building administrators during its regular meeting Wednesday, March 18, held at Western High School in Barry.
The Board voted unanimously to extend the contracts of Western Elementary School Principal Ernest Motley, Western Junior High School Principal Lacy White, and Western High School Principal Larry Lagemann through June 30, 2028. Each contract includes an annual salary increase effective July 1, 2026. Motley’s salary will be set at $93,748.54, White’s at $74,160, and Lagemann’s at $82,400.
Superintendent Darin Powell announced that Western will host an Evan’s Voice assembly on March 27 for students in grades 7–12. The assembly is designed to be a suicide-prevention measure. The program was created in memory of Evan James Boettler, a 16‑year‑old Missouri student who died by suicide in January 2024 after being targeted in an attempted online extortion scheme. Powell said the presentation is intended to raise awareness about digital safety, mental health, and the warning signs of online exploitation.
In other business, the Board approved several items from the Consent Agenda, including:
■ A $7,020 annual fee with Bushue HR, Inc. for human resources, risk management, and insurance consulting.
■ The 2025–2026 non‑tenure list and honorable dismissal list.
■ The District Consolidated Plan for 2026–2027 for submission to ISBE.
Board members also approved the second reading of proposed 2026–2027 WHS graduation requirement changes.
Two major school‑safety purchases were authorized using Tort funds for the 2026–2027 school year. The Raptor Emergency Management System was approved at a cost of $31,710. In addition, Flip Lok door‑security devices, including installation, were approved at a cost of $33,746.25
The Board approved the following personnel moves:
■ Resignation of Tammie Branham, part‑time Western Elementary physical education teacher, effective Feb. 20, 2026.
■ Resignation of Kayleigh Edwards, 0–3 Parent Educator at the Western Pre‑K Program, effective March 2, 2026.
■ Hiring of Madalynn Boyd as a Speech‑Language Pathologist for the 2026–2027 school year.
■ Retirement of Kim Koeller, Western Junior High ELA teacher and JHS cheerleading sponsor, effective at the end of the 2025–2026 school year.
■ Resignation of Lisha Fee, Western Elementary PE teacher, effective at the end of the 2025–2026 school year.
■ Resignation of Penny Garner, Western Elementary PE teacher, effective at the end of the 2025–2026 school year.
■ Resignation of Kylie Kassing, Western High School special education teacher, effective at the end of the 2025–2026 school year.
■ Resignation of John Skirvin, district athletic director and WYRA League director, effective at the end of the 2025–2026 school year.
■ Hiring of Samantha Borden as head junior high softball coach for the 2026–2027 school year.
