The West Prairie District 103 Board of Education met June 24, in regular session to close out Fiscal Year 2026. Primary focus was on proposed counseling services, district property insurance renewal, adoption of handbooks for the elementary schools and for the transportation department, first reading of handbook revisions for the Jr./Sr. High School, athletic cooperative arrangements with Southeastern District #337 and employment/personnel matters.
Prior to the regular meeting, the Board met for the public hearing on the FY26 (2025-2026) school district amended budget. There was no public comment. In the regular session, the Board heard from Interim Superintendent Paula Markey on the district’s overall financial situation. She reviewed the fund balances in each of the budget categories as FY26 winds down. She was serving in her final role as interim superintendent. Next month, Curt Rheingans takes over as the new West Prairie 103 superintendent.
Mobile Counseling Service Following a Zoom presentation from Gavin O’Neil from Carthage Memorial Hospital, the Board approved a memorandum of understanding with the hospital to provide mobile counseling and therapy services for the two elementary schools. There would be no cost to the district as the hospital would receive remuneration through Medicaid, other insurance options, and through pro bono services. Both the district and parents have voiced a need for such services.
According to O’Neil, the mobile clinic is already functioning in the Hancock County school districts. The concept of the mobile units is to provide services on site so that students and their parents don’t have to travel long distances for regular meetings during school time. They are able to provide the personnel and services without having to utilize school facilities (except for parking and bathroom). This enables students to miss only a portion of class time rather than longer absences for travel. Parents are encouraged to attend the sessions and are required to be present for the first meeting. All counseling services are conducted with the permission of the parents.
The service currently has two mobile units available for visits, including an accessible unit. They anticipate visiting the two elementary campuses twice a month. Personnel can meet with other age groups up to age 18 if they and their parents so desire; however, at this time, counseling is aimed at lower elementary age children.
Insurance
Chris Pumo from Pumo Insurance Agency presented the district’s property and liability insurance policy and provided recommendations for the district’s three campuses. The Sciota campus was not recommended to be insured due to its closure and anticipated property disposition. The dollar-amount complexity of assessed valuation of property and deductibles prompted much discussion and clarification.
The Board acted on an amended motion to renew the property and liability insurance contract with a premium of $178,299; change the deductible from $5,000 to $25,000 on the three school buildings by removing the wind and hail provision, which saves the district $6,500 on the initial premium; and purchase a “buy-back” deductible for wind and hail for either one per cent of assessed value or $25,000, whichever is higher, at a cost of $26,733.36.
The motion was approved with a 5-1 vote. Board Chair Scott Vogler’s “no” vote was due because of the overwhelming financial options and the short time in which to act.
“We have to make a decision tonight. You can’t sleep on it because the policy comes into effect July 1,” said Vogler. “We need to do this earlier next year,” he added.
Amended FY26 Budget
Business manager Crista Rigg reviewed the approved FY26 Amended Budget, showing income of $13,178,849 against expenses of $13,494,64.
“We overestimate a little bit on the expenses and underestimate a little on the revenue,” Rigg said, and See West Prairie on page 19 Superintendent Markey added, “We can’t overspend what we budget. When it gets to the end of year, we look at what we have budgeted for and what we still need to spend.” The board approved the amended FY26 budget.
Jr./Sr. High School PE Uniforms Action on a required physical education uniform for students was proposed by Junior-Senior High Principal Megan Pittman, at the suggestion of staff. She provided a quote for a black shirt at $6 and shorts at $7.65, with some logo/branding.
Discussion ensued about students not dressing for PE, but participating and hygiene issues as a result, as well as the need for two or more sets per student. This would be an expense for parents/students. Uniforms for students under free and reduced lunch policy would be provided by the district. Estimated cost for the student population would be around $3,400 for 250 students. Because registration is currently underway and the revised student handbook has yet to be approved explaining a required PE uniform, the board advised Pittman to revisit the proposal for implementation in the next school year.
Jr./Sr. High School Handbook Pittman and Assistant Principal Brittany Thompson presented proposed revisions and additions to the student handbook. The district is moving to align the model handbook provided by the Illinois Principals Association with the district’s handbook, primarily focusing on legal language. Changes were proposed in description of parent-teacher conferences; pre-arranged, excused, and unexcused absences; promotion requirements; bus discipline policy; State of Illinois health requirements; disciplinary point system; public displays of affection; requirements for athletic participation. The board approved putting the revised student handbook on first reading.
Athletic Co-op The Board approved an intergovernmental agreement with Southeastern District #337 to co-op cross-country and track; however, the Board declined the opportunity to co-op golf with Southeastern and move instead toward West Prairie’s own golf program for girls and boys. Board member Jake Kreps moved that West Prairie create its own golf team with additional specifications for fees, uniforms, home course etc. to be presented at the next board meeting. Motion was approved 5-1 with Jamison Rauch voting “no.”
Other Business
• Approved changing signatory authorization of the district credit card to include the new superintendent effective July 1.
• First reading of 28 Board Policies revisions
• Approved two payments of $44,607.25 and $7,549.75 to Straightline Construction for the new storage facility, and a final payment of $11,782.91 for the greenhouse.
After returning from closed session, the Board acted on the following:
• Approved hiring Ashley Belville and Sara Payne as paraprofessionals.
• Accepted the resignation of Technology Director Andrew Beasley and approved the hiring of Aaron Cowley to assume that position.
• Approved athletic and extracurricular assignments.
• Renewed the contract of Brian Kreps as Director of Transportation.
• Approved Austin Nelson as volunteer assistant football coach.
