Board bids farewell to retirees

Traditional end of year recognitions took place during the regular May meeting of the Prairie Central Board of Education.

Retiring staff members Dawn Steidigner, Becky Hansen, Tammy Hoffman, Jonnita Vogel, Mike Goodwin, Kyle Miller, Brad Kilkullen, Rhonda Lamberth and Kim Kovach were honored for their service to the district.

Board President John Wilken applauded all they have done for the kids, calling it a “job well done.”

“I’m sure there were sacrifices for your families,” said Wilken.

Also at last week’s meeting, three teachers who received innovation grants presented details on what they used the extra funding for in the classroom.

Primary West teacher Kari King said they have been working on the types of play.

“The one we are really focusing on is guided play,” she explained.

King described plenty of benefits with play in kindergarten. She put together different books with the grant funds. They read the book Shades of People.

“It was really neat to see what they came up with,” added King.

Upper Elementary teacher Raquel Lawrence said her students were able to interact through trips they took, focusing on environmental stewardship and taking action. They visited Primary East and Primary West schools for Valentine and Earth Day activities. Students created snack boxes for community heroes like law enforcement and firefighters. They helped clean up litter and planted trees at the Chenoa football field.

Fellow Upper Elementary teacher Katie Taylor used her grant funding for a program known as “Battle of the Books.” It’s like trivia night but about books which can be used for AR points. The program was rolled out following Christmas break.

“It was a great time,” Taylor acknowledged.

Superintendent Brian Quam gave facility updates. Junior high flooring came in recently and crews have been working on the gym floor.

“They figured they’ll get the flooring laid by next week,” stated Quam. “Then the bleachers will be inspected.”

The new elementary, upper elementary and junior high HVAC will go out for bid June 9 at 2. Groundbreaking for the new building is planned in the final days of June.

Lindsey Pickham, director of curriculum, instruction and technology, reviewed an Advisory Council meeting. She would like to see more collaboration and conversation with more of a community focus.

“The idea will be that we have a parent representative from every town,” she said.

Quam said they have to show people what they do and how they provide a great service to their kids.

Pickham demonstrated a program known as Class Solver which develops class lists based on fairness, balance, friends and separations.

Mrs. Bachtold from the junior high explained the need to approve a school improvement plan for the next year which needs to be submitted to the Illinois State Board of Education by the end of June.

A music department trip to Disneyland in California was approved for June 2-6, 2027. This will take about an extra $200 of fundraising per student to travel here. The group will also visit Santa Monica which is where Route 66 ends. They will perform at Disneyland.

Under old business, the board approved the upcoming board meeting calendar, student handbook changes, and board policy updates as presented.

For new business, the group voted to hire freshman coaches for 2026-2027, the Prairie Central Junior High school improvement plan and the final school calendar for this year.

Minutes were approved from the April 16, 2026 regular board meeting and April 22, 2026 special meeting.

The following individuals were approved for employment:

■ Rita Meister, ESY Elementary Teacher, Effective of 2026

■ Crysta Stork, ESY, Elementary Para, Effective of 2026

■ Lisa Fuss, ESY HS: Effective Summer of 2026

■ Maddie Zimmerman, ESY HS Para, Effective Summer 2026

■ Klaire Phillis, PCHS Science, Effective 26-27 School Year

■ Trevor Maloch, HS Head Wrestling Coach, Effective 26-27 School Year

■ Ariel Bradley, PCHS Business, Effective 26-27 School Year

■ Lyle Hodges, PM JH Custodian, Effective Immediately

■ Gabby Zeedyk, Summer Mowing, Effective Summer 2026

■ Mike Maffett, Summer Mowing, Effective Summer 2026

■ Jay Dunn, Summer Mowing, Effective Summer 2026

■ Michael Shifflet, JH 7th Grade Boys Basketball, Effective Immediately

■ Ralph McLain, PCHS Head Custodian, Effective Immediately

■ Kylie Miller, PCHS FFA Stipend (12%), Effective 26-27 School Year.

■ Kelly Frambes, 3rd Grade Teacher Leader, Effective 26-27 School Year

■ Jenny Quinn, K-6 Special Education Teacher Leader Effective 26-27 School Year

■ Shannon Brown, K-8 Intervention Teacher Leader, Effective 26-27 School Year

■ Angie Kratochvil, 7-12 Social Studies Teacher Leader, Effective 26-27 School Year

■ Debbie Vaughan, 7-12 Math Teacher Leader, Effective 26-27 School Year

The following resignations/retirements were approved:

■ Heidi Kelson, PCPW Paraprofessional, Effective at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year.

■ Debbie Bachtold, PCHS Cafe, Effective Immediately

■ Emily Bell, PCPW Teacher, Effective at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year.

■ Stephanie Meints, PCHS Asst. Wrestling Coach, Effective Immediately.

■ Brandon Witkowski, PCE PM Custodian, Effective Immediately

■ Chelsey Bressner, PCPE Special Education Teacher, Effective at the conclusion of the 2025- 2026 school year.

■ Shannon Fuhr, PCPW Principal, Effective June 30, 2026

■ Danielle Seifrit, Van Driver, Effective May 26, 2026

■ Heidi Legner, UE 6th Grade Teacher, Effective Immediately

■ Zach Corrie, PCPW PM Custodian, Effective Immediately