New Staff and Athletic Updates Highlight September Meeting

Litchfield CUSD 12 Meeting | September 18, 2025

Article Summary: Administrators introduced a large cohort of new staff members and provided updates on building activities. The board also approved several coaching changes, including the resignation of the athletic director effective at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.

Staff and Activities Key Points:

• Athletic Director Resignation: The board accepted the resignation of Athletic Director James Moore, effective at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.

• Volleyball Coaching Shake-up: The board accepted the resignation of Head Volleyball Coach Alivia Reed and appointed Mallory Beechler as the Interim Head Coach.

• New Hires: Staff introduced new teachers including Lucas Ostendorf, Allie Guinn, Sandy Mullen, Alexis Tharp, and Kayla Clelland.

• Middle School Growth: Principal Chad Carty reported over 40 girls tried out for basketball, doubling the previous year’s participation.

Litchfield administrators introduced several new faces to the school board and community on Thursday. New staff members present included Lucas Ostendorf (LECC), Allie Guinn (Elementary), Sandy Mullen (High School Special Education), Alexis Tharp (High School Art), and Kayla Clelland (SCI Secretary).

During building reports, Middle School Principal Chad Carty shared enthusiastic numbers regarding student participation.

“Our girls basketball team had over 40 girls try out this year, which is double from last year,” Carty said. He added that the student council received 64 applications for 40 spots.

High School Principal Hilary Wagenblast reported a successful first “Family Night” with 50 families attending, marking a 62% increase over previous parent-teacher conference attendance. She also thanked the Post Prom committee for donating two microwaves to the cafeteria.

Juletta Ellis, Director of the South Central Illinois (SCI) Workforce Training Center, reported that Kilton Foundation funds are being used to finish empty space in the building with drywall and paint. She also noted that laborers students recently assisted the City of Litchfield with a concrete pour for a sidewalk on State Street.

In personnel matters, the board accepted the resignation of James Moore as Athletic Director, Teacher, and Volunteer Football Coach, effective at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year. The board also accepted the resignation of High School Head Volleyball Coach Alivia Reed and hired Mallory Beechler as the Interim Head Coach effective immediately.

Other personnel moves included:

• Hiring Gregg Hires as 7th Grade Boys Basketball Coach.

• Hiring Gracie Jones as Middle School Cheer Coach.

• Hiring James Bryant as High School Boys Fresh/Soph Basketball Coach.

• Hiring Kim Frerichs-Casey as a part-time custodian at Litchfield Elementary.