Litchfield CUSD 12 Meeting | September 18, 2025

The Litchfield Community Unit School District No. 12 Board of Education met on Thursday, September 18, 2025, to adopt the annual budget and handle regular business. The board passed a fiscal year 2025-2026 budget that includes planned deficit spending to cover capital projects and debt. Board members Jimmy Gorowski and Mandy Jewell were absent.

The meeting featured the introduction of new staff and approval of a new community outreach magazine funded by grants. The board also approved an updated risk management plan and a residency policy for employees.

Early Graduation Approved:
The board approved an early graduation request for a student who has met all requirements. High School Principal Hilary Wagenblast recommended the approval.

Risk Management Plan:
The board approved the annual renewal of the district’s Risk Management Plan. This document determines the allowable uses of tort funds. There were no changes to the percentages from the previous year.

Homecoming Plans:
Administrators announced that Homecoming week will run from September 29 to October 3. Festivities will include a parade at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, followed by a street fair and the football game against Carlinville at 7:00 p.m.

Suicide Prevention Month:
Superintendent Dr. Kelly McClain noted that September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. She highlighted that the district’s “Esteem Team” is working with secondary students on prevention and education, and wristbands were distributed to staff. “It should not be a stigma to talk about how students are feeling,” McClain said.

Enrollment Update:
Superintendent McClain reported that as of the end of August, enrollment stood at 1,253 students in the PreK-12 setting. When including out-of-district placements, the total is 1,272, an increase of five students compared to the same time last year.