Litchfield School Logo Graphic.5

Litchfield Board Approves Strategic Planning Contract and Truck Driver Training Site

Litchfield CUSD 12 Meeting | October 21, 2025

Article Summary: The Litchfield School Board authorized a new strategic planning process led by external consultants and approved a partnership to establish a commercial truck driver training program. The initiatives aim to set a five-year vision for the district and expand workforce training opportunities.

Strategic Plan and Workforce Key Points:

  • New Strategic Plan: The board hired Student-Centered Services to lead a community-driven process to create a new five-year strategic plan.

  • CDL Training: A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was approved with the City of Litchfield and Lincoln Land Community College to build a trucking pad for CDL training.

  • Consultants: Superintendents Dr. Brad Skertich and Dr. Jason Henderson will facilitate the strategic planning process.

  • Community Input: The planning process will include six community meetings and surveys to update the district’s mission and “Portrait of a Graduate.”

The Litchfield Community Unit School District No. 12 Board of Education moved forward with long-term planning and workforce development initiatives during its meeting on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

The board voted 4-0 to approve a contract with Student-Centered Services to lead the district’s strategic planning process. The firm is led by Dr. Brad Skertich, Superintendent of Collinsville CUSD 10, and Dr. Jason Henderson, Superintendent of Triad CUSD 2.

Superintendent Dr. Kelly McClain explained that the consultants will facilitate community engagement through surveys and six public meetings. The goal is to develop a final document outlining the district’s mission, vision, beliefs, and goals for the next five years.

“We are excited to bring a plan to our district,” McClain said, noting that the administration will soon begin soliciting volunteers to participate in the process.

In a separate move to expand vocational training, the board approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Litchfield and Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) regarding a commercial truck driver training program.

The agreement grants LLCC an easement to construct and operate a “trekking pad” for maneuvers and training. This program will be part of the offerings at the South Central Illinois (SCI) Regional Workforce Training and Innovation Center.

“This allows LLCC to obtain an easement to commence work on their trekking pad,” McClain said. “This program has been in the making since SCI came into fruition.”


Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Litchfield Park-Schalk Park Graphic Logo

Park Board Denies Request for Schalk Park Field Renovations

Litchfield Park District Board Meeting | Dec. 3, 2025 Article Summary: Citing concerns over historical preservation and limited future usability, the Park District Board rejected a request from LBI to...
Litchfield Park Logo Graphic.1

Litchfield Park Board Updates Master Plan, Approves Tax Ordinances

Litchfield Park District Board Meeting | Dec. 3, 2025 Article Summary: The Litchfield Park District Board updated its long-term strategy to maintain eligibility for state grants and passed three ordinances to...
Litchfield Logo Graphic.3

Litchfield Council Approves $230k in Emergency Water Plant Repairs Following System Failure

Litchfield City Council Meeting | Dec. 4, 2025 Article Summary: The Litchfield City Council authorized over $230,000 in emergency expenditures to repair the city’s water treatment plant following a "catastrophic...
montgomery county Graphic Logo.2

Roads & Bridges Committee: Wind Farm Proposed for Raymond-Nokomis Area; Engineer Salary Set

Montgomery County Roads & Bridges Committee | October 2025 Article Summary: Pattern Energy has initiated discussions with the county regarding a potential wind farm near Raymond and Nokomis. The Roads...
Montgomery County Bldg Grounds Committee

Buildings & Grounds Committee: Moves to Restore Courthouse Porch; EV Stations Proposed

Montgomery County Buildings & Grounds Committee | October 2025 Article Summary: The Buildings & Grounds Committee has advanced a proposal to restore the south porch of the Historic Courthouse. Hillsboro...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Litchfield City Council for Nov. 20, 2025

Litchfield City Council Meeting | Nov. 20, 2025 The Litchfield City Council met on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, for its final meeting before the Thanksgiving holiday. The session was dominated...
Montgomery County Personnel Committee

Development & Personnel Committee: County Awarded $1.1 Million DCEO Grant; Monitors State Control of Energy Zoning

Montgomery County Development & Personnel Committee | October 2025 Article Summary: Montgomery County has secured nearly $1.1 million in energy transition grants to support local projects. However, the committee is...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Litchfield CUSD 12 for November 18, 2025

Litchfield CUSD 12 Meeting | November 18, 2025 The Litchfield Community Unit School District No. 12 Board of Education met on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, to address a tentative tax...
Litchfield Logo.1

Council Approves Partnership with ‘Embrace the Lake’ Non-Profit

Litchfield City Council Meeting | Nov. 20, 2025 Article Summary: The City Council passed an ordinance authorizing the acceptance of funds from "Embrace the Lake Inc.," a newly formed 501(c)(3)...
montgomery county Graphic Logo.2

Coordinating Committee: Reviews Cemetery Laws and 2026 Schedule

Montgomery County Coordinating Committee | October 2025 Article Summary: The Coordinating Committee reviewed legal opinions regarding cemetery maintenance and moved forward with the appointment of a new State’s Attorney. The...
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Board Approves Future Administrator and Expels Student in Personnel Actions

Litchfield CUSD 12 Meeting | November 18, 2025 Article Summary: The Litchfield School Board approved several personnel changes, including the hiring of a new assistant principal and athletic director for...
Litchfield Logo Graphic.4

Litchfield Switches Insurance Carriers to IML-RMA, Anticipates Savings and Lower Deductibles

Litchfield City Council Meeting | Nov. 20, 2025 Article Summary: The Litchfield City Council approved a switch in the city's insurance provider to the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association...
Montgomery County Finance Committee

Finance Committee: Spreadsheet Error Forces $1 Million Budget Correction; Committee Balances FY26 Plan

Montgomery County Finance & Budget Committee | October 2025 Article Summary: A spreadsheet error omitting over $1 million in expenses has forced the Finance Committee to revise the 2026 budget....
Litchfield School Logo Graphic.5

Litchfield Schools Earn “Commendable” Ratings; High School Nears Top Tier

Litchfield CUSD 12 Meeting | November 18, 2025 Article Summary: A presentation on the annual State Report Card revealed that all schools in the Litchfield district achieved "Commendable" status. Litchfield...
Litchfield Logo Graphic.3

Litchfield Limits Winter Lake Draw Down to 3 Feet, Citing Erosion and Water Quality Concerns

Litchfield City Council Meeting | Nov. 20, 2025 Article Summary: The Litchfield City Council has decided to limit the annual winter draw down of Lake Lou Yaeger to three feet...