Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Litchfield CUSD 12 for October 21, 2025

Litchfield CUSD 12 Meeting | October 21, 2025

The Litchfield Community Unit School District No. 12 Board of Education met on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, to review the annual audit, approve a new strategic planning process, and handle personnel matters. The board operated with four members present—Vice-President Ron Anglin, Secretary Valerie Cain, Mark Bloome, and Mandy Jewell—while President Julie Abel and members David Belusko and Jimmy Gorowski were absent.

The board approved a “clean” financial audit, initiated a contract for a five-year strategic plan, and solidified a partnership with Lincoln Land Community College for truck driver training. Administrators also presented their 90-day improvement plans, heavily emphasizing attendance and academic growth.

State Golfer Recognized:
The board recognized Litchfield High School senior Sam Schwab for qualifying for the state golf tournament. Coach Justin Ripley introduced Schwab, noting he is a four-time state qualifier with three top-25 finishes. Schwab placed 11th at the state tournament this year. “I don’t think Litchfield could ask for a better representative,” Ripley said.

Business Manager to Retire:
The board accepted a letter of intent to retire from Business Manager Della Witter. Her retirement will be effective March 31, 2026. The board voted 4-0 to accept the resignation.

EMT Classes Renewed:
The board approved a cooperative positions agreement with the City of Litchfield to continue offering Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) classes. These classes are taught through the South Central Illinois (SCI) program.

Surplus Property:
The board passed a resolution to dispose of or sell property no longer needed by the district. Items declared surplus included a 2012 Ford F150 truck described as having extensive rust, a 2008 Ford Fusion previously used for driver’s education, and 20 kits of Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI) materials.

Coaching Hires and Changes:
The board approved several personnel moves in athletics:

  • Trevor Hogue transferred from Assistant Wrestling Coach to Volunteer Coach.

  • Art Fuller was hired as High School Assistant Wrestling Coach.

  • Kelsey Giannuzzi was hired as High School Assistant Volleyball Coach.

  • Mallory Beechler transferred to 8th Grade Volleyball Coach.

  • Megan Orozco was hired as 7th Grade Volleyball Coach.

  • Johnny Fenton was hired as Middle School Assistant Girls Track Coach.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Trump admin throws cold water on ICE masks ban as shutdown talks stall

Trump admin throws cold water on ICE masks ban as shutdown talks stall

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Nearly a week into the partial government shutdown, the Trump administration continues to oppose certain immigration enforcement reforms that Democratic lawmakers are demanding in exchange...
Supreme Court's tariff ruling could alter 2026 election

Supreme Court’s tariff ruling could alter 2026 election

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The 2026 midterm elections could now be shaped around candidates' response to the U.S. Supreme Court striking down the bulk of President Donald Trump's tariff...
Supreme Court reins in Trump on tariffs in split decision

Supreme Court reins in Trump on tariffs in split decision

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The Supreme Court ruled Friday that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by imposing billions of dollars in worldwide tariffs. The high court decision affects...
Federal judge: Masked ICE agents violate Fourth Amendment

Federal judge: Masked ICE agents violate Fourth Amendment

By Chris Dickerson | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A federal judge has ruled Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s practice of conducting arrests with masked, unidentifiable agents violates the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition...
DOJ probes three Michigan schools over gender instruction, bathroom policies

DOJ probes three Michigan schools over gender instruction, bathroom policies

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Federal civil rights investigators have opened inquiries into three Michigan public school districts over classroom content and student facility policies. The probes target Detroit Public...
Supreme Court strikes down bulk of Trump's tariffs

Supreme Court strikes down bulk of Trump’s tariffs

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday said a 1977 law doesn't give the president broad authority to issue tariffs, dealing a significant setback to President...
Illinois Quick Hits: 15-year-old charged with machine gun possession

Illinois Quick Hits: 15-year-old charged with machine gun possession

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Two teens are facing weapons charges after Illinois State Police executed search warrants in Carbondale on Wednesday....
solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

Summit Ridge Agrees to $25,000 Donation; Pattern Energy Updates Board

Montgomery County Board Meeting | Jan. 13, 2026 Article Summary: The board approved a community agreement with a solar developer benefiting a local education center and received a timeline update on...
Newsom OKs $590M loan for Bay Area public transportation

Newsom OKs $590M loan for Bay Area public transportation

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday afternoon signed legislation that involves a $590 million loan for Bay Area public transportation. Speaking before reporters in San...
Federal government issues guidance on prayer in schools

Federal government issues guidance on prayer in schools

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Education has issued guidance on prayer in public schools, outlining requirements that are tied to federal education funding. The guidance states...
Illinois quick hits: Illinois Supreme Court sued over judge's removal

Illinois quick hits: Illinois Supreme Court sued over judge’s removal

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Illinois Supreme Court sued over judge's removal The Liberty Justice Center has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Illinois Supreme...
CPA gives tips for avoiding red flags for NGOs getting taxpayer money

CPA gives tips for avoiding red flags for NGOs getting taxpayer money

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A certified public accountant that works with nonprofits says if they’re getting public money, they should have...
Pritzker 'very disappointed' as Bears, Indiana move closer to stadium deal

Pritzker ‘very disappointed’ as Bears, Indiana move closer to stadium deal

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago Bears are one step closer to leaving Illinois after an Indiana House committee approved stadium...
Chicago Loop retail vacancy rate on decline

Chicago Loop retail vacancy rate on decline

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Loop Alliance President Michael Edwards argues change is good when it comes to the new...
Op-Ed: Illinois’ lawsuit climate is hurting small businesses

Op-Ed: Illinois’ lawsuit climate is hurting small businesses

By Keith BattagliaThe Center Square Running a small business in Illinois already means navigating high taxes, rising insurance premiums, and increasing regulatory and operational costs. For many of us, just...