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

Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Illinois public transport gun ban

Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Illinois public transport gun ban

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to decide whether individuals can carry firearms on public transportation. The court declined to take up Schoenthal v....
Illinois Quick Hits: Report says Pekin Bowling Center 'taxed out of business'

Illinois Quick Hits: Report says Pekin Bowling Center ‘taxed out of business’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Sunset Lanes in Pekin is set to close later this month as the bowling center’s owner says it is being “taxed...
Tiffany vows to end subsidies for data centers in Wisconsin

Tiffany vows to end subsidies for data centers in Wisconsin

By Jon StyfThe Center Square Wisconsin congressman and candidate for governor Tom Tiffany said that he will “end subsidies for data centers in Wisconsin” if he becomes governor. Tiffany was...
montgomery county Graphic Logo.4

Roads & Bridges Committee Approves Over $120,000 for Local Bridge Infrastructure

Montgomery County Roads and Bridges Committee | March 2026 Article Summary: The Montgomery County Roads and Bridges Committee advanced two major infrastructure repair projects and formalized a road use agreement...
Litchfield School Logo Graphic.5

Litchfield Approves 2026-2027 Student Fees, Mandates Shot Clock Workers in New Officials Pay Scale

Litchfield Community Unit School District #12 Board of Education Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: Preparing for the upcoming academic and athletic seasons, the Litchfield School Board authorized the...
Firefighter age bill stalled despite union backing

Firefighter age bill stalled despite union backing

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A proposed Illinois bill aimed at addressing firefighter shortages by lowering the minimum hiring age has...
Litchfield Panthers Softball Graphic

Williamsville’s Explosive Offense Overwhelms Litchfield in 16-0 Tournament Shutout

The Williamsville varsity softball team brought a relentless offensive attack to Saturday's tournament matchup, overpowering host Litchfield for a decisive 16-0 run-rule victory in four innings. Williamsville wasted no time...
Montgomery County Finance Committee

Finance and Budget Committee Reaps $11,444 Premium Refund, Shifts Administrative Expenses

Montgomery County Finance and Budget Committee | March 2026 Article Summary: The Montgomery County Finance and Budget Committee processed a nearly $11,500 workers' compensation premium refund and approved shifting universal...
Litchfield Panthers Softball Graphic

Rochester’s Early Offensive Surge Overwhelms Litchfield in 10-0 Shutout

A ten-run barrage across the first two innings propelled the Rochester varsity softball team to a commanding 10-0 neutral-site victory over Litchfield on Saturday. Taking immediate control of the non-conference...
Lawmaker criticizes surplus spending bill

Lawmaker criticizes surplus spending bill

By Catrina Baker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A proposal aimed at helping local governments manage retiree health care costs is drawing differing views...
Litchfield Panthers Softball Graphic

Clark’s Homer and Lurkins’ Shutout Power Greenville Softball Past Litchfield 15-0

The Greenville varsity softball team showcased dominance on both sides of the diamond Friday, cruising to a 15-0 home victory over Litchfield. Fueled by an explosive offense and a lockdown...
solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

Development Committee Advances Wind and Solar Ordinance Updates Amid Public Scrutiny

Montgomery County Development and Personnel Committee | March 2026 Article Summary: The Montgomery County Development and Personnel Committee recommended sweeping changes to the county’s wind and solar zoning ordinances to...
Litchfield School Logo Graphic.2

Litchfield School District Joins Mississippi Valley Property Casualty Cooperative for Insurance Coverage

Litchfield Community Unit School District #12 Board of Education Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield School Board unanimously approved a resolution to enter into an agreement with...
Salvation Army rehab ‘enrollees’ who work at thrift stores aren’t ‘employees’

Salvation Army rehab ‘enrollees’ who work at thrift stores aren’t ‘employees’

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A few days after agreeing to let them proceed with their class action against one of America's most prominent charities under labor...
Illinois housing affordability efforts pit tax cuts against new spending

Illinois housing affordability efforts pit tax cuts against new spending

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As homeownership may be growing out of reach for many young residents, Illinois lawmakers are split between...