Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Litchfield Board of Education for February 17, 2026

Litchfield Board of Education Meeting | February 17, 2026

Overall Meeting Summary
The Litchfield Community Unit School District #12 Board of Education met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, to address curriculum, finance, and personnel matters. The Board received a detailed update on the expanding South Central Illinois (SCI) Regional Workforce Training and Innovation Center and discussed the necessity of restructuring its funding model. The Board also approved a redesigned teacher evaluation system and a list of expenditures that included strategic technology purchases. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss personnel employment and compensation.

News Briefs

Strategic Planning Update: Superintendent Dr. Kelly McClain updated the Board on the ongoing strategic planning process. Following three sessions with stakeholders, the committee has drafted a “Portrait of a Graduate,” identifying core competencies for Litchfield students. The group has also reviewed district data on enrollment and finances to identify strengths and weaknesses. The next meeting is scheduled for February 25, where the group aims to finalize the mission, vision, and goals.

Kindergarten Registration Set: The District announced that Kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the building. The administration encourages parents of eligible children not currently in the Pre-K program to enroll during this time to assist with district planning.

Safe Schools Agreement Renewal: The Board approved the annual intergovernmental agreement with the Regional Office of Education (ROE) #3 for the Safe Schools Program and Alternative High School. Dr. McClain noted that these agreements allow the district to continue providing appropriate placements and supports for students requiring alternative programming.

SCI Calendar and Handbook Approved: The Board approved the 2026-2027 class calendar and student handbook for the SCI Regional Workforce Training and Innovation Center. These documents were previously approved by the SCI governing board. Establishing the SCI calendar early allows participating regional districts to align their own schedules accordingly.

FOIA Requests: Dr. McClain reported receiving two Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. one regarding purchasing processes, which was satisfied by sending Board Policy 4:60. The second request inquired about criminal background checks for elected board members. The district responded that no such records exist, as background checks are not required by law for elected school board members.

Event Calendar

[pdem_events format="calendar" size="xlarge" layout="stacked" exclude_category="sports,library" limit="22" debug="no"]

Events

No events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

U.S. House contests to decide control of Congress in 2026

U.S. House contests to decide control of Congress in 2026

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The 2026 midterm elections promise to bring fierce competition as Democrats and Republicans battle for control of Congress. All 435 seats in the U.S. House...
'Locked and loaded':Trump warns Iran

‘Locked and loaded’:Trump warns Iran

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Following days of civil unrest in Iran, President Donald Trump issued a warning to the Iranian regime that the U.S. is prepared to take action...
First negotiated Medicare drug prices go into effect Jan. 1

First negotiated Medicare drug prices go into effect Jan. 1

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Negotiated lower Medicare costs for 10 popular prescription drugs went into effect Thursday. How much those savings will be passed on to Medicare Part D...
U.S. House vote on employee bargaining met with ‘political theater’ criticism

U.S. House vote on employee bargaining met with ‘political theater’ criticism

By Catrina BarkerThe Center Square )The Center Square) – An Illinois congressman praised a vote to restore collective bargaining for over one million federal workers while critics say the U.S....
Eight killed in U.S. military counter-narcotics strikes

Eight killed in U.S. military counter-narcotics strikes

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square The U.S. military conducted five more strikes on drug boats in the Caribbean in the last days of 2025. This is according to the U.S....
Hog producer: 2025 was strong, but IL legislature needs to address estate tax

Hog producer: 2025 was strong, but IL legislature needs to address estate tax

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois hog producer says 2025 was a strong year, but state lawmakers need to address estate...
Trump to remove National Guard members from Chicago, LA, Portland

Trump to remove National Guard members from Chicago, LA, Portland

By Sarah Roderick-Fitch | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – National Guard members deployed in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, Ore., will head home after President Donald...
Illinois’ compact fluorescent bulb ban begins to take effect

Illinois’ compact fluorescent bulb ban begins to take effect

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – One of the nearly 300 new laws that took effect in Illinois New Year’s Day is a...
Illinois quick hits: SBA sues Chicago over online betting tax

Illinois quick hits: SBA sues Chicago over online betting tax

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Illinois to receive rural health-care funding The federal government has awarded Illinois $193.4 million per year for five years to expand...
Illinois Congressman: Millions face higher premiums despite GOP health bill

Illinois Congressman: Millions face higher premiums despite GOP health bill

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Although the U.S. House passed Republicans' “Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act” before leaving...
Jan. 1 law lets Illinois veterinarians skip rabies shots for at-risk pets

Jan. 1 law lets Illinois veterinarians skip rabies shots for at-risk pets

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new Illinois law taking effect Jan. 1 will let veterinarians renew yearly medical exemptions for...
Chicago school board raises tax levy on families 'at a breaking point'

Chicago school board raises tax levy on families ‘at a breaking point’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago Board of Education has raised its property tax levy to fund Chicago Public Schools, but...
Lake Co. Circuit Clerk can’t undo $2.5M verdict for workers fired over politics

Lake Co. Circuit Clerk can’t undo $2.5M verdict for workers fired over politics

By Scott Holland | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A federal judge has agreed to preserve a jury’s verdict ordering the Lake County Circuit Clerk’s Office to pay more than $2.5...
Illinois quick hits: McClain reports to prison

Illinois quick hits: McClain reports to prison

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square McClain reports to prison Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s longtime associate has begun serving a two-year prison sentence at a...
Op-Ed: How one puppy mill-teliant retailer is preempting local laws

Op-Ed: How one puppy mill-teliant retailer is preempting local laws

By Madison Gesiotto GilbertThe Center Square One of the most overlooked threats to community-based control in America isn’t coming from Washington politicians or even state government officials, but from a...