Coaching changes approved in Arcola
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By Ben Crane
The Arcola School Board worked through a full agenda Wednesday night in its regular November meeting, which included a public hearing on district finances, a series of personnel changes, and updates from administrators across the district.
President L. Shonkwiler called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance before roll call. No audience members addressed the board during the public comment period, though officials noted pending FOIA requests and other routine communications.
The board held a public hearing outlining its intent to sell $660,000 in working cash fund bonds. The proposal is aimed at increasing the district’s Working Cash Fund to support long-term financial stability. No action was taken during the hearing.
Board members approved minutes from regular and closed session meetings held Oct. 8, Oct. 14, Oct. 16 and Nov. 6. They also accepted the treasurer’s report and approved the district’s bills and payroll.
In other business, the board approved the district and school report cards from the 2024–25 school year. Members also approved the tentative tax levy and scheduled a Truth in Taxation hearing for Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.
The annual AFS field trip, which qualifies as a trip of more than 100 miles or requiring an overnight stay, received approval. The board also authorized a $28,211 agreement with Brand U LLC for a new hallway design project and approved revised job descriptions as recommended by administration.
Several personnel changes were approved. The board accepted the resignations of Corey Roberts as high school girls basketball head coach and Greg Gisinger as high school boys basketball head coach. Gisinger was then hired as the new girls basketball head coach. Additional hires included Leslie Karcher as a volunteer assistant girls basketball coach, Mitch Pollock as high school boys basketball head coach, Sandra Cortez as a full-time cook, Randi Vandeveer as college and career readiness guidance officer manager, and Sidney Wisehart as JH-HS administrative assistant.
Administrators also delivered updates from their buildings. Elementary Principal Marissa Brewer reported that first-quarter celebrations included a PE dance party and said attendance goals had been met. She said the literacy committee is reviewing potential curriculum updates and reminded families about Wednesday’s Family Literacy Night.
Assistant Principal Kyle Shay said he created a district technology committee that will evaluate emerging tools, including artificial intelligence. Shay said he plans to attend a technology conference this week and will begin working on new districtwide policies.
Junior-senior high school Principal Nick Lindsey said the district’s internal substitute system has helped streamline staffing needs and noted that the district raised more than $4,000 in support of Megan Gentry.
Superintendent Tom Mulligan said the district is evaluating new phone line providers and expressed concern about football participation numbers for next year. He added that talks about dissolving the football co-op are ongoing and called the next few weeks “critical” as the district weighs its options.