By JOHN A. BALLENTINE
For The Prairie News
WYOMING – The Stark County Board of Education voted to hire Megan McGann the new Stark County Junior/Senior High School principal under a three-year contract from 2021-22 through the 2023-24 school years.
There were 14 applicants for the principal’s position. On Feb 15, that field was narrowed down to four candidates and from those four two advanced to the Feb. 20 final round.
McGann has 11 years of experience in education, with her first two years in Ozark, Mo. She spent six years as a special education teacher in the Peoria School District and has been in administration the past three years. Those years include working as an assistant principal of Peoria Richwoods High School, Glen Oak Community Learning Center and, most recently, Dunlap High School.
McGann said she does not plan to relocate from Peoria, as she has recently purchased a new residence there. She is a Bradley University graduate, a Peoria native, single and said she is ready to take on the leadership of Stark County Junior High and High School.
In his report, Stark School Superintendent Brett Elliott said $15 million in debt certificates have been sold and are in the possession of a third-party bank until the bond process is completed. Funds will be available for the new building “renovation” project in late April or early May.
In a related note, the board approved a construction contract with CORE, which is the next step in the process. CORE will serve as construction manager for the project.
Elliott also gave an update on the ongoing natural gas shortage in parts of the U.S., noting the school district is in a consortium and will not see an enormous increase in pricing that other users may experience.
Also, there is a political internship opportunity with Illinois Senator Win Stoller’s Peoria office available for juniors and sophomores.
The second COVID vaccinations are scheduled to occur Friday, Feb. 26, for school staff members on the campuses from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m.
Elliott read Principal Jeff Utsinger’s report and said athletics have resumed and home games are broadcast live on Facebook. Also, Bradford eighth-graders who have chosen to attend Stark County had orientation on Jan. 13.
Highlights from the school calendar for 2021-22 are: First day – Aug. 18; Winter break – Dec. 18-Jan. 2, 2022; Spring break – April 9-18, 2022; Last day – May 24, 2022.
The board also approved:
• The auditor contract with Gorenz and Associates. Ltd.
• To let bus bids for FY 2022.
• Hiring Patty Wilkinson as a part-time para-professional.
• Hiring Brenda Balice as a Career Link employee to serve as bus aide.
• A contract extension of two years through 2024-25 for Superintendent Brett Elliott with a salary increase of $3,900 for the 20121-22 school year.
• The resignation of high school head custodian Terry Warren.
12-19-24
12-20-24
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