Unit 40 Board Approves Washington Savings Bank Stadium

Effingham Unit 40 school board members Monday agreed to award naming rights for the football stadium at Effingham High School.

The Board approved an eight-year agreement with Washington Savings Bank. The facility will be known as Washington Savings Bank Stadium. The football complex will be known as Klosterman Field at Washington Savings Bank Stadium.

Effingham Unit 40 Superintendent Mark Doan said that Washington Savings Bank donated $250,000 toward the upcoming turf project at the complex.

The Board also approved a number of hirings. Those included Olivia Wernecke as a teacher at Central in 4th grade for next school year, Kelly Brandt as a teacher at the Early Learning Center for Kindergarten for next school year, Jean Cornell as a teacher at the high school in the Business Department for next school year, Vicki Beckham as a cafeteria monitor at the Early Learning Center, Bethany Parker as a teacher at Central School in 4th grade for next school year, and Emily Koeberlein as a teacher at the Early Learning Center in Kindergarten.

Transfers were approved for Andrea Kinder as Reading Interventionist at Central School for next school year, Michaela McClure as a teacher at East Side School in Preschool for next school year, Julie Flack as District Library Media Specialist for next school year, Deonte King as a teacher at the Early Learning Center in Special Education for next school year, Michelle Morrissey as executive secretary at the Board office for next school year, and Rebekah Dial as a three-hour cook at the high school.

Jeni Phillps was appointed high school assistant girls track coach, leaves were approved for Nancy Joslyn, Gabby Henderson, Megan Tylka and Linda Baker, and a resignation was accepted from Weston Peno as head soccer coach. The Board also accepted Theresa Wolke's retirement as a teacher at Central School following the 2024-2025 school year.