By Howard Packowitz

NORMAL – Unit 5 administrators and the school board would closely monitor student activity funds in response to stipends paid to assistant football coaches at Normal West High School.

Some parents claim the payments led to the resignation last month of long-time head football coach Darren Hess.

At the district’s request, the Illinois High School Association investigated the matter, but the organization took no disciplinary action against the school.

A resolution presented to the school board Wednesday night attempts to clear up confusion about the use of activity funds.

Normal West’s Gridiron Club raised money for the stipends, but the school board did not know about the payments.

Superintendent Mark Daniel said the booster club did nothing wrong even though its members said their reputation was tarnished by the situation.

The superintendent or a designated representative would be responsible in the future for managing student activity funds, and the school board would appoint a treasurer for each fund.

The superintendent or representative would have to sign off on any salaries or stipends from activity funds.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at howard.packowitz can be reached at [email protected]