06/08/2026
Dear West Central band students, parents, and community members,
As I reflect on the past five years, I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the privilege of directing the bands at West Central. During that time, I have had the opportunity to get to know this wonderful community and to watch us grow together. It is with mixed emotions that I share that my tenure at West Central will be coming to an end this summer.
I have accepted a position at Kankakee Valley Middle School. While I have felt welcomed, supported, and respected throughout my time at West Central, this was a decision I needed to make for my family. With my oldest daughter entering third grade and my two younger children beginning school in the near future, I believe that working closer to home will allow me to be more present for my family and spend more time with them as they grow.
I will never forget my five years at West Central. I could not have asked for a better place to begin my career, learn as an educator, and grow alongside our students. While our ensembles have changed in size over the years, the growth in musicianship, character, and sense of community within the band program is what I will always be most proud of.
Please know that I will do everything I can to help ensure a smooth transition for the program. I am committed to assisting in any way possible as the search for my successor moves forward. I am confident that the band program will continue to thrive and achieve great things in the years ahead.
I also want to reassure everyone that the Disney trip this October remains completely intact. Nothing about the trip will change, except that I will be attending as a Kankakee Valley director and will still have the opportunity to work with and support the West Central students throughout the experience.
I hope I am never considered a stranger. I would be honored to accept invitations to future concerts, events, and performances, and I look forward to seeing the continued success of the students and program. Thank you for making my time at West Central so meaningful and memorable.
I wish all of you a wonderful summer and a successful school year ahead. Please remember that I am only an email away.
Sincerely,
Stephen Sholey
