Long-serving BenGil Elementary School principal will retire in two years following the Community Unit School District 7’s Board of Education’s approval during Tuesday night’s regular monthly meeting of the board. On a motion by Kellie Vesper, seconded by Amanda Ross, the board voted unanimously to accept “with regret” the retirement of Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto, effective at the end of the 2026-27 school year.

At the time of her retirement, Sandretto will have been a district employee for 31 years, including 21 years as an administrator. Sandretto’s tenure predates the construction and collapse due to mine subsidence of the former Benld Elementary School. She started her career when the old Benld High School served as the district’s elementary school. She was principal when the new Benld school was built and when the seven-year-old building was destroyed by mine subsidence in 2009. She continued to serve as principal during the transition from the damaged school to the new BenGil Elementary School in Gillespie.

In other action, the board accepted without comment the resignation of Dalton Barnes as a physical education/social studies teacher, and as Gillespie High School head football coach. The resignation, accepted unanimously, appears to be related to recent controversy over alleged abusive behavior toward students.

Gillespie Police Chief Jared DePoppe and School Resource Officer Wayne Hendricks both attended the meeting, and left soon after the board completed actions related to personnel. Supt. Shane Owsley told the BenGil Post the police presence was a precaution due to concerns that “accusations and rumors on social media could spill over” into Tuesday’s meeting. An attorney from the law firm representing the school district accompanied the board into a one-hour executive session early in the evening to discuss personnel issues and other items.

Accusations on social media in recent weeks alleged Barnes and an assistant coach engaged in verbal and physical abuse of students. With a goal of 1,000 signers, an online petition urging the termination of employment for Barnes and the assistant coach has garnered 639 electronic signatures. The petition accuses the two men of “child abuse,” citing alleged “verbal abuse, physical abuse, influencing and coercing student athletes to act against other student athletes that have spoken out against the abuse, and attempting to limit the First Amendment rights of student athletes with threats and manipulation.” The petition alleges there have been numerous instances of abuse and that the abuse has been allowed to continue despite “multiple red flags and complaints.”

No members of the public appeared before the board to address the complaints. Several teachers and teachers union officials attended the meeting but, likewise, made no public comments.

ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL ISSUES

In other personnel action, the board:

• Voted unanimously to accept “with regret” the resignation for purposes of retirement of GHS/GMS guidance counselor Jill Strole at the conclusion of the current school year, and to post the position as vacant.
• Hired Aubrey Morgan as a first-year, non-tenured teacher tentatively assigned as the BenGil Elementary School music teacher for the 2024-25 school year, pending verification of certification requirements and a background check. Morgan is expected to receive her bachelor’s degree in music education this spring from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville.
• Voted to appoint Nikki Brawner as the GHS head women’s basketball coach for the 2024-25 school year. Additionally, the board accepted Brawner’s resignation as an assistant GHS women’s basketball coach and posted that position as vacant.
• Voted, in separate actions, to hire Alex Jasper and James Bryant as GMS paraprofessionals, pending verification of certification requirements and a background check. Additionally, the board voted to appoint Bryant as the GMS eighth-grade boys basketball coach for the 2024-25 school year.
• Voted to employ Alexis Lupkey as GHS head cheerleading coach for the 2024-25 school year.
• Voted, in separate actions, to hire Nikki Hunter and Rebecca Leitschuh-Birdsell as full-route bus drivers for the 2024-25 school year, pending verification of certification and background checks.

On a motion by Ross, seconded by Peyton Bernot, the board voted to employ Jennifer Parker, Nancy Schmidt, Amy Price, Marci Johnson, Karissa Smith and Vanessa Barrett as teachers for the 2024 elementary school summer school program.

In separate actions, the board hired Shanna Connor as a math teacher, Casey Edgerton as a science teacher, and Jessica Kelly as an English/language arts teacher for the Gillespie Middle School summer school program.

The board hired Ashlee Gibbs as a high school summer school math teacher, contingent upon student enrollment, and hired Jennifer Brown as the high school summer school driver’s education teacher. Penny Feeley and Janice Hammann were hired unanimously as summer school food service workers.

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SAFETY GRANT PROJECTS

The board authorized Supt. Owsley to seek bids for several capital improvement projects related to student safety for which plans are still being developed. In January, Owsley reported to the board the district was successful in its application for a $466,365 state-funded Safety Grant. Matching the grant money with $155,000 in local funds, gave the district more than $600,000 in funding for capital improvements related to safety.

Owsley said architects are continuing to develop plans and bidding specifications for several projects, including installation of a new fire alarm system, installation of a new intercom system, installation of bullet-proof glass in the office area, and application of a bullet-resistant film on exterior windows. The Superintendent said he would advertise for bids as specifications become available.

FISCAL 2025 BUDGET

On a motion by Weye Schmidt, seconded by Bill Carter, the board voted to direct Supt. Owsley to prepare a tentative budget for fiscal year 2025, which will run from July 1 this year through June 30, 2025. The new budget typically is presented to the board in August with final approval coming in September.

In a related action, the board approved expenditures from fiscal 2025 funds to cover operating costs from July 1, when the new fiscal year begins, until the new budget is adopted.

Though not a given, the board could amend the fiscal 2024 budget in June in the event actual revenue and expenditures for the current fiscal year differ significantly from projections made in the budget approved last summer.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT

Board members approved an intergovernmental agreement between CUSD 7 and Lewis and Clark Community College to offer dual credit courses at Gillespie High School. Under the agreement, Gillespie students can take college-level courses that will count as credit toward an LCCC associate’s degree. Teachers offering dual credit courses at GHS must hold a master’s degree and offer a curriculum approved by the college.

DISTRICT FOCUS

In a District Focus segment, the board was introduced to several High School FFA members who have excelled this year in competitions.

“These kids are doing some amazing things,” said High School Principal Jill Rosentreter. “They are going to competitions and bringing home trophies right and left.”

FFA sponsor Kayla Wills said she has led the program for six years. “This is the most outstanding group we’ve had since I’ve been here,” she said.

Wills introduced two teams––the Parliamentary Procedure team and the Ag Mechanics team––that have ascended to state competition set for May 2.  Team member Emily Hauser explained the areas of expertise on which the Parliamentary Procedure team will be judged. Caleb Oberfall spoke about the Ag Mechanics team.

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The Ag Mechanics team includes a carpenter, a welder, a surveyor, an electrician and a mechanic, according to Wills.

“These kids have worked really hard and put in a lot of time,” Wills said. “I am very proud of them.”

FOOD SERVICES ISSUE

A former district cook and current substitute cook, who identified herself as Mandy, addressed the board on behalf of district cooks regarding the possibility of contracting with Opaa! Food Management, Inc. to provide meals in the local district. Opaa! representatives offered a detailed sales presentation to the board last month.

“I worked for Opaa! at Staunton,” she said. “You need to look into them. They’re not what they say they are.”

She alleged the “homemade meals” are not homemade, and are, in fact, the same quality as any other food provider.

“I’ve been in food services for a long time and I know what food should look like,” she said. “It shouldn’t look like dogfood.”

The fact the company offers choices, she said, is a good thing but is a double-edged sword. If a child doesn’t care for the main selection on a particular day, they can have a peanut butter sandwich or salad instead.

“But if little Johnny doesn’t like peanut butter or salad, he doesn’t eat that day,” she said.

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Having worked in the local district, she said she could attest that the food services staff cares about students.

In a related matter, Union Secretary Jennifer Parker read a statement from the food services staff thanking the board and Supt. Owsley “for the opportunity to continue to pursue options to bring more choices to the food program.”

OTHER ACTION

In other action, the board:

• Voted to renew membership in the Illinois Elementary Schools Association (IESA).
• Approved a finalized calendar for the 2024-25 school year. Owsley said the calendar is unchanged from a tentative calendar presented to the board earlier, except “snow days” have been designated as “emergency days.”
• Approved a fee schedule for the 2024-25 school day. Owsley said the new fee schedule is nearly identical to the fee schedule used this year except that the cost for adult breakfasts and lunches is increased by 10 cents. In addition, the district will now offer free breakfast and lunch to students in all grade levels thanks to a federal reimbursement grant for districts with high numbers of students from low income households. In the past, free breakfast and lunch was available only to kindergarten, elementary, and middle school students. This year, Owsley said, the high school also qualified for reimbursement. According to Owsley, the reimbursement program is locked in for four years, after which the district may again apply. “Hopefully, this will help our parents and students,” Owsley said.

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The Wilsonville Progressive Club will celebrate and host a 90 year Anniversary Party on Saturday, May 11. The party will include a catered dinner, a live band, and fireworks.

Doors will open at 2 pm with a catered dinner being served at 4 pm.  The Shane Kessinger Experience (live band) will play at 5 pm, and a grand fireworks display will be held at dusk.

The Progressive Club was originally established in 1934 by the Progressive Miners and was located on the northwest side of Wilsonville’s main street. The Club moved to their new building in January of 1949 and today this is still the current location at 212 Wilson Street in Wilsonville.

Wilsonville was founded in 1917 when Superior Coal Co. Mine No. 4 was sunk and this was the most modern mine in the Superior field. At that time, the little settlement which grew up around the mine was called Wilson. One day a worker paused and asked, “What are we going to name this town?” President Wilson was in office, thus the town was then and there named Wilson until 1919 when it was incorporated and the name expanded to Wilsonville.

The Wilsonville Progressive Club is operated and maintained by an elected panel of trustees and loyal members.  The Club is open to the public and membership is always welcome.  The large outdoor covered pavilion and manicured grassy side lot offer an attractive and convenient venue for any event along with inside facilities. 

If you are interested in renting for any kind of event, call 217-835-3122 during open hours which are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 4 pm to close, and Sunday doors open at 2 pm.  Every Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the Queen of Hearts drawing and the Club is on Facebook as well.

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Benld’s City Council on Monday night voted unanimously to adopt a new ordinance requiring the owners of properties within the city limits to obtain a $250 demolition permit before starting demolition or dismantling of structures.

In addition to the permit fee, permit holders will be required to post a $1,000 bond, which will be refunded upon proper completion of the demolition project, removal of debris and proper clean-up with no claims of property damage or injuries against the city. The city also may retain the bond if the project is not completed within a specified period of time. Permit holders will be required to submit photographs to document installation of proper fencing, and a city official must sign off on debris removal before final cover is installed.

The new ordinance appears to have been prompted in part by issues surrounding the demolition of a one-story brick structure directly across the street from city hall at 208 East Central Avenue, which remains a target of a public nuisance action. Attorney Jono Verticchio, who attended the meeting in the absence of City Attorney Rick Verticchio, said the property owners have been given 30 days to completely clean up the site.

“If it’s not done in 30 days we will get a court order to clean it up ourselves and put a lien on the property,” Verticchio said. That action could lead to the city taking possession of the property at some later date.

Ald. Jerry Saracco noted the building’s foundation is sound and wondered if it could be salvaged. Verticchio advised that if the city takes possession of the parcel, it could opt to leave the foundation in place.

Last month, the council directed the City Attorney to draft the demolition permit ordinance after noting issues with work being done at that time across the street. Aldermen complained that workers were doing demolition work after dark and had provided no fencing or barrier to protect passers-by. A partially demolished wall had collapsed during heavy wind, prompting the city to send in work crews to knock down the remaining structure as a safety precaution.

Following a 15-minute executive session with Verticchio to discuss pending legal actions regarding nuisance properties, the council voted to declare 703 North Main Street, 206 West Hickory Street, and 106 North Fourth Street as public nuisances. The action authorizes the city to give property owners 30 days to abate the nuisance, after which the city could pursue legal action if the properties are not properly cleaned up.

Verticchio reported a hearing has been set for a nuisance action against 615 South Eighth Street, and asked for updated photos and witnesses to present to the court. Aldermen reported the property owner has made progress toward cleaning up the property but is unlikely to complete the clean-up before the hearing.

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A public nuisance action against property at 407 North Fourth Street is progressing, although Verticchio said a Macoupin County Circuit Judge ordered the city to restore water service to the residence, ruling the water issue was unrelated to the nuisance complaint.

HOUSING INSPECTION AMENDMENT

Also on Monday night, the council voted to amend the city’s housing inspection ordinance to give the city authority to shutoff water service to rental properties whose owners fail to comply with housing inspection requirements. The ordinance also is amended to increase the cost of inspections from $ 75 to $100.

The ordinance basically requires landlords to have their premises inspected whenever a previous tenant moves out and before a new tenant moves in. The inspection, conducted by the city housing inspector, is designed to insure the properties meeting building codes and are safe for human habitation.

Failure to comply can result in a $150 fine for a first offense, and a $300 fine for a second offense. For a third or subsequent offense, the fine increases to $500 to $1,000. In addition to the fines, the amended ordinance authorizes the city to shut off water service to the residence upon giving the landlord and tenant five days notice.

MOTOR FUEL TAX BID

On a motion by Ald. John Balzraine, seconded by Ald. Mickey Robinson, the council voted unanimously to accept of bid from Illiana Construction Co., Urbana, to supply bituminous materials for street maintenance. Illiana was the lower of two bidders, and agreed to supply 12,035 gallons of material at a cost of $3.17 per gallon for a total cost of $39,150.95 to be paid with motor fuel tax funds.

Doug Ratterman of HMG Engineers appeared before the council to report results of a bid opening held last week.

NEW MOWER

On a motion by Ald. Balzraine, the council voted unanimously to purchase a new X-Mark mower at a cost of $10,900 from Sievers Equipment, Carlinville. Mayor Jim Kelly said the new mower was the least expensive option available to the city.

The new mower will replace a piece of equipment the city has used for the past 22 years.

RENTAL AGREEMENT ADDENDUM

Council members voted unanimously to add an addendum to an agreement to rent city facilities to penalize renters who inappropriately fail to buy dram shop insurance for their event. The addendum is a response to renters who have apparently had alcohol at their event without buying dram shop insurance through the city. Under the new provision, event organizers who fail to buy dram shop insurance when such insurance is needed will lose their deposit.

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The addendum applies to renters to engage facilities such as the city park or civic center.

SURPLUS PROPERTIES

On a motion by Ald. Mickey Robinson, seconded by Ald. Dustin Fletcher, the council declared a 2010 Ford Crown Victoria, a six-inch water pump and a brush trimmer as surplus property and agreed to advertise the items for sale via sealed bids.

HEAD START TRAFFIC ISSUES

Ald. Norm Emmons reported he is continuing to seek solutions to traffic hazards at the Head Start School on Central Avenue. Emmons said the highway in front of the school is heavily traveled during times when parents are bringing young children to the facility in the morning and picking them up in the afternoon.,

Emmons thanked the Police Department for increasing police presence during critical times but he said more needs to be done. “We need to do something,” he said.

Ross Adden, a County Board member from Mount Olive who attended the meeting as an observer, recommended the city contact the County Clerk’s office about the availability of grant money for signage such as signs with flashing lights to alert motorists.

Adden also asked about details of the city’s ordinance governing the use of UTVs in the city limits, particularly the cost of permits. City Clerk Terri Koyne told him the city charges $100 per year for a permit and requires UTVs to be street legal.

Adden said the County Board is considering a county-wide ordinance and he wanted to collect information from individual municipalities.

“I told them (the board), ‘Let’s see what everyone else is doing first’,” he said.

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RESIDENT COMPLAINT

Benld resident Frank Meredith appeared before the council to ask if anything could be done about parking in front of his home and littering apparently associated with his home’s proximity to a bar. Meredith said he and his wife bought a home located diagonally across the highway from the Cabin bar and restaurant.

Meredith said patrons of the bar park along the road in front of his house and he has to deal with a large volume of litter, including a discarded Axe body deodorant can. He said he was concerned that someone might spray his dog in the face with the substance.

Mayor Kelly said the city probably could not address the parking issue since business patrons are allowed to park along the street, even though there is a vacant property nearby. “It’s the society we live in unfortunately,” Kelly said regarding the litter. “People have no pride and we can’t legislate that.”

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