Community News
Local school board explores working cash bonds
CUSD #7 school board members (L-R): Peyton Bernot, Don Dobrino, Jenni Alepra and secretary Kathy McDaniels. (Archived Photo)
Facing the prospect of delayed state aid payments due to the continuing budget stalemate in Springfield, members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night listened to an extensive presentation about the possibility of issuing working cash bonds, though Superintendent Joe Tieman emphasized there are no immediate plans to seek a bond issue.
“This is for information only. I’m not asking for any action from the board,” Tieman said. “Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I think everyone knows the situation with the state and it is my responsibility to look at every possible revenue stream that we can tap into if we need to. About 65 percent of our budget comes from state sources so it is critically important to for us to look at this.”
Kevin R. Wills, vice president at First Midstate, Inc., the company that has handled previous bond sales for the district, told board members the school district could issue a maximum of $2.4 million in working cash bonds without exceeding the district’s state-imposed debt ceiling or affecting the district’s bonding capacity. Issuing the bonds would require a three-step process starting with a resolution approved by the board and a public notice initiating a 30-day public review process. During the 30-day review period, citizens could petition the board for a public referendum. That petition would require signatures representing 10 percent of voters who voted in the previous school board election. With or without a petition, the board would conduct a public hearing at the end of 30 days before officially voting to sell the bonds.
The authority to issue working cash bonds, once enacted by the board, would remain valid for a period of three years. In other words, the board could secure the authority to issue the bonds without voting immediately to issue them, choosing to issue them later when it is determined the working cash funds are needed. Moreover, Wills said, while the resolution would authorize bonds in amounts “up to” $2.4 million, the board could vote to issue a lesser amount.
The resolution would authorize bonds in amounts “up to” $2.4 million, the board could vote to issue a lesser amount.
Referring to a detailed 12-page report, Wills said the maximum amount the board can levy for debt service is $420,512.
“That’s a major limiting factor we have to work with moving forward,” Wills said. Regardless of the amount of working cash bonds ultimately issued, the repayment schedule would have to be structured so that the repayment schedule (combined with the district’s current debt repayment obligations) does not exceed the ceiling. Answering a question from board member Dave Griffel, Wills admitted it would be unlikely the district could issue working cash bonds in any substantive amount without increasing the tax levy.
“It would be a challenge to issue bonds without a tax increase,” he said. “No matter how it’s structured you’re probably going to see some kind of increase, if not at the beginning (of the repayment period), then in the later years. There’s a philosophical issue to consider in balancing the impact on the tax rate vs. taking a long time to pay it off.”
As an example, he said the district could take as long as 20 years to pay off the bond issue. “But what if the money gets spent in four years?” he said. “Then you’re paying on for the next 16 years.”
In theory, he suggested, it might be more prudent to consider a shorter pay-back period even though the impact on tax rates could be greater than if the bond issue was spread out over a longer period.
The district’s current tax extension of about $800,000 could grow to $1.2 million for “several years” if the district issued the maximum amount of working cash bonds, Griffel noted. “That’s pretty substantial.”
Also answering a question from Griffel, Wills said the process for obtaining revenue from a working cash bond issue would be about two months, provided no petitions are submitted to require a referendum election. In that event, the next election during which the referendum question could be presented to voters is the upcoming March 15 primary. To ensure the question appears on that ballot, Wills said, the board would need to adopt a Resolution of Intent to issue working cash bonds at least 122 days prior to the election, meaning the resolution would have to be voted upon by Nov. 14.
“If the board wants to do this without a referendum, that date is meaningless?” Tieman asked.
“Yes,” Wills responded.
Church allows school to use new parking lot
In other action, the board voted to authorize Tieman to negotiate with the Gillespie United Methodist Church’s Board of Trustees to draft an agreement allowing parents and visitors to use the church parking lot in exchange for the school district providing snow removal services for the lot during the winter months. Board member Griffel, who is a member of the church, abstained from the vote. Tieman noted that parents already are using the parking lot, located directly east of the elementary school, when they bring their children to school. It also apparently is being used when the school has special events and the school lot is not large enough to accommodate visitors.
Tieman also recommended extending a sidewalk from the school property line to the church parking lot so parents bringing children to school are not required to walk in the street.
Once the agreement is finalized, Tieman will present it to the board for final approval.
Personnel and student matters
In the area of personnel, the board voted to accept the resignation of Mark Hayes as head boys’ soccer coach and to post the position as vacant. Hayes, who serves as the board president, abstained from the vote.
Guidance Counselor Kalli Baker reported to the board regarding the school’s participation in a couple of high school Explorers programs that allow students to visit professional settings to explore potential career choices. Baker reported that 19 students are participating in a six-session Explorers program at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, and nine are participating in an Engineering Explorers program that included a visit to the construction site for a new bridge over the Illinois River at Meredosia.
“One of the things we’ve talked about is trying to get students outside the walls of our school,” Tieman commented. Apart from providing students with information about careers they may want to pursue as adults, the programs also give the students a sense of independence and confidence, according to Tieman. “Programs like these are examples of putting students outside of their normal school environment. I urge the staff to continue to seek new opportunities for programs like this and I urge the board to support these programs.”
Board hears report on CEO program
The board also heard a brief report about the school district’s possible participation in a county-wide Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) program. The two-credit course, based on a prototype that started in Effingham, is designed to teach students how to start, fund and operate a new business. Ultimately, only 20 students will be chosen from among the county’s nine school districts to participate.
“We’re very excited about this,” Tieman said. “I will be asking the board at a later date for approval for us to participate.”
Jenni Alepra, a board member who is employed as branch manager at United Community Bank, said UCB is involved as a financial contributor for the program and that the Gillespie School District has been chosen as one of four home bases in the county for the program. Students will be required to submit a formal application for consideration to participate.
Grade point averages will not be a consideration in the application process, Alepra said. “Some of the best entrepreneurial minds are not among your 4.0 students,” she said. “They’re students who think outside the box.”
The board will be asked to take formal action on the CEO program after the State Board of Education approves the course description for inclusion in the curriculum for Macoupin County schools.
Superintendent’s Report
Tieman reported that neither he nor any of the board members will attend an upcoming convention of Illinois School Boards. Only three of the seven board members were going to be able to attend because of prior commitments, he said. As a result, it was decided to “save the money” and forego attendance this year with an eye toward taking the full board to the convention in 2016.
Tieman also reported that Building Trades program received a donation of $1,180 for the purchase of a new power saw from Margaret Friel, a Springfield woman who saw an article about the program appearing in the State Journal-Register.
Tieman said the school now expects results from tests given last year by the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) in the next two months. PARCC officials now say results from high school exams should arrive in November, followed by middle school scores in December.
“It is a crime for our staff not to have the data (from the PARCC exams) before now to guide curriculum decisions,” Tieman commented.
Tieman reported to the board that he had responded to a Freedom of Information Act request from the Better Government Association seeking documents related to the collective bargaining agreement, administrator contracts, budget, legal settlements and payroll. Tieman directed the BGA to the district’s website where some of the information requested is posted and provided copies of the documents that do not appear on the website.
Board members also voted unanimously to pay the district’s September bills in the following amounts: Education Fund, $31,357.89; Building and Operations Fund, $38,607.98; Transportation, $4,323.45, for a total of $74,289.32.
Tieman also reported to the board that work is nearing completion on the dugouts for the school’s softball field, a sidewalk has been poured and bleachers have been ordered. The field should be completed and ready for use, he said, in time for this spring’s softball season. He also reported that a new heating/air conditioning control system is being installed at the high school and should result in greater comfort levels and efficiency. He said the system is expected to pay for itself in energy savings in about five years.
NEXT MEETING: The District #7 school board will meet again on November 23, 2015, at 7 p.m.
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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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SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street to pick up a found item.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a burglary.
An officer was out in the 200 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Schmidt Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 36, of Gillespie was arrested on multiple warrants including one out of St. Clair County for possession for methamphetamine, a second one out of Montgomery County for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked, and a third out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical alarm.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 200 block of West Oak Street.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to her property.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft.
An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a suspicious person.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property. Melissa J. Hughes, 49, of Benld was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for theft/larceny.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street to assist the Department of Children and Family Services.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of South Macoupin.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to High Street and Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of High Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was flagged down at Elm Street and Clinton Street and spoke with an individual in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a panic alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of South Second Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a dog bite. Heather L. Kimberlin, 47, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the alley in the 500 block of Park Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut and South Main Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the Veterans Memorial Park in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle that had been parked there for a couple of days.
Gillespie Police Department was requested for traffic control by the Gillespie Fire Department for a fire on Eagarville Road.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in Gillespie in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person at the storage units. Kathy J. Henderson, 49, of Sawyerville was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for bad checks
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Macoupin Street. Kenny L. Fults, 18, of Belleville was issued a citation for possession of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespassing. Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 57, of Benld was arrested for criminal trespassing to residence and a Macoupin County warrant for criminal trespassing to a residence.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Chestnut Street and charges are pending crime lab results.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Osie Street in reference to a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical call.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an ordinance issue.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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LITCHFIELD, Ill. — HSHS St. Francis Hospital is offering service opportunities to area teens this summer through the 2024 Junior Volunteer Program. Applications are being accepted now through May 1.
Applicants must be high school students maintaining at least a “C” average, be a minimum of 14 years of age by June 1 and be willing to volunteer at least two hours per week during the summer program. Junior volunteers will perform a variety of duties in various hospital departments.
Registration materials are available on the hospital’s website volunteer page at https://www.hshs.org/st-francis/community/volunteer.
All participants in the program will be required to present proof of immunizations for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and Varicella (chicken pox). An additional requirement includes attendance at a hospital orientation.
A limited number of positions will be available. For more information, contact HSHS St. Francis Hospital at 217-324-8200.
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