Community News
School board approves annual financing audit, approves parent-funded GMS cross country
Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night voted to accept a state-mandated financial audit prepared by Loy-Milley-Talley, PC, headquartered in Alton, Jerseyville and Greenfield. The action followed a summary presentation by Ken Loy, a senior partner in the firm. While the audit document gives the district a clean bill of health in regard to accounting procedures, the audit findings resulted in a slight downgrade in the district’s Financial Profile used by the State Board of Education to assess a district’s financial health. The downgrade—from 3.7 last year to 3.35 this year out of a maximum score of 4—will move the district from the state’s “Financial Recognition” classification (the state’s top category) to “Financial Review.”
In addition to hearing and approving audit findings, the board also green-lighted a Middle School Cross Country program and a district-wide “Running Club,” renewed mine subsidence insurance for the High School/Middle School complex, and heard a brief statement from the union regarding ongoing contract negotiations with non-certificated workers.
The annual audit, covering the fiscal year that ended June 30, must be filed with the State Board of Education under Illinois law. Additionally, Loy said his firm electronically submitted documents resulting in the 3.35 Financial Profile designation. Loy described the designation downgrade as “no big deal” that resulted from a $400,000 Operating Debt Fund transfer during the fiscal year. “Everything is pretty stable overall,” Loy said.
The purpose of the audit ostensibly is to affirm that the district’s accounting procedures are in order, but it also provides an insight into the district’s overall financial condition.
“There was some uncertainty at the beginning of the year,” Loy said, “but I think it all turned out well by the end of the year.” The audit includes three opinion letters regarding the district’s accounting procedures, all of which were positive.
“It’s a clean audit report in our opinion,” Loy noted. “Internal control is adequate, the money is handled properly and there is good oversight.” One letter refers specifically to the district’s handling of federal funds, which increased by $2.1 million last year due to COVID grant funds from the federal government. That letter noted the district “handled the money properly and spent it properly in a timely manner,” Loy said.
Three of the district’s major funds had deficit spending for the past fiscal year, according to the audit. Expenditures exceeded revenue by $81,065 in the Education Fund, $64,716 in the Operations and Maintenance Fund, and $31,486 in the Bond and Interest Fund. Revenue exceeded expenditures in all other funds, however, allowing the district to end the year with a $376,000 positive budget balance on June 30.
Part of that positive balance was attributed to the influx of federal cash for COVID relief. A year earlier, the district ended the year with an $18,000 positive budget balance. The year before that the district ended the budget year with a $370,000 cash surplus because of the receipt of a settlement from Union Pacific Railroad in connection with the loss of Benld Elementary School.
Among the audit’s other findings is a 10.13 percent increase in the district’s total equalized assessed valuation—from $75 million the previous year to $82.6 million last year. The increase resulted in a reduction in the district’s property tax rate from $4.17 per $100 EAV in 2019 to $3.80 for 2020.
Loy described the tax rate as “among the lowest three among eight school districts in the county.”
Loy said the audit shows the district started the fiscal year with $12.7 million in debt and paid down $715,000 to end the year with a debt load of $11,996,000.
The estimated per capita tuition charge (the cost of educating a single student for one year) was $8,906 for the fiscal year—an increase of $600 from the previous year. Loy said the tuition rate, a component of the audit required by the state, is “probably about average for the county.”
GMS CROSS COUNTRY/RUNNING PROGRAM
On a motion by Becky Hatlee, seconded by Bill Carter, the board unanimously approved a parent-funded cross country program for the middle school. The board also voted unanimously to approve Hatlee’s motion, seconded by Jack Burns, to authorize the establishment of a district-wide running club.
Both actions followed a brief presentation by Jay Weber, fifth-grade teacher and avid runner, who advocated for the Middle School cross-country program following the first-year success of a revived high school cross-country program. The Running Club, he said, would be open to students of all ages from all three attendance centers. The club will be a non-competitive organization to encourage students to become runners for recreation and fitness.
“We see enormous benefits to students in being active and building character traits,” Weber said.
Before voting, Dennis Tiburzi asked if physicals would be required for Running Club members. Weber said he would research that issue but noted a similar program at Auburn only required participants’ parents to sign a waiver.
The actions follow recent successes with the high school cross country program. The girls’ team finished third last Saturday at the Regional level and will advance to Sectionals this Saturday, while the girls’ team also finished as conference champions on Oct. 18.
“It’s quite a comeback for a program that essentially had been on hiatus for several years,” said Supt. Shane Owsley.
MINE SUBSIDENCE INSURANCE
Board members reluctantly voted to purchase substantially less mine subsidence coverage at a substantially higher premium on the recommendation of Supt. Owsley. Owsley said the district purchases subsidence insurance for the high school/middle school complex only. The newly constructed BenGil Elementary School was stabilized by injecting concrete into abandoned coal mine tunnels under the building, negating the risk of mine subsidence damage. Abandoned tunnels, however, remain under the high school/middle school site, posing a risk of collapse similar to the event that destroyed the Benld Elementary School more than a decade ago.
Last year, Owsley reported, the district was able to purchase $26 million in coverage for an annual premium of $115,000.
For this year, the district’s insurance consultant could find only $20 million in coverage for a total premium of $148,017.
“Fewer and fewer carriers are offering this and those that do are making you pay for it,” Owsley said. “We’re losing $6 million in coverage with a $33,000 increase in the premium.”
Under the plan, Axis Insurance will cover up to $10 million in subsidence damage for a premium of $90,837. Endurance Insurance will provide $5 million in coverage for $31,223, but the Endurance coverage would be accessed only after the first $10 million covered by Axis is exhausted. Another $5 million in coverage is provided by Markel Insurance for $25,957 to be accessed only after the first two policies are exhausted.
The district’s insurance consultant said it’s rare for subsidence to result in a total loss, Owsley said, “but you only have to go a few miles down the road to see where that happened. My recommendation is to go for the full $20 million in coverage.”
PERSONNEL
Neil Balzraine, a high school custodian and president of the union representing non-certificated district employees, read a statement from the union urging a resolution to ongoing contract negotiations. Balzraine said non-certificated workers have been working since July without a contract.
“We would like to express our concern tonight in regard to the non-certified contract negotiations and the board’s last proposal,” Balzraine read. “The members in a meeting two weeks ago unanimously expressed their concerns and disagreement with the board’s counter-proposal.”
He said union negotiators “look forward to meeting Thursday at 6 p.m. to discuss these issues and come together in agreement on a fair contract,” adding that the union is “anxious to find an agreement that benefits the staff as well as protects the district’s financial interest for the long term.”
After a prolonged negation, the board ratified a teachers contract in August calling for salary increases of 3.75 percent. Past practice has been to offer non-certificated workers a contract that is essentially the same as the teacher’s contract. Because the non-certificated negotiations are ongoing, neither side disclosed the specific issues that are in contention.
Prior to coming into open session, the board met for 90 minutes in executive session. Those closed-door discussions presumably included personnel issues and possibly collective bargaining.
OTHER ACTION
In other personnel action, the board:
- Approved a salary increase of 3.75 percent for Supt. Owsley for the 2021-22 school year. The increase is identical to the increase approved for certificated staff.
- Voted to hire Eric Bogle as a freshman boys basketball coach for the 2021-22 school year.
- Voted to hire Christy Besserman as a special education bus aide, pending a background check.
- Voted to hire Trish Spencer as a District Administrative Assistant, pending a background check. Spencer will train under outgoing Administrative Assistant Denise Graham who plans to retire in April.
DISTRICT FOCUS
During a brief District Focus segment, building administrators introduced newly hired teaching staff.
BenGil Principal Angelo Sandretto introduced Liz Logsdon, a birth-to-three staffer; Madi Whittington, speech therapist; third-grade teachers Katie Lievers, Alex Plovich and Pete Visintin; and fifth-grade teacher Jay Weber.
Middle School Principal Tara Cooper introduced Emily Barylske, a first-year classroom paraprofessional, and High School Principal Jill Rosentreter introduced Darian Gill, a former Middle School paraprofessional who transferred to the high school.
Supt. Owsley introduced Tim Besserman, recently hired as Transportation Direction. “You’ve picked an interesting time to jump into education,” Owsley joked, referring to COVID-19 protocols. “The good news is that if you survive this, it will downhill from here on.”
Comments
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.
Comments
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.
Comments
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.
Comments
-
Community News4 weeks agoSchool district apparently eyeing food management service
-
High School Sports3 weeks agoAnother strong week for Gillespie softball
-
High School Sports3 weeks agoGillespie baseball steamroll Nokomis and fall to New Berlin
-
Community News2 days ago
Progressive Club to celebrate 90th anniversary