Community News
School board reviews state report card, ratifies $3.5 million property tax levy
Administrators from each of Community Unit School District 7’s three schools analyzed data from the Illinois State Board of Education’s annual report card during the regular meeting of the district’s Board of Education on Monday night. High school, middle school and elementary principals acknowledged lower scores on this year’s report, resulting primarily from the COVID-19 pandemic, and outlined plans to elevate academic performance to pre-pandemic levels.
In other action, the board approved a $3.5 million tax levy and heard a brief report about a Ben-Gil Elementary School program to encourage students to read books at home for pleasure and enrichment.
After 18 months of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, Supt. Shane Owsley told the board, “the fact that test scores declined did not come as a surprise.” He said he and the administrative staff are exploring ways to “close the education gap” and get students’ academic performance “back on track.” In March 2020, the school district switched to remote learning for the remainder of the academic year. When in-person learning resumed, parents had the option of keeping their students at home and continue with remote learning programs. The disruptive nature of the pandemic response resulted in lowered academic performance overall, some students continued to excel despite the challenges, he said.
“Despite COVID, we had 13 students named as Illinois State Scholars,” Owsley said, noting that having 13 state scholars out of a relatively small student body was a significant achievement. “We’ve seen increases in our LSAT and SAT scores,” he said, “despite COVID.”
“COVID is still with us,” Owsley cautioned. “Despite these challenges, I have confidence that we have the staff to get our scores back to where they need to be.”
The state-mandated report card for the district and individual schools, which can be reviewed at illinoisreportcard.com, is somewhat short on hard data because of disputations the pandemic caused in the assessment testing schedule. Still, the data shows declining scores in some areas of academic training such as math, science and language arts.
“Our scores have dipped,” said BenGil Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto. “Now that we are back in school, we are working very hard to get back to where we were before the pandemic.”
Eighty-five percent of sixth-grade students at Gillespie Middle School met or exceeded state standards in math—a rate comparable to statewide averages. “I’m confident we will continue in that direction,” said GMS Principal Tara Cooper.
SAT test scores for high school students “were very good,” according to High School Principal Jill Rosentreter. Still, she said, there are “learning gaps” that administrators are working to address. One strategy being implemented district-wide involves offering after-school support in nearly all areas of the district’s curriculum.
TAX LEVY
On a motion by Bill Carter, seconded by Jenni Alepra, the board approved the annual property tax levy for 2021 taxes, payable in 2022. Supt. Owsley discussed the proposed levy in detail last month, noting the levy is larger than what the district actually expects to collect in property taxes next year because of the limitations of the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL).
Totaling $3,516,979 million, the levy seeks $1,369,880 for the Education Fund, $354,098 for Operations and Maintenance, $142,102 for Transportation, $33,174 for Working Cash, $95,452 for IMRF, $86,348 for Social Security, $190,159 for Tort, $26,542 for Special Education, and $844,261 for Bond and Interest.
Because the levy request exceeds last year’s tax extension by more than five percent, the board conducted a state-mandated Truth in Taxation hearing before going into executive session. The hearing was a formality, however, as no members of the public appeared to comment or ask questions.
In a related fiscal matter, the board approved the transfer of about $75,000 from the Occupation Tax Fund to the Bond and Interest Fund to pay debt service on general obligation bonds issued to finance construction of the BenGil Elementary School. After voters approved a county-wide school facilities sales tax, the board committed to using 15 percent of the revenue to service debt incurred for capital projects.
DISTRICT FOCUS
BenGil Elementary Principal offered a brief presentation regarding a Family Reading Program that encouraged students to read books at home for pleasure and enrichment. Families participating in the program were encouraged to submit photos of their reading sessions.
Following the presentation, Supt Owsley said the monthly District Focus has recognized a variety of programs and personnel in the district but stated the “focus” of the district is on educating students. To that end, he said he has directed building administrators to prepare future district focus presentations that target innovative programs in the district to serve the academic needs of students.
“Our focus is always on our students,” he said.
STUDENT DISCIPLINE CASE
In a relatively fast-paced meeting, the board breezed through the agenda in about 30 minutes after spending about two hours in executive session. A substantial portion of the closed-door session presumably dealt with the discussion regarding a student discipline case. In open session, the board voted unanimously to “uphold the administration’s suspension” of a district student. To preserve privacy, the student was not identified in any way, nor was the student’s offense described.
In other action, the board approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Staunton School District to facilitate “transportation of each other’s students for out-of-district placement.”
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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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