Community News
School Report Card reveals District 7 is second behind Carlinville in PSAE test scores
Board member Weye Schmidt points out problems with the sound system in the high school gym.
The main purpose of the district’s December board meeting held last Monday, December 15, was to release the school report card data while administrators provided their responses and initiatives. Overall, the Gillespie district ranked second among 14 area districts with 60% of students meeting and exceeding benchmarks on the PSAE, 2% behind Carlinville who led 14 area districts by scoring 62%.
Superintendent Joe Tieman said it is “outstanding” for the Gillespie district to rank second in the PSAE. “We are on the heels of Carlinville, which is often the standard bearer of the county,” he explained. The PSAE test is administered to high school juniors and the results on the school report card display performance from the 2013-2014 school year.
The Gillespie district ranked second among 14 area districts with 60% of students meeting and exceeding benchmarks on the PSAE
Despite scoring second highest on the PSAE test, the district tied for 5th among the 14 districts on the ISAT test, which is administered to grades 3 through 8, scoring below the state average of 59% with 57% and the district tied for 4th with an 88% graduation rate. The Gillespie district scored better than the state average in the Ready for College area and tied for 6th after scoring 48%, which is comprised of students scoring of at least a 21 on the ACT test.
Overall on the PSAE, the district has seen a decline in math and science scores in the past three years and a general increase in the reading scores the past three years. Despite decline, the district has scored above the state average in reading and math in each of the past three years.
The district’s analysis on the ISAT test explains there has been slight improvement in reading and math from 2013 to 2014 with the district performing above the state average in math and science in 2013.
“Keep in mind, the data only reflects on one year, but it certainly paints our district in very positive and good light,” Tieman explained. “It was better than I thought when I was putting this together. We are performing above the state average in [PSAE scores, graduation rate and Ready for College].”
With the good news, Tieman also closed with a few areas he would like to see improvement: 1) The district aspires to be the top district in all four categories (PSAE, ISAT, graduation and Ready for College), 2) Only 48% of our kids are Ready for College and 3) the graduation rate is at 88%. “I want to see our graduation rate at 100%,” Tieman closed. “Good job principals.”
Elementary school experiencing issues with geothermal pumps
Superintendent Tieman reported that the district is experiencing some issues with the geothermal pumps in the newly construction elementary school. “We have geothermal pumps in the school and I have met with all the players on that – from manufacturers to engineers to electricians to work out a solution,” Tieman explained.
Tieman said to fix the problems now would be $750 per pump totaling $7,500
Board member Bill Carter questioned the warranty, but Tieman said the manufacturer’s warranty expires after 12 months and the school has been complete for 18 months, so the problem becomes an engineering issue, installation issue, or no one’s issue. Tieman explained there are 10 geothermal pumps in the school.
Tieman said to fix the problems now would be $750 per pump totaling $7,500. “All the problems are able to be fixed,” Tieman closed. “They are saying the pumps need to be grounded. I’m limited on my electrical expertise.”
Current Capital Projects Update
Board member Weye Schmidt initiated the capital projects discussion by complaining about the sound system in the high school gym. “Are we looking at the high school sound system because it’s terrible,” Schmidt said.
Superintendent Joe Tieman explains the school report card.
Tieman tackled his question by saying a sound consultant is doing some testing over Christmas break and will recommend solutions, but Tieman also said whatever he recommends will come down to whether the funding is there or not. More discussion pertaining to the sound system will take place during the January and February board meetings.
Tieman continued under capital projects by saying all the new signs are up and running, but stonework still has to take place at the elementary sign in front of the school. The middle school computer lab is also getting close to completion, according to Tieman, and tetherball poles will be installed at the middle school playground and basketball hoops will be installed at the elementary playground.
Administrator Updates
High school principal Lori Emmons explained high school students will take final exams on Thursday and Friday and the GHS M’PACTD group is hosting a community service event at the elementary school this Saturday focusing on bike safety. Emmons also explained juniors will take the practice ACT exam on January 29 with the actual ACT test being held on March 3.
She continued by thanking United Community Bank for their contribution to the Gillespie High School construction trades program and thanked everyone who has placed orders with the students. She closed with saying the high school collected more than 1,000 canned goods during their annual food drive.
Jill Rosentreter, principal of the middle school, reported that students are collecting box tops and have a good of raising enough money to buy books for the school library. Rosentreter also explained nearly 200 students attended the annual Christmas dance held last week and she thanked the PTO for their continued support. She closed with saying the seventh grade class went to see “A Christmas Carol” this week and semester exams took place on Wednesday and Thursday of this week for seventh and eighth grade students.
Elementary principal Angela Turcol said teachers and students are starting to increase PARCC testing practice and the second quarter will come to end on December 19. Turcol also reported that three teachers went to the Mid-West Conference for Kindergarten Teachers and one teacher went to Preparing my Kids for PARCC.
Approve Payment of December Bills
Education Fund: $61,151.75
Building Fund: $75,063.27
Transportation Fund: $9,585.34
Site & Construction Fund: $143,760.00
Grand Total: $289,560.36
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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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