Community News
Benld Council debates time clocks for employees issue, approves $1.7 million appropriation
Members of the Benld City Council on Monday night unanimously approved an appropriations ordinance totaling $1,171,337–nearly $117,000 less than last year’s appropriation–for the fiscal year that began June 1.
After several minutes of sometimes heated discussion, the council also agreed to purchase time clocks to monitor the amount of time city employees are on the job, but stopped short of recommending the type of time clocks to purchase. The issue of whether to buy standard mechanical time clocks using paper punch cards or “biometric” time clocks that use fingerprints for employees to clock in and clock out was referred to committee to return to the full council with a recommendation next month.
In other action, the council authorized Build Benld to pursue several specific civic improvement projects, took under advisement the possibility of using a realtor to sell a piece of city-owned property on Central Avenue and approved partial payment for the recently completed Shehorn Lift Station project.
TIME CLOCK CONTROVERSY
By a vote of 4-2, the council approved the purchase of time clocks to track the amount of time spent city employees spent on the job, but took no action regarding the type of time clocks the city should purchase. The city currently uses handwritten time sheets that are approved by employee supervisors. The issue has been the focus of debate in Benld for several months.
“A few years ago, I would not have been in favor of time clocks because you expect people to be trustworthy,” said Ald. Jim Tilashalski. But, he continued, there has been at least one instance when the veracity of an employee’s timesheet was called into question, prompting him to change his position on the issue.
[pullquote]We had a problem, we took care of it and I don’t think we’ve had a problem since then[/pullquote]“I don’t want to spend money on something we don’t need,” Ald. Jim Kelly countered, recommending that the city continue using times sheets to track employee time. “We had a problem, we took care of it and I don’t think we’ve had a problem since then.” Kelly also argued that there are provisions in the union contract with city employees approved earlier this year that address how the issue should be handled if someone questions the accuracy of an employee’s timesheet.
“I think we’re doing something about a problem that may or may not exist, and, if it does exist, we have the means to take care of it,” Kelly added.
Mayor Gloria Sidar said she had contacted neighboring municipalities to see how many of them use time clocks.
“Gillespie uses time clocks for Public Works employees only and only because the number of employees; Staunton uses time clocks for Public Works employees only and only because of the number of employees,” she said. “Mount Olive does not use time clocks. Bunker Hill does not use time clocks and said, ‘Why do you want time clocks? It sounds like micro-managing’.”
Sidar noted that the city would have to buy a total of three time clocks to service all of its employees and she indicated she opposed using a “biometric” time clock that uses employee thumbprints to clock in and clock out and stores data in the internet cloud. She said she especially was concerned about the system’s capability for GPS tracking to monitor employee whereabouts. Ald. Bernot, however, said GPS tracking would only be possible if employees used a remote device to clock in and the Finance Committee was recommending an onsite device for clocking in and clocking out. The biometric aspect of the system, he said, would preclude the possibility of “buddy clocking in,” having someone clock in for an employee who was not on the job.
Ald. Kelly noted that the city’s union contract may preclude use of a biometric system. Unions, he said, while not opposed to time clocks, have been opposed to biometric systems due to privacy concerns.
A motion by Ald. Mickey Robinson to table the issue died for want of a second.
Ald. Tilashalski then moved to purchase three mechanical time clocks.
“I think we’re getting ahead of ourselves,” Sidar commented. “Let’s find out if we even want time clocks first.”
Tilashalksi then amended his motion to remove references to the type of time clock the city purchases, and Ald. Teressa Tucker seconded. Brought to a vote, Ald. Tilashalski, Bernot, Tucker and Brian Frensko voted in favor of the measure, while Kelly and Robinson cast dissenting votes.
Sidar then directed the Finance Committee to collect information about both types of timekeeping devices and report back to the council next month.
“I don’t have a problem with time clocks, but I want a lot more information,” she said.
APPROVAL OF NEW APPROPRIATIONS ORDINANCE
Finance Committee Chair Peyton Bernot said the new appropriations ordinance is nearly identical to last year’s ordinance. Though not technically a budget, the ordinance sets spending limits for specific city funds that cannot be exceeded without special action to amend the appropriation.
“We’ll revisit this in December and see if we have to make any amendments,” Bernot said.
Last year’s appropriation of $1,288,188, approved on July 20, 2015, was adjusted upward to $1,294,195 in the middle of fiscal 2015.
[pullquote]Bernot’s presentation included a recapitulation projecting that the city will end the current fiscal year with a total of $940,811.75 cash on hand in all funds, compared with the $884,326.05 cash reserves the city had on hand at the end of fiscal 2015[/pullquote]The new appropriation includes spending authority to purchase a new fence at the city baseball diamond and to purchase a new mower. Broken down by specific funds, the ordinance sets spending limits as follows:
- Administrative $ 45,236
- Audit $ 3,780
- Legal Fees $ 19,000
- Band $ 1,260
- Cemetery $ 1,400
- Parks $ 7,000
- Unemployment $ 600
- City Property $ 62,868
- Maintenance $ 89,928
- Police $265,931
- Water $304,741
- Sewer $238,233
- Trash $101,400
- Motor Fuel Tax $ 30,000
Bernot’s presentation included a recapitulation projecting that the city will end the current fiscal year with a total of $940,811.75 cash on hand in all funds, compared with the $884,326.05 cash reserves the city had on hand at the end of fiscal 2015.
BUILD BENLD PROJECTS
Council members voted to authorize the Build Benld organization to pursue any of several projects the organization outlined for the council. The action essentially means the city is willing to accept the projects as donations from the organization if the organization has the funding and chooses to pursue them.
“It’s stuff we are considering doing if the city is okay with it,” said Norm Emmons, who appeared before the council as a Build Benld representative. He said the group may not do all of the projects, depending upon available funds, but group members wanted to get started on securing estimates for the projects the city would accept as donations from Build Benld.
On a motion by Ald. Frensko, seconded by Robinson, the council agreed to accept a diaper-changing station the group already has purchased for the women’s restroom in the City Park, and a second identical diaper changing station for the Civic Center women’s room if there is room to install it. The council also agreed to accept two metal picnic tables with at least one to be located at Veterans Park and one possibly to be located at the ball diamond. Additionally, the council agreed to accept two to four new trees, each three inches in diameter, to be planted at Veterans Park and at the ball diamond.
The council deferred action on accepting an eight-foot playground merry-go-round and a metal Christmas tree for the community.
Emmons said the group planned to have the same vendor build the merry-go-round that it is using for the picnic tables, but Ald. Tucker and Mayor Sidar expressed concerns about whether or not the equipment would meet mandatory safety requirements. The council also deferred action on the Christmas tree proposal pending confirmation of details regarding the size, design and type of metal.
Emmons said he would gather additional information on those specific items for the council’s consideration at a later date.
SHEHORN LIFT STATION PAYMENT
On motion by Ald. Kelly, the council voted unanimously to make a partial payment of $102,869.05 to Haier Plumbing and Heating, Okawville, for work done on the recently completed Shehorn Lift Station. Justin Vonder Haar of Henry, Meisenheimer and Gende (HMG) Engineers recommended the making the initial payment, noting that the only work remaining to be done on the site involves grading and seeding. The remaining $7,914.16 on the contract will be paid once that work is done and accepted.
The original bid was for $108,875, according to Vonder Haar, but the contract was increased to $110,783 because of $1,908 change order required to reconnect to sewer services in the area of the project.
In related matters, the council approved Ald. Kelly’s motion to purchase a back-up pump for the Shehorn Lift Station from Vandeventer Engineering at a cost of $5,427. Kelly noted the city has back-up pumps for its other lift stations on hand in the event a pump should fail.
Council members also authorized Mayor Sidar to apply for a state-funded grant through the West Central Planning Commission for additional sewer work. Grant administrator Mike Cavanaugh had previously told the city the application has to be for projects for which engineering work has already been done. During Monday’s meeting, Sidar asked Vonder Haar if engineering documents were still available for a sewer improvement project for which the city previously applied for grant assistance. The Mayor told council members she would contact HMG Engineers this week to obtain those documents and submit a grant application before the Aug. 16 deadline.
The city applied for a $50,000 grant for sewer improvements last year through the same program but was unsuccessful.
CORDERA BUILDING PLANS
The council took under advisement Mayor Sidar’s proposal to retain a realtor to sell the city-owned Cordera building on Central Avenue near the public library. Last month, the council discussed a proposal from the Cordera family under which the family would purchase the building back from the city, then donate it to the library to house library archives. Since that time, Sidar noted, the library indicated it does not want the building because it doesn’t have the funds to pay for utilities, maintenance and staffing at a second building. In addition, Sidar reported that two people have approached the city about buying the building to house new businesses.
“Are these businesses that would bring in sales tax?” asked Tilashalski.
[pullquote]Sidar reported that two people have approached the city about buying the building to house new businesses[/pullquote]“Yes,” Sidar replied.
“If someone is interested in bidding on it (the building), and it’s going to bring in sales tax, I’m in favor of it,” Tilashalski said. “I can’t wait to see who it is.”
Sidar’s plan would call for the city declaring the property surplus and splitting the lot in half, with the south half to be developed as a parking lot for the library and using a realtor to
negotiate the sale of the building. Earlier in the meeting, Sidar asked attorney Gina Verticchio if the city could legally use a realtor to sell surplus real estate in lieu of seeking public bids. Verticchio said the city could handle the sale through a realtor since the sale would be public. In addition, Verticchio said, the city would be likely to realize a better sale price by listing the property with a realtor.
“I don’t want to take action tonight,” Sidar told city alderman, “but think about it and consider it for our next meeting.”
CENTRAL AVENUE TREES
The council tabled action on buying trees to plant along Central Avenue pending receipt of more information. Ald. Bernot reported that he and Frensko had looked into buying flowering cherry trees at a cost of $150 each for 10-foot trees that are two inches in diameter. He said the nursery representative assured them that the trees would be capable of withstanding strong east-west winds that basically destroyed all but one of the trees currently on the city’s main street.
Several years ago, the city removed trees along the avenue because they had grown too large and were damaging the sidewalk surrounding the openings in which they were planted. The replacement trees, however, lasted only briefly because of damages from prevailing winds.
“Our Central Avenue needs something,” Tilashalski commented, adding that September would be the earliest appropriate time for planting new trees.
Mayor Sidar suggested the possibility of some type of evergreen, and noted that if the city does not plant new trees the sidewalk openings will need to be filled in for safety.
“I think trees are great, but the first ones were too big and were cracking the sidewalks, and the second ones broke off,” Tucker commented. “Whatever we get, we want to make sure they are hardy enough.”
SEWER HOOK-UP ISSUE
Council members briefly discussed a letter prepared by Verticchio Law Office and sent to a resident in the 300 block of Park Avenue after the resident discovered she had been paying for sewer service to her late husband’s place of business next door even though there is no sewer tap for that building. The resident reportedly had demanded a refund for what had been paid for sewer service in the past, and that demand was denied. The gist of the letter informs the resident that a sewer hook-up is required for all buildings having city water service.
“She says she wants money back because she doesn’t have a sewer, and we say that if you have a water meter, you have to have a sewer,” said Ald. Kelly, answering a question from another alderman. “That water is draining somewhere and it’s not going into a septic system.
STAGNANT WATER ON RAILROAD PROPERTY
Ald. Robinson asked about using city workers to drain an area of standing, stagnant water along Dosey Street near the railroad tracks. The water, he said, poses a health risk in that it provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
“That water is on the railroad’s property,” Mayor Sidar explained. “Our guys were hauling in dirt to fill that area and we got a call from the railroad telling us to stop.”
She said the area holding water is significantly lower that the surrounding terrain, precluding the possibility of cutting ditches to carry it to the ditch. She said she will contact the city attorney to see if the city can compel the railroad to address the issue.
NORTHWESTERN LINES MAGAZINE ARTICLE
Mayor Sidar called the council’s attention to an article by Charles Voyles schedule to appear in an upcoming issue of Northwestern Lines Magazine. The piece, titled “What Lies Beneath,” opens with a recapitulation of recent mine subsidence events in Benld, then delves into the history of coal mining in the area.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Voted unanimously to retain Scheffel Boyle CPAs to conduct the city’s annual audit at a cost of $9,800.
- Voted unanimously to prosecuted properties at 709 and 711 Rose Street as nuisance properties.
- Voted unanimously to remove two more dead trees from city property that are too large for city workers to cut down. The two trees will be selected by the committee from a list of trees targeted for removal earlier this year.
- Agreed to pay for mileage, lodging and registration fees for up to two city employees to attend an conference regarding the city’s water billing system scheduled for September in Arkansas. Cost of registration will be $100 per registrant.
- Declared a white Dodge pick-up truck formerly used by the Maintenance Department as surplus property and to accept bids for the sale of the vehicle.
- Rejected a request to install stop signs on Spruce Street at Illinois Street.
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Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show, which will be held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge in Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, of Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, tabletop decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is five dollars for adults and one dollar for children ages five to 12, with four-year-olds and younger admitted free of charge.
The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open. The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public, with the Print Shop offering its popular handmade Christmas cards and other items produced in the shop; kids can print their own blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds, with wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative pieces, available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events, and a free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.
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Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night voted to approve a property tax levy request totaling $3,920,295 for 2025 property taxes payable in 2026. Because of tax caps and other factors, however, the district expects to collect only an estimated $3,786,607 of the requested amount.
In addition to acting on the tax levy, the board also held a lengthy discussion regarding annual district “report cards” issued by the Illinois State Board of Education to assess school performance from last year, approved a high school band/choir performance trip to Chicago in March, and agreed to apply for a school maintenance grant of up to $50,000 in matching funds.
The new proposed levy exceeds last year’s tax extension of $3,599,569 by more than $320,726—an increase of about nine percent if the levy were to be approved at the county level. The more realistic anticipation of $3,786,607 exceeds last year’s extension by $187,038, or an increase of about three percent. A Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), approved by Macoupin County voters in 1995, restricts increases in the levy to five percent or the federal Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. This year’s CPI is estimated at 2.9 percent.
The approved levy seeks $1,650,000 for the Education Fund while expecting to realize $1,653,831; $450,229 for Operations & Maintenance, while anticipating $438,041; $200,000 for Transportation while expecting $180,434; $35,000 for Working Cash while expecting $42,602; $174,700 for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund while anticipating $117,788; $154,101 for Social Security while expecting $105, 248; $247,264 for Tort while anticipating $240,570; and $33,501 for Special Education while expecting $32,593. For Bond and Interest, which is not subject to PTELL, the district is levying $975,500 while anticipating the same amount.
Local property tax revenue accounts for about 20 percent of the district’s overall annual budget.
Because the levy request exceeds 105 percent of the previous year’s extension, a public hearing is required. That hearing is scheduled at the start of the board’s regular December meeting at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15. In the meantime, the proposed levy is available for public inspection on the district’s website and in the district office.
Using a PowerPoint presentation, Owsley emphasized the levy request is essentially a wish list for what the district would like to raise through property taxes.
“The levy is the ‘Christmas list’ I talk about every year,” Owsley said. “If you don’t put it on the list, you’re not going to get it.”
Projecting what the district can legally seek under tax caps can be challenging because the district’s total equalized assessed valuation will not be confirmed until after Jan. 1 while state law requires the district to file its levy request before the end of December. For that reason, local school districts routinely file requests that exceed what they actually expect to receive in property tax revenue, and rely on the County Clerk to adjust the request to the maximum amount the district can receive.
“Because of tax caps, we have one shot to capture increases in the EAV and new construction,” Owsley said. “If we don’t do that, we lose it in perpetuity.”
To calculate the new levy, Owsley projected a 15.12 percent increase in the EAV—nearly double the previous year’s rate of increase. By overestimating the EAV growth, the district expects to capture the entire increase in assessed valuation when that number is finally determined.
“Even though we know the EAV will likely be around the historical average, we base our levy on a much higher amount so as not to lose revenue from new growth,” Owsley told the board. “We can do this without running the risk of overtaxing taxpayers because the district will receive no more than what we are entitled to by law.”
Owsley said relatively stable increases in EAV have resulted in a steadily declining tax rate. Since 2014 when the rate was $4.24 per $100 in EAV, the rate has fallen to $3.20 for 2024. In other words, the county can use a lower rate to generate the extension to which the district is entitled because the value of taxable property has increased.
“As long as the EAV goes up by more than the Consumer Price Index, our tax rates are going to go down,” Owsley noted.
SCHOOL DISTRICT REPORT CARDS
The board spent several minutes discussing recently released school report cards issued by the Illinois State Board of Education. Interested persons can view local report cards by visiting https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.
All three attendance centers received a “Commendable” designation, meaning there are no student groups that are underperforming academically, and the high school graduation rate exceeds 67 percent. Last year, BenGil Elementary School achieved an “Exemplary” designation—the top designation a school can achieve.
Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto said administrators knew the school would not earn an Exemplary rating, even though students are state average in English/language arts, math and science. The Report Card designations are based on growth rather than academic performance. With students already exceeding state standards last year, the opportunity for growth was limited.
Assistant Principal Tara Cooper agreed, noting BenGil Elementary’s student performance is in the upper half of schools statewide that are meeting academic standards. “So, while we are not ‘Exemplary,’ we’re very happy with where we are.”
Supt. Owsley told the board the State Board of Education is working on revamping the assessment system because of the growth vs. performance issue. “That’s why they’re redoing all of this because they are penalizing schools for meeting goals,” he said.
For Gillespie Middle School, the report card shows students meeting or exceeding state averages in math and science but significantly lagging in English/language arts.
“ELA is our most concerning area,” Principal Patrick McGinthy told the board, “along with absenteeism.” The report card shows a chronic absenteeism rate of 25 percent, but Owsley and other administrators said the rate is exacerbated by the State Board of Education including nearly all absences whether or not they are excused.
Rosentreter noted the State Board will allow a student to be absent five days for illness without a doctor’s excuse. On the sixth day, however, the absence is unexcused unless the parent or guardian provides a doctor’s slip. Many parents, however, are reluctant to pay for a doctor’s visit for a child that is suffering from a minor illness.
McGinthy said Middle School teachers are attempting to address the deficiency in English/language arts by increasing writing exercises and requiring students to write in conjunction with other curriculum areas.
Rosentreter noted that the assessment standards for high schools differ from the standards for elementary and middle schools in that the State Board emphasizes graduation rates. For Gillespie, the graduation rate is an impressive 86 percent, though chronic absenteeism checks in at 31 percent.
“Math is definitely our shining star,” Rosentreter said, noting the school scored 17.8 points compared with the state average of 18. The school performed less well in the areas of English/language arts and science, scoring 16 points on ELA compared with the state score of 18 and 17.2 points compared with the state average of 19.
The report cards are based on results for the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) test for elementary and middle school students, and ACT scores for high school students.
Administrators said it’s difficult to motivate students to do well on state-mandated tests since the tests do not affect the student’s grade point average. To incentivize testing, Rosentreter said the high school is offering to let students skip final exams if they hit state standards on the mandated tests.
Owsley noted that the district report card documents the continuing decline in school enrollment—dropping from 1,325 seven years ago to 1,082 for the 2024-25 academic year.
“We don’t see that turning around anytime soon,” Owsley said. “It’s not just a Gillespie thing; it’s a trend for schools throughout Macoupin County.
BAND/CHOIR TRIP TO CHICAGO
Following a presentation by band/choir instructor Brad Taulbee, the board approved a high school band and choir performance tour to Chicago set for March 19-21. Taulbee said the tour company retained for the trip places emphasis on security and safety for traveling students. The company supplements hotel security with its own security personnel to monitor student rooms during the trip.
The tour includes workshop sessions at Vandercook College in downtown Chicago, and performances by the choir at the John Hancock Center and by the band at one of the city’s museums.
Taulbee said he is attempting to keep the cost affordable for participating students. Depending upon the number of students who ultimately go on the trip, he said he expects the cost to be about $739 per person. Additionally, he is lining up sponsors who can help with expenses for students who could not otherwise afford to participate.
“Security is my main concern,” said Board President Mark Hayes. “We just came back from there and seven people were shot in the area we were in.”
Taulbee said he expects to recruit seven to 10 chaperones and will ensure that the ratio of students to chaperones does not exceed 1:10.
SCHOOL MAINTENANCE GRANT
The board concurred with Supt. Owsley’s recommendation to again apply for a state School Maintenance grant of up to $50,000. The grant is a “matching” grant requiring the district to match grant funds dollar for dollar. The district has successfully applied for the grant for the past several years.
If the application is successful, Owsley said the funds will likely be used to remove asbestos-containing floor tiles in the choir room and elsewhere in the Middle School.
PERSONNEL
Following an executive session of about 40 minutes to discuss personnel and other issues, the board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Tim Wargo as an assistant high school baseball coach and post the position as vacant, and voted to appoint Wargo as the head high school baseball coach for the coming season.
In separate actions, the board approved maternity leaves for Alexis Lupkey, district paraprofessional, and Gear-Up Coordinator Jordan Bartok. Lupkey’s leave is tentatively scheduled from Dec. 8 through March 18. Bartok’s leave is expected from Dec. 12 through Jan.6.
Board members voted unanimously to hire Christopher Whaley as a substitute bus driver, pending a routine background check and documentation of certification.
The board also voted unanimously to terminate Makayla Huff as a three-hour cook and post the position as vacant.
On a motion by Bill Carter, seconded by Weye Schmidt, the board voted unanimously to rehire fall coaches as follows: Jordan Bartok as head high school girls volleyball coach with Shelsie Price, as an assistant coach; Cory Bonstead as head football coach with Nate Henrichs, Jarrod Herron, Korben Clark, Alex Jasper, J.O. Kelly, Billy Gill and Florian Seferi as assistant and volunteer assistant coaches; Jay Weber as head coach for the parent-funded high school cross-country program with Jack Burns as a volunteer assistant coach; Jake Kellebrew as head coach for the parent-funded high school golf program, with Michael Otten as a volunteer assistant coach; Tim Wargo as head middle school baseball coach with Trae Wargo as assistant coach; Michelle Smith as head middle school softball coach with Jim Matesa, Joe Kelly and Melissa Heigert as assistant coaches; and Liz Thackery as head coach for the parent-funded middle school cross-country program with Laura Peterson as a volunteer assistant coach.
DISTRICT FOCUS
During a District Focus segment, Supt. Owsley introduced newly hired School Resource Officer Jacob Linhart, and High School Principal provided a report with photos of a recent school-wide Veterans Day observance.
Linhart, who has served five years as a police officer on the Gillespie Police Department, replaces Wade Hendricks, who recently retired after serving three years as the CUSD 7 School Resource Officer.
Linhart said it is a “great privilege” to serve as a Resource Officer, protecting students and staff. “I’m honored that you guys are allowing me to do it,” he said.
High School Principal Rosentreter said the school served breakfast to about 200 veterans and their families Tuesday morning, Nov. 11. Later, the veterans were joined by nearly 700 high school and middle school students for a recognition ceremony in the high school gymnasium.
Since the event coincided with the 25th anniversary of CUSD 7’s Wall of Honor program, the annual event did double duty as an induction ceremony for five are individuals, all of whom happened to be U.S. Military veterans.
The inductees included the late Sergeant Major John Marion Malnar, Command Sergeant Major John “Jack” Burns, Colonel Mark Daley, Lieutenant Colonel William P. Falke and Captain Robert Leone. Rosentreter said Daley and Leone traveled with their families from Colorado and Texas, respectively, to attend the ceremonies.
Burns, a retired CUSD 7 teacher, later visited BenGil Elementary School to present a program and teach students how to properly fold an American flag.
Rosentreter recognized the City of Gillespie for a donation of $1,000 to help purchase food for the veterans.
Born in Benld and a resident of Sawyerville, “Big John” Malnar earned a Silver Star during the Korean Conflict and a Gold Star, awarded posthumously after he was killed in action in 1968 in Vietnam. A Marine training center at Camp Geiger in North Carolina is named in his honor.
Though not a Wall of Honor inductee, Jacob Miller, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and recipient of two Purple Hearts, was recognized with a standing ovation.
The annual Veterans Day breakfast and ceremony provides students with an opportunity to meet and recognize local veterans as potential role models for their own futures.
Owsley said the event is a major event on the district’s calendar which grew out of a simple flagpole ceremony initiated 25 years ago.
CEJA GRANT FUNDS
Board members briefly discussed plans for about $74,000 in anticipated Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) grant funds. The federal program is intended to compensate communities that have experienced revenue loss as a result of coal mine closures.
Owsley said the district committed about $86,000 in last year’s CEJA grant funds to the City of Gillespie to help pay for improvements to Plum Street, which is heavily used by district school buses. He has not transferred those funds, however, pending the start of the project.
Owsley said he was seeking the board’s input on how the money should be used.
“We could continue to partner with the city on Plum Street,” he said. “But there are plenty of project areas within the school.” The money could be used, for example, for continuing asbestos abatement. He identified other upcoming needs, including a new roof for the high school/middle school and an HVAC project.
President Hayes pointed out the school district paid for improvements to Kelly Street when BenGil Elementary was built and subsidized a project to reconfigure drainage on Broadway Street, in addition to the dollars committed for Plum Street.
“The school district is not in the business of building roads,” he said. “I think we’ve been more than generous with the city.”
Board member Peyton Bernot agreed the money should be committed for use by the school district.
TRIPLE I CONFERENCE
Several board members who attended a conference for board members and administrators Friday-Saturday, Nov. 21-23, in Chicago, commented briefly about their take-aways from conference sessions. Popularly known as the Triple I Conference, the convention is sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Association of School Administrators and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials.
Owsley said more than 700 Illinois school districts were represented, making the Triple I the largest gathering of education professionals in North America.
Bernot briefly reported on a session he attended regarding upcoming legislation and financial outlooks for school districts. He described the session as “much less optimistic” than sessions he’s attended in the past.
Owsley was among the convention presenters, discussing social-emotional learning. He commented that several districts attending reported efforts to involve students in school administrators. Some districts, he said, appointed a non-voting student representative to the school board to take part in discussions directly affecting students.
“When you think about it, we hear from faculty members and we hear from parents,” Hayes commented. “The people we don’t hear from are the most important part of what we do.”
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The Holiday Sparkle Committee of Gillespie is preparing for the 4th Annual Holiday Sparkle Lighted Parade and Community Tree Lighting, set for Sunday, November 30, at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Gillespie. This beloved community tradition invites residents and visitors to kick off the holiday season with lights, music, and festive cheer.
Food trucks will line the parade route starting at 4:00 p.m., offering a variety of tasty options for families to enjoy before and during the celebration. The event will culminate in the illuminated parade and the ceremonial lighting of the community tree, signaling the official start of the season’s celebrations.
A highlight of this year’s festivities will be a special performance by Gillespie area students in grades 3 through 5. The group will join together to sing Christmas carols, lending their voices to the town’s joyous welcome to the holidays.
Parade participants are invited to bring extra sparkle to the evening—whether by entering a parade float, walking in the parade, or simply attending to enjoy the atmosphere. Participation helps make the event truly magical for the entire community. The only requirement for the parade is all entries have to incorporate holiday lighting.
To join the parade lineup, interested participants can sign up at https://forms.gle/L7Q4tEkgjj8Lt5E47. The Holiday Sparkle Committee expresses gratitude for the ongoing support of residents, businesses, and volunteers who help bring this festive occasion to life each year.
The second part of the holiday festivities will take place on Saturday, December 13 when the Sparkle will sponsor the vendor fair and food trucks in downtown Gillespie including a visit from Santa. Vendors will be located in the Gillespie Civic Center, Zion Lutheran Church, and Emma G’s Upscale Boutique while local businesses and eateries will also be open. An egg nog jog benefitting Gillespie Cross Country will also be held on December 13 and interested participants can join here.
The Holiday Sparkle Committee invites everyone to mark their calendars and join in the celebration. For more information, please contact the committee by email at gillespieholidaysparkle@gmail.com or visit Gillespie Holiday Sparkle on Facebook.
