Community News
Sidar resigns as Benld Mayor, Koyne seated as City Clerk
Gloria Sidar
First term Benld Mayor Gloria Sidar resigned her seat at the close of Monday night’s regular meeting of the city council.
Sidar distributed copies of her resignation letter moments before the council adjourned. Many council members seemed stunned by the news and Sidar later confirmed she had not shared her intentions with any of the alderpersons, other than Ald. Jim Kelly, who will serve as Mayor Pro-Tem immediately after Sidar’s resignation becomes effective. Ald. Teressa Tucker’s motion to accept the resignation “with a heavy heart” was seconded by Ald. Jim Tilashalski and was unanimously approved by the council.
Sidar’s resignation becomes effective at the end of business on Friday, Sept. 23.
“This decision was not taken lightly but due to the fact that I have sold my residence at 400 S. Kentucky,” Sidar’s letter stated. “I will no longer be a resident of the city.”
In her letter, Sidar “wholeheartedly” thanked council members “for their support, patience and understanding throughout (her) term as mayor.”
[pullquote]It is my belief that this council has done many positive things for the city and its inhabitants[/pullquote]“It is my belief that this council has done many positive things for the city and its inhabitants,” she wrote.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I’m doing this,” an emotional Sidar told the council. “I think we’ve done a lot in the past few years. We put in a new lift station without having to have outside financial help, we have new businesses moving in and I personally think the town is cleaner. I’m proud of what we’ve done.”
Gina Verticchio, who attended the meeting on behalf of City Attorney Rick Verticchio, said Kelly could call a special meeting soon after Sidar’s resignation becomes effective. At that time, council members can elect a new mayor from among the current alderpersons. Whoever is elected can be appointed as a temporary mayor, in which case he or she would retain aldermanic status and would be empowered to vote on various motions, or be appointed as a permanent mayor to serve the remainder of Sidar’s term, which will end in the spring of 2017. If a permanent mayor is appointed, he or she, would then appoint a community member to take his or her seat on the council, subject to council approval.
Kelly said he would like to move as quickly as possible to call a special meeting, appoint a new mayor and ensure the transition goes smoothly.
Sidar, who previously served as an alderman, was elected mayor on April 9, 2013, defeating challenger Peyton Bernot with 310 votes to Bernot’s 237. She was sworn-in during the May 2013 meeting of the council. Bernot was serving as Ward 3 alderman at the time of Sidar’s election and was re-elected to the seat in 2015.
According to the State Board of Elections website, persons interested running for the Benld Mayor or other offices open for election in 2017 could have begun circulating nominating petitions as of Aug. 30. The filing period for petitions is Nov. 21-28.
Also on Monday night, the council unanimously approved Sidar’s appointment of Terri Koyne to serve as City Clerk following the resignation last month of Nadine Ferrero. Ferrero also was elected in 2013, and Koyne’s appointed term will run until the end Ferrero’s term.
KRAVANYA CREMATORY
Council members unanimously accepted the recommendation of the Benld Zoning Commission to rezone the 300 block of Locust Street from residential use to commercial use. The move paves the way for Kravanya Funeral Homes to apply for permits and licensing to construct a crematory facility that will provide cremation services for both human remains and pets. Anthony Kravanya, who attended the meeting, said the funeral home must have the property rezoned before it can apply for permits from the Environmental Protection Agency and seek licensing from the state Professional Regulation and Licensing agency.
“Right now there is a trend toward cremation,” Kravanya said, “and the closest places are in St. Louis, Alton or Springfield.” Those facilities, like the one proposed in Benld, are located primarily in residential areas, Kravanya said.
Mayor Sidar said she attended the Zoning Board hearing and that Zoning Board members confirmed the facility will produce no smoke and no odors. Ameren Illinois will run dedicated power lines and dedicated gas lines to the facility, it will not cause power surges or otherwise disrupt utility services to other residents.
[pullquote]It will be 97.1 percent ‘green’[/pullquote]“It will be 97.1 percent ‘green’,” Kravanya noted, meaning that emissions from the stack will be virtually carbon free and primarily comprised of vapor.
Once completed, Kravanya expects to have one side of the facility dedicated to cremating human remains, with a separate side offering cremation services for the owners of deceased pets. The side dedicated for human remains will have a viewing room where families can observe the casket entering the crematorium if they wish to watch. Metal prostheses will be recovered and recycled through a certified facility.
Kravanya said the funeral home has owned the lot for several years. He said the decision was made to locate the facility in Benld rather than Gillespie because he lives in Benld and will be the operator of the facility.
Council members also unanimously approved a business license application submitted by Brandy Olroyd, M.A., CCC-SLP, to open a speech therapy clinic in the 200 block of East Central Avenue. Olroyd, who plans to have her business open by Oct. 1, said she already has two clients enrolled and hopes to secure other clients through word of mouth and through advertising. She said her hours will “mostly be weekends and evenings” until she can acquire enough clients to warrant a full-time operation.
POLICE CAR ENGINE
Council members tabled action on replacing the engine in an older police car that currently is inoperable. Police Committee Chair Ald. Mickey Robinson and Ald. Kelly said the committee is leaning toward replacing the engine rather than buying another vehicle. Kelly said Quality Motors, Gillespie, can install a rebuilt engine but is willing to warranty labor only, saying they have not previously worked with the rebuilder who would supply the engine itself. However, Kelly added, it may be that the rebuilder will guarantee the engine.
Terri Koyne being sworn in as City Clerk by Gina Verticchio.
Ald. Tucker indicated she would not support buying a rebuild engine unless it was covered by a warranty, and suggested doing further research to find out if the rebuilt engine would be guaranteed and contacting other mechanics to find out what their cost would be for obtaining and installing a rebuilt engine. Ald. Tilashalski said he would not be supportive of buying a replacement vehicle because the vehicles within the city’s price range have more than 100,000 miles on their odometers.
“I’m concerned, as the mayor is, about the costs involved with our vehicles and the bad luck we’ve had with them,” Tilashalski said.
Mayor Sidar said the sidelined car has 160,000 miles on it. “It has a new transmission and a new front end,” she said. “About the only thing it doesn’t have is a new engine. It’s practicality been rebuilt, and we are not in a position to afford a new one.”
Ultimately, the council referred the issue back to committee with the expectation the committee will return next month with additional information.
CHICKEN ORDINANCE
The council voted unanimously to adopt an amended ordinance that will allow residents to raise a limited number of chickens within the city limits, while banning roosters. The amendment is attached to an ordinance that previously banned all livestock, including chickens and other fowl, horses, donkeys, pigs, cattle, goats and sheep. In addition to lifting the restriction on chickens the amendment sets out provisions requiring the owners of chickens to keep no more than six hens per household.
The chicken coop and chicken run must be located behind the residence at least 25 feet from the house and five feet from the rear property line. The facilities must be maintained so that no odor can be detected from the property lines. Chicken manure can be composted so long as it doesn’t create an odor. If manure is not composted, it must be removed weekly. The prohibition on roosters is primarily because of the noise a raucous rooster can create.
PROPERTY ACTION
City alderpersons took no action on a request from realtor Roy Burch of JICTB, Inc., Champaign, to waive nearly $3,000 in liens the city has against a residence in the 400 block of South Hardroad. Mayor Sidar said Burch has repeatedly contacted the city since August asking to waive the liens, but has so far declined to appear before the council. Sidar said Burch has told her that he has a buyer for the property but the sale will not be completed if the liens are not abated.
“Basically, what he is saying is that if we don’t waive these liens, he’s going to lose the buyer,” Sidar said, and the city will be stuck with property. She added the buyer would be buying contract-for-deed and Burch’s company doesn’t want to risk more money if the buyer is unable to fulfill the contract.
Verticchio said Burch’s approach sounds somewhat like a threat.
“You want to find out what other liens are on the property,” Verticchio said. “There’s no need for you to release your liens if the others aren’t being released.”
Tilashalski agreed. “For me to make a good decision, I would want more information. There are additional liens besides the City of Benld’s.”
Council members also concurred with a letter prepared by Rick Verticchio responding to a proposal from Robert McClain under which McClain would have cleaned-up several nuisance properties in various locations, used some of the salvaged materials to rehabilitate some of the properties and disposed of unusable debris. McClain had offered to do the work at a cost of $1,500 to the city. Verticchio’s letter noted that such a project would require an open bidding process and only properties for which the city has acquired title or has obtained a court order for nuisance abatement could be involved. Additionally, the letter indicates the contractor would have to document that unsalvageable debris was going to a certified landfill, and the houses to be rehabilitated would have to specifically delineate in the contract. Verticchio also suggested that including four residences in a single contract could be confusing since each of the houses might be subject to separate court orders, suggesting separate contracts for each of the properties.
McClain, who was provided with a copy of the letter, said he would revisit his proposal and try to submit a proposal addressing the attorney’s concerns.
Gina Verticchio also reported to the council that Verticchio’s office has been unable to locate the owners of two properties against which the city is pursuing nuisance actions, and that the owner of a third property is deceased. Consequently, the city will use public notices to notify the owners of its intentions to seek court orders to abate the properties.
SOLICITATIONS & OTHER ACTION
The council tabled requests for donations from the Gillespian high school yearbook committee and the Shop Local First organization, citing restrictions on making charitable donations with public funds.
“It’s illegal for us to donate money from our General Fund,” Ald. Bernot noted.
In action, the council:
- Accepted the resignation of Terry Wargo from the city’s Zoning Commission and approved Mayor Sidar’s appointment of John Balzraine to replace him.
- Agreed to close the first block of South Main Street and the alley behind the Public Library from First Street to Fourth Street for a Trunk or Treat event sponsored by the library on Sunday, Oct. 30. The event is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.; the streets will be closed from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. to allow time for set-up and removal.
- Tabled action on renegotiating contracts with Sawyerville and Mr. Clare to provide police protection in those communities.
- Heard a report from Ald. Kelly indicating that some city streets will be oiled and chipped on Sept. 26 with a rain date of Sept. 27. The project will include oiling and chipping in the City Cemetery where the Italian-American Club recently paid for rock and labor to improve streets.
- Approved Mayor Sidars reappointment of Cindy Saracco and Bev Gibson, and appointment of Gerri Bayse to the Frank Bertetti Benld Public Library Board.
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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.
