Community News
Benld Council approves levy, 2017 motor fuel tax resolution
Doug Ratermann of Henry, Meisenheimer and Gende Engineers, presents the annual motor fuel tax resolution to the Benld council.
The Benld City Council on Monday night approved a tax levy for the current fiscal year in the amount of $105,722 and approved a $42,000 motor fuel tax resolution for next year’s street maintenance program. After a 20-minute executive session to discuss real estate and other issues, the Council also took the unusual step of refunding the purchase price to a resident who successfully bid for a city-owned lot and later discovered a lien on the property for delinquent real estate taxes.
In other action, Acting Mayor Jim Kelly announced his committee appointments for the coming year and presented a meeting schedule for committees that sparked a few minutes of controversy among council members.
The levy ordinance, which covers the fiscal year that began May 1, was unanimously approved on a motion by Ald. Peyton Bernot, seconded by Ald. Jim Tilashalski.
Finance Chair Bernot presented the annual levy ordinance, which establishes the amount of money the city hopes to generate for each of the city’s major funds from 2016 property taxes payable in 2017. The actual tax rate, the percentage that must be applied to the city’s total assessed valuation to generate the levy, will be set at a later date by the County Clerk on the basis of the levy ordinance and the city’s total equalized assessed valuation.
Typically, the amount of tax collected will fall short of the amount targeted by the levy ordinance because of the impact of the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law, commonly referred to as tax caps. Adopted by Macoupin County voters more than a decade ago, PTELL restricts increases in the property tax extension, the amount of revenue actually collected, to no more than five percent or the federal Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. Currently, the CPI stands at seven-tenths of one percent, but the new levy reflects a five percent increase to capture the maximum allowable amount of revenue when tax bills go out next summer.
Currently, the CPI is seven-tenths of one percent, meaning the increase in the property tax extension could be as little as $704 over last year’s tax extension.
“That’s not much money at all,” Bernot noted.
Broken down by individual funds, the ordinance approved Monday night levies $29,380,95 for Corporate Purposes, with an expected tax extension of $28,177.73. A total of $17,936.14 is levied for Social Security, while the expected extension stands at $17,201.61. For Leases, Purchases and Rentals, the ordinance levies $10,497.73, with an expected extension of $10,067.82. A total of $8,373.46 is levied for Police, with an anticipated extension of $8,030.54. The extension for the Street and Building Fund is projected at $4,940.87, compared with a levy of $5,151.85. A total of $6,079.17 is levied for Parks with an anticipated extension of $5,830.22. A total of $9,153.10 is levied for the city’s annual audit, compared with an expected extension of $8,778.26. For Workman’s Compensation and Liability Insurance, the ordinance levies a total of $14,608.90, compared with anticipated extensions totaling $14,010.64. A total of $1,712.13 is levied for the Municipal Band, while the expected extension amounts to $1,642.01.
Of the total $105,721.80 levied, the city expects an extension of $101,392.24–just $704.81 over last year’s extension of $100,687.43.
The ordinance includes a separate levy for the Benld Public Library in the amount of $12,075.62, of which the city expects $11,581.08 to be extended. The projected library extension is $80.50 above last year’s extension of $11,500.58.
MOTOR FUEL TAX RESOLUTION
The council also was unanimous in approving a $42,000 motor fuel tax resolution for next year’s street maintenance program. Doug Ratermann of Henry, Meisenheimer and Gende Engineers, Carlyle, presented the resolution which attempts to anticipate the cost of oiling and chipping streets next summer as well as the amount of money the city will receive from monthly motor fuel tax disbursements from the state.
In the past, municipalities, including Benld, have approved their motor fuel tax resolutions after the start of the calendar year. Ratermann said the state Department of Transportation, however, has been pushing for municipalities to approve their resolutions before the end of the year because some communities have delayed approval January or February.
“This isn’t directed at any one community,” Ratermann pointed out.
The resolution, which essentially serves as an appropriation, anticipates expenditures of $39,947. That amount is expected the cost of purchasing and applying 9,450 gallons of road oil, along with rock chips and bituminous materials, as well as engineering costs associated with the annual street maintenance program. The resolution is in the amount of $42,000, Ratermann said, allowing for a 10 percent buffer the city is allowed to authorize.
The document uses current prices for materials, but Ratermann said those could fluctuate by the time they are purchased because of changes in the market.
“Last year we had great oil prices so we took advantage of that to do more streets,” he said. “Rock prices were about the same as always.”
Council members approved the resolution with a unanimous vote on a motion by Ald. Teresa Tucker, seconded by Ald. Colin Obermeyer.
LOT PURCHASE REFUND
After meeting for 20 minutes behind closed doors, the council voted unanimously to refund $1,005 to Paul and Linda Rasmussen on the purchase of a surplus lot in the 700 block of Eighth Street. The city acquired the lot through a nuisance action and the Rasmussens were the only persons submitting a bid to purchase it. The council accepted their bid in March.
Since that time, however, it was discovered that a third party had purchased delinquent taxes on the property and filed a lien against it. The Rasmussens apparently had declined to redeem the property and had sought a refund from the city.
“No one did a title search,” Ald. Bernot told The BenGil Post after the meeting. “No one knew about it (the lien).” As a result, he said, future advertisements for bids to purchase surplus lots will include a disclaimer advising potential bidders to conduct a title search before bidding.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS AND MEETINGS
Mayor Kelly announced his committee appointments for 2017, saying he tried to appoint aldermen to committees in which they had expressed an interest. “I tried to do the best I could for the benefit of everybody, including the city,” he said.
Composition of the new committees is as follows:
- City Property: Brian Frensko (chair), Mickey Robinson and Tucker.
- Finance: Bernot (chair), Tucker and Obermeyer.
- Police: Tucker (chair), Obermeyer and Tilashalski.
- Proprietarty: Obermeyer (chair), Tucker and Frensko.
- Housing: Robinson (chair), Frensko and Bernot.
- Ordinance/Judicial: Tilashalski (chair), Robinson and Frensko.
While council members seemed satisfied with the appointments, there was some dissent regarding Kelly’s plan to have all committees meet on the same night. The schedule he presented calls for an All-Committee meeting to start at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the Benld City Hall. Under the plan, the full contingent of the council membership would be together and each committee would take turns conducting discussions regarding issues to be presented to the full council on the third Monday of the month.
Ald. Tilashalski voiced concerns, suggesting the plan could violate protocol by creating circumstances under which non-committee members could inject themselves in another committee’s discussion. Ald. Bernot, however, pointed out that committee meetings are public meetings and any council member can attend a committee meeting regardless of whether or not they are a member of the committee.
“Right now I show up for committees that I’m not on,” Bernot said, “which I have every right to do.”
Bernot, however, voiced concerns about how long an “all-committee” meeting might run. “I don’t want to be up here for four hours,” he said.
“I feel it can be done in one night,” Kelly said. “Some discussions may go 30 minutes, some may go no minutes.” An advantage of having all committees meet on the same night, he said, is that it will allow the police chief and other city employees who report to the committees to meet that commitment with one appearance instead of having to come to multiple meetings.
“We’re all adults,” said Ald. Tucker. “We should be able to handle this. I think we should try it. If it doesn’t work out, we can go back.”
Council members agreed to start the new committee meeting schedule in December rather than waiting until January.
In addition to approving committee appointments and the committee meeting schedule, council members also approved the 2017 schedule for meetings of the full council. Regular meetings are set for 6 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at City Hall.
ROOFING BID
After several minutes of discussion, the council voted unanimously to accept a bid of $4,080 from William Garrison, Gillespie, to replace the roof on the Benld City Police Department headquarters. Garrison was the sole bidder for the project.
“I don’t like that we have only one bid,” Bernot said.
Ald. Obermeyer, noting that the city also expects to seek bids for a roofing project at the municipal building, wondered if the two projects could be bid together to bet better pricing.
“That wouldn’t be fair to this man,” Kelly said. “He bid in good faith.” Kelly said the council advertised for bids and Garrison was the only contractor to submit a bid. The only options available to the council would be to accept the bid or to reject it and seek new bids.
Ultimately, the council voted to accept the bid, contingent upon Garrison providing a written guarantee for workmanship covering a minimum of six months.
UMBRELLA INSURANCE
Council members unanimously agreed to pay Bliss-McKnight Insurance and annual premium of $42,600 to renew an umbrella insurance policy covering liability and loss on city property. Kelly said the premium is about the same as last year, but down significantly from three years ago when the city first purchased a policy from the company at a cost exceeding $49,000 per year.
POLICE DEPARTMENT SOFTWARE
Council members took no action on the purchase of new software to help police generate reports, choosing to refer the issue to committee for a recommendation at a later date to the full council. Ald. Bernot said Benld police officers currently use Excel or Microsoft Word to generate reports, both of which are time consuming and may contribute to overtime costs in the Police Department.
Bernot said several area police departments use a software system from Lawman, which streamlines report generation but is somewhat expensive. He recommended an alternative program from Bownlee, which not only facilitates the generation of police reports, but also monitors maintenance of police vehicles and keeps track of officer training. The cost of the software, he said, is about $1,800.
The council also deferred action on adding software to allow water customers to pay bills online and adding equipment to allow customers to use credit/debit cards when the pay in person. Kelly said CUSI, which provides billing software for the Water Department, initially said the city could add the online pay option at no cost. A sample contract, however, seems to indicate an upfront cost of $4,000 for software, plus maintenance costs of $40 per month. Providing an opportunity for customers to use credit/debit cards when they pay at the office would require additional expense for equipment and services, Kelly said.
“Right now we have 40 customers,” he said, questioning whether the number of customers justified the expense. On his recommendation, the issue was referred back to committee for additional research.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Approved the purchase of new Firestone tires for the city’s backhoe at a cost of $1,765 from Taylor Tire and Auto in Litchfield.
- Approved the purchase of about 300 feet of jetter hose at a cost not to exceed $1,000 to replace a hose that recently ruptured.
- Agreed to issue a business license to G & L Lawn Service that will allow owner Keith Cadmus to expand his business to provide light automotive maintenance.
- Agreed to share the cost of a QuickBooks software subscription with Cahokia Township. The measure must also be approved by Cahokia Township, which approached the City of Benld with the proposal upon the recommendation of their accountant.
- Agreed to renegotiate a contract with Jim Allen, who serves as the city’s building inspector.
Comments
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.
Comments
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.”
Comments
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.
